There are two main treatment options for individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma:
* Standard Treatment: which includes chemotherapy and radiation therapy and is normally cheaper than the specialized types
* Focused Specialized Treatment: normally handled by a mesothelioma specialist which includes surgery
Any well equipped local health care facility will have the necessary equipment needed to perform these procedures, otherwise patients will need not travel to one that offers these services. However, most of the time, the situation is so critical that a mesothelioma specialist is required to administer treatment in order to provide immediate relief for the various symptoms.
Need for Mesothelioma Specialists
Owing to the seriousness of the condition, patients need to get special attention that local hospitals may not be able to provide. Mesothelioma specialists are capable of giving a surgical evaluation as well as suggest internal radiation therapy or other forms of specialized treatment. Some of the various forms of mesothelioma specialists include:
* Oncologists: - are specialists trained in treating cancer patients. There are two types of oncologists. Medical oncologists use chemotherapy while radiation oncologists use in internal or external radiation treatments.
* Pulmonologists: - specialize in treating patients with lung cancer
* Thoracic surgeons: - specialize in chest surgery from their training in removing the mesothelioma growth
* Radiologists: - are specialists who analyze imagings such as X-rays and CAT scans.
Patients require the services of mesothelioma specialist not only for diagnosis and treatment of the disease but also during the recovery period especially if the patient has undergone surgery. In addition, they are well versed with various techniques of post-operative care. They also implement evaluation of the health condition of the patients with emphasis placed on their age, tolerance level and mental health. Surgery done on individuals with good health show a high success rate of recovery, while those with poor health prior to surgery may experience complications, and normally have reduced success rate.
In addition, doctors must administer great care when administrating chemotherapy and radiation treatments as well as any other alternative treatments. These patients require perfect evaluation by the specialists for treatment options such as immunotherapy, gene therapy or clinical trials.
Mesothelioma specialists also offer advice to patients on pre-treatment preparation which is an important part of any medical procedure ranging from surgery to other alternative forms of treatment. They advise patients on the importance of adopting healthier lifestyles which included changes in the diet and medication.
Mesothelioma Specialist in and around the United States
As mesothelioma is considered to be a rare disease, most general physicians are not very familiar with mesothelioma diagnosis, progression and treatment. As a result, individuals diagnosed with the disease travel to far distances to consult with a mesothelioma specialist who can then address the illness in a systematic way. These specialist develop a plan to treat patients based on the developmental stage of the illness. Considering these aspects, it is usually advisable for patients to source a list of mesothelioma specialists in and around their area and analyze their track record prior to deciding on which one to opt for. Below is a list mesothelioma specialists operating within the United States:
* Valerie W Rush (FACS): - is a Thoracic Surgeon working with Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and specializes in treating patients with cancer of the lungs, oesophagus, mediastinum or chest wall. She has also successfully conducted research in the area of lung cancer and mesothelioma as well as clinical trials for mesothelioma.
* Paul H Sugarbaker (MD; FACS; FRCS) Director, Surgical Oncology, Washington Cancer Institute: - specializes in peritoneal mesothelioma with a focus on surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
* Robert N Taub (MD) Professor of Clinical Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York Presbyterian Hospital: - has extensive experience in the field of medical and clinical oncology.
* Mary Louise Keohan (MD), Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York Presbyterian Hospital: - has been treating as well as conducting various studies on patients with mesothelioma.
* Gregory P Kalenkerion (MD), Co-Director of Thoracic Oncology, University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center: - has been developing innovative clinical trials on patients with mesothelioma.
* Joseph S. Friedberg (MD) Chief of Thoracic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital: - is responsible for various surgical and therapeutic clinical trials that have had positive effects on mesothelioma.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
About Dementia, SIDS, Breast Cancer
Dementia is not really a specific disease. It is used to denote a group of symptoms that are cause by disorders of the brain. People with dementia undergo drastic changes in the personalities and cognitive abilities. They may find it difficult even to carry out normal activities like dressing up, eating or brushing their teeth. They may become unable to control their emotions or solve problems. Along with personality changes they may even see things that aren’t there.
Dementia commonly occurs in Alzheimer’s disease. Research shows that dementia is on the rise and the numbers are predicted to go up in future as well.
The best approach to tackle this is by preventative measures. Vascular disease, smoking, high blood pressure and smoking are contributing factors to dementia. These are factors that can be kept under control. Also, staying mentally fit and keeping the mind active either through a regular job or through a hobby could also be a highly useful and effective preventive measure.
SIDS
SIDS or Sudden Infants Death Syndrome denotes the infant suddenly dying in his sleep. The mothers whose babies die of SIDS are seen to have an increased risk of preterm delivery and other complications in later pregnancies. Studies conducted on mothers whose babies died of SIDS revealed that in future the women were more likely to deliver babies who were too small and have an increased chance of preterm delivery as well.
This could explain why some women have SIDS running in the family.
Breast Cancer
The traditional treatment methods of breast cancer painted a grim picture. Complete removal of breasts was often performed which led to severe physical and emotional trauma in patients. But now, the entire breast need not be removed, thanks to a procedure called lumpectomy where only the tumor is removed along with a small amount of surrounding tissue. The rest of the breast is saved and radiation therapy to the remaining breast tissue drastically improves the chances of long term survival. Though US guidelines insist on radiation on the remaining breast tissue after conserving therapy, this is not always done because of the side effects and because so far there has not been any solid evidence that radiation is beneficial.
This is good news indeed for breast cancer patients, they may no longer need to undergo the psychological trauma of having to live with having one or both of the breasts removed.
Dementia commonly occurs in Alzheimer’s disease. Research shows that dementia is on the rise and the numbers are predicted to go up in future as well.
The best approach to tackle this is by preventative measures. Vascular disease, smoking, high blood pressure and smoking are contributing factors to dementia. These are factors that can be kept under control. Also, staying mentally fit and keeping the mind active either through a regular job or through a hobby could also be a highly useful and effective preventive measure.
SIDS
SIDS or Sudden Infants Death Syndrome denotes the infant suddenly dying in his sleep. The mothers whose babies die of SIDS are seen to have an increased risk of preterm delivery and other complications in later pregnancies. Studies conducted on mothers whose babies died of SIDS revealed that in future the women were more likely to deliver babies who were too small and have an increased chance of preterm delivery as well.
This could explain why some women have SIDS running in the family.
Breast Cancer
The traditional treatment methods of breast cancer painted a grim picture. Complete removal of breasts was often performed which led to severe physical and emotional trauma in patients. But now, the entire breast need not be removed, thanks to a procedure called lumpectomy where only the tumor is removed along with a small amount of surrounding tissue. The rest of the breast is saved and radiation therapy to the remaining breast tissue drastically improves the chances of long term survival. Though US guidelines insist on radiation on the remaining breast tissue after conserving therapy, this is not always done because of the side effects and because so far there has not been any solid evidence that radiation is beneficial.
This is good news indeed for breast cancer patients, they may no longer need to undergo the psychological trauma of having to live with having one or both of the breasts removed.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Auto-Immune Disorders
These types of inflammation that we’re all familiar with are associated with illnesses or injuries. But chances are you are not aware of a very significant inflammatory reaction - one that profoundly affects your health every day of your life and is not caused by illness or injury. I’m talking about inflammation at the cellular level, which is a normal process within the body.
To understand this kind of inflammation, it’s helpful to think about the trillions of cells in your body as tiny ‘power plants’, each working to maximum capacity to produce the energy to live a healthy life. This energy is generated in a complex chemical process which is involved in ‘Oxidation’ - or the process of other chemicals bonding with oxygen.
We all know that we need oxygen. Oxygen is essential to life on earth. The reason it is essential, ironically, is that it can also be ultimately dangerous and destructive. Oxygen is a highly unstable, highly reactive substance. All kinds of materials, when exposed to oxygen, will break down the bonds they have and form new bonds.
This process - Oxidation - releases a great deal of energy, but it also produces multiple waste products.
You’ve seen oxidation hundreds of times. It’s one of the most common and powerful chemical reactions on earth. Oxidation is what happens when you leave an iron pipe out in the rain and later you see it has rusted. It’s also what happens in your fireplace. You see a log consumed in flames and think about the soothing warmth and the bright light it produces. Now, think about all the ashes that are also left behind.
In your body, something very similar happens within your cells. Energy (like the heat and light in your fireplace) is produced by the cell’s oxidative reactions, but so is a ‘pile of ashes,’ so to speak. The waste products left behind are called oxidants. In many cases, they themselves can be corrosive and destructive - like the rust on that pipe I mentioned earlier. Even oxidants that are -not in and of themselves- harmful, they can really clog up the works in your cells, making cells less efficient and less able to produce energy. And because oxidation takes place wherever oxygen is present…not just in your cells…your body is under attack from without as well as within…from pollutants, food additives and other substances that can cause oxidative damage to the cells.
But as we all know, the body is amazing self-correcting system, so of course there are natural processes in place to combat the damage oxidation does. That’s where inflammation comes in. Inflammation is the natural result of a cascade of biochemical processes and reactions, the purpose of which is to undo the damage done by oxidation in the cell.
The bad news is, these processes are neither efficient nor effective. In point of fact, this cellular inflammation - which you can neither see nor feel - is at the source of many aspects of poor health. As a matter of fact, this inflammation response is the very core of the aging process.
Newyork Mesothelioma Lawyer
Maria Shelton took mesothelioma and asbestos related damages as her social-frontier. After long trials & subsequent experiences she made an established reputation of being a compassionate attorney who helps people in their pain and suffering arising out of injuries inflicted to them due to the faults of others specially job providers. If people are injured due to exposure to toxic chemicals, product defects, nursing home negligence, silica, talc, welding fumes automotive or aviation accidents, they should contact the attorneys office to seek guidance for obtaining compensation for the injury caused.
Maria depicted the pinpoint diagram of what a successful lawyer needs to deal with mesothelioma patient’s case.
1. Be honest! This should be a given, no matter what job you take. But it seems especially true in the legal world. Whatever the case may be you need to realize the whole situation and explain to your client honestly.
2. Know what confidentiality means, and abide by it to the letter. A client's right to confidentiality is only as good as the law firm staff. Clients depend on lawyers, sometimes for their very lives. And if the lawyer can't keep a client's confidences, a potentially damaging case could be lost because of something that was said.
3. Stay on top of things. Clutter and disorganization can kill you. There are many deadlines and time sensitive things going on in a law firm. One missed deadline can ruin a case and destroy an attorney's career, possibly even ruin someone's life - the client's. Paperwork is a creature in its own right, often duplicating overnight, or so it seems. There will always be a need to locate bits and pieces of paperwork for any one file at any given time. So, keeping everything neat and organized is an absolute necessity.
4. Fight the urge to get personally involved in the lives of clients. Stories may be compelling, and many will actually be true. But, though all attorneys would love to represent only the innocent and honest, it just doesn't work that way. And some clients will spin a tale even the most skeptical would dare to refute. However, even when stories are true, and the details break your heart, beware the tendency to get too close. Clients are simply that - clients - not little lost puppies to take home. This is not to say you must have a complete hands-off policy. You can always refer clients in need to community resources. Just be careful, let the clients become too dependent on you.
Are Doctors Lying About The Cure For Cancer?
An "insider" revealed today that the "World of Medicine" is scamming people - and even worse: with the help of "law-makers!"
It seems that "money" (as usual) has blinded doctors and medical practitioners to the degree that they are now willingly *suppressing* the truth regarding cancer - its control, management, and even its cure!
That's right: "cure!"
And what should shock you even more:
It seems that it's against the law to say the word "cure" when describing anything that actually cures you.
Yet it's very much okay to say that something "treats" or helps "offset" the symptoms of some health condition or disease.
But if you say "cure" (and even including when you in fact have a real and bona fide cure for something and can even prove it!) you can get arrested.
Ever wonder why we have a "healthcare" industry and not a "healthcure" industry?
It's simply because no one's out to "cure" anyone because there's little money in doing so.
Instead, keeping you sick and marginally pain-free is all anyone's really out to do for you these days - as doing so means you being "forced" to buy all the same drugs over and over again, and again, and ... (you get the point!)
Of course, if a cure came along it would mean you buy it one time, and then you're cured - and that's that (over and done!)
But a number of doctors, philanthropists, and just plain old "good folks" armed with "real answers" and "real solutions" are stepping up and are NOT afraid of "Uncle Big-Bully Brother!"
One courageous fellow by the name of Melford Bibens, CPT, is doing exactly this, as he's helped many people overcome "naturally" the dreaded disease of Cancer!
Not only that, but Melford has lectured and personally helped individuals beat the disease to the point that proven sufferers have actually gotten re-diagnoses as "no longer having the disease at all!" (Something that's pretty much always been ruled out as a possibility altogether! - and now which may even be against the law!)
Gardasil: The Hpv Vaccine
It is ideal for females to receive Gardasil before they become sexually active and may be exposed to the virus. However, this is not to say that those who are already sexually active will not benefit from receiving the vaccine. Most females are not infected with all strains of HPV and therefore will still be protected from those types of the virus to which they have not yet been exposed. Both young girls and women do not need to receive a Pap or other tests before receiving Gardasil. Testing is currently underway to find out the effectiveness and safety of the virus on those over the age of 26. It has yet to be found if the vaccine is effective in men or young boys. If Gardasil is found effective, the vaccine may help to prevent genital warts as well as both penile and anal cancer.
Gardasil is highly effective in the prevention of HPV. Due to the fact that the vaccine will not fully treat HPV, the vaccine has little effect on the virus in women who have already been exposed to the disease. Research is being done to test how long the vaccine lasts and if there may be a need for a booster shot later down the road for those who are receiving the vaccine. The vaccine is not effective in protecting from all strains of HPV, rather it protects against the most common strains of cervical cancers, so it is very important that women continue their regular checkups and screenings. Gardasil has been approved by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention as effective and safe. Side effects of the shot are typically soreness of the injection site, fever, nausea and dizziness as well as other rare side effects.
By contacting your health care provider, you can get information about coverage for the vaccine. Call the phone number on your medical card to learn more about co-pays, co-insurance, deductibles, or other limitations. Most large insurance providers will cover the cost of the vaccine which is about $125 per dose, totaling about $375 for all three shots in the series. Those who are younger than 18 years of age may still be able to get Gardasil for free through the VFC (Vaccines for Children) program, although certain criteria and restrictions may apply. Merck, the maker of the vaccine, offers a vaccine assistance program to women who want to receive Gardasil but cannot afford it. In order to qualify for the program, women must be at least 19 years of age, uninsured, reside in the United States (need not be U.S. citizen), and have an annual income less than $20,800 for individuals, $28,000 for couples or $42,400 for a family of four. Texas, New Hampshire and South Dakota as well as other states have made the cost of the vaccine free or at low cost.
Women should continue regular cancer screenings and follow-ups. Pap smears can detect cell changes in the cervix before they turn into cancer. The HPV test can detect HPV on a woman's cervix, which can be done along with a Pap. There is no cure for HPV so the vaccine is one of the best ways to prevent cervical cancer as well as using protection. The vaccine is not to be used in place of other contraceptive devices. If a person is infected, it may take weeks, months or even years to see signs or symptoms and should be addressed right away. The choice is yours to make. Protect yourself.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Causes of Colon Cancer
The causes of Colon Cancer
As with practically all cancers, the exact causes are not known, however, risk factors that are present may help lead scientists to the answer. The risk factors for developing colon cancer include the following.
Diet
Individuals that eat a diet high in fat are at a higher risk of developing colon cancer. Those that eat a balanced diet and include such things as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables decrease their chances of developing colon cancer.
Colon polyps
Physicians believe that untreated polyps develop into colon cancer. In the majority of cases, these polyps are benign; however, over years without being removed the cells can change due to chromosome damage, which can become cancerous.
Ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis can be a cause of colon cancer. This disorder brings on inflammation to the inner lining of the colon. In the majority of individuals with ulcerative colitis their chances of colon cancer begins to increase after 8 to 10 years of living with the disorder. Research shows colon cancer and individuals with ulcerative colitis include after 10 years 2.5% had colon cancer, after 30 years the rate rose to 7.6%, and after 50 years, it had risen to 10.8%.
Heredity
Past history of relatives with colon cancer increases the risk of this type of cancer. However, 80 percent of all patients do not have a family history of the disease.
he Best Hope to Beat Cancer
I have listed some valuable information for you to read in one easy-to-read webpage. This is a free service for our valued readers which can be located on this link: Cancer Clinical Trials
Phase I Trials: The first step in testing a new approach in humans. Data from previous animal and laboratory studies are used to evaluate drug dose, drug metabolism, administration schedule and side effects. Patients are divided into small groups called "cohorts." Each cohort is treated with increasing doses of the agent or combination until the maximal tolerated dose is reached. The highest dose associated with acceptable side effects is chosen for future studies. Generally, phase I trials are conducted on patients who have advanced disease and a variety of malignancies.
Phase II Trials: Determining the safety and effectiveness of a new treatment are the primary endpoints of phase II trials. A new drug, combination, or technique is studied on a small and relatively homogeneous group of patients. The type of cancer chosen for a phase II treatment is based on results of Phase I trials and laboratory studies. The primary purpose of most phase II cancer trials is to determine the percentage of patients that show a measurable response to treatment. Additional information on side effects and safety are also collected.
Phase III Trials: These large-scale trials compare a new treatment or combination that has shown promise in Phase II trials to the current standard therapy. Patients are randomly assigned to the standard approach. Phase III trials are critical for advancing the quality of cancer treatment and may establish a new standard of care.
Breast Awareness
In life, we like to think we are in control and one thing that the diagnosis of cancer brings with it is the awareness that we cannot be in control all of the time! When we see high profile women diagnosed with breast cancer our hearts go out to them, and should they die from the disease, then our hearts break for the young families who have lost their beautiful mothers.
But breast cancer doesn’t strike just the young and the famous; cancer is a respecter of no one. Even men can get breast cancer.
Thankfully, over the years our ability to control this disease has improved and continues to improve and I have little doubt that in the next ten years we will start to see that our perception of cancer will change from one that sees it as a ‘death sentence’, to one where we perceive it in much the same way as we see blood pressure today - in other words a very manageable and controllable medical problem.
Remember that it’s less than 60 years since antibiotics first started to appear on the medical scene. Before that era, above-the-elbow amputation was an operation frequently performed on patients who showed signs of spreading infection from a cut in the hand!! Nowadays some are still advocating bilateral mastectomies for those at high risk of breast cancer and to me that still seems a brutal option!
Raising the public’s level of awareness and women’s education about the disease in particular, will go a long way to help reducing the devastation that this illness can sometimes bring. The earlier we can detect cancerous lesions, the more likely that we can cure them or control them. The longer the cancer has been present, the more likely that it has spread beyond where it originally appeared, thus reducing the chances of getting good control. So early screening is the best way to go.
Currently breast screening is done by mammogram, which is still an excellent method for post-menopausal women who have less glandular tissue in their breasts. However, it appears that for pre-menopausal women with ‘denser’ breast tissue, then MRI scanning is the most accurate method currently available. Currently this is of relevance only for younger women with a strong family history of breast cancer. Cost may be an issue here, but if you weigh the investment in the life of a woman/mother against the cost of a non-invasive, safe procedure, then really there should be no argument against having it done.
Someone You Love Has Cancer
Think of some of the simple moments you’ve enjoyed during the holidays….seeing a child smile with glee when they meet Santa at the mall, hearing a carol that touches your heart, viewing the decorations in your neighborhood. These things require no preparation; they only require that you stop to enjoy the feelings, memories and meaning of this special time. Particularly, these moments that touch us are expressions of love, of our shared humanity. On the holiday, when all the shopping is done and most of the businesses and everyday activities come to a halt, listen to the quiet…..notice the lack of commotion in your neighborhood or city Just imagine all the millions of people who have the day off, who are sharing love, laughter, and a hard earned respite from the demands of daily life. This may be the most important thing of all on the holidays.
To relax and appreciate the inner magic of the holidays, use the following questions as a guide. You can pare down the demands of the holidays to the bare minimum. In doing so, you may find this season to be the most enjoyable you have had in years.
1) Write down your answers to the following questions, with an opened mind, knowing that no one is suggesting you neglect anything that is deeply meaningful or pleasurable to you during the holidays:
What is your favorite holiday memory?
What are your least and most favorite traditions?
Could you drop your least favorite traditions, or replace them with something else?
If so, what new traditions would replace them?
If children are involved, ask them what elements of the holiday are the most important to them. Add those elements to the list.
Ask other family members what holiday customs are their favorites. Add those to the list as well.
If you could do anything, within reason, what would you do on the holiday?
2) Circle the items from your answers above that are the most special to you and your family, which you definitely want to do. Give those items a second look—does anything seem less important when you reconsider it? If so, you may choose to omit it. Of the remaining items, which things on the list are within your limits of time and energy (realistically), and which could you delegate or alter so that they would require less time and effort? For example, if you always make table decorations, could you buy them instead?
Thursday, July 16, 2009
About Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is the formation of abnormal cells on the lining of the cervix. Normally as cells grow they divide, the old cells die, and new cells replace them. When the normal process by which cells divide goes wrong, masses of tissue known as tumors begin to grow. Benign tumors are not life threatening and normally can easily be removed permanently. They usually stay in one location and do not normally spread to other parts of the body. However, some tumors are malignant; these are the ones that are a lot more serious as they have the possibility of spreading and growing at alarming rates if not caught early. They are life threatening and can be removed but sometimes grow again. When these malignant tumors occur, they are known as cancer.
Risk factors that can contribute to the possibility of developing cervical cancer are infections. The main infection that causes cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus,
These are common viruses that are extremely contagious. It is estimated that most adults have at one time in their lives been infected with HPV because of coming into sexual contact with another person with the virus. It can cause changes to the cervix that will eventually turn into cancer, warts, or other uncomfortable and unpleasant problems. A weakened immune system will have the same affect n the cervix or women who have had many partners have a higher level of risk than those who have not. Sometimes normal aging is a factor, usually occurring in women over age 40.
Cancer that spreads from its place of origin to another part of the body the new tumor is identical to the original cell and therefore the cancer is the same no matter what part of the body it has spread to. For example: if a woman has cervical cancer that has spread to her breast we would not call this breast cancer but we would say that the cervical cancer cells are located in her breast. It would be treated as cervical cancer and not breast cancer. If a woman has symptoms arising from cervical cancer then she waited much too long. Regular screenings for cervical cancer is imperative as the cells can be prevented from forming into cervical cancer way before symptoms begin. Today the number of cases in the U.S. has been falling thanks to screening and early detection.
Breast Cancer
The prestigious Merck Manual has indicated that, in the vast majority of breast cancer cases, it is the woman herself who first discovers the presence of a lump. The first medical indication of breast cancer, as stated in the reviews of the American Cancer Society, is usually discovered when the patient is subjected to a mammogram upon the advice of her doctor. Another indicator of breast cancer is the presence of hardened tissue found in the lymph nodes located under the armpits or in the region of the collarbone.
Alterations in the size or shape of the breast, skin dimpling, nipple inversion, or discharge from a nipple may be regarded as alternative indications of the presence of breast cancer. The incidence of pain is not a reliable determinant for the presence of the cancer. Such an observation may in fact be more indicative of other breast related issues such as mastodynia.
An appearance that can resemble skin inflammation is caused when breast cancer cells attack the small lymph vessels in the skin of the breast. Such a characterisation is known as inflammatory breast cancer. The onset of pain and swelling, the presence of warmth and redness all across the breast, together with a skin texture which has the appearance of the outer skin of an orange, are all initial characteristics associated with inflammatory breast cancer.
Paget’s disease of the breast is yet another, somewhat complex, symptom. This syndrome, which refers to the association of several clinically recognizable features, presents skin changes which are synonymous with eczema, such as redness and mild flaking of the nipple skin. The presence of a tingling sensation, of itching, increased sensitivity, burning, and pain are all characteristics associated with the advance of Paget’s syndrome. Another symptom may involve a discharge from the nipple. It has been found that a good proportion of women diagnosed with Paget's also experienced a lump in the breast.
There are times when breast cancer occurs as a metastatic disease. As such, it represents a cancer that has spread beyond the original source and into neighbouring areas. This type of breast cancer will give rise to symptoms that depend on where the metastasis is situated. The bone, liver, lung and brain are where Metastasis is most commonly found.
An occult breast cancer can sometimes manifest itself in the form of unexplained weight loss. Another symptom could present itself in the form of fevers or chills. Further determinants of metastatic breast cancer can take the form of bone or joint pains, as well as jaundice or possibly even neurological indications. It must be remembered that some of these symptoms are non specific, and as such may be applicable to many other illnesses.
In this respect, therefore, it has been found that many symptoms of breast disorder do not actually turn out to represent an underlying presence of breast cancer. To establish this notion, benign breast diseases, such as mastitis and fibroadenoma of the breast, are more common causes of breast disorder symptoms.
Men’s Health – Prostate Cancer
High risk category patients will be those who have a family history or are currently experiencing symptoms, but regular examination can spot the cancer early by testing the amount of prostate-specific antigens in the blood. Using the most effective means of testing is the digital rectal exam where the doctor inserts a finger into the rectum and manually checks for abnormalities on the prostate. As uncomfortable as this may seem, priority will encourage you to seek regular testing the catch the cancer early to increase the chances of experiencing the effects of prostate cancer, which are much more uncomfortable than the examination.
Prostate cancer in its most common form develops in the glandular cells, typically very slowly with the possibility to spread to areas surrounding the prostate and continuing to attack the lymph nodes, lings, liver, and possibly other organs if not quickly diagnosed and treated. The prostate gland is walnut sized in the front of the rectum and below the bladder and produces the fluid that protects and supply nourishment to the sperm cells. The scary part about prostate cancer (and many other types of cancer as well) is that the signs are not always immediately noticeable. You may have the disease for months before it grows big enough to become noticeable, and by then it may be too late. Therefore if you have even the slightest suspicion of a tumor, you should get an examination just to be doubly sure.
While the risks of prostate cancer increases with age it is also more likely to occur in black men rather than white and Hispanic men; and occurrences appear to be extremely low in Asian men. The reason for this is still unknown but at any rate, family history plays a big factor and can double your risks of actually contracting prostate cancer. Many cases of prostate cancer are symptom free with minor notification like difficulty in urination, hip and /or back pain, burning during urination, or just a weak stream of urine, or pain during ejaculation. The encouragement to see a doctor if you experience these symptoms won’t be necessary as most men will immediately seek medical attention if these symptoms occur. Detection of the cancer is priority one, and if detected the doctor will then grade the cancer stage from 1 to 5 depending on the amount and presence of the number of cancerous cells as compared to the amount of abnormal cells. A determination of the aggressiveness of the cancer is then evaluated to produce what is called a Gleason score. The higher the score the more aggressive the cancer.
Interventional Radiology Technologies
In some cases, new interventional radiology procedures can be used to deliver cancer-fighting therapy directly to the site of the tumor.
Using his expertise in reading X-rays, ultrasound and other imaging technology, Dr. Grubbs (Sarasota Interventional Radiology Clinic) is able to guide small instruments such as catheters - tubes that measure just a few millimeters in diameter - through blood vessels and veins to treat disease percutaneously (through the skin) in a manner much less invasive, and much less costly, than traditional surgeries.
The Benefits of Interventional Radiology
It is one thing to say a treatment will improve the quality of your life. It is another to know the stories of those who have experienced it first-hand
While the advantages of Interventional Radiology vary from treatment to treatment, these affect everyone:
You’re back home sooner because most procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis or require only a short hospital stay.
Because the procedure is minimally invasive there is less pain post-procedure.
There is less risk because general anesthesia usually is not required.
You can resume your everyday activities sooner because recovery times are often significantly reduced.
The procedures are sometimes less expensive than surgery or other alternatives.
Interventional Radiologist Dr. Gerald Grubbs
A native of Tennessee Dr. Grubbs (Sarasota Interventional Radiology Clinic) attended college and medical school there before going on to complete his residency at the University of Tennessee in Diagnostic Radiology.
Excited at how the new field of interventional radiology was revolutionizing minimally invasive surgery – and by the benefits it held for patients – the doctor took a Fellowship in Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology at the Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute at the Baptist Hospital of Miami. It was there he learned the basics of many of the procedures he's now performing. In 1993, after completing his Fellowship, Dr. Grubbs received his Board Certification in Interventional Radiology from the American Board of Radiology.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Be cautious of asbestos
The same tragedy occurs with the patients of mesothelioma. The reason behind this rarest form of cancer is exposure to the fibrous dust of asbestos. But, such exposure can be avoided and if someone doesn’t see himself or his family suffering from mesothelioma then the following points should be kept in mind.
Asbestos has been a widely used naturally available mineral since the World War II. Though, after the disclosure of the ill effects of this mineral on human body it has been banned by the government bodies of several countries. Still now asbestos is being used in several industries all over the world and most of the employers of those industries don’t unveil the truth of using the mineral to their employers. That is the reason thousands of people in the US are getting exposed to this mineral everyday. But the risk of mesothelioma can be reduced if necessary precautions are taken.
First, one should keep in mind the industries where there is probability of using asbestos. Usually in the shipping, cement and glass industries there is a high probability of using this mineral. But, apart from these industries there are high chances of using asbestos in the aluminum plants, chemical plants, steel mills, oil refineries, power plants, and shipyards industries.
If you are currently working with any of these industries and while working you suspect of using asbestos then it is suggested to immediately ask your employer and if not satisfied with the answer take help of an expert.
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Which Resveratrol Product is Right for You
Resveratrol, popular among wine lovers, is secreted from the skin of red grapes. Many of the scientists believe that Resveratrol fight against cancer. Also a survey reports that continuous intake of Resveratrol can reduce risk of cancer up to 40%. There are some scientists disagree and say that drinking Resveratrol does not give the enough of it, therefor not helping our health at all. The Resveratrol has tested on rats and cell cultures and it has shown significance change on their body. Resveratrol is widely used because of it's chemical structure. It affects the gene of our body and make stops the irregular growth of our cells. The large market of Resveratrol has attracted a large number of scammers. This means you must be careful before buying any supplements with Resveratrol. Some of Resveratrol supplement's reviews are given below:
1) Resv Pure: This Resveratrol supplement is used as anti aging product. Scientists have discovered this product is beneficial to fight illness and make our life longer. Resv pure is an antioxidant and cure cancer and cardiovascular diseases. It affects metabolism rate of body and hence helps to lose weight. It strengthens our muscles, and provides positive benefits for our digestive system. Resv pure has no side effects.
2) Resverxp: This Resveratrol supplement is used to increase immunity and is very good for sick people. When you are down and out from a sickness it is important to address the white blood cells and increase their movement and we believe this to be the best way to achieve this. It increases the energy level of the body and makes us feel fresh for whole of the day. This is a primary component of many health formulas and is popular with athletes trying to maintain their fitness and energy. 3) REZMelts: It is also very widely used Resveratrol supplement and is used as anti-aging product. It increases your life and protects your heart from diseases. It enables the body to rapidly burn off calories and get rid of any extra fatty deposits.
4) RezEx: Again one of Resveratrol reviews, this product is powerful antioxidant and protects us from diseases.
It saves us from cardiovascular diseases and helps to lose weight.
The main benefits of Resveratrol are that it increases our life span and gives energy and vigor to the body. The free radicals that are doing all the damage to your body are being eliminated when you use this antioxident. This way it protects us from Alzheimer. • It is able to manage cell growth and therefore is used as a remedy for all kinds of cancers such as thyroid, colon and Esophageal.
Apart from all these benefits Resveratrol protects from strokes and act as enzyme in our body. It decreases your sugar level, and extracts copper from the body. There are large numbers of websites which allow you to try free Resveratrol. Try Resveratrol today and energize your body.
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Cheap Ambien
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Soma can be taken through mouth with or without food four times a day generally however it depends upon your health and severity of pain. However, Soma provides immediate relief so it is equally advisable to consult your doctor before taking this drug. However, Cheap Ativan, Cheap Darvocet and Generic Ambien are available in 350 mg tablets which can be taken under advice of your doctor. More importantly doctors prescribe this drug openly because Soma provides immediate relief against severe pain. You can buy Soma online which is reliable and affordable to your purse. Cheap Soma is inexpensive and comparable to their drugs available at other drug stores but in quality other drugs will fall short of producing such results as this drug on this online website claims and has produced.
Do not wait for your turn simply buy Cheap Ambien, Cheap Xanax, Cheap Provigil, Cheap Ativan, Cheap Darvocet and Generic Ambien products to cure yourself properly. Not only can this but you keep this drug in homes in first aid box because nobody knows what will happen after few seconds. Therefore, Online Soma is available. Now you can buy Soma to give your physique good care. Cheap Soma is one drug which can be helpful in any sort of pain. Muscles mostly get aches and scratches and pain gets severe when we do not apply any drug for. Therefore, buy Soma with precautions available at our online website which has produced promising results everywhere.
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beat Cancer with Natural Treatments
Despite billions of dollars being spent on research over the last 40 years we are no closer to finding a cure for cancer than when war was declared on the disease back in 1971. The majority of cancers are as resistance to the treatments today as they were back then nearly 40 years ago and there is a good reason for this. With that in mind isn’t it better to do something yourself to overcome the disease. Cancer is essentially a self help disease so it’s certainly possible to achieve a cure for cancer.
Cancer need not be a death sentence and the first thing you must do is have a positive outlook to win over with cancer and not believe any negative information from your health professional. He only makes those assumptions based on the ineffective treatments he is only allowed to use. Making decisions based on their negativity can have disastrous consequences.
In looking for a permanent solution for your problem, the first thing you must realise is that your cancer grew for a reason and it’s this reason you must address. When you remove the factors which caused the cancer to grow in the first place it will allow the body to heal and with the strengthened body it will remove the cancer growths naturally without it ever returning.
There is one thing we know our body can do and that is miraculously heal itself if it is given the right conditions and that is through our superbly designed and built in repair system which is called the immune system. The immune system will then effectively attack and destroys the cancer and will return you to heath. So with sound knowledge on cancer you can then make the right treatment choices based on this knowledge and in the end you will become cancer free.
Our 3 orthodox treatments for cancer are unfortunately in place today because of their ability to generate profits and not because of their healing qualities. They have many other faults as well like their toxicity and suppressing our natural immune system. It just doesn’t make sense to harm the body further when a person with cancer is already undergoing a major health crisis. What the body needs is gentle natural treatments and they do work.
Cancer takes many years to develop and if your cancer hasn’t spread you have time to research the subject and find the information you need to cure yourself of the problem. Don’t start looking for a quick fix cure for the problem because there isn’t one, you must remove the factors that caused the cancer in the first place and that is what is termed, using common sense.
Briefly, any treatments for cancer has to revolve around the 7 necessities of life and they are; fresh air, clean water, healthy food which is fresh fruit and vegetables, some sunshine and the sun is our friend, not our foe, daily exercise, rest, and hopefully a happy heart which means removing any stress related problems. Nature’s ways of treating cancer are simple; man’s ways are not and are toxic.
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Friday, June 26, 2009
Brain Cancer - Causes, Symptoms
Two types of known brain cancer exist, namely: Primary brain cancer (these generally initiate in the brain), Primary brain cancer almost never moves to any other part of the body, so death is brought on by uncontrollable tumor growth within the brain cavity. Then you get metastatic brain cancer or otherwise known as secondary brain cancer (this type of cancer originates in other parts of the body and get transported or should we say it migrates to the brain thus causing the person to circum to secondary brain cancer.
Causes of Brain Cancer
Brain cancer can occur at any age. Studies have shown that two major age groups are affected. From ages 3 to 12 and 40 to 70 are the age groups when brain cancer is formed. Since researchers have been able to gather this data, it has led to the discovery of some risk factors. Workers in certain industries are at a higher risk for brain cancer than workers in other industries. These include, rubber manufacturing, drug manufacturing, and oil refining. Since brain cancer often occurs with members of the same family, heredity is believed to be another cause of brain cancer.
There are many different kinds of cells in the brain, each with a different function. Sometimes the cells inside the brain begin to grow uncontrollably leading to a tumor. A tumor in the brain may or may not be malignant.If benign a tumor stays where it starts, although it can grow very large and put pressure on crucial areas. In the case of a malignant brain tumor however this has the ability to spread and brain cancer occurs. Brain cancer is dangerous and life-threatening as the cancerous cells can interrupt vital brain functions. When brain cancer occurs, the cells continue to grow at a rapid pace.
Symptoms of brain cancer
Some very common symptoms of brain cancer are headaches and nausea; but these can really be caused by something else. So, headache and nausea shouldn’t really be taken as brain cancer. Some other symptoms of brain cancer are related to incorrect working of some of the basic senses (that are mainly governed by brain) e.g. speech, vision and smell etc. Again, there is no point in getting worried all by yourself; you should, in any case, consult a qualified doctor and let them know clearly about the various symptoms that you have observed. The doctor can then diagnose whether it is brain cancer.
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Breast Cancer - How to Succeed
These malignant, which refers to a severe and progressively worsening disease, properties of cancers differentiate them from benign tumors, which are self-limited and do not invade or metastasise.
A tumor refers to a swelling or lesion formed by an unusually high growth of cells and occurs with most cancers. However, some, like leukemia, do not produce tumors.
Breast cancer becomes established, initially, in the cells of the breast in men and women. On a worldwide basis, the second most established form of cancer, after lung cancer, is that of breast cancer. It represents 10% of all cancers relating to both sexes. It is the fifth most common cause of cancer death.
The most common type of cancer specifically related to women, globally, is that of breast cancer. It occurs at more than twice the rate of that of colorectal cancer and cervical cancer and about three times that of lung cancer. Further, in the case of women, deaths from breast cancer, worldwide, is approximately 25% more than that from lung cancer.
In a study in 2005, it was found that breast cancer produced 502,000 deaths worldwide. To get this into context, this represents about 7% of all cancer deaths, and nearly 1% of all recorded deaths. Further, there has been a substantial increase, globally, in breast cancer since the 1970s. This statistic, it is suggested, may be associated with modern lifestyles in the western world.
On a global basis, the occurrence of breast cancer differs significantly according to region. It is less widespread in less-developed countries and more so in the further-developed countries. In the twelve designated regions of the world, the annual incidence rates per 100,000 women are as follows: Eastern Asia, 18; Southern Central Asia, 22; sub-Saharan Africa, 22; South-Eastern Asia, 26; North Africa and Western Asia, 28; South and Central America, 42; Eastern Europe, 49; Southern Europe, 56; Northern Europe, 73; Oceania, 74; Western Europe, 78; and in North America, 90.
The United States has the highest incidence rates of breast cancer in women, globally. A study has shown 141 cases among white women and 122 among African American women. Also in the US, breast cancer amongst women is the most prevalent cancer. After lung cancer, it produces the second highest occurrence of deaths from all cancers.
There is a 12.5% chance of women in the US developing invasive breast cancer within their lifetime. Further, there is a 3% chance that the breast cancer that they may contract will actually cause their death. A forecast has suggested that, in 2007, breast cancer would be the cause of 40,910 deaths in the US. This would represent some 7% of cancer deaths, and almost 2% of all deaths.
For the last few years, both the incidence and death rates from breast cancer in the US have been in decline. In 2005, a study conducted in the US by the Society for Women’s Health Research concluded that breast cancer remains the disease that causes the most concern. This is an interesting outcome since heart disease is a much more widespread determinant when considering all deaths among women.
Breast cancer is also prevalent in men. This is due to the fact that the breast is composed of identical tissues in respect of both genders. However, it must be remembered that the manifestation of breast cancer in men is some 100 times less common than that in women. Conversely, men with breast cancer are considered to have the same statistical survival rates as women.
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Understanding Colon Cancer
A colon in the human body is a long, coiled tube shaped organ, which helps in removing water from the digested food. It is also called the large intestine or the large bowel having four sections: Ascending Colon, Transverse Colon, Descending Colon and Sigmoid Colon. Colon cancer is a type of cancer, which forms in the colon tissues. It is often referred to as colorectal cancer. Colon cancers usually are adenocarcinomas, which mean that they begin in cells releasing mucus and other type of fluids.
Who Are At Risk Of Having Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer is responsible for most of the deaths elated to cancer, but doctors say that an early diagnosis can reduce the risk. Immediate action can also lead to full cure of a patient. The risk of having colon cancer increases, if you:
1-Have cancer elsewhere in your body
2-Have a personal history of breast cancer
3-Have a family history of colon cancer
4-Have colorectal polyps, crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
Apart from the above stated reasons, the risk of having colon cancer also depends on your diet. Doctors say that chances of colon cancer may increase, if you are having red meat and a high fat with low fibre diet. Some genetic syndromes may be also responsible in developing colon cancer.
Symptoms of Colon Cancer
There are several symptoms indicating the presence of colon cancer in your body. Some of them include blood in your stool, narrow stools, tenderness & pain in the lower abdomen, unexplained anaemia, sudden weight loss, constipation, diarrhoea, intestinal obstruction and changes in bowel habits.
Take Immediate Action against the Menace
If you feel that you are having any of the symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. There are many physical exams, which needs to be done on your belly area. There are also imaging tests that are extremely helpful in diagnosing colon cancers. Again, tests similar to sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy confirm the presence of colon cancer.
One more test of detecting colon cancer is the fecal occult blood test (FEBT). After detection of colon cancer, additional tests known as staging is done to check the exact area in which the colon cancer has spread.
Treatment of Colon Cancer
The treatment of colon cancer is mainly dependent on the stage in which it has been detected. The most common treatments for colon cancer are chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy medicines kill the colon cancer cells, radiation therapy destroys the cancerous tissue present and surgery may be done to remove the cancer cells.
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Six Proven Facts About Cancer
1) Heredity is among the factors that influence the occurrences of cancer in human life. However, the hereditary lines in an individual cannot be used to diagnose a cancer victim. Rather, this makes it difficult if not impossible to actually say what will become of a cancer patient. There has been striking similarity in the development of breast cancers in the life of people of the same family, especially with identical twins.
2) Cancer is not contagious. There is no proven fact that shows that one can contact cancer by taking care of another cancer patient.
3) There is no scientifically proven influence that diet has on the development of any type of cancer. There are people that believe that some diets has some contributing factors towards the development of cancer, but since there is no scientifically proved evidence presently either in support of it or not, there is no basis also to say that such belief is wrong.
4) A repeated injury or a long term irritation has the potential to cause cancer.
5) Cancer sometimes behaves like infections, and certain animal experiments of malignant tumors seemed to stimulate cancer formation.
6) Certain hormones in the body, like the estrogenic hormones of the ovary stimulate the growth of cancer in the body. The implication of this is a suggestion that the existence of unbalanced hormone formation or growth in the body can lead to the development of cancer.
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Thursday, June 25, 2009
An Informative Guide into Cancer
Information concerning diagnostic methods, treatment options and even the pathophysiological characteristics of this condition has been provided in useful details by researchers, but the specific causes of prostate cancer remain unknown up to this day.
The background to the launch of Vaniqa is intriguing: A drug by the name of Eflornithine was developed many years ago to combat malignant cancer. There's no known way of preventing prostate cancer, although some studies have indicated that taking 200 micrograms of selenium every day may reduce your risk of developing the cancer.
The October issue of the Mayo Clinic Proceedings (reference date October 11, 2004) had researchers report that: The antidepressant (Celexa) is an effective medication that reduces the hot flashes of men who are undergoing hormone therapy for prostate cancer the Paxil, or Paroxetine compound found in Celexa seems to be responsible for diminishing these hot flushes, the researchers have reported.
They are called cancers because they keep on growing through everything around them until they are completely removed. Antioxidants are what help to protect our bodies from damage by free radicals and reduce the risk of cancer, particularly gastric, esophageal, skin and ovarian.
Many anti-cancer drugs are being tried to treat DMM, with varying levels of short-term success. Radiotherapy can work by destroying cancer cells through radiation.
The following diseases have been associated with exposure to oil mist: skin - oil acne, contact dermatitis, and photosensitive allergic dermatitis; respiratory system - rhinitis, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, lipoid pneumonia, lung fibrosis and lung cancer; scrotum - benign and malignant tumours.
If the user is a smoker AND consumes alcohol, heavy use of mouthwash can even cause certain cancers. Even the drugs taken to treat cancer and AIDS may cause a neuropathy. Post-surgery chemotherapy is generally needed to eliminate residual cancer and prevent relapse.
The chances of a patients survival depend largely on how early and how aggressively the cancer is treated. This is also known as the macroscopic description of the cancer tissue. In most people affected by cancer, these genetic changes happen after birth later in life.
Measures levels of Prostate-Specific Antigen a key prostate cancer marker, the cancer may eat up the lungs, wind-pipes, ribs and adjacent muscles. Basal cell skin cancers fall apart and feel like marshmallows when they are scraped.
There is evidence, for example, that coffee reduces the risk for colon cancer if consumed at the rate of four cups a day -- not the most salutary effect you can cite considering that intake at such an amount can easily lead to greater ills.
Though mesothelioma is a permanent cancer disease and the survival rate is very low, timely identification and perfect treatment at the right time could able to help us survive some long time. This is often the best form of treatment for late stage prostate cancer.
If your doctor tells you for example that you have cancer it is unlikely that you will meet this news with calm acceptance. Is there a way for you to diagnose it yourself, by noting if prostate cancer symptoms appear?
As the evidence develops, more physicians are beginning to recommend steps to take to increase the body's ability to fight off cancer before it can get a foot holding colon cancer - by surgery, radiation therapy and by chemotherapy.
Lentils are an important cancer fighting food for AB's. Chemotherapy treatment for cancer and a variety of medications for other serious diseases can of course result in hair loss which might be temporary or in some cases permanent. By using a sunless tanning lotion you can avoid the skin cancer risk that comes from the suns UV rays.
Accelerated Aging, Cancers, Heart Disease, Arthritis, Autoimmune Disorders, Alzheimer's, Cataracts, Etc. Making black tea a habit can provide a protective effect against heart disease, cancer, and stress-related illness. Well, it is important to stress that an enlarged prostate does not necessarily scream prostate cancer.
In many ways prostate cancer cells are just like any other cells of the body and will go through various stages of growth and there are a number of tests which can be performed, and grading systems which can be used, to determine and classify the stage of growth of prostate cancer cells.
Skin Cancer Symptoms and Signs
Did you know skin is our bodies largest organ. It protects our internal organs from injury, acts as a barrier between those organs and bacteria, and prevents the loss of valuable fluid from our body. It also regulated body temperature and communicates to the brain to allow for temperature, touch, and pain sensations. You can see why it is important to keep our skin healthy and free from any signs of skin cancer symptoms. The majority of skin cancers are classified as non-melanoma or melanoma.
Non-melanoma skin cancer will develop on those areas of the body that are the most exposed to the sun. The early signs of skin cancer systems that appear on the body, face, ears, neck, lips, and the backs of our hands are where most non-melanoma skin cancer would be found. These signs of skin cancer rarely spread to another part of the body.
Skin cancer signs can be one extreme to the next, either the cancer can be slow growing or grow at a rapid rate.
Melanoma, a common skin cancer, begins in the cells that produce the skin pigment or coloring known as melanin. Melanin also protects the deepest layers of the skin from harmful radiation from the sun. Melanoma accounts for a small percentage of skin cancer, but it is far more dangerous and life threatening than non-melanoma skin cancer. The chances of surviving melanoma skin cancer are better if it is caught in the earliest stage.
The signs of skin cancer include family history of skin cancer, multiple moles, a fair complexion, exposure to coal tar, pitch, creosote, arsenic compounds, and radium, and severe sunburn as a child.
Your body will show early signs of skin cancer symptoms, and both patients and doctors play an important role in finding signs of skin cancer. If you believe you have signs of skin cancer or have any change on the skin, consult your doctor. Any change can be a sign of skin cancer, like the size and color of a mole, or a growth that is darkly pigmented, or a new growth on the skin. If you have a change in the appearance of any bump or nodule, or if you have oozing, bleeding or scaling of the skin you should contact your doctor. Another sign of skin cancer to look for is if the color of the pigmentation spreads beyond the border of a mole or mark. Another sign of skin cancer would be a change in sensations to your skin, for example, itchiness, tenderness, or pain, it's time to go to your doctor.
If you watch for any of the signs of skin cancer symptoms it can be prevented that is important to know. Avoid the sun for extended periods of time and make sure to practice sun safety. If you fear that you have signs of skin cancer symptoms, avoid the sun altogether between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM. Try to stay in the shade especially when rays are the strongest. To protect your skin from the sun rays it is helpful to wear a long sleeved shirt.
If you show any of the signs of skin cancer symptoms, using sunscreen is important when you are going to be in the sun. Using a sunscreen of SPF 15 or above when outdoors will help you protect your skin from skin cancer. Use sunscreen generously and always reapply if you have been in the water, are heavily perspiring, or have recently toweled off.
For prevention of developing signs of skin cancer wear a hat this will keep your face, ears, and neck shaded and provide some protection. A wide-brimmed hat is the best choice but if you are wearing a baseball cap, remember to protect your ears and neck with sunscreen.
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Breast Cancer
CAUSE
The cause of breast cancer is not known and while it can also occur in men, the much higher occurrence in women implicates estrogen.
Today, breast cancer, like other forms of cancer, is considered to be the final outcome of multiple environmental and hereditary factors.
Breathing secondhand smoke increases breast cancer risk by 70% in younger, primarily pre-menopausal women.
A newly released study indicates a correlation between the drop in breast cancer and the drop in women taking HRT.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Breast cancer elicits so many fears, including those relating to surgery, death, loss of body image and loss of sexuality, however it is more easily treated and often curable if it is found early, therefore regular self examination and screening is essential. Breast cancer usually shows as a lump or thickening in the breast tissue, although most breast lumps are not cancerous.
Certain predisposing factors are clear.
Women at high risk are those who:
Have a family history of breast cancer.
Have long menstrual cycles, began menses early or menopause late.
Have never been pregnant
Were first pregnant after age 31.
Have had unilateral breast cancer.
Have endometrial or Ovarian cancer.
Were exposed to low level ionizing radiation.
Many other possible factors are still under investigation including, obesity, alcohol and environmental factors.
Those with lower risk include women who:
Were pregnant before age 20.
Have had multiple pregnancies.
Are native American or Asian.
Breast cancer occurs more often in the left breast and in the upper quadrant.
Indications of breast cancer other than a lump may include changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, nipple inversion, or spontaneous single-nipple discharge.
TYPES
When breast cancer cells invade the dermal lymphatics, small lymph vessels in the skin of the breast, its presentation can resemble skin inflammation and thus is known as inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). Symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer include pain, swelling, warmth and redness throughout the breast, as well as an orange peel texture to the skin referred to as peau d'orange.
Natural Cancer Treatment
There are four (4) types of anti cancer treatment:
Surgery – Surgery, the oldest form of cancer treatment, is used in cancer treatment either to remove only the tumor, or the entire organ. Cancer surgery offers the greatest chance for cure of cancers that have not spread to other parts of the body. However, no matter how successful a surgery can be, it provokes one or all the following side effects:
- Risk of wound infection
- Damage to internal organs and blood vessels during surgery
- Blood clots can form in the deep veins of the legs after surgery, especially if a person remains in bed for a long time
- Reactions to anesthesia or other medicines. Although rare, these can be serious because they can cause dangerously low blood pressures.
- Problems with other organs, such as the lungs, heart, or kidneys. These are very rare but can happen and can be life-threatening.
Radiotherapy - Radiation therapy is the use of ionizing radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It can be administered externally (external beam radiotherapy) or internally (brachytherapy). Unfortunately, radiation can cause severe blood changes including drop in production of new blood cells, nausea, anemia and vomiting. Other short/long-term side effects of radiotherapy may include:
- Irritation and burning of the skin
- Infertility - radiation to the testicles can cause permanent loss of sperm production
- Fatigue is a common effect of radiation. It may be linked to anemia or weakened immune system
- Brain disorder - radiation therapy to the brain can cause changes in brain function that can lead to memory loss, lower sexual desire, etc.
- Skin disorder - radiation therapy can make your skin become tender or sensitive. The skin may also become dry and itchy. Peeling of the skin may occur.
- Second cancers – the radiation itself can cause Second cancers (metastases)
- Erectile dysfunction - radiation therapy to the pelvis can damage the arteries and nerves that supply the penis and cause problems with erections
Chemotherapy - Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment, its effects affect both healthy cells as cancer cells. Generally, these effects depend to a large proportion of drugs prescribed and their dosage. The anti-cancer drugs quickly affect cell division. This means that the white blood cells, which fight against infection, are also affected.
This combination of factors explains why patients are more prone to infections and fatigue or even anemia during cancer treatment. Similarly, this change of cell division causes hair loss or alopecia. Intestinal disorders such as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and finally lesions in the mouth (mucositis) can be observed.
Hormonotherapy - Side effects caused by hormonotherapy depend largely on the type of treatment used and prescribed medicines.
One of the drugs in hormonotherapy is called Tamoxifen: it has the effect of depriving cancer cells of estrogen. The Tamoxifen can cause hot flashes, irritation or vaginal discharge, nausea and irregular menstruation.
During and after cancer treatment (conventional treatment)
Here are some advices that can help: Keep your diet low in saturated fats. Use mostly unsaturated fats such as fish oil and flax seed oil which are rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Eat fruits and raw vegetables abundantly; fruits and cruciferous vegetables reduce the risk of all types of cancers and their reoccurrences. Increase your intake of calcium; High intake of calcium reduces the risk of certain type of cancers. Maintain a normal weight; too much body fat is associated with a great number of diseases. Eat foods rich in antioxidant nutrients. Do not smoke! Cigarette smoke, including second hand smoke, is the number one cause of lung cancer. Exercise regularly and keep your body hydrated by drinking a lot of fluids daily; Silver water is necessary. Increase your fiber consumption; It is proven in several researches high fiber lower the chances of having colorectal cancers. Reduce stress, anxiety and depression by laughing, praying and singing; prayer is key to opening the door of impossibility.
Natural cancer treatment
Alternative cancer treatment is the use of herbal remedies to address the causes of the cancer (not just the symptoms) and boost the immune system to fight against pathogens and help the body heal itself. Taken regularly, certain natural herbal remedies may help to maintain the healthy functioning of every cell in your body and strengthen the immune system to ensure continued health and vitality. As we all know, a healthy strong immune system is a key element in protecting the body against infection or diseases like cancer, as well as in the promotion of recovery after illness and during cancer treatment.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Cancer Natural Alternative
As the conventional medicine does, there are natural treatments against cancer that bring results in life of thousands of cancer victims. However, these therapies require a combination of taking remedies and application of healthy habits at the same time; a radical change in your way of life (healthy diet, moderate exercise, and sometimes change of environment) is always recommended. If followed with perseverance and patience, these alternative methods could eradicate not only the cancer but also other asymptomatic diseases developing in your body.
These herbal remedies can be used for all types of cancer, ovarian, cervical, liver, pancreatic, bone, bladder, lung, prostate, breast, colon, stomach, testicular, thyroid, kidney, throat, rectal, brain, mouth, uterine, esophageal and more. They work by boosting the immune system to attack the cancer cells forcing them to commit suicide. This article is not enough to enumerate all remedies you can use to fight cancer. Some of the most effective, however, are included:
Vegetable Juice – along with the supplements below, many times a day in empty stomach, drink a glass of fresh vegetable juice. This is not a cancer treatment; however, cruciferous vegetables along with radish juice have many curative effects on a variety of diseases including cancer. Along with the supplements below, this simple cancer diet can produce wonders in your life.
Ip6 - Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6), often called “natural cancer fighter,” is a dietary agent found in abundance in high-fiber foods, cereals, legumes, nuts, oil seeds, soybean and more. In many medical studies conducted in different countries, IP6 has been shown to inhibit growth of cancer cells. In addition, IP6 seems to prevent kidney stones, high cholesterol, heart disease, and liver disease. IP6 can be taken in moderate or high dose; no side effects have been reported. Ip6gold is my favorite brand.
Ellagic acid – Ellagic acid is a polyphenol antioxidant present in many fruits and vegetables such as raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, walnuts, pecans, grenades, etc. Researchers have found that Ellagic acid may inhibit or slow the development of cancer cells. It is also suggested that ellagic acid can help reduce heart disease, liver problems, and birth defects. However, to get satisfying results, this supplement must be taken with a diet rich in fruits and cruciferous vegetables (kale, collard greens, broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprout, cauliflower, watercress, etc.).
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General Facts on Lung Cancer
Symptoms Of Lung Cancer
Since it affects your respiratory system, common symptoms associated with lung cancer are related to such conditions affecting the respiratory illness.
It is a rare case for lung cancer to be diagnosed early, which is why awareness of the general facts on lung cancer is of extreme importance for early diagnosis.
• Prolonged cases of cough.
• Uncharacteristic wheezing.
• Pain on the back, chest, or shoulder.
• Coughing blood or mucus.
• Constant shortness of breath.
• Swollen neck or face.
• Pneumonia or other respiratory infections, etc
Causes Of Lung Cancer
When people think of lung cancer, they often associate it with cigarette smoking. Indeed, this is one of the leading causes of the disease. But it is not the only factor.
One of the major focus of research for health experts regarding lung cancer is the genetic factor. Most cancerous cells develop when there is an error in the mutation of DNA cells. That error in itself can be affected by other environmental factors as well, which has led health experts to go back to examining external factors that can contribute to the formation of cancerous cells.
Too much exposure to asbestos has been cited as one crucial environmental factor causing lung cancer. Asbestos is a kind of mineral that is made up of bundled up fibers and naturally occurs in the environment. These fibers, when inhaled by a person exposed to them, can be trapped in one's lungs and accumulate until it causes an inflammation on the lungs.
Another crucial factor that could elicit the development of lung cancer is inhaling secondhand smoke. Although cigarette smoking can increase your chances of acquiring lung cancer, those who inhale it are at a higher risk. Secondhand smoke consists of two types of smoke: those that are produced by the burning of the tobacco product and those exhaled by the smoker.
Please pay very close attention to these general facts on lung cancer, so you can avoid the factors that could put you at risk in acquiring the disease.
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Lung Cancer - A Deadly Result Due To Smoking
Lung cancer is a very serious form of cancer. It is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in the United States. It can cause more deaths than any other cancer among men and women. Lung cancer makes up fourteen percent of the total cancer records and twenty-eight percent of cancer deaths in America.
This is because lung cancer is usually diagnosed when it is already in its advanced stage, thus controlling the disease becomes almost impossible.
The reason for this is that coughing, which is the most common early symptom of lung cancer is being neglected. Smokers associate coughing with mere itchiness in the throat.
Lung cancer involves uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lungs. This may cause the formation of mass called tumor.
Two types of lung cancer tumor are benign or non-cancerous and malignant or cancerous. Treatment of this disease depends on the status of the tumor whether it is benign or malignant. However, lung cancer generally has no cure; you can only lessen the symptom, which is the goal of the treatment for this serious health problem.
Even if all evidences points to smoking as the major cause of this disease, non-smokers may develop it as well. In other words, not all lung cancer patients are smokers. This is because breathing impure air is the real reason behind the disease.
Additionally, those non-smokers who receive cigarette smoke from nearby smokers may also develop lung cancer, this is known as second hand smoking.
Another cause of the disease is the exposure to asbestos ashes. Asbestos ashes may cause Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs or abdominal cavity. Two major types of lung cancer are small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer.
There are various treatments for lung cancer, however the treatments are mainly dependent on the type of cancer, the stage of development and the condition of the patient.
If it is diagnosed in its early stage, lung cancer tumor may be removed and the disease can be brought into remission.
Small cell lung cancer, or oat cell lung cancer as other doctors call it, accounts for twenty to twenty-five percent of cancers around the United States. This cancer is strongly linked to smoking.
The second type is non-small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer has three sub-divisions depending on the type of cell affected.
The three types of non-small lung cancer are Squamous cell carcinoma, Adenocarcinoma and large cell lung cancer.
Studies show that non-small cell lung cancer grows and spreads slower than its small cell counterpart, and like small cell lung cancer, the major cause of this is smoking.
However, because symptoms of this cancer only show when the disease is already on its advanced stage, it is thus difficult to control its growth.
Additionally, as mentioned earlier treatments on lung cancer especially on its advanced stage are merely to lessen the symptoms, bringing it down to remission may be impossible at this stage. This is because other tumor cells may already be developing in other organs of the body.
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Friday, June 19, 2009
Liver Cancer Causes
On a broad basis, we can classify liver cancer as primary liver cancer and secondary cancer. When cancer originates in the liver itself, it is called as primary liver cancer. Liver cancer is known as secondary liver cancer when it originates in some other part of the body and then spreads to liver (e.g. due to proximity of liver to the place where cancer originated in the body). Hepatoma and bile duct cancer are the two main types of liver cancer.
Liver cancer survival rates indicate the chances a cancer patient has of surviving the disease for a specified length of time. The rates are by no means a definite indicator of what will happen to a patient; they can at best predict a patient's chances of what might happen to him, if a type of treatment plan is opted for, based on what has happened to other patients in similar circumstances.
The liver makes the different proteins that your body needs, which include enzymes, hormones, antibodies, and other substances necessary for the proper functioning of your body. It is the power plant of your body since it is the primary source of energy. It also filters your blood to remove toxins and produces bile to help in the digestion of fat. It is the most parsimonious organ in the body, extracting anything that can be used from your blood and storing it for future use.
Hepatic tumors also called Liver cancer. Hepatic tumors is are tumors or growths on or in the liver. There are many forms of liver tumors premary is Malignant. Malignant, primary liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (also named hepatoma, which is a misnomer). These growths can be benign or malignant (cancerous). They may be discovered on medical imaging (even for a different reason than the cancer itself). Most of the time when cancer is found in the liver, it did not start there but spread to the liver from a cancer that began somewhere else in the body.
Liver cancer is a very serious disease that can be fatal within a year of being diagnosed for some patients. This is because the symptoms you will notice with liver cancer won't usually appear until it has become a serious medical condition. There are two major types and they are called hepatocellular and metastatic.
Primary liver cancer instances in the United States are increasing over the years as are metastatic cancer or cancer that spreads to the liver from other parts of the body. These cancers are not labelled as liver cancer but as metastatic cancer of whatever organ they originated from (i.e. metastatic colon cancer for cancer of the colon spreading into the liver).
The other leading cause of liver cancer is chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus. So far, there is not a vaccine to protect against hepatitis C infection. The best prevention against hepatitis C as well as hepatitis B (for those who have not been vaccinated) is understanding how the viruses are spread and how to avoid contamination.
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Important Breast Cancer Terms
• Sarcoma: A usually malignant tumor arising from connective tissue (bone or muscle etc.); one of the four major types of cancer. They start from connective tissues such as muscle tissue, fat tissue or blood vessels.
• Adjuvant therapy: Treatment used in addition to the main treatment. The term usually refers to hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy added after surgery to increase the chances of curing the disease or keeping it in check.
• Antibody: Any of a large variety of proteins normally present in the body or produced in response to an antigen which it neutralizes, thus producing an immune response.
• Antigen: Any substance (as a toxin or enzyme) that stimulates an immune response in the body (especially the production of antibodies)
• Blood Brain Barrier: A mechanism that creates a barrier between brain tissues and circulating blood; serves to protect the central nervous system. "the brain was protected from the large molecules of the virus by the blood-brain barrier"
• Cell: the basic structural and functional unit of all organisms. The basic unit of which all living things are made. The processes that control formation of new cells and death of old cells are disrupted in cancer.
• Chemotherapy: Systemic treatment with drugs to destroy cancer cells. It is often administered intravenously and can be given as single therapy or in combination with multiple drugs at once. Chemotherapy can be administered concurrently or sequentially with other treatments and in addition to surgery or radiation to treat cancer when it has spread, when it has come back (recurred), or when there is a strong chance that it could recur.
• Adenocarcinoma: Malignant tumor originating in glandular (Relating to or affecting or functioning as a gland) epithelium (Membranous tissue covering internal organs and other internal surfaces of the body). This is a type of cancer that starts in glandular tissue (tissue that makes and secretes a substance).
• Carcinoma: Any malignant tumor derived from epithelial tissue; one of the four major types of cancer. This term is employed to identify a cancer that begins in the lining layer of organs such as the breast. At least 80% of all cancers are carcinomas, and almost all breast cancers are carcinomas.
• Invasive (infiltrating) carcinoma: An invasive carcinoma is a state of cancerous attack or invasion that has already penetrated deep and beyond the layer of cells where it started from.
• Carcinoma in situ: A cluster of malignant cells that has not yet invaded the deeper epithelial tissue or spread to other parts of the body.
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Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Eating Healthy
Nutrition Vouchers are one way that to assist cancer patients in obtaining a diet that will assist them in fighting for their lives.
Similar programs are already in effect across the country for senior citizens and pregnant women to ensure that these groups receive the nutrition that they need.
Imagine that there was a medicine that had been proven to reduce or eradicate cancer’s effects. Now imagine that you were unable to take that medicine because you simply weren’t able to afford it and your insurance company was not willing to help you pay for it.
That is the scenario that many cancer patients face – A healthy, "Cancer Free" diet has been proven to prolong cancer patients’ lives and even help them defeat their disease. Yet, even under normal circumstances, such a diet can be prohibitively expensive and there is no assistance available to make that diet more readily accessible.
Good nutrition can be difficult for a cancer patient to obtain – not only is healthy food more expensive than sugary, processed foods but it also requires more knowledge and effort to prepare. Nutrition Vouchers will remove one obstacle that prevents cancer patients from eating a healthy, "Cancer Free" diet.
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Nutrition and cancer
The immediate implementation of funded nutritional education is absolutely necessary, which not only teaches people about good eating habits, but also the necessity of taking responsibility of their own health. Nutritional education, however, should also relay the potential hazards of food products and dietary supplements as well. A natural product does not mean that it is safe. There are food products that can interact with drugs and dietary supplements, leading to very dangerous side effects. Additionally, dietary supplements are not properly regulated by the government and because of this; these products can be sold without any proof of safety. Thus it will also be essential to create a dialogue with your healthcare provider, allowing for a safe treatment plan that will make you and your physician happy.
One such initiative is the need for an immediate implementation of funded nutritional education. It is estimated that by adopting a healthy life style, which includes increased exercise, decreased stress and as well as a balanced diet, approximately thirty percent of all cancers will be prevented. For this reason, along with increased frustration over westernized chemotherapies, is in part, why dietary supplements and various natural chemo-preventative agents have gained such popularity in the US and the world as a whole for the prevention and treatment of cancer.
Besides the brief introduction of the food pyramid during elementary school, and the sporadic commercial about the benefits of eating fresh fruit and vegetables, the concept of nutrition education does not exist in our society. Cheap processed meals have replaced fresh food and produce. Fast-food restaurants have become a surrogate for the kitchen and a well-cooked meal.
Why? Nutrition simply is not profitable. Our health is not profitable. Even our government has paid farmers not to grow crops, which ultimately increases the cost of fresh vegetables, making it increasingly difficult for hardworking people to afford good food. And the repercussions of our adopted diet habits are quite noticeable with higher rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
The "Cancer Patient Bill of Rights" is a petition developed at Cancer.ext.com, an online social cancer patient support network, that strives to introduce fifteen separate initiatives to Congress which are necessary to develop proper cancer treatments with the goal of improving survival rates and/or and quality of life.
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