Archive for the ‘cancer’ Category

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Advanced Prostate Cancer – Prognosis – Part 1

Comments: 0August 31st, 2011 by admin



Many people get it very wrong when it comes to prostate cancer, whether the early stages of the condition or the advanced stages, especially as regards the prognosis. The first part of this insightful article looks at the prognosis of the advanced stage, to give you a strong grasp of it all.

You see, the prognosis for the advanced stage prostate cancer has never been exciting. In recent times, a lot of progress has been made in research for this type of cancer that is rapidly turning many beliefs around in the treatment and care of patients with the disease, but even then there aren’t a lot of doctors that are optimistic about it.

The reason for this is that advanced prostate cancer has tumor cells that have metastasized far from their point of origin (the prostate gland) to now be incident in various other parts of the body, including the lymphatic system, the bones, and the spine.

There are a lot of remedies for cancer generally, and most of them can be used in the treatment of prostate type of cancer, but the human body can hardly withstand that kind of intensiveness, in which they would have to attack and remove tumors in various parts of the body almost simultaneously.

The advanced prostate cancer prognosis is often placed at six to seven years after the initial diagnosis, although depending on the extent of damage that the disease has done to the body by this time, or not, this figure could be shorter or longer.

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Everything You Need to Know About Spinal Cord Arthritis

Comments: 0August 29th, 2011 by admin



The biggest challenges faced by patients, researchers and physicians are the distinction of unusual diseases. As a matter of fact, it is often heard from mass media that scientists are researching on the cancer treatment. However, it needs to be mentioned that there are different forms of cancer which include colon cancer, breast cancer and lung cancer to name a few. Each kinds of this disease comprises of various treatments and symptoms. Hence, these diseases are in need of different cures. In the same manner, there are numerous variants of the disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, reactive and psoriatic arthritis. The other variety of it is the spinal cord arthritis.

Spinal stenosis or spinal cord arthritis comprises of the backbone narrowing and its manifestation with the strain on the spinal cord and on the roots of the nerves as well. Spinal cord arthritis mainly attacks the three regions of the spine, namely, the gaps between the spine’s bones from which the nerves leaves the spine and then extends towards the other parts of the body, nerve base canal which expands from the spinal cord and also those tubes in the centre column of the bones from where the base of the spinal cord and the root moves ahead. This tapering includes either a tiny section or a huge section of the spine. A spinal cord arthritis sufferer is likely to feel lack of feeling or pains in the shoulders, legs or neck.

The Age Factor: Most of the sufferers of spinal cord arthritis include men and women above fifty years of age. However, younger people who may have had some sort of spinal damage also tend to suffer from spinal cord arthritis. Apart from this, those people born with a spinal channel contraction are also wrecked by the disease.

In case the area in the spinal channel is narrowed, the patients of spinal cord arthritis may not show any symptoms. However, if such contraction result in a stress to the spinal cord or nerve roots then symptoms of spinal arthritis such as weakness, aches in arms and legs, lack of sensation and spasms may occur. In addition, in case the narrowed region of the spine pressurizes along the base of the nerve, then the sufferers may get soreness on their legs. Such people need to undertake strengthening exercises, sitting, lower back stretching and bending exercises.

Most Recommended Treatments:

When a spinal cord arthritis sufferer does not experience deterioration or remarkable nerve connections, the following treatments could be recommended:-

Spinal cord arthritis patients need to exercise or undergo physical therapy for increasing the stamina, strengthening the stomach muscles and the back with continuous motion of the spine. This would lead to a more secure spine. Another option on the cards would be aerobic activity. Apart from that, there are corticosteroid injections which can be injected in the innermost membranes that cover the spinal cord and nerves for lessening the inflammation and treating the spiky pain which spreads till the hips and the legs.

These patients can also embark on the regular intake of anti-inflammatory medicines devoid of steroids which includes various prescriptions of ibuprofen such as Mortin, Nuprinl, Advil and aspirin for reducing the aches and lowering the swelling. Apart from that, spinal cord arthritis patients can also look forward to restrict their activity depending on the condition of their nerves. Intake of analgesics such as Tylenol for reducing the pain, anesthetic injections which are also called as nerve blocks can be opted for temporary reduction of pain to the nearby affected nerves.

In case, if all the non-persistent cure procedures fail to alleviate the suffering of the spinal cord arthritis patients, then the best option is to go under the knife. The main objective involved behind such procedures is the lessening of the pressure of the nerves or the spinal cord and also the restoration and sustenance of the vigorousness and arrangement of the spine.

Till date, spinal cord arthritis has remained one of the most devastating variant of the disease from which people can suffer. Luckily, researchers and physicians have continued to improve the treatment for the mitigation of pain of the sufferers.

Incoming search terms for the article:

stenosis of the spine

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Chemotherapy and Radiation

Comments: 0August 27th, 2011 by admin



Chemotherapy is an effective treatment used in all the other cancer treatments to stop the growth of cancer cells. You can take this treatment on a monthly basis or you may take intravenously. Duration of the chemotherapy depends on the type of drugs as well as the type of cancer to cure.

This treatment is used before or after surgery while treating pancreatic cancer, breast cancer and likewise any other cancer which need surgery. Your doctor or care giver decides the duration and the type of chemotherapy you will receive.

Radiation is helpful to lower the cancer pain in some circumstances. The pains those spread to bones, blood vessels, brain, nerves, spine etc are treated by radiation chemotherapy. It also used to reduce the size of tumor which helps to reduce pressure on organs and nerves.

The specialist who gives this treatment is called as radiation oncologist and he decides the dosage of radiation and oversees the treatment. Implantation is also used for radiation and in this technique the radio active material helps to kill cancer cells.

Radiotherapy or chemotherapy is mostly given after surgery. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy reduce the risk of comeback of breast cancer. It is given concurrently or sequentially means one after the other. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy together are more useful than using them individually.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy must be given within a period of seven months after surgery. The treatment could be taken as outpatient and so it is not required to admit in the hospital. Radiation is a therapy in which high energy X-rays are used to destroy cancer cells. The fix amount of radiation is directed for local lymph-nodes and tumor. But generally most of the patients are given low doses of radiation along with chemotherapy, which help to increase the positive result of the treatment.

There are some side effects of radiation including skin irritation and redness and in order to avoid these side effects, you can use skin creams after consulting your doctor. It also includes other side effects like omitting, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, hair loss, weight loss, fatigue, decreased appetite and abdominal cramping etc. There are some medicines available in the market to prevent the side effects and you can take them along with your chemo treatment after consulting with your doctor.

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Suffering From Backache? Know When to Enlist a Physiotherapist to Help You

Comments: 0August 26th, 2011 by admin



Are you bothered, annoyed and worried of the back pain that you’re suffering from? You are not alone. A lot of people are also affected by back pain. In fact, more than 30% of the population get medical consults for their back pain complaints every year.

Before panicking however, you should remember that majority of these back pain complaints turn out to be just simple muscle aches. And like any other muscle ache that you endure on your arms and legs, it usually subsides in a few weeks.

Terms like acute and chronic are usually used to differentiate the varieties of backaches. Muscle-triggered backache is an example of acute back problem. Acute back or shoulder pain usually lasts not longer than six weeks. This is contrary to the chronic type of back pain that usually lasts for a longer period of time.

In general, people who experience acute back pain do not necessarily need physiotherapy to recover. Most of the time, recovery of the patient is automatic. Pain relievers are given as the usual prescriptions to ease the pain. However, when acute back pain is caused by improper posture, physical therapists may need to intervene.

Physiotherapy offers a wide range of services that include rehabilitation, development and restoration of a variety body functions. In people who suffer from back problems because of improper posture, physiotherapists will educate them on how to position their body efficiently when standing, sitting, and even sleeping.

Chronic back pain, on the other hand, can mean a serious underlying medical problem. Usually, when pains last longer than three months, more serious causes are present. Several tests like X-Ray, CT scans and MRI will be conducted to detect the real cause of the pain.

Usual causes of chronic pain are damaged or fractured spines, or cancer of the spine. In such cases, waiting for three months before consulting a physician for your back pain should not be done if you have at least one or two of the following signs and symptoms:

1.

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Cancer in Cats – Lympho Sarcoma Symptoms in Cats

Comments: 0August 21st, 2011 by admin



Also known as a lymphoma, the lympho sarcoma is characterized as a fast multiplying of malignant lymphocytes. This takes place normally in the lymph nodes, liver, bones and spleen in most cats; although some may have development in the eyes and gastrointestinal tract and skin. The most common malignant cancer in cats, lymphoma in the feline species is growing.

In the young, this is found after the FeLV or feline leukemia virus shot is given, as well as with the feline immunodeficiency virus or FIV. This type of cancer in cats affects the spine, lymph nodes and the heart, aorta, esophagus, trachea and endocrine glands’ thymus (mediastinal lymphoma) in the thoracic cavity between the lungs.

In the gastrointestinal tract, lymphoma is more common in the elderly felines, where it can occur without the FeLV infection. The young normally have T-cell lymphoma where older cats are generally taken with B-cell lymphomas. T-cells are lymphocytes made in the thymus that tell the immune system to respond to infected or malignant cells. B-cells are lymphocytes that come from bone marrow.

Felines have worse and more severe symptoms than canines. Cancer in dogs may show a more visibly healthy dog, besides swollen nodes. But cats show severe symptoms that depend on the location of the cancer.

Symptoms for gastrointestinal cancer in cats show characteristics of diarrhea, no appetite and weight loss. The most reflected in fluid in the lungs and respiratory problems is the mediastinal lymphoma. When found in the kidney, symptoms of major thirst and urination are seen, and then kidney enlargement followed by failure.

Cancer in the heart leads to the heart no longer being able to pump blood to reduce the swelling of tissues, and the accumulation of fluid in the surrounding layers of the heart causes abnormal muscle reactions. Inflammation in the eye is also seen at times, and is known as ocular lymphoma.

Many forms of cancer are slow healing and can be present without imminent death, even without treatment of any kind. Aggressive cancers are normally given chemotherapeutic drugs, the same as in human cases. The best response is seen in the gastrointestinal cancers, rather that cancers found in more than one place. Cancer in cats is always dependent on past or present FeLV infection. Complete remission is very rare, because it is normally not the completed end to cancer.

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Ovarian Cancer Back Pain

Comments: 0August 21st, 2011 by admin

Well, many women in America are diagnosed with pre-ovarian cancer. Pre-ovarian cancer back pain is a common symptom of the disease which is many-a-time treated as a normal back pain mistakenly in the initial stage of cancer. Yes, your doctor can miss it, so you need to be cautious if suffering from chronic and stubborn back pain problem.
Just look at some statistics now. According to a recent study, close to 30,000 women of US will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the year 2006. It is also stated that between 15,000 to 16,000 deaths due to ovarian cancer are likely to happen this year. It accounts for 5 % of all the types of cancer deaths.

What encourages this silent killer to go on mercilessly? What are the doctors doing? How is that, that by the time this disease is detected, it is too late! Why it could not be detected at the first stage?

There is dispute among the researchers. British doctors did not make the correct survey when they arrived at the conclusion that symptoms came to the fore at the late stages of the ovarian cancer. So, when they detected the cancer, it was too late.

But, contrary were the findings of the University of California researchers. They concluded that some definite symptoms could be detected four months before and some even before one year. Hence, better treatment was possible.

“The most common symptom is back pain, followed by fatigue, bloating, constipation, abdominal pain and urinary urgency. These symptoms tend to occur very frequently and become more severe with time. Most women with ovarian cancer have at least two of these symptoms.”

-American Cancer Society

Most of the back pain treatments are frustrating. They provide temporary relief here and there. So, you get fed up with the treatment that does not work.

Can Ovarian Cancer be found early? Why ovarian cancer? Every disease tends to cause some symptoms- some specific and some vague. In case of ovarian cancer, it could be abdominal swelling, vaginal bleeding on a high scale, pressure in the pelvic region, leg pain, problems related to digestion–gas trouble, continuous bloating, chronic indigestion and recurring stomach pain and most importantly, the back pain! So, if you take disease by disease treatment, without knowing about the root cause- ovarian cancer will take control slowly, steadily but firmly. After some months, your doctor will find the situation out of control as it is a belated diagnosis!

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Finding the Best Breast Cancer Tattoo Designs and Tattoo Advice

Comments: 0August 20th, 2011 by admin



When you have lost a loved one to breast cancer and have made the decision to get a breast cancer tattoo in honor of a special person in your life, make sure you do your research before you get inked. Not only should the design and the location of the breast cancer tattoo be important to you, you will also want to make sure that the tattoo establishment which you will be visiting is up to par.

If this is your first visit to a tattoo parlor you might feel awkward and a bit intimidated. This is completely understandable so here are a few questions to ask and some general information about tattooing before you sit down in the tattoo artist’s chair.

* First impressions are everything! If the shop doesn’t look clean and neat – leave!

* Don’t be shy. Ask about health department certificates or compliance records.

* Ask if grips, ink tubes and needles are cleaned in an Autoclave. (An autoclave uses pressurized steam to kill bacteria on equipment and is the best form for sterilization.)

* These items should then be stored in individual pouches and sealed with an indicator strip.

* Each pouch should be opened right in front of you.

* Needles in sterilized sealed pouches should ALWAYS be opened in front of you. When finished, they should be disposed of in a hazard waste container.

* The artist should be wearing gloves. Be particular about this! To avoid cross-contamination from other items, the gloves should be replaced if an item is dropped onto the floor, the artist walks away for any reason or they reach for any non-disposable items such as ink caps, ink bottles or lubricants.

* Because ink becomes contaminated during the tattoo process, ink should be poured into disposable plastic cups. When the artist refills the cups – they should not touch the tip of the ink bottle cap to the ink cup as to avoid any cross-contamination.

Armed with the basics we are now ready to talk a little bit about designs.

You will want to choose your tattoo artist wisely. It’s perfectly fine to visit an establishment several times before making a final decision on which artist will ink your breast cancer tattoo. You will want to choose an artist that is willing to listen to your design wishes and one that will not try to steer you in another direction. Having said that… they are the professionals here so you will want to consider their input and suggestions but remember… ultimately you are the one who will be living with the design and location forever.

So many young people will get a tattoo while under pressure from their friends and won’t ever think about the long term effects of having a tattoo. While it’s wonderful living in the moment, these moments will eventually turn into your tomorrows. You may end up with regrets about getting that particular tattoo which seemed to be so right at the time.

You will want to think, think and re-think before you get inked! Choose just the right design that will show your respect for your friend or loved one who lost their battle with breast cancer or for those who have bravely fought their battle and won.

Deciding to get a breast cancer tattoo should not be taken lightly. Do your research… especially if this is your first tattoo. A tattoo of this nature is one you will want to give special consideration to before you decide to make it permanent.

Incoming search terms for the article:

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Types of Ovarian Cysts – What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You

Comments: 0July 26th, 2011 by admin



A cyst on an ovary is basically a sac of excessive fluid in or around the ovary. They are normally benign meaning they aren’t cancerous and are a very common gynecological problem. There are several different types of ovarian cysts and knowing a little more about them helps you understand what is going on in your body as well as how to treat them.

The most common type of ovarian cyst is the functional cyst. There are three types of functional cysts. The first is the follicular cyst. The ovary creates a follicle that holds the egg during menstruation. When it’s time, the ovary tears open to allow the follicle out to release the egg. The ovary immediately starts to heal itself.

During the healing process, fluid buildup can take place causing a cyst to form within the ovary itself. Follicular cysts rarely cause pain and usually clear up on their own within two to three months.

Another type of functional cyst is called a corpus luteum cyst. When the follicle, as mentioned above, releases the egg and ruptures, it produces estrogen and progesterone and now becomes what’s called a corpus lutem. The cyst occurs when the egg is released.

Too much fluid enters the corpus lutem and forms a cyst just like the follicular cyst. But unlike the follicular cyst, the corpus lutem cyst can grow up to four inches and can cause moderate to severe pain. These cysts last up to three months.

The third type of functional cyst is called a hemorrhagic cyst, or a blood cyst. This cyst forms when a blood vessel bursts and fills an already existing cyst. Right-sided abdominal pain is the most common symptom if the cyst ruptures. These occasionally need surgery but most often bed rest for several days is recommended to allow the ruptured cyst to dissipate.

Other, less common cysts are Endometrioid cysts, which form as a result of endometriosis, a condition that causes scarring of the uterus from excess blood and tissue during menstruation. This bloody tissue can fall off the uterine wall and into the ovary. As the blood builds up over time, it turns a brownish color. As a result, these are sometimes called chocolate cysts.

When an ovary is abnormally large and has several small cysts attached to the outside, it is known as a polycystic ovary. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome occurs in as many as 7% of women of childbearing age and can increase the risks of ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome most often cannot be diagnosed by ultrasound alone and may require surgery.

Ovarian cysts can be painful and cause further problems such as irregular bleeding, pain, fatigue, and weight gain to name a few. Treatment is often just waiting it out. But knowing more about the different types of ovarian cysts can help a woman better understand what’s going on inside her body and what if anything she can do about them.

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How to Detect Ovarian Cyst Symptoms

Comments: 0July 17th, 2011 by admin



The number of women being afflicted with cysts on ovaries has become really alarming. With the current trend, it seems like any woman is not exempted to any types of ovarian cysts. In fact, millions of women around the world have been affected with this reproductive disease, and chances are you may also be affected. In order to get an immediate medical care, it is vital that you know the various ovarian cyst symptoms.

There are different symptoms of cyst on ovary depending on the type you have. An cyst on ovaries could either be functional cyst, polycystic ovaries, endometrial cysts, cytadenomas and dermoid cysts. Each of these types of ovarian cyst has varying symptoms because their growth differs from one another.

The bad thing about having cysts on ovaries is that it is hard to detect its symptoms at the early stage, just like functional cyst. Some women may even mistake the symptoms for discomforts connected to their monthly period. So if the pain turns really bad, make sure to keep track of it because it is definitely not just an ordinary menstrual cramps.

If you are suffering from recurring back aches, you probably have cysts on your ovaries. Having this condition is not normal. You might have a cyst on ovary if you have lower back pain that seems to not go away.

Another part of ovarian cyst symptoms is having tender breasts. If you notice it very clearly, then it is already a warning sign. Sometimes, when your monthly period doesn’t come on time, then you might already have cyst on ovaries. Menstrual irregularities are a clear sign that you have the disease.

If you always feel like vomiting, then this could also be a sign. Some women who are still in their reproductive years may just think that they are pregnant. However, if this symptom persists, you might already have cyst on ovaries.

One of the types of ovarian cyst symptoms would be experiencing pain during sex. If this is your case, then you shouldn’t ignore it especially if it has not happened before during your intimate moments with your husband. The discomfort may have been caused by a growing cyst in your ovary.

Women with cyst on ovaries may also experience difficulty in bowel movement. Try to detect if you always experience it as constipation may also be one of the ovarian cyst symptoms.

Ovarian cysts may also trigger abdominal pain, so be wary if you have been experiencing aches in this area of your body. It could be a sign of cyst on your ovaries if the pain is accompanied by pressure.

The symptoms mentioned above are also associated with other reproductive problems. It would be best if you consult your doctor at once if you are experiencing any of the symptoms stated above.

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Brain Cancer in Dogs, and Dog Cancer Symptoms

Comments: 0July 16th, 2011 by admin



Although you treat your dog well and make sure that he eats right and exercises, you can be shocked to see that your pet has dog cancer symptoms. Sometimes you cannot prevent this, no matter how much love you have to give.

Now you have to learn how to take care of your sick dog and know the progression of cancer to help treat it. Brain cancer has no causes within medical science at this time. It is though that brain cancer is a genetic disorder in cells that mutate, but there is no cause that veterinarians are able to find.

Dog Cancer Symptoms for Brain Cancer:

Meningioma or brain cancer is a tumor cell that forms in different parts of the brain that can go from the base of the spine to any part of the brain. Mutated cells turn to cancer and continue to grow without treatment.

This type of cancer is always malignant, and means that it will always grow in the brain until your dog perishes from the cancer or the pressure on the brain that causes aneurysms. You should know and look for the symptoms to keep suffering to a minimum for your best friend.

Brain cancer symptoms in dogs include stress and aggression, shyness and depression or personality changes. You will also see lethargy or lameness as well as appetite changes and nose bleeds, heart trouble and coordination problems. Muscle twitches and facial or eye problems can also be seen. Early symptoms to be recalled to your vet include appetite changes, weight loss or personality differences.

When the cancer progresses, there are more changes and normally extremely weak muscles. Since the brain is the center for the body, when a small portion is troubled, it can throw off many other functions in the body like heart and lungs or immune system and the liver. The brain cancer can just as easily be a secondary mass that branched from cancer somewhere else in the body. Symptoms are normally determined by where the brain cancer is located on the brain.

Although you treat your dog well and make sure that he eats right and exercises, you can be shocked to see that your dog has cancer. Sometimes you cannot prevent this, no matter how much love you have to give. Now you have to learn how to take care of your sick dog and know the progression of cancer to help treat it., so treatment is vital to survival for your dog.

There are few choices in treatment such as surgery. But this is hard on dogs because the mass must be removed, and thus a portion of the brain is also removed that causes a lifelong effect. Many owners just decide to go with care and medicines. There are some medicines made to prevent the cycle of mutation that the cells go through in cancer.

This medicine doesn’t reduce the number of already formed cells, but prevents the regrowth. This medication and radiation combined will need adjustments from time to time such as diet changes and less exercise for your dog. When your dog feels bad, they want to lie down, so always let them have more rest as well as those short walks. Realize that some of the illness they feel can be from treatment, and they need you to be loving to help with the vomiting and other side effects. Remember they can’t help it, and they were always there for you when you felt bad.

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