All Cancer Article and Healthy

BLADDER CANCER

2010-01-26T23:01:00.000-08:00

Definition of bladder cancer: Cancer that forms in tissues of the bladder (the organ that stores urine). Most bladder cancers are transitional cell carcinomas (cancer that begins in cells that normally make up the inner lining of the bladder). Other types include squamous cell carcinoma (cancer that begins in thin, flat cells) and adenocarcinoma (cancer that begins in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids). The cells that form squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma develop in the inner lining of the bladder as a result of chronic irritation and inflammation.

Estimated new cases and deaths from bladder cancer in the United States in 2009:

New cases: 70,980
Deaths: 14,330

Signs and symptoms Bladder cancer

Bladder cancer characteristically causes blood in the urine; this may be visible to the naked eye (frank hematuria) or detectable only by microscope (microscopic hematuria). Other possible symptoms include pain during urination, frequent urination (Polyuria) or feeling the need to urinate without results. These signs and symptoms are not specific to bladder cancer, and are also caused by non-cancerous conditions, including prostate infections and cystitis. Kidney cancer also can cause hematuria.

Causes Bladder cancer

Tobacco smoking is the main known cause of urinary bladder cancer: in most populations, smoking causes over half of bladder cancer cases in men and a sizeable proportion in women. There is a linear relationship between smoking and risk, and quitting smoking reduces the risk. In a 10-year study involving almost 48,000 men, researchers found that men who drank 1.5L of water a day had a significantly reduced incidence of bladder cancer when compared with men who drank less than 240mL (around 1 cup) per day. The authors proposed that bladder cancer might partly be caused by the bladder directly contacting carcinogens that are excreted in urine. Thirty percent of bladder tumors probably result from occupational exposure in the workplace to carcinogens such as benzidine. 2-Naphthylamine, which is found in cigarette smoke, has also been shown to increase bladder cancer risk. Occupations at risk are metal industry workers, rubber industry workers, workers in the textile industry, and people who work in printing. Some studies also suggest that auto mechanics have an elevated risk of bladder cancer due to their frequent exposure to hydrocarbons and petroleum-based chemicals. Hairdressers are thought to be at risk as well because of their frequent exposure to permanent hair dyes.

BRAIN CANCER DIAGNOSIS

2010-01-21T23:46:00.000-08:00

The first step in diagnosing brain cancer involves evaluating symptoms and taking a medical history. If there is any indication that there may be a brain tumor, various tests are done to confirm the diagnosis, including a complete neurological examination, imaging tests, and biopsy.

Imaging Tests

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan) is the diagnostic test of choice for brain cancer. ELectromagnetic energy produces detailed computer images of the brain from different angles. It can detect edema (swelling of brain tissue) and hemorrhage (bleeding). In some cases, a dye is injected intravenously to improve the contrast between an abnormal mass and normal tissue.

Computed axial tomography (CAT or CT scan) involves the use of x-rays and a computer to obtain images of the brain. A dye is often injected intravenously to improve the contrast between an abnormal mass and normal tissue. Not only can the tumor be seen, but the type of tumor sometimes can be identified with a CT scan.

Positron emission tomography (PET scan) helps the physician evaluate brain function and cell growth by producing images of physical and chemical changes in the brain. An injected radiopharmaceutical substance is absorbed by tumor cells in the brain. Measurements of brain activity are determined by concentrations of the substance and then fed into a computer, which produces an images of the brain.

PET can precisely locate a tumor and detect metastatic and recurrent brain cancer at earlier stages than MRI or CT scan. This technique also can be used to evaluate the tumor's response to chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

BRAIN CANCER

2010-01-14T04:14:00.000-08:00

There are two types of brain tumors: primary brain tumors that originate in the brain and metastatic (secondary) brain tumors that originate from cancer cells that have migrated from other parts of the body.

Primary brain cancer rarely spreads beyond the central nervous system, and death results from uncontrolled tumor growth within the limited space of the skull. Metastatic brain cancer indicates advanced disease and has a poor prognosis.

Primary brain tumors can be cancerous or noncancerous. Both types take up space in the brain and may cause serious symptoms (e.g., vision or hearing loss) and complications (e.g., stroke).

All cancerous brain tumors are life threatening (malignant) because they have an aggressive and invasive nature. A noncancerous primary brain tumor is life threatening when it compromises vital structures (e.g., an artery).

Incidence and Prevalence

In the United States, the annual incidence of brain cancer generally is 15–20 cases per 100,000 people. Brain cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in patients younger than age 35.

Primary brain tumors account for 50% of intracranial tumors and secondary brain cancer accounts for the remaining cases. Approximately 17,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with primary cancer each year and nearly 13,000 die of the disease. The annual incidence of primary brain cancer in children is about 3 per 100,000

Secondary brain cancer occurs in 20–30% of patients with metastatic disease and incidence increases with age. In the United States, about 100,000 cases of secondary brain cancer are diagnosed each year.

Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA)

2009-11-04T22:53:00.000-08:00

Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) is a private operator of cancer treatment hospitals and outpatient clinics which provide both conventional and alternative medical treatments.. CTCA has four hospitals in the United States: Midwestern Regional Medical Center in Zion, Illinois, Southwestern Regional Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Eastern Regional Medical Center in Philadelphia, and Western Regional Medical Center in Goodyear, Arizona. An outpatient oncology clinic, Seattle Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center, is located in Seattle, Washington.

CTCA was founded in 1988 by Richard J Stephenson after his mother lost her battle with cancer. Stephenson was unsatisfied with the treatment options available to his mother and opened the first CTCA hospital with the mission of changing the face of cancer
The first hospital to open was Midwestern Regional Medical Center in northern Illinois.

Traditional cancer treatments approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) such as surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and stem cell transplants are offered at CTCA . Nutritional support, naturopathic medicine, mind-body medicine, spiritual counseling, and other complementary and alternative therapies are also available. CTCA promotes a model of integrating traditional treatments with complementary therapies.

CTCA advertises itself as the home of integrative and compassionate cancer care under the motto: "We never stop searching for and providing powerful and innovative therapies to heal the whole person, improve quality of life and restore hope

Cancer Treatment Centers of America was the subject of a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) complaint in 1993. The FTC alleged that CTCA made false claims regarding the success rates of certain cancer treatments in their promotional materials. This claim was settled in March 1996, requiring CTCA to discontinue use of any unsubstantiated claims in their advertising. CTCA is also required to have proven, scientific evidence for all statements regarding the safety, success rates, endorsements, and benefits of their cancer treatments. CTCA was also required to follow various steps in order to report compliance to the FTC per the settlement.

source : wikipedia.com
picture source : www.cancercentre.com

THYROID CANCER

2009-11-01T22:48:00.000-08:00

Thyroid neoplasm or thyroid cancer usually refers to any of four kinds of malignant tumors of the thyroid gland: papillary, follicular, medullary or anaplastic. Most patients are 25 to 65 years of age when first diagnosed; women are more affected than men. Papillary and follicular tumors are the most common. They grow slowly and may recur, but are generally not fatal in patients under 45 years of age. Medullary tumors have a good prognosis if restricted to the thyroid gland and a poorer prognosis if metastasis occurs. Anaplastic tumors are fast-growing and respond poorly to therapy.

Thyroid nodules are diagnosed by ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration (USG/FNA) or frequently by thyroidectomy (surgical removal and subsequent histological examination). As thyroid cancer can take up iodine, radioactive iodine is commonly used to treat thyroid carcinomas, followed by TSH suppression by high-dose thyroxine therapy.

After a nodule is found during a physical examination, a referral to an endocrinologist, a thyroidologist or otolaryngologist may occur. Most commonly an ultrasound is performed to confirm the presence of a nodule, and assess the status of the whole gland. Measurement of thyroid stimulating hormone and anti-thyroid antibodies will help decide if there is a functional thyroid disease such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis present, a known cause of a benign nodular goiter.

Fine needle biopsy

One approach used to determine whether the nodule is malignant is the fine needle biopsy (FNB), which some have described as the most cost-effective, sensitive and accurate test.

FNB or ultrasound-guided FNA usually yields sufficient thyroid cells to assess the risk of malignancy, although in some cases, the suspected nodule may need to be removed surgically for pathological examination.

Rarely, a biopsy is done using a large cutting needle, so that a piece of nodule capsule can be obtained.

Blood tests

Blood or imaging tests may be done prior to or in lieu of a biopsy. The possibility of a nodule which secretes thyroid hormone (which is less likely to be cancer) or hypothyroidism is investigated by measuring thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

Tests for serum thyroid autoantibodies are sometimes done as these may indicate autoimmune thyroid disease (which can mimic nodular disease).

Imaging

The blood assays may be accompanied by ultrasound imaging of the nodule to determine the position, size and texture, and to assess whether the nodule may be cystic (fluid filled). Also suspicious findings in a nodule are hypoechoic, irregular borders, microcalcifications, or very high levels of blood flow within the nodule. Less suspicious findings in benign nodules include, hyperechoic, comet tail artifacts from colloid[clarification needed], no blood flow in the nodule and a halo, or smooth border.

Some clinicians will also request technetium (Tc) or radioactive iodine imaging of the thyroid. An 123I scan showing a hot nodule, accompanied by a lower than normal TSH, is strong evidence that the nodule is not cancerous.

PROSTATE CANCER

2009-10-26T19:31:00.000-07:00

Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. The cancer cells may metastasize (spread) from the prostate to other parts of the body, particularly the bones and lymph nodes. Prostate cancer may cause pain, difficulty in urinating, problems during sexual intercourse, or erectile dysfunction. Other symptoms can potentially develop during later stages of the disease.

The specific causes of prostate cancer remain unknown. A man's risk of developing prostate cancer is related to his age, genetics, race, diet, lifestyle, medications, and other factors. The primary risk factor is age. Prostate cancer is uncommon in men younger than 45, but becomes more common with advancing age. The average age at the time of diagnosis is 70. However, many men never know they have prostate cancer. Autopsy studies of Chinese, German, Israeli, Jamaican, Swedish, and Ugandan men who died of other causes have found prostate cancer in thirty percent of men in their 50s, and in eighty percent of men in their 70s. In the year 2005 in the United States, there were an estimated 230,000 new cases of prostate cancer and 30,000 deaths due to prostate cancer.

Source : Wikipedia.com
Pict source : mydochub.com & anonymousradioshow.wordpress.com

BREAST IMPLANTS AND BREAST FEEDING

2009-10-26T02:27:00.000-07:00

A lot of women ask if they can breast feed after Breast Augmentation Surgery. The answer is a resounding yes. For the vast majority of women who have a BA breastfeeding is no more difficult with implants than without. In fact, some women who have breast fed with and without implants say that breastfeeding with implants is easier!

Breastfeeding is a growing concern with patients who have had Breast Augmentation surgery. In previous years, women who received implants were married and had already finished with childbearing. However, more and more single women, and women who have not finished or even begun childbearing are having the surgery.

In 1992 the first report of a Silicone Illness hit the media. At that time there was fear that breastfeeding with silicone implants would endanger the child. There has been studies performed to show this not to be the case. The main reason being that the silicone molecule is too large to pass into the milk ducts.

Later, Silicone was removed from general use, and Saline implants were the only available devices on the market. Even if the saline did leach into the milk, it is an inert substance, with no harmful effects on mother or baby.

Some concerns are placed on implant placement, and incision site. It is said to be more optimal to have the implants placed under the muscle, and to avoid the peri-aerolar incision. The reasons are simple, using those guidelines, there is less interference with the milk ducts which reside directly under the skin and in the tissue above the muscle of the breast. However, as with everything in science, this is not guaranteed. There are many women who have had placement of implant and incision in sub-optimal locations, and are still very successful with breastfeeding.

It is very important to discuss your plans of breastfeeding your baby at the time of your consultation. Your surgeon will be able to work with you, to get the best possible results, even if you are not planning on having children anytime in the near future.

Breastfeeding is still the preferred method of feeding a baby by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

For more information visit: http://www.breastactives.com

WAYS TO QUIT SMOKING

2009-10-26T02:01:00.001-07:00

Ways to Quit Smoking – Let the Latest Technology Be Your AideThere are many ways to quit smoking today. Which one you choose would depend on many factors – such as the degree of addiction, the quality of your quit smoking support, the products you use, your reaction to the withdrawal system and so on. The best way would always be the one that you find the easiest to implement within your lifestyle. The easiest way would normally be the latest available one - because it would have solutions to most of shortcoming of the previous methods.What Is The Latest In The Ways To Quit Smoking?The development of technology is moving at breakneck speed with everyday having something new to offer. When it comes to the different ways to quit smoking the laser treatment is one of the latest and most innovative one. The laser treatment involves three steps:

1.Stage one – the laser activates the meridian points the result of which is an almost instant reduction in the dependency on and craving for nicotine.

2.Stage two – the laser acts on the appetite points the result which is suppressed hunger and prevention of weight gain.

3.Stage three – the laser acts on the relaxation points which promote the release of endorphins into the blood.

The result is that there are no withdrawal symptoms that usually accompany the quit smoking process.There are many advantages in using this method to kick off the smoking habit. Check out three of the most important ones:

1.Natural and safe – the laser treatment is one hundred percent natural. There would be no patches on your skin, no medication, no worrying about any medication side effects. Safe and natural – that is what laser quit smoking treatment is.

2.High rate of success – there are many ways to quit smoking and each have their rates of success. The laser treatment offers you a 90% success rate which is the best available today. You want to quit smoking, the LLLT or the low level laser treatment can help you.

3.Painless – the LLLT is completely painless. No puncture marks, no withdrawal symptoms, no waiting. This is the most painless and easy way to stop smoking.

The downside of this treatment is that is quite expensive – though it would definitely be less that what you would need to pay for cancer treatment if you continue smoking. Overall, this is one of the best ways to quit smoking available today.For more information visit: http://www.smokedeter.com

SKIN CANCER

2009-10-26T00:49:00.000-07:00

Skin cancer is a malignant growth on the skin which can have many causes. The most common skin cancers are basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer, and melanoma. Skin cancer generally develops in the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin), so a tumor is usually clearly visible. This makes most skin cancers detectable in the early stages. There are three common and likely types of skin cancer, each of which is named after the type of skin cell from which it arises.

The most common types of skin cancers are:

• Basal Cell Carcinoma
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• Melanoma

Unlike many other cancers, including those originating in the lung, pancreas, and stomach, only a small minority of those afflicted will actually die of the disease. Skin cancer represents the most commonly diagnosed cancer, surpassing lung, breast, colorectal and prostate cancer. Melanoma is less common than basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, but it is the most serious—for example, in the UK there are 9,500 new cases of melanoma each year, and 2,300 deaths. It is the most common cancer in the young population (20 – 39 age group). It is estimated that approximately 85% of cases are caused by too much sun.[citation needed] Non-melanoma skin cancers are the most common skin cancers. The majority of these are called basal cell carcinomas. These are usually localized growths caused by excessive cumulative exposure to the sun and do not tend to spread.

Skin cancer has many potential causes, these include:

1. Studies have shown that smoking tobacco and related products can double the risk of skin cancer.

2. Overexposure to UV-radiation may cause skin cancer either via the direct DNA damage or via the indirect DNA damage mechanism. Overexposure (burning) UVA & UVB have both been implicated in causing DNA damage resulting in cancer. Sun strength between 10AM and 4PM is most intense. Natural (sun) & artificial UV exposure (tanning salons) are possibly associated with skin cancer.[citation needed]

WHAT IS CANCER??

2009-10-25T22:45:00.000-07:00

Maybe we want to know what is cancer, Right??. Cancer is a class of diseases in which a group of cells display uncontrolled growth (division beyond the normal limits), invasion (intrusion on and destruction of adjacent tissues), and sometimes metastasis (spread to other locations in the body via lymph or blood). These three malignant properties of cancers differentiate them from benign tumors, which are self-limited, and do not invade or metastasize. Most cancers form a tumor but some, like leukemia, do not. The branch of medicine concerned with the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer is oncology.

Cancer may affect people at all ages, even fetuses, but the risk for most varieties increases with age.Cancer causes about 13% of all human deaths.According to the American Cancer Society, 7.6 million people died from cancer in the world during 2007.Cancers can affect all animals.

Nearly all cancers are caused by abnormalities in the genetic material of the transformed cells.These abnormalities may be due to the effects of carcinogens, such as tobacco smoke, radiation, chemicals, or infectious agents. Other cancer-promoting genetic abnormalities may be randomly acquired through errors in DNA replication, or are inherited, and thus present in all cells from birth. The heritability of cancers is usually affected by complex interactions between carcinogens and the host's genome. New aspects of the genetics of cancer pathogenesis, such as DNA methylation, and microRNAs are increasingly recognized as important.

Genetic abnormalities found in cancer typically affect two general classes of genes. Cancer-promoting oncogenes are typically activated in cancer cells, giving those cells new properties, such as hyperactive growth and division, protection against programmed cell death, loss of respect for normal tissue boundaries, and the ability to become established in diverse tissue environments. Tumor suppressor genes are then inactivated in cancer cells, resulting in the loss of normal functions in those cells, such as accurate DNA replication, control over the cell cycle, orientation and adhesion within tissues, and interaction with protective cells of the immune system.

Diagnosis usually requires the histologic examination of a tissue biopsy specimen by a pathologist, although the initial indication of malignancy can be symptoms or radiographic imaging abnormalities. Most cancers can be treated and some cured, depending on the specific type, location, and stage. Once diagnosed, cancer is usually treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. As research develops, treatments are becoming more specific for different varieties of cancer. There has been significant progress in the development of targeted therapy drugs that act specifically on detectable molecular abnormalities in certain tumors, and which minimize damage to normal cells. The prognosis of cancer patients is most influenced by the type of cancer, as well as the stage, or extent of the disease. In addition, histologic grading and the presence of specific molecular markers can also be useful in establishing prognosis, as well as in determining individual treatments.

You can see This cancer article on wikipedia.com
Source : Wikipedia.com

BREAST CANCER

2009-10-25T20:56:00.000-07:00

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when a malignant tumor forms from cells within the breast. It occurs most frequently in women, however, men can develop breast cancer, although much less frequently. The American Cancer Society estimates that 1 in every 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, making it the most common cancer among women, aside from skin cancer.

Risk Factors and Causes of Breast Cancer

Research is ongoing to identify the exact causes of breast cancer. Researchers have, however, identified several breast cancer risk factors. A risk factor is something that increases the chance that a person will develop a disease. It is not a guarantee and does not predict a future diagnosis. Risk factors for breast cancer include:
Age: As we grow older, our risk of developing breast cancer increases. It is estimated that 80% of women diagnosed with breast cancer are 50 or older. This doesn't mean that younger women aren't at risk. Young women are diagnosed with breast cancer, just much less frequently.

Family and Personal History of Breast Cancer. Having a mother, sister, or daughter with breast cancer doubles your risk of the disease. While family history can play a role in breast cancer development, women shouldn't subscribe to the popular belief that women without a family history of breast cancer aren't at risk. The American Cancer Society estimates that 70 to 80% of women with breast cancer do not have a family history that includes breast cancer.
Women who have previously been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer are at a greater risk of developing breast cancer again.
Race. Of all women, Caucasian women are diagnosed more frequently than women of other races. Though Caucasian women are the most at risk, it is African American women who die of the disease the most. Asian, Native American, and Hispanic women have less of a risk.
Alcohol Consumption. Women who drink alcohol increase their breast cancer risk and the risk is heightened with the amount of alcohol consumed. Women who drink 2-5 drinks a day increase their risk by 1 1/2 when compared to women who do not drink alcohol. One drink a day only slightly elevates a woman's risk.