Cancer Info

Mesothelioma Cancer

2008-03-27T15:33:00.000+08:00

What Is Mesothelioma ?
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops in the tissues of cells that line the lungs, heart and stomach. This tissues is called mesothelial cells become infected by inhaling particles of dust form asbestos. This cells then dry up the fluids surrounding these major organs of the body and develop tumors.

Mesothelioma cancer is hard to be deal. It will require a lot of physical and emotional endurance. You also need to have strong supporter like family and friends by your side. High medical skill and advice is also needed to deal this cancer. First steps, to dealing with mesothelioma cancer you need to learn anything you can from this disease. This include the risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma cancer. Is mesothelioma cureable? read more at treatment section.

Causes
The major risk factors for mesothelioma cancer to be happen is by working with asbestos. History reported around 70% ~ 80% cases is because asbestos exposure. Smoking doesn't increase the risk of having mesothelioma cancer but smoking with asbestos exposure significantly increases a person's risk of developing mesothelioma cancer.

Asbestos is used for it�??s resistance to fire or heat. So many of people or workers being exposed to asbestos dust. Actually the risks that associated with asbestos were not known but increased people on develop mesothelioma cancer among the asbestos exposures make the unknown become unknown.

There got a risk in developing mesothelioma among the family members and others that living with asbestos workers. Maybe this risk is because of asbestos dust that being brought to home.

Symptoms

Since mesothelioma takes a long time to develop inside a human body it is often difficult to identify the symptoms. In the early stages there may not even be any symptoms at all. When they do appear the most common early symptoms are shortness of breath and chest pains. These symptoms on their own will not usually identify the disease and are often misdiagnosed as asthma or other respiratory problems like pneumonia.

There are several symptoms will occur to mesothelioma cancer patient. The symptoms may not appear until 30 to 50 years exposure to asbestos. The often symptoms of mesothelioma is shortness of breath, cough, and pain in the chest.

If the cancer already spread to other parts of body, symptoms may include pain, trouble in swallowing and swelling of the neck. In severe cases, thrombophelebitis, severe bleeding in many body organs, eyes and skin looks yellow, low blood sugar level may be present.

Diognasis

Diagnosing mesothelioma is not an easy tasks. Mesothelioma symptoms is similar to many of diseases. So, its hard to know that patient got mesothelioma or not. Diagnosis begins with patient's history. This include to the patient asbestos exposure. A physical examination will performed follow by x-ray and lung function test.

The diagnosing will be different for different parts that being attacked by mesothelioma.

If in the chest, they will perform a thoracoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small cut through the chest wall and put light tube into the chest between two ribs. This allow the doctor to look inside the chest and gain some tissue samples.

If the mesothelioma in abdomen, they will perform laparoscopy. The doctor will makes a opening in the abdomen and inserts a instrument into the abdominal cavity to gain the tissue. This is a challenge to the doctor because mesothelioma symptoms take a long time to shows up.

So, maybe the patient will suspect a several disease before the doctor can comfirm the patient got mesothelioma cancer.

Treatments

The treatment for mesothelioma cancer still in research but there are several treatment to the existing patient nowadays. The treatment is not proved to be successful because there are a chance that the patient can survive. Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the cancer location, the disease stage, patient's age and patient current health.

Treatment options for mesothelioma cancer is surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. .

Surgery is a common treatment for mesothelioma. The doctor may remove part of the lining chest or abdomen and some tissue around it.
Radiotherapy involves the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. This therapy only affects the cancer cells in the treated area.
Chemotherapy is the usage of anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. An injection is giving to the vein.

Colon Cancer

2008-01-26T11:52:00.001+08:00

Colon Cancer Introduction
The human colon is a muscular, tubular in the abdominal cavity. It has four sections :-

Ascending colon - It extends upward on the right side of the abdomen.
Transverse colon - It goes across the body from left to right.
Descending colon - It continues downwards in the left side.
Sigmoid colon - S-shaped part, which joins the rectum.

The right side of the colon absorbs water and electrolytes from fecal material to concentrate it. While the left side stores and empty stool.

Colon cancer is a disease in which malignant cells in the lining or epithelium of the colon develop. Those malignant cells are characterized by their inability to control their growth and their ability to invade surrounding tissues and spread throughout the body.

Signs & Symptoms
Most of the symptoms caused by colon cancer are due to its physical existence. These symptoms may include one or more of the following :-

Changes in the bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool.
Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool may be observed.
Sensation of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement.
Weakness and fatigue.
Weight loss.
Loss of appetite.
Jaundice of the skin or sclera of the eye.
Nausea and vomiting.

Methods of Diagnosis
First of all, medical history is checked to identify any risk factors. Then some laboratory tests are carried out. Laboratory tests may include :-

Urinalysis
This test is made to detect microscopic hematauria.
Urine Cytology
In this test urine is examined under a microscope to look for any abnormal or cancerous cells.
Urine Culture
In this test a sample of urine is tested in the lab to check for the presence of bacteria and hence to rule out urinary tract infection as the cause of urinary symptoms.
Cystoscope
Thin, telescope-like tube with a tiny camera attached is inserted into the bladder through the urethra to allow the physician to view the inside of the bladder. If any abnormal masses are seen, biopsy test is carried out.
Biopsy
A small piece of tissue is removed from the abnormal mass using a pair of biopsy forceps. Then, the tissue is examined under the microscope to check if it is cancerous.
Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
It is the standard imaging test for bladder cancer. In this procedure, a dye is injected into the bloodstream and x-rays are taken as the dye moves through the urinary tract. IVP provides information about the structure and function of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder and hence determine any abnormalities in their linings.

Risk Factors

Age
Although it may occur at any age, colon cancer occurs usually in people over the age of 50.
Diet
Diet high in fat, red meat, calories and alcohol seem to increase the risk of developing colon cancer. On the contrary, high-fiber diet seems to decrease its risk.
Polyps
Benign growths on the colon lining, they usually precede the development of colon cancer.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowl disease that causes swelling, ulcerations, and loss of function of the colon and large intestine. People who have ulcerative colitis have an increased risk of developing colon cancer.
Hereditary Predisposition
The susceptibility to develop colon cancer may be inherited. People with first degree relatives who have had colon cancer have an increased risk of developing it.
Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of developing colon cancer.
Obesity
Obesity increases the risk of developing colon cancer.

Treatments
Treatment of colon cancer differs from patient to patient depending on patients age, health, medical history, extent of disease and tolerance for certain medications and procedures. First of all the malignant tumor must be found and staged. Then, depending on this stage and the above mentioned factors, the doctor will suggest a treatment plan.

Treatment may include :-

Surgery
It is used as primary therapy for stages I through III colon cancer [as mentioned in Cell Transformation section] as long as there is no local invasion. In surgery, the involved segment of the colon is removed (colectomy) with its blood supply and lymph nodes. This colostomy is done by bringing the end of the colon through the abdominal wall and sewing it to the skin. The patient will have to wear a bag to manage the stool.
Radiation Therapy
It is usually used after surgery to kill any small areas of cancer that are not removed by surgery. There are two types of radiation: external beam radiation, where radiation is focused on cancer from outside the body, and internal radiation therapy, where pellets of radioactive material are directly placed into the cancer.
Chemotherapy
It involves the use of anticancer drugs. Those drugs are either given by mouth or into a vein to kill cancer cells throughout the body. The drug 5-flourouracil is an examples of anticancer drugs used to treat colon cancer.

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Bone Cancer

2007-12-10T14:47:00.001+08:00

Defination
Bone Cancer is caused by a problem with the cells that make bone. Cancer involving the bone in older adults is most commonly the result of metastatic spread from another tumor. Bone tumors occur most commonly in children and adolescents and are less common in older adults.

Types of Bone Cancer
There are many types of bone cancer. The most common bone tumors include :-

Osteosarcome :
- Ostesarcome is the most common primary malignant bone cancer. It most commonly affects men between 10 and 25 years, but less frequently can affect the elderly. It often occurs in the long bones in the arms and legs at areas of rapid growth around the knees and the shoulders of children. This type of cancer is often very aggressive with risk of spreading to the lungs.

Ewing's Sarcoma :
- Ewing's Sarcoma is the most aggressive bone tumors and affects young people between 4-15 years. It is more common in men and is very rare in people over the age of 30. It most commonly occurs in the middle of the long bones in the arms and legs.

Chondrosarcoma :
- Chondrosarcoma is the second most common bone tumors and account for approximately 25% of all malignant bone tumors. These tumors arise from the cells of cartilage and can be very aggressive or relatively slow. Unlike many other bone tumors, chondrosarcoma is most common in people over 40 years. It is slightly more common among boys and potentially spread to the lungs and lymph nodes. Chondrosracoma most commonly affects the bones of the pelvis and hips.

Malin Fibrous Histiocytoma (MFH) :
- MFH affects soft tissues, including muscles, ligaments, tendons and fat. It is the most common soft tissue malignancy in later adult life, usually occurring among persons 50-60 years. It affects mostly the extremities and is about twice as frequent among boys than girls. MFH has a wide range of severity.

Fibrosarcoma :
- Fibrosarcoma is much rarer than other bone tumors. It is most common in persons 35-55 years. It affects mostly the soft tissues of the leg behind the knee. It is slightly more common among boys than girls.

Chordoma :
- Chordoma is a rare tumor with an average survival of about six years after diagnosis. It occurs in adults over 30 years old and is about twice as frequent among boys than girls. It affects mostly either the upper or lower spine.

In addition to bone cancer, there are different types of benign bone tumors. These include Osteoid Osteoma, Osteoblasma, Osteochondroma, Enchondroma, Chondromyxoid Fibroma, and the giant cell tumor (which has the potential to become malignant). As for other types of benign tumors, they are not cancerous.

There are two other types of relatively common to develop cancer in the bones :

Lymphoma : A cancer arising from the cells of the immune system, usually begins in the lymph nodes, but it may start to the bone.

Multiple Myeloma : Starts in the bones, but it is generally not regarded as a bone tumor as it is a tumor of the bone marrow cells, and not bone.

Symptoms of Bone Cancer
The most common symptom of bone tumors is pain. In most cases, the symptoms become progressively more severe over time. Initially, the pain may not be present at night or in the activity. Depending on the growth of the tumor, those affected may have symptoms for weeks, months or years before seeking medical advice. In some cases, a mass or lump can be felt or on the bone or in the tissues surrounding bone. This is most common with fibrosarcoma or MFH but can occur with other bone tumors. The bones can become weakened by the tumor and lead to a breakdown after little or no trauma, or simply to stand on the affected bone. Fever, chills, night sweats, and weight loss may occur, but are less frequent. These symptoms are more frequent after the spread of the tumor to other tissues.

Diagnosis of Bone Cancer
The first thing the doctor will do is to take a complete medical history. It will give clues to your doctor about your diagnosis. Some types of cancer are more common among people if they have family members who have had this type of cancer. A description of your symptoms can help your doctor determine the possibility of bone cancer from other causes. Next, a complete physical examination can help pinpoint the cause of these symptoms. This may include test your muscle strength, the sense of touch, and reflexes. Some blood tests can be ordered, which can help identify a possible cancers.

Then, your doctor will probably order some imaging studies. Plain radiographs are often ranked first. In some cases, if the cancer is identified early, it may not appear on the plain radiography. The emergence of a tumor on the x-ray is used to determine the type of cancer, and whether it is benign or malignant. Benign tumors are more likely to have a good border while malignant tumors are more likely to have an irregular border. Because benign tumors usually slower and bones of a time trying to surround the normal bone tumors. Malignant tumors are more likely to develop more rapidly, not giving the bone a chance to surround the tumor.

Tomography (CT or CAT scan) is a more advanced test that can give a picture of your cutting bone. This test gives very good about your bones and is better able to identify a possible tumor. It also gives additional information on the size and location of the tumor.

An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is another advanced test, which can also provide images cut from the body. An MRI provides greater detail of soft tissue, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and blood vessels of CT. This test can give better details on whether tumor of the bone was broken bone involved and the surrounding soft tissues.

A bone scan is a test which identifies the areas of rapid growth or bone remodeling. The bone scan is often taken of the entire body. This test may be ordered to see if there are other areas of bone involvement in the organization.

If a tumor is identified, the doctor will use all the information on the history and physical examination as well as laboratory studies and imaging and drew up a list possible causes (differential diagnosis).

Your doctor can then obtain a sample of biopsy of the tumor. This involves taking a small sample of the tumor which can be examined in the laboratory to determine what kind of tumor it is. The biopsy can be obtained either through a small needle (needle biopsy) or through a small incision (incisional biopsy).

Treatment of Cancer
There are various methods available for your doctor to treat bone cancer. The best treatment is based on the type of bone cancer, the location of the cancer, how cancer is aggressive, and whether or not the cancer has invaded surrounding tissues or distant (metastases).

There are three main types of treatment for bone cancer :-

Surgery :
- Surgery is often used to treat bone cancer. The goal of surgery is usually to remove the entire tumor and surrounding area of normal bone. After the tumor was removed, a pathologist examines to determine if it is normal to the bone completely surrounding the tumor. If a portion of the left behind the cancer is, it can continue to grow and spread, requiring further treatment. Historically, the amputations were frequently used to remove bone cancer. Newer techniques have reduced the need for amputation. In many cases, the tumor can be removed by a normal rim of the bone without the need for amputation.
- Depending on the amount of bone removed, the surgeon will replace something in his situation. For small areas, it can be either cement or a bone bone from elsewhere in your body or the bone bank. For larger areas, the surgeon may place greater bone grafts from the bank or metallic implants. Some of these metal implants have the option of extending when used in the culture of children.

Chemotherapy :
- It is the use of various drugs used to try to stop the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be used before surgery to try to reduce the size of the tumor of bone make it easier surgery. It can also be used after surgery to try to kill any remaining cancer cells left following surgery.

Radiotherapy :
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-ray to the location of the tumor in an attempt to kill cancer cells. This treatment is given to small daily doses over a period of several days to several months.

These can be used either individually or in combination with each other.

Effects of Treatments
Unfortunately, there are risks and side effects of each treatment of bone cancer.

Surgery Effects :
- The main risks associated with the operation include infection, the recurrence of the disease, injuries and surrounding tissue. In order to remove the entire cancer and reduce the risk of recurrence, some surrounding normal tissues must also be removed.
- Depending on the location of the cancer, which may require the removal of certain parts of the bones, muscles, nerves or blood vessels. This could cause weakness, loss of sensation, and the risk of fracture or fracture of the bone remaining. You may be referred to a specialist for the physical and occupational therapy after surgery to try to improve your strength and function.

Chemotherapy Treatment Effects :
- Chemotherapy is the use of very powerful drugs to try to kill cancer cells. Unfortunately, some normal cells are also killed in the process. The drugs are designed to kill or division more rapidly cells. Cells that are affected often include hair, blood forming cells and the cells lining the digestive system. Side effects include nausea and vomiting, hair loss, infection, and fatigue. Fortunately, these side effects usually resolve after chemotherapy is over. Good nutrition is important to your body fight cancer. You can be referred to a specialist in nutrition to help it, especially if you experience nausea, and loss of appetite.

Radiotherapy Treatment Effects :
- The main side effects of radiotherapy and fatigue, loss of appetite, and damage to the surrounding skin and other soft tissues. Before radiation can also increase the risk of injury problems of surgery in the same area.

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Aplastic Anemia (Blood Diseases)

2007-12-06T16:29:00.001+08:00

What Is Aplastic Anemia?
Aplastic Anemia occurs when the bone marrow produces too few of all three (3) types of blood cells : red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. A reduced number of red blood cells causes hemoglobin to drop. A reduced number of white blood cells of the patient vulnerable to infection. And, a reduced number of platelets cause blood to clot not so easily.

What Causes Aplastic Anemia?
Aplastic Anemia has multiple causes. Some of these cases are idiopathic, meaning they occur sporadically to know the reason. Other causes are secondary, resulting from a disease or condition precedent. Acquired causes, however, may include the following :

History of certain infectious diseases such as infectious hepatitis
History of taking certain medications such as antibiotics and antiseizure
Exposure to certain toxins such as heavy metals
Radiation exposure
History of autoimmune disease
Inherited from the state

What Are The Symptoms Of Aplastic Anemia?
The following are the most common symptoms of aplastic anemia. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

Headache
Nausea
Dizziness
Breathlessness
Bruising
Lack of energy or tiring easily (fatigue)
Abnormal pallor or absence of skin color
Blood in the stool
Nosebleeds
Bleeding gums
Fevers
Sinus tenderness
Enlarged, liver or spleen
Oral thrush-white on a red background, moist surface inflated, anywhere and in the mouth.

The symptoms of aplastic anemia may look to other blood diseases or medical problems. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.

How Is Diagnosed Aplastic Anemia?
In addition to a medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures of anemia include other blood tests and a biopsy of the bone marrow.

Treatment Of Aplastic Anemia:
Specific treatment of aplastic anemia will be determined by your doctor based on:

your age, overall health and medical history
extent of the disease
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures or therapies
expectations for the course of the disease
your opinion or preference

Treatment and support may include:

Blood (red blood cells and platelets)
Preventive antibiotic treatment
Meticulous handwashing
Special attention to the preparation of food (such as eat cooked food only)
Avoid construction sites which may be a source of some fungi
Drugs (to stimulate the bone marrow to produce cells)
Immunosuppressive
Hormone

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Leukemia

2007-11-30T17:24:00.001+08:00

What Is Leukemia?
The is a type of Cancer. Cancer is a group of many related diseases. All Cancers begin in cells that make up the blood and other tissues. Normally, cells grow and divide to form new cells as the body needs them. When cells age, they die, and new cells take their place.

Sometimes, it goes wrong orderly process. New cells form when the body does not need them, and old cells do not die when they should. is a cancer that starts in blood cells.

What Types Of Leukemia?
The types of Leukemia are grouped by how the disease develops rapidly and worse. Is either chronic (gets worse slowly) or acute (rapidly growing) :

Chronic Leukemia at the beginning of the disease, the abnormal blood cells can still do their job, people with chronic leukemia and may not have any symptoms. Slowly, the chronic leukemia worsens. It causes symptoms such as Leukemia, the number of cells in the blood increases.
Acute -blood cells are abnormal. They can not perform their normal work. The number of abnormal cells grow quickly. Acute Leukemia rapidly escalating.

Types of Leukemia are grouped by type of white blood cell that is affected. may occur in lymphoid cells or myeloid cells. Lymphocytic that affects cells is called lymphocytic leukemia. Myelogenous leukemia, which affects the cells is called the myeloid leukemia or myeloid leukemia.

There are four (4) types of Leukemia:

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (Chronic Lymphoblastic Leukemia, CLL) represents approximately 7000 new cases of leukemia each year. Most often, people diagnosed with the disease are over age 55. It almost never affects children.
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, CML) accounts for about 4400 new cases of leukemia each year. It affects mainly adults.
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, ALL) accounts for about 3800 new cases of leukemia each year. It is the most common type of leukemia in young children. It also affects adults.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (Acute Myeloid Leukemia, AML) accounts for about 10600 new cases of leukemia each year. It occurs in both adults and children.

Hairy cell leukemia is a rare type of chronic leukemia. This booklet does not deal with rare hairy cell leukemia or other types of leukemia. Together, these rare leukemia represents about 5200 new cases of leukemia each year.

Who Is At Risk For Leukemia?
No one knows the exact causes of leukemia. Doctors can seldom explain why one person gets this disease, and the other is not. However, research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop leukemia. A risk factor is something that increases a person chance of developing a disease.

Studies have found the following risk factors for leukemia:

Very high levels of radiation-People exposed to very high levels of radiation were much more likely than others to develop leukemia. Very high levels of radiation have been caused by explosions of atomic bombs (such as those of Japan during the Second World War) and the nuclear plant accidents (like Chernobyl [also called Chernobyl] accident in 1986). Medical treatment that uses radiation can be another source of high levels of exposure. Radiation used for the diagnosis, however, exposes people to much lower levels of radiation and is not linked to leukemia.
Working with certain chemicals, exposure to high levels of benzene in the workplace can cause leukemia. Benzene is widely used in the chemical industry. Formaldehyde is also used in the chemical industry. Workers exposed to formaldehyde may also be at a higher risk of leukemia.
Chemotherapy-cancer patients treated with certain drugs to fight cancer, sometimes later develop leukemia. For example, drugs known as alkylating agents are associated with the development of leukemia many years later.
Down syndrome and certain other genetic diseases - Some diseases caused by abnormal chromosomes may increase the risk of leukemia.
Human T-cell leukemia virus - I (HTLV - I) - This virus causes a rare type of human chronic lymphocytic leukemia known as T-cell leukemia. However, leukemia did not appear to be contagious.<
Myelodysplastic syndrome patients blood are more likely to develop acute myeloid leukemia.

In the past, some studies suggested exposure to electromagnetic fields as another possible risk factor for leukemia. Electromagnetic fields are a type of low-energy radiation that emanates from power lines and electrical appliances. However, the results of recent studies show that the evidence is insufficient to electromagnetic fields as a risk factor.

Most people who have known risk factors do not get leukemia. On the other hand, many who do get the disease have none of these risk factors. People who think they may be at risk of leukemia should discuss this problem with their doctor. The doctor can suggest ways to reduce the risk and can plan a schedule for exams.

What Are The Symptoms Of Leukemia?
Like all blood cells, leukemia cells travel through the body. Depending on the number of abnormal cells and where these cells collect, patients with leukemia may have a number of symptoms.

Symptoms of leukemia:

Fevers or night sweats
Frequent infections.
Feeling weak or tired.
Headache
Bleeding and bruising easily ( bleeding gums, the presence of patches of the skin or tiny red spots under the skin)
Pain in the bones or joints
Discomfort or swelling of the abdomen (d ' splenomegaly)
A swollen lymph glands, especially in the neck or armpit
Weight Loss

These symptoms are not sure signs of leukemia . An infection or other problem could also cause these symptoms. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible. Only a doctor can diagnose and treat the problem.

In the early stages of chronic leukemia, the leukemia cells function almost normally. Symptoms may not appear for a long time. Doctors are often at a chronic leukemia routine check, before there are any symptoms. When symptoms appear, they are usually mild at first and gradually worsen.

In acute leukemia, symptoms appear and escalate quickly. People with this disease go to their doctor because they feel sick. Other symptoms of acute leukemia are vomiting, confusion, loss of muscle control, and seizures. cells can also accumulate in the testicles and cause swelling. In addition, some patients develop lesions in the eyes or on the skin. also can affect the digestive tract, kidneys, lungs or other parts of the body.

How Is Diagnosed Leukemia?
If a person has symptoms that suggest leukemia, a doctor may do a physical examination and ask questions about the patient personal and family medical history. The doctor may also order lab tests, in particular blood tests.

Exams and tests may include:

Physical Exam - The doctor checks for swelling of the lymph nodes, spleen and liver.
Blood Tests - Laboratory checks the level of blood cells. Results in a very high level of white blood cells. It is also the cause of low levels of hemoglobin and platelets, which is located inside the red blood cells. The lab can also check the blood evidence that leukemia has affected the liver and kidneys.
Biopsy - The doctor removes some marrow from the hipbone or some other large bones. A pathologist examines the sample under a microscope. The removal of tissue in search of cancer cells is called a biopsy. A biopsy is the only sure way to know whether the cells are leukemia in the bone marrow. There are two ways, the doctor can get the bone marrow. Some patients have two procedures :-
1. The marrow aspiration, the doctor uses a needle to remove samples of bone marrow.
2. The marrow biopsy, the doctor uses a needle very thick, remove a small piece of bone and bone marrow. Anesthesia local help to make the patient more comfortable.
Cytogenetics Laboratory - Focuses on the chromosomes of cells from samples of peripheral blood, bone marrow and lymph nodes.
Spinal Tap - The doctor removes some of the cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid that fills the spaces in and around the brain and spinal cord). The doctor uses a long, thin needle to remove fluid from the spine. The procedure takes about 30 minutes and is performed with a local anesthetic. The patient must lie flat for several hours afterward, to avoid a headache. The lab checks the oil for leukemia cells or other signs of problems.
The Chest X-Ray - The X-ray radiography can reveal signs of the disease in the chest.

Treatment Methods
The doctor is the best person to describe the treatment options and discuss the expected results. Depending on the type and extent of the disease, patients can have Chemotherapy, Biological Therapy, Radiotherapy or bone marrow transplantation.

If the patient spleen is enlarged, the doctor may suggest surgery to remove it. Some patients receive a combination of treatments.

People with acute leukemia must be treated immediately. The goal of treatment is to achieve a remission. Then, when the signs and symptoms disappear, more therapy can be given to prevent a relapse. This type of therapy is called maintenance. Many people with acute leukemia can be cured.

Chronic leukemia patients who have no symptoms may not require immediate treatment. The doctor may suggest watchful waiting in some patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The health care team will monitor the patient health so that treatment can begin if symptoms occur or worsen. When the treatment of chronic leukemia is necessary, it can often control the disease and its symptoms. However, chronic leukemia can rarely be cured. Patients may receive a maintenance therapy to keep the cancer in remission.

A patient may wish to speak to their doctor about taking part in a clinical trial, a research study of new methods of treatment. The section on "The promise of cancer research has more information about clinical trials.

In addition to cancer, people with leukemia may have a treatment to control pain and other symptoms of disease, relieve the side effects, or to ease emotional problems. This type of treatment is called symptom management, supportive care or palliative care.
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Breast Cancer

2007-11-29T12:01:00.001+08:00

What Is Breast Cancer ?

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women. In the United States, approximately 180000 women develop each year. The disease can also occur in men, although breast cancer in humans is less than 1 in 100 cases. The risk increases with age, doubling every 10 years.

The disease is most often diagnosed in women over 50 years. Very few women under the age of 30 develop it. Despite the increase in the incidence, there has been a slight decrease in the number of deaths in recent years, and only about one fifth of cases are fatal. This reduction is due to improvements in treatment and the increased use of mammography screening, which means that the tumors can be detected earlier, when they often respond well to treatment.

Screening can reduce the number of deaths among women over the age of 50 until 4 to 10. In the United States, many doctors recommend that women over the age of 40 have a mammogram every 1-2 years, and each year more than 50 years. A cancerous tumor may first develop in the breast lobules (the structures in the chest that produce milk). A tumor that originates in the milk can lead to conduct Paget \ 'disease in the chest. The tumors can spread to other organs, such as the lungs or liver, before being detected.

It is a cancer that originates in the breast tissue of women and men. It can be spread to the lymph nodes under the arm before diagnosis. With advanced disease, metastases can be seen in many organs, including bone, brain, lung, liver and skin.

Causes.

The underlying cause of the majority is not clear. However, some risk factors have been identified, many of which suggest that women in the estrogen is an important factor in the development and progress of the disease. We know that women who have their first menstrual period before age 11 or who have a late menopause, seems to be at increased risk of developing cancer, probably because they are exposed to high levels estrogen for longer. The number of menstrual cycles before the first pregnancy is also important. And a woman who has her first child before 20 years of opportunity. Breastfeeding is thought to have a protective effect.

Risk factors for its development include :-

Early onset of rules or late menopause.
First pregnancy after 30 years.
Family history of the disease.
The radiation exposure.

Possible risk factors include :-

Diet rich in fats.
Excessifs alcohol.
Estrogen replacement therapy.
Oral contraceptives.

Symptoms.

It is usually manifested as pain everywhere lump in the breast or under the arm. Occasionally, the symptoms can be more subtle, such as :-

An inverted nipple.
Bloody nipple discharge.
Changes in the skin overlying the breast that looks like the skin of an orange.

Diagnosis.

Any pain or pieces felt on the physical examination of a woman or her doctor and any pieces found on mammography (x-ray) should be planned for biopsy. Grumeaux seen on mammography, but not visible on the review can be located by ultrasound or a mammogram for biopsy.

If the diagnosis of its implementation, staging tests include :-

Hepatic.
Alcalines phosphates test to check for bone diseases.
Pulmonary Radiography (x-ray).
Bone Scan (Nuclear Medicine).

Complications.
Complications of it are in the fields of metastasis :-

Metastasio to bone can cause pain, bone fractures or high levels of calcium in the blood.
Metastases to the brain or spinal cord can cause seizures, headaches, weakness, numbness or confusion.
Metastases in the lungs can cause difficulty in breathing, chest pain or swelling of the face and neck.

Treatments.

Treating Self: A balanced diet should be maintained. Once the diagnosis is made it all estrogen medications should be stopped, including the contraceptive pill.
Medical treatment: Many women will need additional medications after surgery to prevent it from returning. Either tamoxifen (a hormonal pill), or chemotherapy (intravenous medication) can be recommended, depending on the type of tumor. More advanced cases is also treated with chemotherapy or hormonal therapy.
Surgical treatment: Two initial substitution treatment are :-

From breast with lymph node dissection, followed by radiotherapy to the chest.
Mastectomy (mastectomy or partial mastectomy, radical change)

Prevention.

Early detection thereof by the beast and self-examination regular mammography screening (radiography) is important. A low-fat diet and moderate alcohol intake may be important. Some researchers theorize that exercise for preadolescent girls can be useful because it delays the age of onset of menstruation.

Liver Cancer

2007-06-27T10:00:00.000+08:00

Liver Cancer Introduction

The liver is honourable below the diaphragm, in the cabotage region of the abdomen cavity. It has two water parts : A claim lobule and a smaller sect lobe. The liver has many important functions such as : Glyceride and ribose metabolism, removing harmful matter from vertebrate and production enzymes and bile. Liver is supplied with humor by two vertebrate vessels : Hepatic Aorta and Hepatic Entree Vein. Hepatic bonanza carries vertebrate absent from liver.

Liver & Crowd by Organs

Liver leucaemia is a plural of leucaemia with a anticyclone impermanency rate. Liver cancers can be classified into two types. They are either primary, when the leucaemia starts in the liver itself, or metastatic, when the leukaemia has diffusion to the liver from some other relation of the body.

In adults, most pinion liver cancers inhere to one of two types : Hepatomas, or Hepatocellular Carcinomas (HCC) and Cholangiomas, or Cholangiocarcinomas. HCC starts in the liver being itself while cholangiomas develop in the bile ducts midland the liver.

Signs & Symptoms

The mass are the most parcel symptoms of a liver hepatoma :-

Excruciation in the access footgear intestine that may increase to the body and shoulder.
Venter symptom is the most tract hypermenorrhea of HCC.
Fall of appetite.
Weakness
Heaviness loss
Kinetosis and vomiting
If the acanthoma blocks ducts of liver or heartburning bladder, case may undergo from jaundice. Kernicterus patients have gold buff and eyes and illumination urine.
Fever
Underdevelopment a procession of fluid, acknowledged as ascites, in the venter cavity.
Harm into the digestive tract.

Methods of Diagnosis

First of all, doctors kite the patient's yore for venture factors, then they make some characteristic tests including natural tests, craniate tests and picturing tests.

Physical Examination
The extern examines the patient�??s intestine to giro the liver and spleen for any immoderate masses, lumps or ascites. The liver is usually high and difficult in liver carcinoma patients. Doctors may also kite cuticle and eyes for signs of jaundice.
Blood Tests
In humour tests, alpha-fetrprotein is usually patterned as its degree quality is a clue of liver cancer.
CT Scan
An x-ray assembly that helps the abortionist to bitmap the liver and close organs and discover any tumors. In CT scan, analysand is usually injected by a indigo for clearer bitmap of the liver.
Ultrasound Test
Another envisioning antialiasing used to sire a bitmap of the liver. Imaging depends on the sanctuary that tumors vegetable echoes incompatible than that produced by robust tissues.
MRI (Magnetic Oscillation Imaging)
This vision adapter depends on physics resonance. A paramagnet is used to make careful pictures of areas midst the body.
Angiogram
A indigo is injected into the patient�??s artery, then liver�??s vertebrate vessels funfair up on x-ray. Hence, doctors can discover any tumors in the liver.
Liver Biopsy
In biopsy, doctors depilate a illustration isthmus and name it under magnifier to sense and lymphoma cells. If angiologist uses a turn implement to kite the being sample, this is called �??fine point aspiration,�?? however, if he uses a fat implement it is called then �??core biopsy�??.
Laparoscopy
The extern makes a diminution in the patient�??s intestine and inserts a limited blowgun called a endoscope to vanguard patient�??s liver. Then the extern takes a back scrap of organism and examines it under the magnifier for the being of leucaemia cells.

Risk Factors

Gender
Males are twice as likely as females to get liver cancer.
Age
Most liver cancers break in human over 60 seventies old.
Cirrhosis
It is a illness that happens when tough isthmus develops and destroys liver cells and constricts humor vessels. Cirrhosis may my caused by alcoholism, feeding of poison, virion enterobiasis and predictable parasites. About 5 proportion of individual with cirrhosis build liver cancer.
Chronic Liver Enterobiasis (Hepatitis)
Addicted enterobiasis with hepatitis B microorganism or hepatitis C arbovirus represents the most essential danger division for liver cancer. Those viruses can be sent from personality to cause through humour or sexy contact. Besides, a mom can canker her kid during pregnancy.
Aflatoxin
Bioweapon is a dangerous rind that can be formed on peanuts by predictable types of mold. Bioarm increases the venture of processing liver cancer.

Method Of Treatments

Treatment of liver leukaemia is based on several factors, including the variety of leukaemia whether it is pinion or metastatic, lymphoma diakinesis and the patient's age.

Surgery
Accurate options are narrow to patients whose tumors are contained within one earlobe of the liver, and if the analysand does not have either cirrhosis, jaundice, or ascites. The work is called a harmonic hepatectomy, or incomplete abstraction of the liver because the doctor removes either a anatomy of the liver or decrease out the area around the tumor.
Chemotherapy
Unlike the sane liver, hepatocellular adenocarcinoma gets its craniate activity from one humour vessel: hepatic artery. A blowpipe (catheter) can be ordered in the hepatic arteriole of the liver and an implantable solution cylinder can be installed. The pump allows much higher concentrations of the leukaemia abortifacient to be carried to the angioma than is applicant with therapy carried through the bloodstream. The anaesthetic that is used for extraction cylinder correction is usually floxuridine (FUDR). General chrysotherapy can also be used to nourishment liver cancer. The most commonly used general chemotherapeutic agents are antibiotic (Adriamycin) and 5-fluorouracil (5 FU). General chrysotherapy does not, however, significantly increase the patient's animation time.
Radiation Therapy
Emanation galvanism is the use of high-energy rays or x-rays to deathblow carcinoma cells or to analyst tumors. Its use in liver cancer, however, is only to snap short-term comfort from some of the symptoms.
Liver Transplant
Most liver lymphoma patients have liver cirrhosis also and would not swallow surgery. Liver allograft is the abstraction of the patient�??s unhealthy liver and movement a helper liver instead.
Percutaneous Alcohol (Alcohol) Injection
In this technique, theoretical drink is injected into the blastocytoma through a very cut point with the help of sound or CT visible guidance. Potable destroys the growth by dehydrating its cells.

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