Wednesday 22 May 2013

Cancer Charities

Cancer Charities

To raise funds for the betterment of the society shows the positive and high moral attitude of a society. To eliminate cancer is not an individual’s job; the whole society has to play its role to achieve his end. It can be done by providing financial assistance to the suffered and to create awareness among people.

Charity Organizations

There are many cancer charity organizations around the globe, working for the elimination of cancer by aiding people financially to combat the disease. These organizations work with assistance of society by raising funds. Pink Ribbon is one such example that is working for creating awareness about breast cancer. The charity organizations raise fund through organizing different events. The money that has been funded by the locality is used by the organization in conducting research on cancer and also on saving the life of the patients suffering from cancer.

There many other internationally famed organizations that are working on the same lines to help the cancer patients. Colon Cancer Alliance works for eliminating colon cancer. Alex lemonade is a nonprofit organization in United States that is fighting against pediatric cancer by raising the money through selling lemonade. Beverly Fund works for creating awareness among people about the lung cancer. Bethe Match helps the patients of blood cancer in bone marrow transplant. This organization is involved in finding the donor and registering the donor for organ transplant.

BCTrials is a cancer charity organization provides financial assistance to breast cancer patients. BlogForaCure is an American nonprofit organization that works for creating hope in the cancer patients.

Hope for Tomorrow

Cancer charity is the hope for those who are not financially strong enough to have better and proper treatment. The humanitarian efforts of the cancer charities are appreciated all over the world and people like to donate money to these organizations for their endeavors for a noble cause. Most of the Cancer Charities offer volunteer work for people who cannot support them financially due to their limited means. Overall, the charity work done by these organizations help patients feel encouraged and continue their medical treatment easily.

Functioning of Cancer Charities

Cancer charities have usually a small; they are operational only because of the fund raised by the society and their trustees. Society plays an important role in making the goal of these organizations possible.  They are involved in the early detection of cancer and its treatments. The primary function of these organizations is to bring together the society, trustees and the grants to treat and fight against the cancer.

Conclusion

Many of the low income families are unable to provide the proper treatment to their loved ones suffering from cancer. To assist such families there are many nonprofit organizations working. These organizations provide assistance not only in the form of finance but also trying to provide mental relief. These organizations raise funds and help the patients and are termed as Cancer Charities.

Thursday 16 May 2013

Cancer Treatment

Cancer Treatment

Cancer treatment can be done with he help of different methods. The most widely used technique is known as biological therapies. These therapies are very useful in order enhance theimmunity of patients. This immunity contributes a lot in stoping the cancerous cells to distribute in all parts of the body. The secod method for treatment is chemotherapy which has a long list of side effect also. At the same time chemotherapy proves to e beneficial by killing the cancerous cells of the body. Antoher different approach towards treatment is with the help of complementary treatments. These treatment methods help to fight with the actual medication of cancer.    

Biological therapies for cancer treatment

Biological therapies are very important for the treatment of cancer because they help a lot to trigger the immune system of patients. The immunity of a human being is its ultimate strength to fight with different diseases. This innate strength can be enhanced with the help of some biological therapies which are widely being used during the treatment. The induction of monoclonal bodies and cancer growth inhibitors in patients’ body are very helpful to stop the spreading of cancerous cells in the body. Different side effects of cancer therapies like chemotherapy can be minimized with the help of these biological therapies.

Chemotherapy

In most of the cancer cases chemotherapy is being used to treat different types of cancer. There are over 200 hundred different types of cancers discovered till today. For these different cancer types there are almost 50 types of chemotherapy. They chemotherapy medication is induced in the blood stream of patients so that it can reach every part of the cancerous cells. Healthy cells of the body also receive chemotherapy medication but they can rejuvenate with the help of the immune system. In case of cancerous cells, they cannot survive after getting exposed by the chemotherapy medicine. As a result cancerous cells start deteriorating.

Complementary therapies of cancer treatment

Complementary therapies are doing a great service for cancer patients. Due to these therapies it would be easier for the patient to overcome the stress caused by these cancerous cells. It’s a positive attitude towards fighting with a disease like cancer because these therapies help to regain the health and well-being of patients. Many patients opt for these therapies as they found them very effective during the treatment. As a way out from the conventional medicines patients prefer these complementary treatments. Just like their name they are intended to complement the actual medication for any type of disease.

Conclusion

Cancer treatment is a phenomenal development in the field of medical science which started from discovering cures against simple diseases such as malaria. Scientists all over the world have invented different ways of treating the disease. By applying these techniques countless patients with cancer are now being cured successfully. Curing cancer itself causes various side effects resulting in severe weakness and complete as of hair. After the medication is completed these side effects can be catered. In some cases patients automatically start recovering from these side effects due to the innate immune system.

Blood Cancer

Cancer can affect any part of the body. But some parts of the body are so sensitive that the cancer of this part becomes very harmful and if untreated may result in death within months. This can be understood by taking the example of the cancer affecting the circulatory system of the body. Blood cells are the fundamental unit of circulatory system. So if cancer affects these cells it causes the whole body to become malfunctioned because blood cells circulate throughout the body.

Types of Blood Cancer

In blood cancer the cancer is rooted in the cells that are responsible for the production of blood cells, but, the cancerous cells runs in the veins, throughout the body, along with blood. Therefore it is considered as one of the most harmful type of cancer. This type of cancer is actually caused when the retro virus; a virus that is responsible for cancer, attacks blood, bone marrow or lymphatic system. Therefore, there are three types of blood cancer.

1.Leukemia

It is one of the most common types of cancer that is responsible for effecting white blood cells. This type of cancer has its roots in the bone marrow. Leukocytes are the biological name of white blood cells, so leukemia is the cancer of white blood cell. In leukemia the bone marrow starts excessive production of white blood cells. This effects the normal balance of white blood cells in the blood may result in coagulation.
  • Risk factor
Leukemia, if untreated, may results in death even within weeks or months. Though it is considered as most malignant cancer, but, treatment may increase the life span. Although the reasons and causes are unknown but the viruses that are responsible for leukemia are Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Human T-Lymphotropic Virus.
  • Treatment
At initial stage, it is treated with drugs and chemotherapies. Radiations are also use for treatment. In most cases, if possible, bone marrow transplant is done.

2. Lymphoma

It is another type of cancer affecting circulatory system. It is rooted in the lymphatic system, mostly in the lymph nodes.
  • Symptoms & Treatment
The signs and symptoms of lymphoma are the perpetual fever, tiredness, sudden weight loss, swelling in the lymph nodes. In lymphoma liver is also affected, results in the swelling of liver and hepatic veins. Lymphoma is treated with chemotherapy aided with many drugs. Patients suffered with lymphoma are exposed to radiations for treatment.

3. Multiple myeloma


Blood cells runs through the veins wilt aid of a serum known as plasma. Plasma carries to blood cells to the various organs of the body. Plasma is also produced by the bone marrow cells. When the plasma becomes affected by cancerous cells, the condition is known as multiple myeloma.
  • Symptoms  & Treatment
 The preliminary symptoms of multiple myeloma are similar to other types of blood cancer. Fever, pain, weight loss is commonly observed. Bone pain and kidney failure are the major signs that helps in the detection of multiple myeloma. Chemotherapies and exposure to radiations are used for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Conclusion
Cancer that affects the circulatory system of the human body is basically of three types. Each of three is categorized according to the root cell and the cells that have been affected by cancer.

Causes of Cancer

Causes of Cancer


The abnormal or unlimited growth of cells is cancer or malignancy. It is the dangerous type of disease. There are above 100 cancer types some are curable while others are not curable.  If the treatment is started at earlier stage then cure and chances of survival are there. Skin cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer, blood cancer etc are the types of cancer. The factors involved for the cause of cancer vary from person to person. Age, food, environment and family history etc are those factors which can contribute for the cause of cancer.

Cancer and its cause


As mentioned earlier, cancer is the type of disease which is caused due to unlimited division of the cell. The name of cancer is given on the basis of the type of part of body which is being affected by this disease. There are around 100 types of cancers. This harmful disease badly harms the body after production of massive tissue lump known as tumor. The tumors may reside in the affected part or they may invade into other regions of the body in severe cases or metastases. They change the normal functions of the body by releasing hormones. Unlike normal body cells the cancerous cells do not follow the programmed cell death. Due to the malfunctioning of cells consequently the abnormal growth takes place which causes cancer in the body. 

Benign tumors and their effect

Some tumors are formed due to rapid division of cells but after sometimes their division stops. These tumors are not harmful to the body that is why they are known as benign or non cancer tumors.

Metastasis devastations

Metastasis is the stage when malignant or cancer causing tumors invade in other regions of the body. This condition is severe and it is very difficult to treat this stage as cancer spreads from one type to another.

How does it spread?

The cancer cells have sticky properties due to strong interaction of the body cells the affected cells if not properly treated detached themselves from their origin , invade into new site and adhere themselves at new site. Here they again divide in uncontrolled manner and spread from one part to another.

External factors involved in cause of cancer

Along with the family history or genetic factors there are some external factors involved in causing the cancer. The factors responsible for causing cancer are known as carcinogens. They are physical, chemical carcinogens and biological carcinogens. Ageing is another significant factor for causing cancer.

Reducing the risk factors


The chances of reducing the risks of cancer can be minimized by avoiding smoking, drugs, unhealthy food, and direct exposure of sunlight, air pollution or obesity. Similarly add physical exercise in your daily routine. This healthier activity is useful in minimizing the risks of diseases.

How to treat the cancer?

The treatment of cancer depends upon its type and stage. If soon the cancer is detected than cure is possible. Generally surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted drug treatments are given to the patients. Dose and frequency of the treatment depends upon the patients’ health. Cancer diagnosis and treatment is complemented by psychological support.

Conclusion

The main cause of cancer is rapid and uncontrollable division of the cells in the body area. It is ranked first for causing death across the globe. Proper and timely treatment can increase the chances of survival even in severe cases. Similarly, except genetic factors the food habits and other external factors can be controlled by a person’s will they can also be helpful in reducing chances of the occurrence of cancer.

Heart Cancer

Heart Cancer
Cardiac sarcoma or heart cancer occurs in very few cases in which the development of cancerous cells occurs inside the heart. The major portion of the heart being affected by development of cancerous cells is the soft tissues from which the disease again transfers. The symptoms are very common of this type of cancer as in the case of other heart diseases. Its prevention is quite difficult or almost impossible when it comes to the stage of performing surgery. Only the initial stages of this cancer can be cured with the help of medication and other preventive methods.  

A rare cancerous disease

Heart cancer is also known as cardiac sarcoma which is very uncommon among human beings. In the history of medical sciences the disease occurred in only a few cases around the world. In this disease the cancerous cells starts developing inside the heart and when the disease spreads in that case it may transfer to other body parts as well. The soft tissues of heart are the one which are mostly affected by the disease. Later on cancerous cells transfer from the soft tissues to other tissues of the organ.

General Symptoms

Symptoms of heart cancer include are quite similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases. Patients feel extreme pain in the chest, irregular heart beat and difficulty during breathing. At the same time patients feel constant fatigue without any reason. It is an indication that the patient is suffering from this cancer. The symptoms are heart cancer doesn’t sustain for a longer period of time. In fact they appear immediately and are quire confusing with other disease symptoms. In this case it is recommended to have a full-fledge medical checkup of the patient.

Prevention of heart cancer 


Heart cancer is a disease which is very difficult to control. The major reason is its place of occurrence. It means that heart is the most sensitive part among the body organs and thus it is very difficult for doctors to operate on it. If for a second the heart beat will stop then its revival is not so easy. There is much less chances of heart beat revival in case it stops during any operation. Secondly the flow of blood from the heart can be easily disrupted during the operation of patients. This makes it more risky and thus patients with this type of cancer are never recommended to go for operation. This rare disease is fatal in its own sense because doctors will be unable to find an appropriate medication.  

Conclusion

Heart cancer is a very rare disease among all cancerous diseases. It is a rare but fatal disease as it is almost impossible to cure heart cancer. Heart cancer can easily lead a person to death. There is only one exception which can happen. If the disease is diagnosed at the proper time when it is at its initial stages then the cure is possible with the help of medication. Patients have to take prolonged medications but can expect a positive result.

Types of Cancer

Types of Cancer


Cancer is now become one of the most prevailing disease throughout the world responsible for death. Not all but most of the cancers are curable, but, there are some vital organs in the body that if they effected by the cancerous cells, may eventually results in death.

Most prevailing types of Cancer


According to a survey report, in 2004 cancer become one of the most dreadful diseases responsible for death. Though cancer can occur in any organ of human body but there is a list of some cancer that prevails throughout the world speedily and cause deaths. Cancer like other diseases cause by unhygienic habits. These habits include smoking, alcohol addiction and exposure to pollutants. Smoking is responsible for many diseases; it is also the major cause of lungs cancer. Lungs cancer is responsible for the millions of death each year. Another prevailing cancer is the stomach cancer and the liver cancer. Major cause of these two types of cancer is alcohol addiction and exposure to pollutants. They may also be caused by the genetic mutations. Colorectal and breast cancer are the other two types that are now become predominant cancers among women. The major reason is the genetic variations.

General causes of different types of cancers

Unhygienic habits like use of alcohols, drugs and smoking are responsible for the occurrence of cancer. Use of betel nut and tobacco has same effects on body. Other important factor involves the eating habits. Eating vegetables and fruits reduces the risk factor of cancer. Environmental effects and viral infections are also responsible for causing cancers in body.

Forms of cancer

Cancer disease is divided into two forms; malignant cancer and non-malignant or benign form of cancer. Malignant cancer is also known as tumors or neoplasms. It is actually the tumor of uncontrolled growth rate. It has the ability to show abnormal growth and affect the other parts of body by translocation via blood and other body fluid. The tumor in malignant form can invade into the organ and also from one organ to other organ making the whole body malfunctioned. It also makes the body susceptible to the attacks of other viral diseases.

Treatment of malignant cancer

The treatment of malignant cancer is somehow difficult, because the cancer has the ability to regrow from another location. Therefore the early detection is very important in case of malignant cancer. 

Benign or nonmalignant tumors

These are the tumors that have very little risk effects on the human body. Although they are also firmed by the abnormal growth of the cells but they do not have the ability to affect the other organs of the body. They do not enter into the circulatory systems of the body. In most of the cases these nonmalignant tumors perform normal functions.

Conclusions

Tumors or cancerous cell can effect any organ of the body but some cancers are more frightful then others. Cancer can be benign and malignant, but, in both types early detection is very necessary for proper treatment.

Cancer Stages

Cancer stages vary in the intensity and thus play a vital role in identifying the severity of disease in the patient. When initially scientists discovered cancer stages, they proved to be a landmark in the history of development for cancer disease. Four major cancer stages are there in which the first one is known as in situ cancer. In this stage the cancer is its’ minor form. After in situ the cancer became localized and thus known as localized cancer. The two dangerous cancer stages are regional cancer and distant cancer. At the last stage of cancer it is almost impossible to find a cure for the disease. 

Why cancer is divided into different stages?

Cancer is divided into various stages according to the severity of the disease. It depends on how much the disease has affected human beings. These stages of cancer play a significant role in the treatment of patients. They are going to be treated differently on different stages of cancer. Even in the worst situations or the last stages of cancer, the complete treatment of this disease is not possible. With the help of identifying the cancer stage of the patient it is possible to identify the potential effects of the disease on patients’ body. This will make it easier for doctors to control or mitigate those impacts prior to the time they actually happen.

In situ cancer stage

It is the initial stage of cancer in which a cell is transformed from a normal to cancerous cell. This happens when the surrounding cells of the tissue are doing the same. In this situation there is a very less substantial impact of the disease on patients. The disease is only restricted to cellular level.

Localized cancer

This is one of those cancer stages in which the patient can face serious circumstances. In this situation the localized cancer cells are now going to occupy basement membranes. These membranes are present at the boundaries of tissues. When the cancerous cells start occupying other tissues then the situation becomes critical for the patient.

Regional spreading of cancer 

When the cancerous cells occupy different tissues then in third stage of cancer daughter cancerous cells start multiplying. After repeated multiplication these cells enter into the blood stream. When these cells enter into the blood stream then the immune system of human body start interrupting. This is the stage where real threat to the life of patient starts.

Distant cancer spread

It is the among the worst cancer stages and is also considered as the last stage. Lymph nodes get occupied by cancerous cells and it rapidly starts spreading. Cancerous cells form new colonies and then transfer to the remaining body parts.

Conclusion

Cancer is a disease which created havoc from last many centuries. Now this disastrous disease has been well studied and as a result most of the cancer cases can be cured. The proper diagnosis of cancer leads to a major development in terms of identifying different cancer stages. These stages are very helpful in developing proper prescriptions to the patients. They also identify the intensity of disease.

Wednesday 15 May 2013

Throat Cancer Causes and Treatment

Throat Cancer

The cancer that affects the throat cells may cause from number of factors. All the factors show the neglecting behavior toward the hygienic habits. The earlier signs of the cancer in throat are similar to the other problems of throat but if these conditions become chronic it shows the alarming situation and warns the patient to take care and inform to the doctor for proper and timely treatment.

Susceptible areas

Throat refers to the muscular tube that runs from nose to neck. So it covers the nasal area and the larynx, pharynx and the tonsils area. Throat cancer may affect any part of throat. Cancer can affect the glottis and epiglottis as well. Below and above the glottis there is supra and subglottic region respectively. These regions can also be affected by cancerous cells. On the back of the throat, there is a pair of tonsils, the oncological disease of tonsils is known as tonsil cancer.

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of throat cancer are very similar to the ordinary diseases of throat, like, roughness in voice, sore throat and the formation of inflammation in the throat. These are the initial signs that may be common to other disease. These are the few symptoms, but, most of the symptoms are also common, therefore if few of these signs are felt by patient, it does not mean that there is the occurrence of cancer unless these signs persist for long time and become chronic with the passage of time.
The other signs may include pain in throat; the pain may increase during swallowing the food. This pain may reach to ear and head as the time pass, so the pain becomes more intense with the passage of time. The cancer in throat is also responsible for bad breadth and cough. This cancer is also responsible for feeling difficulty in swallowing food and breathing. Sometime breathing becomes so difficult that it results in suffocation. Loss of appetite and sudden weight loss is common in all types of cancer.

Causes

It can be caused by genetic mutation due to the exposure to radiations and dust. Most of the often dietary habits are also responsible for cancer. Such as excessive use of alcohol, smoking, betel nut chewing habits. Eating raw and cooked vegetables also prove helpful to reduce the chances of cancer in throat.

Treatment

With the advancement in the field of oncology, most of the cancer patients are treated with specific site target therapies. It is actually the exposure of radiation and drugs to the specific cell affected with cancer. Different therapies are also used for the treatment of the cancer. Like use of different drugs during chemotherapy. For the elimination of cancer from the throat, surgery is performed. Of the cancer effects the larynx cell, then the whole larynx is removed surgically, which makes the patient unable to speak again.

Conclusion

Throat covers many important organs responsible for proper function of digestive, respiratory and vocal system. If cancer affects any part of one system then there are chances of cancer in other system because with division in the cancerous cell the cancer spread from one organ to the other.

Thyroid Cancer


Thyroid is the gland which is present at the front of the neck beneath the larynx.  Thyroid can’t be felt through our skin. It has two lobes which are connected with a thin piece of tissue named “the isthmus”. The thyroid makes hormones which are thyroid hormone and calcitonin. Four or more tiny parathyroid glands are present at the back of the thyroids which make the parathyroid hormone. This hormone plays an important role to maintain the level of calcium in our body.

Formation of Thyroid Cancer

Normal thyroid cells grow which further divide to form new cells as our body needs them. New cells take place when they become old or get damaged. When this process goes wrong; thyroid cancer forms. New cells form when the body doesn’t need them and the old and damaged cells don’t die. The process of building extra cells causes the thyroid cancer. It may be sometimes become the threat of life. They can invade nearby tissues and organs and can also spread to the other parts of the body. It can be removed often but sometimes it returns.

Types of Thyroid Cancer

Following are the types of thyroid cancer.
  • Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type of thyroid cancer in USA.  Out of 100 people 86 are suffering from it. 
  •  Most people with this cancer can be cured if it is diagnosed early. Follicular thyroid cancer is the second most common type of thyroid cancer. Out of 100 people 9 are suffering from this type of thyroid cancer. 
  •  It begins in follicular cells and usually grows slowly. If it is diagnosed early it can be treated successfully.
  • Medullary thyroid cancer is not common. Out of 100 people 2 are suffering from it. It begins in C cell and it can cause abnormally high level of calcitonin. 
  • It tends to grow slowly. It can easily be control and treated if it is found before it spreads to other parts of the body. Anaplastic thyroid cancer is the least common type of thyroid cancer. Out of 100 people only 1 is suffering from this type of thyroid cancer. 
  •  Most people with this cancer are older than 60. It begins in follicular cells of thyroid. It tends to grow and it spreads very quickly. It is very hard to control.
Diagnosis

Doctors recommend following tests so that thyroid cancer can easily be cured. Firstly physical examination is necessary. Doctors feel the thyroid for lumps and he also checks your neck and nearby lymph nodes for the growth and swelling. After that doctors recommend for the blood test to check the abnormal levels of thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH)  in the blood. The thyroid doesn’t work properly if the quantity of TSH is too much or too little. Then doctor suggests for the ultra sound, thyroid scan and biopsy. The treatment of thyroid cancer includes surgery, thyroid hormone treatment, radioactive iodine therapy, external radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Most people having thyroid cancer are suggested for a surgery. The surgeon may remove all the thyroids or only removes a lobe. After surgery patient takes the pills to replace the natural thyroid hormone. After the treatment the person have to need regular checkups after every year. It may also return after the treatment.

Conclusion
After knowing that you have thyroid cancer the life changes which can be hard to handle. The family members and friends need to co operate with the patient and give him courage that this disease can be cure easily. We should treat politely with him and should answer to his question about the disease. He also needs emotional support and we should be concern about his feelings.

Monday 13 May 2013

Lung Cancer Symptoms

Uncontrolled and abnormal cell growth in the tissues of lungs caused lung cancer and it eventually spreads into other parts of the body. Lung cancer is said to be highly dangerous and is the most common cause of deaths in United States and worldwide. This deadliest type of cancer is lethal to both men and women. There are countless risk factors for this cancer but cigarette smoking is the major one.

Lung cancer figures

Except smoking, passive exposure to tobacco, air pollution, Asbestos, water-containing arsenic in it and radon gas exposure is primary cause of lung cancer spread. The two main types of lung cancer are the small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) which grow and spread differently in the body. The general prognosis of lung cancer is not satisfactory, with overall survival rates of about 16% at five years. Treatment may involve a combination of procedures like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy as well as newer experimental methods.

Signs and symptoms of lung cancer

At the initial stage, lung cancers symptoms do not appear but as the cancer grows significant changes occur in the body. Starting signs may involve cold, flu, fever and cough then leads to some serious symptoms. Following could have been the major signs of lung cancer that need to be observed on time:

1. Constant Coughing
Coughing is usually treated as normal but in lung cancer, cough lasts for no reasons and become worse with time. Cough did not go away with any remedy and it usually occurs when cancer stops the passage of air into the lungs. 

2. Shortness of breath or wheezing
Difficulty in breathing or hoarseness can also be the part of lung cancers symptoms as it prevents you to do normal activities like exercising and work. Reason is the blockage of enough air into the lungs.

3. Coughing up blood
If coughing comes up few or more drops of blood, then it take to be very serious as it may due to the damage done by tumor into the lung tissues. This sign is quite alarming so you need physical checkup for that.

4. Fluctuations in body temperature
As the cancer grows in the body, it cause unusual rise in the body temperature.

5. Airway infections
Repeated chest infections like bronchitis and pneumonia can also be the signs of cancer development in the lungs. It occurs when a tumor in the lungs starts to block your airways by trapping lung fluids.

6. Pain in the chest
Angina or severe chest pain occurs due to the shrinkage of blood vessels and that can be the symptom of lung cancer.

7. Loss of appetite or weight loss
Tiredness and constant fatigue is linked with cancerous patients and it is followed by quick appetite loss thus resulting in reduction of body weight.

Conclusion 
It is a common notion that “cancer can be best treated when diagnosed at the initial stage” so you need to consult with your physician when you observe above-mentioned signs. Only a specialist can diagnose it when you have symptoms so do not wait for severe consequences.

Liver Cancer Treatment

Liver Cancer Treatment

Malignant neoplasm, commonly known as a cancer is a wide group of disorders with unregulated growth in cells. It comes up with many types and liver cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the world. Liver cancer originates on the surface or inner lining of the liver as a form of tumor. Liver cancer treatment is carried out after diagnosis and staging of tumor in liver. With the growth of cancer cells in the liver, patients feel abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, quick weight loss, Yellow skin and eyes, pale stools, and dark urine from jaundice with weakness and fever.

Diagnosis and medical treatment

Ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans and an elevated blood level of alpha-fetoprotein most effectively diagnoses liver cancer. Liver biopsy can also be effective for successful diagnosis but physicians discourage screening tests. After liver cancer is diagnosed and staged, following treatment procedures are helpful for this epidemic disease:

1. Surgery or Surgical resection

Liver cancer is usually categorized into three stages localized resectable, localized unresectable, and advanced. Surgical treatment is most suitable option if your cancer is at early stage and the rest of your liver is healthy without spread of cancerous cells. Surgery is usually carried out in two ways; a liver transplant and Surgery to remove the cancer from your liver. It also depends on the site and size of tumor to remove by surgery. Localized, unresectable cancers may need liver transplant to deal with large tumors.

2. Chemotherapy

If the existing tumor cannot remove by surgery, then specialists recommend chemotherapy to shrink that tumor. This liver cancer treatment slows down the growth of cancer and controls the other symptoms too.

3. Biological therapy

The term “biological” refers to the natural substances that are derived from the body or drugs obtained by these substances. Sorafenib (protein) is one such example that is used during the treatment of liver cancer cells. The basic function of this clinical trial is to extend the lives of individuals suffering from long-term liver cancer.

4. Chemoembolisation

Chemoembolisation is generally used to stop the cancer’s main blood supply into the liver. Gelatin sponge/plastic beads are injected into the tumors of liver along with the chemotherapy drugs. These beads block the blood vessels to the area of the liver containing cancerous cells. Cancer cells unable to get the required oxygen and necessary food thus shrink.  Chemoembolisation is used with radiotherapy, or radiofrequency ablation for better results.

5. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)

In this treatment procedure, radio waves are used to kill the cancer cells in the liver by heating. During this treatment, ultrasound scan is necessary to point out the exact position of tumor in the liver so that needle can insert into it. That needle sprinkle waves on the tumor to kill it completely.

Conclusion

A great success has been achieved to control the liver cancer due to technological advancements in Liver cancer treatment. These treatments may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, freezing the tumor (cryotherapy), Biological therapy and Radiofrequency ablation (RFA). All these treatments are really effective according to the history of patients.

Cancer Type

Cancer is the name given to more than a hundred diseases which are characterized by the abnormal growth of certain cells. All the variations in the cells occur due to defects in genes which increase their growth rate beyond normal limits. Cancers can be categorized into different types on the basis of site of development and cell type.

Cancer types on the basis of cells


Cancer can be categorized according to the cells and tissues from which the cancer takes its origin. Four major types of cancer on this basis are lymphoma, carcinoma, sarcoma, and leukemia. It may be noted that cancer may be in the form of solid tumors or liquid tumors on the basis of cell types. Solid tumors are more localized while the liquid tumors become part of blood or lymphatic system and run throughout the body. Carcinoma, the most common major type of cancer, arises from epithelial tissues and the mucous membranes of organs. Sarcoma takes birth from the cells of connective tissues, bones, muscles, cartilage and fat. 

They are a relatively uncommon type. Lymphoma develops from the cells of lymphoid tissues. These cells are responsible for the immune system of the body. Leukemia is caused by the uncontrolled development of cells of blood and blood forming tissues. Liquid tumors are usually formed in leukemia.

Cancer types on the basis of site


These types are based on the primary place of development of the cancer in the body. These types are more known to the common people. The most common examples of these types are lungs, skin, breasts, prostate, colon and rectum. Lung cancer is the major cancer that kills more people than any other type of cancer. The proportion of lung cancer has increased in women whereas it is the same in the men. This cancer invades neighbor cells and spreads at a high speed. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world. Basal cell cancer is the most common type and develops from the lowest layer of skin. Melanoma takes place in the pigment producing cells and is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Breast cancer is the cancer that mostly invades the women. 

It occurs more in women than men. The estimates reveal that one woman from eight will be the victim of breast cancer. Prostate cancer is the cancer that invades men the most as compared than any other type of cancer. it spreads to other organs in the later stages of its development. Colorectal cancer affects men and women on the equal basis. In it, tumors develop in the large intestine and rectum of men and women. The risk of its occurrence increases with the increase of the age of individual.

Conclusion

Although there are about two hundred cancer types in the world, they have many things in common among themselves. For example, their risk factors include advancing age and the abnormal functioning of the genes. They are caused by abnormal use of tobacco and alcohol. Their common cures are surgery, chemotherapy, blood therapy and gland therapy.

Facts about Cancer

Facts about Cancer

The word cancer is used to denote over a hundred various diseases which have certain common features. The cancer takes place due to variation in the structure and function of a cell in a way that the cell divides and multiplies out of control. Subsequently, the cell can invade the neighbor tissues and damage them. The cancerous cells can break away and spread to other areas in the body. The cancer named after the organ or type of cell in which it first begins to grow. The examples are breast cancer, colon cancer and lung cancer.


 The facts about cancer are very interesting and worth knowing.  A cancer may be in the form of solid tumor or a liquid tumor. A solid tumor takes birth in some organ of body. The liquid tumor starts in the lymphatic system or bone marrow. Lymphatic system carries the fluids throughout the body. Examples of cancer caused by liquid tumors are leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Remember that all the tumors are not cancerous. Benign tumors are not cancerous and they do not invade other cells nor do they come back. On the other hand, malignant tumors are cancerous. They can invade other tissues and cells.

The known medical facts about cancer tell us that there are some prominent cures for cancer. First one is surgery in which tumor is removed, sometimes with surrounding tissues. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill the cancer cells or to stop them from growing uncontrollably. Biologic therapy uses immune substances to increase the immunity of the patient to destroy cancer cells. Hormonal therapy controls or ends hormone growth which in turn slows down or stops the growth of cancerous cells. Radiation therapy uses high energy radiation to kill the cancer cells.

Some statistical facts and figures may be discussed in this regard. More than hundred types of cancer exist in the world. 13 per cent of all the worldwide deaths in 2008 were due to cancer. Nearly 70 per cent of total deaths due to cancer occur in the middle income and low income countries. Internationally, five most common cancers that claim men’s lives are lung cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer and esophagus cancer. Five most common women killing cancers are breast cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, colorectal cancer and cervical cancer. 


The facts about cancer reveal that in many developed countries, lung cancer is the most common type of cancer and in developing countries cervical cancer is the most common type.  In many developing countries, cervical cancer is the most common cancer. The use of tobacco is the greatest cause of cancer under the sun. It is preventable and causes 22 per cent of deaths caused by cancer. Worldwide, nearly 20 percent of cancers are a result of chronic infections; for instance, hepatitis B virus is a reason for lever cancer. More than one third of cancers can be prevented by average use of alcohol, no use of tobacco, being active and using healthy food.

The estimates tell us that nearly half the men and one third women will get cancer in their lifetimes and nearly 25 percent people will die because of cancer. Further estimates expose that in 2015 nine million people will die of cancer. This shows the increased number of cancer stricken people.

Friday 10 May 2013

Types of Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common and leading type of cancers in the world that affects one in eight women during their lives. Both men and women are affected by this cancer but number of cases in men is quite rare. It usually forms in breast tissues in the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules. It has devastating effects on the lives of women and one of the leading death cancers among all other types.

Risks Associated with Breast Cancer


There are number of risks that lead to the breast cancer but there are three major factors; age, genes and personal factors. Older women have more chances of breast cancer than younger ones. Similarly BRCA1 and BRCA2 both genes highly increase the risks in women having family history with diagnosed breast cancer. Other personal factors like beginning periods before age 12 or going through menopause after age 55 also increase the risk of this cancer type. Other risks may include alcohol addiction, overweight, taking birth control pills and use of hormonal replacement therapies.

Measuring Symptoms

Generally, it is believed that there are no common symptoms of breast cancer but you can determine it by self-examine a lump in the breast, a change in size or shape of the breast or discharge from a nipple or abnormal mammogram. Others symptoms include swelling, dimpling, redness, or soreness of skin or breasts. If you feel such type of changes in your breast, then you must consult with your physician for better guidance and cure.

Common Types of Breast Cancer


There are countless kinds of breast cancer found now a days and each type has its own symptoms and cure methodology depending upon the condition of patients. Some of common types may include Lobular Carcinoma in Situ (LCIS), Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS), Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC) and Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC).

Diagnosis and Tests

Breast cancer can be best diagnosed by mammography and screening tests. You can also examine it by self-analysis procedures. Several campaigns have started to arouse the public awareness about this devastating cancer and valuable information is shared with people how to diagnose a breast cancer at early stages.

Treatment and Care

Like any other cancer types, breast cancer has several effective treatment therapies that guarantee success with complete satisfaction. These treatment therapies include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, Hormone therapy, lumpectomy, mastectomy, Clinical trials, Targeted therapy and other risk-reducing surgeries during treatment. Treatment procedure is selected according to the case history of each patient.

Conclusion

From last two decades, an increased number of breast cancer cases threatened women across the globe. The death rate from this cancer got second place after lung cancer in United States but now the situation is quite better. American Cancer society and other organizations are actively working to control breast cancer and awareness campaigns have been cited in all over the world for this purpose. This movement has successfully achieved its goals as the number of registered cases of breast cancer is less than those registered in the past.

Colon Cancer

Colon Cancer

Cancer can be characterized as any abnormal growth of cells in the body regions and there are more than 100 types of cancers including breast cancer, brain cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphoma etc. Colon cancer is the cancer of large intestine that is generally termed as “colon”. It is also known as colorectal cancer when it occurs with the signs of rectal cancer.

Signs and Symptoms

When the colorectal cancer develops in the cells of large intestine, usually it has no prominent symptoms. With the growth and advancement of cancer cells, it causes abrupt changes in the body like change in the frequency of bowel movements, constipation, gas pains, bloating and fullness with cramps, constant tiredness, and vomiting and excessive weight loss. In some cases, Diarrhea, constipation and blood in the stool can also be the signs of colon cancer.

Diagnosis Tests of Colon Cancer


For any type of cancer, screening is the most reliable test to detect the presence of abnormal cells. Screening is done to confirm the presence of colon cancer in the intestine along with physical exam analysis. Once you got sure about the presence of colon cancer, then further tests like CT or MRI scans of the abdomen, pelvic area, chest, or brain may be used to stage the spread of cancer. In some severe cases, Lymph node biopsy, Chest x-ray, PET scan and blood tests are also used to diagnose colon cancer.

Treatment Therapies


Generally, treatment procedure of colon cancer depends on the location, size, and extent of cancer spread as well as the health of the patient. Surgery is the most common and effective therapy for this type of cancer growth. At first stage, surgery is carried out to remove the cancer cells then followed by the Chemotherapy to further kill cancerous cells. Chemotherapy is usually done after 6-8 months of surgery. After this, for the destruction of all cancerous tissues, radiation therapy is used.

Prevention is better than Cure


Although cancer is thought to be highly dangerous disease with increase number of deaths but it is a treatable disease. It can be easily treated and controlled when early diagnosed so before entering into the complex and risky stage of cancer, consult your physician. Awareness and colonoscopy has decreased the death rate caused by colon cancer every year. This goal has been achieved through proper prevention methods and awareness campaigns against this destructive cancer. Along with treatment, balanced diet and a healthy and positive lifestyle is also very important to defeat the colon and colorectal cancers.

Concluding Remarks

Normally cancer begins its journey by growth of cells along with the building blocks of body cells. It is the case with colon and rectal cancers; they arouse their mark in the region of large intestine part of digestive system and start its growth there. Colon cancer can be diagnosed and treated by various tests and procedures depending on the medical history of the infected person. After successful treatment, patient can enjoy his normal routine activities without fearing of any harm.