Archive for the ‘Cancer’ Category

Not Every Type Of Skin Cancer Is Deadly

Thursday, June 25th, 2009
by Kathy Forcey

One of the most common forms of cancer is skin cancer. It is easy to prevent it, and it is very curable, but it must be detected early on. There are three main types of skin cancer that you might see on your skin.

Squamous cell carcinoma, the first skin cancer you should know about it, comes from getting too much sun. For that reason it is most often found on the face and ears. Squamous cell carcinoma starts off as a bump and later turns into an open sore that doesn’t heal. If you go without treatment, it will get bigger and bigger. This type of skin cancer can also spread to more parts of your body if you do not get it treated.

A type of skin cancer is called basal cell carcinoma. The face, hands and neck are where these are usually located, and up to seventy five percent are included in all diagnosed skin cancers. If you detect it early enough, basal cell carcinoma can be treated very effectively. If you have a sore that bleeds and is irritated, that may be basal cell carcinoma. This cancer can also look like a fresh scar.

Melanoma can be found on any area of the boday, and it is widely recognized as the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Most of the time you find it first on the arms and legs, where it looks like a mole or freckled. Instead of a new mole, it could also be an old mole that suddenly changed shape, size, or color.

It is imperative that the melanoma type of skin cancer be found and eradicated early to prevent the problems that will come with the later stages of this skin cancer.

You can do a great deal to prevent skin cancer from occurring. Make sure that you take precautions when you are out in the sun to protect your skin at all times. Wear a sunscreen every time you are outside no matter the season.

The best chance you have of surviving skin cancer is to detect it early. Make sure to cover your exposed areas with clothing and protect your head and face by wearing a hat. Be aware of any changes in your skin.

About the Author:

Ovarian Cancer - A Frightening Diagnosis!

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009
by Richard H Ealom

INTRODUCTION: About 15,280 women die every year in the US from ovarian cancer. Despite this, the 5-year survival rate for the disease has improved greatly in the last 30 years. The prognosis of ovarian cancer is closely tied to the stage at diagnosis. There is no approved screening method available at present for ovarian cancer.

The Mayo Clinic has one of the largest ovarian cancer practices in the United States, treating more than 1,200 patients in 2006 who had a principal or secondary diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Mayo Clinic uses a wide variety of imaging techniques to detect ovarian cancer, including PET scans, CT scans and MRIs.

WOMEN: Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common cancer in women in the US, with over 25,000 women newly diagnosed each year with this disease. It is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in women and frequently does not result in symptoms until the cancer has spread extensively. Only about 20% of women are diagnosed early, when the disease may be curable. Ovarian cancer usually happens in women over age 50, but it can also affect younger women. About 90 percent of women who get ovarian cancer are older than 40 years of age, with the greatest number being aged 55 years or older.

RISK: All women are at risk for cancer of the ovaries, but older women are more apt to get the disease than younger women. The precise cause of ovarian cancer is not known, but several risk and contributing factors have been identified. Women who have been pregnant have a 50 percent decreased risk for developing cancer of the ovaries compared to those who have not. Oral contraceptive use decreases the risk of developing the disease. These factors support the idea that risk for ovarian cancer is related to ovulation and that conditions that suppress this ovulatory cycle play a protective role.

Genetic factors and Family history play an important role in the risk of developing cancer of the overies also. A history of breast cancer increases a woman’s chances of developing ovarian cancer. The lifetime risk for developing ovarian cancer is 1 percent. This compares to a 4-5% risk when 1 first-degree family member is affected, rising to 7 percent when 2 relatives are affected.

DISEASE: Early stages of the disease causes minimal, nonspecific, or no symptoms. The disease is rare in patients younger than 40 years, after which the incidence rises. Based on the surgical staging, women are classified as having limited disease (stage I and II) or advanced disease (stage III and IV). Females with limited disease are classified as having low or high risk for recurrence based on the following: Low risk for recurrence includes the following; Grade 1 or 2 disease, No tumor on the outer surface of the ovary, Negative peritoneal cytology, No ascites, Tumor growth confined to the ovaries.

High risk for recurrence includes the following, Grade 3 disease, Preoperative rupture of the capsule, Tumor on the external surface of the ovary, Positive peritoneal cytology, Ascites Tumor growth outside of the ovary, Clear cell tumors, Surgical stage II for postoperative treatment. chemotherapy is indicated in all patients with ovarian cancer except those patients with surgical-pathological stage I disease with low-risk characteristics.

SYMPTOMS: can include a Heavy feeling in pelvis, Pain in lower abdomen, vaginal bleeding, Weight gain or loss, Abnormal periods, Back pain for unknown reasons that gets worse, Gas, Nausea, Vomiting, or Decreased appetite. Symptoms may be caused by something other than cancer, but the only way to know for sure is to see your doctor, nurse, or other health care professional.

Traditionally, it was believed that cancer of the ovaries does not cause any characteristic symptoms until the tumor has spread widely, and that early symptoms of ovarian cancer were not recognizable. However, in June 2007, the American Cancer Society, along with other medical societies including the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation and the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, released a consensus statement about possible early symptoms of ovarian cancer. This statement was based on research suggesting that some of the early signs of ovarian cancer can, in fact, be recognized.

TREATMENT: Treatment is usually surgery followed by treatment with medicines called chemotherapy. There are also many combinations of these treatment methods and it is usually worthwhile to get a second opinion about treatment before entering into a specific program. The more knowledge you have, the easier it is to make decisions about your cancer treatment. Arlene Dunlop is a breast and ovarian cancer survivor whose treatments have kept her well and out enjoying life.

Conclusion: Ovarian cancer actually represents a group of different tumors that arise from diverse types of tissue contained within the ovary. Ovarian cancer can invade, shed, or spread to other organs. A malignant ovarian tumor can grow and invade organs next to the ovaries, such as the fallopian tubes and uterus. Ovarian cancer often causes signs and symptoms, so it is important to pay attention to your body and know what is normal for you.

Cancer of the ovaries most frequently appears in women who are more than 60 (about 50% of patients are over age 65), although it may occur in younger women who have a family history of the disease. Ovarian cancer is the most common reason for cancer death from gynecologic tumors in the United States. Cancer of the ovaries is diagnosed in about 23,000 women in the US each year. Ovarian cancer is a frightening diagnosis, but coming to it with knowledge and information helps a great deal. The earlier it is found and treated, the better your chances are for recovery.

About the Author:

Lung Cancer Prognosis Tips & Guide

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009
by Anne Durrell

Lung cancer can be very terrifying for everyone. Many people who have lung cancer want to find out their lung cancer prognosis. Understanding the prognosis can help people to understand their therapy, and how they can deal with their diagnosis.

The Prognosis

The lung cancer prognosis is a judgment backed by medical proof as to what is likely to occur now that you have been diagnosed with lung cancer. The prognosis for every patient will be very vary and individualized. The prognosis can be different due to:

* Type of cancer

* Cancer location

* Cancer staging

* The probability of the cancer spreading

* Patient’s age

* General health of the patient

* How the patient responds to treatment

However, a lung cancer prognosis is only an opinion. It is not an exact prediction of what will really happen. It can take a little more time for the doctor to make a good prognosis since it will be researched to make sure it is as exact as possible.

Prognosis Help

The prognosis of lung cancer can help you to create the course of treatment, knowing what you require to do in your life as well as make decisions about where to go from here. The doctor will work with you to help you recognize what stage your lung cancer is at and how that will have an effect on your treatment as well as your life.

Finding your Prognosis

You can do a search and use medical sites to find accurate information that will let you really understand your diagnosis.

It is important, though, to watch for misleading information. An important thing to remember is that anyone can create a website and publish information, even if it is not accurate.

Always remember that not every patient will have the same occurrence with lung cancer. The lung cancer may run its course another way with different patient.

About the Author:

There Are Ways To Prevent Skin Cancer

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009
by Kathy Forcey

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. It is also a highly preventable and very treatable skin cancer. If you do all you can to reduce your risk of skin cancer and monitor your skin frequently you should have no trouble from the effects of skin cancer.

The first thing you should do is make sure that you stay out of the sun as much as possible. Stay in the shade and out of direct sunlight whenever possible. Use hats and clothing to keep your skin protected from the harmful effects of the sun.

Be aware that even when the sky is cloudy that you can still suffer from the effects of the sun. It is possible to burn your skin when it is cloudy outside. The same is true with swimming pools. Even if you are in the water, you can easily be sunburned.

Make sure you are wearing plenty of SPF fifteen or more sunscreen every time you go out in the sun. You should also make sure that you reapply it often for ways to prevent skin cancer. If you are sweating or swimming make sure that you reapply after each time.

Children’s skin is even more delicate than your own and therefore must be looked after carefully. However, it is important to remember that children who have not reached 6 months of age cannot wear sunscreen on their skin yet. With that in mind be sure to keep them out of direct sunlight at all times and remember to always keep their skin covered. Warn older children that prolonged unprotected exposure to the sun’s harmful rays can eventually lead to skin cancer and that they would be safer in the shade.

There are several ways that you can detect the possibility of skin cancer on your own time. Keep an eye out for any changes on your skin or growth in moles or the sudden appearance of new ones. Be careful of those that seem to have increased in size or are shaped irregularly. In addition, watch out for transparent or multicolored growths. Lastly, it’s helpful to have your doctor check out any wounds or cuts that seem to take longer than usual to heal.

Make a routine check of your skin a regular part of your doctor’s visit. You should make sure you examine your skin every month. This is one of the best ways to prevent skin cancer. You are your own best advocate for your health. Make sure you keep an eye on your skin and your health and get treatment immediately if you develop a problem.

About the Author:

Do You Know The Early Stages Of Skin Cancer?

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009
by Kathy Forcey

People often feel devastated when they are told that they have been diagnosed with skin cancer. You may wonder what your next step needs to be, and you will likely be frightened. Fortunately, the chances of surviving skin cancer are excellent if the condition is detected in its earlier stages.

When you catch skin cancer early, you can have it removed and stop the cancer before it has a chance to take hold. Be sure to be pro-active about keeping skin cancer at bay. When you find it early on, you have a good chance of defeating it.

In the first stages of skin cancer you will find out whether you have a non-melanoma skin cancer or a melanoma skin cancer. Early stages for both of these have a very good prognosis for survival. A basal cell carcinoma is very rarely spread beyond a second stage so the prognosis is very good if this is the type of skin cancer that you have.

Being diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer it can be scary. The good news is with early detection the stage I and stage II survival rate is very good, almost 100% for 5 years. However, if it’s found at stage 3 the survival rate drops to 60%. This stresses the importance for early detection, as it’s the biggest cure for melanoma skin cancer.

It is absolutely vital that you regularly check your skin at least once a month. A doctor should also see you regularly so that your skin can be checked as a part of your normal physical. If you notice anything suspicious on your skin you should have it checked out by a doctor immediately. This is especially true if you have a mole or discoloration that is changing shape and or color.

If you have a wound that will not heal, it could possibly be melanoma. Check with your doctor as to what to look for when conducting a self inspection of your skin. Knowing what to look will make it a lot easier to report any condition that may be of concern.

Early stages of skin cancer can be relatively small in size, about the size of a pea, and progressively grows larger. Eventually other organs will become involved as the cancer progresses through the body. Once this happens the survival rate will drop and other forms of treatment, aside from removal of the cancer, will be necessary.

About the Author:

Skin Cancer Radiation Therapy

Monday, June 22nd, 2009
by Kathy Forcey

In radiation treatment of skin cancer, X-rays are used to destroy the cancerous cells. Many visits to the doctor will be required for a tumor to be completely eliminated. A fair amount of time is required. Radiation treatment is used against skin cancers that return many times or do not respond to any other form of treatment.

Radiation treatment is not the first and default choice for curing skin cancer, but in many patients it is the only available treatment. The condition or the health of the patient, or other circumstances may necessitate the use of radiation treatment.Radiation treatment may be used against skin cancers for many reasons. Other forms of treatment may be ruled out because of the patient’s other health conditions.

Radiation treatment may also be used if the area of your skin cancer is very large, or if it is in parts of your body that are not amenable to other methods. A skin cancer may have already been treated, but may have recurred more than once.

Many tough skin cancers have been effectively treated by this means. One class of patients had been suffering a 50% recurrence rate for their skin cancers, and radiation cut this probability in half to 25%.

Radiation treatment of skin cancer carries significant risks. The radiation may lead to new cancers in the area surrounding your current cancer. Such cancers will be much more difficult to treat because of the radiation exposure. Healthy skin in that area may also be seriously damaged.

Radiation treatment of skin cancer carries some significant side effects. These include loss of energy and appetite, hair that falls out, and persistent skin redness. These side effects usually last no longer than the radiation treatment.

Your doctor should have already discussed this kind of treatment for your skin cancer if you are seriously considering it. You will need to be very careful in reviewing your situation, to ensure that this treatment suits your needs. Radiation may not be the best option for treating you skin cancer, and your doctor should consider all other treatment options before proceeding with radiation treatment.

About the Author:

Early Skin Cancer Detection Is Vital

Monday, June 22nd, 2009
by Kathy Forcey

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer that is diagnosed every year. It is also one cancer that is easily detectable if you pay attention to your skin and perform a self examination regularly. In addition to skin cancer detection you should do everything you can to prevent skin cancer from ever starting.

As part of a routine physical your doctor should be examining your skin for any abnormal growths or discolrations. You should also be checking your own skin at least once a month. Checking your skin for skin cancer is quick, easy, and painless.

Conduct your self-examination in a room with good lighting and a full-length mirror. If you cannot see some of your skin during your examination, then use a hand-held mirror to see those tricky places. You should be familiar with any unique features of your skin during your first self-examination. If you notice that your skin has blemishes or discolorations, it is important to keep an eye on them to watch for change in growth or color for future exams. Check all over and see if there are any spots that you did not see before.

Start with your face and carefully work your way down the length of your body. You may need help for parts of your body that are hard to reach. Ask your spouse or trusted friend with help for your upper thighs and lower back. You can use a mirror to help you if you have no such assistance available.

Pay particular attention to those areas that receive a lot of exposure to the sun. You are looking for changes in the shape and size of any mole or discoloration in your skin. You can get detailed descriptions of the different types of skin cancers.

You should become familiar with the way skin cancer looks. If you find something that is suspicious you should show it to your doctor immediately. It may be nothing but the only way to know for sure is to have a professional look at it. Early skin cancer detection is the key to eliminating it on your skin.

The lighter your skin the more careful you need to be. Some ways to protect your skin include wearing sunscreen, covering exposed skin, and wearing hats. These precautions, along with knowing what skin cancer looks like are your best defenses.

About the Author:

Look Out For The Early Stages Of Skin Cancer

Sunday, June 21st, 2009
by Kathy Forcey

The diagnosis of skin cancer can be devastating. It is a scary time and you may be wondering what you should do next. If your skin cancer has been detected in its early stages your chance of survival is very good.

The best chance of keeping skin cancer under control is to be aware of your skin and notice any changes early enough to catch it before it progresses. Your odds of beating it greatly improve if you are proactive and catch it early.

In the first stages of skin cancer you will find out whether you have a non-melanoma skin cancer or a melanoma skin cancer. Early stages for both of these have a very good prognosis for survival. A basal cell carcinoma is very rarely spread beyond a second stage so the prognosis is very good if this is the type of skin cancer that you have.

If it is not stopped, melanoma skin cancer will advance rapidly past stage I and into stage II. That is why it is important to take immediate steps if you have a diagnosis of melanoma. If it is detected during stage I or II, melanoma has an almost 100% survival rate over five years. If detected at stage III, the survival rate decreases to sixty percent. This is quite a drop and makes it clear that early detection makes a big difference in success of treatment of melanoma skin cancer.

It is absolutely vital that you regularly check your skin at least once a month. A doctor should also see you regularly so that your skin can be checked as a part of your normal physical. If you notice anything suspicious on your skin you should have it checked out by a doctor immediately. This is especially true if you have a mole or discoloration that is changing shape and or color.

If you have a wound that doesn’t heal, be sure to let your doctor know about it. Ask your doctor what melanoma skin cancer looks like. Armed with this knowledge, you will know what to look for when you do self exams. It is important that you be able to identify any skin cancer you find.

Early stages of skin cancer can be relatively small in size, about the size of a pea, and progressively grows larger. Eventually other organs will become involved as the cancer progresses through the body. Once this happens the survival rate will drop and other forms of treatment, aside from removal of the cancer, will be necessary.

About the Author:

Is There Any Way To Prevent Skin Cancer?

Sunday, June 14th, 2009
by Kathy Forcey

Though skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, it is also highly treatable and preventable when taking the right precautions. By monitoring your skin frequently and taking preventative measures (such as using sunblock), you can reduce your risk of getting skin cancer.

Staying out of the sun is your best protection. Of course, that is not always possible so stay in the shade and avoid direct sunlight whenever possible. Hats and proper clothing are also positive ways to protect your skin for the sun’s harmful rays.

It’s important to remember that it is possible to be sunburned even when in direct sunlight. You may become sunburned during a cloudy day, or even when underwater in a swimming pool. You should use caution even in such situations.

Make sure you are wearing plenty of SPF fifteen or more sunscreen every time you go out in the sun. You should also make sure that you reapply it often for ways to prevent skin cancer. If you are sweating or swimming make sure that you reapply after each time.

Make sure that you protect the delicate skin of children. Children who are under six months old cannot wear sunscreen on their skin. Keep them out of the direct sunlight at all times and keep their skin covered. When they are old enough to wear sunscreen make sure that they have it on every time they go out to play in the sun. Warn your children of the dangers of sunlight and tell them to stay in the shade whenever possible.

There are several ways that you can detect the possibility of skin cancer on your own time. Keep an eye out for any changes on your skin or growth in moles or the sudden appearance of new ones. Be careful of those that seem to have increased in size or are shaped irregularly. In addition, watch out for transparent or multicolored growths. Lastly, it’s helpful to have your doctor check out any wounds or cuts that seem to take longer than usual to heal.

You should make it a point to have your skin checked on a regular basis when visiting a doctor. .Ensure that you examine your skin every month.This is one of the best ways of detecting skin cancer early. Make sure to be watchful of your skin and health,and if you develop any problems, consult a doctor for immediate treatment.

About the Author:

Statistical Mesothelioma Data

Saturday, June 13th, 2009
by Lelouch Parkman

There are statistical data available about the dreadful mesothelioma cancer. The affected areas of the body are the lungs, heart and stomach but there are isolated cases that the reproductive system is affected also. This fatal disease has brought so much sorrow for the family members as well as the victim himself.

What Do The Statistical Data Reveal?

It is quite a revelation that nearly seventy to eighty percent of all mesothelioma cases that asbesto exposure have been the cause for this disease. Because of the material strength and resistance to fire, asbestos have been commonly used in factories, automobile manufacturing, shipyards, constructions and railroads. This revelation has been around for more than sixty years but companies still manufacture and use them despite of of the health hazards that come with it, probably due to profit reasons.

Another statistical revelation is that mesothelioma has characteristics of being a silent killer. The disease can lie dormant for decades without any signs of it. Almost always it is diagnosed when it is in its advanced stage and when the patient’s age is between fifty to seventy. During this time, survival comes to a glimmer and very little hope can be expected.

Statistical Data Relating To Mesothelioma Treatment:

Sad as it may seem but no cure has been found for mesothelioma. The statistics shoe that when the time comes that mesothelioma is diagnosed, only 12 to 24 months remain in the victims life. The survival rate cannot be extended to five years even though it is detected and treated earlier. Up to eight thousand dollars can be spent with mesothelioma treatments. It is really quite expensive that is why lawsuits are usually filed by mesothelioma patients to cover the medical and other related costs relating to this awful disease.

What Are The Things That The Statistics Does Not Reveal?

Statistics that was gathered only shows the data regarding patients that were already diagnosed with mesothelioma. But those people who have mesothelioma already developing in their bodies but still doesn’t show symptoms, no data can be obtained from them. Nothing can be provided as to the probable number of people who may be diagnosed with mesothelioma in the coming future.

How Can The Statistics Be Helpful?

With this statistics, the government can make regulations to make mesothelioma patients be eligible to apply for compensation. These statistics can be used by the lawyers for use in lawsuits and compensation claims. Attorneys or lawyers can extract data from the statistical information to support their claims.

About the Author: