Lung Cancer and the Symptoms

By Ernesto Pramasetya

With 164,000 new cases in the United States and 20,600 new cases diagnosed in Canada every year, lung cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the North America. Although ranked below the prostate and breast cancer on the prevalence, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and Canada. In the United States, a five-year survival rate for lung cancer is relatively low at 14 percent, and the number rose only to 50 percent if the cancer is detected early.
The biggest risk factor for lung cancer is cigarette smoking, behavior that gives 85 to 90 percent of all cases. Long-term exposure to secondhand smoke also causes lung cancer. The main risk factors include exposure to workplace chemicals carcinogenic, especially asbestos and organic chemicals such as vinyl chloride. Exposure to radon gas and other air pollutants also increases the risk of lung cancer, especially among smokers.
Oxygen reaches the blood through a series of tubes and passages in the lungs. It is divided into so-called respiratory tract, which is divided into branches called bronchioles smaller. At the end of the bronchioles are tiny air sacs known as alveoli. Most lung cancer begins in the lining of the respiratory tract, but cancer can also start in the trachea, bronchioles, or alveoli. Approximately 20 percent of lung cancer patients had small cell carcinoma, a type of lung cancer that usually starts at around the respiratory tract. Squalors cell carcinoma also often comes near the bronchi. It contributes about 30 percent of all lung cancers.
Lung cancer frequently goes to be considered in the early stages. Patients can develop persistent cough or a finding that the worsening of chronic coughing. Other symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, hoarseness, coughing up blood from the respiratory tract fluids, and frequent bouts of bronchitis or pneumonia. Sometimes early symptoms of lung cancer are bone pain, headache, dizziness, or signs of other diseases that have metastasized.
People with early warning signs should consult their family doctor, who will evaluate the symptoms and can refer patients to doctors who specialize in cancer. A doctor will first take the patient's medical history to learn about current symptoms, past history of disease, and family members diagnosed with cancer. The procedures used in the physical examination depend on patient's clinical symptoms and may include a digital rectal examination, where doctors use a gloved finger to gently check the smoothness of rectal lining. Doctors can perform breast examinations on female patients, where the soft breast was investigated to feel a lump or mass that is not unusual.
During the exam your doctor may use a thin tube called an endoscope to look radiant tumor in the internal body cavity. Endoscopic procedures are used depending on the organ or body cavity inspection. In gastric endoscopy, the doctor feeds a specialized endoscope into the throat to examine the layers of the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine. Colonoscopy uses a longer flexible instrument to view the entire length of the colon.
A number of laboratory tests may help narrow the diagnosis. In a Pap smear, cervical epithelial cells removed from plastic with a small brush. These cells are examined under a microscope for cell changes that are signs that the cancer can develop as well as signs of malignancy. If clinical signs suggest colorectal cancer patients, doctors may find blood in the stools with fecal occult blood tests. A small sample of stool is smeared on the patient card coated with a chemical called guaiacum, which reacts with blood. Cards were analyzed in the laboratory for occult (hidden) blood. Other tests for signs of tumors, the chemicals present in higher levels of certain cancers when present. For example, a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood.
These include computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan. CT and MRI scans use a computer to form three-dimensional images of tumor and surrounding tissue. X-ray called a mammogram breast images help physicians detect and evaluate breast cancer. Ultrasound scan of high-frequency sound waves bounce of the tumor and surrounding tissue to create an image of the tumor. Multimodality display technique combining images from multiple imaging devices into a single image, giving the final three-dimensional images with much greater detail. Computer aided diagnosis using sophisticated computer technology programming called artificial intelligence to scan X-ray mammograms and to help search for signs of cancer and offers an automatic second opinion.
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October is Breast Cancer Month

By Sandy Powers

Four years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The cancerous tumor could not be felt by me or my gynecologist or the surgeon who performed my mastectomy. My film mammogram and my ultra sound were inconclusive, but I had a radiologist that wouldn't stop. The tumor finally showed up on a diagnostic mammogram. It was difficult to see and impossible to feel because the tumor was in the back of my breast close to the chest wall. I am one of those very fortunate women who have not become a statistic. Over 40,000 women die every year from breast cancer. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths of women in the United States. (Lung cancer is first.) While there are no guarantees in life, there are measures to take to give you an edge.

There are two types of screening mammograms: digital and film. Get a yearly digital mammogram. They are more definitive than a film mammogram. A digital mammogram takes an electronic image of the breast and stores it on a computer. Images can be enhanced and brightened for a clearer reading by a radiologist. Digital mammograms use less radiation than a film mammogram. A film mammogram takes a picture of the breast on film, like a picture. It can't be altered, magnified, or brightened.

Early detection of breast cancer can give a woman an 81% five year survival rate. In my case, I have a 20% rate of cancer recurrence so I am close to the 80% five year survival rate. I have one year to go. But a digital mammogram is not all you can do to give you an edge. Walking everyday for 15 to 30 minutes a day keeps you fit and the weight down. Too many extra pounds increase risk of breast cancer. Take 15 minutes of that walk in the sunshine without sunscreen. Your skin will absorb healthy amounts of Vitamin D. Studies have shown Vitamin D helps fight breast cancer.

Eat healthy. Lower your intake of fats while increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables. Don't forget the orange juice. Reduce stress. Learn to meditate or learn yoga. Stress is a killer. Put your resources to staying healthy in both mind and body. This has been my regimen for four years now. Every year I look forward to New Year's Day and this year is no exception.

A breast cancer survivor who also battled liver disease, Sandy Powers turned to organic foods after her mastectomy to heal her liver and fight cancer recurrence. Her research and amazing results she shares in her recently published book "Organic For Health." Visit Sandy at http://www.organicforhealthsite.com

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Breast Cancer - Reduce Your Risk With Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplements

By Henry Pops Hugo

Cancer is second to heart disease as a cause of death in the USA. For women breast and colorectal cancer are the second most common causes of death among cancer sufferers. Studies suggest that using Omega 3 fish oil supplements can reduce the risk of cancer.

Research into dietary factors affecting cancer has shown that a higher consumption of fish over meat can reduce the possibility of developing these cancers. This result was attributed to the Omega 3 fatty acids present in fish.

Fish and fish oil supplements contain rich quantities of the Omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. These fatty acids appear to reduce the risk of developing cancer.

The Omega 3 fats EPA and DHA are called essential fatty acids. This means that they are necessary for the good health of the human body. However the human body cannot manufacture these fatty acids, they must be provided in the diet.

Fish are an excellent source of these Omega 3 fatty acids. In contrast meat contains more of the Omega 6 fats which counteract the effect of the Omega 3 fats.

Research into the balance of Omega 3 to Omega 6 fats has shown that the ratio of these fats in the diet should be as close to one to one as possible. However in most Western countries where more meat than fish is consumed the ratio can be as high as thirty to one. This unhealthy ratio is a possible contributor to the higher risk of cancer among Western countries. Countries in which the diet contains more fish there is a lower risk of cancers.

Cold water oily fish such as salmon, sardines and tuna are excellent sources of Omega 3 fats. Vegetarian sources include flax seeds and nuts such as walnuts. Eating two portions of fish per week has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of cancer.

Where fish are not readily available or there is a resistance to eating more fish the taking of Omega 3 fish oil capsules can provide the necessary Omega 3 fats to reduce the occurrence of cancer.

These capsules are manufactured from raw fish oil using a process called molecular distillation which eliminates the pollutants such as mercury and heavy metals which are also health risks. The end product is highly concentrated and rich in the healthy Omega 3 fats.

Taking of Omega 3 fish oil capsules is not a short term quick fix but a long term investment in good health. There are numerous other benefits to taking Omega 3 fish oil supplements. Start today to invest in your own good health.

Reference for this article is http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10443950

Henry "Pops" Hugo recommends natural supplements for better health. For important information about Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplements for improved health visit http://www.omega3life.info/ to learn about concentrated Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplements for your optimal health.

A Healthier Life is a Happier Life!

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Mesothelioma - Common Questions and Answers

By Thomas Ajava

Mesothelioma is a cancer associated with asbestos exposure. Fortunately, it is very rare compared to other forms of cancer in the general population. Unfortunately, it has a very high mortality rate. In this article, we take a look at some common questions and answers regarding it.

Q: Why have some a difficult name?

As if being diagnosed with cancer isn't bad enough, most people are more than a little frustrated that they can't even pronounce the name of it. "Me..so..thee..lee..ohma" is not a name just conjured from the air. Instead, it gets its name from the part of the body where the cancer tends to manifest - the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a lining found in the chest cavity and abdomen. It surrounds most organs including the heart and lungs. The lining consists of two layers with a lubricant between them. When the heart beats or the lungs take in air, the mesothelium lets them move without damaging one another.

Q: Am I Going To Die?

Well, we all are going to die at some point. I could get hit by a bus tomorrow and so could you. That being said, the first question is whether you have a benign or malignant form of the cancer. The benign version is, of course, not going to lead to fatality. Ah, but what about the malignant form.

A diagnosis of malignant Mesothelioma is often fatal, but not always. Approximately 9 percent of patients survive five years after being diagnosed. The key is to make it through the first 2 years. Most patients die during this period, but those that live longer usually survive.

Q: What Course of Treatment Is There?

The treatment course for Mesothelioma depends entirely on your specific condition. There are different stages of the cancer and each has its own typical treatments. In general, you can expect surgery to remove areas of cancerous growth including potentially a lung. You can also expect this to be combined with very aggressive chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Mesothelioma is also one area where doctors are universally very aggressive. You will want to confer with a Mesothelioma specialist, and can expect them to recommend you participate in clinical trials of potential treatments that have not been approved by the FDA yet.

A Mesothelioma diagnosis was a death sentence 20 years ago. This is no longer the case. If you, a friend or loved one is diagnosed with it, be positive and aggressive in seeking treatment.

Thomas Ajava is with NiagaraMesotheliomaLawyer.com - your online resource for finding a Niagara Mesothelioma lawyer to handle your case and answer your questions.

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Mesothelioma Cancer Increases With Industrialisation

By Daizy John Smith

There are so many types of Cancers. One of the prime types of Cancer is Mesothelioma. It is always caused by the exposures of asbestos. This is the Cancer that was never popular in the world before some years but due to industrialization and also because of the mal-working situations, the problem of this cancer is doubled. In this Mesothelioma Cancer, the Malignant Cells develop in the Mesothelium that disrupts the entire progress of body's internal organs functioning.

The major parts that are having most of the diseases occurrence in body are the pleura, peritoneum and also the pericardium or even the tunica vaginalis. These are the pivotal places of spreading the diseases. In most of the cases the diseases is caught to the people working in the places that are having huge number of exhaust of asbestos particles. Dust and fiber are the main elements that are responsible for this asbestos exposure. Also the fiber is the element that can never be disposed and also that can make the entire environment polluted if tried to dispose with burning them.

Another place that has the danger of having this disease to get caught is the washing of cloths. If there are ample of cloths washing of all the house persons, there are chances of getting the dust to get inhaled in the breathing and more of the inhalation of dust is the prime cause of Mesothelioma. Smoking is not the prime reason of this diseases but still the smoke of tobacco have lots of asbestos and inhaling these asbestos is an invitation to this diseases.

The Symptoms of Mesothelioma are simple and clear. Shortness of breath is one of the most revealing reasons. This shortness is caused by pleural effusion. Another symptom is the chest wall pain. Even weight loss is one of the reasons that indicate the disease. So, in case any of the symptoms is felt it immediately should be sorted out and get cleared.

So, Mesothelioma Cancer is the diseases that make huge sense and the causes of the disease should be avoided.

Read full story at Simplehealthguide.com

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Blood Cancer - Causes and Treatment

By Corwin Brown

Blood is a part of the body. Blood has different components sch as red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma. The red blood cells (RBC), platelets also called monocytes because it is belong to the "myeloid" group and other white blood cells belong to the "lymphoid" group. Lymphoid cells are affected. Disease progresses quickly. This is most common among children. Blood cancer or Leukemia is actually a group of diseases, each of which impede with the normal functioning of blood cells and progressively weaken the system. Leukemia is classified as either Acute or Chronic. Blood and urine samples may also be tested for various substances, called tumor markers, which may indicate cancer.

Causes

A weakened immune system - this may be a result of drugs that suppress the immune system (such as those used for organ transplants), high doses of radiation (such as in radiotherapy for another cancer), or diseases that affect the immune system (such as HIV).

Contact with a chemical called benzene, one of the chemicals in petrol and a solvent used in the rubber and plastics industry.

Genetic disorders like Fanconi anemia, Schwachman-Diamond syndrome and Down syndrome.

Treatment

In radio immunotherapy, an immunotoxin--a hybrid molecule formed by coupling an antibody molecule to a toxin--is injected into the patient. The antibody locks onto a signature protein the cancerous cells express and delivers the toxic dose to the cancer cells. Because the treatment is precision-guided, adverse effects to the rest of the body are minimized. Preliminary results with the new drug are extremely promising--completely eradicating the human cancer cells grafted to mice.

Your doctor may prescribe medications, sometimes called "growth factors," that encourage your body to produce more blood cells. Medications are also used to prevent low blood cell counts in people who have a high probability of experiencing complications of cancer treatment. Medications have benefits and risks, so talk to your doctor about the possible side effects of drugs used to boost blood cell counts.

Most people feel confused and overwhelmed when they are told they have leukaemia. It's a very distressing time both for them and their families. An important part of cancer treatment is learning how to talk about how you are feeling, and getting support with the physical and emotional symptoms you are experiencing.

For more advanced cancer, you can receive extra support, known as palliative care. Doctors and nurses based in hospitals, hospices and pain clinics specialize in providing the support you need, and can also visit you at home.

Many everyday activities put you at risk of cuts and scrapes. A low platelet count makes even minor abrasions serious. A low white blood cell count can turn a small cut into a starting point for a serious infection. Use an electric shaver rather than a razor to avoid nicks. Ask someone else to cut up food in the kitchen. Be gentle when brushing your teeth and blowing your nose.

Biological therapy uses special immune system cells and proteins to stimulate the body's immune system to kill cancer cells. Biological agents such as interferons, interleukins, monoclonal antibodies, tumor necrosis factors and colony-stimulating factors are natural substances found in the body that help alter the way the immune system reacts to cancer. Researchers are now able to create reproductions of some of these biological agents in laboratories, imitating the natural immune agents. These agents are used to augment the anti-tumor immune response of the patient.

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