Oct 21, 2011

The Symptoms Of Leukemia: The Spot Before It's Too Late

Leukemia is a cancer that is very common today. He does not choose who attacks men, women, children, adults, Caucasian, African American, Asian, Hispanic - we are all at risk. According to the latest survey, almost 44 000 people will be diagnosed with leukemia in 2010. It is now 2011. However, the progress we have had in the area of ​​health and medicine, the result of leukemia is promising. Now there is a significant increase in survival rate - just over 50 percent. This may not be a very large number for you, but compared to the 1970 when he was only a chance of survival of 14 percent, 50 percent is almost as free of the disease. Do you agree?
Leukemia survive depends largely on the severity of the disease when diagnosed. As you might guess, the early diagnosis of leukemia may provide a better prognosis compared to late detection. Knowing what symptoms to consider would be a great help to get treatment as soon as possible. The following are common symptoms of leukemia:
• Fever and recurrent infections. The reason for this is that leukemia, you do not have a mature white blood cells to fight against foreign bodies. Do not have a good defense system to protect you from invading viruses.
• Fatigue. Leukemia is a disease with a massive production of abnormal white blood cells. These cells would take a lot of space and prevents the production of other cell types. Since the production of red blood cells is decreased by the process, the delivery of oxygen to your various systems would also be decreased. This is what causes fatigue.
• Bleeding and / or bruising. Bleeding, when linked to cancer, is painless. The same goes with the bruises. Normal bruise would offer to the touch. Bruising, as related to leukemia, there is no pain. Platelets are responsible for clotting, decreased leukemia. This causes bleeding and bruising.
• petechiae. They are tiny, rash-like spots found on the skin. Unlike the rash, but no itching petechiae. This is caused by a rupture of capillaries and a decreased number of platelets.
• Pain. All types of cancer have pain. In case of leukemia, bone or joint pain. This should not be confused with symptoms of bone cancer, however. The pain of bone cancer is caused by compression of the nerves due to tumor growth. In leukemia, is the pain caused by the overpopulation of cells in the bone marrow.
There are many other symptoms of leukemia, but the above would be the most common element. If you encounter one of these, contact your doctor immediately. If you get treatment early stages of the disease, there is the possibility that cancer cells can be destroyed, and you must be one of the few survivors who were alive to tell the story of the fight to the death.
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Sep 29, 2011

How to Diagnose and Treat Lymphoma Cancer?


The lymphatic system is a tubular structure that connects all parts of the body and is essential to combat infections. Lymph is a colorless fluid containing white blood cells (lymphocytes) and is carried by the lymphatic system.
There are different types of ,lymphoma cancer and therefore, in response to a question, how to diagnose and treat lymphoma is a big challenge. The most common type of lymphoma and the term is used interchangeably Hodgkin's disease and other types are known as non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Diagnosis:
Although there are several symptoms of cancer of lymphoma, but they can mimic any other disease, it is difficult to suspect the diagnosis of lymphoma.
Some symptoms are:
·         Swollen lymph nodes
·         Feeling tired
·         Weight Loss
·         Recurrent fever
·         Night sweats
Once the patient has symptoms, he / she can consult a doctor who can perform the diagnostic procedure to confirm the disease. The diagnosis is based on:
·         Complete physical examination of the patient
·         Complete survey personal and family history
·         Physically examine the lymph nodes to present all the anomalies
·         The biopsy test to confirm malignancy in lymph nodes present
·         The chest radiograph to verify any enlarged lymph nodes in the chest
·         Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT)
·         Ultrasound Studies
After the diagnosis is cancer and lymphoma is confirmed, then the patient may undergo further tests to detect the exact stage of the disease.
Cancer Treatment:
·         Radiation Therapy - Powerful x-rays or any such radiations may be used to treat the lymphoma cancer. The radiations are directed to kill the abnormal cancerous cells either by internal or external radiation therapy. However, pregnant women are not eligible for radiation therapy until delivery.

·         Chemotherapy - This therapy uses anti-cancer drugs to destroy the malignant cells in the lymph system. The therapy may be administered through mouth, intravenously or placing directly into the cerebrospinal fluid. Although, chemotherapy may be observed in pregnant women, close watch is required to see any danger to the fetus.

·         Vaccine Therapy - This is a new treatment technique used to treat lymphoma. This technique aims at strengthening body's immunity to fight the cancerous cells. The medications used are directed to restore the immune system and boost its defense against the malignancies.

·         High-dose chemotherapy in combination with stem cell transplant is another treatment option lately being considered. The technique is to replace the destroyed blood-forming stem cells in the patient with the donor stem cells.
Lymphoma cancer is type of cancer that affects the lymph system of the body. There are around 35 and more types of this cancer. Hence, how to diagnose and treat lymphoma cancer is a challenge for medical professionals. Like any other cancer, early detection and prompt treatment are vital.


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Sep 21, 2011

7 FAQs About Breast Cancer


1.    What is the breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a malignant tumor derived from breast tissue. Malignancy itself is a group of cancer cells to invade surrounding tissues and can also spread to other parts of the body that are not directly related to the affected area.

2.    How does it occur?
This disease is caused by a mutation or abnormal changes in our genes that trigger cancer cell growth. Generally what happens in our bodies is that when old cells die, they will be replaced with new ones. If a mutation occurs, cells grow and multiply rapidly out of control to form a tumor. The malignant tumor is what we call cancer.
3.    What are the warning signs?
One of the most common symptoms of the disease is the presence of a breast lump. Abnormal growths can also be found in the lymph nodes under the armpit. Other symptoms include a change in the size, shape and sensitivity of the breast, nipple inversion, skin dimpling, and clear or bloody discharge from the nipple.
4.    I have my family history of breast cancer. Can I inherit the disease?
Any woman or man can be afflicted by the disease, regardless of family history. Although the real history of family increases your risk of getting cancer, in fact, only 10-15% of cases of breast cancer are expected to be caused by an inherited gene mutation. About 80% of women who are diagnosed with the disease have no family history of disease.
5.    What factors can increase the risk of contracting cancer?
The disease can be caused by several factors, including gender, age, race, and birth and breastfeeding. Women aged 55 or older or those who give birth for the first time after age 30 are more likely to have cancer. United States, white women are also more likely than African American women. On the other hand, Aboriginal women's risk of American, Asian and Latin American lower.
6.    Is that also occur in men?
The disease can also occur in men, but very rarely. But the cases of breast cancer in men tend to be more serious due to delays in diagnosis.
7.    I am a recently diagnosed with cancer. Is there a cure? What are my chances of survival?
The survival of the disease depends largely on what stage is less. The sooner it is detected, can be cured. Thanks to modern medical technology, new diagnostic techniques provide a more accurate diagnosis. A patient may undergo treatments such as hormone therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery, depending on the type and stage of cancer.
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer and the second most deadly in women. Visit our site to learn more about cancer as well.

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About Pleural Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the mesothelium, a membrane lining that surrounds internal organs. The mesothelium surrounding the lungs called the pleura, so mesothelioma is the term used for this type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. The pleura is actually the most common place for this type of cancer to take hold. This is because the pollutants that cause the disease (usually asbestos fibers) enter the body through the respiratory tract and lodge in the lungs. However, it is important to note that pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung.

Symptoms
Painful breathing, shortness of breath, persistent, painful cough and chest pain are all common symptoms of the disease. Unexplained weight loss, fever, difficulty swallowing, back pain, and hoarse voice are other issues that may occur with this type of cancer. Malignant mesothelioma can occur in the body for decades before causing symptoms. When health problems begins to become apparent, may be confused with other diseases. These are two reasons why this type of cancer is usually advanced before being detected.
Diagnosis
Since mesothelioma is usually caused by asbestos, the patient's history of exposure to be controlled at an early stage to determine the likelihood that symptoms are caused by cancer. After medical examination, various tests may be performed to determine if mesothelioma is present. Chest X-ray, CT and PET are some examples. MRI and / or pulmonary angiography is sometimes used to confirm the diagnosis.
If abnormal results are detected that might indicate mesothelioma, a biopsy should be performed. This can be done using a sample of fluid from the pleura or a sample of the pleura itself. The larger the sample, the more accurate biopsy results tend to be. Analysis of gene models and other sophisticated tests can be performed on a biopsy to determine exactly what type of cancer is present.
Treatment
The recommended method for treatment of mesothelioma depends on how far the cancer has spread and the overall health of the patient. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery may be the best solution for certain situations. Some people are still candidates for lung transplantation. In other cases, treatment aims to relieve symptoms such as pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs). There are many ongoing clinical trials to find better treatments for each stage of mesothelioma. These include advanced options such as immunotherapy and gene therapy.
Litigation
Many patients who are diagnosed with this cancer file a complaint with the help of a personal injury lawyer. The goal is to get compensation for mesothelioma, which will cover medical expenses and to compensate the victim for pain and suffering caused by the disease. Family members can also choose to file a wrongful death claim after the death of a sick loved one who died from mesothelioma. Because the disease is often diagnosed in older patients after cancer began to spread, rates of long-term survival are generally very poor.




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Sep 20, 2011

Trichomoniasis

Definition
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. The parasite is most often affects women, but men can become infected and transmit to their partners through sexual contact. The vagina is the most frequent site of infection in women, while the urethra (urinary tract) is the most common site of infection in men.
Symptom
In women, who were attacked primarily the vaginal wall, can be acute or chronic. In acute cases of vaginal secretions appear thick turbid yellowish, yellow green, smells bad and frothy. Vaginal walls appear reddish and swollen. Also obtained itching and heat in the vagina. Pain during sexual intercourse may also be a major complaint of perceived patient with trichomoniasis. Patients with trichomoniasis may also experience post-coital bleeding and lower abdominal pain. When secretions are many who come out, can arise irritation in the groin or around the lips of the vagina. In chronic cases, symptoms are milder and usually do not frothy vaginal secretions.
Unlike the women, the men usually do not give symptoms. Even if there are, in general, milder symptoms than women. Symptoms include irritation inside the penis, murky liquid out but not much, heartburn and pain after urinating or after ejaculation.



Figure 1. Picture of vaginal secretions in patients with Trichomoniasis

Treatment
The most effective treatment for trichomoniasis is metronidazole with oral medication. The dose is usually 2 g single dose or 500 milligrams twice daily for seven days. This drug should not be given if the patient is pregnant the first 3 months because of its effect on the fetus. In these circumstances, patients may be using drugs clotrimazole, which its use is inserted into the vagina.
Symptoms of trichomoniasis in infected men will usually disappear within a few weeks without treatment. However, the infected men, although it is never to give any symptoms or symptoms are absent, can continue to infect their sexual partners be treated until he finished. Therefore, both sexual partners should be treated at once to stop the spread of the disease. Patients who are treated are advised not to have sexual intercourse during treatment and before declared cured. People who have trichomoniasis do not protect people exposed to not exposed to anymore. Although treatment is successful, the person can become infected again.
Epidemiology
The incidence in the United States approximately 7.4 million new cases each year. The exact number is difficult to obtain because most of these cases go unreported or undiagnosed. Globally, WHO estimates there are about 180 million new cases each year worldwide. While prevalence rates vary from 5% in family planning clinic clients up to 75% in sex workers. Trichomoniasis has a combined infection rate is quite high with other infectious diseases, such as with gonorrhea, which is known to be significantly associated with trichomoniasis infection. Trichomoniasis also facilitate the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Trichomoniasis is found both in men and women, but more often found in women.
Cause
Trichomoniasis is caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. The parasite is spread through sexual contact with someone who has been affected by this disease. Trichomoniasis attack (urethra) urinary tract in men, but usually without symptoms, whereas in women, more often attacked vaginal trichomoniasis. The risk for this disease depends on the person's sexual activity. Several risk factors for developing this disease include:
• The number of sexual partners during their lives
• Sexual partners currently
• Not wearing a condom during intercourse
Prevention
Because trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease, the best way to avoid it is not sexual intercourse. Some ways to reduce transmission of this disease include:
• Use of condoms can reduce the risk of contracting this disease.
• No borrowing personal tools such as a towel because this parasite can live outside the human body for 45 minutes.
• Clean yourself immediately after swimming in public baths.
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