Showing posts with label Internal Medicine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Internal Medicine. Show all posts

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.
READ MORE - The Symptoms Of Leukemia: The Spot Before It's Too Late

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.


READ MORE - How to Diagnose and Treat Lymphoma Cancer?

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.

READ MORE - 7 FAQs About Breast Cancer

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.




READ MORE - About Pleural Mesothelioma

Sep 20, 2011

hepatitis B













Definition
Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) B is a disease caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV), which can cause acute or chronic inflammation of the liver are in a minority of cases may progress to liver or liver cancer sirosi. Hepatitis B Hepatitis is a disease that most often the case that are rarely known to the layman, but the virus is 100 times more infectious than HIV. Hepatitis B virus is transmitted through blood and infected body fluids, this can occur in a state;
1. Direct contact with blood blood
2. Unsafe sexual relationships
3. The use of unsterile needles
4. An infected needle stick
5. Contaminated needles used to make tattoos, acupuncture, body piercing
6. At the time of pregnancy - maternal-fetal transmission of the birthing process
7. The use of a razor blade along
8. Blood transfusion

Symptoms and Signs
The incubation period before onset of clinical symptoms of HBV approximately between 6 weeks to 6 months, but almost a third of cases of people with no symptoms at all. The rest of HBV infection can cause symptoms like the flu, accompanied by body limp and pain, headache, fever, decreased appetite, diarrhea, jaundice (yellow), nausea and vomiting. Symptoms can become heavy and last for months coupled with the pain the stomach, diarrhea, and jaundice.
Jaundice occurs in hepatitis due to liver disease can not remove bilirubin in the blood. So it can change the color of the skin and whites of the eyes become yellow.

Governance
Most people with hepatitis B do not require special treatment other than rest and they will recover completely.

If HBV infection persists for more than 6 months (chronic hepatitis infection), may be given antiviral medications called alpha interveron. Treatment aims to reduce the risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer

Prevention
Hepatitis B is included in the hazardous agent in health care workers, police, and service kegawat daruratan. So these workers must be careful in doing its job.

There is an effective hepatitis B vaccine to protect people from infection with HBV. Family and other household members of patients with hepatitis B should be in a vaccine against hepatitis B. Here are the ones that need to be vaccinated;

1. Family and other household members of patients
2. People who are in jobs exposed to body fluids (c /: health workers)
3. People who travel to endemic countries
4. Newborns of infected mothers
5. Drug users
6. People who are having unsafe sex
7. Prisoners
READ MORE - hepatitis B

Biological Therapy of Breast Cancer


Breast cancer treatment business is the best cure in early stages. Because treatment at an early stage will give results in line with expectations. But the treatment of breast cancer in any stage should be done rationally and responsibly in order to continue to receive optimal results. This was stated by dr. Heru Purwanto, MSC, SpB (K) Onk on Sunday Talkshow in Siloam Hospitals Surabaya on Sunday (22 / 3) with the theme "Breast Cancer and Handling In Session" 
There are several kinds of cancer treatment such as through surgery, light therapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy, biological therapy, immune therapy, genetic therapy, and combination of these. There are several kinds of cancer treatment such as through surgery, light therapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy, biological therapy, immune therapy, genetic therapy, and combination of these. Dr. Heru Kiatsehat encountered after the ceremony said that the biological therapy is now a new therapy that can help treat breast cancer.
Biological therapies for cancer is an alternative treatment that is safe, useful, logical thinking medicine, easy in implementation and based on an in-depth scientific research. "Biological therapy that are specific to some tumors that contain a receprtor," said dr. Heru. This therapy has been around since the 1990s, have long been developed in western countries and currently has existed in Indonesia.
In the biological therapy of cancer patient's body sought to strengthen and improve the quality of life. Biological therapies are developed for cancer patients who have complex problems, such as immune disorders, pain, decrease the body's main functions such as eating, sleeping, breathing, moving, pooping and sexual function and psychological stress. Biological therapy is often a viable alternative when conventional therapies can not be done due to various conditions and reasons for either medical, psychiatric and socioeconomic cancer patients.
Currently patients with breast cancer need not worry about the outcome of breast cancer opersi action. The development of medical technology and the skills of doctors in Indonesia makes breast cancer patients feel comfortable, even in terms of postoperative aesthetics. Dr. Tjandra Purnawan, SpBP who was also present as a speaker said that in terms of aesthetics (beauty) of breast surgery, this time aiming to improve the condition of the body that are less harmonious.
Breast surgery is not only done for cancer treatment, current developments on the formation of breast surgery breast (mammoplasty), such as enlarging the breast (augmentation), breast tightening, reduce (reduction) to improve the shape of the nipple. Plastic surgery would be safe if done with a plan and proper preparation by a plastic surgeon by following the correct rules of surgery.
READ MORE - Biological Therapy of Breast Cancer

Sep 18, 2011

Cancer


Cancer is a disease that can attack all parts of the body. Body regularly produces new cells that are useful for cell growth and to replace damaged or diseased. Normally, cells grow and develop in ways that remain. Nevertheless, there were abnormal growth (not controlled), which then seemed to be a "bump" the so-called tumor. 

The tumor consisted of benign and malignant tumors. Benign tumors are growths of abnormal cells that do not cross network boundaries, grew slowly, or webbed bersimpai wrapper so easily operated and removed. Medium tumor is malignant or cancerous growth of abnormal cells that grow rapidly, not bersimpai, growth slipped into another section through the lymph vessels.

Carcinogenesis or the occurrence of cancer starts with simple changes that often turns into benign tumors and most tumors eventually become malignant or cancerous.

Cancer cells can escape from a cancer cell of origin (primary cancer or primary cancer) through the bloodstream or lymphatic channels (lymph nodes) and spread to other body parts. When these cells reach the other part (spread) and evolve to form new tumors in other parts of the body, called secondary tumors (secondary tumors) or metastatic.

In addition to originate from the network, sometimes - sometimes blood stem cells in bone marrow can also multiply abnormally, and is known as blood cancer (leukemia), multiple myeloma and lymphoma malignum.

Looks cells - cancer cells that penetrate the network boundary locally and eventually spread through the blood vessels or lymphatic spread to other parts - parts that are far from the place of origin ("distant metastases").

Indications of very prominent cancer depend on which organs are infected, but in general gives cancer symptoms are as follows:
• artifacts bleeding or discharge that is not fair, as well as salivary fluid, continuous bleeding, nipple discharge are contained blood, bloody fluid hole intercourse outside of the menstrual cycle and menopause, found blood in the faeces, blood in urine up to cough or
vomit containing blood.
• Losing weight rapidly due to less fat and protein (kaheksia)
• Lumps in the breast
• Changes in moles or skin striking
Specifically, the cancer has a type based on the organ attacked. Fore also have typical symptoms of each, but did not rule can also be combined symptoms.

Brain Cancer
Dizziness or pain / headache, body feels weak, numbness of the arms and legs, changes in memory, difficulty walking, abnormal changes in vision significantly, difficulty speaking.
Oral Cancer
There is a thrush in the mouth, tongue and gums that do not heal.
Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Bleeding through the nose is mild to severe, or blockage of the nose, ear pain, ear ringing, discomfort, eye complaints in the form of double vision, enlargement or lump in the neck.
Cervical Cancer
The most common symptom of cervical cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding or spotting (spotting) of the vagina. Abnormal bleeding is especially true after sexual intercourse, but can occur also between two menstrual bleeding, menorrhagia, or spotting / bleeding postmenopause. If the bleeding lasts for a long time the patient may complain of fatigue and weakness due to anemia experienced. Watery yellowish spots which can be followed with the fishy smell is a sign of malignancy. Symptoms usually only appear when the abnormal cells turn into malignancy and infiltrate into surrounding tissue.

In later stages, patients may complain of smelling vaginal spotting, weight loss, and obstruction (blockage) in urination.
If the cancer has spread to the pelvis back pain may occur followed by a bottleneck in urination as well as hydronephrosis (enlarged kidneys). Symptoms of bladder or rectum (hematuri <kencing berdarah>, hematoschezia <CHAPTER bloody>, fistulas) may be associated with spread to the bladder and rectum in invasive tumors.

To become cervical cancer takes up to a dozen years. Lesions (wounds or marks) in early cervical cancer can be a lesion induration (hard) or ulceration (ulcers), or areas of little elevation (elevated) and bergranul that bleed easily when touched.
Ovarian Cancer
As many as 60% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer has entered advanced stages of disease. Generally not found on this cancer early symptoms, if there are usually vague. The symptoms include pelvic pain, bloating, tiredness, weight loss, constipation (constipation), irregular menstrual bleeding. On physical examination found the presence of a mass or lump in the hip is a sign that should be suspected.
Breast Cancer
Lumps, thickening of the skin (tickening), change shape, itching - itching, redness, pain not related to breastfeeding or menstruating.
Gastrointestinal Cancer
The presence of blood in the stools which are marked with bright red or black, discomfort continue - constantly on the stomach, lump in the abdomen, pain after eating, weight loss.
Uterus Cancer (uterus)
Bleeding diperiode - coming month period, the expenditure of blood during menses unusual and incredible pain.
Cancer Colon / Bowel Wall
Bleeding in the rectum, there is blood in the stool, change in bowel movements (diarrhea is continuous or difficult bowel movements).
Bladder or Kidney Cancer
There was blood in the urine, pain or burning on urination, frequency or difficulty urinating, pain in the bladder. 
Prostate cancer
Urinating is not smooth, continuous pain in the back waist, penis and upper thigh.
Leukemia
Pallor, chronic fatigue, weight loss, often subject to infection, easily hurt, pain in bones and joints, nosebleeds.
Skin Cancer
Bumps on the skin that resemble warts (hardened like horns), infection is not cured - cured, the spots change color and size, pain in certain areas, change in skin color of the spots.
Complication
A frequent complication in cancer patients is an infection that is in people with advanced cancer. Infections caused by deficiency of protein and other nutrients as well as immune system suppression that often occurs after conventional treatment.

Cancer treatment depends on the type or types of cancer, where the origin of the cancer or its spread pattern. Age, general health condition of patients and treatment system also affects the process of cancer treatment.

Treatment is generally given by:
1. Surgery or surgery
2. Chemotherapy (with drugs - drugs) or
3. Radiotherapy (using radiation beam).
4. Hormonal therapy
5. Biological Therapy
6. Immunotherapy (an increase endurance)

In general, typically use more than one kind of treatment in the above manner, such as surgery followed by chemotherapy or radiotherapy, often used in combination treatment (surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy). After that, sometimes - sometimes given hormonal therapy and biologic most suit your needs.

The main objective is to remove the cancer surgery as a whole, because the cancer can be cured only if you have not spread to other places. Sedangkn aim of chemotherapy and radiation to kill cancer cells or stop the growth of cancer cells that are still left behind, or at least slow down the development of new cancer cells.

Thus, cancer can be cured through chemotherapy and radiation treatment or when the cancer was so advanced, at least such treatment can serve to reduce the symptoms.

Diet
Foods that vary greatly needed in a balanced diet. Although we sometimes do not feel hungry, try to keep eating regularly, although only in the form of snacks.

Patients should be flexible to changes in eating patterns. Eat a big meal when appetite is good to replace the deficiency portion of the time a patient is losing your appetite. Contact your dietician for dietary problems.

Fluid
The liquid is needed to flush the chemotherapy drugs in the body as well as to reduce the side effects that may arise. When the drug is given intravenously, the patient needs to drink in large quantities within 24-48 hours after chemotherapy. If the chemotherapy drug administered by mouth, so fluid that are needed at the same time at the time of drug delivery.

Ask the amount of fluid that must be taken. Soup, jelly and fruit can be consumed to replace lost fluids in addition to drinking water in significant amounts.

Skin Care
Nurture the skin during chemotherapy, particularly from rashes, infections, peeling or changes in the nails. If any abnormalities, check with your doctor.

The air is fresh and clean will greatly help the skin condition.
The skin may be changed to be more sensitive to the sun, protect by wearing a hat, long sleeves and sunscreen.

Support Family and Relatives
Every person reacts differently when I first heard they have cancer. Feelings will be chaotic and volatile. Feeling worried and depressed is a normal reaction. Some people would tend to think of just the disease while others think about treatment.

Family and friends often are needed as a companion or friend in the face of this difficult time. Talking with family and friends can ease the burden.
Sometimes - sometimes shared with outsiders more easily done. Talk to the elder person, or a religious leader.

Suffering from cancer are closely related to financial issues. It is very important to discuss with family and doctor, openly and honestly. Discuss this problem, do not be forced to bear alone.

Stay fit and active. Normal life as usual and keep to always think positive. Try to get back on its original activity after chemotherapy (talk to your boss and your doctor).

In the end, chemotherapy is a joint effort. Family, relatives, coworkers and their boss is very necessary to support and contribute to the process. PATIENT IS A KEY FIGURE in this process, guided by a skilled physician, used to dealing with cancer patients and controls regarding the drug - as well as side effects of anticancer drugs. However, the success of the responsibility of all who surrounded him, especially families, because ultimately the patient will succeed with the support of people - those around him.
READ MORE - Cancer