Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer is associated with the esophagus and it is uncommon cancer but a type of cancer which is not healed easily. There are so many causes behind this like alcohol, smoking, diet, pollutants and many more and there are certain symptoms of Esophageal Cancer which indicates the esophageal cancer.

Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer are as follows :-

Swallowing Difficulty

1. Difficulty in swallowing food :- This is the most common symptom of esophageal cancer. It may happen that when you eat food and swallow then there is some burning sensation in your throat and feeling of sticking food to the food pipe. This can happen due to the tumor that develops inside the esophagus.

2. Unnecessary weight loss :- If you are undergoing loss of weight without trying anything, then you should have to take care of yourself as this is also a common symptom of cancer.

Throat Pain

3. Blood while coughing :- Blood coughing up indicates the problem in throat and the problem must be diagnosed as this may be esophageal cancer.

4. Hoarseness :- If there is some irritation in your throat and there is hoarseness in your voice then you must visit the doctor as this is also the symptom.

5. Chest & throat Pain :- One of the other symptom of esophageal cancer is Chest and throat pain. If there is chest pain and throat pain or burning near the heart then it indicates esophageal cancer.

Fatigue

6. Fatigue :- Fatigue is common symptom of cancer and esophagus cancer too. Thus along with above symptoms fatigue without any reason should be taken in care.

Choking while eating

7. Chocking while eating :- If you are having trouble while swallowing your food and food just come back after swallowing then there may be chances that you have esophagus cancer.









 REFERENCES :-
 American Cancer Society
 Mayo Clinic
 Cancer Research UK

Risk Factors and Causes of Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal Cancer is one of the uncommon cancer but now it is growing from the past 30 years and affecting the lives of people. It is increasing due to change in the dietary habits, pollution and drinking and smoking habits.

There are so many risk factors and causes of esophageal cancer which are as follows :-

smoking & drinking

1. Smoking & drinking Alcohol :- Smoking & drinking Alcohol increase the risk of esophageal cancer. When you smoke cigarette or pipe, then some of the smoke particles are inhaled in through esophagus to the lungs and thus leads to esophageal cancer.

Diet

2.  Diet :- The persons having diet rich in red meat are at higher risk of esophageal cancer. The food rich in spices and hot drinks also increase the risk of cancer. Eastern countries uses much spices and thus are at high risk of cancer. Diet rich in fruits and vegetables is an ideal one and it can reduce the risk of esophageal cancer as these contains certain vitamins and minerals and they are good antioxidants which can fight the free radicals which are responsible for cancer formation.

Barret's Esophagus

3. Barret's esophagus :- This is the condition in which the the cells lining the esophagus become abnormal due to acid reflux in which the acid present in the stomach is shifted back towards the esophagus and led to irritation in the esophagus and abnormality in the esophagus cells.

Obesity

4. Obesity :- This is also a main cause and a risk factor which can increase the risk of esophageal cancer. Obese people are more vulnerable to esophageal cancer as they have more chances to have Barret's esophagus.

Pollutants & Chemicals

                                           
5. Pollutants and certain chemicals :- If you are exposed to certain chemicals and pollutants for a long span of time then you are at a high risk of esophageal cancer and particularly if you inhale these chemicals which include soot, silica dust, metal dust and vehicle exhaust fumes and many other pollutants.

Age Factor & Tooth loss

6. Age & Tooth loss:- Age is also a factor which can put you on risk of esophageal cancer. There is a rare chance of having this cancer in early ages but the risk increases after the age of 45. It has been observed that people who have lost their tooth due to any deficiency of vitamins or minerals or other factors are at more risk of esophageal cancer because they suffer from chewing problems and the large pieces of food irritates the esophagus.


REFERENCES :-
Cancer Research UK
NHS Choices

Esophageal Cancer and types of Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal Cancer is that type of cancer which is associated to the esophagus. This type of cancer generally occurs through the lining tissues of esophagus. Esophagus is also known as food pipe which carries the food from throat to the stomach. This is an uncommon cancer. It is most common in the developing nations like Asia and African countries. Esophagus cancer can develop anywhere in the nearby parts of the esophagus. I can happen due to excessive smoking and drinking and also due to abnormal eating habits and the back action of the acid present in the stomach. There are two types of esophageal cancer one in the upper part and second in the lower part that are Squamous cell carcinoma and Adenocarcinoma of esophagus respectively.

There are two types of Esophageal cancer that are as follows :-

Types of Esophageal Cancer

1. Squamous Cell Carcinoma of esophagus :- This type of esophagus cancer is formed in the upper part of the esophagus and it is common in the Asian and African countries. This type of cancer is caused due to the drinking and smoking at high rates.



2. Adenocarcinoma of esophagus :- This type of esophagus cancer is formed in the lower parts of the esophagus near the stomach. This is associated with the backward flow of the acid present in the stomach. This leads to obesity and increase in the belly.




REFERENCES :-
NHS Choices
Wikipedia
National Cancer Institute

What happens when you quit SMOKING ???

SMOKING cigarette is one of the major cause of many types of tumors and cancers and it can harm us in several other ways like causing mouth cancer, lung cancer, larynx cancer, esophageal cancer, throat cancer, pancreatic cancer cervical cancer and many more. The rate of deaths due to smoking cigarettes is on a rise and numbers are in millions every year. Now if a person quit smoking and lead a normal life, then there should be a drastic change in person's life and the change is shown a\in this article within a span of 15 years after quitting smoking. The effect on body after quitting smoking in different are described as

Effect of quitting smoking

1. After 20 minutes :- When you quit smoking, right after 20 minutes the heart beat and the blood pressure are dropped again to the normal conditions and you feel somewhat relaxed and cool.

2. After 12 hours :- there is a major change after 12 hours in the body and the toxic blood due to the presence of  Carbon Monoxide becomes nontoxic as the level of carbon monoxide drops to normal.

3. After 2 weeks :- the lungs comes to such a position that they start working normally and the functioning is improved as the circulation of air by the lungs improve.

4. After a month :- the ill effects of smoking like the shortening of breath and other ailments like cough becomes less vulnerable. The functioning of lungs improve and the side line hairs of the lungs start working properly and they clean the lungs that were before causing infection to the lungs.

5. After 1 year :- Smokers are at a high risk of heart diseases. After 1 year of quitting cigarette the risk of heart disease is reduced by 50%.

6. After 5 years :- Smokers are at a high risk of various cancers like esophageal cancer, mouth cancer, bladder cancer and cervical cancer but after 5 years of quitting smoking the risk rate is reduced by 50%.

7. After 10 years :- The death rate of a smoker is more than that of a non smoker due to various ailments that they acquire by smoking. After 10 years of quitting of smoking the risk of death by the deadly pancreatic cancer and larynx cancer is reduced by 50%.

8. After 15 years :- After this term the risk of heart disease to the quitter becomes equal to a non smoker.

This was the effect on body when you QUIT SMOKING and I personally recommend you to QUIT SMOKING if you are smoking right now because the pleasure it gave you for few minutes takes away everything from you after sometime. So to QUIT SMOKING is the best way out to live a dignified and healthy life.

Risk Factors and Causes of Bone Cancer

BONE CANCER is one of the uncommon cancer of all the other cancers and it generally develops in the children of age under 20. It can also happen to people of older age group. There are so many factor which can led to Bone Cancer or we can say that factors that can increase the risk of Bone Cancer.

Some of the risk factors and causes of Bone Cancer are as follows:-

1 Age :- As we have generally seen that Cancer is that kind of disease which cling in older ages but in case of Bone Cancer it tend to develop in teenage and young adults. It has connection with the development of bones during puberty. Osteosarcoma and Ewing's Sarcoma is developed in people of age group from 10-20 years of age. Now people of age groups of 40 and above are prone to chondrosarcoma and spindle cell sarcoma.

2. Radiotherapy and earlier Cancer treatments :- It has been studied that people who have undergone cancer treatment earlier in their lifetime are at higher risk of bone cancer. Radiotherapy in early ages causes mutation in bone cells which increases the risk of bone cancer. It has been seen that people who have undergone chemotherapy are 8 times more at risk of osteosarcoma.

3. Knocks and Injuries :- It is a myth that bone injuries and fractures can lead to bone cancer. It may happen that the bone weaken by the early tumor in bone is highlighted due to injury. During any bone injury doctors try to locate early tumors in bones if any.

4. Ethnicity :- It has been studied in America for over a period of 30 years about Ewing's Sarcoma that white Americans are at high risk of about nine times more than the black Americans.

5. Genetic factors :- Li-Fraumeni is a syndrome which is being followed in heredity. It is caused due to faulty genes adopted by the parents. If a person suffers from this syndrome then it will be likely at more risk of developing multiple cancers including bone cancer. The person is also at risk of developing a rare eye cancer named as retinoblastoma. Past history of cancer in family can be a factor also. If mother has developed breast cancer before the age of 45 then her children are at 5 times more risk of osteosarcoma.

6. Having hernia or other bone diseases :- Children having umbilical hernia which is caused during the development of embryo can increase the risk of bone cancer by 3 times and if you have a bone disease named Paget's disease then you are at high risk of Osteosarcoma.

7. Occupation of parents :- It has been observed that the parents who work in fields or especially the women who work in fields during their pregnancy come in contact with the fertilizers and pesticides and it can increase the risk of bone cancer in their child.

REFERENCES :-
Cancer Research UK
MNT

BONE CANCER and types of Bone Cancer

BONE CANCER is one of the uncommon cancer of all other types of cancers. Bone cancer generally affects the normal tissue of the bones and affects the working of bones. Bone cancer can be primary or secondary. Primary bone cancer begins within the bone whereas secondary bone cancer begins in other parts of the body and spread to nearby bones and affects them. Bone cancer may be malignant(fatal) or non-malignant. This mainly occurs in the long bones of the body particularly in arm bones and leg bones. The most common symptom of bone cancer if pain in joints.

There are various types of bone cancers that are as follows :-

1. Osteosarcoma :- Osteosarcoma is is the most common bone cancer that mainly affects the age group of 5 to 20 years. It arises from a bone tissue named osteoid. It mainly occurs in long bones such as thigh bone and arm bone. It is the third most common cancer that develops in children after  brain tumors and leukemia.

2. Chondrosarcoma :- This type of bone cancer mainly develops in adults of age group of 40 to 50 years. It mainly occurs in the cartilage tissue of bones. These mainly occurs in upper arms of body, shoulder, upper leg and between the hip bones known as pelvis.

3. Ewing sarcoma :- This type of bone cancer mainly occur in main bone area and also it can occur in the soft parts and tissues of body such as fibrous, muscle, fat tissues, blood vessels and other supporting tissues. This occurs in the young age group of 10 to 20 years of age. It mainly develops in backbone and pelvis.

4. Spindle cell sarcoma :- This type of bone cancer is likely to osteosarcoma which occurs in adult age group of age more that 40 years of age. It occurs in thigh bones and arm bones similar to osteosarcoma.




REFERENCES :-
National Cancer Institute
NHS Choices
US Mediline Plus

SIGNS and SYMPTOMS of BLOOD CANCER

BLOOD CANCER is one of the uncommon cancer but it is a fatal one if not discovered at early stages. There are various types of blood cancers namely leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. There are various signs and symptoms of blood cancer which if taken care can save a life. Various signs and symptoms of blood cancer are as follows :-

Fever

1. Fever :- Fever is one of the earliest symptom of blood cancer. It is not a common fever. In this a body feels fatigue for a long time. This fever is uneven which heals and come back again and again. If there is fever which shows abnormality then you should report to the doctor to sort out the reason.



2. Unexplained weight loss :- If there is an unexplained weight loss without any indication or reason then it may indicate blood cancer. So you must go for a whole body scan to detect blood cancer.

3. Chills :- Sometimes a person may feel like chilling in normal temperature. This is also a symptom of blood cancer.

Swollen lymph nodes

4. Swelling of lymph nodes :- If there is swelling in the lymph nodes then it may be the blood cancer. Lymph nodes that swell may or may not be painless. If there is any indication of swelling of lymph nodes then its a alarm to go to the doctor to find out the reason.




5. Lack of energy :- In some of the cases person feels lack of energy without doing any sort of work or person may easily exhaust with little or no work. This may indicate the blood cancer

Night sweating

6. Night sweating :- Sweating unreasonably is a symptom of blood cancer. If you experience sweats at night without reason or without doing any work then it is time to worry and you must visit a doctor for bady checkup to know the exact cause.


7. Itching :- In some cases a person  is in a abnormal state due to itching on body without any reason. This also indicates blood cancer.
If all these signs and symptoms are taken in mind at earlier stages of blood cancer then we can stop that cancer to become fatal.

REFERENCES :-
Lymphoma.org
American Society of hematology
Leukemia and Lymphoma research
Leukemia & Lymphoma society

BLOOD CANCER & TYPES OF BLOOD CANCER

BLOOD CANCER as the name suggest is associated with the blood forming tissues. It is an uncommon type of cancer. In blood cancer white blood cells rapidly start growing which doesn't allow the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. It affects the functioning and formation of blood. Most of the blood cancers originates from the blood formation tissue that is bone marrow. It also affects the lymphatic system and formation of plasma cells. There are three major types of blood cancer that are Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma and these are discussed as follows :-

1. Leukemia :- It is a type of blood cancer which originates from bone marrow. In this type of blood cancer White blood cells or W.B.C.s lost control over their formation and starts growing rapidly and obstructs the formation of Red blood cells or known as R.B.C.s and platelets which are helpful in fighting the infections. Leukemia is of two types that are acute and chronic and involves two types of cells that are lymphoid and granulocyte cells or myelocyte cells. Due to this reason leukemia is categorized into four major types that are as :-
(i)   Acute Lymphocytic leukemia or ALL which is common in children and in adults too.
(ii)  Chronic Lymphocytic leukemia or CLL which affects people of older age groups more than 55 of age.
(iii) Acute myelogenous leukemia or AML which affects mostly adults.
(iv) Chronic myelogenous leukemia or CML that also target adults.

2. Lymphoma :- In this type of blood cancer as the name suggests, it affects the lymphatic system of the body which is responsible for removing excess fluids and generates the immune cells. Lymphocytes or immune cells are generally white blood cells that protect us from infections. Lymphocytes which shows abnormal action becomes lymphoma cells and starts dividing abnormally and collects in lymph nodes and other parts of body. Later on they start retarding our immune system. 

There are two types of lymphocytes that are B cells and T cells. B & T cells both collectively fights with infections of body. B cells act as an indicator which stick to the pathogen to be destroyed and T cells actually attack and destroy the pathogen. Lymphoma occurs when these B and T cells transforms and began growing rapidly. These may collect in lymph nodes and forms lump and doesn't let the oxygen to reach other body parts. It may also spread to other parts and can metastatize and spreading of tumor to other parts of body other that lymph nodes is referred to as extra nodal disease.

3. Myeloma :- It is another type of blood cancer which affects the plasma cells of blood which are generally white blood cells that are responsible for producing antibodies that fights infections and certain diseases. Myeloma weakens the body as the immune system gets retarded due inability to fight infections. In multiple myeloma a group of  plasma cells shows abnormal action and become cancerous and they multiplies raising the number of abnormal plasma cells and affects bones, immune system, kidneys and red blood cell count.

REFERENCES :-

Lymphoma.org
American Society of hematology
Leukemia and Lymphoma research
Leukemia & Lymphoma society

TREATMENT OF SKIN CANCER

Skin Cancer is the most common cancer and it has been studied that one out of two persons in America and Australia develops skin cancer in their lifetime. There are three types of skin cancers which have their specific signs and symptoms. Now the question before us is to control and treat this most common type of cancer and following are some of the methods by which we can treat skin cancer. Skin cancer treatment is known as actinic keratoses. It may be treated by using some surgical operations or by using other methods of treating skin cancer.

Curettage

1. Excision :- It is a surgical treatment in which the tumor is cut down by making the skin numb by the dermatologist. It is a very simple and easy method of  treatment. Wounds are healed without stitches.

2. Electrodesication and curettage :- This is also a surgical process which is adopted to treat cancer on superficial layer of skin such as small basal cell or squamous cell skin cancers. In this the affected skin is scrapped with curette and if there are more cancerous cells left then they are burned with electric needle.

3. Mohs treatment or surgery :- As the name suggests it is a surgical treatment in which a specialized dermatologist treats the patient by removing layer by layer of the affected skin area. This treatment is used when there is difficulty in locating the skin cancer. It has very high rates of success.

4. Cyrosurgery or freezing :- In this the doctor or dermatologists freezes the affected skin area with liquid nitrogen which destroys the affected area and the cancer cells are removed.

Chemotherapy

5. Immunotherapy and chemotherapy :- In immunotherapy body of a patient is treated in such a way that its own body fights with the cancer cells. In chemotherapy several medicines & ointments are used to treat the skin cancer. The medicine generally used for treatment of skin cancer is 5-fluorouracil or 5-FU which is applied on affected area and it destroys that affected area and instead of that new skin appears. Several drugs are also taken to destroy cancer cells but along with cancer cells some normal cells are also destroyed. It results in side effects such as hair loss, weakness and vomiting.

Radiotherapy

6. Photo-dynamic therapy :- It is done in two phases. Firstly a chemical is applied on skin and kept for several hours and then this is exposed to a certain light which destroys cancer cells.

7. Radiation therapy :- It is the least recommended treatment for skin and done in case where the skin cancer covers a major area and it is hard to do surgery. It is recommended for patients of old age. There is a risk for developing other type of skin cancer.

REFERENCES :- 

MayoClinic
Cancer Council Australia
WebMD
American Academy of Dermatology

Signs and symptoms of Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer as we have read about the types of skin cancer and according to the types of skin cancer there have various risk factors and cause of skin cancer which led to development of skin cancer. Now the signs and symptoms of skin cancer depends upon the type of skin cancer.

Signs and symptoms of skin cancer are different for different types of skin cancer and these types are Basal Cell skin cancer or carcinoma, Squamous cell skin cancer or carcinoma ans Melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma or skin cancer and these three different types of skin cancer has their own signs and symptoms and let us discuss about them one by one.

Signs and symptoms of Basal cell carcinoma(B.C.C.) :- This is the most common skin cancer and it happens on the parts which are highly exposed to sunlight such as face, neck and head and also it can affect the hidden parts of body such as genitals. This is not deadly cancer and it has its specific signs and symptoms which are as follows :-

1. Pearly bump of pink or flesh colored :- If your body develops a pearly bump or lump of red, brown or flesh color, then it may indicate the basal cell skin cancer.

2. Bleeding sore that may return after healing :- If your skin develops sore and it bleed for unnecessary period of time then it may indicate any sort of abnormality in cells of skin and skin cancer too.

3. Hard white or yellow patch on skin :- If your skin experience any sort of patch coloring white or yellow that fells hard then it may indicate the skin cancer of this type.

4. Unclear pimples :- If you are experiencing pimples that are unable to clear indicate abnormality in skin cells and it may be skin cancer.

5. Red or brown patch that wont heal :- It is common to form patches on skin but if the patch does not heal then it may be skin cancer.

6. Waxy scars (white, yellow or skin colored) :- If your skin experience scars that appear waxy white, yellow or skin colored then you must visit doctor to check out the problem as it may be skin cancer.

7. Slowly growing group of red and pink scars type growths :- If your skin experience growth of group of tiny scars that grows slowly and may bleed on scratch indicate skin cancer.


Signs and symptoms of Squamous cell carcinoma or skin cancer (S.C.C.) :- It is also one of the most common types of skin cancer. It is slightly dangerous from B.C.C.. It may spread to other parts but chances are negligible. It can happen inside mouth, between lips and genital parts. It may also affect the parts which are exposed to sunlight. It may be caused by burns or exposure to chemicals. They are some signs and symptoms of S.C.C. which are as follows :-

1. Reddish pearly bump or nodule that hardens :- If there is a bump on skin surface that hardens and does not heal. Then it may indicate skin cancer.

2. Open scar that may bleed :- If your skin has a scar that bleeds and it heals and again it occurs or  start bleeding. It may indicate S.C.C.

3. Patch on lips :- If your lips experience patches white in color and it does not heal within a specific time period then it may indicate the abnormality in skin cells.

4. Hardening of lips :- If your lips harden and and doesn't heal then you should visit doctor as it may be skin cancer.


Signs and symptoms of Melanoma :- It is the rarest of skin cancers but it is the most deadly form of skin cancer. There are high chances of spreading this cancer to other parts of body. Some general signs and symptoms of melanoma are as follows :-

1. Mole on skin that grows unevenly or changes shape and color :- If your body experience mole that grows and changes its shape and size thus its a cause of concern and must visit a doctor to review.

2. Dark spot that grows quickly :- If there is any black spot on the body that look like mole but grows quickly and doesn't heal on time may result in melanoma.

3. Black or brown streak under nails :- In some cases black streaks appear under finger and toe nails which represents abnormal skin cells and symptom of melanoma.

4. Bleeding unknowingly in new spots of skin :- If there is pain and bleeding at any new spot on the body unknowingly then there is a chance of melanoma.

5. Bruise or infection that doesn't heal :- If you have bruised your foot or there is any infection in the skin and it is for over a large span of time. Then it may point to melanoma

REFERENCES :-
MayoClinic
Cancer Council Australia
WebMD
American Academy of Dermatology

Risk factors and causes of Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer is one of the most common cancer of all cancers. One out of two Americans develops skin cancer in his life time. About 80% of the cancers are not fatal but skin cancers like Melanoma can spread to other parts of the body and may affect life. People having fairer skin tend to develop skin cancer earlier than those have darker one. There are various risk factors and causes which are responsible for developing skin cancer and these are as follows :-

1. Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiations and Sunburn :- Ultraviolet or UV radiations in short are the main cause for skin cancer. Prolonged exposure to UV radiations can cause genetic changes in cells of skin which affect the working of skin cells and may led to formation of cancerous cells. The main source of UV radiation is sun and prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause sunburn and changes in skin cells.

2. Environment and geographical area :- Environmental conditions of a geographical area greatly affects the skin cancer. As we know that there is ozone layer which protects us from UV rays and due to environmental degradation this layer is depleting and UV rays are coming to earths surface. Areas having high pollution levels let more UV rays to reach earth led to more risk of skin cancers.

3. Color of skin :- Skin cancer also decide the extent of skin cancer. People having fair skin are more prone to skin cancer as compared to people having dark one as the people having fair skin produces melanin that is a protective skin pigment in very less amount.

4. Age :- Age is an another risk factor for skin cancer. People of old age are more prone to skin cancer than younger ones.

5. Weak immune system :- If a person already had treatment or organ transplant in his lifetime then this weakens the immune system and that body is more likely at higher risk of developing skin cancer.

6. Drugs and medicines used for other diseases :- There are certain drugs such as thiopurines which are used to treat inflammatory diseases, consumption of which increases the risk of skin cancer.

7. Chemical exposure :- Exposure to certain chemicals such as coal tar, soot, pitch, asphalt, creosote, paraffin wax, petroleum products, arsenic and many more chemicals are responsible for having skin cancer.

8. Radiation therapy and past history :- If a person have undergone radiation therapy or you have some past history of any type of skin cancer then that person is at more risk than those who does not have any past history of skin cancer.

REFERENCES :-

Cancer Research Uk
Cancer Quest
Cancer Council Australia
Stanford Cancer Institute

SKIN CANCER and its types

SKIN CANCER basically refers to the cancer which arises or develop in the tissues of the skin and make changes in the cells of skin. It is one of the most common cancers of all the cancers. Every year about one million new cases are registered and these rates are increasing day by day and its gaining public concern. It has been estimated that one out of two Americans develops skin cancer in their life time. One thing that is on our side is that skin cancer has the highest survival rates all over the globe of about 75%.

There are three types of skin cancer that are described as :-

1. Basal cell skin cancer :- This is the most common skin cancer which is found among the skin cancer patients. About 75% of skin cancers that are diagnosed are supposed to be basal cell skin cancer or basal cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma is rarely been fatal. This is most easily treated skin cancer and most common in people having fair skin. This is mainly caused by prolonged exposure of body to sunlight. It experiences irritation, yellow or white scar, blood from the affected area or pink pearly bump on face or neck.

2. Squamous cell skin cancer :- This is second type of skin cancer which attacks our squamous cells and it is slightly more harmful than basal cell skin cancer. This is common in people having dark skin. This type of skin cancer is developed in areas which are not exposed to sunlight such as under arms, under legs, hands and fingers and hidden parts of body. In people having fair skin it develops in areas more prone to sunlight. It is more likely to spread in other body parts than basal cell skin cancer.

3. Melanoma :- It is the rarest of skin cancer but most dangerous of all three skin cancers. It is more likely to spread to other parts of the body. This type of cancer it most treatable if it is detected earlier. It happens on skin of head, neck and between hips.  It is rarest in people having dark skin but if it happens in them it happens on fingers and palm of hand. Melanoma affects the skin causes change in skin color or mole on skin. It forms irregular lining and it may be fatal if not treated.


REFERENCES :-
Cancer Quest
National Cancer Institute
About.com

Detection and Diagnosis of Lung cancer.

As we have discussed in our previous post that lung cancer is the most deadliest cancer of all consuming maximum lives that happen through cancer. There are some common signs and symptoms of lung cancer by which we can predict the happening of this deadliest disease. Now there are so many methods to detect and diagnose lung cancer which are as follows :-

1. Chest X-Ray :- It is the foremost and the easiest diagnosis method for the detection of lung cancer though it is not so successful as it is sometimes unable to differentiate between cancer and puss in lungs.

2. CT scan or computerized tomography :- It also uses X-Rays along with a dye which is injected into lungs which gives the detailed computerized view of the chest area.

3. Bronchoscopy :- In this diagnoses method a thin tube is inserted through mouth to lungs to collect some cells of the lungs to examine. Its somewhat painful process but it is a quick method.

4. Lung Biopsy :- When lung cancer is detected then lung biopsy is done to find out which type of cancerous cells are there and further operations are performed after analyzing the tissue.


5. Bone scanning :- In bone scanning the nearby bones are scanned to check the extent of the cancer whether the cancer has spread to bones or not.

6. Sputum Cytology :- Sputum cytology is the process of examining a sample of sputum to check whether there is change in cells or not. If there is any change examined in the cells then further treatment is done.

REFERENCES :-
NHS Choices
WebMD

10 Major Signs and symptoms of Lung Cancer

Though lung cancer does not show any sign and symptom in early stages but we can make judgement about lung cancer by considering these signs. These are very common so sometimes we are unable to recognize them. Lung cancer is detected on regular city scan or X-Ray check up.

In spite of having problems of recognizing the symptoms of lung cancer, some sign may indicate you of this deadly problem which are as follows :-

1. Prolonged cough :- If a person is suffering from coughing problem for a long time and this is not healing after taking cough syrups and medicine than it is a cause of concern and you must visit the doctor as it may be the deadly lung cancer.

2. Shortening of breath or wheezing :- If you are having a problem win breathing particularly shortening of breath thus you should go for a whole body scan. It may indicate lung cancer as in lung cancer the efficiency of lungs decreases leading to wheezing or breath shortening.

3. Swelling in neck and face :- Lung cancer causes blockage in the blood vessels. This result in swollen neck and face. These are uncommon symptoms but even if you notice these signs you must go for CT scan and X-Ray to examine whether it is lung cancer or not.

4. Weight loss :- Weight loss unexpectedly can indicate lung cancer thus you must take care of this sign and must report doctor after noticing this sign.

5.  Thickening of fingers :- Changes in fingers including the broadening and swelling of fingers is a major symptom of lung cancer. It is caused due to enlargement of finger bones.

6. Blood with sputum :- This is a common indication of lung cancer and if you notice blood in your sputum then you must immediately go to doctor for scan to clarify about the cause. It may be lung cancer.

7. Loss of appetite :- Lung cancer generally reduces the appetite of the victim and those if you feel like your stomach is filled all time. Then go for full body scan to detect the cause for this.

8. Pneumonia and bronchitis :- Lung cancer generally accompany with other diseases. Having pneumonia and bronchitis may indicate the lung cancer.

9. Pain in chest and shoulder :- If your chest pains when you cough and your shoulder unknowingly feels uncomfortable then it may be lung cancer within you.

10. Abnormal chest growth in men :- One of the major and hidden symptom of lung cancer is the abnormal chest growth in men. If you find any disorder or abnormality with your chest. It is to be taken care seriously and you must go for full body scan to detect the actual problem.

These signs and symptoms are to be taken care and if any if these are associated with you then you must visit doctor and go for full body scan to find out reasons for the problems.

REFERENCES :-
Cancer Research Uk

msn Healthy living
NHS Choices
MedicineNet

Risk factors and causes of Lung Cancer

There are so many risk factors related to Lung cancer which increases the risk of lung cancer and later on becomes the cause of lung cancer and these are discussed below.

Risk factors and causes of lung cancer are as follows:-

1. Smoking :- Smoking is the main risk factor and cause of the lung cancer. 9 out of 10 persons who are having lung cancer is due to cigarette smoking and this percentage counts to be nearly 85% and nearly 3% are affected by secondary smoke. Smoking cigarette has about 60 carcinogens. Smoking increases the risk factor to a large amount and it is also related with the time period from which a person is smoking. People who started smoking at earlier age has more risk of having lung cancer. Cigarettes with filters reduces the risk of cancer. Smoking also causes other lung disorders.

 2. Passive or second hand smoke :- The persons who are not smokers but take passive smoke or second hand smoke are also on a risk of lung cancer but not as much as the active smokers but risk is there. Passive smoke has about 50 carcinogen which can increase the risk of cancer.

3. Asbestos and silica :- Asbestos is a natural substance which is used in construction works and ship building. It has been studied that the exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer. Exposure to silica which is used to make glass can also increase the risk of lung cancer.

4.  Radon gas :-  Radon gas is naturally occurring gas which is radioactive in nature and it can increase the risk of lung cancer to those people who tend to live more in indoor. It is formed from soil and rocks which contains small amount of  uranium. Smokers who tend to smoke indoors are at the highest risk of lung cancer.

5. Environmental pollution :- It has been studied that lung cancer in non smokers is generally caused due to the pollution of environment. The people whose working conditions lie to polluted area are at high risk of lung cancer. It has been studied that in developing countries like India and China where coal is used as fuel in houses are at high risk of lung cancer as smoke of coal persists in their homes.

6. Immunity factors :- Drugs that we use for treatment of other diseases lower the immunity of body and the persons who have some other disorder and is taking drugs to cure it are at high risk of lung cancer.

7. Other lung disease :- The persons who are suffering from chronic lung diseases are at high risk of lung cancer. These diseases such as tuberculosis lowers the body immunity and weakens you from inside as well as outside and thus person is at high risk of lung cancer.

REFERENCES :-
Cancer Research Uk
Life with lung cancer
Cancer quest

LUNG CANCER : MOST DEADLIEST CANCER AND ITS TYPES

There are more than 200 cancers that can affect a human. There are cancers which are not fatal also fatal one are there. The most fatal and deadliest cancer of all cancer is "LUNG CANCER". It has engulfed 160,000 lives alone in United States America which is far more than combining the deaths caused by colon, breast, pancreas and prostate cancer.

These facts are shocking  and the death rate due lung cancer is increasing day by day. There are various type of lung cancers and before the treatment of lung cancer it is necessary and foremost task to determine the type of lung cancer.

There are mainly four types of lung cancers that decide the further set of treatment that is to be used while treating lung cancer.

Various types of lung cancer are as follows :-

1. Small cell lung cancer :- Small cell lung cancer is caused by the smoking, exposure to asbestos and radon. It accounts for about 20% of total lung cancers. This affects the inner parts of lungs and it is further of two types namely limited and extensive. Limited has an access to only one side of lung and extensive affects both sides of lungs. Most of the cases are extensive and there is very less chance of surgery in this type of cancer though radiation therapy and chemotherapy gave better results. In spite of this the survival rate is pretty much low as about less than 20%.

2. Large cell lung cancer :- Large cell lung cancer is found in 10 % of the victims having lung cancer and it is called so because of its large round shape of its cells when seen under microscope. It affects the outer side of the lungs. Its prediction can be done by the signs of prolonged cough and blood coming out with the cough.

3. Squamous cell lung cancer :- This type of lung cancer constitute about 30% of total lung cancer and it affects the inner parts of lungs and its common symptoms are cough from a long time blood while coughing and breathing problem. Incident of squamous cell lung cancer is decreasing after the coming up of filtered cigarettes.

4. Adenocarcinoma lung cancer :- This type of lung cancer is associated with non smokers and they constitute more than 50% of the cases of lung cancer. It constitute a large group of women. Its symptoms are hard to recognize and mostly recognized at time it is diagnosed. Its symptoms may be shortening of breath, fatigue, prolonged chronic cough and blood coughing.

On basis of these four types of lung cancers, further treatment is recommended by the oncologist.

REFERENCES :-
about.com
American Lung association
American cancer association
Cancer Healer

Various STAGES of CANCER

We actually cannot stage cancers as such as various cancers have different pathogenesis or mode of development. Some grow very rapidly while some take many years & moreover growth may get arrested at any stage. It has also been seen that rarely cancers may revert back spontaneously. 

In broad sense if we have to study various stages of cancers development, we can stage them as follows:-

Metaplasia:- This stage may be absent in many cancers such as most f blood cancers but in epithelial cancers such as cervical cancer, its frequently seen. It refers to change of a mature epithelium into another. Epithelium refers to lining cell of any cavity/ skin/ organ. There are various kinds of epithelium for different organs according to function they are supposed to perform. When epithelium changes, its ability to perform its function is impaired and moreover it may be hazardous or injurious.

Next comes stage of DYSPLASIA:- as we know word DYS refers to something abnormal. So is dysplasia refers to abnormal epithelium i.e. Epithelium gets poorly arranged. Various changes seen microscopically are increase in number of layers of cells, changes in epithelial attachment etc. Dysplasia can further be classified into mild, moderate and severe according to size, extent of tissue involvement, microscopic changes etc.

Next is the stage K/A carcinoma in situ:-  Sometimes it may be used interchangeably with dysplasia as its progression of dysplasia only. Carcinoma in situ means it is restricted to epithelium only and has not crossed its boundaries.

Last is the stage of overt carcinoma :- Once carcinogen in situ crosses epithelial boundaries, it starts spreading it becomes overt carcinoma. Usually tumor first invades the local structures n start growing there, it increase in size. At this time usually clinical manifestations start occuring but these may occur sooner or later. These are mostly either due to impaired function of affected organ or due to pressure symptoms i.e. When it grows in size, it puts pressure on surrounding organs disturbing their function also.

Stage of carcinoma can be further categorized on basis of spread. This is different for various cancers. We have various systems of staging such as TNM Staging, very commonly used. AJCC  staging mostly used for cancers of genital tract.

Last and most aggressive of spread of cancer is that of METASTASIS.

Metastatis refers to distant spread of tumor cells.

Example, cancer stomach spreading to bone or lung or any other organ. Various cancers have different tendency to metastatize. There are various theories regarding metastasis. Most commonly cells follow one of these two pathways- HEMATOGENOUS- via blood stream. Tumor cells enter blood vessel supplying tissue if origin, then enter circulation and settle in any other suitable organ. In this way a small cancer can spread to multiple organs. Following a similar fashion, cell may spread through LYMPHATICS. Various cancers have different tendency, regarding which pathway they prefer.

Detection and diagnosis of Breast Cancer

BREAST CANCER the most common cancer in women and the most easily detectable one but sometimes breast cancer is detected or diagnosed after the body starts showing symptoms. If it is detected earlier than the survival chances are more than 80%. But now the  question is How the breast cancer is diagnosed before the body starts showing signs and symptoms??

Here are some of the methods to detect or diagnose a breast cancer :-

1. Physical examination :- In physical examination the whole breast part and nearby parts are carefully examined by the doctor or the person himself so as to detect any sort of lump or skin distortion in or nearby breast. Here the size of and shape of the nipples is also examined and if there is any sort of lump or skin changes are noticed then the patient is advised to go for further tests.

2. Diagnostic mammograms or mammography :- Mammography is a process of  examining the breasts by low beam X-Rays. Mammograms are being used for diagnosing breast cancer in those cases in which the body does not show any signs and symptoms of breast cancer. In diagnostic mammogram two views of both the breast each are taken over a period of time and compared if there is any change in the results.

NOTE :- In U.S. it is advised that the women over the age of 40 must have done their diagnostic mammogram once in a year and  women over the age of  55 must have done diagnostic mammogram twice a year.

3. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) :- MRI is being advised by the doctors along with mammogram to detect the breast cancer if any who have high risk of cancer. Different images are formed on the basis of  the magnetic resonance and the cancer or lump or any other abnormality is detected and further recommended for biopsy.

4. Breast ultrasound :- In ultrasound sound waves are allowed to pass through the targeted part of body and then images are collected on screen and even minor abnormality is detected. In case of breast diagnosis it is known as breast ultrasound. It is most simple diagnosis test. It is also known as sonography.

5. Ductogram :- This test is usually used to determine the cause of nipple discharge. In this test a thin tube is placed inside the duct through the opening of nipple and a fluid is discharge into duct of contrast in color and then X-Rays are projected to locate a lump or swollen tissues in duct.

6. Nipple discharge test :- In nipple discharge test the fluid discharged from nipple is sampled and viewed under microscope to check the cancerous cells in the fluid. If the fluid is milky or light green then there is nothing to worry but if the fluid is reddish or brownish in color then it may indicate the cancer.

7. Biopsy :- This is the most important and accurate test of all the cancer determining tests. in this test a tissue of the affected area is taken out through needle or by surgery and then examined under the microscope over a period of time and behavior of cells is noted and further instructions are given to the patients or the people who are suspected to have cancer. Here in figure we can see that a needle is used to take the sample tissue and fluid from a lump of breast to study.

REFERENCES :-
National Breast Cancer organisation
Breast Cancer India
BreastCancer.Org

Signs and Symptoms of BREAST CANCER

BREAST CANCER: The most common cancer in women. This is the category of cancer for which women did not talked about freely and this becomes a problem in some cases and cancer grows to such a stage from which it cant be recovered. Survival rates of breast cancer is high as that of 80%. Breast cancer is easily diagnosed. By considering the signs and symptoms of breast cancer we can easily diagnose breast cancer and then can proceed for treatment. Following are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer by examining which we can diagnose breast cancer and move for further treatment and these are as :-

1. Formation of lump in breast :- Formation of lump in the breast is the main symptom of breast cancer which can be easily felt. But studies have shown that in maximum cases about 80% of the cases formation of lump is not the reason for the breast cancer. But it should be taken seriously and one must go for breast cancer examination if any such type of lump is discovered or felt.

2. Formation of lump nearby breast or underarms :- It is a myth that breast cancer only happens when the lump develops in breast. It may also indicate the breast cancer if lump is developed near the breast or under the armpits. The two symptoms can also indicate the signs of having breast cancer.

3. Inversion of nipple :- Sometimes it may be the case that the nipples may start inverting and this may lead to distortion of nipple. This type of inversion and distortion of nipple indicates the symptoms of breast cancer.

4. Change in shape and size of the breast :- There may be case that women may experience a sudden and unknowing change in the shape and size of their breasts. This very sudden changes must be taken care seriously as it may lead to breast cancer if ignorance persists. 

5. Swelling and thickening of breast parts :- It may be the case that the parts of breast experience swelling and thickening for a certain period of time. This matter should be consulted with doctor as it may grow up to become breast cancer.

6. Discharge of fluid from nipple :- In some cases clear fluid starts discharging from nipples and it may accompany blood with this also. This is the another sign of having breast cancer.

7. Pain in nipple and breast area :- It is one of the main sign and symptom of breast cancer. If the breast area and the nipple experience pain unknowingly. Then it is a cause of concern and must go for breast cancer screening.

8. Changes in breast skin :- If the breast skin forms a dimpling or any sort of irritation or if the breast skin becomes flaky and there is redness on any part of area including nipple area. Then it is a cause of concern and this should be taken care seriously as it is also a sign and symptom of breast cancer.

If you are noticing any of these signs and symptoms in your breast and body then you must go for your body screened so as further treatment and cure should be carried on if the breast cancer is diagnosed.

REFERENCES :-
National Breast Cancer organisation
Breast Cancer India
NSU
WebMD

Risk factors and causes of BREAST CANCER

BREAST CANCER is one of the most common cancers in women.  Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women covering 23% of total women suffering from cancers. It is estimated that breast cancer is responsible for 14% deaths that occur due to cancer in women numbering 4.6 lac lives. This cancer is easily diagnosed and its survival rates are high too figuring 80%. It is that category of cancer that is not openly talked about. There are various risk factors of this most common cancer in women which are responsible for its growth. Following are the risk factors or we can say that the causes of  breast cancer are as follows :-

1. Having children in later age or having no children :- It has been observed that the women who had their child after they crossed 30 or the women which have no child are at the higher risk of having breast cancer. The scientific reason is that being pregnant early the net menstrual cycles are reduced and the risk of having breast cancer reduces. 

RISK FACTORS AND CAUSES OF BREAST CANCER

2. Alcohol :- The women who consumes alcohol are at higher risk of breast cancer. It has been observed that women who consumes 2 to 5 drinks a day are at 2 time more risk prone to breast cancer and other type of cancers.

3. Lack of exercise :- It has been studied that the persons who exercise regularly are at lower risk of breast cancer. 20 to 25 minutes of brisk walk( walking swiftly with your mouth closed) daily reduces the risk of breast cancer by about 20%. More exercise than this may reduce the risk a little more.

4. Lack of breast feeding or no breast feeding :- It is observed by doctors that there is less risk of having breast cancer to a women if she has had provided breast feed to her child. Te risk more reduces if the breast feed is given over a period of 1 to 2 years which generally doesn't happen in developed countries. 

Breast feeding generally reduces the menstrual periods thus lowering the risk of breast cancer.

5. Obesity :- Obesity is also a factor which increases risk of cancer including the breast cancer.

6. Use of birth control pills :- It has been observed in women that the risk of breast cancer is more in women who use birth control pills as compared to those who doesn't used so. So the women must consult the doctor while choosing the birth control pills.

These are the some of the risk factors and causes of breast cancer which must be considered especially by women to prevent themselves from acquiring cancer.

REFERENCES :-

American Cancer Society

Breast Cancer India