Saturday, November 21, 2009

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Tuesday, August 18, 2009

A number of researchers have looked at how to know if you have brain cancer as regards the factor of heredity. Is the likelihood of having or getting brain cancer higher if someone in your family has it? One problem with trying to substantiate a genetic relationship with brain cancer is separating out the genetic connection from the fact that the persons are also in the same environment, especially if they are immediate family.

Doctors have long agreed that the risk of getting breast, colon and prostate cancers did have a relationship to a person's family history of such cancers. A study last year by the University of Utah and Tel Aviv University looked at family histories that went back 3 to 10 generations. Researchers have concluded that there is a hereditary correlation with brain cancer and that persons with a family history of the cancer are at higher risk of getting the disease themselves. The records of 1500 people were used with information going back to the early 1800s. While there have been earlier studies that suggested there was a hereditary relationship, this study effectively eliminated the shared environment possibility as the cause. The study showed as much as a 4 times greater risk of contracting the disease if one has a family history of brain cancer.

After considering the results of the study it makes it that much more important to tell your doctor if there is any known brain cancer in your relatives or anywhere in your family history. While a family history of cancer in no way means you have it or will get it, it can guide you and your doctor to take precautionary steps to prevent onset of the disease. As well it could result in early detection if you indeed do have it which medical experts agree is extremely valuable. Cancer treatment and cure has a much higher success rate in persons in which the cancer was detected early.

A number of researchers have looked at how to know if you have brain cancer as regards the factor of heredity. Is the likelihood of having or getting brain cancer higher if someone in your family has it? One problem with trying to substantiate a genetic relationship with brain cancer is separating out the genetic connection from the fact that the persons are also in the same environment, especially if they are immediate family.

Doctors have long agreed that the risk of getting breast, colon and prostate cancers did have a relationship to a person's family history of such cancers. A study last year by the University of Utah and Tel Aviv University looked at family histories that went back 3 to 10 generations. Researchers have concluded that there is a hereditary correlation with brain cancer and that persons with a family history of the cancer are at higher risk of getting the disease themselves. The records of 1500 people were used with information going back to the early 1800s. While there have been earlier studies that suggested there was a hereditary relationship, this study effectively eliminated the shared environment possibility as the cause. The study showed as much as a 4 times greater risk of contracting the disease if one has a family history of brain cancer.

After considering the results of the study it makes it that much more important to tell your doctor if there is any known brain cancer in your relatives or anywhere in your family history. While a family history of cancer in no way means you have it or will get it, it can guide you and your doctor to take precautionary steps to prevent onset of the disease. As well it could result in early detection if you indeed do have it which medical experts agree is extremely valuable. Cancer treatment and cure has a much higher success rate in persons in which the cancer was detected early.



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Symptoms Of Brain cancer

Brain cancer symptoms don't usually start out as something easily noticed. In fact most people don't get diagnosed because they relate these to stress and poor eating habits. However, headaches, dilated pupils and vomiting are some of the earliest signs that will show up.My Mother complained to our local doctor for years of recurring headachs, but was told not to worry.Well at the age of just 44 years she died of a brain tumor. In young children, a brain tumor can cause the skull to grow in diameter, and make the fontanelles bulge. Increased intercrainal pressure is the biggest thing to watch out for because it can cause displacement amongst certain parts of the brain and very lethal brain stem compression.

If there's one thing really frightening about this disease is the fact that it targets the young. In the US alone, around 2000 children and adolescents falling below the age of 20 are diagnosed with malignant tumors each year. Brain cancer is an abnormal growth that is caused by uncontrollable, abnormal cell division that can stem from either the brain, the cranial nerves or the brain envelopes. Of course, the cancer can also be caused by a tumor that has metastasized from another part of the body, so a full routine check-up is required when symptoms start developing.

The effects of these symptoms are based on two factors, first is the size of the tumor, then how large it can get. The time it takes for symptoms to show also depends on the type of tumor that you're dealing with. Benign tumors are slow growing, meaning that the symptoms aren't severe until it reaches the advanced stages. Malignant brain tumors, on the other hand, spread rapidly, showing an early onset of symptoms.

Some signs, however, can be quite severe in comparison. An altered state of consciousness, for example, like somnolence or a coma can happen. If the tumor has done enough damaged, cognitive and behavioral changes can show, as well as eye site problems and facial paralysis.

Of course, some of these brain cancer symptoms can be nonspecific, and can also be caused by other conditions like a stroke or traumatic brain injuries. Whatever the case it is always good to have things checked out by your doctor as soon as possible - it could save your life!I wish it had saved my Mothers.

Mastectomy

Breast cancer is a common and extremely scary condition for women especially. This kind of cancer strikes more commonly than almost any other and can be life-threatening. Early detection and understanding potential treatment options is one of the best ways to help protect yourself and give yourself the most options when it comes to handling this difficult and traumatizing condition.

Nobody wants to get breast cancer and so it's very important that you routinely check for it. The most effective and easy way to check for cancer is the routine breast exam. This simple process consists of a physical and visual examination of the breast structure, feel and consistency. These kinds of exams may be performed at home, in the mirror or shower or laying down. Routine breast exams are one of the most effective ways to assess breast health and detect breast cancer early.

In the unfortunate event that you are diagnosed with cancer it's very important to understand the treatment options available to you. The varying methods of handling breast cancer are each quite unique and carry certain pros and con's from one method to the next. Educating yourself on the different procedures and understanding the potential risks involved in each one is a great way to enter this trying period with confidence and strength.

Considered the less extreme surgical procedure, a lumpectomy is one method of handling some breast cancer scenarios. This procedure involves removing some of the breast tissue in a sectioned off area to eliminate small clusters of cancerous cells. This procedure is almost always directly followed by radiation therapy to ensure the cancerous cells are completely eliminated.

The lumpectomy is best suited to people who have a very concise formation of cancer. A more isolated area of cancer cells can be easily extracted in a lumpectomy surgery. Some people however dislike the idea of a lumpectomy as it leaves a greater probability for the cancer to return in the future. Sometimes even the radiation therapy isn't able to completely kill off the cancer cells.

The mastectomy is the more invasive and surgically extreme method of removing breast cancer. This procedure removes the majority of the breast tissue in an attempt to completely remove any and all cancerous cells. This procedure is designed to remove enough tissue that the cancer has virtually no capacity to return.

Some women may avoid the idea of a mastectomy as it does remove almost the entire breast. It is comforting to know however that with modern advances in mastectomy bras and artificial breasts, it is possible to maintain a relatively normal appearance. For many women the aesthetic impacts of this procedure are a serious concern.

Breast cancer is a thought that most women don't even want to consider however for many others it is a reality that is all too real. Don't hide behind a veil of ignorance. When it comes to breast cancer face this potential threat head on with knowledge and empowering preparation with the proper medical supplies. You can find a lot of useful information about Mastectomy Bras on the internet. Routine breast exams and informed decision making are key to weathering this storm.

Reconstruction For Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in American women. In 2009, approximately 194,280 patients are estimated to be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, and 62,280 with carcinom. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, nearly 79,500 women underwent breast reconstruction surgery post-mastectomy in 2008. Approximately 70% of these women had their breast(s) reconstructed with expander/implant(s), whereas the other 30% had autologous breast(s) reconstructed by one of the various flap procedures.

Expander/implant procedures are relatively safe and simpler to perform, and take approximately two hours of operative time per breast. During the first surgery, often done at the same time as the mastectomy, an expander is inserted underneath the pectoralis (chest) muscle. Patients usually stay overnight in the hospital for strong pain medications (narcotics) given in the intravenous line. The next day or the following day, when the pain can be controlled with pain medications by mouth, then the patient may go home.

Over the next few months, the expander is inflated gradually in the plastic/reconstructive surgeon's office. Eventually, when the desired size is achieved, the patient returns to the operating room to have the expander(s) removed and replaced with implant(s). Complications in breast reconstruction are approximately three-fold higher than in breast augmentation (implant done for cosmetic purpose). Reconstruction patients, especially those undergoing radiation therapy, experience numerous problems, with capsular contracture being the most common. In 2008, more than 14,000 procedures were performed in reconstruction patients to remove the original implants. Even in successful cases, implants do need to be replaced (by surgery) periodically.

In contrast to implants, autologous breast(s) reconstructed by one of the various flap procedures are meant to last "forever". Flap procedures generally require lengthy, more complex and costly operations, 4-5 day hospital stays, and 4-6 weeks of outpatient rehabilitation. The patient's own tissue from the donor site (abdomen, back or buttock) is brought in to fill the void left by the mastectomy, above the pectoralis chest muscle.

The choices are:
1) free TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous) flaps from the abdomen,
2) pedicled TRAM,
3) free DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) flaps from the abdomen,
4) pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps (from the back), and
5) free gluteal flaps (from the buttock).

"Free" flaps mean that the flap blood vessels have to be re-connected with blood vessels in the chest using microsurgical techniques, and the plastic/reconstructive surgeon needs to have this special training. "Pedicled" means that the flap tissue retains its original blood supply, and no microsurgical reconnection is needed. The patient then has one or more permanent large scar(s) at the donor site(s) and depending on the type of procedure performed, some experience physical impairment.

The decision for reconstruction is complex, and highly individualized. The patient should be well informed and think carefully about her priorities. Sometimes, the patient may be better served by dealing with the cancer first, and delaying the reconstruction surgery until all cancer treatments are finished. Other times, it may be most efficacious to combine mastectomy with immediate reconstruction in one operation.

Breast cancer Stages

Breast cancer is divided into five stages. Stages 0-2 are considered "early", stage 3 considered "advanced", and stage 4 "late". Staging categories are important for predicting future prognosis, and determine optimal treatment recommendations.

Stage 0 is DCIS, or ductal carcinoma in situ. Breast cancer arises from the cells that line the milk ducts. When the cancerous cells are still contained inside the duct, it is diagnosed as DCIS. This can only be determined by a pathologist doctor looking at the tissue under a microscope. In general, when the DCIS lesion is small, there is no need to suspect cancer spread outside the breast.

Stage 1 is invasive or infiltrating cancer. Here, the cancer cells have broken through the duct wall and are found outside the ducts as well. In this case, doctors need to determine whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Stage 1 breast cancer must be equal or smaller than 2 cm in its invasive component, AND have no spread to lymph nodes. Often, the tissue removed at surgery contain DCIS in addition to the invasive cancer. However, only the dimensions of the invasive cancer count. If the patient needs to have multiple surgeries and the invasive cancer is found at more than one operation, usually the dimensions are added together to arrive at the final size.

Stage 2 has two subcategories. In stage 2A, the invasive cancer can be 2 cm or less and has spread to axillary (armpit) lymph node(s), i.e. positive node(s). Also, the invasive cancer can be as large as 5 cm, but has not spread to lymph nodes, i.e. negative nodes. In stage 2B, the invasive cancer is between 2cm and up to 5 cm and has spread to nodes. Here, cancer may measure even larger than 5 cm if it has not spread to nodes.

Stage 3 includes invasive cancer larger than 5 cm that has spread to lymph nodes. Also, cancer of any size that heavily involves the axillary lymph nodes to the point that these nodes are bulky and stuck together or stuck to other structures in the axilla (armpit) are in this stage. Tumor spread to lymph nodes either above or below the clavicle bone, or to nodes underneath the sternum (breast bone), also falls into this category. Furthermore, if the cancer of any size is attached to the chest wall (pectoralis muscle and/or ribs), it qualifies as stage 3. Inflammatory cancer, where the skin of the breast is red and swollen, is classified in this stage, regardless of size.

Stage 4 is invasive cancer found outside the breast and axillary lymph nodes, or "metastatic" to distant sites. At this stage, it does not matter how large the primary cancer in the breast is. Nor does it matter whether axillary/clavicle/breast bone lymph nodes have cancer or not. The most common sites for metastasis for breast cancer are bone and liver, followed by lungs and brain. Standard testing include bone scan and CT scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis. More recently, PET scan is often done to look for cancer spread. Sometimes, a brain MRI or CT is also useful.

Are Lumps, Cysts & Swollen Scrotum Cancer?

Are you here after noticing you're testicles swelling. Although not normally a reason for concern, it is however always a good idea to check out something that bothers you, and especially more so if it is linked to a health matter.

First you're not to panic because you have swollen testicles; because there may be a perfectly simple explanation why they have swelled up. Let us look at some of the possible causes that could have give reason for this problem. Some causes we associate with swollen testicles are Hydrocele, Varicocele, and cysts. A reasonable explanation for why testicles swell is due to build up of harmless fluids, which when you think about it accounts for the way they look "full and heavy." Swollen testicles on the other hand can also be a symptom of testicular cancer.

Hydrocele is common in newborn infants and the elderly but can also affect any age group. It happens as a result of fluids stocking up between the two membranes that cover the testicles. One or both testicles can swell. This specific condition shows swelling gradually increase over the weeks and running into months. Swelling does not normally bring pain to the patient. If the testicles appear chronically swollen, medical intervention may be necessary. Pressure causing the testicles to swell will need releasing. To do this may include withdrawing fluid out of the testicular membrane using a fine needle. (fine needle aspiration can be painful process.)

Testicular cysts, also known as spermatocele are fluid-filled cysts that develop on the epididymis. Spermatocele contain sperm and normally show on the top section of the epdidymis. As like hydrocele, testicular cysts are not known to cause pain, and the good news about genital cysts is they do not typically require treatment. Having said this there are particular cysts that might need surgery. Surgery or needle aspiration might be imminent if the spermatocele is big and affecting the look of the scrotum.

Varicocele another cause behind swollen testicles developing. This happens when blood flow inside the spermatic cord veins becomes thwarted, resulting in a swollen scrotum. When standing erect the swollen veins in the scrotum may feel like a "bag of worms." Not a nice description but the best that can be given. Swelling of the scrotum appears not as severe when the man is lying flat on his back. 15% of the male species at some point in their lives will experience an episode of this. It is not a dangerous condition; however one associated with 35 percent of male infertility cases. Surgery is normally only carried out to correct this condition if fertility is giving cause for concern. It is important to have your GP check you over so you can eliminate the possibility of it being testicular cancer

Swelling of the scrotum has in some cases been seen as a symptom of testicular cancer. However not all cases of a swollen scrotum is, it is more likely the outcome of another disorder.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of testicular cancer is a lump, irregularity or swelling in one testicle. Other likely symptoms include:

A pulling feeling or strange heaviness in the scrotum

A dull throbbing in the groin/lower abdomen

Odd pain spasms in the testicle or scrotum

Tenderness or enlargement of tissue around the breast

A sudden flood of fluid in the scrotum

Although the symptoms above have been pointed out as signs of testicular cancer, they do not always mean that is is testicular cancer. Nevertheless see your doctor if you are concerned about any symptoms akin to the ones mentioned. Lower back pain, stomach pain or cough are other symptoms to look out for, which are known as a first sign.

Causes

Men born with a stubborn testicle which remains in the abdominal cavity rather than sliding into the scrotum may be at greater risk of developing testicular cancer.

Having a male family member who has had testicular cancer.

Fertility issues.

Having an uncommon complication of mumps called orchitis (testicle swelling and soreness.)

It is important to point out that having a vasectomy or injury to the testicles does not cause testicular cancer.

Diagnosis

We all see and feel lumps from time to time on the body, and even those in the scrotum nearly always turn out to be harmless Nonetheless if you have one or more of the symptoms above, seek medical advice. A physical examination may be performed by your doctor who may refer you to an urologist, a specialist specializing in the urinary organ. An ultrasound scan could be suggested so your GP can examine your testicles closer. If the ultrasound scan indicates signs of cancer, a surgical method called a biopsy will be done to clarify the finding. The biopsy will help determine what type of cancer has been detected. The biopsy will include removing a small amount of the tumor for further testing under a microscope in a laboratory. If the biopsy confirms cancer the doctor will remove the affected part of the testicle.

The upsetting thing about cancer is, it cannot be prevented; however you can reduce the threats that put you at risk for particular cancers. Sadly testicular cancer is not a cancer you can help reduce the risks because the usual risk factors are out of man's jurisdiction, and they include age, race, and conditions occurring at birth. Hearing this is good reason for any man to feel despondent but you are not to let this happen. Stop despondency, and for overall healthy follow a healthy diet that will give your body the essential nutrients it needs, and take up exercise. This alone will make you feel good. A healthy body has more power to fight illness and disease if it is in good shape.

The best advice to all fella's is, we are all scared and this doesn't make you any less of a man if you're feared. You may well be able to hold your own up against the next guy in a punch up but trying to fight something you can't see then its game over. Let your GP do the fighting. You can only win this battle the quicker your GP knows about it. Seek medical help sooner than later, it makes sense if you want to beat this.

For men in fear of Swollen Testicles being testicular cancer