Category: Cancer

Only about 2% of the cancer cases diagnosed each year in the U.S.
are attributed to stomach cancer, but the mortality rate remains high.
Unfortunately, many of the signs and symptoms can easily be confused
with other minor gastrointestinal upsets. This makes diagnosis of
cancer much more likely in the later stages when treatment is
difficult. Regular screening by your doctor may help catch a problem
early on, and awareness of any current gastrointestinal issues is
important. Prompt evaluation is needed if symptoms occur.

Symptoms and Causes of Stomach Cancer

Early
signs of this type of cancer are often missed. They can include common
problems such as diarrhea, heartburn, loss of appetite, weight loss,
and bloating after eating. As the cancer progresses, the symptoms are
more pronounced, and can include frequent abdominal pain, bleeding from
the rectum, continued weight loss, vomiting, and severe weakness.

Fortunately,
many cases of stomach cancer can be prevented by eating a healthy diet.
Though some incidences are a result of genetic inheritances, studies
show that cancer deaths are much higher in countries that frequently
eat high salt and cure-foods diets. Limiting pickled, salted, and
smoked foods will lower your risk. Men who smoke and those who have had
stomach inflammation or an H. Pylori infection are at a higher risk as
well.

Stomach Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

A
Gastroscopic exam and an Upper GI series are often used to detect the
presence of abnormal findings when symptoms are present. A biopsy is
most often performed on the suspected stomach tissue, and a positive
cancer diagnosis is made only after a pathologist has examined the
cells under a microscope. If cancer is present, additional testing may
be done to determine how advanced the cancer is, or in what stage the
patient is in.

Treatment for stomach cancer is difficult, as it
is usually diagnosed at a later stage when it has spread to other parts
of the body. Treatment options depend on the location and severity of
the cancer, and usually include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
In severe genetic cases, some doctors may even remove a patient’s
stomach before they have a chance to develop cancer.

Small cell lung cancer, or small cell carcinoma, is a type of
rapidly spreading lung cancer characterized by the small, almost “oat”
like shape of the malignant cells affecting the lung.  Comprising about
20 percent of lung cancer cases, small cell lung cancer has an
extremely high mortality rate.  There are three types of small cell
lung cancer, named for shape and size of the cancer cells: small cell
carcinoma, mixed small cell/large cell carcinoma and combined small
cell carcinoma. In addition to being shaped differently, the three
subsets of small cell lung cancer grow differently and spread at
varying rates. For the best treatment options early detection is
crucial in light of small cell lung cancer’s tendency to spread rapidly
to other body parts and organs.

Some of the main risk
factors for small cell lung cancer include family history and an
exposure to asbestos, although cigarette smoke whether direct or
secondhand, still contributes to by far the most new cases of lung
cancer annually.  The best prevention against small cell lung cancer is
to never smoke and strictly limit exposure to second hand smoke.  A few
symptoms which may appear as a result of small cell lung cancer are a
persistent cough, pain or tightness in the chest, unexplained weight
loss and coughing blood.  However, the symptoms are not limited to this
short list and will vary according to individual overall health, stage
and size of the cancer growth. Being proactive in your health care and
speaking to your doctor about possible risk factors you may have will
enable the best diagnosis and treatment possible.

If you feel
you may be at risk for lung cancer and your doctor deems testing
necessary, there are a few options available to your doctor to choose
from. Simple chest x-rays may first detect possible signs of small cell
lung cancer which may lead to mucous testing for the presence of
malignant cells or a procedure called a bronchoscopy in which tissue
samples can be collected for biopsy.   Speaking with your doctor about
small cell lung cancer screening and avoiding risk factors can aid in
the treatment of this most fatal disease.

Mole, Wart & Skin Tag Free
In Just 3 Days!!

Skin cancer symptoms are not always easy to discern given the wide variations in appearance, shape and types of skin cancer. Because of this variable nature, routine self examinations of the skin may alert an individual to changes which could be possible skin cancer symptoms.   Those people with moles or large freckles should keep a watchful eye on the spot to check for change in color, size or texture which could be the onset of skin cancer symptoms. Additionally, any mole or growth which begins to become sore or to bleed or discharge in any way should immediately be examined by a heath care professional so skin cancer testing can begin. Other skin cancer symptoms which are not as widely known include a dark spot appearing under a fingernail or toenail, or the darkening of a pigmented area.  Skin cancer is very curable in its early stages, so knowing the possible skin cancer symptoms and being diligent in noticing any changes of the skin could make all of the difference in treatment in the event of a diagnosis. 

To decrease the risk of developing skin cancer symptoms, there are some simple preventative measures which have shown to dramatically decrease the risk of developing skin cancer. Perhaps the easiest and most important of these is applying sunscreen on a daily basis. We may all know to protect our skin when relaxing on the beach, but the delicate skin on our face is exposed daily to the sun’s harsh rays as well as the skin on our arms and hands. Applying a moisturizing sunscreen in the morning will protect the skin from signs of aging and skin cancer well into the future.  Minimizing exposure by wearing a wide brimmed hat or seeking shade when the sun is at its peak will further your protection from sun damage. Indoor tanning salons should always be avoided as they deliver a direct concentration of harmful UV rays and are thought to be a risk factor for skin cancer symptoms. Skin cancer, although treatable, is also preventable by incorporating a few small common sense ideas into your daily life.

Mole, Wart & Skin Tag Free
In Just 3 Days!!

Skin cancer pictures can be used as a guide to detect potential cancer when a change in the color, appearance or texture of the skin occurs. Although any such changes should always be discussed with a medical health professional, accessing skin cancer pictures can be a useful guide in seeing several different types of skin cancer in its different stages.   Skin cancer pictures show cancer affecting all different parts of the body as well as differentiating between melanoma and non melanoma cancer types.  A cancer is said to be melanoma when it affects those cells responsible for producing pigment vs. non melanoma types when occurring in the basal or squamous cells.  When looking through skin cancer pictures it is interesting to note to wide variations in size, color and texture.

Being proactive in your own health care will guarantee you’ll notice any significant changes in your health or body and will also facilitate conversation with your doctor, leading to a deeper understanding on both parts. Upon noticing a discolored spot on the skin or change in the appearance of a mole, taking a date stamped picture daily will allow you to detect subtle changes over time and will be a useful tool for your doctor in understanding the progression of the changes more so than if you had simply described it. Chances are you’re not taking skin cancer pictures, but if indeed there is a risk of cancer, early detection will lead to the great chance of survival.  The importance of early detection is also obvious just by looking at collections of diagnosed skin cancer pictures and seeing the difference in an affected stage I area rather than stage III, giving a clear illustration of just how quickly cancer can grow.

It is widely known that the most severe contributing factor leading to skin cancer is repeated exposure of unprotected skin to the sun.  With the increase of harmful UV rays as a result of the ozone layer’s depletion, it is more important than ever to protect your skin from the sun. With the prevalence of sunless tanning products on the market it is easy to maintain a safe, health summer glow while ensuring you’ll never be featured in skin cancer pictures.

Moles, Warts & Skin Tags Removal

There are ways to prevent skin cancer and most of them fall under the category of common sense.  The rays from the sun, in particular, ultra violet rays are harmful to your skin and can cause skin cancer.  Limit your time in the sun and use the below tips to protect yourself when you are outdoors.

Overexposure to the sun can cause skin cancer years down the road.  The easiest way to ensure you are not getting too much sun is to wear appropriate clothing and seek out shade whenever possible.  Wearing a hat is an invaluable way to protect your face, ears, and neck (if the brim is large enough) from skin cancer. 

You still need to be aware of the skin cancer risks even when you are wearing clothing that gives good coverage, a hat with a large brim, and staying in the shade whenever possible.  Sunscreen should be used as a back-up to these measures.  To use sunscreen properly (and get a better chance of preventing skin cancer), you need to put enough on and do it 20-30 minutes prior to going outside.  Once outside, sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours to ensure the protective coverage is maintained.

Two other methods that are under-utilized as skin cancer prevention are sunglasses and avoiding tanning beds.  Your eyes and the sensitive area around the eyes are prone to getting burnt and require extra protection from the sun and ultra violet rays.  A wrap around pair of sunglasses is the best protection.  The lenses of the sunglasses should be dark enough to block the light.  There is no definitive study, but exposing yourself to ultra violet rays through the use of tanning beds is not recommended.  It is a risk to use them as you may get skin cancer later on when you thought you were being cautious by not laying out in the sun.

Mole, Wart & Skin Tag Free
In Just 3 Days!!

Unlike generations past, Americans are now being encouraged to cover up while in the sun as prevention against skin cancer.  However, some individuals choose not to take this warning seriously; ultimately, they may pay the price of a diagnosis of skin cancer. 

Ironically, though, even people with skin cancer don’t necessarily know the signs of skin cancer.  Here, we’ll show you what to look for to ensure that you remain healthy… and that your skin does, too!

Irregular or “Changeable” Moles

One of the most common signs of skin cancer is a mole or freckle that appears to change shape.  It may become darker or lighter, or suddenly become larger.  Because most moles and freckles are round, an irregularly shaped one could be cause for concern, especially if it’s grown recently.

Areas That Bleed Easily

Do you have a patch of skin that’s shiny or pink and that seems unusual?  Does it bleed easily when just scratched a little?  Does it take a long time to heal?  These are all signs of skin cancer and should be immediately checked out with your physician or dermatologist.

Lumpy Areas on Skin

If you’ve noticed that areas of your skin have been becoming rough or lumpy over the past few months, you may want to call your doctor.  Such changes may be indications of the signs of skin cancer, and should never be written off as “age spots” or “anomalies.” 

Treatment and Survival Rates of Skin Cancer

If you do discover by way of these signs of skin cancer that you have cancer, you’ll be relieved to know that many cases can be 100% treated.  However, without early intervention, survival rates drastically decline.  So be on the lookout for signs of skin cancer… and never forget to wear a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 or higher.

A lump is the most prevalent way cancer is found including
testicular cancer.  Usually the patient notices or feels a lump on
their testicles but they could also appear swollen or painful.  If any
of these three symptoms are present or a combination of them, it is
recommended to go and see a doctor.  It is likely at this point that
screening and tests would be ordered to determine the presence of
testicular cancer.  These tests can include an ultra sound, blood
tests, or various scans (CT, MRI, and PET).

There are
additional signs to be watchful for when on the lookout for testicular
cancer.  These symptoms are not as common as the three listed above but
still occur.  If a boy or man is experiencing breast growth or
tenderness in the breast area, if a small boy (pre-pubescent) is
growing hair on his face and/or body, or if a grown man starts to lose
interest in sex.  These signs will be present at the onset of
testicular cancer, you should see you doctor to determine if this or
another reason is the cause.

If the testicular cancer is
further along (advanced), a painful lower back is usually present. 
This type of cancer can also spread to the lungs, warning signs that
this has happened are shortness of breath, a pain in your chest, or
coughing/spitting up blood.  These symptoms do not mean that you have
testicular cancer but if you are exhibiting these symptoms you should
see your doctor.

It is important to remember that there can be
other causes for some of these symptoms that are not testicular
cancer.  If you have suffered an injury to your testicles it could
result in them being swollen and tender. An appointment should be made
with your doctor to discuss these signs and tests will be ordered for
further investigation.

The thyroid gland is located in your neck, at the base of your
Adam’s apple, and is a very important part of the endocrine system of
your body. Hormones that the gland secretes are responsible for things
such as your body temperature, hair growth and loss, weight loss and
gain, and other aspects of your metabolism. Thyroid cancer can have
serious consequences, but it is highly treatable if caught early.

Symptoms and Causes of Thyroid Cancer

The
main symptoms of this cancer appear in the throat area. Hoarseness,
coughing, trouble breathing, a lump or nodule at the front of your
throat, and swollen lymph nodes are all symptoms that may appear. A
pain in the neck or throat area, and pain when swallowing can also be
present, though there aren’t always symptoms in the early stages of
cancer.

Family history is a big factor in whether you’re
at risk for thyroid cancer. It can be inherited through your family’s
DNA, or you may simply be in a higher risk category due to your age,
sex, race, or exposure to certain contaminants. White American women
are most at risk, as those who have been exposed to radiation.

Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

The
presence of a nodule is often noticed upon routine examination, though
not all nodules end up being cancerous. To diagnose thyroid cancer, the
doctor may do an ultrasound scan, blood tests, or a needle biopsy. The
determination of cancer is made by the way the cells look and act when
under a microscope, especially when compared to nearby cells in the
gland and lymph nodes.

For malignant nodules, treatment will vary,
but can include complete removal of the gland, radioiodine treatment,
an external radioactive beam application, and chemotherapy. A thyroid
scan is often used to detect any cancerous cells left behind, which can
then be eliminated. A lifetime of supplemental hormone replacement
therapy will be required.

Testicle cancer is a very common cancer, usually detected in men
between the ages of 15 and 34.  While testicle cancer is one of the
most common forms of cancer is men, it is not talked about that much
because of the embarrassment that unfortunately surrounds the disease. 
The good thing about testicular cancer is that if it is detected early,
it is very treatable.  Another good thing about testicle cancer is that
it can usually be detected pretty easily through self examinations. 
Just like it is important for women to give themselves frequent
mammograms, it is equally as important for men to give themselves
testicular exams to check for testicle cancer. 

There are
several signs of testicle cancer that are quite obvious to the average
person. One symptom is the sign of a lump or enlarged area of either
testicle.  Testicle cancer usually affects only one testicle, but it is
important to examine both testes.   

Another symptom of
testicle cancer is the feeling of heaviness in the scrotum. This is
usually caused by a lump in the testes, but the lump can sometimes not
be felt, so the feeling of heaviness is equally important for a man to
be aware of. 

Another symptom of testicle cancer is an ache
in the lower abdomen or groin area. This pain is usually not sever and
is more of an irritant feeling than a shooting pain. 

Another symptom is the sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum. 
Fluid is usually produced when an infection or abnormality occurs in
the body, so if there is fluid in the scrotum area it is usually a good
idea to go to the doctors.

Still another symptom of testicle cancer is an unusual or unwarranted feeling of fatigue or sickness. 

If
any of these symptoms occur, it is important to seek medical attention,
especially with testicle cancer because it is significantly less
dangerous and life threatening the earlier it is detected.

As Americans, we don’t always know where our tax dollars go. 
Sometimes, we assume that they simply are wasted… but you’ll be happy
to learn that the National Cancer Institute, funded by the citizens of
the United States, is actually a great use of your money.

The
National Cancer Institute is a part of the American National Institutes
of Health and has been in existence since 1937.  Established as part of
the National Cancer Institute Act of that year, the National Cancer
Institute has a strong interest in both cancer research and cancer
training.

Consequently, the National Cancer Institute:

–
Provides grants and funding for cancer research.  This enables private
organizations to conduct cancer experiments on both animals and humans
in an effort to save future lives.  Many new treatments for various
cancer types have been discovered thanks to the National Cancer
Institute’s underwriting.

– Disseminates information about
cancer types.  As a part of its ongoing cancer awareness campaign, the
National Cancer Institute develops brochures, pamphlets, and facts
pages in an effort to provide education to people of all ages and
abilities.  The more the population knows about cancer, the better the
chances that those persons affected with the condition will get an
early diagnosis.

– Works with the nation’s hospitals,
universities, private corporations, and foundations.  The National
Cancer Institute feels a strong duty to help all like-minded entities,
and thus provides support in the area of both money and training. 

– Supports a network of cancer centers.  Throughout the nation, there
are a number of cancer centers supported entirely or partially by the
National Cancer Institute.  Again, these places of learning and science
help develop new screening techniques and treatments so our society has
a better chance of winning all the battles with cancer that so many
Americans face.