Cancer Society

Pericardial Mesothelioma: Most Deadly Case? Author: Dr. Joseph Stephens

Pericardial mesothelioma is the cancer that affects the pericardium of the heart. The disease is mostly associated with those that are exposed to asbestos-related environment. It is not known exactly how the asbestos particles get embedded on the membranous lining of heart. But believed that asbestos particles mostly travel from lungs through the bloodstream into the heart. Once these particles get embedded, it becomes difficult to remove them from body. These particles affect changes inside the pericardium eventually causing uncontrolled cell growth. With the growth of cancerous cells inside the pericardial membrane, the membrane gets filled with excess fluid exerting pressure on the heart and creating various symptoms and also intervenes with the function of heart.

Common warning symptoms of a pericardial mesothelioma:

* Intense chest pain

* Irregular heartbeat and palpitations

* Difficulty in breathing

* Continuous coughing

* Fatigue with little exertion

However, the symptoms vary with patients as well as with the stages of this disease. A thorough history of the patient is essential to arrive at the correct diagnosis.

Tests and Diagnoses:

It is difficult to have correct diagnosis of the pericardial mesothelioma as the symptoms coincide with other conditions as well. Apart from medical history, some examinations need to be undertaken such as series of imaging tests to determine the exact location and nature of the pericardial mesothelioma. However, the final stage of this cancer is only determined by a biopsy. Either fluid is removed from the pericardium or some tissue is taken and studied under lens.

Treatment Of <a href=”http://mesotheliomastraight.net/asbestos”>Pericardial Mesothelioma</a>

If the Pericardial Mesothelioma is in its early stages, then surgical removal of localized tumors is opted. However, it is associated with greater risk because of its proximity with heart. However, not all cases can be treated with surgery. In most cases, due to advanced stages of this disease, palliative treatment remains the only option. This approach helps to improve the quality of living of those enduring pericardial mesothelioma. Chemotherapy is not a viable option in this case.

<a href=”http://mesotheliomastraight.net/asbestos”>Latest Treatment</a>

Research is still underway to find cure for this deadly disease. Several studies and clinical trials are in progress to find ways to increase the lifespan of the cancer patients. Alternative therapies such as yoga, massage, acupuncture, nutritional supplements and meditation coupled with either gene therapy or immunotherapy can be beneficial.

Cancer Clinical Trials – the Best Hope to Beat Cancer Author: Daniel Sherwood

Cancer Clinical trials are the mechanism for improving survival and quality of life for individuals faced with a cancer diagnosis. Without trials, we would not know that mastectomy for breast cancer is equivalent to lumpectomy and axillary node dissection. We would not have the evidence that most patients with Hodgkin’s disease, aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and advanced testicular cancer can be cured with chemotherapy. In order to achieve these milestones in cancer treatment success, cancer clinical trials are designed in phases. I have listed some valuable information for you to read in one easy-to-read webpage. This is a free service for our valued readers which can be located on this link: Cancer Clinical Trials

Phase I Trials: The first step in testing a new approach in humans. Data from previous animal and laboratory studies are used to evaluate drug dose, drug metabolism, administration schedule and side effects. Patients are divided into small groups called “cohorts.” Each cohort is treated with increasing doses of the agent or combination until the maximal tolerated dose is reached. The highest dose associated with acceptable side effects is chosen for future studies. Generally, phase I trials are conducted on patients who have advanced disease and a variety of malignancies.

Phase II Trials: Determining the safety and effectiveness of a new treatment are the primary endpoints of phase II trials. A new drug, combination, or technique is studied on a small and relatively homogeneous group of patients. The type of cancer chosen for a phase II treatment is based on results of Phase I trials and laboratory studies. The primary purpose of most phase II cancer trials is to determine the percentage of patients that show a measurable response to treatment. Additional information on side effects and safety are also collected.

Phase III Trials: These large-scale trials compare a new treatment or combination that has shown promise in Phase II trials to the current standard therapy. Patients are randomly assigned to the standard approach. Phase III trials are critical for advancing the quality of cancer treatment and may establish a new standard of care.

An investigational study or clinical trial refers to a drug or procedure that has undergone basic laboratory testing and received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be tested in human subjects. A drug or procedure may be approved by the FDA for use in one disease or condition, but be considered investigational in other diseases or conditions.

Clinical trials help to identify better and safer anti-cancer drugs. Advances in treatment occur as a direct result of clinical trials. These advances lead to new standards of care and improved quality of life for those battling cancer. New and more effective therapies will translate to a reduction in recurrence rates and to the suffering endured by victims of cancer and their families. For more information on cancer clinical trials feel free to visit our website.

Cabbage Soup Diet and the Fight Against the Big C – Cancer Author: W. Darren -

Aside from the cabbage soup diet which can help people in their quick weight loss program, cabbage is well know for contributing to the battle against the big C or Cancer.

Cancer is one of the major causes of mortality all over the world. The rates are very high and no one is spared from this deadly disease. Experts say that cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussel sprouts and cabbage can help in preventing cancer.

What’s in the Cabbage?

Cabbage and the other green leafy vegetables can help kill cancer cells. According to the Cancer Research Conference in Britain, Indole-3 -carbinol(I3C) could be a powerful cancer fighter used in combination with chemotherapy.

I3C in cruciferous vegetables were found to make the tumors of breast cancers surrender to chemotherapy. The study entailed feeding 300 to 400 mg of I3C to the tumor cells; as a result the cancer cells were more easily killed by chemotherapy drugs. The I3C binds to the cancer cells and promotes the production of enzymes which will detoxify the carcinogens. They are said to have effects on the estrogen metabolism making it potent in the fight against breast and prostate cancer cells. Due to this, researchers are now studying the possibilities of using I3C to intervene with conventional cancers.

A study in the Netherlands revealed subjects who consumed the most vegetables lowered their risk by 25 per cent in getting colorectal cancer. Those who specifically consumed cruciferous vegetables dropped their risk of getting colorectal cancer by a significant 49 %.

In Singapore, a study found that regular consumption of cruciferous vegetables like cabbage lowered the potential of lung cancer by 30% in non-smokers. Smokers who ate the same type of veggies dropped their risks by 60%. Other studies have shown that cabbages and similar vegetables can also help fight bladder cancer.

Phytochemicals known as glucosinolates is believed to be responsible for the cancer fighting ability of the cabbage. These chemicals are metabolized by our body into their anti carcinogen form known as isothiocyanates.

Animal and human studies have constantly revealed that diets high in cruciferous vegetables are linked with lower risks for cancer. They have shown the correlation between brassica or cruciferous vegetables and cancers. Cabbage consumption was associated with lower risk cancer particularly on the stomach, colon, and lung.

The benefits of cabbage and consumption of similar cruciferous vegetables are more prominent in the demographics of three groups prone to cancer: men, smokers, and older individuals who are sixty seven years old and above. Eating half a head of cabbage everyday will lower the risk of this group to cancer.

Organically grown cabbages are the best option if you want to make most of the anti-cancer benefits. A comparison to the conventionally grown cabbage revealed that they have a higher level of phytonutrients. Steaming method best retains the nutrients of this anti cancer vegetable.

We can lower our risk of getting cancer by living a healthy lifestyle. In addition we can make green leafy vegetables, especially cruciferous vegetables as part of our regular diet. This preventive measure is cheap compared to the expenses and pain that we have to deal with if cancer invades our body.

Information on Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer Author: Juliet Cohen

Cancer of the lip and oral cavity is a disease in which cancerous (malignant) cells are found in the tissues of the lip or mouth. The oral cavity involves the facade two thirds of the tongue, the upper and lower gums (the gingiva), the lining of the inside of the cheeks and lips (the buccal mucosa), the bottom (floor) of the mouth under the tongue, the bony top of the mouth (the hard palate), and the small area behind the wisdom teeth (the retro molar trig one. Most lip and oral cavity cancers start in squamous cells, the thin, flat cells that line the lips and oral cavity. These are called squamous cell carcinomas.

Cancer cells may spread into deeper tissue as the cancer grows. Squamous cell carcinoma usually grows in areas of leukoplakia. It is generally diagnosed in people who are over 45 years of age. Cancer of the lip is more frequent in men than in women, and is more probable to grow in people with light-colored skin who have been in the sun a lot. Cancer of the oral cavity is more common in people who chew tobacco or smoke pipes. They are caused by environmental factors that can trigger cell damage which then leads to the development of cancerous tumors which can spread throughout the oral cavity and to other areas.

This type of cancer is extremely rare. In its early stages, this cancer is curable. If the cancer has multiply to other areas of the body exterior of the head or neck, the prognosis changes and becomes bleak. It is estimated that there will be more than 30,000 new cases of oral cavity cancer. The symptoms of oral cavity cancer include feeling as if something is caught in the throat, pain or difficulty in swallowing or chewing, swelling of the jaw, A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth and pain in the ear. Another sign of a cancer of the mouth or gums is when dentures no longer fit well.

There are several treatments for patients with lip and oral cavity cancer. Surgery is a common treatment of cancer of the lip and oral cavity. The vet can remove the cancer and part of the healthy tissue located around the tumor. Surgery can also extract the neck lymph nodes (lymph nodes dissection. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be taken by pill, or it may be put into the body by a needle in a vein or muscle. Hyperthermia is a new treatment being tested in certain patients. It uses a special machine to heat the body for a certain period of time to kill cancer cells.

Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction Author: Dr. Martin Jugenburg

Mastectomy means breast amputation to many women. It’s a very scary concept to have your breast(s) amputated. Another option is lumpectomy with radiation. Lumpectomy and radiation is thought to have the same outcome as mastectomy alone. Since lumpectomy and radiation leaves behind some of the breast tissue, many women prefer to take this route. What they don’t seem to realize is that this is not some magical treatment that removes the cancer and leaves the breast alone. Lumpectomy is actually pretty deforming, and I see many women who after lumpectomy want to have a reconstruction because their breast has been deformed. It’s smaller, indented, the nipple is displaced and distorted (depending on the location of the lump) and overall these women are just not happy. Unfortunately, because they’ve had radiation, reconstructive options are limited and their surgical risks are significantly increased. Radiation is very harmful. It is meant to kill cancerous cells. However, it is not a selective tool… meaning it kills and harms anything it comes in contact with. Radiation therapy works by focusing radiation on the cancerous cells while making sure that the surrounding normal tissues are not too damaged…. note the “not too damaged” part, because there always is damage. Plastic Surgeons are often asked to come and reconstruct areas that have been previously irradiated. As such, plastic surgeons have a lot of experience dealing with irradiated tissues. Irradiated tissues are hard/leathery, they do not heal well after surgery and have a significant increase in infection, wound breakdown (wound opening up), and these tissues do not tolerate implants (as in the case of implant breast reconstruction)
For this reason I would recommend a mastectomy with reconstruction to patients with breast cancer. Breasts can be reconstructed in many ways, and having a reconstruction in an area that has not been previously irradiated can have great results. If on the other hand you chose lumpectomy and radiation and then reconstruction, the result will be far inferior.

Stacking the Deck Choosing Foods That Fight Cancer Author: Jean Fisher

The healthiest diet, of course, is to eat a wide variety of foods including as many whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables as possible. But, there are some foods that, through their chemical natures, are better at protecting the body from cancer. This article identifies nine of these super-foods, the natural components found in them, and a simplified description of how these phytochemicals work their magic.

Before we do that, however, two very important dietary rules for avoiding cancer must be mentioned: low fat, high fiber. A diet that is high in animal fats requires the body to release extra bile acids into the intestines during digestion. The natural bacteria that live in our intestines react with these excess bile acids resulting in the creation of carcinogens. Eating plenty of fiber keeps the intestines moving quickly, not allowing these carcinogens to cause damage before being eliminated from the body. In addition, fiber in the intestines actually binds with the bile acids not allowing them to react with the natural bacteria.

The human body is constantly producing unstable molecules called oxidants. You may have heard these oxidants referred to as free radicals. Free radicals steal electrons from other molecules which damages the cell proteins and DNA of the original molecule. This damage leaves the cell vulnerable to cancer. The active chemicals in food, called phytochemicals, are anti-oxidants. They search out the oxidants (free radicals) and prevent them from causing damage. In some instances, phytochemicals can even repair damage already done. Heres how it works.

Broccoli

Sulforaphane, found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, boosts the bodys natural cancer fighting properties. It does this by mobilizing special enzymes in the body called phase II detoxifying enzymes. These enzymes neutralize cancer-causing agents before they can affect cells. To receive the maximum benefit of sulforaphane, broccoli should be eaten raw. Scientists recently discovered that broccoli sprouts contain levels of sulforaphane that are much, much higher than those found in mature broccoli. Youll be seeing a lot more broccoli sprouts on my sandwiches and salads!

Carrots

Another recent discovery in the science of plant chemicals is falcarinol found in carrots. Falcarinol acts as a natural pesticide for the carrot while it is growing, keeping it protected from fungal diseases. The exact mechanism that falcarinol uses to fight cancer is still unknown.

Chili Peppers

Capsaicin is the chemical in hot peppers that give them their bite. At a cellular level, capsaicin induces a state called apoptosis in the cancer cells. Apoptosis can be defined as programmed cell death. You could say that it causes the cancer cell to commit suicide.

Garlic

Garlic contains a chemical allium, which works to increase activity of our bodys natural immune cells. Allium also causes cells to become more vulnerable to stress created by the by-products of cell division. Since cancer cells divide very rapidly, they are affected by allium more than normal cells, which divide much more slowly.

Nuts

Nuts are one of natures best sources of selenium. Selenium has been shown to improve the efficiency with which DNA repairs itself after exposure to damaging free radicals. Brazil nuts eaten from the shell are especially high in selenium. In addition, nuts contain omega-3 fatty acid. The omega-3 fatty acids block a protein that has been shown to increase sensitivity to carcinogens in laboratory studies.

Red grapes

Anthocyanins, found in dark red and purple foods, can reduce the growth of an enzyme, human DNA topoisomerase II, that triggers the growth of cancer cells in the human body. Grape juice is an excellent source of anthocyanins. Good news, read the labels of 100% fruit drinks and you are very likely to find grape juice.

Soy

The phytochemical in soy, genistein, inhibits the growth of new blood vessels necessary for tumor survival. Without these blood vessels, the tumor shrinks. Soy also works to block bile acids.

Tea

Antioxidants in tea, catechins, appear to prevent cancer cells from dividing. The phytochemical EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) present in green tea, binds to a protein found on tumor cells and dramatically slows their growth.

Tomatoes

Lycopene, a very powerful antioxidant, isnt found in many other fruits and vegetables. Lycopene stimulates the production of phase II detoxification enzymes which neutralize carcinogens and allow them to be excreted out of the body. Processing tomatoes by turning them into sauce increases the levels of lycopene.

So remember, choose vegetables fats over animal fats, pack your diet with a wide variety of fruits, vegetable and whole grains, and include the nine foods mentioned above often. Live a long, healthy, happy life!

What is the Prostate Epidemic Author: John Ward

Men have a gland called a prostate gland, walnut sized. The prostate gland produces the seminal fluid by which sperm are ejaculated. It is found just in front of the bladder, and is wrapped around the urethra, which carries urine out of the bladder. It sits against the outer sidewall of the rectum or anus.

In recent years, prostate problems have become increasingly common, especially in the United States and Europe.

Men of any age can develop prostate conditions, although most men affected are over 60 years of age.

Is There a Prostate Disease Epidemic?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is very common in men between the ages of 60 and 70. About 50% of men in this age group have BPH. When a man reaches the age of 70, his chances of having BPH and its symptoms jump to 90%.

Prostate Cancer

The causes of prostate cancer aren’t known, but lifestyle, diet, genetics, race and age all play a part in whether or not a man develops prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer occurs most commonly in men who are over 45 years of age and of European or American dissent. Those who are from southern or eastern Asia are least likely to suffer from prostate cancer.

Every year, about 250,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed in the United States, with about 30,000 of these patients dying of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is very curable if found early. Nonetheless, the cancer can cause impotence and incontinence, which are psychologically and physically problematic for most men.

Prostatitis

Any man of any age can develop prostatitis.

Its symptoms include:

·Problems attaining or keeping an erection
·Frequent urination, especially at night
·Difficulty passing urine
·Passing small amounts of blood in the urine
·Pain while urinating

What can you do?

Of course, prostate conditions such as prostatitis, BPH or prostate cancer have many awful effects. Some can result in death, yet many men do not pay attention and gain knowledge of their own bodies so as to prevent or at least minimize these diseases and the impact they can have on their lives.

Men should pay attention to these and other conditions that may affect them. If they don’t, they could suffer serious consequences, especially if there are symptoms they don’t pay attention to in time to catch something early enough to cure it.

If you’re a man who doesn’t think it can happen to you, think again. It can. If you have pain in your lower abdominal region or have any of the other symptoms described above, make a visit to your doctor. It can save you some very significant discomfort at the very least, and may even save your life.

Disclaimer: All content within this articles is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. Always consult your own doctor if you’re in any way concerned about your health

Understanding Colon Cancer: Symptoms, Causes and Early Detection Author: James S. Pendergraft

The large intestine, also called colon, is located in the abdominal cavity where it takes the form of an inverted U. It follows the small intestine into the pit right iliac then back along the abdomen, it is experiencing in its upper part, then downhill into the left iliac fossa where it forms a loop S (sigmoid colon ).

It then continues with the rectum and then, 15 cm lower, with the anal canal and ending with the anus. Malignant tumors of intestin develop in 70 percent of cases in the rectum and sigmoid, from the mucosa (inner layer) or more often a polyp (benign tumor that has cancrise).

Symptoms

We have to wait very long, often several months to see the first symptoms usually occurring by the presence of blood or mucus in black, and disorders of transit for more than three weeks, mainly characterized by alternating diarrhea and constipation. Without treatment, cancer of the colon can cause intestinal obstruction, more rarely perforation of the bowel wall. Later, chronic bleeding that occurs in the tumor causes anemia and unintended weight loss.

Causes

If we do not yet know the exact causes of colon cancer, it is believed that some severe inflammatory diseases of the bowel as well as foods rich in fat and low in fiber promote its appearance.

We also believe that five per cent of cancers rectocoliques certainly have a family, ie they are favored by inherited genes. We know for example that children, brothers and sisters of people who had colon cancer may also develop this disease. This risk is particularly high in families with a “familial polyposis.”

The disorder is characterized by the presence in many colon polyps, benign tumors that almost always turn into cancer if not removed in time. The progress of genetic engineering we will soon find the gene responsible for the disease among children in these families, regularly monitor those who own and operate them if necessary, while avoiding investigations and unnecessary fears to those who do the not.

Prevention and Early Detection

If there is no really effective way to prevent colon cancer, it is strongly recommended eating foods rich in fiber and drink plenty of fluids. The systematic excision of polyps discovered during an endoscopy is in fact the main measure to prevent colon cancer.

It is also impossible to practice early detection, for example by using a self-examination. The only way to detect colon cancer is to consult a doctor without delay from onset of symptoms mentioned above, namely the presence of blood in the stool and disorders transit. It is therefore necessary to regularly observe the appearance of the stool. The presence of blood should never be attributed to hemorrhoids, at least among those who have more than forty years before fully to investigate the intestine by endoscopy (direct examination with a flexible instrument that we introduced by the rectum).

As for reviews that are to detect the invisible presence of blood in the stool in search of a chronic hemorrhage, they may be useful but are not sufficient because they do almost never detect tumors early, when it is still curable. Moreover, the presence of blood in the stool is not always a sign of colon cancer.

The only way to make a diagnosis with certainty is that allows endoscopy to examine directly, or the lower part of the large intestine (rectosigmodoscopie) where develop almost all the tumors of the intestine or the entire large intestine ( colonoscopy).

Travel: Must Accessories for Travel Author: Lynn Rose
Travelling is one of the most pleasurable and exciting things we can do.

And almost anywhere we choose to go, there’s sunlight, or beautiful oceans or bays, or snow. 

There are so many things we want to take on a trip … clothes, make-up, shoes, soap for our skin, shampoo, passport, and more.

But where on the list is sun protection?  Well, sure, you’re taking sunscreen but is that all we need.

The FDA recently passed a ruling – first in 30 years – that requires rewriting what manufacturers of sunscreen must put on their boxes and tubes so that the public knows exactly what they’re getting – or not.

But did you know they also have alerted consumers that “Sunscreen alone will not protect you”, and that “sunscreen is only one part of a sun protection regimen”, and they strongly advise us to use floppy hats that cover face, ears and neck, shade (UV Umbrellas if there’s not a tree available), and protective clothing.

Aside from your passport and airplane tickets, sun protection accessories should go to the top of the list.  Cement gives off reflection, as does water, and snow.  If you take medications that make you more sensitive to the sun, it is critical that you protect yourself.

So what if you’re not sensitive to the sun?  And what if you’re in your teens or twenties, what do we have to worry about?  Sun damage is accumulative.  The earlier we start, the better.

So pack your bags, don’t forget the camera and the film, but above all, do yourself a great favor, one that you’ll be grateful for the rest of your life.

Lynn Rosenberg lost her husband to skin cancer.  She now designs and manufactures small, lightweight UV Umbrellas and UV Hats. Website: www.soleilchic.com or 888-296-7673.

Cervic Cancer: Prevention and Treatment Author: James S. Pendergraft

With more than 1 000 deaths a year, cancer of the cervix represents a major cause of cancer death in women in USA. In the beginning of its development cervic precancerous lesions are caused by virus of the papillomavirus (HPV) family.

Thanks to smear, it is possible to achieve a genuine screening. But according to a French team, the cancer risk assessment could be improved by supplementing it with a more precise identification of the virus.

Prevention

The cervicovaginal smear

The cervical smear is a simple consideration. It involves removing cells from the cervix by a simple painless scraping, and spread the levy on a slide. After fixing, the slides are examined under a microscope by a doctor specializing in this reading, the anatomical pathologist.

He describes in his cells report what he saw and can classify the smear in classes I to V, this is absolutely necessary, the description of cells must be sufficient to distinguish what is normal from what is suspect or frankly pathological.

All women who have sex should pass a smear test at two to one year intervals, and from the age of 25 years. It then seems sufficient to have a normal smear every three years until the age of 65 years. This frequency may be increased if the doctor considers it necessary.

The minutes of cervicovaginal smears will describe the epithelial cells observed, the hormonal state, the possible presence of inflammation, injury or dystrophic metaplasia, signs of viral infection papillomavirus (HPV) or neoplasia.

The cervical smear is an important consideration because it is simple, painless and can detect lesions at their very beginning, at a stage where treatment is extremely effective.

Treatment

It uses radiation (brachytherapy utrovaginale and cobalt) and surgery. Chemotherapy is used in some cases.

Brachytherapy utrovaginale is to put a radioactive source in the uterine cavity and vagina in direct contact with the tumor. The principle of a homogeneous high dose in a small volume, is the basis of efficiency and good tolerance of brachytherapy. The applicator is set up under general anesthesia. Once in place, it is loaded into a second time through a projector sources. Dosimetry is done by computer.

At the early stage, the intervention may be limited among young women still wanting children to a simple conization or amputation of the cervix under carefully examination. Among the older woman, removal of the uterus (hysterectomy simple total) is performed.

In more advanced forms, a wider surgery is performed, and may be associated with external radiation from the small basin.

The signs of the disease

There are no symptoms. It is a discovery of cervical screening done in the framework of the annual gynecologic or during medical surveillance of an inflammatory condition or cervical dysplasia (polyp, ulceration etc…)

When the cancer start to grow, the patient usually consults for loss of blood (Metrorrhagia) often caused by vaginal discharge (white losses) These symptoms are usually painless.

Anyway cervicovaginal smears are performed, and a colposcopy, which will allow the biopsy. The speculum examination may also reveal that the cervix is injured or ulcerated.