Showing posts with label cancer cells. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cancer cells. Show all posts

Monday, September 8, 2014

Liver Cancer – Signs and Symptoms of Liver Cancer

12:05:00 PM
Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) is a cancer arising from the liver. It is also known as primary liver cancer or hepatoma. The liver is made up of different cell types (for example, bile ducts, blood vessels, and fat-storing cells). However, liver cells (hepatocytes) make up 80% of the liver tissue. Thus, the majority of primary liver cancers (over 90 to 95%) arises from liver cells and is called hepatocellular cancer or carcinoma.

Primary liver cancer is rarely discovered early and often doesn't respond to current treatments — thus, the prognosis is often poor. Even when treatments fail to provide much improvement in the liver cancer itself, pain and other signs and symptoms caused by liver cancer can be aggressively treated to improve quality of life. But the most important news about primary liver cancer is that you can greatly reduce your risk by protecting yourself from hepatitis infection and cirrhosis, the leading causes of the disease.

Secondary Liver Cancer Most of the time when cancer is found in the liver it did not start there but spread to the liver from a cancer that began somewhere else in the body. These tumors are named after the place where they began (the primary site) and are further described as metastatic. For example, cancer that started in the lung and spread to the liver is called metastatic lung cancer to the liver. The rest of the information given here covers only primary liver cancer, that is, cancer that starts in the liver.

Signs and Symptoms of Liver Cancer

Most people don't have signs and symptoms in the early stages of liver cancer, which means the disease may not be detected until it's quite advanced. When symptoms do appear, they may include some or all of the following:
Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right part of your abdomen, that may extend into your back and shoulder. Pain that occurs in the right upper area of the abdomen. The liver is a very nerve rich organ and can be sensitive to changes.

Appetite - People with liver cancer may experience a continuous loss of appetite or feel very full after a small meal.

Worsened hepatitis or cirrhosis symptoms - More severe symptoms in people who have chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis are signs of liver cancer. These symptoms could include fluid in the abdomen, a symptom known as ascites, or the need for more and more water tablets (diuretics) to control the amount of fluid in the abdomen.

Abdominal pain is a very common symptom, and also common in children. Unfortunately, because there are so many possible causes of abdominal pain, and many cases are not serious, many cases of acute appendicitis are misdiagnosed each year as gastroenteritis or some other similar condition, especially in children and infants. Although appendicitis is an uncommon condition, it can be fatal. And there are many other serious conditions that may cause abdominal pain.

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes caused by an accumulation of bile pigment -bilirubin- in the blood).

Esophageal varices (occurs when the tumor invaded and blocked the portal vein and the blood drains through esophageal veins).

Rarely: bleeding problems. Many of the proteins required for proper blood clotting are created in the liver. Remove these proteins and blood clotting decreases.

Chronic weight loss or wasting. The liver processes all the building blocks. If it fails to process, the body fails to maintain itself.
Author: peterhutch

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Can Tattoo Inks Cause Skin Cancer?

6:18:00 AM
It seems today most people obtaining tattoos are more concerned about the quality of the tattoo and the effect of aging altering the tattoo, than any potential long term health risks. The health dangers associated with being injected by hundreds of needles into the dermis or the inner layer of the skin are widely publicised and most tattoo artists take these issues very seriously. We have all heard about Aids and Hep C, but are you aware of the current debate on the possible skin cancer risks associated with tattoo inks?
Recent years have seen an increase in stories associated with the potential of getting skin cancer from tattoo inks. Limited studies taken to date have not confirmed a direct link between cancer and tattoo inks..
Phthalates and other chemical ingredients used in tattoo inks have raised questions about the long term risks on our health such as skin cancer.It has been reported that some forms of phthalates are believed to have the potential to disrupt testosterone or mimic estrogen. Phthalate exposure has been identified to possible sperm defects and altered thyroid hormones. The phthalates in tattoo inks are believed to be cleared from the body within hours unlike many other forms of phthalate exposure. A study reported that Phthalates applied to the skin in a lotion were absorbed and metabolised and the same thing is likely to happen with the phthalates in tattoo inks. It would be well advised for pregnant and nursing women to avoid any exposure to phthalates.
Injecting tattoo inks, containing exogenous pigments, into the dermis creates a unique situation, due to the large amount of metallic salts and organic dyes remain in the skin for a lifetime. The potential carcinogenic risks of tattoo inks remain debatable. Several studies have identified the presence of potential carcinogenic or procarcinogenic products in tattoo inks.One chemical commonly used in black tattoo ink called benzo(a)pyrene is known to be a potent carcinogen that causes skin cancer in animal tests. As tattooing injects inks such asbenzo(a)pyrene directly into the dermis damaging the skin. You could conclude it may contribute to skin cancer.
Scientists and health professionals continue to debate the possible link between tattoo inks and cancer. In the last forty years there have only been 50 documented cases of squamous cell carcinoma, malignant skin melanoma or basal cell carcinoma with possible connections to tattoos, compared to the millions of tattoos obtained. Epidemiological studies on the effects of tattoo ink could be taken, although they would not be easy. A large number of tattooed people would have to be monitored over a long period of time to see whether they developed problems such as skin cancer near their tattoos. The low number of reported skin cancers arising in tattoos could be considered coincidental.
Further in depth studies will need to be carried out to give more conclusive evidence on the effects of tattoo ink and the cancer risks associated. The FDA is growing more concerned about the ingredients in tattoo ink. In the early 2000's, the FDA received a large number of complaints associated with giving and receiving tattoos. Since then the FDA has commenced more research into the chemical components of tattoo inks. The FDA is investigating how the body breaks down the tattoo ink as it fades over time. Is the body absorbing the ink or is it fading from sun exposure? A common pigment in yellow tattoo inks, Pigment Yellow 74, is believed to be a risk of being broken down by the body.
When skin cells containing tattoo inks are killed by sunlight or laser light, the tattoo inks break down and could possibly spread throughout the body. It is believed that tattoo inks could spread into lymph nodes whether this has unknown health concerns or not is still unknown. Our lymph nodes filtering out disease-causing organisms any interference in that process could have devastating effects on our health.
It is recommended not to have a tattoo placed too close to a mole. Changes occurring in a mole such as asymmetry, border, color, size, shape, texture are all warning signs of a possible melanoma or another skin cancer. Ensure all moles are left completely visible to prevent possible delays in detecting any changes. When a melanoma is discovered early it is usually curable where as more advanced melanomas are far harder to cure. A tattoo covering a mole could delay detection and be extremely dangerous even life threatening. If you get a tattoo, make sure it is placed a good distance from any mole. This is especially important for people who have multiple moles or dysplastic nevus (atypical mole) syndrome, due to the increased risk of developing melanoma, potentially within one of their moles.
It's imperative to be extremely diligent in caring for our skin correctly after a tattoo and monitor any changes that may occur to the skin. Our skin is the largest organ of the body and has many important functions. It protective us against injury and disease, regulates our temperature and maintains our bodies hydration. There are three layers to our skin the first layers is the epidermis the outer layer of the skin. The second layer is the dermis or the inner layer and the third layer is the subcutaneous fat layer.
Cancer is a disease of the body's cells. Normally the body's cells grow and divide in an orderly fashion. Some cells may grow and divide abnormally growing into a lump, a tumour. Tumours can be non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Benign tumours do not spread to other parts of the body. Cancer cells in a malignant tumour have the ability to spread to over areas in the body, if left untreated. These cells can destroy surrounding tissue and break away from the original cancer, affecting other organs in the body. These cells can then form another tumour referred to as a secondary cancer.
Skin cancer begins in the basal layer of the epidermis. There are three main types of skin cancer basal cell carcinoma; squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Melanomas start in the pigment cells while basal and squamous cell carcinomas develop from the epidermal cells. Basal cell carcinomas are the most common but least dangerous type of skin cancer. They grow slowly but if left untreated, a deep ulcer can occur. Fortunately they very rarely spread to other parts of the body. Basal cell carcinomas are most commonly found on the face, neck and upper trunk. They appear as a lump or scaly area and are pale, pearly or red in colour. Squamous cell carcinomas are less common but more dangerous. They typically grow over a period of weeks to months. These cancers may spread to other parts of the body if not treated immediately. Squamous cell carcinomas appear on areas of skin most often exposed to the sun. They have scaling, red areas which may bleed easily and ulcerate, looking like an unhealing sore. The major cause of these skin cancers is sun exposure for years. Melanoma is the rarest but most dangerous skin cancer. It is often a fast growing cancer which if left untreated can spread quickly to other parts of the body to form secondary cancers. Melanomas can appear anywhere on the body. The first sign of a melanoma is usually a change in a freckle or mole, or the appearance of a new spot. Changes in size, shape or colour are normally seen over a period of several weeks to months. Melanoma typically appears from adolescence onwards, most commonly seen between 30 and 50 years of age.
Any sign of a crusty, non-healing sore, a small lump which is red, pale or pearly in colour, or a new spot, freckle or mole changing in colour, thickness or shape over a period of several weeks to months. Any spots that range from dark brown to black, red or blue-black should be checked by a doctor immediately. A very high per cent of basal and squamous cell carcinomas that are found and treated early are cured.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

How Can Your Prevent and Treat Your Oral Cancer?

9:54:00 AM
In oral cancer, the cancer cells or tissues present within oral cavity of the mouth. Oral cancer includes the parts such as cheek, lip, gum, salivary gland and floor of the mouth. This type of cancer will affect only the people more than 45 years, but it can get developed at any stage. Most of the oral cancer includes the throat, tongue and floor of the mouth. Throat cancer includes the part behind your mouth. A person who is affected by oral cancer may have great health risks if he is a male or above 40 years old.
The American research center says that nearly 30,000 people are affected by oral and throat cancer in United States per year. According to the recent estimation from America about 7,000 people die because of throat and oral cancer. Oral cancer may originate from any part of the mouth as a primary lesion and may be varied in types. They look very smaller in microscope and are malignant. They can spread easily to the other parts. If the oral cancer is detected in the earlier stage it is successfully curable, but it is very difficult to identify because in the early stage it does not have any pain but only toothache.
Symptoms for Oral Cancer
Following are the some of the common symptoms of the oral cancer:
You can experience bleeding in gums and red or white patches on the gums. A lump found on the lips, floor of the mouth, at the side of the cheeks. Feeling difficult to chew or swallow. Having Continuous toothache and losing teeth. Bad breath and difficult to open the jaws. A lump on your neck. A sore present in your mouth or tongue which does not heal quickly.
Factors for Oral Cancer
Tobacco is the major factor responsible for oral and throat cancer. A person who drinks alcohol will be affected by oral cancer mostly than the non-drinking persons. Smoking cigarettes, pipes, chewing tobacco leaves, using snuff powder will lead to oral cancer. The person who has regular head ache may also be affected. Family background is also another reason. High exposure of ultraviolet rays on the lips is also one of the factors. Among 3 any 1 person will be affected by oral cancer due to UV rays.
Preventions
Stop smoking and have a regular dentist checkup twice a year. Avoid chewing gums and tobacco leaves. Use sun screen balms on your lips and sunscreen lotions on your body to protect yourself from UV rays. Do self-examination for your tongue, teeth and throat. Have a rich nutritious food.
Treatments for Oral Cancer
Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are the major treatments for removing tumor cells or tissues. Surgery depends on the size and location of the tumor and it can be removed easily without any damage. Radiation therapy uses x-rays to kill the tumor cells and it can be used during surgery for destroying small tumors. In chemotherapy the drugs are used to kill the cancer cells. You can stimulate drugs either through veins or orally. The type of drug depends on the size and location of the tumor. If the tumor cell is larger it can be treated with the combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

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Wednesday, October 16, 2013

5 Foods That Boost Immune System

6:06:00 AM
The immune system is responsible for protecting the body against infections and disease as well as killing pathogens. This system is comprised of several types of antibodies, proteins, organs, cells and tissues that work together to fight and prevent disease. This is done by attacking foreign and diseased cells and removing them from the body.
Disorders and deficiencies in this system cause disease. Immunodeficiency can be caused by a genetic disease or by side effects of medications or by viruses. Autoimmune diseases come from an overactive immune system that attacks normal tissues.
The body has B cells, T cells and antibodies for every antigen (virus, bacteria) but only in a limited supply. When the need arises, the cells reproduce by the millions to fight off the bad guys!
What you eat is very important in boosting or suppressing your immune system. Here are some foods that boost your immune system.
1) Mushrooms are low in calories and high in protein and antioxidants. They are a probiotic, which means they promote good bacteria and fights off bad bacteria and helps your immune system. It is well known that mushrooms help your body in many ways including; improved blood flow, destroying cancer cells and fighting colds during cold and flu season. Some of the best ones to eat are shiitake, yun zhi, cordyceps, turkey tail and reishi.
2) Garlic is one of the best foods for preventing disease. It has been shown to increase production of white cells and antibodies that pinpoint and attack cancer cells. It gets rid of free radicals in the bloodstream and unclogs blood cells. A compound in garlic called allicin has been shown to have antiviral properties that can help prevent colds and the flu. It's also been shown to reduce yeast infections, staph infections and detox dangerous metals from your bloodstream.
3) Broccoli has a compound called sulforaphane that helps fight diseases and the aging process by attacking free radicals. It causes the body to produce phase 2 enzymes, which are one of the most powerful anti cancer chemicals around. It's also a great source of vitamin c, a superstar antioxidant that needs no introduction. Compounds in broccoli are great at detoxifying, getting rid of toxic substances in our cells.
4) Whey protein is the liquid byproduct from cheese production. "Whey has antioxidant, antihypertensive, antitumor, hypolipidemic, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. The amino acid cysteine in whey converts into glutathione, a strong intracellular antioxidant. Whey has been tested as a treatment or supportive agent for cancer, HIV, hepatitis B, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. It may also be helpful in immune function disorders." (1)
5) Blueberries are consistently ranked as best fruit for antioxidants. The color of berry is the source of its great antioxidant power. Blueberries have been linked to many health benefits including treating and preventing urinary tract infections, help fight aging, help prevent degenerative diseases like cancer, heart disease and memory loss.
Sources
(1) Whey Protein supplement health benefit and side effects by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Friday, September 27, 2013

Alkaline Diet and Cancer - Cancer Cells Cannot Live In An Alkaline Environment

9:28:00 AM
Ever wondered why the heart never gets a cancer. The heart might get affected eventually by cancer of any other part of the body but we never hear of cancer of the heart. This is because the heart never gets cancer. Alkaline diet is perhaps the only permanent way to prevent and rid oneself of cancer.
Let us understand what causes cancer and how an alkaline diet can prevent it. Each cell in our body takes in oxygen, nutrients and glucose while throws out toxins. These cells are protected by the immune system. But as the body gets acidic the immune system gets overpowered by the toxins and the cell looses its capacity to take in oxygen and thus ferments. This cell gets cancer affected and is lost. The next question is can cancer be prevented and cured by consuming a diet with less acid and more alkaline. Cancer cells lie dormant in a ph of 7.4 but as the body gets alkalized higher and the ph level reaches 8.4 these malignant cells die off. So the answer to cancer lies in an extremely alkaline diet. With the right consumption leading to a high alkaline body ph the cancer cells cannot live in that environment and die off.
Cancer cells being anaerobic cannot live in oxygen. They can only thrive in very low oxygen conditions. When the ph of the body is maintained by consuming an alkaline diet the immune system of the body stays strong. This leads to the cells getting enough oxygen and discarding their toxin waste. Cancer will neither thrive nor take birth under such circumstances.
How does an alkaline diet prevent cancer? Such a diet leads to a high alkaline body ph. This high alkaline body ph results in alkaline tissues in the body. Alkaline tissues hold 20 times more oxygen than acidic tissues. Cancer cannot live in an oxygenated atmosphere. If the cells are oxygen rich they will prevent cancer. Therefore while an acidic tissue will be an ideal ground for cancer to develop as well as spread, an alkaline tissue will destroy a cancer cell. Having a lot of green vegetables and fruits along with alkaline water can save you from cancer. To give your body the best alkaline/acidic balance requires one to eat foods that are highly alkalizing while avoiding the acidifying foods.
An alkaline diet is very beneficial in fighting many diseases apart from cancer. Alkaline supplements are good ways to include alkaline food in your diet. Over cooking of vegetables leads to their nutrients being destroyed. Alkaline supplements make sure one gets enough alkalizing foods in a day. Also alkaline water is a good alternative to ordinary water. So if you want your body to be cancer free as well as healthy and energetic adopt an alkaline diet and make it your way of life.
 
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