Information on Cancer

Breast Cancer – Problem Faced By Women

2010-05-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

There was a time when Breast Cancer was termed to be as a dreaded disease. But things have changed now. If detected earlier, this could be easily treated. Removal of your breast during the treatment of breast cancer can be one of the painful things you would have to go through. It may not be the same case for all patients. With the increasing knowledge about the cures and treatment breast cancer can be treated very easily.

Breast cancer occurs when cell in our breasts known as tumor grow out of control causing damage to the nearby tissues and spreads throughout. These tumors which are cancerous are known as malignant tumors and cause lot of damage to your body. As it takes lot of time for a tumor to grow, it may not be easy to detect the tumor during self exam. But these can be detected with mammograms.

Breast cancers best treatment - early detection. Once, cancer is detected it becomes easier for the doctors and yourself to fight it out. By the age of 20 all women should start doing Breast Self Examination (BSE) it is one of most easiest and earliest ways of detecting cancer. These check ups should be done few days after your periods. You should do this check up at least once a month. A clinical breast exam should be done at least once a year.

Some of the signs to look for, while doing BSE

-A lump found in and around the nipple or underarm
-Change in size or shape
-Nipple discharge or nipple turning inward
-Redness of skin or warmth
-Formation of dimple or change in skin texture

Some of the causes of having breast cancer

Gender: Being a woman is one of the common reasons for suffering from breast cancer. Event though men suffer from this disease too, just being a woman puts you in lot of danger.

Age: As you grow older your chances of having breast cancer increases.

Family history: If somebody in the family has suffered from breast cancer your chances of having breast cancer increases.

Being overweight or obese: If you are an overweight women your chances of breast cancer increases after menopause.

Lack of exercise: Being lethargic and lack of any physical activity leads you towards increasing weight and chances of breast cancer

Alcohol: Drinking alcohol becomes very risky as it increases your chances of breast cancer

Methods to Prevent Breast Cancer

-Turn into a vegetarian
-Have plenty of organic food and vegetables
-Avoid red meat and any processed foods
-Avoid alcohol and colas
-You can have something sweet by having Stevia, an herb which is a substitute to any other toxic artificial sweetener
-Having whole grains is very good such as Oatmeal, Kamut and Psyllium, which are a good source of fiber and enters directly into your bloodstream
-Your diet must include wheat, bran and Cabbage as they are very nutritious food which helps to prevent breast cancer
-Garlic, Ginger, carrots, celery, cilantro, parsley and parsnip has some of the highest cancer fighting nutrients. Include them in your daily diet.

Antiperspirants And Breast Cancer

2010-05-06T08:52:00.000-07:00

Most underarm antiperspirants contain as the active ingredient, Aluminium Chlorohydrate, as you will probably remember there has been controversy about Aluminium, since the 1950's when it was a popular metal used for making cooking pots, Saucepans and Fry Pans and that it could be one of the contributing factors to Alzheimer's, now we have another problem that could also be related to Aluminium, Breast Cancer.

Research shows that one of the leading causes of Breast Cancer could be the use of antiperspirants. The human body has a number of areas, that it uses to purge Toxins from the body, these are, behind the knees, behind the ears, the groin area, and the armpits. The toxins are purged from the body in the form of perspiration and antiperspirant as the name clearly suggests prevents you from perspiring, thereby inhibiting the body from purging Toxins from the armpit area.

These Toxin do not just disappear, Instead, the body deposits them in the Lymph Nodes below the arms, since it is unable to sweat them out. A concentration of Toxins then builds up in the areas such as the armpits, which can then lead to cell mutations, which is cancer.

It cannot be ignored, that nearly all Breast Cancer Tumors occur in the upper outer quadrant of the breast area, this is where the Lymph Nodes are located. Men are less likely (but not totally exempt) to develop breast cancer prompted by the use of antiperspirants, because the antiperspirant is more likely to be caught in the armpit hair, rather than directly applied to the skin, but ladies, who shave their armpits, increase the risk by causing imperceptible nicks in the skin, which allow the chemicals to enter easily into the body through the armpits.

This article is aimed mainly at ladies, but please be aware that there are a few antiperspirants on the market that are made from natural products, but basically they would still trap the Toxins in the same areas. The best solution is to use deodorants, rather than antiperspirants, also please remember that the Eight Essential Sugars in Glyconutrients can also help to fight off Toxins.

There is a lot of controversy about this article, the medical profession scoff at the idea, and so do big business, but then again there are huge numbers of people that scoff at the problems associated with Fluoride in drinking water. You can make up your own mind on whether there is something in this article or not, I know that if I was a lady, I would keep clear of Antiperspirants. I realize that Doctors everywhere, do a marvelous job, and they are appreciated, but they are reluctant to look at the bigger picture, also please remember that the fourth largest killer of people in the western world is prescription drugs.

Alternative breast cancer natural herbal treatment

2010-05-06T03:34:00.000-07:00

In recent years, there's been an explosion of life-saving treatment in an alternative way with natural and herbal medicine advances against breast cancer, bringing new hope and excitement. Instead of only one or two options, today there's an overwhelming menu of treatment choices that fight the complex mix of cells in each individual cancer.

Let me ask you a question before you start reading this article:

If I could show you a natural cancer fighting strategy that when used alone or when coupled with conventional treatments could kill your cancer - would you be willing to spend 15 minutes reading and listening to the audio of the patients. This potentially is a life changing report?

If you answered NO, then I wish you the best of luck with your doctor.

If you answered YES, then go ahead and read this report. Do not simply skim over it or skip around from section to section - but read it word for word. There is some cancer fighting information here. You won't want to miss a thing.

Finding out that you or a loved one has breast cancer can be absolutely terrifying. However, once you understand the causes of breast cancer and learn how to reverse those causes, you or your loved one can have more than a fighting chance of beating breast cancer. Unfortunately, these strategies can't help everyone survive, but if the person using these strategies has enough time left so that they can start to work, quite often they reverse their cancer.

Now, because you chose to read this report in its entirety - this tells me two things about you.

1. You want an aggressive no-holds barred approach to skyrocket your chances of survival beyond the ordinary.

2. You realize conventional treatments may not do the trick alone, and can potentially batter your body, destroy your health and possibly ruin you financially.

A Breast Cancer Survivor says that “We fight cancer everyday...and we never give up.”

We know you are fighting for your life. At Cancer Treatment Centers and our mission is to arm you with every choice and offer you every chance.

Aggressive research, innovative new therapies, and highly-trained, experienced cancer practitioner of conventional treatment work to provide each patient with a personalized treatment plan, based on his or her unique medical condition, needs and desires.

Breast Cancer Treatment
There is hope. Some about treatment options available to you.
Alternative Cancer Treatments
Alternative cancer treatments that counter the underlying causes of cancer, help relieve pain, reduce side effects and help the immune system to more effectively fight cancer.

Let me be in brief about the things

What this cancer exactly is?
Cancer cells are always being created in the body. It's an ongoing process that has gone on for eons. In fact, the immune system developed components whose job it is to seek out and destroy cancer cells.
Cancer is not a mysterious disease that suddenly attacks you out of the blue, something that you can't do anything about. It has definite causes that you can correct if your body has enough time, and if you take action to change the internal environment to one that creates health, not cancer, while at the same time attacking cancerous cells and tumors by exploiting their weaknesses.

How we came across this disease?
Cancer has been around as long as mankind, but only in the second half of the 20th century did the number of cancer cases explodes. Contributing to this explosion are the huge amounts of toxins and pollutants we are exposed to, high stress lifestyles that zap the immune system, poor quality junk food that's full of pesticides, irradiated and now genetically modified, pathogens, electromagnetic stress, lights and just about anything that wasn't around 200 years ago. All these weaken the immune system, and alter the internal environment in the body to an environment that promotes the growth of cancer.
Cancer tumors begin when more cancerous cells are being created than an overworked, depleted immune system can destroy.
Constant exposure to tens of thousands of man made chemicals from birth onward, chlorinated and fluoridated water, electromagnetic radiation, pesticides and other toxins, leads to the creation of too many free radicals and excessive numbers of cancerous cells.

Alone this would be enough to raise cancer levels, but combined with an immune system weakened by a diet of refined and over processed food, mineral depleted soils, and too much exposure to artificial light at night, the immune system at some point no longer is able to keep cancer in check and it starts to grow in your body.

Did you know about this?
Research shows that the immune system needy 9 1/2 hours of sleep in total darkness to recharge completely. When was the last time you had enough sleep?

As a result of all this stress on our bodies and the overload of toxins, what you get is a malfunctioning immune system and a body that is not capable of destroying the excessive numbers of cancerous cells that develop. Some, sooner or later, survive and multiply. And then you have cancer.

Overcoming cancer is a process of reversing the conditions that allowed the cancer to develop, and going after and killing cancerous cells.

The exact causes don't have to be known, though certainly the more varied the approaches taken to correct those conditions, the more likely you are going to hit on what works best in a particular case. What needs to be done is to strongly and dramatically interrupt and reverse these cancer-causing conditions so that the body becomes healthier, and no longer capable of breeding cancer.

The more cancer there is, the more serious the condition -- meaning much has to be done -- fast. In your personal situation it may be too late, or it may not. No one knows where that cutoff point is as even advanced cases can turn around.

This report acts like a suggestor to you. The most important things you can do for your health is to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. But much, much more potent.

One of the basics of fighting cancer is going on a fairly low carbohydrate diet, especially sugars and refined carbohydrates, because they digest extremely fast and flood the body. Your body must then produce a lot of insulin to get the sugar into cells fast, and this feeds the cancer cells just what they like to eat.

10 Strategies to focus on when fighting cancer...

1.Kill Them Naturally And Safely Without Harming Your Body
2.Increasing Oxygen Levels In Your Body And Cells Can Literally Kill Cancerous Cells
3.Normalizing pH Levels which Can Stop Cancer In Its Tracks
4.Getting Methylgyloxal Back Into Cells Puts The Brakes On Cancer Cell Growth
5.A Strong Immune System Seeks Out And Destroys Cancer Cells
6.Eliminating Candida And Fungal Infections Vital For Getting Rid Of Cancer
7.Reducing Toxic Overload Vital For Successfully Fighting Cancer
8.Free Radical Scavengers Protect Cells From Damage
9.Increasing Enzyme Levels Can Wipe Out Cancer
10.Raising The Vibratory Level In The Body Disrupts Cancer Growth
11.Resolving Issues And Reducing Stress May Be Vital For Success Against Cancer

A natural and herbal approach to cancer is based on making the body healthier. This alternative cancer strategy is to strengthen a depleted, worn out, under energized immune system that is not capable of killing cancer cells as fast as they are multiplying.

This is part of changing the body's internal environment so cancer cells can't survive and so you will experience greater health in every way. You accomplish this by supporting the body's fight against cancer, by changing the body's internal environment to one that does not support the growth of cancer, and by directly attacking cancer cells.

You will learn about safe and effective supplements that deal with each cancer weakness mentioned in the web site. Products that can defeat cancer as they get at the underlying causes of cancer. That work on any and every cancer. Let's get started with the last one first...

A 10-Year Drive To Put The Brakes On Breast Cancer

2010-05-06T02:34:00.000-07:00

Breast cancer is a highly treatable disease that now has a survival rate of 85 percent. Yet more than 212,000 women are still diagnosed with the condition each year.

Since early diagnosis is an important key to successful treatment, doctors say it's important that all women over the age of 18 do a Breast Self-Exam (BSE) every month, two or three days after their menstrual cycle. In addition, women between 20 and 39 should have a clinical breast exam at least every three years and women 40 and older should have a mammogram every year.

For the past 10 years, BMW of North America has worked with The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation-the largest fund-raiser for breast cancer research in America-to help spread the message of early detection and to help ensure that breast cancer research continues. The groups' Ultimate Drive program has raised millions to help fund the efforts.

The initiative, fully underwritten by BMW, consists of two fleets of specifically badged BMWs making a cross-country trek, stopping in communities along the way to hold daylong events. People will be invited to test-drive the cars-at no cost to the participants-to raise money for breast cancer research, education and screening treatment programs.

The car company donates $1 directly to the Komen Foundation for each mile driven, along with whatever other proceeds are received from the program. Upon completion of every drive, each participant adds his or her own name to the Signature Vehicle-this year, a BMW 3-Series.

This year's goal is to raise over $1 million, bringing the program's 10-year total up to over $10 million. To help celebrate the initiative's 10th anniversary, the 240-stop cross-country trek has been expanded to include Alaska.

People can test-drive the cars to help fight breast cancer. They can also:

• Regularly conduct BSEs, have clinical exams and mammograms

• Stop smoking and stressing

• Get more exercise

• Cut or reduce their alcohol consumption

• Watch their diet. Try to eat plenty of olive oil, fruits, vegetables, grains, fresh fish and poultry.

Goals of chemotherapy

2010-04-12T00:22:00.000-07:00

Your healthcare team will tell you why chemotherapy is a treatment option for you. A medical oncologist will explain your treatment plan. The chemotherapy can pursue the following objectives:

Destruction of Cancer
Chemotherapy, used alone or in combination with other treatments designed to destroy cancer cells in the body. Many types of cancer can be treated with a combination of chemotherapy drugs (combination chemotherapy).

Shrink a tumor before other treatments
Chemotherapy is sometimes used to shrink a tumor before surgery or radiotherapy (neoadjuvant chemotherapy).

Destruction of cancer cells after other treatments
Chemotherapy is often used in addition to surgery or radiation to destroy cancer cells that have escaped the scalpel or X-rays (adjuvant chemotherapy).

Preparation for bone marrow or stem cell
Some types of cancer can be treated by bone marrow or stem cells. High doses of chemotherapy drugs are used to destroy existing bone marrow before it is replaced by stem cells or bone marrow from a donor (ablative chemotherapy).

Relief of symptoms caused by cancer
Chemotherapy may be used to alleviate pain and other symptoms caused by cancer (palliative chemotherapy).

Symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer

2010-04-05T17:59:00.000-07:00

Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare form of cancer that can develop and spread quickly, even during the early stages of the disease. This type of cancer can develop when breast cancer cells block the lymph vessels to help remove fluids, bacteria and other waste from breast tissue. It may then result in inflammation of the breasts. Unlike most breast cancers, which cause the appearance of one or several different solid tumors, inflammatory breast cancer tends to grow in layers or nests.

Symptoms

Symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer vary from person to person and can occur suddenly. Consult your doctor if you notice one or more of the following symptoms:

    * Changing the size or shape of the breast, the breast volume can take some time (for some women, the equivalent of a cup size bra in a few more weeks);
    * Boobs hot or warm to the touch;
    * Change in color or normal breast texture of the skin of the breast can become red, pink or bruised for no apparent reason (in whole or in patches);
    * Itchy breasts as ointments or creams can not relieve;
    * Sudden onset of a lump in the breast, but as inflammatory breast cancer tends to grow in layers instead of forming a solid tumor, a person with this type of cancer may not necessarily see the presence of a breast lump;
    * Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or above the clavicle;
    * Discharge from the nipple.

Symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer may be similar to a breast infection (mastitis), which can be treated successfully with antibiotics. If antibiotic treatment fails to relieve symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor again. Other tests may be needed to confirm or exclude a diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer.

Diagnosis

Inflammatory breast cancer is usually detected by mammography or ultrasound unless a solid tumor has developed. The biopsy is the surest way to detect inflammatory breast cancer.

Treatment

Treatment is often undertaken on the spot because inflammatory breast cancer can spread quickly. We usually use a combination of treatments: chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy and hormone therapy. As cancer cells proliferate in inflammatory breast all the breast tissue rather than concentrating in a single tumor, chemotherapy is often administered prior to surgery or radiotherapy.

Treatments for Breast Cancer

2010-04-05T01:39:00.000-07:00

Before starting treatment, talk about contraception with your doctor. If you are in childbearing age, it is important to use contraception during treatment, even if your periods stop. You may still be fertile during this period and get pregnant. However, some treatments against cancer can affect fetal development.

Surgery

The type of surgery will depend on the tumor location and size. During the intervention, there will be partial or total removal of the tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue. The operation will be performed under general anesthesia (you are asleep) and you will be hospitalized for several days after the operation.

Surgery is the treatment most often recommended in cases of breast cancer. The interventions are of two types:

* Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy): removal of a breast tumor and some surrounding tissue, but not the entire breast;
* Mastectomy: removal of the entire breast

During surgery, the surgeon generally removes some lymph nodes under the armpit to see if they contain cancer cells. This procedure is called axillary dissection. It could also offer a more recent technique, called sentinel node biopsy, which can reduce the number of nodes removed.

After surgery, it may be that you felt some pain or nausea, or you have no appetite. These side effects are temporary and can be mitigated. Depending on the amount of breast tissue removed and the location of the tumor, it may be that your breast no longer look the same after surgery. In some cases, it is possible to have breast reconstruction during the same operation, otherwise you will have the opportunity later.

Removal of lymph nodes under the armpit can cause an accumulation of lymph fluid and swelling in the arm and hand. This is called lymphedema.

Care practices and side effects after surgery

Radiotherapy

In external radiotherapy, using a large device that can direct a beam of radiation to the precise location of the tumor. The radiation damages the cells that are in the path of the beam - normal cells as cancer cells. In internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy, radioactive elements are placed directly into or near the tumor.

The lumpectomy is almost always followed by external radiation therapy to destroy any cancer cells that may still be present in the breast area. In some cases, the region of lymph nodes will also be treated. Sometimes use of radiotherapy after a mastectomy.

Side effects of radiation therapy are usually mild and vary by body part being treated. Perhaps you feel more tired than usual or notice that your skin looks different (it may be red or be sensitive to the touch) to the treated area. The nipple and the fold under the breast may also be sensitive or sore. These side effects result from damage to healthy cells, they usually fade away once the treatment is completed and the cells were regenerated. The radiation directed toward the armpit may increase the risk of lymphedema.

Side effects of radiotherapy

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy can be administered as tablets or by injection. Chemotherapy drugs prevent the development and spread of cancer cells, but they also damage the cells that are healthy. Healthy cells can recover over time, but in the meantime, the treatment may cause some side effects at home, such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, hair loss and increased risk of infection .

Some chemotherapy drugs can affect fertility. If you plan to have children after treatment, discuss the options available to you with your doctor.

Side effects of chemotherapy

Hormone

Hormones are chemical substances that are either naturally secreted by the human body, is synthesized in the laboratory. Hormone therapy is a treatment that removes hormones or your body that neutralizes the effects to prevent cancer cells from developing. You can change hormone levels with medication, with surgery or radiotherapy.

If the hormonal receptor status of the tumor that you are achieving is positive, your doctor may suggest to take hormone.

The hormonal drug can be administered as tablets or by injection, or both. Side effects vary from one drug to another. You may experience symptoms similar to those of menopause: irregular periods, hot flushes, vaginal irritation or loss. These effects can usually be mitigated or alleviated. They often disappear after treatment, but it may happen that the menopause is final.

Biological therapy

This form of breast cancer treatment involves using drugs to inhibit the growth of human breast cancer cells and mobilize the body's immune system to destroy them.

Biological therapy may be indicated for women whose breast cancer has a high protein Her2. The drug is given by injection, sometimes in combination with chemotherapy. It can cause side effects similar to flu symptoms (fever, chills, nausea), headache, rash or heart problems.

Pain relief

See how you can mitigate and control the pain as discomfort, side effects and stress while you follow your treatments against cancer.

Coping with cancer

However, regardless of your (newly diagnosed cancer, current treatment or coach to a person with cancer), you will probably solve many practical problems, difficult decisions and manage a range of emotions.

Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

2010-04-04T18:40:00.000-07:00

It is likely that your doctor has suspected the presence of breast cancer:

    *      Due to an abnormality revealed by mammography screening;
    *      Because you would have reported a change in your breast or nipple;
    *      After examining your breasts and you have asked about your health and your personal and family medical history.

If you have a lump in one breast, your doctor palpated to determine the size, shape and texture, and check if it is easily mobile. Often, the masses are different from non-cancerous tumor masses to the touch. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor will use some analysis, which will also establish the "stage" and "grade" (degree of malignancy) of cancer. It may be that you have to spend any of the following tests.

Imaging Techniques

These techniques allow to carry out a thorough examination of tissues, organs and bones. Radiography, ultrasonography, computed tomography [CT] and bone scan are all means for your health care team to obtain an image of the tumor and whether it has spread. These tests are usually painless and do not require anesthesia.

Even if you had a mammogram screening, diagnostic mammography will be performed. During this procedure, we take more photographs of the breast that appeared abnormal on the mammogram. A mammogram can lead to discomfort and can even be painful because the breast is compressed between two plates of glass. You must remain still for less than a minute while taking mammograms.

Biopsy

A biopsy is usually required to establish with certainty a diagnosis of cancer. This procedure involves removing cells for examination under a microscope. If the cells are cancerous, it will then determine how quickly they multiply. There are several types of breast biopsies.

    *      The fine needle aspiration biopsy uses a thin needle to remove fluid or cells from the mass. The procedure is quick but can be uncomfortable because of breast tenderness.

* During a core needle biopsy, the doctor inserts a needle into a small incision in the breast to remove one or more samples of breast tissue. If necessary, we will use the ultrasound or X-ray to guide the needle into the ground and a local anesthetic will be used to numb the area under consideration. After the biopsy, it is possible that the breast is sensitive and bruises appear for a short period.

* A biopsy is a surgical procedure that involves removing part or all of a lump in one breast or breast tissue suspected. It may be of two types. During a biopsy incision, a sample is a mass or abnormal area. In an excisional biopsy, we remove the entire mass or suspicious tissue. The biopsy may take place either in the doctor's office or at the hospital, outpatient clinic (you will not spend the night in the hospital). A local anesthetic will be used to numb the area under consideration.

Laboratory Tests

If the sample used for the biopsy contains cancer cells, your doctor may request further analysis of breast tissue removed. These tests will have a better idea of the state of cancer and offer the best treatment options.

* The analysis of hormone receptor status is used to detect the presence of certain hormone receptors. The breast cancer cells bearing these receptors need estrogen and progesterone to grow. If there are hormone receptors in the biopsy sample, we say that the tumor is hormone dependent (hormone receptor positive). Knowing hormone receptor status of the tumor helps predict how it will evolve and whether it is likely to respond to hormonal therapy. The tumors are more common in a hormone-menopausal women.

* The test for detection of Her2 gene to verify the presence of an oncogene that regulates the protein called Her2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, or receptor 2 human epidermal growth factor). This protein is found on the surface of breast cells and stimulates their growth, some breast cancer cells contain much more than others. If there is an excessive amount of Her2 protein or copies of the gene that governs, we say that the tumor is Her2-positive. Breast Her2-positive do not evolve like other breast cancers and require special treatment.

* It could happen that blood tests are required. Using samples of your blood, it verifies the amount and appearance of different types of blood cells. The doctor can see whether your organs are functioning normally. Test results may also provide evidence suggesting the presence or absence of cancer and, where applicable, the spread of the disease.

Benefits and risks of screening for breast cancer

2010-03-30T20:59:00.000-07:00

Virtually any test or procedure has both advantages and risks. What counts is to be informed to make fully informed choices appropriate decision for you.

No screening test is absolutely foolproof, but a good screening test reduces mortality in people with cancer.

Researchers are also trying to develop other positive aspects of screening, including improved quality of life and the use of less toxic treatment because of early detection of disease.

Benefits of regular screening

Early detection of cancer: In most cases, more cancer is detected, the better the chances of survival. Research indicates that women who have regular mammograms are more likely to survive cancer. Early detection may also help reduce the duration of treatment and convalescence. Studies have shown that breast tumors from women screened regularly by mammography are smaller and medium easier to treat.

Reduced anxiety due to the fact of "not knowing": Many people prefer to have regular tests for "verification", like a yearly review with the family doctor.

Risks of routine screening

False positive: When test results suggest the presence of cancer when it is not. False positive results can cause anxiety, stress and possibly other painful and unnecessary tests to disprove the initial results (that is to say for sure that you do not have cancer despite what could suggest the testing). For example, research has shown that screening for breast cancer in younger women can lead to many more false positive results. There are still doubts about whether regular mammograms for women under 50 years can save lives.

More information on screening for breast cancer during quarantine

False negative results: When cancer is actually present is not detected by the test. False negative results can take you, you or your doctor, to ignore other symptoms suggestive of cancer, thereby delaying diagnosis and treatment.

Overdiagnosis: Some cancers may never cause symptoms or decrease expectancy or quality of life. According to research, however, we know that most breast cancers are harmful and that the disease should be detected and treated as quickly as possible.

Increased exposure to toxic processes, such as very low doses of radiation during radiography.

Breast Cancer Screening

2010-03-30T20:42:00.000-07:00

A clinical breast exam is a physical breast examination by a qualified health professional. Periodic clinical examinations may help in early detection of breast cancer.

If you are over 40 years, you should have a clinical breast exam every two years.

If your risk of breast cancer is higher than the average, you will probably undergo screening tests more often or at a younger age (before age 40). Check with your doctor about the best screening program for you.

More information on clinical breast examination

Mammography screening. Screening mammograms are performed in clinics and testing centers.

Mammography is a very low dose radiography of breast tissue. The mammograms provide detailed images of the breast from different angles. The breast is first placed between two plastic plates that are then pressed toward each other to flatten the breast. The procedure may cause some discomfort but it only takes a few seconds. Compression of breast tissue allows for clearer images while minimizing as much as possible the amount of radiation used. Discuss the risks and benefits of mammography with your doctor.

Screening programs for breast cancer vary from one province to another. All provinces have screening programs for women 50 to 69 years. You can make an appointment at one of these testing centers without prior recommendation of a physician.

For women 40 to 49 years, the situation is not as clearly defined. Depending on your province of residence, you may be able to have a mammogram if your doctor or nurse practitioner directs you to the program (after discussing with you the pros and cons of early detection). However, it is also possible that the testing program in your province just can not accept women aged 40 to 49 years in this case, you may need to see your doctor what is the best way to mammography.

Find a center for breast cancer screening near you.

Causes of Breast Cancer

2010-03-29T01:45:00.000-07:00

Most women who develop breast cancer do not present a particular risk factor, except that of being a woman and getting older (especially after 50 years). Discuss your risk with your doctor.

Other possible risk factors:

* Having had breast cancer;

    * Family history of breast cancer (especially if the mother, sister or daughter has been diagnosed before menopause or if the presence of inherited mutations in certain genes such as BRCA1 or BRCA2);

    * Family history of ovarian cancer;

    * Exposure higher than average estrogen, hormones produced naturally by the body, among other things because you:

* Have never had children or have given birth to your first child after age 30;

    * Had your first menstrual period at an early age;

    * Have reached menopause at an older age than average;

    * Have taken hormone replacement therapy (estrogen and progestin combined);

    * Dense breast tissue (proved in mammography);

    * Previous biopsies showing certain breast changes, including a growing number of non-cancerous abnormal cells (atypical hyperplasia);

    * radiation therapy to the breast (eg to treat Hodgkin's lymphoma), especially before the age of 30.

    * Some factors are slightly worsen the risk of breast cancer. Your personal risk could well be a bit higher if you:

    * Obese (especially after menopause);

    * Drink alcohol;

* Taking oral contraceptives (the pill).

Breast cancer can sometimes grow in the absence of these risk factors. Most women affected have no family history of disease.

Breast cancer in men

2010-03-29T01:22:00.000-07:00

Like women, men have breast tissue and may develop breast cancer. In Canada, less than 1% of all cases of breast cancer affecting men. The male breast cancer is most often diagnosed in men over 60 years, but the disease can occur at any age.

Breast cancer will develop equally in men and women, our information on risk factors, diagnosis, staging and treatment is the same for both sexes.

Breast Health starts with good knowledge of his own body to be more able to notice any changes that may cause a problem. The most common type of male breast cancer occurs in the breast ducts (ductal carcinoma);

Symptoms usually include:

* Small painless lump in the breast;
* Slight nipple discharge.

Do not forget that most of the problems affecting the breasts are not cancerous; consulting a physician will determine the nature of the problem and the need for treatment.

If you are diagnosed with breast cancer and receive treatment, this may change the perception you have of your body and affect your sexuality. Whether you have a partner or not, it is not necessarily easy to talk about these issues and find information to help you live better situation. Feel free to share your thoughts with members of your team. They can direct you to resources where you can find information and support you need.

Inflammatory breast cancer

2010-03-29T00:30:00.000-07:00

The inflammatory breast cancer is a rare form of cancer that can develop and spread quickly, even in the early stages of the disease. This type of cancer can occur when breast cancer cells block the lymph vessels to help remove fluids, bacteria and other waste from the breast tissue. It may then result in inflammation of the breasts. Unlike most breast cancers, which cause the appearance of one or several different solid tumors, the inflammatory breast cancer tends to grow in layers or nests.

* Boobs hot or warm to the touch;

* Change in color or normal breast texture of the skin of the breast can become red, pink or bruised for no apparent reason (in whole or in patches);

* Itching breasts as ointments or creams can not relieve;

* Sudden onset of a lump in the breast, but as inflammatory breast cancer tends to grow in layers instead of forming a solid tumor, a person with this type of cancer may not necessarily see the presence of a breast lump;

* Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or above the clavicle;

* Nipple discharge.

Symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer can be similar to a breast infection (mastitis), which can be treated successfully with antibiotics. If antibiotic treatment fails to eliminate the symptoms, it is important to consult the doctor again. Other tests may be needed to confirm or exclude a diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer.

Diagnosis

The inflammatory breast cancer is rarely detected through mammography or ultrasound, unless a solid tumor has developed. The biopsy is the surest way to detect an inflammatory breast cancer.

Treatment

Treatment is often undertaken on the spot because inflammatory breast cancer can spread quickly. We usually use a combination of treatments: chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy and hormone therapy. As cancer cells proliferate inflammatory breast in all breast tissue rather than concentrating in a single tumor, often administered chemotherapy prior to surgery or radiotherapy.

Breast Cancer: acupuncture against hot flashes

2010-03-11T22:08:00.000-08:00

The hot flashes caused by some treatments for breast cancer could be permanently reduced by acupuncture.

Acupuncture against hot flashes

According to the results of a U.S. clinical trial, acupuncture would help curb hot flashes and night sweats often caused by hormonal therapy for breast cancer. The benefits of this approach are also important and more durable than those made by drugs classically used to counteract these unpleasant side effects. Hot flashes caused by some cancer treatments can be alleviated by the administration of venlafaxine. However, this molecule has its own specific side effects: it causes a dry mouth, loss of appetite, nausea and constipation.

Acupuncture can relieve hot flashes associated with menopause, a team of American doctors had imagined it could also benefit patients in antitumor hormone. The hypothesis was tested in a small clinical trial. Fifty patients were divided randomly into two groups: the first group of women received the drug typically used to reduce hot flashes for twelve weeks. Those of the second group were treated by acupuncture, with two sessions per week for four weeks, then a weekly meeting the remaining eight weeks. Patients were then followed for one year.

Initially, it appeared that both treatment modalities were equally effective, leading one to the other as a reduction of 50% of episodes of hot flashes and mood changes associated. However, while the effect of drug treatment fades after only two weeks, one of acupuncture lasts up to three months. In addition, acupuncture is well tolerated by patients and not accompanied by side effects.

Before it can be definitively established that the benefit of acupuncture is superior to that of the administration of venlafaxine to relieve patients under hormone tumor, these results should be replicated on a larger group of patients.

You have a lump in the breast? do not panic!

2010-03-11T20:50:00.000-08:00

Have a lump in the breast is mostly benign. But better to talk to the doctor, so as not to miss breast cancer. The simple characteristics of this lump in the breast can usually identify the origin.

A lump in the breast: is it a fibroadenoma. Has a mixture of glandular tissue and fibrous tissue, the fibroadenoma is common among young women from puberty until their thirties. It manifests as a ball can go from 1 to 5 cm. This ball is smooth, regular and elastic. It is mobile and slides under the finger. It can be single or multiple and become painful.

The lump in the breast tends to grow with hormonal changes, during menstruation, with the pill or pregnancy. The diagnosis of fibroadenoma is confirmed by ultrasound or mammography. In young women, monitoring is recommended. If aesthetic discomfort or pain, we can proceed with ablation. Among older women (beyond 35 years), removal is more common as a fibroadenoma can hide a small malignant tumor.

A lump in the breast: is it a cyst.

Single or multiple (in polycystic), the cyst is due to an expansion of a milk duct (leading milk). It is common among women age 40 until menopause (in the absence of hormone replacement therapy).

The size of the cyst is variable, ranging from a few millimeters to several centimeters, and varies depending on the hormonal cycle. This small lump in the breast is very limited, it is mobile to palpation (it rolls under the finger). Sometimes painful, it also has the characteristic of appearing suddenly.

The presence of a cyst does not require intervention in the vast majority of cases. If discomfort or pain, hormone therapy may be prescribed or the cyst emptied of its contents by aspiration cytology. In all cases, monitoring is needed.

A lump in the breast: is it a lipoma?

The lipoma is a fatty tissue mass. This mass is also of regular and smooth contour. Mobile, it deforms easily under the fingers. The lipoma does not require intervention.

A lump in the breast: Is it cancer?

If it is cancer, the characteristics are very different: the ball is hard, its contours are irregular and it is not mobile because the ball adheres to fabrics. Sometimes the ball changes the shape of the breast. It is necessary to consult their doctor or gynecologist.

In conclusion, a lump in the breast is mostly benign and does not require that surveillance. However, it may be breast cancer. Therefore, any lump in the breast requires a consultation to identify clearly the origin.

Lung cancer when radon invites himself home

2010-02-07T23:41:00.000-08:00

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas accounts for 9% of annual deaths from lung cancer in Europe. This carcinogen kills miners for centuries. But it is also present in our homes, where, even at low doses, it is particularly dangerous.

Radon is a carcinogen

For the French population exposure to radon is a major source of exposure to ionizing radiation. Radon is a radioactive gas that is naturally concentrated in poorly ventilated habitats. And we spend 90% of our lives in buildings, 70% at home. But radon is a lung carcinogen. He represents the 2nd cause of lung cancer. Although it lags far behind smoking, radon is responsible for approximately 9% of deaths from lung cancer in Europe. In France, the annual number of deaths from lung cancer is attributable to residential exposure to radon vary from 1234 to 2913, ie 5 to 12% of the 25,134 deaths from lung cancer in France.

Low doses of radon enough ...

According to one analysis identified in an article published in the Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin (BEH), the risk of lung cancer increases by 8.4% for every increase of 100 Bq/m3 the measured concentration of radon, which is adjusted an increase of 16%. But in the homes of people with cancer, the average concentration of radon is 104 Bq/m3 cons 97 Bq/m3 in the control group. Thus, most deaths are attributable to exposures well below 200 Bq/m3: 47% occur among 76% of French who are exposed to concentrations at 0 and 99 Bq/m3, 27% among those exposed to 9% over 200 Bq/m3. If we divided the subjects into groups according to concentrations of radon to which they are exposed, we find a linear relationship between cancer risk and cumulative dose. In other words, there is no threshold of dangerousness. The risk is almost the same for concentrations between 100 and 200 Bq/m3 and for concentrations below 100 Bq/m3.

In France, the average exposure is 90 Bq/m3, with lower concentrations in urban areas than in rural areas. Some departments were classified with high potential for radon. This is particularly the case of Brittany and Corsica where radon is responsible for 20% of annual deaths from lung cancer.

Please note that smoking is a powerful co-risk factor, especially since it is ubiquitous.

Protection against radon

The impact of radon exposure on the health of the population requires the implementation of policy actions. The Nuclear Safety Authority (NSA) has developed an action plan for 2005-2008 interdepartmental coordinating the actions of various national bodies involved in this field. It is organized around 3 themes:

- Construct a new policy for risk management of radon in existing houses and new construction;
- Supporting and monitoring the implementation of regulations for managing the risk associated with radon in public places;
- Improve and disseminate knowledge about exposures and risks associated with radon.

Note that exposures can be significantly reduced in homes by means often simple:

* Increase the level of aeration.
* Breakdown under floors.
* Installation of barrier antiradon.
* Sealing of soils.
* Boucher cracks.
* Avoid porous materials.
* For new homes: building pressure with double ventilation system sumps and connected to an extractor to pump the radon coming from the basement to the outside.

Note that there are devices for measuring the concentration of radon in his apartment. They are "dosimeters" that can be purchased from one company that sells (Algade, Dosirad, Saphymo). You can also use a professional.

Statins: cholesterol cons and lung cancer!

2010-02-07T23:35:00.000-08:00

Smokers who have too much cholesterol they have better luck? In any case they would more than other smokers. Why? Because they take a statin, an anti-cholesterol, and that this molecule also protects against lung cancer!

Statins and cancer

Smokers are the luckiest paradoxically those who suffer from high cholesterol because treatment confers protection against lung cancer.
The description of this new effect of statins is particularly interesting because except smoking cessation, we do not currently have any weapons preventive from this terrible cancer.

Lung cancer

Each year there are 28,000 new cases of lung cancer and nearly 150,000 deaths (or 26 times more than road fatalities). In 95% cases it is caused by tobacco. Smokers and former smokers are the most concerned, but also non-smokers from passive smoking victims.

A 55% reduction in risk of lung cancer in statin

This study examined a population of approximately 480,000 persons followed in a clinic for veterans between 1998 and 2004. Lung cancer was reported in 7280 of these subjects (1.5%) and 164,000 were receiving treatment with statins (34%). Among subjects in whom lung cancer was reported, 27% were taking a statin, against 34% of those without cancer. Regardless of all the risks that may affect the risk of lung cancer (smoking, age, sex, weight, diabetes, alcohol consumption ...), we see that taking a statin for more than 6 months is associated with a 55% reduction in risk of lung cancer. This effect of statins appears from treatment over 6 months. Then, it seems that more processing time is longer, the protective effect tends to increase. In contrast, the type of statin and dosage does not seem to intervene in this study.

These data are important and are similar to those obtained for other statins on cancer. Studies should continue on the protection afforded by statins against tumors. It is at least a good reason for motivation for those who take a statin daily.

Lung cancer: It also affects non-smokers

2010-02-07T21:22:00.000-08:00

Lung cancer also affects people who have never smoked. However, the lung tumors of these patients are generally not the same as those of smokers.

Lung cancer is different in smokers and nonsmokers

If smoking is the most important risk factors for lung cancer, the disease also affects non smokers. It is estimated that 15% of patients with lung cancer have never smoked. However, as an increasing number of data suggests, lung cancer non-smokers are often different from those diagnosed in smokers: the abnormalities observed in cancer cells of these two categories of patients are not the same.

What are the risk factors of lung cancer among non-smokers?

Side risk factor, it is well established that passive smoking and exposure to radon pollution play an important role in the occurrence of lung cancer in nonsmokers. Exposure to asbestos, wood smoke and fumes of cooking oil could also pose a risk. However, all of these factors can explain only half of cases of lung cancers diagnosed among non-smokers.

The treatment of lung cancer is different there too?

Later treatment, it appears already that certain drugs are more targeted therapy effective in non-smokers. This is particularly the case of "inhibitors of EGFR (Epidermic Growth Factor Receptor). But a better understanding of the molecular characteristics of tumors developing in people who never smoked could lead to an improvement in their care. It would not only choose treatments best suited among those existing, but also to develop new therapeutic molecules specifically targeting tumors from smokers.

Most common treatment for breast cancer

2010-01-15T01:53:00.000-08:00

With advances in research, there are many options for treating breast cancer and you are invited to choose depends on several factors. Recently, scientists have claimed that it represents a new line, found a possible treatment for breast cancer. Currently, there is a combination of treatments. The main treatments are surgery, hormone therapy, biological (Herceptin), radiotherapy and chemotherapy. They can be used individually or in combination, depending on several factors, as noted:

type of breast cancer today
menopause, whether or not there
Tumor size
Degree of cancer cells
stage cancer
whether specific receptors,
general health of the patient

All of these factors are taken into account, which must be taken to the doctor.

Cancer is a class or classes in order to classify and evaluate the tumor, and doctors decided to give appropriate treatment. Given the stage of breast cancer, whether the cancer has spread and how it grew. This note, as well as cancer cells appear when viewed through a microscope. There are three levels: low (level 1, the slow-growing), intermediate (class 2) and high-class (class 3), rapidly growing tumors. They have a higher risk of returning to the first treatment, and if the operation took place around the tumor come from the tax will probably prescribe chemotherapy to destroy remaining cancer cells and thus reduce the risk of return. Grades and stages of breast cancer provide a general rule, as it is impossible to generalize how tumors will behave.

If the cancer is localized to the breast and underarm lymph nodes, and then spread to my treatment without surgery and chemotherapy and radiotherapy in combination with other treatment methods. Most people, however, begin treatment with surgery, and there are different types of operations that May be offered depending on the location and size of tumors. Mastectomy when the entire breast removed with a possible reconstruction, later. Lumpectomy removed when the tumor itself, together with a small amount of surrounding breast tissue. And, of course, radiation is concentrated on the chest, is likely to be invited.

There are many factors that will be offered alternative treatment, especially as the patient feels his options after selecting the appropriate treatment. There is no right or wrong answer to this decision, and every woman feels differently. It can be overwhelming, removes the entire breast, even if it might be desirable to have a lumpectomy with radiation therapy for some women. Some believe that they do not want radiation therapy, while others will choose them if you stuck to your chest.

There are different types of breast cancer and other cancers in general. Mesothelioma cancer is a very different type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma Symptoms include chest pain, such as general, shortness of breath and cough. Symptoms of breast cancer, and specific things that, including in-depth on the skin, changes shape and size of the breast, thickening or lump in the breast, nipple, irregular, especially when the internal problems, such as in, pulled out a rash on the nipple or area, colored discharge (blood), lump or swelling in the armpit.

There are many facts about breast cancer, functions, symptoms and treatment of breast cancer, but not knowledge and research, there are many variants, suffer from this disease.

Alternative treatment for breast cancer

2010-01-12T01:52:00.000-08:00

It is gratifying to know at least something like the subject of cancer, diseases, and special courses in the laboratory, constantly in the minds of many good scientists, physicians and oncologists. This is a breakthrough on different levels of advanced cancer drug breakthrough excellent news for the treatment of this deadly malignancy. Some of the latest innovations in modern cancer include ultrasound (successful in detecting and treating prostate cancer), as well as advanced forms of isolated performances that help significantly unique forms of treatment, which may then be proposed.

Scientists worldwide are studying, practice different techniques to get a better understanding of different and various forms of cancer and how it can best be treated. The trend away from formal methods of radiation and surgery is inevitable in full swing, with exciting new developments coming into the center of attention all the time. This, together with other medicines and holistic therapy really is growing in popularity, that is the essence of the spirit of alternative treatments for breast cancer.

The only way that some people do not realize that such an approach is an alternative therapy for cancer. Since it is known that chemotherapy and surgery, as well as hard drugs such as morphine, are traditionally the exclusive means for the treatment of cancer and the result is still very much about life or death. This misunderstanding can not be ignored, because it proves that there are other alternatives as effective, especially for such as breast cancer.

For a complete list of available clinics and programs, to seek wise, first with your physician to find or detect any anomalies, as well as exploring many alternatives. With this collective approach to professional evaluation to the best knowledge of your body, you are much better and stronger position in all the necessary resources to use in their fight against the disease.

How cancer affects every organ in the body, if it spreads, it is known as metastasis, is often a much bigger problem if unrecognized and untreated, and it's important for women to thermograph. Alternative medicine is afraid of mammography. Furthermore, as men, it is equally important for the proper screening for prostate cancer, so it is caught before it is even the possibility of proliferation.

Through the use of cancer drug breakthrough in the form of alternative therapy, diet and exercise program, chemotherapy, and when she needed surgery and, if absolutely necessary, that, in the stages of cancer the way will be derived from existence. I just know that there are other alternatives out there to take over some of the burden of this disease on individuals and families.

It should be noted that a lifestyle change just the thing to be able to contribute to the fight against this disease and that it is not impossible, with the help of a qualified nutritionist or dietician in order to offer better food for the entire system. This, combined with regular exercise and relaxation, like meditation and deep breathing can benefit the growth of cells in the body, and May even bring harmony and diseased cells. What would you like to look for cancer, it is important to treat them seriously, while at the same time, if at all possible, even more quietly.

Important factors in breast cancer survivors

2010-01-11T17:15:00.000-08:00

Individuals who have been identified and forecast to have breast cancer, restoring a shock in the early afternoon. Fortunately, the shock wears off, and get support. That's good, because the support is exactly what cancer patient needs at this critical moment in his life. This support can be provided to friends, family or even support groups.

Treatment of breast cancer is much better than in the past, thankfully. There are a number of factors for the success of treatment depends, however, there is a problem. The patient must be strong enough to be subjected to the treatment provided for testing. That is, they are emotional and physical preparation.

Cancer is not the only requirement. In fact, all cancer cells, perhaps in some parts of the body. There are several factors that May cause effects on these cells, one of which has a weakened immune system.

This is not the only reason for people developing breast cancer, though. As May have guessed, there are some hereditary causes. For example, it May be that is passed from ancestors. There is a process, of course, but still open for treatment, because May seems.

Sometimes treatment for breast cancer causes more harm than good. He has more than one person, which ended with a disease associated with the treatment itself. Complications often, especially when the immune system is weakened by chemotherapy.

There are several alternative treatments for breast cancer, you can see. Alternative methods of treatment and the more traditional can be separated. These are the things you need to go to the doctor, at some point.

Breast cancer can be serious, or it May be less serious, but in any case must be know. You must know what is happening in your body and you know as soon as possible. Support groups at every step, and if they do not want to go home, you can always use it, leaving support groups. There is always someone willing to help, you should find them.

If you want to be cured of their disease, then you should take steps to reduce stress in your life and make sure it is healthy. That is, they should be in the full sense of the word, to be good. His world and not afraid. This is where support groups come in, and you will be especially useful in this painful time.

Delaying the tendency of people only exacerbates the problem of breast cancer. Does it only hurts you! Do not let him go, and I think that the problem is resolved. Get the help you need! Increased significantly with the proper attention and care, the chances of getting the form of exploitation.

Causes of colon cancer

2009-11-24T22:47:00.000-08:00

The main cause of malnutrition is adopted.

As causes of colon cancer is considered part of the diet. It is assumed that high-fat meat and rich, and thereby increasing the risk of diet low in fiber. Although this hypothesis has not been definitively proved, the indication of their accuracy but quite clear. Other risk factors are also counted and alcohol addiction, asbestos, and the frequent consumption of nitrosamines, for example in the form of cured one assumes that about 80 to 90 percent of colorectal diseases on nutritional and environmental factors are due. The risk of cancer increases from the 45th Year of life.

Adenomas or colon polyps can become malignant.

People who have benign tumors of the colon (called adenomas), one also speaks of intestinal polyps, there have a certain risk that convert it into a malignant tumor and thus into a cancer. If such a benign tumor, for example during a colonoscopy, found, we recommend the removal of the adenoma or during the investigation, e.g using a small loop.

Ulcerative colitis increases the risk of bowel cancer.

Patients who have chronic inflammatory bowel disease, the so-called ulcerative colitis suffer, also are at increased risk for colon cancer. Ulcerative colitis is known as a precancerous condition. This term describes diseases that are considered as potential "preliminary stage" for the development of cancer. For this reason, needed regular check-ups in ulcerative colitis by colonoscopy.

The risk increases with family pressures already at a young age.
For certain family obligations, or inherited diseases, there is an increased risk of getting colon cancer:

People who have a particular gene, as evidenced so-called HNPCC gene, cancer to 80 - 90 percent of colon cancer. Conversely, at 10 to 15 percent of all cancer patients found that gene.

In some families, this often leads to benign tumors of the colon (adenomas), one speaks of "familial adenomatous polyposis coli. At the risk of colorectal cancer is affected by the transformation of benign tumors to malignant tumors in 70 percent. However, less than 1 percent of patients with colon cancer, such polyposis coli.

There are also some hereditary diseases in which occur particularly in the large intestine to the formation of benign adenomas. These can turn into cancer. These genetic diseases include Gardner's syndrome, in which the risk of malignancy is 85 percent, Turcot syndrome (about 70 per cent risk of malignancy), and the Peutz-Jeghers syndrome with only a low risk of malignancy.

Regular inspections are necessary.

Must be based on these family-related risks from the fact that the disease affected much earlier to cancer. Therefore, risk groups should have from 25 years of age once a year to an ultrasound examination every two years and perform an endoscopy.

Treatment for colorectal cancer

2009-11-20T01:40:00.000-08:00

More on the gastro-intestinal disorders can be found here.

For the treatment of colon cancer are essentially 3 eligible therapies:

Operation
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy

Some of these therapeutic possibilities are also applied in combination.

The operation is paramount.

If the tumor is confined to the intestinal wall, it can be removed surgically good. However, it is necessary to remove the affected bowel, including associated lymph nodes and the connective tissue that attaches the intestines to the rear wall of the abdomen (mesentery), too. The resulting "gap" in the intestine can be bridged by the two resulting tails are linked. In colon cancers, is directly operated by an abdominal incision, in tumors of the rectum is also possible to access the tumor through the anus. Sometimes it is necessary to create the defecation a colostomy (artificial anus) to the newly operated to relieve bowel. To the end of a loop of intestine is sewn into the abdominal wall, where the stool is discharged into a glued-on bag. Depending on the individual situation, such artificial anus can be created as a bridging or a permanent solution.

Metastases can also be operated on.

Surgery is also useful if they have formed individual metastases in the liver and / or in the lungs. These can be removed with a surrounding rim of healthy tissue surgery as well.

Radiation therapy can be applied before and after surgery.

Radiotherapy is mainly performed for tumors in the rectum and that for larger tumors (stage T3 and T4, see "Staging". In general, the irradiation is performed before surgery to shrink the tumor already. Will the radiation therapy applied after surgery, the goal is to kill, and possibly some residual tumor cells. The duration of radiation therapy is highly individual. It depends on the tumor size and the nature and extent of planned or carried out the operation.

Conditions of chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy may be complementary especially if:

Metastases
A rapidly growing tumor or
There are strong tumor-related symptoms.

The duration of treatment varies depending on the individual used drugs (cytostatics, cf "General Treatment") and the overall treatment approach.

A regular follow-up is necessary.

After completion of treatment of a regular follow-up examinations must be performed to detect any recurrence (recurrence of the disease) or metastatic disease early enough and effectively treated. In the event that an artificial anus was constructed, whose condition is monitored in the follow-up as well. Possibly, according to a major intestinal surgery, or after installation of an artificial anus a change in diet necessary. Such counseling is also often included in the follow-up. Follow-up examinations are usually during the first 2 years after completion of therapy in 3-month intervals is required. After that for another 3 years every 6 months. The investigations include a colonoscopy to exclude a relapse and an ultrasound examination of the liver and a chest X-ray to rule out metastases

For early detection of the tumor, the chances of recovery are good.

The chances of a cure for colon cancer depends mainly on the extent of tumor growth within the intestinal wall and the presence of metastases in the lymph nodes. It was found that after surgery, patients without metastases in the lymph nodes, and limited to the inner bowel wall tumor growth 5 years after the operation to 70 - 80 percent (stage I, 95 percent living, 80 percent stage II, stage III 30 - 60 percent). In patients with involvement of lymph nodes, this share is 30 - 50 percent.

Colon cancer staging

2009-11-20T01:03:00.000-08:00

The TNM system is crucial in the choice of individual therapy.

After the TNM system of cancer according to the size of the tumor (T), the appearance of" daughter tumors (metastases) in lymph nodes (N, Latin for "nodus = knot and the occurrence of metastases in other organs (M) divided. This has consequences for the individual therapy in individual patients. For colorectal cancer, there is the following TNM classification:

T = size of the tumor
T stage

Tx: No tumor assessment possible.
T0: No evidence of a tumor.
Tis: Non-invasive (not) in the surrounding tissue ingrown tumor.
T1: tumor grows within the intestinal wall into the layer beneath the mucosal tissue.
T2: tumor to grow into the muscle of the intestinal wall.
T3: tumor grows beyond the bowel wall.
T4: Tumor extends to adjacent organs or the peritoneum.

N = involvement of lymph nodes
N stage

Nx: lymph nodes can not be assessed.
N0: Lymph nodes are not affected.
N1: Metastasis in 1 to 3 nearby lymph nodes.
N2: Metastasis in 4 or more nearby lymph nodes.

M = Metastases
M stage

M0: no organ metastases detected.
M1: metastases in other organs present (eg, liver).

Stages:

Specifically for the colon cancer is the classification according to the TNM system also classified into 5 stages, which, however, is based on the TNM system:

Stage 0: TisN0M0
Stage I: T1N0M0 or T2N0M0
Stage II: T3N0M0 or T4N0M0
Stage III: Any T stage, as well N1M0 and N2M0
Stage IV: Any T stage, and each N stage, as well as M1

Risk factor of colorectal cancer

2009-11-15T18:17:00.000-08:00

The main cause of malnutrition is adopted.

As causes of colon cancer is considered part of the diet. It is assumed that high-fat meat thereby increasing the risk of diet low in fiber. Although this hypothesis has not been definitively proved, the indication of their accuracy but quite clear. Other risk factors are also counted and alcohol addiction, asbestos, and the frequent consumption of nitrosamines, for example in the form of cured one assumes that about 80 to 90 percent of colorectal diseases are due to nutritional and environmental factors. The risk of cancer increases from the 45th year of life.

Adenomas or colon polyps can become malignant.

People who have benign tumors of the colon (called adenomas), one also speaks of intestinal polyps, there have a certain risk that cast them as a malignant tumor and thus into a cancer. If such a benign tumor, for example during a colonoscopy, found, we recommend the removal of the adenoma or during the investigation, e.g using a small loop.

Ulcerative colitis increases the risk of bowel cancer.

Patients who have chronic inflammatory bowel disease, the so-called ulcerative colitis suffer, also are at increased risk for colon cancer. Ulcerative colitis is known as a precancerous condition. This term describes diseases that are considered as potential "preliminary stage" for the development of cancer. For this reason, needed regular check-ups in ulcerative colitis by colonoscopy.

The risk increases with family pressures already at a young age.

For certain family obligations, or inherited diseases, there is an increased risk of getting colon cancer:

People who have a particular gene, as evidenced so-called Hereditary Non-polyposes Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC gene), cancer to 80 - 90 percent of colon cancer. Conversely, at 10 to 15 percent of all cancer patients found that gene.

In some families, this often leads to benign tumors of the colon (adenomas), one speaks of "familial adenomatous polyposis coli. At the risk of colorectal cancer is affected by the transformation of benign tumors to malignant tumors in 70 percent. However, less than 1 percent of patients with colon cancer, such polyposis coli.

There are also some hereditary diseases in which occur particularly in the large intestine to the formation of benign adenomas. These can turn into cancer. These genetic diseases include Gardner's syndrome, in which the risk of malignancy is 85 percent, Turcot syndrome (about 70 per cent risk of malignancy), and the Peutz-Jeghers syndrome with only a low risk of malignancy.

Disease and progression in colon cancer

2009-11-13T22:12:00.000-08:00

More on the gastro-intestinal disorders can be found here.

At the start of colon cancer symptoms do not occur. Only late show general symptoms such as bloating or general, occasional indigestion. Because these complaints, however, are very commonplace, they hardly disturb anyone. That is why cancer is often discovered late, when the tumor growth leads to more serious complaints.

Frequent diarrhea and constipation occur in alternation.

With the increasing size of the tumor reduces the intestine, thus reducing its permeability. Then, the bolus can not freely pass through the gut, constipation is the result. If the bowel is narrowed by the tumor growth over a longer distance, it can be a very thin form result of the deposed stool. Conversely, the tumor growth can affect the large intestine but also in its function of avoiding the pre-digested chyme fluid. In this case, diarrhea symptoms are the result. Often these symptoms appear constipation and diarrhea but on the exchange.

You may experience severe abdominal pain.

If the tumor during its growth, which restricts the intestine and thereby threatened the regular onward movement of chyme. By strong contraction of the underlying muscles in the intestinal wall of the intestine tries to squeeze the stool against the obstacle or to get past. These strong muscle contractions are perceived by those affected can be very painful in the form of cramping abdominal pain.

The chair can be mixed with blood or mucus.

Some symptoms are noticeable to the chair. Changes in appearance can be caused by both the tumor itself, but they can also reactions of the intestinal mucosa at the tumor to be. Occasionally, blood or mucus can be observed on the chair. In particular, blood occurs occasionally from the tumor itself. The mucus produced is amplified by the irritated bowel wall. The blood outlet may be so small that it can not be detected by the naked eye, but only through a special test (occult blood test, cf "preventive measures"). Due to increased blood loss in turn can lead to a general anemia occur (anemia), which manifests itself in the form of pallor, fatigue, weakness, and diminished performance. For many sufferers, it also comes to weight loss.

Weight loss and weakness are often very stressful.

In particular, this "constitutional symptoms" such as weakness and declining performance, are often a great burden, since they participate in the hitherto exercised severely limit daily activities. In addition to the targeted cancer therapy for example can Blood transfusions are administered to compensate for the anemia and thus increase the well-being. Physiotherapy exercises are another helpful measure.

An artificial anus may be necessary.

Some stakeholders must be created as part of the operative tumor removal, an artificial anus. Many patients, this is unpleasant, and they limit their social contacts. Specialist inform individuals about proper care and detailed advice on how to deal with a colostomy. As a rule, then normal social contact problem. In partnership, family and friends open discussions are helpful to familiarize yourself with the new situation.

Diagnosis of colorectal cancer

2009-11-12T19:35:00.000-08:00

As a first simple analysis measures the faecal occult (hidden) blood in the stool, and a sampling of the rectum are carried out, as they are performed as screening measures or as part of preparedness.

Occult blood in the stool.

To test for faecal occult blood test, the patient receives 3 cards, which he takes home. For 3 consecutive days, will now chair a small amount applied to these test cards, which are then released back to the doctor. With the help of a test fluid that is instilled into the doctor's office on the cards can also be seen blood in the stool, if it is not visible to the naked eye. If the test is positive, further examinations should be performed to rule out any disease or colon cancer as early as possible to determine.

By scanning only a limited area of the intestine is reached.

The scanning of the rectum is the search for tumors located in this area, but even this limited part of the intestine is recordable. If the test positive for occult blood, which means it can be shown blood, this indicates a source of bleeding in the gut. This may be a tumor, but also another, eg inflammatory disease.

Endoscopic examinations are necessary for bowel cancer suspicion.

In concrete suspicion of cancer, but further measures are necessary. Here are a primary rectal and call colonoscopy (Rectosigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy) to. In preparation for these investigations, a cleansing of the bowel is necessary to achieve a "good view" for the physician and thus the best possible study conditions. For cleaning, it is necessary to take a few days before the examination only liquid food, and take immediately before the date is a laxative.

With a small forceps, tissue samples can be taken.

During the investigation itself is first introduced some air into the bowel to distend it. Subsequently, a flexible tube is advanced with the endoscope into the intestine, the rectum mirror up to the beginning of this section of the intestine, where colonoscopy up to the beginning of the entire large intestine. The actual reflection, that is the consideration of the intestinal mucosa through the lens, is only given the slow withdrawal of the instrument. If abnormal areas are found in the intestinal mucosa can be removed via a small built-in clamp directly to the small tissue histological examination. Even benign colon tumors (adenomas, see "tumors") may be directly removed through a small loop. Because the mirror examination Dilate is perceived by the necessities of the intestine affected by many to be unpleasant, may advance and / or be given during the investigation of pain and mild sedative.

Here is a brief overview of possible endoscopic examinations of the colon:

Proctoscopy: Is the study of the bowel disease. A proctoscope is a device with which you can view the rectum. It is a simple, tubular instrument. It may be with handle 8 to 15 inches long. The opening in front is beveled. Sometimes in the middle of the side a little window. Through the cavity in the middle of a lighting or other devices can be pushed. Thus it is possible to sample tissue or even obliterated hemorrhoids. By proctoscope the doctor can only reach the front areas of the anus.

Rectoscopy: The rectoscope proctoscope which is very similar, but it is much longer with up to 30 centimeters. The rectoscope can be rigid or flexible. Thus, the entire rectum may be considered. Often, so the view is better, pumped some air into the rectum, which later without any problems re-entering the outside world.

Sigmoidoscopy: The name of this investigation is derived from the sigmoid colon, which means nothing other than S-shaped colon. In the lower region of the colon is examined using a flexible endoscope. This study is one of the colonoscopy and is performed only if it has been found with proctoscopy and rectoscopy no cause for complaints. About miniature instruments, it is possible to sample tissue or remove, for example, to diverticula.

Colonoscopy: With the help of this study mirrored the entire large intestine to the transition into the small intestine.

X-ray with contrast may be necessary as a supplement.

In addition to the reflection of the large intestine x-ray examination can be performed with contrast material. Again, a preliminary bowel cleansing is necessary. For the investigation of liquid contrast agent itself opens into the intestine. To ensure that this is good from the inside walls of the intestine port, then after the contrast agent has not opened a little air, then the contrast slightly pressed against the intestinal walls. On the x-rays then prepared striking shape changes of the intestinal wall are visible, which may indicate a tumor.

Further investigation should determine the extent of the disease.

If the diagnosis of colorectal cancer found, further investigations are recommended to determine the extent of the disease:

Blood test to determine one (by the tumor-related anemia, anemia) (see "clinical picture and course").

Ultrasound examination of the liver to find any seed off "daughter tumors (metastases) to.

Renal ultrasound examination to rule out a urinary. A hydronephrosis can occur when a growing tumor on the intestine pushes the ureter and the urine from the kidney can not drain properly.

For tumors of the rectum with an ultrasound scan ultrasound probe introduced into the intestine to assess the thickness of the tumor.

Chest X-ray to exclude lung metastases.

Computed display to the size of the tumor and its spatial relationship to adjacent organs.

Complaints and Therapy of Pancreatic cancer

2009-11-11T19:00:00.000-08:00

Complaints not become effective until late on

As with many other types of cancer even when symptoms of pancreatic cancer at a later stage. Therefore, it is usually detected very late. Pancreatic cancers are on the rise. Today every third to fourth with cancer which is affected.

In most cases, in 75 percent of all cases, the head of the pancreas is affected.

Carcinomas in the pancreatic head cause the following symptoms:

Nausea
Loss of appetite
Weight Loss
Painless jaundice

Carcinoma of the pancreas body - Carcinoma of the pancreas in the body cause the following symptoms:

Severe abdominal pain in the upper abdomen, radiating to the back. You become stronger after eating and lying down.

Aetiologies

Smokers are at greater risk
The causes are unclear. Favoring contribute off:

Chronic pancreatitis
Alcohol
Nicotine
Carcinogenic food components, peroxides, for example, during the heating of polyunsaturated fatty acids are formed, or nitrosamines, nitrates and nitrites, which are contained in cured and smoked.

Therapy

Operation only in the early stages

Only in the early stages of pancreatic cancer, with about 20 percent of all cases, removal of the pancreas possible. Thus, life expectancy is increased. Those affected will be the removal of the pancreas and diabetes need to inject insulin. In all other cases, only the recurrent tumor symptoms are treated. Affected and / or relatives should be informed early on about the possibilities of home care.

Intra-arterial chemotherapy and chemoembolization

One form of non-drug therapy, which is also used in liver cancer, is the Intra-arterial chemotherapy and chemoembolization.

These types of chemotherapy have the advantage of fewer side effects compared to intravenous or oral. If a cytostatic drug on the vein (intravenously) or in the form of tablets orally introduced into the body, it acts more systemic, it will affect the whole organism, because the drug enters the bloodstream. The risk of side effects, here is higher. If the chemotherapy drug injected directly into the tumor, however, reached only a small fraction of drug in the bloodstream. Therefore, the concentration in the cancerous tissue itself is high.

Systemic side effects are less

For this type of therapy, the cytotoxic Fluorodeoxyuridine (FUDR, Floxuridine) is preferably used. About 90 percent of this substance be chemically altered in the liver and thus inactivated. This process is called "first-pass effect or presystemic elimination", i.e a medicinal product may lose some of its effectiveness if it is metabolized to a large extent by the liver before it reaches the bloodstream. In the case of FUDR, which is directly administered in liver cancer, does this high "first pass effect" that the possible occurrence of systemic side effects is very low.

The flow rate of blood is reduced in the tumor

The intensity of the effect of locally administered cytostatic drugs can be further increased if the flow velocity of arterial blood in the tumor vessels is lowered. This provides for a longer residence time of the drug in diseased tissue, because it is not by the slowing of blood flow can be taken away so quickly. Combined to reduce the flow to be the cytostatic drug with fat droplets are injected into the tumor vessel. This process is called chemoembolization. ) A embolus (grch Embolos = wedge is a stopper, which is located in the bloodstream. This can for example a blood clot, or foreign objects like his in this case a fat droplets.

A cure is obtained with this process. It is used to relieve the symptoms and thus preserving the quality of life of those affected. In addition, the tumor can be reduced with this method so that the possibility of an operation and it can be safely removed.

Pain

In addition to a change in diet, the implementation of a pain therapy is recommended. Because of the severe pain are often used early on opiates.

Cervical cancer Treatment and prognosis

2009-11-09T21:28:00.000-08:00

Early detection and close monitoring

The treatment for cervical cancer depends on the stage of disease. Preliminary stages of cancer development that can be found on the early detection, can be treated with medication and even regress. Here, however, careful monitoring is necessary.

Surgical removal is in the foreground

In a unique development of cancer, the tumor is surgically removed. Here, different surgical techniques can be applied. For small tumors, and if the person has another child, the tumor tissue within a cone cut out of the cervix. It's called too conization. For larger tumors, the entire uterus is removed. In the neighboring lymph nodes are removed. For very large tumors may also be required under certain circumstances, the bladder and / or rectum to remove if the tumor has already penetrated into these organs. But it's often possible to combine the remaining bowel segments together so that no artificial anus is required. Also the urine in a natural way is still in control despite the removal of the bladder possible.

Radiotherapy

In some patients it may be useful to conduct after the surgery nor radiotherapy. In this way, may be remaining in the body kill tumor cells. Less commonly, chemotherapy can be recommended.

Prognosis

The prognosis of patients with cervical cancer depends on the disease stage at time of diagnosis. For example, live 5 years after diagnosis yet 87 percent of women with a tumor in stage I and about 70 percent of those with stage II cancer.

Preventive vaccination against infectious types of the HPV virus

Since 2006, there is a vaccination against the highly infectious HPV virus types that are responsible for the development of cervical cancer. Vaccination against HPV virus spreading from the Permanent Vaccination Commission (STIKO) for girls aged 12 to 17 years and is recommended since February 2007 as the official vaccination calendar. Vaccination should be completed with 3 doses before the first sexual intercourse. How long will the vaccination leads to immunity is not yet known. Importantly, however, in this context that, despite the vaccination continue regular cancer screening should be performed. Only thus can be other causes and forms of developing cancer early detection and treatment. The vaccine also offers no protection against other types of the HPV virus and the diseases caused by them.

Cervical cancer Symptoms and Diagnosis

2009-11-09T21:09:00.000-08:00

Investigate complaints immediately leave

In most cases occur at an early stage of disease, no complaints. Any complaints can often be misdiagnosed, because similar symptoms may also occur in gynecological inflammations and benign tumors. Therefore, it is always important to be examined by a doctor and even mild symptoms to clarify.

Discharge, bleeding, pain

The following signs and symptoms may occur:

Discharge that is persistent and possibly offensive
Bleeding after intercourse
Unusual bleeding between periods, for example, outside the cycle, bleeding after menopause
Pain in the pelvic and / or lumbar
Pain during urination or defecation
One-sided swollen legs indicate a change in the lymph nodes

Early detection and treatment are lifesaving

The fear of cancer, many women can often go late to the doctor. But just for cervical cancer may be of regular use of screening tests (since the age of 20 lifetime), detected 80 to 90 percent of the early tissue changes and effectively treated. Early detection and treatment are lifesaving.

Physical Exam

With the appropriate complaints can often be easily ascertained, what cause underlies them. In the history, physical examination and by examination of the smear can already perceive clearly many of the typical symptoms.

Further investigation

To confirm the diagnosis and to determine the disease stage and extent of the tumor, however, further investigations are necessary:

Taking a tissue sample for histological examination
Ultrasound examination of the pelvis and abdominal organs
X-ray with contrast medium for the representation of the ureters
Cystoscopy
Reflection of the rectum
X-ray examination of the chest
Any computer and / or magnetic resonance imaging of individual organs or body regions

Preventive vaccination of Cervical cancer

2009-11-08T19:44:00.000-08:00

Preventive vaccination against infectious HPV virus

Since 2006, there is a vaccination against the highly infectious HPV virus types. Vaccination against HPV virus spreading from the Permanent Vaccination Commission for girls aged 12 to 17 years and is recommended since February 2007 as the official vaccination calendar.

Vaccination should be completed with 3 doses before the first sexual intercourse. How long will the vaccination leads to immunity is not yet known. Importantly, however, in this context that, despite the vaccination continue regular cancer screening should be performed. Only thus can be other causes and forms of developing cancer early detection and treatment. The vaccine also offers no protection against other types of the HPV virus and the diseases caused by them.

Staging of Cervical cancer

2009-11-08T19:38:00.001-08:00

Early scattering is typically

A characteristic of cervical tumors is that they form very early during progression of disease spread to the lymph nodes of the pelvis. This is often already at a tumor diameter of 1 to 2 cm of the case.

Staging

Depending on the extent of the disease, different stages can be distinguished:

Stage 0: very small tumor that affects only the most superficial layer of mucous

Stage I: tumor that is strictly limited to the cervix

Stage II: tumor grows beyond the area of the cervix, but not to enter into the vagina and not to the pelvic bone

Stage III: The spread of cancer to the pelvic bone and / or to the upper third of the vagina with or without clamping of the ureter lying adjacent to, the latter leads to urinary obstruction, and injury to the kidney

Stage IV: Tumor growth in addition to the mucosa of the bladder and / or rectum and / or tumor growth beyond the area of the basin

Origin and Abundance of Cervical cancer

2009-11-05T22:24:00.000-08:00

The cervix (cervix or a short cervix) is the narrow lower foothills of the womb (uterus), which protrudes into the vagina. In the analysis of the visible portion of the cervix, vagina, cervix uteri is called, is seen in the middle of the opening of the cervix to. By this point, in the context of gynecological cancer screening swabs prepared for microscopic examination.

Position 10 of the most common cancer of women

Each year, in Germany, about 6500 women from cervical cancer. The precursors are included in this figure. Before the introduction of screening (1971) had cervical cancer, the commonest cancer in women. Today, it lies in 10th place, as for regular check-ups are often curable stages of the disease are detected early.

Age-related development

There are two age sections in which the disease occurs more frequently:

A peak incidence is in women, at the 35th year of life. Since younger women are more frequent and often go to a regular gynecologist, who are here frequently detected cancers at an early stage.

From age 60 Age are also found increased cervical cancers. Since older women are less regularly go to the gynecologist, they are generally of advanced cancer disease.

HPV viruses are the trigger for abnormal cell development

As a reliable cause of cervical cancer today is the infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). There are about 80 subtypes of the virus causing the disease can be different, or even for humans are quite harmless. Some causes such as genital warts. Especially HPV types 16 and 18 you have to stimulate the ability to uncontrolled cell growth. With more than 70 percent of all cervical cancers, these two virus types are detected.

Additional conditions are necessary for infection

However, certain conditions are necessary so that the result is an infection with these types of HPV to the development of cervical cancer. The virus must survive in the form of a chronic infection, on average, over 15 years in the cells. Only then it comes to cell degeneration. That is despite infection rates of 50 to 80 percent only a few women in the case. Typically, a fully intact immune system can fend off a viral infection. Due to the slow development of the tumor, it is also possible to detect early stages of cervical cancer and treat.

Risk Factors

There are several factors that favor the development of cervical cancer:

Immune deficiency diseases such as AIDS and immunosuppressive drugs (eg, after organ transplantation), cause an HPV infection, the immune system can not adequately fight.

If there is already infected with HPV, it can facilitate an additional infection with other sexually transmitted pathogens such as herpes simplex and chlamydia in colon cancer. Condoms reduce the possibility of infection with these pathogens.

Smoking and passive smoking: degradation products of tobacco smoke can increase detected in the mucosa of the cervix. This increases the risk for cervical cancer by up to 60 percent compared to nonsmokers.

Women with many births, four times more likely to suffer cervical cancer than women who have no children. What brings about this increased risk is not assured. Both pregnancy related tissue changes are discussed, as well as lower living standards and poverty-related risk factors.

Enabling conditions

Other factors that promote the general infection with HPV:

Start of sexual intercourse at a young age
Frequent change of sexual partners
Poor hygiene in the genital area

Treatment and prognosis of Uterine cancer - endometrial cancer

2009-11-04T22:18:00.000-08:00

Operation

Basis of therapy is surgical removal of the tumor. In the uterus and is often also remove the ovaries, because there are most likely to settle metastases. Also, the adjacent lymph nodes are removed with this reason.

Radiotherapy

Frequently closes after the operation to radiotherapy. This will apply even if an operation is not possible, for example, if the tumor is already advanced.

Hormones

Occasionally, the administration of certain hormones (progesterone) may be useful. Chemotherapy is rarely used.

Forecast

The chances of recovery are very different, depending on how the tumor is advanced. Averages are:

Tumor confined to the endometrium:

- If surgery and radiation therapy 60 - 97 percent tumor free after 5 years
- When irradiation without surgery 60 - 80 percent

Tumor penetrates all layers of the wall of the uterus, but still no contamination of adjacent organs:

- If surgery and radiation therapy 40 - 60 percent
- When irradiation without surgery 30 - 40 percent

Tumor penetrates all layers of the wall of the womb, contamination of adjacent organs, distant metastases:

- To achieve greater freedom o no tumor
- Relief of the symptoms by exposure
- Pain

Disease risk of Uterine cancer - endometrial cancer

2009-11-04T22:11:00.000-08:00

Malignant change in the mucous membrane of the uterus

Among the malignant tumors of the uterus, the endometrial cancer is of particular importance. This is a malignant change in the endometrium. It affects the uterine of the body. We therefore also speak of uterine cancer, or uterine corpus carcinoma. Cancer of the uterus must be differentiated from cervical cancer.

The endometrial cancer is the third most common cancer in women. In Germany, about 9600 new cases registered each year, most commonly in women between the ages of 70 and 80 years. Particularly at risk are also female with the following characteristics:

Infertility
Start of menstrual bleeding in young
Late onset of menopause
Obesity
Diabetes (diabetes mellitus)
Use of anti-birth control
Taking the hormones for menopausal symptoms
Smoking

Diagnostics of Ovarian Cancer

2009-11-03T23:49:00.000-08:00

Initial investigations confirm the suspicion

Case of a suspected ovarian cancer begin with a thorough gynecological palpation. Subsequently, an ultrasound examination can be performed, allowing an assessment of the ovaries and adjacent pelvic organs.

Imaging techniques show the extent of the tumor

Further studies are used to estimate the disease stage:

CT scan of the pelvis
X-ray examination of the chest
X-ray of the breast (mammography to rule out that breast cancer is what led to the resettlement of metastases in the ovaries (this would directly against ovarian cancer in the ovaries arisen)
Blood test to the so-called tumor marker CA 12-5, its concentration in the blood is less important for the diagnosis rather than for therapy monitoring.

Histological examination only during the surgical

A histological examination is usually carried out only during the operation (so-called frozen section, where the surgical team is still reported as a result of the surgery). A biopsy before surgery, for example through a puncture is not recommended, it could lead to a slight violation of the tumor and thus to the spread of tumor cells.

Staging and Prognosis of Ovarian cancer

2009-11-03T23:29:00.000-08:00

Stage I

For the assessment of disease severity following stages are used:

The tumor is confined to the ovary (or ovaries), where tumor cells can enter the peritoneal cavity.

Stage II

Spread of the tumor in the pelvic region

Stage III

Formation of secondary tumors (metastases) in lymph nodes and / or the peritoneum outside the pelvic region and / or the capsule of the liver

Stage IV

Formation of metastases in other organs, such as:

Colon (in approximately 50 percent of cases)
Liver (48 percent)
Lung (34 percent)
Lymph nodes adjacent to the large main artery (aorta, 58 per cent), pelvic (48 percent), chest (28 percent) and neck (14 percent)
Stomach (20 percent)
Adrenals (20 percent)
Spleen (19 percent)
Renal (15 percent)
Thyroid gland (15 percent)
Pancreas (12 percent)
Bone (12 percent)
The brain and meninges (3 percent)

Treatment planning and prognosis

The staging is both important for treatment planning, on the other can be estimated in this way the forecast. For example, the statistical probability of survival at 5 years, depending on tumor stage. It amounts to:

About 92 percent of stage I
Stage II, about 64 percent
Stage III approximately 35 percent
About 17 percent in stage IV

Therapy of Ovarian cancer

2009-11-03T00:14:00.000-08:00

Surgical stage I and II

The treatment of ovarian cancer depends on the stage of disease. In stages I and II, both ovaries and both fallopian tubes and the uterus to be removed to remove the tumor safely as a whole. Also, the adjacent lymph nodes are examined in general, with distance and the presence of metastases out. A histological examination is usually carried out only during the operation (so-called frozen section, where the surgical team is still reported as a result of the surgery). A biopsy before surgery, for example through a puncture is not recommended, it could lead to a slight violation of the tumor and thus to the spread of tumor cells.

Operation stages III and IV

Even in the stages III and IV, a complete removal of the ovarian tumor is possible in principle. However, it may be the extra distance of the peritoneum, the infected portions of the intestine and possibly the spleen is required, depending on the tumor extent and delocalization of metastases. As often the appendix of tumor cells is infected, it is generally removed with as a precautionary measure, if it still exists.

Reduce the tumor mass

Complete tumor removal is not possible, the surgeon seeks to reduce the tumor mass as much as possible. This reduces the one hand, the pressure on neighboring organs such as ureters and intestine, other better conditions for subsequent chemotherapy to be created.

Prognosis correlated with the intensity of tumor reduction

Moreover, the statistical probability of survival depends on the extent of tumor reduction. To live by the affected patients with total tumor removal after 5 years on average about 50 - 60 percent, with a residual tumor less than 2 cm approximately 30 - 40 percent and a residual tumor> 2 cm less than 10 percent. In this context it is particularly important that it succeeds in experienced hospitals or university clinics focus on how often a better tumor shrinkage, which has a correspondingly favorable impact on prognosis. Therefore, no patient should be afraid to ask for a suitably experienced hospital and another hospital where the surgery.

Chemotherapy

After the surgery closes normally containing chemotherapy. This serves to complete removal of the tumor by killing the body of residual, microscopic tumor cells. If not completely removed tumor, chemotherapy can lead to downsizing of the tumor remains. Even after re-occurrence of ovarian cancer after initial successful treatment (relapse) is usually chemotherapy is used.

Radiotherapy is useful only in individual cases.

Symptoms of Ovarian cancer

2009-11-02T23:54:00.000-08:00

No complaints in the early stages

In the early stages of disease ovarian cancer often causes no symptoms. Therefore, it is often diagnosed only in advanced stages. An effective method of early detection, such as of cervical cancer, not previously exist.

Depending on the extent of the tumor varied and often non-specific symptoms are possible
Among the complaints that may arise in a further tumor growth, including:

Feeling bloated or swollen
General abdominal discomfort
Loss of appetite, bloating
Flatulence, indigestion
Diarrhea
Constipation
Frequent urination
Nausea
Weight Loss Rare vaginal bleeding
Ascites with swelling of the abdomen
Shortness of breath

Targeted Diagnostics necessary

Since these symptoms are often not only ovarian cancer but also occur separately or as a symptom of other diseases, is a specific diagnosis of need for a doctor to rule out a malignancy or confirm such.

Ovarian cancer: Disease risk

2009-10-29T20:52:00.000-07:00

Fourth leading cause of death among women

When ovarian cancer is a malignant tumor of the ovary (ovaries). In Germany are diagnosed each year about 8,000 women in it. This is the sixth most malignant tumor of women. However, the ovarian cancer is the fourth leading cause of death in women. This means that it leads to a relatively high incidence of death.

Risk Factors

The risk of developing ovarian cancer increases with age. The median age of onset is 58 years.

Other risk factors include:

Infertility
Genetic predisposition (presence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which also play in the development of breast cancer an important role)
Belonging to the population of western and northern Europe or North America

Conversely, the prolonged administration may involve the anti-birth control some protection.

At 25 - 35 percent of the women involved both ovaries are affected by cancer. Often) it comes to ovarian cancer by ascites.

Therapy for breast cancer

2009-10-27T22:37:00.000-07:00

Operation
Breast development
Radiotherapy
Hormone Therapy
Chemotherapy
Follow-up and prognosis

1. Operation

With a single engagement tumor and lymph nodes are removed. When the diagnosis of a breast cancer and will be available at all major research findings must be carefully planned how to make the therapy. In many cases it is possible with a single surgical procedure the tumor (or remove the affected breast) and the lymph nodes in the axilla. The lymph nodes removed at will to examine them for any existing metastases. In this case we speak of a one-stage approach. This one-stage approach is used in eligible women,

Where the tumor is to be distinguished very well,
During the previous investigations no metastases were found and
The doctor recommends surgery alone without any additional therapy as the best option.

In several tumors should be operated on twice. In contrast to the single stage is also the possibility of the so-called two-stage approach. It is removed during an initial operation, only the tumor and the histological examined under the microscope. According to this histological examination can then be made for a focused second operation to remove any remaining tumor tissue, the affected breast and / or the lymph nodes in the axilla. Such a two-stage procedure is recommended for those women of whom there is suspicion of multiple tumor foci in the chest and / or the node can not be seen on X-ray very well.

If an operation is planned, physician and patient must consult together before, which is the best intervention. Basically, there are the following possibilities:

Breast-conserving surgery, in which only the tumor tissue from the breast and lymph nodes are removed in the armpit
The so-called mastectomy, which removes the entire breast with the tumor contained

Radiotherapy after surgery.

The breast-conserving approach for small tumors is questioned. The lymph nodes in the armpit are also removed in order to examine them for the presence of metastases. After breast conserving surgery always includes a radiation treatment. This is to prevent a recurrence of individual tumor cells in breast tissue remaining pose a disease.

The breast must be removed only if the tumor is large or has multiple foci.
The removal of the entire breast along with the tumor (mastectomy is performed at parties, whose tumor is relatively large. Other reasons for the removal of the breast are, for example the existence of multiple tumor foci in one breast or the impossibility of carrying out of post operative radiotherapy (this was after breast-conserving surgery) imperative. There is always a possibility, the chest by a plastic surgery to rebuild. The reconstruction of the breast during the same operation as the mastectomy or possible under a second surgery.

2. Breast development

Tissue expanders to stretch the preserved breast tissue slowly. Basically there are 2 different ways to reconstruct the breast with exogenous or endogenous material. As a foreign material such as silicone cushions can be used. These are inserted under the skin or the chest muscles and then simulate the curvature of the breast. Fears of toxic effects or allergic reactions are rather unfounded. Even so-called tissue expanders can be used. These are empty silicone cushions that are then filled slowly over weeks and months at regular intervals through the skin via a syringe with fluid. This allows the skin to stretch over the tissue expander slowly. After expansion, the expander is exchanged for a silicone cushion.

"Transplant" of its own muscle tissue can build up the chest. During the recovery of the body's tissues are used in such a flap called transplants. These are muscle tissue from the body with the overlying skin. This flap is removed from its original position to form a new breast from this tissue from the patients own tissue.

Also, the nipple is modeled. In order to restore not only the shape of the breast, but also the nipple, it is also reproduced. This is usually a small piece of skin taken from the inner thigh, then use the slightly darker skin coloration. From this skin is formed now a new nipple and fit them accordingly. If the skin from the thigh is not dark enough, the color using a tattoo to be adjusted.

3. Radiotherapy

Radiation therapy is required after surgery. In the event that radiation therapy is being considered, are in favor of schedule 4 to 6 weeks. After the start of irradiation in the hospital outpatient radiation therapy can be continued frequently. Radiotherapy as sole treatment is performed only rarely, because they can be treated for up to 90 percent of all breast cancer tumors with surgery much better. Often, however, is the additional radiation therapy after surgery, which has especially positive effects on the recurrence of breast cancer.

4. Hormone Therapy

A decision must be taken after careful individual consideration. Basically it should in any woman with breast cancer, the possibility of chemo and/or hormone therapy should be considered. Radiation therapy also is a candidate. As a decision support involves:

Size of the tumor
Art and hormone sensitivity of the tumor after histologic examination
Tendency to growth of the tumor
Presence of metastases in lymph nodes or other organs
General health and age of the patient
The request of the woman concerned

A hormone blockade therapy can also be used to shrink the tumor to such an extent that instead of a mastectomy for breast conserving surgery is possible.

Hormone-dependent tumors respond to hormone therapy. In about 30 percent of breast cancers are hormone-cases. This means that they can be brought about by hormonal therapy to regress. Hormone therapy may also come into question when other therapies are no longer useful, for example, in advanced disease with daughter ulcers in various body regions. In such a case, hormone therapy to relieve symptoms and may also affect survival benefit. A cure is in this case, however, not possible. Hormone therapy is usually performed as a continuous treatment over 5 years.

5. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy added to the primary therapies. Chemotherapy is usually performed after surgery and radiotherapy. The aim is to destroy even the smallest remnants of a tumor or to treat tumors that are so small that surgery or radiation is not possible. Chemotherapy is a so-called adjuvant (additional) therapy. The advantage of this treatment is that can be prevented by the recurrence of cancer. Also, the survival time prolonged.

There may be massive side effects. However, chemotherapy can also have significant side effects. These side effects can often not be avoided but can be treated well and are usually transient. Benefits and risks should be weighed individually. Chemotherapy is usually a total of 6 times at intervals of 4 weeks.

6. Follow-up and prognosis

Regular inspections are followed for life. After completion of therapy, the phase following the aftercare. ) In addition to a possible rehabilitation treatment are important to regular medical appointments. In the treated and examined the healthy breast and a mammogram once a year.

Furthermore, the woman concerned should regularly examine their breasts themselves. These activities are designed to detect early recurrences may arise (new outbreaks) in order to initiate an effective therapy.

The prognosis depends on the size and behavior of the tumor. It turns out that the chances of recovery depend decisively on termination of breast cancer therapy on the size of the tumor and the presence of metastases in the lymph nodes of the armpit. Thus, in one study occurred in women with small tumor (T stage 1) within 10 years to nearly 80 percent of any new cases. In women with large tumor (T-stages 2 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and metastases in the lymph nodes of the armpit, but it was reversed in 80 percent of those affected of the disease.

Risk factors for breast cancer

2009-10-27T22:19:00.000-07:00

Any woman can get breast cancer.

A breast cancer arises "spontaneously", ie without any apparent external cause. Breast cancer is not caused by a specific behavior. This also means, conversely, it can not be prevented by, for example, a particularly health-conscious lifestyle. Basically, any woman can fall ill.

Occur also at increased risk do not automatically have a disease. But there are some important factors that influence the probability of the occurrence of breast cancer:

Higher life expectancy: A 65-year-old woman has become ill as compared to a 45-year-old a 3-times as high risk in their next year of life breast cancer.

Family history: If a first-degree relatives (mother or sister) who is ill, the risk to the 3 - to 4-fold, especially if the affected relatives had the disease when younger than 50 years.

Mutation: Are certain genes that increase the so-called BRCA 1 and BRCA-2 genes, altered the risk by a factor of 7 to 8 At 2 to 5 percent of women with breast cancer and these genes can be detected even in 30 to 60 percent of cases where there is a family history of this disease.

Births: When infertility is an increased risk of breast cancer by a factor of 1.5 to 4

Age at first birth: the first child was brought from the age of 35 years to the world, is the increased risk of breast cancer 3 times. By contrast, the risk is lower if the first birth before 20 age took place.

Breastfeeding: A lasting longer than 4 weeks lactation reduces breast cancer risk.

Date of first menstrual period: an onset of menstruation before 12 year of life increases the risk by a factor of 2 A menstrual period beginning after 16 Age lowers the risk.

Suspension of menstruation: Set the menstrual bleeding after the 55th Years off, doubled the risk. If this date is before the 45th year of life, is to reduce the risk.

Previous illness: If an illness has been through breast cancer, the risk of another breast cancer 5-fold higher than that of a non-affected women.

Some other risk factors have less influence, but may still be important. These include obesity and the intake of hormones for menopausal symptoms.

Regular studies provide security.

These risk factors are statistically calculated. The specified risk increases are statistical averages. This means that it is unlikely for a presence of one or more risk factors automatically with the occurrence of breast cancer. However, in women who have multiple risk factors combine to provide detailed advice and regular examinations by the gynecologist is necessary. In this way a possible breast cancer can often be detected early. At an early stage of the disease can be effectively treated, as an already more advanced illness.

Diagnosis of suspected breast cancer

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A guide to breast self-examination here.

When striking the breast self-examination or the examination by the gynecologist in the breast lump or hardening, must be clarified what it is. There are several options available:

Physical exam
Mammography (radiography of the chest)
Microscopic examination

If it turns out that it was actually a breast cancer that have diagnostic procedure is still another meaning: they seek to determine how far the disease has progressed, and the treatment planning.

Medical history and physical examination:

As a first diagnostic step, the physician's medical history rises, to obtain information about symptoms and possible risk factors. After collecting the medical history is usually the physical examination. In both breasts and the region around the breasts and armpits carefully palpated and examined for nodules or lumps. If it finds a node that is sure how big it is, whether it hurts and whether he can move. The skin is thoroughly considered, and also took care whether fluid can be squeezed from the breast.

Ultrasound:
Sometimes, after the physical examination, an ultrasound scan of the chest to give further information. With the help of ultrasound, structures within the body including hardened tissue, cysts or lumps in the breast represent.

Mammography:
The next diagnostic step is followed by a rule called a mammogram. This is an X-ray examination of the breast. In addition, the breast between 2 plates and is positioned relatively firmly clamped. Through this rather unpleasant procedure for the chest radiograph can be somewhat spread out ", thus resulting better pictures, then allow a more accurate assessment. A good picture quality for the correct interpretation of great importance. It will be made once per breast 2 shots, one from the side and once from above. Therefore, it is necessary to position each breast, each with 2 times for the X-ray between the plates. The inclusion of healthy breast serves as a reference recording for improved assessment of the affected side. In addition, a lump in one breast does not exclude that the other side is possibly affected as well. Exposure to X-rays is now limited by the use of modern X-ray machines.

Tissue:
However, it is possible that it may be decided according to this diagnosis is not yet sure whether this is a palpable node is a benign or malignant findings. This distinction has important consequences. Thus, a benign node can remain untreated in many cases, however, therapy needs to be a malicious immediately. Next, comes the possibility of diagnostic investigation of a tissue sample into question. This is using a thin needle from the district suspects obtained the chest and then examined under a microscope.

Puncture under ultrasound guidance

To obtain the tissue sample, there are several options: If a node is easily palpable, because it lies close to the surface, for example, it is the physician palpated with one hand and run with the other hand the needle into the nodule. This approach is very small or difficult in the deep lying nodes. In these cases, a so-called "puncture under ultrasound guidance can be performed. This means that the doctor initially by ultrasound for the nodes in the chest and it looks then "reserves in the picture. Now he can with the other hand, so to speak, "lead under direct vision, the needle safely into the node. There are also ultrasonic devices are available that are directly provided with a needle. In this way, the node can be represented with the ultrasound device and simultaneously targeted with the needle out, will be. Another way of "puncture under direct vision" is to puncture based on an X-ray examination. In this case, be made from several directions, x-rays of the node. A computer then calculates the exact path of the needle into the nodule, so that they reach their destination safely.

And fine-needle aspiration biopsy

For the 2 different tissue sampling methods can be used to come, the fine-needle aspiration and biopsy. In fine-needle aspiration of a very thin needle will be guided in the nodes and a small amount of tissue, "sucked". Because the needle is very thin (comparable to the injection) in a blood sample, no anesthesia is necessary. This method is particularly suitable for very small knots that could not be accurately achieved with a larger needle. For larger nodes, however it is possible to gain some more tissue for the investigation, here's the punch biopsy is used. It is run by a local anesthetic, a slightly larger needle into the nodule. This cuts out a small piece of tissue from the node, which can be removed after removing the needle from its interior. With injuries of the chest or bleeding in both procedures is not likely. The risk of kidnap by the puncture of cancer cells, is negligible.

The stage must be determined.

The removed tissue is used for histological examination under a microscope. In this way, it may be established from which the breast tissue (mammary glands and milk ducts), the tumor starts and whether it is hormone sensitive. Moreover, can the grading stage to determine (see section "Staging, Grading"). These results are important in order to plan subsequent treatment as accurately as possible.

Investigation for metastases.

Must be further investigated whether the breast cancer may be "daughter tumors (metastases have formed). Various regions of the body (liver, lung, bone, brain) are using such X-rays, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound or scintigraphy.

Clinical picture and course of breast cancer

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Often the first sign of a node.

A breast cancer is noticed very often through a palpable node. It may be surprising in the breast self-examination, or at the screening by the doctor. But there are also other symptoms that can occur in breast cancer. These include:

Hardening of the breast or the breast skin
Pain, pressure or tightness in the chest
Recovery of the breast skin
Inflammation of the breast and / or breast skin
Changes in the nipple
Fluid discharge from the nipple
General symptoms (eg, general feelings of weakness, weight loss)

Not always the symptoms are caused by a tumor.

Not go out at one or more such complaints, but you have to automatically assume that there is definitely a breast cancer disease. It can also cause other illnesses on these complaints. Feelings of tension in the chest as can also indicate a mastodynia. Even nodes are not automatically mean cancer. By normal remodeling processes in the breast can lead to fibrocystic changes that occur in the nodes and also pain. But it is better in every case, to investigate the complaints quickly and thoroughly by a doctor to find out the actual cause. At the same time is also a relief if it is found that a harmless illness is behind the complaints.

Various symptoms indicative of metastasis.

In rare cases, breast cancer is only noticed if they have already formed "daughter tumors (metastases) in the lymph nodes or other organs. Then are the associated discomfort that interfere with the normal functions of affected lymph nodes or organs. This can for example be:

Palpable thickened and / or hardened lymph nodes in the armpit with involvement of one or more axillary lymph nodes

Shortness of breath or other breathing problems, chronic cough, bloody sputum and / or pain in the chest where the lungs and / or the pleura is affected

Bone pain and / or bone fractures in the presence of bone metastases

Paralysis, sensory disturbances and / or pain in bone metastases in the spine that press on the spinal cord or nerve roots springing from the spinal cord

Ascites (ascites) and / or jaundice during infection of the liver

Headache, disturbances of consciousness, paralysis, numbness, speech difficulties, impaired memory and / or personality changes when metastases have formed in the brain

Only an investigation creates security.

But again, that these complaints are not a sure indication of a cancer. Such symptoms can sometimes also occur with other diseases or in healthy people as a "mood disorder". Time should be prolonged existence of such complaints, or on specific cancers suspected a thorough investigation.

Very rarely, a breast cancer disease first manifests itself by so-called general symptoms that may occur in the context of many cancers.

Illness, treatment and life circumstances cause considerable suffering for the soul.

Apart from the purely physical complaints and the "accompanying" charges should not be ignored. Thus, by the by the disease or therapy associated disorders, such as declining performance, or general weakness, limitations arise in everyday life. For many stakeholders, it is very stressful when their usual activities at work or leisure, you can pursue any more. You may develop feelings of inferiority or anxiety within the fellow's fault. In addition, a disease is a typical female body part such as the breast for many women, the female self-image into question. Just after the surgical removal of the breast may face obstacles in sexual intercourse with the partner.

Psychologists and psycho-oncologists to help.

A panacea for these complaints or charges do not exist. However, no woman should be afraid, with family and friends and of course with the doctor or speak to a psychologist or a psycho-oncologist about this serious situation. This results in often quite practical help and understanding of the disease is encouraged. In addition, physiotherapy exercises to help overcome physical weaknesses. A big help to restore the "female self-image" offer methods of breast structure or when simpler measures, externally, or with the clothes to wear breast prostheses.

Staging of breast cancer

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According to the TMN system cancers are the size of the tumor (T) after the appearance of "daughter of tumors (metastases) in lymph nodes (N; Latin" nodus = knot and divided the occurrence of metastases in other organs (M) . It derived from each of consequences for individual therapy.

T = size of the tumor
For breast cancer the following classifications are distinguished:

T stage
Tx: no assessment of possible tumor
T0: No evidence of a tumor
Tis: non-invasive (not in the surrounding tissue ingrown) tumor
T1: tumor in greatest dimension no greater than 2 cm
T2: Tumor size 2-5 cm in greatest diameter
T3: Tumor larger than 5 cm in greatest dimension
T4: tumor extends into neighboring tissues (eg, chest muscles, skin or fins)

N = involvement of lymph nodes:
N stage

Nx: lymph nodes can not be assessed
N0: Lymph nodes are not affected
N1: metastasis in the axillary lymph nodes on the same side as the affected breast, the lymph nodes can move during the examination by the doctor
N2: metastasis in the axillary lymph nodes on the same side as the affected breast, the lymph nodes can be moved during the examination by the doctor, since they are fused together or with the surrounding tissue
N3: metastasis along the internal thoracic artery on the same side as the affected breast

M = metastases:
M stage:

Mx: presence of organ metastases not assessable
M0: no organ metastases detected
M1: metastases in other organs, there

Grading:
Furthermore, the biological behavior of tumor tissue in the histological examination will be further explored ( "Grading"). This can for example inferences about the rate of growth of the tumor, or a tendency to metastasize. It distinguishes the grading stages G1, G2 and G3.