Cancer is the spread of abnormal cells in the human body that does not cease to reproduce. There are different categories of cancer, each deriving its name from the part where it originates. The treatment for the same will also depend on what part of the body is affected.
Lung cancer may occur when a cancerous tumor starts growing near the lungs and affects its functioning. This cancer is further divided into two kinds of cancer: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. The latter spreads gradually and slowly than the former and it is more common in people. There are three kinds of non-small cell lung cancer, namely adenocarcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and large-cell carcinoma.
Some of the early symptoms of non-small cell lung cancer are as follows.
While coughing at sometimes is all right, intense coughing that is persistent and does not seem to go away is one of the early signs of non-small cell lung cancer. If you have had a persistent cough that seems to only get worse or doesn’t improve with medicine, it is recommended to see a doctor to rule out the chances of it being something else.
This symptom is not limited to lung cancer but also applies to other categories of cancer as well. If you notice a substantial drop in your weight despite eating the same amount of food, you may want to see a doctor to rule out the possibility of cancer. Sometimes patients may also lose appetite in this phase.
Chest pain is another common symptom of non-small cell lung cancer. These bouts of pain may feel worse with coughing, deep breathing, and sometimes even laughing.
Non-small cell lung cancer can spread to other parts of the body during the advanced stage. Neurological symptoms start showing when cancer spreads to the brain and spinal cords.
Chronic fatigue is another symptom that should not be overlooked. This is another telltale symptom that may be common in other forms of cancers as well.
Patients with non-small cell lung cancer may develop hoarseness in their voice. There may also be an onset of infections like bronchitis and pneumonia that persist for a long time.
In most advanced cases, lung cancer may spread to the bones and may pose symptoms like aching bones. However, aching bones can also be a symptom of other health issues.
Lung cancer may lower vascular resistance, which causes an increase in blood flow in the small arteries of the toes and fingers, which causes the clubbing of the toes and fingers. However, this symptom is not exclusive to lung cancer. It can also be a sign of other health problems as well.
It is important to understand that the occurrence of these symptoms does not always have to be an indication of cancer and may be attributed to other benign health conditions. That’s why it is always better to get yourself checked by a qualified healthcare provider to be 100 percent sure.
Lung cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the lungs and is characterized by the spread of abnormal cells that do not stop reproducing. There are two major kinds of lung cancer, non small-cell lung cancer and small-cell lung cancer.
The first type, which is the non small-cell lung cancer, is further divided into three types: adenocarcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. The symptoms of non small-cell lung cancer include fatigue, persistent coughing, unexplained weight loss, chest pain, and bone aches, among others. There are a number of therapies and treatment methods that patients with non small-cell lung cancer can opt for. The non small-cell lung cancer treatment options depend on the stage of cancer.
This phase involves timely treatment during the early stages of cancer. In this phase, the malignant cells are not obvious in the bronchoscopy or imaging tests. These tests are repeated every few months to check if a tumor is present, and the rest of the treatment then depends on the stage of the tumor.
The non small-cell lung cancer treatment options for this stage include laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, and brachytherapy. The next treatment option for this stage of cancer is surgery. Any surgery is only performed if the patient is healthy enough to undergo it.
The treatment for this phase is only surgery. A segmentectomy, wedge resection, sleeve resection, lobectomy, or a pneumonectomy is performed depending on the location and severity of the tumor. Patients with a higher risk of relapsing may also undergo chemotherapy sessions post the surgery.
This phase of cancer is also treated with surgery. Lobectomy or sleeve resection is the main procedure involved. Patients with this stage of cancer may also need to get any affected lymph nodes removed. The surgery is usually followed by multiple chemotherapy sessions.
The treatment for this stage involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or surgery. The treatment is usually initiated with chemotherapy and then followed by radiation therapy. Surgery is usually the last resort to remove any remaining cancer cells.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the most preferred methods of treatment. Surgery is only opted for if the patient is healthy enough to undergo it. Usually the first two methods should be enough to treat the patients for most cases.
This is the most serious stage of cancer where cancer has spread to more body parts, making it extremely difficult to be treated completely. This phase of cancer is hard to cure but multiple treatment options such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and even surgery can be opted to relieve the symptoms.
Even after undergoing the above mentioned non small-cell lung cancer treatment options, patients are advised to get themselves checked regularly for any relapse or recurrence of cancer.
Metastatic cancers are the cancers that are characterized by their origin. These cancers, even after spreading to another organ, are still identified by the name of the organ they started from. For instance, if lung cancer affects another organ, say the liver, it will be called metastatic lung cancer and not liver cancer.
It should be noted that metastatic cancer is not the same as second primary cancer. The survival rate of metastatic lung cancer is different from that of the second primary cancer. Abnormal cells in a new organ are part of metastases only when the cells show similarity to primary cancer, whereas second primary cancer involves the new growth of abnormal cells which are not similar to cancer cells belonging to any other part of the body. The latter kind of cancer is also rare.
Some of the organs most commonly affected in metastatic lung cancer include the lymph nodes, brain, liver, adrenal glands, and bones. Although not completely impossible, but, in rare cases, it may also spread to the stomach, intestines, pancreas, and kidneys.
Metastatic lung cancer survival rate indicates the rate of people who are alive after a specific period of time following the diagnosis. Five years is the time period that is taken as the base to calculate survival rate. Patients who live beyond this period may live for much longer than that too.
The five-year survival rate for stage A1 cancer is over 90 percent, while for A2 it is 83 percent, and A3 is about 77 percent. For stage IB, the survival rate is nearly 68 percent. The survival rate drops to 60 percent for IIA stage cancer and 53 percent for IIB cancer. The five-year survival rate is at 36 percent for stage IIIA patients, while it is about 26 percent and 13 percent for stage IIIB and IIIC patients, respectively. The metastatic lung cancer survival rate is very less and even less than 1 percent. However, there are several treatment options available that may help in treating cancer at this stage as well.
It is important to note that these survival rates are only a rough indication. It really depends on the patient’s condition and treatment to determine if they can get better.
The indicator of metastatic lung cancer is cancer growing in tissues nearby. Sometimes, these cancer cells break away from the origin and spread through the bloodstream too.
Since metastatic cancer cannot be predicted on the basis of medical history or any other factors, the best way to prevent it is by treating the lung cancer actively. You can even avoid lung cancer by taking proper care and making certain lifestyle changes. These changes include quitting smoking and avoiding any passive forms of smoking.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with metastatic cancer, it is important to remember that support from family, friends, and loved ones can help overcome the feelings of anxiety and anger that may be part of the process. Joining a cancer support group or attending counseling is also highly beneficial.
Liver cancer occurs when the cancerous cells start growing near the liver and affect its functioning gradually. This cancer is silent cancer, which does not show any sign till it has progressed to later stages. Hence, the prognosis for liver disease is very bad and there is no hope for it improving in the future.
Liver cancer has a lot of symptoms but the problem with these symptoms is that they are also associated with other liver-related diseases. Therefore, the patients tend to ignore them for a long time before a red flag is raised. Following are a few common symptoms seen in the liver cancer patients.
A person suffering from liver cancer loses weight dramatically. This is more because complications inside the liver lead to loss of appetite resulting in the poor health of the patient.
Liver cancer gives a constant feeling of being full. Even one bite of food can make the patient feel like they have eaten too much and might not be able to keep everything inside.
Liver cancer causes extreme nausea and vomiting. It creates an aversion to food and the patient starves while having a feeling of overeating.
The size of the spleen and liver increase and cause a lot of pain and discomfort.
Liver cancer leaves the liver unable to process its basic functions, which further complicates other bodily functions leading to swelling in feet and belly.
Abnormal functioning of the liver causes an abnormal release of bilirubin, which is the cause behind the yellow color of the skin and the eyes.
All the signs and symptoms of liver cancer are related to one another. Due to the cancer cells affecting the liver, the liver fails to function properly and then one problem leads to another leaving the patient hapless with no respite.
Most doctors will tell you that treating a liver cancer is very difficult at the later stages and unfortunately that is when it is detected in most of the cases. Most of the patients with liver cancer do not realize something is wrong with them till they have reached stage three or four, which is extremely late in the disease and has almost no chances of curing.
With liver cancer, doctors are left with just a few options to choose from based on how much cancer has spread and the general health of the liver. Some of the treatment options for liver cancer are as follows:
Liver cancer is dangerous and it is better if it is diagnosed early. The signs and symptoms of liver cancer are confusing but people should take them seriously and get it checked, when necessary.
Liver cancer, as the name suggests, is the cancer that begins in the liver cells. There are many types of cancers associated with the liver, out of which, hepatocellular carcinoma is the most commonly found cancer. A cancer is termed liver cancer only when it starts in the liver, other cancers that have spread to the liver over the time are known as metastatic cancer. Unfortunately, an overview of liver cancer will tell you that cancers that spread to the liver from other organs are more common than the cancers that start in the liver.
Liver cancer happens when liver cells mutate their DNA. One of the outcomes of this process is that cells start growing rapidly resulting in a single tumor or multiple tumors. It is very difficult to understand the causes of liver cancer. Not every case comes with a reason but one very common reason is an infection by a type of hepatitis virus. Following are some of the high risk factors associated with liver cancer-
A chronic infection caused by hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus increases the risk of liver cancer.
Liver cirrhosis is a progressive and irreversible condition, which increases the chance of getting liver cancer.
Inherited liver diseases increase a person’s chance of suffering from liver cancer. Two of these diseases are hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease.
People suffering from high blood sugar are more prone to suffering from cancer as compared to people who do not have blood sugar.
A fatty liver is prone to cancer.
Aflatoxins are molds that grow on crops stored in poor conditions. These are poisonous chemicals that increase the risk of liver cancer.
Alcohol can be very harmful for the liver. It can lead to irreversible liver damage and tremendously increases the risk of liver cancer.
The most unfortunate fact about liver cancer is that most people do not experience any symptoms in the early stages of cancer. The symptoms start showing after the disease has progressed to a certain level. Some of the most common symptoms are-
A person with the above mentioned symptoms is believed to have liver cancer. To further confirm the diagnosis and the stage of cancer, doctors undertake a few procedures that give them an overview of liver cancer.
Liver cancer is a dangerous disease because in most cases it is not detected in the early stages. Even when detected on time and treated, liver cancer might not get treated completely and needs frequent follow-ups. It is best to consult a doctor before making any decision.
Kidney cancer is a fatal disease. The cells in the kidney become cancerous, multiply without control, and form a tumor. A majority of kidney cancers first occur in the tiny tubes lining of the kidney.
Despite being sometimes fatal, kidney cancer, when detected at an early stage, is curable. Most of the times, kidney cancer is detected before the cancerous cells spread to other organs.
If you are wondering what could be the best way to cure this disease, here are some effective treatments for kidney cancer.
In cases of small tumors, no treatment for kidney cancer is given initially. The growth of the tumor is actively observed. If the tumor grows rapidly then the medical practitioner opts for another treatment option. This method works best for aged or weak patients to avoid the hassle of a surgery. Many-a-times, after a biopsy and close observation, these tumors are found to be non-cancerous.
In a surgery, the tumor, and some of the healthy tissues around it, are removed. This is possible when cancer has not spread beyond the kidneys. In some cases, a part of the kidney or the entire organ is also removed. Some of the known surgical options are radical nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy, and laparoscopic and robotic surgery.
In a radiation therapy, high-energy X-rays are used to destroy cancer cells. It is not an effective treatment for kidney cancer and may also cause damage to the healthy part of the kidney. It is recommended for patients who cannot undergo a surgery. Radiation is given not to the primary tumor area but only to the areas where cancer has spread. It is used to ease the symptoms in the patient.
In chemotherapy, drugs are used to destroy cancer cells. It kills the ability of the cancer cells to grow and divide. Systemic chemotherapy goes through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells located throughout the body. Chemotherapy is given through a needle and an intravenous vein (IV) tube inserted into the vein of the patient or through a pill or capsule swallowed orally.
This is also known as biologic therapy. It boosts the natural defenses of the body that enable the patient to fight cancer. Materials used are either made in the laboratory or in the body. They target, enhance, and restore the immune system function. Some of the common immunotherapy methods include interleukin-2, alpha-interferon, and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Apart from all this, local therapies like cryotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, and arterial embolization are also used as treatments for kidney cancer. In the first method, extreme cold is used to destroy the cancer cells. In the second approach, high-energy radio waves heat the tumor with the help of electric current and assist to destroy the cancer cells. The third method blocks the artery, which feeds the kidney affected with the tumor.
The best treatment for kidney cancer depends on varied factors like cancer type, cell type, patient’s overall health, and cancer stage, among others. It is best to consult the doctor and get the treatment for kidney cancer that suits the patient the best.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is the scarring of the lung tissue that leads to shortness in breath. Excessive scarring can cause damage to the lungs and make it difficult to breathe. There is no specific cause that is identified for this condition. There are various treatment options for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) as listed below.
Currently, there are no medicines that can cure the condition. Medicines like azathioprine, prednisone, and N-acetylcysteine can help. There is no evidence that supports its use.
This is an anti-inflammatory medicine that can be taken orally every day. It can also be administered through a needle or tube into the vein. It can cause strong side effects; hence, the doctor may only prescribe it for three to six months initially. If it works, the dosage can be reduced over time.
Azathioprine will suppress your immune system. It can be taken orally, but it has serious side effects.
This is an antioxidant that may prevent the lung damage. It can be taken orally several times a day.
A combination of all the three medicines is a common treatment for IPF. However, it is harmful and not advisable for the long term. Patients should start and stop the medication after consulting a doctor. They should not make a decision on their own.
Researchers are studying new medicines and treatments for IPF. Some medications can reduce the scarring caused by IPF.
There are other treatments that can help people with IPF. These treatments include cough medicines to relieve coughing, flu and pneumonia vaccines to help prevent infections, Vitamin D and calcium to prevent bone loss, and anti-reflux therapy to control gastroesophageal reflux disease.
If the level of oxygen in the blood of a patient falls, they may require oxygen therapy. It can help reduce shortness of breath and improve the physical condition. Oxygen is supplied through nasal prongs or a mask.
This is a standard treatment for patients with a chronic lung disease. It helps improve the well-being of patients who suffer from breathing problems. It does not replace medical therapy but is used with the same. It includes exercise training, breathing strategies, nutritional counseling, education on the disease, psychological counseling, and energy conserving techniques.
If the patient’s condition is worsening quickly, the last option may be a lung transplant. It can help improve the physical condition and help live longer. The major complication of the transplant will be rejection and infection. Rejection is the body creating proteins that attack the new organ. Patients might have to consume medicines for the rest of their life to reduce the risk of rejection. Since the supply of donors is limited, it is important to speak to a doctor regarding the transplant at the earliest.
Understanding the medical condition will help deal with it in a better manner. It is important to consult a doctor before taking up any medication or treatment related to the disease.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a very complicated health condition. Often mistaken for a type of irritable bowel disease (IBD), like ulcerative colitis, which cause inflammation and damage to the digestive tract. However, even though IBS and colitis share similar symptoms (i.e., abdominal pain, constipation, bloating, diarrhea), IBS is considered a syndrome that doesn’t cause any damage to the colon.
IBS is a combination of a discomfort in the stomach and a problem with the bowel. People who have IBS get diarrhea or constipation more often than normal people. This condition is not life-threatening but it is not a comfortable condition to live with.
Doctors say that IBS cannot cause other health problems like colitis, Crohn’s disease, or colon cancer. The chances of getting these diseases are equal for people with and without IBS. IBS is a long-lasting disease and people suffering from it might have to change their routines to fit into normal activities with a condition like this. Here’s an overview of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Patients with IBS experience violent episodes of diarrhea, which start suddenly.
Severe constipation is one of the telling signs of IBS.
People suffering from IBS experience alternate rounds of constipation and diarrhea.
Patients experience pain and cramps in the stomach, especially after meals. This pain gets better after a bowel movement.
IBS leads to excessive gas and bloating.
People experience different stool patterns like pellets and flat ribbon stools when they have IBS.
A belly that sticks out is a very common sign of IBS and is seen in almost all the patients.
There are four types of IBS based on the symptoms they experience.
This is the type in which people experience constipation.
In this type of IBS, patients experience diarrhea.
In this IBS, patients experience a mix of both constipation and diarrhea.
This type of IBS is assigned to people who do not fit in any of the conditions mentioned above.
There are many reasons that are known to trigger IBS but do not exactly know what causes it. Some doctors believe that it happens because the colon becomes sensitive and overreacts to mild stimulations. While some doctors believe that it is caused by the sudden spasms of the bowel muscles. What causes these both conditions is not known yet.
There is no particular lab test that can diagnose IBS. So, doctors observe the symptoms and run tests to rule out other conditions that have the similar symptoms. The following conditions might be tested:
Irritable bowel syndrome is not a life-threatening disease but the symptoms that it causes might lead to serious health complications. Right now, there is no cure available for it and the treatment is not same for everyone. Doctors combine a few treatment options to help a patient manage the symptoms and lead a normal life.
High cholesterol is a common condition found not only in middle-aged and elderly people but also in the younger generation. It may lead to a number of heart-related and other problems, and hence it is important to fight it.
But, let us first understand the disease. Here’s an overview of high cholesterol.
Cholesterol is a kind of waxy substance found in the blood. Our cells require cholesterol. That requirement is fulfilled by our body. However, we also get cholesterol from various food items like red meat, eggs, butter, and cheese. When the amount of cholesterol in the blood increases, it starts building up in the arteries. This is the beginning of heart and blood flow-related issues.
There are majorly two types of cholesterol: Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL) and High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL). While LDL is considered to be the bad cholesterol, HDL is referred to as good cholesterol. An excess of LDL cholesterol is a major concern.
High cholesterol may often lead to severe problems like heart attack and stroke. Some of its common symptoms are chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, numbness in the extremities, back or upper abdomen pain, and extreme fatigue.
Some of the common causes of high cholesterol are:
Consuming food with high trans fat, saturated fats, and cholesterol are common causes of high cholesterol. Some of these foods include biscuits, cakes, candies, fried food, cheese, butter, and others.
Having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or more increases the risk of cholesterol. Apart from this, having a large waist circumference is also a major concern. In men, the waist circumference of 102 centimeters or more is considered a high-risk factor.
Age also plays an important factor in case of high cholesterol. As individual ages, the chances of having high cholesterol increases. Cholesterol level starts to increase from the age of 20.
Diabetic patients are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with high cholesterol. A high level of blood sugar increases LDL cholesterol. It also damages the lining of the arteries.
If high cholesterol runs in an individual’s family, then he/she is more likely to get the same.
There are no clear symptoms of high cholesterol in particular. It does not make the patient feel sick. A blood test is the only way to know if the patient has high cholesterol.
It is important to lower the risk of a heart attack or stroke after being diagnosed with high cholesterol. Medicine recommended by a medical practitioner works best in this case. But that’s not enough. Adopting some healthy lifestyle changes is also essential. These include:
Changing lifestyles have increased the cases of high cholesterol. It is essential to understand the importance of a healthy heart and fight such conditions.
