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What is Verrucous Carcinoma?

Verrucous carcinoma is a cancer that most commonly occurs in the mouth, although this type of cancer can also occur in other areas of the body including the oesophagus, the genitals and the skin. This type of cancer rarely spreads and remains isolated, for this reason surgery is the most popular form of treatment. Verrucous carcinoma is more likely in people that smoke or chew tobacco also known as snuff, for this reason this type of cancer is also known as snuff dippers cancer.

The cause for verrucous carcinoma is not known but there are a number of factors that can increase the risk of this type of cancer developing, they include:

  • Smoking – Smoking can attributed to the cause of verrucous carcinoma and various other types of cancer, it can also increase the risk of heart disease.
  • HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) – The Human papilloma Virus is a common infection and usually does not require treatment, its believed around 80% of the population will have HPV virus at some point in their life. The virus can increase the risk of this and other cancer types.
  • Alcohol – Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of a range of cancers and also increase the chance of liver damage.
  • Lowered immune system – If your immune system is low then you may be at an increased risk, HIV patients or patients of other autoimmune diseases such as arthritis may also have an increased risk of developing this cancer
  • Age – As with many other types of cancer your risk increases with your age, verrucous carcinoma is more common in white males over the age of 50

 

Symptoms

The symptoms associated with verrucous carcinoma will vary dramatically as the tumour can appear in a wide number of different areas. The most common symptoms are wart like growths that are itchy and may bleed. The appearance of the growth can be similar to that of a cauliflower. In order to confirm diagnosis of verrucous carcinoma a biopsy is normally required, this is to distinguish the cancer from other types of cancers that may present with similar symptoms. Verrucous carcinoma growths primarily involve the skin but can also grow deeper and begin to invade neighbouring muscle or even bone if they are left to grow deep enough.

Treatment

Verrucous carcinoma rarely spreads to other areas and is normally in a single isolated area, because of this surgery is used to remove the growth. This type of removal will in most cases completely get rid of the cancerous cells associated with the growth. In cases where the growth has grown deeper into the skin radiotherapy and or chemotherapy may be required to treat areas that surgery could not remove.

Prognosis

All cancers have the potential to be fatal but the general prognosis for verrucous carcinoma that is localised and removed by surgery when in its earliest stages are extremely good.

 

 

 

Head Injuries: How to Know When it’s Serious

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Our skulls are fragile and must therefore be protected with great care and diligence. This is especially so, considering it protects the brain, which is an invaluable organ. Unfortunately however, our skulls are also very susceptible to injury in the instance of falls, collisions and other accidents. Furthermore, damage done to the head can often be rather subtle and hard to spot. Here are a few tips on how to know when a head injury is present and serious.

From accidents in homes, to falling awkwardly while jumping for a header in a Sunday league football game, head injuries can happen anytime and anywhere.

Headache

A headache is the most obvious symptom indicating a head injury. However as headaches are generally far from uncommon, we often fail to take the symptom seriously and choose to ignore the problem as minor, while assuming it’ll go away with time.

As a headache is a clear indication of head injury, it is important to respond to such a sign in order to treat the damage early on and prevent the injury from getting worse. A laissez-faire attitude to headaches is therefore dangerous.

Headaches are also sometimes accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

Memory Deficiencies

Memory problems are another rather subtle yet obvious sign pointing towards a head injury. This can be the simple loss of memory or the inability to store new information and memories. Be sure then that the victim remembers to file a head injury claim if they are experiencing memory loss.

Mood Changes

It is not unusual for the sufferer of a head injury to experience mood changes ranging from irritability to depression. Mood changes can of course be very hard to spot and it’s even harder to discern whether they’re the result of a head injury.

However if accompanied by any of the other symptoms, mood changes are very telling signs of head damage.

Inability to Function

The sufferer of a head injury can experience an inability to function and perform tasks. Such processing difficulties are often accompanied with headaches and are usually clear for the sufferer to discern.

A Loss of Sense of Smell

A loss of one’s sense of smell is an indicator of severe head injury and thus requires particular attention. In fact after suffering an accident which may have harmed the head, one ought to test their sense of smell.

In the advent of any of these symptoms occurring after an injury, one must visit their local GP or a doctor. Allowing a head injury to go untreated could cause it to go worse.

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Help For Breast Cancer

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The lifestyle of the people are so busy and they are much involved in the rat race which they are running that they hardly have time anything in their life other than work, eat and sleep. During such course of time, we as humans sometimes tend to over look the common disorders or small diseases which are being inculcated in our bodies. You are only aware of the disease prevailing in our body when it goes to the extreme high levels and we tend to get uncomfortable with its presence in our body. There are many diseases in the market and there is one which is very common in the women and it is known as Breast Cancer.

breast cancer

There are many kinds of Cancers in the market and this one is very common in the women. The extreme levels of this cancer can even kill the person who is suffering from it hence it is advised for women to keep a track of symptoms of this disease and make sure they also take the necessary measure while doing so. There is a whole of lot info about this over the net. At first the awareness of this disease was not very common but due to media and an increase in number of cases, the awareness of such disease have increased to a great extent.

There is something like this which is not initially noticed but they get detected in the later stages and only if you are lucky then it gets detected in the initial stages where it can be successfully treated. In the old times, there were not many kinds of cancer or rather there were hardly any cases of cancer,
this is very recent and number of people suffering from this is increasing day by day and there are also many awareness programs which are being carried out to spread the awareness too.

The treatment for most types of cancers is now available and it is not a matter a concern at all but in some cases where the treatment is not possible at all, things go out of hand for the patient as well his or her family members.

Numerous Bladder Cancer Symptoms and Causes

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Bladder cancer refers to the abnormal growth of malignant cells in your bladder. The bladder is the organ that collects and stores your urine. It is among the top ten most common cancers in America. There are at least 50,000 men and 16,000 women diagnose with this disease each year. The number of deaths is lower compared to other cancer types, but it may still cause a lot of pain and discomfort for its victims. Bladder cancer is difficult to detect in its early stages, so knowing the different bladder cancer symptoms may help you and your physician diagnose the disease before it gets worse.

Bladder Cancer Causes

Researchers identified a number of potential causes of bladder cancer, but its exact causes are unknown. Exposure to substances called aromatic amines is commonly associated with cancer development.

Many products and materials contain aromatic amines including paint, ink, dye, or leather dust. Around 30% of bladder cancer cases involve exposure to these substances.

2-Naphthylamine, found in cigarette smoke, is an aromatic amine often cited as a leading bladder cancer cause. According to research, it is associated with one-third of bladder cancer cases in women, and over half in men.

A rather controversial bladder cancer cause is a diabetes drug called Actos (pioglitazone). Studies show taking this drug may increase the risk of bladder cancer development up to 40%.This risk led to the withdrawal of the drug in several countries like France and Germany.

Bladder Cancer Symptoms

The most obvious and common bladder cancer symptom is hematuria, or the presence of blood in your urine. While most people with hematuria can actually see the blood, sometimes you can’t see the blood without a microscope. Regular urine tests should help you monitor the presence of blood in your urine. You shouldn’t assume you have bladder cancer just because of hematuria, though. Other diseases and conditions, such as kidney stones or urinary tract infections, may also cause hematuria.

Another common bladder cancer symptom is dysuria, or painful urination. People with dysuria feel a stinging or burning sensation while urinating. Urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted diseases may also cause dysuria.

Some studies show Aristolochia fangchi, an herb commonly used in dietary supplements and herbal remedies, is a potent kidney toxin and carcinogen.

Bladder Cancer Treatment

The type of treatment you need depends on what stage your cancer is in, and how deeply embedded the cancerous tumor is in your bladder. Surgeons remove tumors that have not penetrated the wall’s muscle layer through electrocautery, a process that uses extreme heat to burn off unwanted body tissue. Other common treatments include chemotherapy and thermotherapy. Tumors found deeper in your bladder’s wall may require removing part (or all) of the bladder and the redirection of your urine stream to a substitute bladder.

Knowing the causes and symptoms of bladder cancer gives you a better chance of avoiding it, or treating it in its early stages. You can always talk to your doctor if you want to learn more about this disease.

Lucas Lord {Author} is a medical assistant who knows all about different bladder cancer causes and bladder cancer symptoms.

Find More Bladder Cancer Symptoms Articles

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Preventing Liver Cancer

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Liver cancer starts from hepatitis B infection that usually occurs in the liver. The causative agent for this disease is hepatitis B virus. As it progresses it will lead the liver to cancer stage. This can happen in both children and adults. Liver cancer pain is really tough and hard to deal with.

One of the first things you drink in the morning is your coffee. Coffee contains high levels of antioxidants, a very important component in your fight against cancer. With its antioxidants, it can inhibit carcinogens in the liver. It can also protect your liver in possible damage from alcohol intake.

Experts say that a combination of healthy food, clean water, physical exercise, and health supplements can reduce the risks of cancer in cats significantly. So, there is no need to lose hope at all. Cancer is usually due to a variety of factors including breed, diet (although link isn’t clear if at all), genetics and environment. Positively impacting some of these areas, could be of help.

While vitamin C may be the most commonly known and highly touted component in oranges for overall health, it doesn’t work alone. Oranges are filled with other essential nutrients that play an equal role in the quality of your health, among them being flavanones and polyphenols. These other nutrients have anti-inflammatory properties, and are responsible for helping lower blood pressure.

Primary liver tumors may originate in the liver cells, bile ducts, or both. The lesions may be singular, nodular or diffuse, and may involve only a lobe or the entire liver. The malignant cells compress the surrounding normal liver cells and may spread by invading the branches of the portal vein, causing the liver to be enlarged and misshapen. Hemorrhage and necrosis are common.

Proper liver function is the key to good overall health. Unfortunately, the liver’s own metabolic properties can work against it. Substances such as chemicals and preservatives or standard medications, while not necessarily carcinogenic, can be rendered so when they pass through the liver. This is a primary cause of liver cancer in cats, particularly tumors that start within the liver itself.

Liver Cancer is common in South East Asia, including Singapore. This is due to the presence of chronic hepatitis B and C infection in the population. In Singapore, liver cancer is the 4th most common cancer. It is more common in males and among the Chinese population.

However, the symptoms of liver disease includes loss in weight without exerting any effort to do so, loss of appetence, pain in the upper abdomen, sickness and bloating, liver is enlarged and swelling of the abdomen. Physically you may experience discoloration of your eyes that looks like yellow in color as well as the skin.It is unclear yet as to what causes all cases of liver cancer while others are already been known.

Liver cancer can be diagnosed by blood test; a normal blood test won’t provide that much of details. An abnormal blood test caused by the production of hormones by the cancer cells. If this test shows high red blood count, low sugar, and high blood calcium, then the patient has to be suffering from this cancer, a high quantity of cholesterol content can be a reason too.

Ample research has also concluded that green tea reduces risk of prostate cancer, lung cancer, gastrointestinal tract cancer, skin cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer and bladder cancer

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Resveratrol Cancer Research

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Due to the realization that human beings can never stay away from the sun completely, scientists are always in pursuit of new and better ways to reduce the risks of suffering from skin cancer, or skin damage due to regular exposure to UV rays, particularly its UVB element. After resveratrol was discovered and it’s anti-aging with the antioxidant properties were unveiled, scientists thought they could find out if the same compound would have chemo-preventive properties. It is believed that these properties would be effective in shielding against UVB skin damage.

Needless to mention, great exposure to UVB radiation will increase the risks of skin cancer. The research which was conducted looked at the effect of resveratrol if applied topically on hairless mice. The mice were then put under UVB exposure for 7 days consecutively. The study also looked at the effect of resveratrol on survivin. Survivin, which is what is responsible for cell division in the body, is normally absent in an otherwise normal human adult tissue but present in people suffering from cancer. This justifies the reason why most cancer therapies today target survivin.

The research findings showed that the resveratrol which was applied topically considerably lowered UVB exposure and helped control the protein expression of survivin. Resveratrol was found to be able to modulate numerous cell signals, which in turn protects the skin cells from UVB damages that are known to trigger cancer development. Resveratrol considerably hindered the increase in skin edema and thickness which are normally mediated by UVB.

With these study and many others conducted, it is reassuring to know that applying resveratrol skin creams can substantially help inhibit the development of skin cancer. Living at such a time and age when global warming and ozone deterioration are the order of the day, resveratrol might just be the miracle drug that people in this generation have been waiting for.

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Lymph Nodes Cancer

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Lymph node cancer or lymphoma is a cancer that accounts for approximately five percent of all cancers. It predominantly effects males but is not exclusive to men. Those most at risk are between the ages of fifteen and thirty four and those over the age of fifty-four. This does not mean that anyone outside of this age range is not at risk but statistically it does seem to fall inside those age groups at a greater rate. Like all other cancers, early detection and treatment is the key to a greater chance of recovery.

lymph node cancer

Hodgkins Disease is a form of lymph node cancer but is rare in its occurrence. It also statistically effects mostly men between the ages of fifteen and thirty-four and men over the age of fifty-four but is not exclusive to men only. Some of the most common symptoms of Hodgkins Disease are night sweats, unexplained wight loss, constant fatigue and unexplained fever. If you are experiencing any or all of these symptoms it is wise to have yourself examined by a doctor as these also could be the symptoms of another disorder.

All other remaining types of lymph node cancer are known as non-Hodgkins lymphoma. The majority of lymph node cancers treated are of the non-Hodgkins type. The symptoms of non-Hodgkins lymphoma are the same as Hodgkins Disease. Night sweats, unexplained fever, chronic fatigue and unexplained weight loss.Lymph node cancer is also known as lymphatic cancer. Those with a family history of lymph node cancer statistically fall within a higher risk group of contracting the disease. This is true for both men and women.

Lymph node cancer is a type of cancer that involves the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is an integral part of the bodies immune system. Statistically, the occurrence of lymph node cancer has increased approximately seventy-five percent since nineteen-seventy-three in the United States. Research has revealed that approximately one in fifty-two men and one in sixty-one women in the United States will contract non Hodgkin lymphoma within their lifetime. Studies have indicated that a greater exposure to herbicides and pesticides is greatly responsible for this increase.

Lymph node cancer is curable and if detected early and with effective treatment a person with lymph node cancer has a greater chance than ever before of being cured of this disease and if cured can expect to live a long and normal life. Many new and innovative treatments for lymph node cancer have been developed and are now available. The medical community has a greater understanding of lymph node cancer than in years past. Treatments that were once experimental and have been found to be effective are now being used to treat and cure lymph node cancer.

As a person ages it is to be expected that he or she will encounter medical challenges, it is part of the aging process. Lymph node cancer might be one of those challenges you encounter in your life’s journey. How soundly these challenges are defeated depends greatly on how you approach them. A fighting spirit has been proven time and again to be a powerful weapon to have in your arsenal when battling cancers of all types. Accepting defeat in any challenge almost guarantees defeat. The will to fight and live on has carried so many cancer survivors to victory over the disease.

What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

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Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of skin cancer, skin cancer falls into two different categories which are melanoma and non-melanoma; squamous cell carcinoma is a non-melanoma type of skin cancer which is the second most common type of skin cancer in the UK.

Squamous cell carcinoma can develop anywhere on the body but is much more common on areas of the body that are regularly exposed to the sun, such as the arms face and neck. One of the main causes of squamous cell carcinoma is over exposure of ultraviolet light from the sun rays and tanning beds.

Squamous cell carcinoma can affect anybody but some people are more at risk than others these people include:

  • Elderly people
  • Builders – Builders and other people who regularly work outside are likely to be exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun and are more likely to develop SCC at a much younger age.
  • People with fair skin – People with fair skin tend to burn easier in the sun and so have an increased risk of developing this type of skin cancer.
  • People who have had UV treatments – If you have regular treatments using UV light such as for psoriasis then you are at an increased risk of SCC
  • People with a weakened immune system – Anyone with a weakened immune system from other medical conditions such as HIV or aids have an increased risk of developing SCC.

Symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinomas can vary in appearance but in the majority of cases the skin will appear crusty with a raised lump with a red and inflamed base. The carcinoma may be tender to the touch but many small carcinomas will be painless. Squamous cell carcinoma is diagnosed by the doctor which involves them taking a small skin sample (biopsy) of the affected area that will be sent away to be examined under a microscope in order to confirm the presence of cancerous cells.

Treatment of squamous cell carcinoma

Treatment of squamous cell usually involves surgery and radiotherapy, a technique known as curettage and cautery will be used. This involves the cancerous cells being scraped away then the bleeding will be cauterised. This is normally the only treatment that is required for SCC that is diagnosed in the very early stages.

If the SCC is more advanced or covers a larger area of skin then more extensive surgery may be required, this will involve the affected area being removed with surgery and then examined under a microscope immediately to see if any more cancer cells are present, this process is repeated until there is no presence of the cancer cells under the microscope. This type of surgery is usually performed when the SCC has progressed quite deep into the skin.

Squamous cell carcinoma can be cured if it is diagnosed and treated early enough, if the SCC is left untreated for a great length of time then there is a risk that it can spread to other areas of the body.

What is Lobular Carcinoma?

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Lobular carcinoma is another type of breast cancer, the most common type of cancer that develops in the breasts is ductal carcinoma but lobular carcinoma is slightly less common and makes up around 10% of all breast cancers that are diagnosed. There are two types of lobular carcinoma these are Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) and the more serious invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC).

Lobular carcinoma in situ

The term lobular carcinoma in situ is used when cell changes have occurred inside the breast that have not yet become cancerous but are considered at a higher risk of developing into cancer.

The presence of lobular carcinoma in situ does not necessarily mean that a person is going to develop breast cancer but there is a risk. Treatment is not required for lobular carcinoma in situ but as there is an increased risk of breast cancer your doctor will monitor you on a regular basis by using the following methods:

  • Examination of the breast every 6 to 12 months
  • Mammogram (x-ray of the breast) every 1 to 2 yeas

Having these tests done regularly will ensure that if breast cancer starts to develop then it will be diagnosed in the earliest possible stage allowing for a faster treatment. In some cases of lobular carcinoma in situ doctors may recommend a course of hormone therapy to help lower the risk of breast cancer developing.

Invasive lobular carcinoma

Invasive lobular carcinoma is the more serious form of breast cancer which makes up around 10% of all breast cancers; this type of breast cancer starts to develop inside the cells that line the lobes of the breasts. Any woman can develop invasive lobular carcinoma but it is much more common in older women between the ages of 45 and 55. In extremely rare circumstances it is also possible for men to develop invasive lobular carcinoma.

Lobular carcinoma is not as easy to diagnose as ductal carcinoma as a firm lump does not always form inside the breasts and may not appear on x-ray images, there is usually a thickening of the tissue of the breast that is the first sign of this type of cancer. Invasive lobular carcinoma unlike ductal carcinoma can also develop in both breasts at the same time.

Treatment of lobular carcinoma

Lobular carcinoma is treated almost identically to the more common ductal carcinoma; surgery is used to remove the cancerous area and a small amount of healthy tissue by wide excision. In some cases it is not possible to remove all of the cancer in cases like this then the whole breast will need to be removed by mastectomy. After surgery radiotherapy and chemotherapy or a combination of these treatments will be given to ensure the cancer does not return. If the cancer cells are oestrogen positive then hormone therapy may also be offered.

 

What is Bladder Cancer?

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Bladder cancer or cancer of the bladder as it is more commonly referred to, is a cancer that develops inside the bladder. There are over 10,000 cases of bladder cancer diagnosed every year in the UK; most cases of bladder cancer are diagnosed in men around 7500 around 75%. It is thought that one in every 30 men in the UK will develop some form of bladder cancer during their lifetime.

What causes bladder cancer?

The exact cause of bladder cancer is not known but we do know that white people are more at risk of developing the disease than those of African or Asian descent. Bladder cancer is extremely rare in younger people and most commonly affects those aged over 40. Certain countries in the world have much higher rates of bladder cancer than the UK such as Egypt or Iraq; this is a result of an infection known as schistomiasis, which is extremely common in these countries. There is also a link between bladder cancer and some chemicals that were used in industrial dyes these chemicals have now been banned from use.

Smoking is believed to play a large part in the development of bladder cancer; in fact smokers are between 2 and 5 times more likely to develop the disease than people who don’t smoke. It is thought that half of all diagnosed cancers in men and around a third of cases in women can be attributed to smoking.

Symptoms and treatment of bladder cancer

The most common symptom associated with bladder cancer is the presence of blood in the urine or pain when urinating. Frequent urine infections may also be an early sign of bladder cancer; if you are experiencing any of these symptoms then you should see your doctor immediately.

The treatment used for bladder cancer will depend on how far the cancer has advanced; early stage bladder cancer is usually treated by a minor operation which involves a thin flexible tube being inserted into the bladder via the urethra which is used to inject drugs directly into the bladder. If the cancer is more advanced then radiotherapy is used to shrink the cancer and surgery is often required to remove part or the entire bladder. If the bladder is removed then a catheter has to be inserted so that urine can exit the body into a bag. This type of operation can have a serious impact on a person’s life and will only be used if there is nothing else that can be done.

The general prognosis for bladder cancer for early stages is relatively good with around 80% to 90% living for five years or more after diagnosis. In cases where the cancer has spread to the muscle wall of the bladder around 50% will live for 5 years or more.