Important Elements of Eye Cancer Diagnosis

Eye cancer is caused due to the growth of the malignant cells present in eye tissues. In case of adults, most cancers of eyes are the secondary tumors which spread to them from the other body parts; mostly the breast. There are instances when the cancer spreads from the lungs, prostate glands and the kidneys to the eyes. The spread of cancer to the eyes from these different body parts is through the lymphatic system or the bloodstream. The ophthalmologists conduct a complete examination of the eyes during eye cancer diagnosis.

Generally, diagnosis of eye cancer necessitates anesthesia for young children. Additionally, Computed Tomography (CT) scan or ultrasound examinations are also needed for diagnosing eye cancer. The ultrasound method is usually preferred over other ways for detecting this cancer type. Along with these examinations, lumbar puncture and studies of the blood might also be needed for the diagnosis.

There are two primary types of tumors that arise inside the eyes of humans; namely melanomas and retinoblastomas. Amongst these two types, retinoblasotma, which is the common and primary form of eye cancer affects young children below the age of five. Adults are mostly affected by malignant melanoma. The average age between which this affects the adults is 60-65 years.

Most of the cases of eye cancer affect only one of the eyes; however, retinoblastoma affects both the eyes in most cases. Though the symptoms of eye cancer are not quite evident during the early stages for any eye cancer form, the growth of the tumors may  increase the pain and cause impairment of the vision in regards to eye cancer. Moreover, the cancers which originate from the eyes can spread to other parts outside the eyes, such as the brain, optic nerve, or other body parts. All this necessitates that the cancer is detected early and the treatment is rendered immediately.

Eye cancer treatment has the aim of destroying the cancerous cells, preserving the eyesight and relieving the patient from the symptoms of eye cancer as far as possible. The treatment rendered to secondary tumors of the eyes are also aimed at treating primary cancer in other parts of the body.

The reason for the arrival of primary melanomas of the eye is yet to be known. When the eyes are exposed to ultraviolet rays; either from tanning beds or directly the sun, the risk of melanoma rises. The most primary or common metastatic eye cancer cause in adults is spreading of tumors from other body parts. In the case of retinoblastoma, genetics can play a vital role.

The eye cancer symptoms include vision loss, gradual distortion, or loss in the field of vision for the eye which is affected. The cancer also causes redness and pain to the eyes along with watering and swelling. You may witness different colors in each of the iris of the eyes along with flashes and floaters in the vision field.

It is always better that you take precautionary measures for prevention of eye cancer. Eye cancer diagnosis can be dangerous and hence preventing it is better than cure. You can learn more here about eye cancer treatment, symptoms and prevention methods.

Useful Information Regarding Gallbladder Cancer

Cancer is a treacherous disease has been proved over the years. One of the form of this disease is Gallbladder cancer. The extent of this cancer form provides the base for treatment options available. The doctors in this domain use TNM system for staging this cancer form. However, for gallbladder cancer treatment, the doctors usually divide this cancer in two different groups.

One of the groups is called resectable cancer. Such cancers are the ones which the doctors believe are removed completely with the help of surgery. This surgery is based on results of tests including the imaging test. The other group is known as unresectable cancer. Such cancers spread quickly to some places which are difficult for removing completely by any form of surgery.

Generally speaking, the stage one and two cancers along with some forms of stage three cancer are considered as resectable; however, some other factors can lead to determining whether surgery is a viable option. These factors include the health of the patient. The discovery method of the cancer is also affective on the options for treatment of gallbladder cancer. If we consider an example, then there are some cancer forms which are found during imaging tests prior to surgery, while some others are discovered post surgery for treating conditions like gallstones.

You need to remember that once gallbladder cancer has been diagnosed or suspected, visiting an experienced surgeon for treating it is highly advocated. Since this cancer form is quite uncommon, every cancer surgeon is not skilled for performing such extensive surgeries required for the treatment of gallbladder cancer.

It does not matter to what cancer stage the patient has reached, the vital factor is to understand the aim of the treatment before it begins. The goal may be for curing the cancer, or for aiding in relieving the symptoms. When you understand this point correctly, this can aid in making informed decisions regarding the options for treatments.

Once the staging of gallbladder cancer is done, the medical team will discuss the options for treatment with the patient. This team is inclusive of the surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist and other medical professionals. It is mandatory that the patient takes time for thinking about the different treatment choices available. The factors that the patient needs to ponder are the stage and type of cancer, the side effects possible, overall health, the chance of ridding the disease, relieving the symptoms and extending the lifespan.

It is recommended that you seek second opinion if time is at hand. This is especially true for uncommon cancer forms such as gallbladder cancer. This opinion can be helpful for obtaining more information which can aid in feeling confident about the chosen plan for treatment. Obtaining second opinion is also vital if surgery is a choice for the treatment. Almost all the doctors have a belief that surgery is the only chance for curing patients suffering from gallbladder cancer. However, opinions may differ in relation to the advancement of the cancer. The gallbladder cancer treatment surgery is complex and necessitates experienced surgeons as mentioned above. You can check this for obtaining more information about this uncommon cancer type.

Angelina Jolie strikes the hearts of breast cancer sufferers with revelation about her double mastectomy

The world overflowing with people suffering from breast cancer is amazed and shocked at the latest revelation by none other than famous Hollywood celebrity, Angelina Jolie. The heartthrob of millions across the world has claimed that she has undergone double mastectomy post learning about carrying a gene which is associated with heavy risk of ovarian and breast cancer.

Angelina's love interest- Brad Pitt is not stopping the praises for this heroic decision of undergoing double mastectomy. This has fueled the speculation about the crisis which is expected to finally catapult into their marriage. Brad Pitt broke his prolonged silence after Angelina revealed about the dramatic surgery and curtailed her risk of dying due to breast cancer. Jolie further stated that this radical procedure has strengthened the bond between them and has provided acceleration to their wedding plans.

Research and previous cancer survivors who have lost their breasts due to this deadly disease claim that the important thing which individuals suffering from breast cancer can do is to get preventative mastectomy done. This helps in reducing the risk of ovarian as well as breast cancer to almost negligible levels.

This gene which Angelina Jolie carried is quite rare. According to estimations, there is 1 in 300 individuals who carry this gene. It is quite prevalent in some ethnic groups; particularly the Ashkenazi Jews who find 1 in 40 cases of gene carriers.

Post this revolutionary surgery, Jolie states that she spoke openly about this mastectomy for the benefit of other women who carry the cancer. She expected others to learn from her experience as cancer still strikes fear in the hearts of people and produces a sense of powerlessness which is deep down inside. The advancements in medical field have made possible through a simple blood test to identify whether the individual is susceptible to the disease and take the required action.

Jolie's disclosure has sparkled admiration amongst women throughout the world who face similar conditions and dilemmas. Hats off to Angelina for making this public!!

Ambiguity in Cancer Cure

We are often thinking about whether the medical field is overlooking the prospect of finding an effective cancer cure. We also think that whether it will ever be possible to find a treatment for cancer. After decades of continuous struggle for finding a definite cure for cancer, why has the medical fraternity yet been unsuccessful for developing a set protocol for curing this deadly disease?

The tragedy related to cancer treatment is that the people who have money are not investing it for lack of return guarantee. This is quite a reasonable expectation; however, the worry regarding the treatment method is still alive.

The questions just seem to be endless in this regards. Some also think that the cure for this deadly disease has been discovered; however, due to lack of returns on investment, there is no likelihood that people will invest for manufacturing it. No one is ready for spending money for clinical trials of the medicine. However, there is no sane individual in business who will blame any other person for not investing his or her money for this concern. The reason for this is quite simple too. The companies or organizations who are into finding cures for cancer are actually there for earning returns out of it, and due to lack of progress in this aspect, are apprehensive for spending money.

Let us face the fact, rather than confusing ourselves. The treatment for cancer is quite a colossal business. However, most of the trained professionals in the medical field will vouch that there really is no bona fide cure for cancer. Now again we will think whether these professionals are speaking the truth, or are repeating similar lines which are widely disseminated in medical journals and media. However, with the number of deaths caused due to this disease due to the various cancer types, they can hardly be speaking lies. You can be sure that if at all there was a treatment for cancer; alternative or mainstream, the high rate of deaths due to the disease would have decreased significantly.

It is quite difficult to fathom post the large amount of dollars invested in the research for cancer that we still are nowhere near to find a magical cure for the disease. It might also be a case that the cure is just below the nose; however, the investors find no incentive in investing for developing it.

The good points though are that there have been vibrant strides in developing latest and novel methods for attacking the cancer cells. But, this is not enough, as the death rate still is on the higher side. Clinical studies have to be funded by some organizations with deep pockets for finding the perfect cure, or the medical fraternity will be stuck on the old staples of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. This could also help to ferret out what the researchers have already done, and come to the final outcome which can be the magical cancer cure. And most importantly, this has to be done soon for preventing further deaths of humans.

Important Things About Ovarian Cancer That Every Woman Should Know

Ovarian cancer is one of the dealiest and rarest form of cancer that causes several deaths every year. Ths most common signs and symptoms include pelvic and abdominal pain, bloating, alongwith frequent urination. The survival rate of the ovarian cancer patients varies depending on their stage of cancer.  Knowing your family history is of utmost importance. If any of your close relatives had a history of ovarian, colorectal or breast cancer, then the risk of getting affected by cancer generally increases by almost ten percent. The major cause behind this is the mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes that make the woman more prone to ovarian cancer.

The risk increases with age and the number of times she ovulates during her entire life span. Similarly, if the woman does not have child during her entire life span,  or have had colon or breast cancer, then this could be one of the factors responsible for ovarian cancer. It is very crucial that a woman manages her weight, because the women who have extra pounds are eighty percent at a greater risk of developing ovarian cancer. Also, women who have been taking fertility drugs, or have undergone hormone replacement therapy after menopause are more likely to be linked with this disease.

The biggest problem associated with this cancer is that there are no screening tests that are absolutely reliable. Pap tests are not able to detect this cancer. The pelvic examinations, though include a check up of the ovaries, but still they are are not able to detect tumors in the initial stages. Even the transvaginal ultrasounds, blood tests that measure the level of CA-125 have not given accurate results. Therefore, you need to be extra cautious and must talk to your gynaecological oncologist. In case, you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you will need to undergo chemotherapy and surgery as well. Surgery may involve removal of both ovaries and may include fallopian tubes, cervix, uterus as well. It may also include the surrounding tissues in the abdomen and pelvis. It is always a good idea to refer gynecologic oncologists, as they are the best persons to judge the spread of cancer from one ovary to another. They are more updated on the correct areas and correct lymph nodes that need to be biopsied, and will guide the patients on further treatment. Though such treatments may have side effects like hair loss, tingling sensation in feet, fingers, occasional numbness, fatigue, etc., the patient will be able to continue with routine activties as well.

Alertness is vital, as in every twenty four minutes, one woman is diagnosed with the deadly ovarian cancer. It is often referred as the silent killer because it is detected at advanced stages, and often leads to death. However, if you notice some signs and symptoms that are consistent for some time, it is possible to diagnose the cancer earlier, as well as the survival rates increase by almost ninety percent. Thus, take a step ahead and update every woman at your workplace, neighborhood, family, friend, etc., about the knowledge of ovarian cancer and try to stay away from it.

Photodynamic Therapy for Skin Cancer

Photodynamic therapy is the latest type of treatment used for skin cancer. It is also referred as photochemotherapy, phototherapy or photoradiation therapy. It includes the use of specific drugs known as photosensitizing agents. These drugs are basically chemicals that make the skin cells sensitive to light. These chemicals may either be applied on the skin or may be injected into the blood. Then the drugs are being absorbed and they become sensitive to light. Light along with these photo sensitizing agents is used to destroy the cancer cells. It is only in the presence of some special light or laser that these drugs become active. This treatment is particularly useful in treating skin cancer that has developed over the bones.

Photodynamic therapy is carried out in three steps. An intravenous drug is administered or a light sensitive cream or liquid may be applied. The incubation period is then started which may last for a few minutes or even few days. The tissue which is affected by cancer is then exposed to light that in turn activates the photo sensitizing medication. This treatment involves the destruction of selected tissues. This therapy has been used successfully in the treatment of skin cancer patients and has helped them to improve their quality of life as well. Though it is still not widely used, this therapy still holds great significance especially in the treatment of localized cancers. Some of the drugs that have been approved are Porfimer sodium, Aminolevulinic acid, and Methyl ester of ALA. 

This therapy has many advantages and disadvantages as well.  It is definitely less invasive than surgery, can be done within a short period of time, is targeted at specific cancer cells, can be repeated multiple times, has no long term side effects, or scars left once the site is healed and above all this treatment is much cheaper. However, the limitation is that it can work only in the region where light can reach. Thus, it cannot be used to treat cancers that have spread to other areas. Moreover, it may leave the patient to be very sensitive to light for temporary period and hence proper precautions must be taken when the drugs are administered into the body. Also, patients having blood diseases cannot undergo photodynamic therapy.

Research is being done to test the success rate in the treatment of other types of cancers like bladder, cervix, prostate, stomach, pancreas, brain, larynx, head and neck, etc. It is also being studied to see the effects of this therapy in precancerous conditions. Indepth study is being done on how the impact of this therapy can be enhanced by promoting the death of the cancerous cells as well as counteracting the ones that protect cancer cells. If you are looking out for some more information related to photodynamic therapy or anything related to skin cancer, then you can get all these details here. It will update your knowledge not only on skin cancer and its treatment, but also other types of cancer. 

Facts About Tanning and Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancer and almost more than three million people in the United States are diagnosed with this type of cancer. The  numbers are multiplying day by day and at least one in five Americans will be affected by this type of cancer in the coming years. The basal cell carcinoma is the one that affects many individuals, and squamous cell carcinoma remains at the second position. This year it is estimated that more than three thousand people will succumb to death from nonmelanoma skin cancer. The nonmelanoma skin cancers are usually associated with the ultraviolet radiation from the sun. 

An affiliate of World Health Organization has listed ultraviolet radiation as one of the most dangerous human carcinogen. Tanning increases the risk of cancer. Though the melanoma cases are less they account for major mortality rate. The majority of these melanoma cases are merely due to ultraviolet radiation of sun that are responsible for causing mutations. It is more common in young adults. The risk increases further if the person has had more sunburns. In fact,  the chances are almost doubled if there has been a blistering sunburn in adolescence or childhood. Melanoma ranks as the fifth common cancer in males, whereas in females it is listed on the seventh position.

Frequent tanners should be particularly aware because the tanning that they receive from exposure to sun is almost increased twelve times whenever they are using the high pressure sunlamps. A single indoor tanning session boosts the chances of occurrence of melanoma by about twenty percent. The frequent usage of tanning beds also equally attributes to the increasing cases of melanoma. The cases of basal and squamous cell carcinoma increase almost four times if the individuals are tanning themselves indoors. In fact, in almost sixty nine percent cases, there is early onset of basal cell carcinoma in indoor tanners.

The teenagers and children are more susceptible to skin cancer, as their cells are undergoing changes rapidly and the rate of division is also much higher as compared to the adults. A mild to moderate exposure to sun will lead to increased number of pigmented moles in kids, that may further lead to increasing the risk of skin cancer. The ultimate conclusion is that no tanning is good enough and that it only increases the risk of getting affected by skin cancer. Even though the tan may fade away, the skin still remains damaged internally. It has been confirmed that the tanning beds may prove to be hazardous and hence many states have banned the usage of the same to lower the risk of this cancer.

Tanning or exposure to ultraviolet radiation will result in suppression of the immune power, premature aging of skin, damage to eyes that includes cataract, ocular melanoma etc., and moreover, you may get addicted to tanning as well.

Therefore, if you want to stay away from skin cancer, avoid exposure to ultraviolet radiation, whether it is indoors or due to sun. If you want to learn more about skin cancer, you can get some vital details on clicking here. It will provide information on every doubt or question you have in your mind about cancer of skin.