Cancer Educations

Asbestos and Mesothelioma

2008-10-09T00:39:00.000-07:00

Asbestos is a dangerous and potentially deadly substance that was once widely used in a range of items, from ceiling and wall tiles to insulation and auto brakes. In the past, most people outside of the industry were totally unaware of the dangers relating to asbestos. However, over recent years the dangers and deadly effects of asbestos have become all too apparent, with more and more cases of the most deadly of these effects - mesothelioma - coming to light every day.

Mesothelioma is a malignant cancer that can start in the cavities of the lungs, the heart, or the abdomen. This cancer is the direct result of exposure to disturbed asbestos, where the fibers become airborne. These airborne asbestos fibers can then be easily ingested or breathed in by those in the vicinity that are not wearing adequate protection. Once the asbestos fibers have lodged themselves within various parts of the body, they cannot be destroyed by the cells of the immune system, which are known as macrophages. Instead, the asbestos fibers lead to scar tissue within the body, and this is what can lead to mesothelioma and other asbestos related injuries.

People that have contracted mesothelioma through asbestos exposure do not realize that anything is wrong for years. The typical latency period for this cancer is around twenty to forty years, which means that those affected may not find out for three or four decades following the exposure. Further delays can be experienced because of the symptoms of mesothelioma, which are very non-specific in nature - this means that they could easily be attributed to other more common ailments. This often leads to a delay in diagnosis, causing further delays when it comes to treatment of any sort.

There is currently no known cure for mesothelioma, although clinical trials and tests are continually being conducted. Over the past few years, many breakthroughs have been made in short term treatments and diagnostic procedures, which gives fresh hope to sufferers of this cancer. However, until a cure has been found, many people will continue to lose their lives due to the irresponsibility of various companies and manufacturers in decades gone by.

Understandably, sufferers and their families want to see some form of compensation for the pain, suffering, and misery caused by asbestos and mesothelioma. Although no amount of money can make up for the damage done by unprotected asbestos exposure, it can help to pay for medical costs, and can also provide the sufferer's family with a more financially secure future.

It is important for anyone that is diagnosed with mesothelioma to seek legal assistance from an experienced mesothelioma lawyer without delay. Although legal action may not be something that you wish to think about after being dealt a bombshell such as this, any delay could make a difference between claiming millions of dollars for your suffering, expenses, and your family's future, or getting nothing at all. Your lawyer will need to know the extent of damage and the stage of your cancer, so it is advisable to provide a medical report from your doctor to enable your lawyer to put together a solid mesothelioma lawsuit and get as much compensation as possible for you and your loved ones.

Who is at Risk for Mesothelioma?

2008-10-09T00:37:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma, the deadly disease which has topped news headlines for the last decade, is contracted through exposure to airborne fibers of asbestos. Sadly, the under-regulation of asbestos usage in years past, and arguably still today, exposed millions to airborne fibers and as a result thousands contracted the disease.

It can be safely said that almost everyone in the world has been exposed to asbestos in varying degrees. Because of the unique nature of the disease, even those who have suffered only minimal exposure are at risk of contracting the disease. In effect, virtually everyone has some risk of contracting Mesothelioma.

But this sort of statement perhaps oversteps the bounds of rationality. While it is certainly true that individuals who have been exposed to small amounts of asbestos for relatively short periods of time have contracted the disease, this is a rarity rather than a regularity. In fact, the vast majority of Mesothelioma cases involve individuals who were exposed to airborne asbestos fibers for intense and extended periods of time.

The industries most in danger of prolonged exposure and thus of contraction are shipbuilding trades, asbestos mining and milling, textile manufacturing, insulation work in construction, and brake repair personnel. There are, however, some other minor factors which can affect the likelihood of contracting the disease. Among these is radiation exposure. There have been causes in which individuals who were exposed to radiation have subsequently displayed signs of and ultimately contracted mesothelioma. However, empirical studies to attempt to verify this correlation have not proven out this claim very strongly.

Another more certain cause of the disease was the taking of the Polio vaccine between 1955 and 1963. Some batches of this vaccine were contaminated with Simian Virus 40 which has been detected in a host of rare cancers including Mesothelioma.

Those involved in construction or who lived in homes in the Cappadocian region of Turkey are also particularly at risk. In this region, homebuilders used Erionite, which is a type of zeolite silica stone. Exposure to the fibrous strands of this building material have led to an annual death rate of roughly 1% of the population which dies of mesothelioma each year in Turkey.

One of the most influential factors affecting Mesothelioma contraction is genetics. Some individuals who have been exposed to long periods and high quantities of asbestos have not contracted the disease. As a result, doctors have concluded that genetics play a major role in determining whether or not patients contract the disease. Unfortunately, the gene variability which offers some resistance to the disease also means that some are particularly vulnerable to asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

2008-10-09T00:35:00.001-07:00

What Exactly Is Mesothelioma ?

Mesothelioma the medical name for cancer of the lung or the abdomen lining, and is usually caused by exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a type of building material used in thermal insulation products and ceiling tiles. Asbestos usage peaked during the 1950s - 1970s, but during the late 1960s, concerns over the health consequences of asbestos exposure began to arise, thereby decreasing the amount of asbestos manufactured over the following two decades. But even though new measures where brought in to get rid of it, many schools and public buildings still contain asbestos.

Small asbestos fibers that enter the air do not evaporate and can remain suspended in the air for a long time. These fibers, when breathed into the body, are toxic. The people most at risk are :-

People working in factories that manufacture asbestos are likely to have a high exposure to asbestos and are most at risk of developing asbestosis or mesothelioma.

Family members of workers exposed to asbestos in the workplace are susceptible to exposure from asbestos dust brought home by the worker on his clothes or skin.

Those who live in the vicinity of an asbestos manufacturing plant are also at risk.

Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until between twenty and fifty years after exposure, which explains why so many new cases of this form of cancer are coming to light now. Many people who haven't been in contact with asbestos for decades, are now showing symptoms of this dreadful desease.

As with many forms of cancer, mesothelioma can spread rapidly. Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, loss of weight, and chest pains. If it is diagnosed early enough, the tumor can be surgically removed, and with chemotherapy and radiation treatment, a full recovery is often possible.

However, in more advanced cases, cure is usually not possible. In such cases, chemotherapy and radiation treatment can be used alongside other pain relief treatments, to ease the symptoms. Where cure is not possible, the average survival time is between four and eighteen months, depending on the stage of the tumor and the general health of the patient.

I was prompted to write about mesothelioma because as a child I lived near a factory which produced asbestos, and I personally know families who have suffered due to this terrible desease.

Mesothelioma

2008-10-09T00:31:00.000-07:00

Everyone is probably aware that people are able to develop an illness or even cancer from exposure to harmful chemicals. But did you know, people come in contact with these chemicals in the workplace without their knowledge? The type of cancer developed from these harmful chemicals, asbestos, is called Mesothelioma. Continual exposure to asbestos in the workplace causes cancer cells to form in the body. This cancer generally affects the lungs, but in some instances, the cancer is able to develop in the abdominal cavity of the heart.

Many people question why asbestos is so harmful to people if it is comprised of minerals that naturally appear within the environment. The reason why it is pernicious is quite simple; Asbestos causes an unnatural and harmful reaction within the body. Unlike other minerals found in the environment, the minerals that comprise asbestos are unaffected by fire and heat. They do not dissolve, evaporate into the air, nor contain an odor. In addition, the minerals in asbestos are tasteless. Thus giving the harmful chemicals free range to enter your body through inhalation. For some reason, many companies avoid warning workers on the presence and danger of asbestos. Sometimes, the companies are unaware of the presence of asbestos, but most often they are negligent and flat out do not warn their workers of the dangerous chemicals that engulf the workplace. Employees unknowingly work within these environments for months or years on end, unequipped with proper protective gear. When a workplace is filled with asbestos, the threat of malignant Mesothelioma is very much present. The three ways the body is susceptible to attack from this deadly cancer are: pleural (lung), peritoneal (stomach), and pericardial (heart).

SYMPTOMS OF MESOTHELIOMA

When dealing with the symptoms associated with Mesothelioma, people should be aware warning signs may not appear until 20 years after the were unknowingly exposed to asbestos. For the three different types of Mesothelioma, Pleural, Peritoneal, and Pericardial, there are many different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma strikes the lining of the lungs and causes shortness of breath, persistent cough, and a pain that lingers in the chest. A victim of Pleural Mesothelioma may also suffer from chronic wheezing and a hoarse voice. All of these symptoms stem from excess fluid gathering in the space surrounding the lungs. When this type of cancer is sever, the development of numerous tumors may form. In time, pneumothorax (collapsing of the lungs) may occur.

Another type of this cancer develops within the lining of the abdominal cavity, Peritoneal Mesothelioma. Unlike victims of Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma victims experience weight loss, fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, and muscle atrophy. This group of symptoms is often referred to as Cachexia. Diseases with weakened immune systems and cancer usually bring on cachexia. Similar to Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma also has built up fluid, although this form of the cancer has built up fluid in the stomach cavity, accompanied with abdominal swelling and pain. Additional signs that one suffers from Peritoneal Mesothelioma include: fever, anemia, bowel obstruction, and blood clotting. In late stages of the cancer, tumors may appear in the abdominal cavity.

The third type of Mesothelioma, which is Pericardial Mesothelioma, attacks the heart, as well as the lining surrounding the heart. Pericardial Mesothelioma is the most rare form of all three diseases. The symptoms of this type of cancer are somewhat similar to those of Pleural Mesothelioma, but also include chest pain, heart palpitations, and a nagging cough. Severe cases of Pericardial Mesothelioma display a different crop of symptoms. A patient may notice a yellowing of the eyes and skin. They may also experience low blood sugar levels, blood clots in the veins and arteries. Severe bleeding may also occur various organs throughout the body.

Generally, Mesothelioma related caner does not spread to other parts of the body besides, the lungs, heart, and stomach, but in some instances the disease will breach other parts of the human body (i.e. brain, bone, or adrenal glands). When spreading of the disease occurs, additional signs and symptoms may appear. These include but are not limited to: excessive pain, trouble swallowing, and swelling of the neck and/or face.

Modern Medicine versus Nature in Treating Cancer

2008-10-06T19:18:00.000-07:00

In contrast to at least 6000 years of the practice of natural medicine, Western medicine treats the body as a collection of parts instead of as a synergistic organism. When it comes to treating broken bones and injured body parts, mainstream Western medicine is unequaled. When this same approach is used to treat illness and disease - fixing or repairing the parts where the symptoms of underlying illnesses manifest themselves, modern medicine fails miserably.

In the instance of cancer, instead of addressing the causes of cancer - toxins and a weakened immune system - we see instead treatments that either slash, burn or poison away the tumors and cancer cells, which further weakens an immune system cancer has already defeated and only worsens the conditions that led to cancer to begin with.

Even if initially successful at getting rid of existing cancer cells and tumors, the end result is a weakened body which may have major organ damage and which is more susceptible to the reappearance of the original cancer, as well as other forms of cancer and diseases.

For half a century or more, we have been told that a breakthrough or cure for cancer is just around the corner, yet the death rates for cancer remain virtually unchanged. Meanwhile, effective natural and alternative treatments which address and correct the actual causes of cancer continue to enjoy much greater success than the largely failed mainstream treatments - even as these natural alternatives suppressed and come under increasing attack by the medical establishment.

Profit plays a huge role in Western medicine and, because nature cannot be patented, there is no profit in conducting studies on natural remedies for cancer and illness. In fact, if studies were to prove the effectiveness of natural alternatives and those alternatives were to be approved for use in treating cancer and other illnesses, the result would be to admit cheaper, safer and more effective competition into a fiercely guarded market. Instead, such alternatives are heavily suppressed, discredited and passed off as "snake oil" and "voodoo medicine".

The cold, hard fact is that cancer and other degenerative and chronic illnesses are big business - to the tune of hundreds of billions of dollars a year. When their only market place is our bodies, the vested interests of the trillion dollar world pharmaceutical empire, mainstream medicine and the institutions which depend on maintaining the status quo are not likely to allow such natural competition, even though the cost is millions of needless deaths and untold suffering.

A better plan for maintaining and increasing profit is to continue to bring new drugs into the market place which treat only symptoms and have serious side effects that lead to still more drugs in a never ending cycle so that by the time a male American reaches 65 years of age, he takes an average of 15 prescribed and over the counter medications every day - when it all started out with one or two conditions that could have been treated safely and effectively by natural means. A good model for profit, but a horrible one for humanity.

We now have over 15,000 patented and approved drugs, 95% of which have significant side effects. It is no accident that our doctors have been taught for generations, just as we have been, that the way to treat illness and disease is to prescribe approved medications – medications that are made by the single largest source by far of funding for medical education: the world pharmaceutical companies. What exactly has this mountain of medicine actually cured in the past half century? Certainly not cancer!

By far the most effective way to beat and avoid cancer is to remove the causes of cancer and to make your body as inhospitable to cancer and illness as possible. To understand what steps we should and can take, we should understand what we know about cancer:

We know that:

• The development of cancer indicates that our natural first line of defense, our immune system, has been defeated and that the presence of either toxins and pathogens, or some imbalance in our bodies have led to the development of cancer and enabled it to gain an upper hand.

• Cancer cannot develop without an impaired liver.

• Cancer cannot survive in an alkaline environment, nor can it survive in a highly oxygenated environment.

• Detoxing and cleansing our colons and liver helps restore balance, prepares our bodies to better be able utilize natural immune boosters and cancer fighters and paves the way to rebuilding our livers and immune systems.

• Cancer cells are diseased, impaired and/or beset by pathogens and have lost the ability to to be die naturally via cellular apoptosis and be replaced by healthy cells. These cancerous cells simply become abnormal and outlive the other cells in their normal cell life/replacement cycle and end up crowding out a territory over time.

• Iodine, vitamin D, and potassium are all vital to beat and ward off cancer.

• Fresh air, pure water and sunshine are also vital to maintain healthy bodies which can fight off and beat conditions like cancer.

• A natural diet of uncontaminated raw vegetables and raw fruits, with plenty of omega-3’s and balanced nutrition has been proven to be effective in numerous natural anti-cancer protocols.

• A great number of natural botanicals and supplements, such as those containing beta glucans and other long-chain polysacharrides, the oleander remedy I have written about, Colloidal Silver, Inositol (IP-6), the ABM mushroom, South Africa's "Cancer Bush" sutherlandia frutescans, cat's claw, pau d'arco, corialus versicolor mushroom, and many others have been proven to boost the immune system, destroy pathogens, protect our cells, and beat cancer.

• Sugar feeds cancer.

And so, when we go to an oncologist and are diagnosed with cancer what is the prescribed treatment? Does it incorporate ANY of the above elements? No, sadly it does not. Our doctor prescribes what he or she has been taught: cut out, radiate or poison the symptom and do nothing to address the underlying causes and natural imbalances that enabled led to the symptom.

As a result, the way is paved for the return of the cancer or the introduction of another cancer or serious condition. Even worse, the road to further illness is often made easier due to the damage to the immune system and major organs caused by the treatment of the symptom.

Nature, on the other hand, enables us to address virtually every area of knowledge and concern. For example, here is a suggested protocol based on what nature has to offer:

• As soon as possible, cleanse your body to get rid of built up toxins like heavy metals and pesticides, as well as the undigested food, fecal matter and gallstones that build up in the body by cleansing your colon and liver and by chelation to rid the body of heavy metals. Such contaminations are breeding grounds for, and causes of, disease and illness. A toxic and unclean body weakens the body's immune system that should be your first line of defense. Plus, once cleansed, the body is much more receptive to the good measures you take to rebuild your immune system and fight disease.

• Cleanse your environment to the greatest extent possible and eliminate bad habits. In an ideal world, you would move to the country where there was plenty of fresh air and sunshine and less stress. In the real world you may not find that possible, so eliminate common toxins in your household, workplace and other places you spend time.

• If you have mercury amalgam fillings in your teeth, have them replaced. In many instances, this step alone has led to elimination of cancer.

• Immediately eliminate bad habits and begin building build good ones so that you will make sure that you no longer have habits that weaken your immune system and that you will be able to build your body to fight and conquer illness. A sedentary lifestyle with a poor diet, lack of pure water, sunshine and fresh air, and constant exposure to toxins will in time lead to bad health conditions. Remember, bad health habits are open invitations for illness and disease to enter your body.

• Begin and maintain a healthy immune-boosting and cancer fighting diet. A good balanced diet, pure water, fresh air, sunshine and exercise are some of the essentials. You will find that a good diet does not have to be a bad tasting diet – far from it! However, it should be noted that the very best and most healthy diet is one that is close to the diet our ancestors evolved to utilize: lots of fresh and uncooked vegetables, fruits, nuts, roots and tubers, and fish and meat uncontaminated by growth hormones, artificial fertilizers or pesticides – and little or no grain or dairy products. It should be noted that of all the foods, essentially only raw vegetables and fruits contribute to an alkaline pH.

• Rebuild and strengthen the body's natural immune system. It is very likely that a weakened immune system contributed to your illness in the first place. It is absolutely certain that a rebuilt and strengthened immune system will help you beat your illness and keep it at bay. Again, good diet, nutrition and habits are all important – they lay the foundation for a strong and healthy immune system. However, they are not enough by themselves. You should build a good foundation and then make your body a healthy fortress against disease and illness. Quite simply, disease and illness hate healthy hosts. The stronger your immune system is, the harder it is for disease to survive and grow. And, to be the very strongest you can be, you need extra measures in the form of supplements as well as the healthiest foods.

• Cleanse, restore and protect the liver before, during and after your anti-cancer and disease battle. Cancer cannot develop unless the liver is impaired to begin with. Plus, an effective cancer fighting regimen will result in the release of a cascade of toxins that are released when cancer cells die. Such a release can overwhelm an already impaired liver and can even be fatal if measures are not taken to protect and regenerate the liver. Some of the very best anti-oxidants to used to protect and regenerate the liver are the ones used in the Berkson Clinical Study: Milk Thistle (silymarin), alpha lipoic acid and selenium.

• Maintain an alkaline pH and get plenty of oxygen to the cellular level. Cancer cannot survive in the presence of an alkaline cellular pH level, nor can it survive in the presence of highly oxygenated cells. Dr. Johanna Budwig of Germany has shown that for proper cellular utilization of oxygen to take place, our diets must contain adequate amounts of unsaturated fatty acids.

• Make sure you have plenty of iodine, potassium and Vitamin D. All have been proven to be essential in beating and avoiding cancer. As mentioned above, cancer cells have lost the ability to be shut off by the body in what is called cellular apoptosis. These cancerous cells simply become abnormal and outlive the other cells in their normal cell life/replacement cycle and end up crowding out a territory over time. Iodine goes in and both does away with the surrounding cyst where cancer has set up residence and then also goes in and allows the specific shut down of the individual cells that are abnormal, diseased, or beset w/ pathogens to make room for new cells.

• Drink plenty of pure water and get plenty of fresh air and sunshine. Water is essential for all healthy life; however, regular tap water contains trace amounts of hundreds to thousands of pesticides, carcinogens and other industrial pollutants. For that reason, the author recommends only the purest drinking water, such as reverse osmosis filtered water. Don't overdo the sunshine, but sunshine is essential to the production of vitamin D, and, strange as it may sound, has been found to be essential in warding off melanoma as well as other cancers..

• Exercise in moderation. Regular exercise does not have to be grueling, but it is essential. Exercise stimulates the immune system, stimulates the production of natural human growth hormone, stimulates the production of hormones and pheromones that make us happier and healthier, and simply leads to a longer and happier life period. Innumerable studies have demonstrated the overall health benefits of exercise and the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle lacking in exercise. It is not a coincidence that studies have shown up that those who exercise only a few hours each week have up to 50% less chance of developing many different kinds of cancer.

• The next element of beating your disease and keeping it at bay is to go on the attack. As a matter of fact, all of the elements of the this anti-cancer and disease protocol are elements of attack, because they make the body strong and inhospitable to disease. What I am talking about here is more than just making the body inhospitable to your disease – I am talking about going on the attack and wiping it out! In the case of cancer, there are many very potent anti-cancer supplements. such as the ones listed above and several others. One such supplement, named OPC (not to be confused with the European anti-oxidant of the same name), based on a remedy I have researched and written about , has been used for the past three years in South Africa to treat HIV and cancer. Of approximately 350 HIV patients, all are still alive and well with their symptoms either reversed or stabilized. Of 80 cancer patients, some in very late stages, 72 are alive and well and either cancer free or with their cancers in remission and tumors shrinking. Of the 8 that did not survive, 5 were in their very final days and could not hold down the supplement. Another three succumbed to organ failure as a likely result of prior traditional Western treatment via chemo. Compare that with the results of any mainstream medicine or treatment!

• Remember, what you avoid can be just as important as what you consume: Avoid sugar to the greatest extent possible. Sugar feeds cancer and other illnesses and causes a myriad of other health problems. Refined sugar is also the number one single cause of health problems in the entire world! Likewise avoid bread and other items containing bleached white flour, which is essentially empty and harmful calories that convert to sugar once ingested. Other items to avoid include non-fermented soy, pork, MSG, ALL charred foods and foods cooked at high temperature, aluminum and coated cookware, micro-waved food, food in plastic containers and styrofoam.

• The final key to winning your battle is your mental attitude. Remove as much stress from your life as you can and believe that you are going to win. Stress and worry accomplish nothing – worse, they are actually allies of illness and disease. You have surely heard the term "stress, the silent killer"? It's true! So you must do whatever it takes to remove stress from your life and make your mental attitude your ally. Meditate, take yoga, change jobs, retire, go fishing, find a pleasant hobby – do whatever you must to remove stress and have a positive mental outlook. Just remember, anyone who introduces or keeps worry and stress in your life is neither a friend nor an ally during this fight. And make no mistake, it is a fight - likely the most important one of your life. But it is a fight you can and will win. Think it, believe it and live it!

Some in the field of natural health will tell you that you can beat cancer through diet alone, or through diet and de-toxing. In many instances that is true, and some of the most effective and popular natural anti-cancer protocols, such as the Budwig Diet, are based on such a premise.

However, in my opinion, the more weapons you have in your natural arsenal, the greater your chances of success will be. That is why I advocate including one or more of the powerful natural supplements that have been proven to beat cancer and boost the immunes system, and which address what we know about cancer.

Our depleted soils and the introduction of modern industrial toxins and contaminants makes it hard to build a strong enough immune system through diet alone. Our immune systems were not designed to handle the multitude of modern toxins they now face, which is why cancer is largely a modern disease.

As a final note: for those of who continue to believe the big lie that the harsh and ineffective options offered by mainstream medicine (and its half century record of broken promises to deliver a cure or significant breakthrough) are superior to nature, I ask: When did God become a quack?

Prostate Cancer

2008-09-26T19:30:00.000-07:00

Cancer can occur in any part of the body - lungs, intestine, rectum, breast or prostate. Prostate cancer develops as a malignant tumor that starts in the prostate gland. There is a possibility of the cancer spreading from the prostate to the lymph nodes, other organs or bones through metastasis.

This is the second most common type of cancer in men, which can lead to death. However, with the improvement of medicine, survival rates in patients have improved considerably. The cause of prostate cancer has never been found out, however, there are some risk factors that induce prostate cancer.

It has been found out that with the increase of age, the risk of prostate cancer tends to increase. Having family members with prostate cancer increases the risk of developing prostate cancer. Statistics show that African-American men have a higher risk of prostate cancer than Caucasian men. And of course, obese men are more prone to prostate cancer.

There are no specific symptoms for prostate cancer; however as it grows, men tend to suffer from pain in the lower back, upper thighs and pelvis. Other symptoms of advanced prostate cancer are complications in urinating like increase in frequency, interrupted flow, finding it difficult to stop or start urinating, presence of blood in the urine and the presence of pain and burning sensation.

It is suggested that men over the age of 50, have to take a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test every year, along with a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) to find out the presence of prostate cancer. In a DRE, the physician tests for an enlarged prostate, lumps or any abnormal texture by inserting a lubricated and gloved finger into the rectum.

The prostate cells produce PSA, and with the PSA test, its level in the blood stream is determined. Men having PSA levels higher than 4ng/mL have a higher chance of prostate cancer. However, sometimes men with low PSA levels may contract prostate cancer; it all depends on the normal PSA level of a man. If it was always on the higher side, then there is not much to worry; this is why it is better to keep track of PSA levels. It is also possible to diagnose prostate cancer through transrectal ultrasound and biopsies. It is through a biopsy that prostate cancer is correctly diagnosed.

The doctor suggests treatment for prostate cancer depending on its severity. It can be surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy or watchful waiting. Through hormonal therapy, the effect of male hormones like testosterone is blocked to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. However, this is not a cure; it just controls the disease.

With the surgical treatment, prostate glands and surrounding lymph glands are removed, depending on the severity of the condition. However this may cause hot flashes, loss of interest in sex, impotence and other problems in the patient. Sometimes, radiation is suggested where x-rays are passed through an external machine or through radioactive isotopes inside the body. The doctor may also suggest chemotherapy where the patient is prescribed medication that is administered either orally or through injections.

However, since prostate cancer attacks older men, they are usually advised watchful waiting. This is best if the tumor is small, is expected a low growth rate or when medical treatment proves to be rather risky and may lead to death. The patient has to be monitored frequently with this treatment, but no treatment is administered.

Where Does Mesothelioma Cancer Come From?

2008-09-15T01:03:00.000-07:00

According to the American Cancer Society one in 125 men over the age of 50 die from an asbestos related cause be it emphysema, lung cancer or mesothelioma. So naturally this begs the question, "Where did it come from?"

Even though asbestos is a group of naturally occuring minerals, the primary source of infection has been construction. While popularly believed to be a phenomena of the 20th century, as mentioned earlier asbestos related ilnesses were documented as early as the 18th century almost all centered around construction. The reason of course is because of it's low cost and durability. Older homes of course are more prone to be inundated with asbestos related materials. The reason is because the fibro, as asbestos is sometimes called, was coated with a cement mixture, like anything over time that cement mixture dissolves admitting asbestos to the air supply. For those of you concerned about whether or not your home is at risk, these are some of the following factors to consider:
1. How old is your home? While some of us might be old enough to remember stories of our ancestors being born in log cabins, most of us have grown up in post WWII housing. Which unfortunatley is considered the sweet spot of asbestos related ilness. If your home was built from the mid 40's to the mid 70's, there is a chance you could be at risk for asbestos related ilness.
2. Does your house have shingles or siding? Almost all shingles manufactured in the last 70 years have asbestos related materials. Even today's roofing shingles contain components similar to asbestos. If you live in an older home with asbestos shingles, do not build an enclosed deck. In fact, if it is within your budget, go ahead and side your home. Siding is more energy efficient and is considered more asthetically pleasing to the eye anyway.
3. If you have an acoustic ceiling and you notice significant deterioration, it is time for a new ceiling and an inspection of your home. Prior to the 1980's, asbestos was a common material in ceiling manufacturing.
4. When redoing an older home always use a mask. Whether your'e doing an add-on or simply tearing down a wall and opening up space for a room, you don't know what the home was comprised of. So if you have remodeled an older home without a mask, you could be at risk.

Ovarian Cancer Treatment

2008-09-09T00:16:00.000-07:00

Ovarian cancer, a condition characterized by an overgrowth of malignant cells in one or both of the ovaries, is one of the deadliest and under-recognized cancers affecting women. Every year, there are more than 25,000 women that suffer from this deadly disease. Half of them are most likely to die within a period of five years.

Early Detection: Improves Ovarian Cancer Treatment

The sad thing about ovarian cancer is that during the early stage, there are usually no signs and symptoms that tell you about this disorder. Symptoms start to show up when the cancer is already widespread, making ovarian cancer treatment too difficult.

However, there are women who are lucky enough to detect the symptoms early on; hence, diagnosis is hastened up and ovarian cancer treatment is given immediately. Tests such as pelvic and rectal screening, ultrasound, x-ray and laparoscopy may help a doctor detect tumors in the ovaries.

At present, almost 75 percent of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are not treated immediately due to late detection of the cancer. Experts say that when detection of the cancer is made early and when ovarian cancer treatment is given immediately, women diagnosed with the disease have 90% survival rate since the cancer can be easily treated in its early stage.

Diagnosis and Ovarian Cancer Treatment

When symptoms finally show up and the doctor suspects that a patient may have ovarian cancer, laparoscopy is conducted to confirm diagnosis. It is a direct visual examination of the abdominal cavity, the ovaries, the exterior of the fallopian tubes and the uterus using an instrument that is inserted just underneath the navel.

Upon confirmation of ovarian cancer, the doctor explores the extent of the cancer and submits the patient for surgery. The surgeon removes the growth or much of the malignant tissue. In most cases, the whole ovary or both of the ovaries and the fallopian tubes are removed as they the malignant cancer cells have already affected these areas. This kind of surgery is called salpingooophorectomy. If the malignant cells affect the uterus, hysterectomy is conducted (surgical removal of the uterus).

Surgery is usually ensued by radiotherapy, which is the use of high energy radiation to destroy malignant cancer cells in the body and shrink remaining tumors, which may later on become malignant. This procedure may be done using an external machine or a radioactive material put inside the body near the malignant cells.

The patient also undergoes chemotherapy, whereby the patient is given anti-cancer drugs to help hasten up ovarian cancer treatment. Drugs may be administered orally (through the mouth), intravenously (through the veins) or through the muscles (by means of injection of a needle.

Most anticancer drugs given to the patient have chemical compounds that are toxic to the malignant cells; thus, growth of the cancer cells is reduced or stopped. These anticancer drugs are called cytotoxic drugs. Other anticancer drugs used are synthetic forms of sex hormones such as androgen drugs and progesterone drugs.

In most instances, different kinds of anticancer drugs are prescribed in combination in order to speed up ovarian cancer treatment. However, not all ovarian cancer patients are given with the same anticancer drugs. The drugs given to a patient depends on the extent or stage of development of the ovarian cancer and her general health condition.

Are You At Risk For Breast Cancer?

2008-09-09T00:15:00.000-07:00

Each year, millions of women learn that they have developed breast cancer. Despite most commonly being found in women, breast cancer can also be diagnosed in men. That is why breast cancer is often considered one of the most common types of all diagnosable cancers. Fortunately, you if you are diagnosed as having cancer, there are a number of treatment options that may help you become cancer free. However, before that can occur, you need to be diagnosed as having breast cancer.

When it comes to being diagnosed with breast cancer, a large amount of focus is placed on the signs and symptoms. While it is important to focus on the symptoms of breast cancer, they are not the only things that you should keep in mind. Although an exact cause of breast cancer has yet to be determined, there are a number of risk factors associated with the cancer. Determining whether or not any of these risk factors apply to you is one of the best ways, aside from regularly examining your body, to determine whether or not you may have breast cancer or end up developing it in the future.

You may be at a greater risk of developing breast cancer if someone else in your immediate family has also been diagnosed with having it. It has been noted that the BRCA1 gene and the BRCA2 gene have something to do with the development of breast cancer. Research is still being conducted on this; however, it is looking as if damaged cells, which may later account for breast cancer, are being passed down through family members. Therefore, if someone in your family has been diagnosed with breast cancer, there is a good chance that you may also develop it.

Your age may also increase your risk of developing breast cancer. While it is important to remember that breast cancer can occur at just about any age, there are a group of men and women who are more at risk. Those individuals are likely over the age of fifty. That is why it is recommended that all women over the age of forty undergo a yearly mammogram. Until that age, a self breast exam, performed by yourself or by a healthcare professional, should be enough.

When you first started your menstrual cycle, as well as when it ended, may increase your risk of developing breast cancer. It has been noted that those who began their periods before the age of twelve are at an increased risk for developing breast cancer, later on in life. The same, in a way, can be said for menopause. Recent studies have shown that the later a woman begins menopause, the more at risk she is for developing breast cancer. Menopause should begin around the age of fifty-five. If it starts to occur any later, you will want to be on the lookout for the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and birth control pills have been known to increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. These risk factors are not as high as the above mentioned risk factors, but a connection between breast cancer, hormone replacement therapy, as well as birth control pills has been established. Therefore, if you are currently on birth control pills or are undergoing hormone replacement therapy, it may be a good idea to speak to a healthcare professional. Your OBGYN or primary care physician should be more than willing to give you inside and updated information on the connection between breast cancer and these two widely used medications.

In addition to hormone replacement therapy, birth control pills, a family history, late menopause, early menstrual periods, and age, there are a number of other risk factors that have been connected to breast cancer. These additional risk factors include, are not limited to, radiation, and excessive alcohol consumption. Now that you know whether or not you are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer, you may be able to better prepare yourself for what you may find, now or in the future.

If, at any point, you notice a lump in your breast or have unexplained breast pain, you are advised to seek medical assistance immediately. The sooner breast cancer is detected, the sooner it can be treated and gone from your life, hopefully forever.

Alternative Cancer Treatments

2008-09-09T00:14:00.000-07:00

Alternative Cancer Treatments are increasingly being used for treating cancer patients. The treatments are either used a sole therapy or in combination with traditional therapies to cure cancer. These treatments are based on the fact that our own immune system provides the first and best defense against cancer. In alternative cancer treatments vaccines stimulate patient's immune system to recognize and destroy tumor cells. The treatments are customized according to the patient ailing with cancer.

Some of the therapies used in an alternative cancer treatment program are:

1. Dendritic Cell Therapy

Cancer occurs when the immune system fails and comes across tumor cells. Macrophage or monocyte is an immune cell that comes in contact with th cancerous or precancerous cell. (Pre)cancerous cell signals the macrophage of any unhealthy cell. Macrophage breaks the cell into little pieces with the help of little packets of enzymes. The little pieces are then either moved to another type of immune cell or transformed to what is call a 'Dendritic Cell'. These cells are found in all tissues of the body. The very first dendritic cell discovered occurs throughout the skin and is called a Langerhan's cell. Dendritic cells are helpful in switching on an immune response and these stimulate the T-cells to become active against tumors.

Experiments have proved that these dendritic cells with tumor antigens can provide effective response against cancer. It is possible to produce large number of dendritic cells from the circulating blood of cancer patients, find source of tumor antigen and mature them.

Dendritic cell therapy is very effective when used with other types of immune therapies. The therapy itself is also useful for patients with high risk of recurrence once the tumor is removed by surgery.

2. Coley Vaccine

This Vaccine was developed by William Coley, a surgeon in 1893 at the New York Cancer Hospital. Coley discovered that when his vaccine caused a fever, the cancer shrank and number of immune cells increased dramatically. Usually, fevers are suppressed with medicinal drugs like acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen. But studies have shown that suppressing a fever not only makes the infection worse but also spreads it. Coley recognized the beneficial effects of fever in cancer patients. He also discovered that when he stopped injecting the vaccine too early, the cancer started growing again. Thus, immune cells could be stimulated to fight the cancer for a limited time only. So, he used repeated injections to stimulate the immune system continuously.

Though it is called Coley's vaccine, it does not work to prevent an infection. Rather, it induces an immune response. Similarly, Coley's toxins are not toxins though they contain endotoxins and exotoxins. Under the therapy, Coley's toxins are injected into the affected tissues. Injection makes the cancer tissue necrotic which is then removed by drains. Injections are repeatedly given either daily or after every two days, however this varies from person to person.

3. Heat Shock Antigen Cancer Vaccine

Immune therapies for cancer stimulate white blood cells to attack cancer cells. Vaccines reprogram patient's immune system to recognize and attack the cells having the cancer fingerprint. Heat shock antigen vaccine captures the particular cancer's 'fingerprint,' which contains unique antigens. The personalized vaccine treats immune systems of cancer patients with little or no side effects.

HSAV is made from patients' tumors and heat shock proteins that are produced by patients' white blood cells. Part or all of the cancerous tissue is removed through surgery. White blood cells contain heat shock proteins that are purified and mixed with purified antigens from the tumor. The mixture is filtered and put into vials. The final product is tested for quality and sterility.

4. Cytokines Cancer Vaccine Treatment

Cytokines, also known as immune hormones can both enhance and suppress immunity. For cancer treatments, cytokines enhance immunity. FDA has approved two cytokines, interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-alfa 2b, to be used against certain cancers. Combinations of cytokines deliver better results. For example, Interleukin-2 stimulates white blood cells to divide. A very high dose of it will be required if it is used individually. However, that can cause negative side effects. The solution to this can be the use of natural combination produced by white blood cells.

By using the combination, the dose of IL-2 can be lowered. Effects of heat shock protein vaccines and dendritic cell vaccines can be enhanced when given with natural cytokine combination.

5. Photodynamic Cancer Therapy

Photodynamic therapy is a revolutionary medical technology that uses light to induce reactions in patient's body. The therapy can destroy unwanted tissues without affecting normal tissues. A drug called a photosensitiser is injected into patient's body. The drug makes cells more sensitive to light and eventually destroys the cell. The drug has no effect until exposed to a particular type of light.

6. Immuno-Augmentive Therapy

The prime objective of IAT is restoring the immune system to enable it to destroy cancer cells. The therapy restores cancer patient's immune competency so that it can control cancer. Once the natural immune system is restored, patient’s own body becomes capable of treating itself. IAT treatment is not a cure for cancer but a means of restoring natural balance of the system.

Green Tea Helps With Cancer Treatment

2008-09-09T00:12:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest health concerns most people have today is preventing cancer. Incidences of cancer and in the cancer mortality rate in the United States have risen each year for the last fifty. The age-adjusted cancer mortality rate in 1930 was 143 per 100,000 members of the population, but by 1990, it had risen to 174 per 100,000 in 1990.

Medical technology has come along way in treating this insidious disease, but we still don’t appear to know a great deal about preventing many types of cancer. And, even with the treatments that we do have, 300 people in the United States die from cancer every single day.

Many of our country’s deaths from cancer are completely preventable. For example, about 90 percent of the one million skin cancers in the United States that were diagnosed in 2005 could have been prevented by protection from sun. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2006 about 170,000 lives will be lost to cancer because of tobacco use, so these too are completely preventable.

However, there are many other cancers that we cannot prevent, in part because we don’t know what causes them. But, there may be a product already in your cupboard that can help prevent, or even treat, cancer. Over the past several years, medical science has begun to scientifically prove out what Asian culture seems to have known for years; tea, particularly green tea is effective in preserving health.

The Chinese have used green tea for centuries to treat everything from headaches to depression. One of the most significant health benefits that green tea appears to provide is prevention against certain types of cancer. But, the studies are getting even more promising. It looks as though green tea can be an effective treatment for certain types of cancer, too.

Tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. Therefore, what we refer to as “herb tea” is not really tea at all, but rather an herbal infusion. There are many different types of tea; most of the differences come from the way the tea is processed.

Tea leaves naturally contain catechins. Catechins belong to the flavan-3-ol class of flavonoids. EGCG is one of the many catechins contained in tea, and is considered to be the most powerful anti-oxidant in tea leaves.

Fermenting the tea leaves, which is part of processing tea leaves for black tea, converts these catechins to other compounds and reduces their health benefits. Therefore, green tea, because it is not fermented, retains more of its original anti-oxidants than black tea. Scientists have discovered that tea is healthy primarily because of these anti-oxidants.

Each day, as we convert the foods we eat into energy, we create free radicals in our body. These free radicals are oxygen containing molecules that can damage our cells and our DNA if we don’t combat them. It is believed that unchecked free radicals contribute to the development of cancer.

Anti-oxidants are powerful free radical combatants. Fruits and vegetables are also high in anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants are linked with preventing cancer, and a decreased risk of stroke, heart disease and lower blood cholesterol.

In addition to these anti-oxidants, all teas, whether black, white or green contain calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamins C and K. Green tea is also appears to be very good for your teeth.

As exciting as it is to think that green tea may be helpful in preventing cancer; what’s even more exciting is that it may also be a powerful treatment for cancer. In one recent study by the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Japan*, research showed that green tea, when combined with the drug Adriamycin, was more effective in treating a certain kind of ovarian sarcoma (cancer of the ovaries) than using the adriamycin alone.

In fact, the cancer cells in the rats in the study were not very responsive at all to the drug when it was administered alone; but when administered along with the substance in tea called theanine, the rats became extremely responsive to the treatment. The rats showed a much higher concentration of the drug in their cancer cells when the drug was administered along with the theanine.

This combination of andriamycin and theanine appears to inhibit the growth of tumors; suggesting that cancer patients might be able to avoid progression of their tumors and might be less susceptible to developing new tumors, when green tea substances are used in conjunction with cancer drugs.

This is, of course, very exciting news. Cancer treatment typically has two facets. The first is killing the cancerous cells that already exist in the body. The second is preventing new cancer cells from growing, both in the organ where the cancer originated, and in other organs (metastasis).

If green tea can help with both aspects of cancer treatment, as well as preventing cancer in the first place, we may be closer than ever to dramatically reducing the incidence of or even eradicating this disease. Of course, far more research is needed, but these results are promising, indeed.

Cancer and Your Pet

2008-09-09T00:11:00.000-07:00

Just say the word cancer and any of a host of undesirable thoughts will pop in your mind- and with good reason. Cancer is one of the most common of diseases among pets and increases as the pet ages. In dogs, the frequency of getting cancer is equivalent to that of a human being getting cancer. Additionally, it accounts for close to half the deaths of pets over the age of 10.

Just what is cancer and what causes it? Basically, cancer occurs when cell growth rates go out of control on, or inside, the body. What causes this chaos inside the system of the cell is still unknown-but the results have been well documented and the reputation is well known.

Some cancers such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer or testicular cancer can be largely prevented by spaying or neutering your pet while it is still very young (6-12 months or so). Other types, however, are not as easy to detect, causing difficult preventive methods.

Following are many common types of cancers seen in pets. Skin tumors in dogs should always be checked by a vet. Breast cancers have a high rate of malignancy in dogs- often 50%. Lymphoma is common and is characterized by an enlargement of the lymph nodes. Testicular tumors are common in dogs - especially those having retained testes. Cancers occurring in the head and/or neck are common in dogs and often malignant. Aggressive and quick therapy is required. Abdominal tumors are harder to detect and very common. Watch for weight loss or abdominal enlargement.

Testing for cancer can be done in a variety of methods - from x-rays or blood tests to actual biopsy samples(tissue samples). Most often, biopsies are required to diagnose cancer.

Treatments run the gamut in cancer therapy. Since each cancer may be of a different type from animal to animal, and each animals system may react differently to the same drug, the care is highly individualized. Your veterinarian may choose from such options as chemotherapy, radiation, hyperthermia, surgery, immuno-therapy, or cryosurgery(freezing) to treat your pet, although combinations of the above methods are quite common.

Now for the big question. Just what are the success rates of these methods in treating my pet for cancer? Just as in humans, the success rate depends on a number of variables- what type of cancer your pet has, how early you detect the cancer,how you treat the cancer and how strong your pet is - just to name a few.

Sometimes the cancer can be cured if response is quick and the treatment aggressive but all pets may receive a better quality of life from therapy received. The best therapy seems, however, to be early detection through regular vet visits and keen knowledge of your pets overall rate of health at all times. Watch for changes and be aware should any unusual symptoms pop up.

COMMON SIGNS OF CANCER SEEN IN SMALLER ANIMALS

• Loss of appetite
• Sudden weight loss
• Slow,or non-healing sores
• Offensive odor
• Abnormal growths or swellings
• Loss of stamina
• Hesitation in exercising
• Persistent lameness or stiffness
• Difficulty in eating or swallowing
• Difficulty in breathing, defecating or urinating

The Natural Way to Heal Cancer

2008-09-09T00:10:00.000-07:00

Is it possible to control and influence rate at which injuries, wounds and even cancer heal? That’s the question a group of researchers from the Ohio State University asked when they decided to observe wound healing rates in a group of exercising older adults in comparison to that of a non-exercising control group.

This three-month study looked at the effects of exercise on wound healing among healthy older adults. All participants had not exercised regularly for six months, so the 28 participants who were encouraged to exercise were given one month to acclimatize to a new exercise program that included 30 minutes of pedaling on a stationary bike, 15 minutes jogging or brisk walking on a treadmill, and 15 minutes of strength training. Fifteen participants acted as controls by not changing their level of physical activity. All then underwent a small puncture wound about half a centimeter across and deep on the back of the upper arm. Individual wounds were measured three times a week until fully healed. Regular exercisers took only 29 days to heal, while non-exercisers took up to 10 days longer to recover. From these results, researchers have speculated that exercise may speed wound healing by enhancing neuron-endocrine function, meaning that stronger individuals have a higher body funct!

ion that helps the body heal wounds and cancer faster.

The point of this study is not that exercise is important. It is now acknowledged as an important factor in maintaining health. The main point is that even moderate exercise can improve the time to recover in wound and cancer healing.

In the case of a cancer diagnostic, the body and its recovery system: the immune system, are stressed by the attack of the disease on the body. Even a moderate level of exercise can improve your condition. Your breathing rate increases, bringing more oxygen to your cells. Your heart rate increases as well, pumping and circulating that oxygen to all parts of the body.

The immune system contains some of the fastest replicating cells in the human body. You must remember that self healing does occur for people with cancer. It doesn’t yet happen as often or as fast as it does with the cold or with the flu, but it can. The main strategy to improving the self-healing capacity of the body is obvious: increase the strength of the immune system. Strengthening the immune system is probably the most significant thing you can do for yourself to heal cancer and wounds quicker, and as a happy side-effect, many other life improvements come along with an improved immune system.

One very simple improvement is a modification in breathing. Far too often, we take quick and shallow breaths. This can lead to a higher blood pressure, as it constricts the blood vessels. That constriction slows our circulation, which also reduce the speed with which our immune system can respond to a problem.

Everything going on in your body is dependant upon a steady and regular circulation of blood. Anything that interferes with that circulation is unhealthy and needs to be resolved immediately. It can slow down healing and promote cancer.

The solution to this problem is really rather simple: commit five minutes, three times a day, to breathe deeply. You can do this while working, reading, driving, etc. You’ll probably find it most beneficial if you start your day and end your day with one of these five minute breathing exercises. To learn more ways to remain cancer-free, read Cancer Free For Life. Dr Magne has written in it the results of extensive studies and research that demonstrate the cancer can be healed without chemotherapy or surgery.

In close conjunction with the concept of deeper and more thorough breathing is the practice of relaxation with breathing exercises. This focuses solely on the action of breathing while you do it. Obviously, then, this requires that you not be driving or reading a book. Instead you simply find a comfortable place to sit, put yourself into the most comfortable sitting posture, and focus on your breathing.

To really focus on breathing during this time, you should focus your attention on your belly, as if you have a balloon in your stomach. Inhale, slowly, to fill the balloon and focus on the expansion happening in your stomach area. Hold the breath for a comfortable amount of time and exhale slowly, depleting the balloon in your stomach.

You’ll probably find out almost immediately that you feel a lot better…even if you didn’t realize you could! In the process, you are also strengthening your immune system, providing it with the necessary support to speed healing of cancer and wounds.

Cancer treatments can cause serious damage to the immune system. This damage opens you up to a wide-range of infections and diseases. If you are diagnosed with cancer, it’s important that you listen to what your physician tells you with an open mind. Don’t operate under the assumption that your doctor will know everything there is to know. Research all your other options, learn everything you can and take control of your own recovery. Your doctor doesn’t have the time to get to know you. Often the prognostic you receive is only the result of statistics and probabilities, but doesn’t take into account your own ability to recover and your will to live.

Can a cyst become cancerous?

2008-09-09T00:07:00.000-07:00

Can a cyst become cancerous? Now, here’s the big question.

That’s again the cancer fear that all women have. The answer, I’d say is no. This has been looked at pretty, pretty extensively. There was a rather large study I think it was in Sweden. They looked at something like 90,000 - they’ve got a very sophisticated system of registry in Sweden where they can look at data. And something like ninety thousand women were paired with 90,000 normal ones and the various kinds of cysts, endometriomas, the functional cyst, the non-functional cyst. And they said “Well what’s the likelihood any of these women come back for ovary cancer”? And there was no difference. If you had an ovary cyst that was benign you had no increased incidence of having cancer later. The only difference in this was endometrioma which had a slight increase difference. And possibly the reason for that is something to do with estrogen sensitivity around the ovary. But again it’s, it was somewhat more common but it’s nothing to say “My gosh, I’ve got endometrioma, by now! I’ve got to have cancer”. That should be the farthest thing from a persons mind. So I’d say without question your –

The fact that one has a cyst it is not going to develop to, you do not have an increased cancer risk. Now certainly the cystadinomas it’s felt that some of these, these are the benign tumors. Can these cystadinomas develop into cystoadnocarsonoma? The answer is, yes probably. But, once you’ve removed it, the cystadinoma, as well as removing the dermoid cyst, which are very rarely cancer you’ve eliminated that risk. If a woman is going to have a cancerous cyst it’s going to be there from a cancerous cyst per say. She most likely is over the age of fifty and their, in general the reproductive years do not have, a woman does not have to be concerned that a cyst is going to transgress, develop into a cancer.

There was something else I wanted to mention. I’m sure we’ve got several questions, yet I do want to go through these. I think that’s pretty much my overview on cysts and the various diagnoses of cysts, the types of cysts. The treatment we can summarize that at the end.

What happens when a cyst is likely to rupture?

This is probably the number one life threatening complication that New York OB/GYN Christopher Freville has to deal with on an almost basis. A cyst can rupture be it a, most likely it’s a follicular cyst or a corpus luteum cyst. These are the so-called functional cysts, or the functional cyst with pregnancy. When they rupture generally nothing happens. In fact, there’s usually a pressure relief.

Because any distended cyst is often what gives, as a cyst's nerves are increased by the distension, by the fluid, that’s often what causes the pain. The relief of the pain comes whenever it ruptures. Often like, unfortunately a ruptured appendix. Sometimes when a patient feels an appendix ballooning up and brings him to the doctors the fact that the appendix becomes distended. Immediately after that there’s a rupture and they don’t feel the pain. Unfortunately what causes the problems with ruptured cysts is if the cyst has a very rich blood supply and that blood supply, the arteries start pumping blood and don’t seal off and the abdomen can fill up with blood. And I’ve dealt with many cases both as an ectopic pregnancy, but the conditions usually much worse, but also, as a, rarely as a ruptured cyst that’s bleeding off a cystic pregnancy. And often times the abdomen can literally become distended. In a severe case woman can go into shock meaning their blood pressure falls out, it’s an emergency, life threatening situation that if undiagnosed can be fatal. Fortunately, with emergency rooms being equipped the way they are, doctors being as smart as we are - we rarely miss this. But once in a great while this is a complication. And when the cyst ruptures it doesn’t, you can usually preserve the ovary. Usually it can be sutured over, quarterized. The ovary stays in tact and even in a rare case if it had to be removed, again that does not affect fertility

How to Support Yourself and Your Spouse

2008-09-08T21:27:00.000-07:00

Everyone is shocked when they first hear the word cancer. Some people may feel they know the test results before they hear them, but it's still a shock to hear the words spoken out loud. It's usually very difficult to hear or remember anything else after hearing that your loved one has cancer.

For many people, the first few weeks after diagnosis are the most difficult. After you hear the word cancer, you may have trouble listening to what is being said, and asking questions that you may have. When you are at home, you may have trouble thinking, eating, or sleeping. Remember, you are not always going to feel this way. We all struggle to figure out how and why this happened. What went wrong? We want answers, and it can make you crazy. Every cancer is different and there just aren't any answers.

You and your loved one will have many feelings after you hear the word cancer. These feelings can change from day-to-day, hour-to-hour, or even minute-to-minute. Some of the feelings you may both go through include:

Anger

Once you accept that your loved one has cancer, you may feel angry and scared. It is normal to ask Why us? and be angry at:

The cancer
Your healthy friends and loved ones
If you are religious, you might even be angry with God

Anger sometimes comes from feelings that are harder to show--such as fear, panic, frustration, anxiety, or helplessness. If you feel angry, don't pretend that everything is okay. Talk to someone about your anger. Most of the time, talking will help you feel better. A lot of times caregivers don't feel like they have the right to these feelings, that only the cancer patient does. Cancer definitely affects the entire family, and you must acknowledge these feelings and work through them, for everyone's sake.

Fear

The word 'cancer' frightens everyone I know! You may be afraid or worried about:

Taking care of your loved one
Taking care of your family
Paying your bills
Keeping your own job while taking care of your loved one
Losing your loved one

Most people feel better when they know what to expect. You will feel less afraid when you learn more about the specific kind of cancer and its treatment....so read as much as you can and learn as much as you can about your loved one's cancer. Don't let the word cancer disempower you. Knowing the facts, and recommended treatments will reduce your fear, and make you a stronger partner for your loved one.

Stress

Your body may react to the stress and worry of your loved one's cancer. You can learn to handle stress in many ways, like:

Talking to people in the same situation as you are
Exercising
Listening to music
Reading books, poems, or magazines
Relaxing or meditating
Talking about your feelings with family and close friends
Writing your feelings down in a journal to get further clarity around them

The key is to find ways to control stress and not to let it control you.

Lack of Control

When you first learn that your loved one has cancer, you may feel as if your life is out of control. You may feel this way because:

You are now focused on doctor visits and treatments
You feel helpless
You feel like you don't have time to do the things you normally do

Stay focused on what you can do, right now, to improve the situation. And remember, it won't always be this way.

Loneliness

You may find that your friends or friends don't know how to deal with your loved one's cancer and they may not ask about it or know what to say. You may not have the energy or focus to take part in the hobbies and activities you used to enjoy. And sometimes, even when you are with people you love and care about, you may feel that no one understands what you are going through as everyone is focused on your loved one.

Consider joining a support group or talking to a close friend or family member that understands. It always help to know that you are not alone.

Hope

Once you have accepted that your loved one has cancer, you will often feel a sense of hope. There are many reasons to feel hopeful.

People with cancer can (and do) lead active lives, even during treatment
Your chances of your loved one's living with--and living beyond--cancer are better now than they have ever been before Many doctors and most alternative practitioners think that hope may help the body deal with cancer. Scientists are looking at the question of whether a hopeful outlook and positive attitude helps people feel better. If you are hopeful, that will help your loved one be hopeful as well.

Here are some ways you can build your sense of hope:

Write down your hopeful feelings and talk about them with others
Plan your days as you usually have done
Don't limit the things you like to do
Consciously look for reasons to hope

You will experience so many feelings as you learn to live with your loved one's cancer diagnosis. It's OK to take time to mourn and let the diagnosis sink in. It may feel like a loss of freedom and safety, but it won't always be this way. Life moves forward, and your loved one's cancer becomes just one more thing in your life that you have to deal with. Once you tackle this cancer head on, there's nothing you can't do!