The growth of normal cells
Under normal circumstance, cell growth is a natural process without even notice, everyday millions of cell grow to replace millions of dead cells and to keep our body in balance and healthy.
Sometimes, acceleration of cells growth is necessary to prevent further damage to the body organ, such as cut, injure, etc., but after fulfilling their purposes, the growth of cells are back to normal rate again due to our body growth inhibitors. Unfortunately, skin cells sometimes overgrow while healing, leading to scar to the skin.
According to the study by Danish Cancer Society, Institute of Cancer Epidemiology and the annual age-standardised cancer incidence rates per 100,000 elderly persons (1988 to 1992) calculated based on data from cancer registries in 51 countries in 5 continents kept by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and International Association of Cancer Registries (IACR)., Most common cancers in the elderly include
1. Men
Cancer of the prostate (451 per 100,000), the lung (449 per 100,000) and the colon (176 per 100,000) make up around half of all diagnosed cancers.
2. Women
Making up 48% of all malignant cancers, are breast (248 per 100,000), colon (133 per 100,000), lung (118 per 100,000) and stomach cancer (75 per 100,000).
Mortality rates for female cancer in general are found to be declining, abut the incidence is increasing more steeply than the mortality among the men, the number of living elderly ever diagnosed with a cancer will further increase(1).
I. Prostate cancer
Prostate warped around the around a tube (the
urethra) is a gland of the male reproductive system found in front of
the rectum and just below the bladder and responsible for making some of
semen that carries sperm.
Prostate cancer is defined as a condition in which the cells of prostate has become cancerous, causing abnormal cell growth which spread to the distant parts of the body. Most prostate cancers are slow growing and enlarged prostate and prostate cancer may be detected during the Physical (rectum) exams.
Causes and risk factors
1. Age
The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age of over 45
2. Family history
Statistic showed that if one of your directed family member has prostate cancer, your are twice at risk to develop it as well.
3. Race
Prostate cancer are more likely to strike black and white or Hispanic men in the US.
4. Heredity
Certain genes mutation are associated in promoting the growth of prostate cancer, including Hereditary Prostate cancer gene 1 (HPC1), transmembrane protease, serine 2-ERG or Transmembrane protease, serine 2-ETV1/4, etc.
Researcher found that up to 70 percent of men with prostate cancer have lost one copy of the Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) gene at the time of diagnosis. The tumor protein 53
(p53) mutations are late event in pathology of prostate cancer.
5. Low levels of vitamin D in blood
Researcher found that men with deficiency of level of vitamin D in the blood are at higher risk to develop prostate cancer.
6. Excessive drinking
Excessive drink not only increases the risk of liver cancer but also associated with higher risk of prostate cancer as it interfere with folate metabolism. Risk of prostate cancer is much high for men with excessive drinking habit and folate deficiency.
7. Enlarged prostate
Men with enlarged prostate are at high risk in developing prostate cancer.
8. Sexual transmitting diseases
Infected diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis are associated with higher risk of the diseases.
9. Obesity
In a study of Obesity May Raise Risk of Prostate Cancer Spread, Christopher J. Keto, MD, a urological oncology postdoctoral associate at Duke University Medical Center, Durham, N.C. found that overweight men were three times more likely to have their cancer spread.
10. Etc.
Symptoms
1. Frequent urination
Need
to urinate many time than usual for over periods of 1 year or 2, as a
result of enlarged tumors that press against the bladder.
2. Urgency
A desire to pass urinate more urgency as a result of enlarged tumors that press against the bladder.
3. Dribbling
After finished passing urine, urine continues to dribbles as a result of the enlarged prostate tumor.
4. Hesitancy
Have to wait a long time for the urine stream to start as a result of cancer has narrowing the urethra.5. Blood in the urine
Prostate cancer may have damaged any part of the urinary track.
6. Painful urination and ejaculation
As the cancer has grown large enough to interfere with the function of the urethra
7. Blood in the semen
As the cancer has grow large enough to damage inside the walls of urethra.
8. Lower back pain
As a result of the enlarged prostate tumor has pressed on spinal nerves.
9. New-onset erectile dysfunction (impotence)
Prostate cancer has interfered with blood vessel that respond to the erection.
10. Etc.
Diagnosis and tests
A. Blood tests
1. Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)
Digital
rectal examination is included of physical exam, if you have some of
the above symptoms or during an general exam. In DRE, your doctor
inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel the surface
of the prostate gland to check for any abnormality of prostate.2. Trans rectal Ultrasound (TRUS)
Ultrasound allows your doctor to visualize and assess the size of your prostate and to check for any abnormality and surrounding area with image taken from the test. In transcrectal ultrasound, a probe is inserted into the rectum to emit ultrasonic impulses against the prostate.
3. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test
The test is to measure the levels of rostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein produced by the prostate. The high levels of PSA may be a indication of higher risk of the presence of prostate cancer.
4. Prostatic Acid Phosphatase (PAP) test
Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) is a test to measure the level of prostatic acid phosphatase, an enzyme produced by the prostate. The higher the levels of PAP is an indication of the disease progression.
B. Prostate biopsy
In
prostate biopsy, samples of prostate are taken by a thin, tube-like
instrument to examine under microscopy to review the stage of the
cancer.C. Bone scan
It is a nuclear scanning test, beside mostly used in identifying new areas of bone growth and damage to the bones breakdown, it can also evaluates the metastasis (spread) of cancer in the bone, if you doctor suspected that the prostate cancer has been spreading to the bone.
D. Etc.
Grades
The Grades of prostate cancer are depending to the tendency of spreading. Low grade cancers usually grow more slowly and are less likely to spread while high grade cancer indicates otherwise.
Stages
Prostate cancer is classified as 5 stages
1. Stage 0
If the cancerous cell have not penetrated in deeper tissue but in the surface of the prostate lining.
2. Stage I
In stage I, The cancerous cells are no longer in the surface but have invaded into deep the prostate lining, but still completely inside the prostate.
In stage I, The cancerous cells are no longer in the surface but have invaded into deep the prostate lining, but still completely inside the prostate.
a. Stage IA1
The cancer is not ≤ 3 mm (1/8 inch) deep and ≤ 7 mm (1/4 inch) wide.
a.1. Stage IA1:The spreading is < 3mm(1/8 inch) deep and & less than 7mm (1/4 inch) wide.
a.2. Stage IA2: The invasion area is ≥ 3 mm but ≤ 5 mm (about 1/5 inch) deep and & less than 7 mm (about 1/4 inch) wide.
b. Stage IB:
The cancer in this stage have invaded the connective tissue, & less than 5mm (1/5 inch).
b.1. Stage IB1: Cancer is 4 cm large (1 3/4 inches).
b.2. Stage IB2:Cancer is ≥ 4 cm (1 3/4 inches) but & less than 5cm (1/5 inch)3. Stage II
In stage II, the cancerous cells have spread to distant tissues, but is still within the prostate.
4. Stage III
In this stage, cancerous cells has spread to the tissues immediately surrounding the prostate.
5. Stage IV
In this stage, cancerous cells has spread to the tissues immediately outside of the prostate, into other distant parts of the body
Preventions
A. How to avoid
1. Safe sexSexual transmitting diseases, such as are known to associated with higher risk of prostate cancer. Men have several sex partner should consider the use of condom.
2. Reduce drinking and take folate supplement
Risk of prostate cancer is much high for men with excessive drinking habit and folate deficiency.
3. Walking
Researchers found that walking at least three hours a week slow the progression of prostae cancer by a rate of 57 per cent or even prevent the development of prostate cancer.
4. Physical activity
Physical activity such as exercise, walking, swimming, etc. can reduce levels of the chemicals that stimulate cancer growth and metabolism of proteins released by fat cells.
5. Avoid Diet high in red meat
In the October 6th issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, researchers found that Men who diet high in red meat are at higher risk of prostate cancer.
6. Drinking your milk
Milk contains high amount of vitamin D that can reduce the risk of prostate cancer caused by vitamin D deficiency in the blood.
7. Etc.
B. With diet
1. Soy
In laboratory studies, saponins have shown the ability to inhibit the reproduction of cancer cells and slow the growth of tumors in several different tissues.
2. Green Tea
In a study of examination of the effects of green tea extracts, researcher found that halts growth of oral cancer cells and breaks down and kills existing oral cancer.
3. Cruciferous vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, etc. beside contain high amount of antioxidants, but also phytonutrients that have been shown to help prevent the onset and halt the progression of certain cancers.
4. Tomato
Many studies showed that antioxidant lycopene in tomato inhibits cancer cell growth and exhibit apoptosis, causing cell death.
5. Carrot
Carrot contains high amount of beta carotene which has shown to induce appotosis of cancer cells. In study of Cell Cycle Regulation and Induction of Apoptosis by β-carotene, researchers found that in vivo study warrants further confirmation that β-carotene acts as apoptosis agent in cancer cells particularly leukemia cells but not normal cells.
6. Etc.
C. With nutritional supplements
1. Antioxidants
Antioxidants such free radical scavengers vitamin A, C, E enhance the immune system against the forming of free radicals and prevent the alternation of cell DNA cause of abnormal cell growth.
2.. Vitamin DIn a study published in the journal BJU International, vitamin D supplements may slow the progress of prostate cancer.
3. Lycopene
Studies have shown that men who consume large doses of lycopene have a much lower incidence of prostate cancer.
4. Beta -carotene
In some laboratory, animal, and human studies, researchers found that vitamin A, certain retinoids may also inhibit cancer development.
5. linoleic acid
In the October 6th issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, researchers found that linoleic acid reduces the risk of prostate cancer-progression by 40 percent.
6. Flavonoids
In a study of flavonoids intake in human, The researchers found that flavonoids’ anticancer property has been proposed to exist via prevention of the formation of cancer-causing metabolites, inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, and stimulation of programmed tumor cell self-destruction (apoptosis).
7. Etc.
Treatments
A. In conventional medicine
Treatment of prostate cancer is depended on the diagnosis of grade, stage and the speed of the growth of the cancer
A.1. Treatments for Non-invasive prostate cancer
1. Observation
Due to prostate cancer slow-growth nature and if surgery and radiotherapy might post too higher of a risk, your doctor might take a wait and see status but only recommend in the first instance when it is necessary.
2. Surgery
a. In surgery, after determine the grade, stage and speed of slow growth, the surgeon will try to remove as much as cancer infected area as possible. in prostate cancer, most comone surgery is to remove the entire prostate grand with the incision in the perineum or a prostatetomy with incision just above public area.
b. Risks and side effects
Surgical and anesthesia risks
c. Things you must know before surgery
c.1. No semen fluid when you have sex
c.2. Impotent
It is happen to over 50% of all cases
c.3. There will be catheter attached to your bladder for fluid draining.
3. Radio therapy
a. Radiation may be used to treat non-invasion prostate cancer due to certain concerns such as important or general medical conditions of a patient. Radio therapy used high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation, radiation therapy kills the cancer cells and keep them from growing or regrowing. In prostate cancer, brachytherapy, similar to general radiotherapy with a implant of of a small radioactive seed into the tumor
c. Side effects
c.1. Fatigue
c.2. Chest pain
c.3. Heart problem
c.4. Short of breath
c.5. Skin discoloration or pinkness, irritation.
c.6. Etc.
3. Etc.
A.2. Treatments for invasive prostate cancer
If all diagnosis indicated that the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body
1. Hormone therapy
In most case, prostate cancer is required testosterone to feed its growth. hormone therapy works by blocking the testosterone in your body, leading to either die or slow down and stop growing. Drugs used include leuprolide, goserelin, cyproterone, etc.
2. Surgical castration
a. It is a surgery to the production of testosterone by removing the testes. There are many thing you should consider such as castration will make you infertile, and this effect is absolutely irreversible, drastic decrease in your sex drive, etc.
b. Side effects
Surgical and anesthesia risks
3. Radiotherapy
a. Radiation may be used for stages II, III, and IV to kill any cancer cells remaining in the body. By using high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation, radiation therapy kills the cancer cells and keep them from growing or regrowing.
c. Side effects
c.1. Fatigue
c.2. Chest pain
c.3. Heart problem
c.4. Short of breath
c.5. Skin discoloration or pinkness, irritation.
c.6. Etc.
3. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is most use to treat with advance stage of cancer combined with radio therapy, as it has spread to a distant parts of the body by using drugs taken by mouth or injected into a vein or muscle of the patient to stop the growth of or to kill cancer cells. Ovarian cancer is often respond well to chemotherapy. In prostate cancer, chemo is recommended if other treatments has been tried without success, because of prostate arduous nature.
b. Side effects
b.1. Nausea
b.2. Vomiting
b.3. Hair loss
b.4. Fatigue
b.5. Anemia
b.6. Mouth sores taste and smell changes
b.7. Infection
b.8. Etc.
B. In Herbal medicine
1. Zyflamend
Zyflamend is a formulation containing ten different herbs, including Holy basil, turmeric, ginger, green tea, rosemary, hu zhang, Chinese goldthread, barberry, etc. 18 month study was conducted at Columbia University and New York Presbyterian hospital indicated that 48% of the participants demonstrated a 25%-50% reduction in PSA levels by the 18 month mark and 60% of the volunteers showed completely benign prostate biopsies at the end of the study.
2. Fenugreek is used both as a herb (the leaves) and as a spice (the seed), genus Trigonella, belonging to family Fabaceae. Vitro studies have shown that fenugreek exhibits chemopreventive properties against certain cancers.
3. Pygeum Africanum Extract
In a sudy of isolated from Pygeum africanum bark exhibits androgen antagonistic activity, inhibits AR nuclear translocation and prostate cancer cell growth. Invest New Drugs. 2010 Dec;28(6):729-43. researchers found that pygeum components inhibit the nuclear transport of AR and inhibit prostate specific antigen (PSA) expression and efficiently represses the growth of both the androgen-dependent and some types of androgen-independent protate cancer cells.
4. Turmeric
In a study conducted by S. Uddin and colleagues at the Department of Human Cancer Genomic Research at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Saudi Arabia, researchers found that Curcumin in turmeric may inhibit the proliferation of lymphoma cancer by modulating cell cycling and inducing apoptosis.
5. Absinthe
Absinthe is also known as Wormwood, a distilled, highly alcoholic beverage flowers extracted from leaves of the herb Artemisia absinthium. In a study, researcher at the University of Washington found that wormwood can be used as a promising potential treatment for cancer.
6. Etc.
C. In traditional Chinese medicine
1. Ling Zhi
In a study of Ling Zhi extracts tested them on three different types of cells: drug-sensitive small-cell lung cancer, drug-resistant small-cell lung cancer, and normal lung cells, researchers found that Ling Zhi killed lung cancer cells. Cancer cells responded to the herb much in the same way as they would react to chemotherapy drugs. Yet unlike chemotherapy drugs, which can also be toxic to healthy cells, herbal extracts were more deadly to cancer cells than to normal cells, indicating that they have some ability to specifically target cancer.
2. Bai Hua She She Cao
The Sanjiv Kumar YADAV, Shao Chin LEE(Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore researcher results showed that the ethanol extract from Bai Hua She She Cao effectively evokes cancer cell apoptosis, possibly through burst-mediated caspase activation.
3. Ban Zhi Lian
Ban Zhi Lian is also known as scutellaria. The bitter and cool herb has been used in TCM as diuretic and to treat tumors and cancer as it clears heat, expels toxins, eliminates stagnation, stops bleeding and calms pain by enhancing the functions of lung, liver, spleen, stomach and large intestine channels. In a recent study results suggest that ginger, tea, and a Chinese herb called Scutellaria barbata or Ban Zhi Lian could all help to prevent cancer.
4. Wu bei zi (Chinese Galls)
In a study of melanogenesis inhibition by gallotannins from Chinese galls in B16 mouse melanoma cells, researchers indicated that Chinese galls inhibit melanin biosynthesis, associated with hyperpigmentation and can be used as skin-whitening cosmetics for skin care.
5. Huang Qi
In study of Astragalus-Based Chinese Herbs and Platinum-Based Chemotherapy for Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials, researchers found that astragalus may increase effectiveness of platinum-based chemotherapy when combined with chemotherapy. These results require confirmation with rigorously controlled trials.
According to the American Cancer Society, the substances, licochalcone-A, licocoumarone and glabridin, which are present in licorice root, may prevent mutations in the DNA and kill existing cancer.
For Other types of Cancer researches, visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/2011/07/cancers-from-b-to-t-most-common-types_26.html,
for other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/
II. Lung cancer
Lung is a vital organ of the human being, located near the backbone on either side of the heart with functions of inhaling oxygen from the air then transporting them to the bloodstream to nourish the body cells need and exhaling carbondioxide from the bloodstream.
Lung cancer is defined as a condition of the abnormal growth of the cells in the lung's tissue. Most common form of primary lung cancers are derived from epithelial cells. In Us, Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths, causing 158,683 people deaths, including 88,329 men and 70,354 women, according to 2007 statistic.
Types of lung cancer
A. Non small cell lung cancer
Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer. It usually grows and spreads methodically and predictably.Most common types of lung cancers include
1. Squamous-cell carcinoma often found in an outer area of the lung,
2. Large-cell carcinoma found in the center of the lung by an air tube
3. Adenocarcinoma found in any part of the lung.
B. Small cell lung cancer
Small cell lung cancer is a fast-growing type of lung cancer, it can spread to distant parts of the body in a relatively early stage. Most common types of small cell lung cancer include
1. Small cell carcinoma in which the cells are small, round and resemble oats.
2. Mixed small cell/large cell carcinoma in which malignant tumor found in combining of components of small cell lung carcinoma with large cell lung carcinoma.
3. Combined small cell carcinoma in which malignant tumor found in combining of a component of small cell lung carcinoma with components of non-small cell lung carcinoma.
Causes and risk factors
1. Smoking
Smoking is a major cause of lung cancer as it enhances the oxidation stress as the lung inhales oxygen from the air by combining them with cancer causing chemical substances (carcinogens) in the cigarette, leading to the damage of lung's tissue. Normally, our body can withstand and repair this damage, but prolonged exposure your lung to these danger carcinogen can result in cancer development.
2. Second hand smoke
Prolonged exposure to second hand smoke can also increase the risk of lung cancer as mentioned above.
3. Exposure to certain chemicals
There are increased risk of lung cancer for people who inhale or exposing certain industrial chemical such as radon gas, arsenic, chromium, nickel, etc. in the work place.
4. family history
Risk of lung cancer increased if one of the members of your direct family has lung cancer.
5. Lung disease
Risk of ling can caner increase if you have or previous had certain types of lung disease
6. Excessive drinking
According to the study by Freudenheim et al., R. Curtis Ellison MD suggested that alcohol intake of more than 2 drinks per day is associated with a small increased risk of lung cancer. This study, like others, suggests a weak, positive association between consuming larger amounts of alcohol (>2 drinks a day) and lung cancer risk.
7. Etc.
Symptoms1. Shortness of breath.
Shortness of breath is one of most common symptoms of lung cancer, as the lung is now no longer function properly due to abnormal growth of some of its cell within it or cancer cells are growth larger enough to block the major airway, or due to fluid accumulation.
2. Coughing up blood.
Cough up blood is another symptoms of lung cancer, it can be caused by breaking off capillary due to cancer invasion or some of malignant cells. Rupture of the tumor can be extreme danger to the patient.
3. Pain
Pain also associated with the lung cancer if the cancer spread to the lung lining and suppress the nerve in the lung.
4. Fluid in the chest
Fluid in the chest may be resulted of blood or pus due to breaking of lung cancer or lung is no longer function properly in expelling mucus and phlegm, leading to shortness of breath.
5. Wheezing and hoarseness
May be due to blocking of major airway
6. Unintentional weight loss
Any unintentional weight loss over 10%
7. Bone pain
If cancer has spread to bone tissue
8. Hormones
Due to small cell lung cancer imitation of some of the body hormones, leading obesity, high blood pressure, nausea, etc.
9. Etc.
Diagnosis and tests
Family history and physical examination are always important for patient with some of above symptoms. Depending to the types of lung cancers, diagnosis and tests may include
1. Chest X ray
Chest X ray is a form of electromagnetic radiation to take image and check for any abnormality of the lung
2. CT Scan (computerized tomography)
A CT scan generates a large series of two-dimensional X-ray images taken around a single axis of rotation, to create a three-dimensional picture of the inside of the body in details.The pictures are viewed by your doctor to see the extent of the tumors abnormalities, such as spreading of cancer to the nearby structure and lymph nodes. CT scan can only review the existence of cancer . but can not tell it is a primary or secondary cancer.
3. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is one of many advanced technology used to visualize internal structures cross sectional imaging of your body used effectively in providing the better details of the metastasis of cancer in the lung and surrounding areas.
4. Sputum Cytology
Sputum Cytology is a test used to examine a sample of mucus under a microscope to check for any abnormal cell.
5. Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy is a procedure used to look inside the airways of the lung by inserting a thin, flexible tube called a bronchoscope with a light and small camera that allow your doctor to see the airways and take pictures to check for any abnormality in the trachea and airways, such as infection, inflammation, or malignant tumor, through nose or mouth, down into the airways.
6. Lung Biopsy
In lung biopsy, a sample of liver is taken by a thin, tube-like instrument to examine under microscopy to review the stage of the cancer.
7. Bone scan
With a small amount of radioactive substance, called a tracer injected into a vein, as it travels through the bloodstream it allows a special camera takes pictures of the tracer in your bones. If there is any abnormality in the bone, it will show up in the pictures.
8. Mediastinoscopy
Mediastinoscopy is a surgical procedure to examine the inside of the upper chest between and in front of the lung by inserting of a mediastinoscope through the opening made in the neck just above the breastbone to collect sample to test under microscope for signs of infection, inflammation, or malignant tumor.
9. Positron emission tomography (PET scan)
Positron emission tomography (PET scan) is a type of nuclear medicine imaging with the uses of small amounts of short-lived radioactive material, either injected into a vein, swallowed or inhaled as a gas which will appear in the area of the body being examined, where it gives off energy in the form of gamma rays detected by a camera of positron emission tomography that produces a three-dimensional image or picture of functional processes of the organ in the body.
11. Etc.
Grades of lung cancer
The Grade of lung cancer is depending to the tendency of spreading. Low grade cancers usually grow more slowly and are less likely to spread while high grade cancer indicates otherwise.
Stages of lung cancer
1. Stage 0
Lung caner is classified as Stage 0, if the cancerous cell have not penetrated in deeper tissue but in the surface of the lung lining.
2. Stage I
In stage I, The cancerous cells are no longer in the surface but have invaded into deep lung lining, but still completely inside the lung.
a. Stage IA1
The cancer is ≤ 3 mm (1/8 inch) deep and ≤ 7 mm (1/4 inch) wide.
a.1. Stage IA1: The spreading is < 3mm(1/8 inch) deep and & less than 7mm (1/4 inch) wide.
a.2. Stage IA2: The invasion area is ≥ 3 mm but ≤ 5 mm (about 1/5 inch) deep and & less than 7 mm (about 1/4 inch) wide.
b. Stage IB: The cancer in this stage have invaded the connective tissue, & less than 5mm (1/5 inch).
b.1. Stage IB1: Cancer is 4 cm large (1 3/4 inches).
b.2. Stage IB2: Cancer is ≥ 4 cm (1 3/4 inches) but & less than 5cm (1/5 inch)
3. Stage II
In stage II, the cancerous cells have spread to distant tissues, but is still within the lung.
4. Stage III
n this stage, cancerous cells has spread to the tissues immediately surrounding the lung.
5. Stage IV
In stage IV is the most advance stage of lung cancer as cancerous cells have spread to the distant parts of the body
In this stage, cancerous cells has spread to the tissues immediately surrounding the lung.
Prevention
A. How to avoid
1. Quit smoking
According to statistic, approximate 87% of lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking.
2. Eating more fruits and vegetables
This foods contain high amount of antioxidants which enhance the immune system against the forming of free radicals and prevent the alternation of cell DNA cause of abnormal cell growth.
3. Second smokes
Second smoke contains same amount of carcinogens, exposure to it can increase the risk of lung caner
4. Environment chemicals
avoid exposure to certain industrial chemical such as radon gas, arsenic, chromium, nickel, etc.. In the work place, deal with them by taking maximum pre-cautions and prevention.
5. Alcohol
Researcher found that increased risk of lung cancer for peopne who have >2 drinks a day.
6. Etc,
B. With diet
Traditional Chinese medicine link all foods with white color to lung tonification, taking them are associated reduced risk of lung cancer.
1. Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, etc. beside contain high amount of antioxidants but also in a study of AACR FCPR 2008: Cruciferous Vegetables Reduce Lung Cancer Risk in Smokers, reseachers found that there is a significant inverse association between consumption of cruciferous vegetables and lung cancer was only seen for squamous or small cell carcinoma, which are the 2 subtypes most strongly associated with heavy smoking.
2. Pomegranate juice
In a recent issue of Cancer Research, researchers led by Hasan Mukhtar, co-leader of the Cancer Chemoprevention Program of the University of Wisconsin Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, demonstrate that drinking pomegranate fruit extract helps slow the growth of lung cancer in mice found that pomegranate fruit continues to show great promise," says Mukhtar, professor of dermatology at the School of Medicine and Public Health and a member of the Carbone Cancer Center. "We have earlier shown that pomegranate fruit contains very powerful skin and prostate cancer-fighting agents. These recent findings expand the possible health benefits of the fruit to the leading cause of cancer death in the country and worldwide: lung cancer."
3. Turmeric
In Molecular Nutritional and Food Research, March 2008, researchers reported that naturally occurring polyphenols in curcumin offer a safer alternative treatment. Curcumin can directly scavenge free radicals such as superoxide anion and nitric oxide, and modulate important signaling pathways. These polyphenols also down-regulate expression of pro-inflammatory mediators, and up-regulate desirable gene expression in the lungs. Researchers concluded that curcumin is a potential therapeutic agent against chronic lung diseases.
4. Apple
In the Article: "Triterpenoids isolated from Apple Peels Have Potent Antiproliferative Activity and May be Partially Responsible for Apple's Anticancer Activity", Rui Hai Liu and Xiangjiu He pointed out that apple consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of chronic health problems such as lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
5. Garlic
An analysis of several case-controlled studies in Europe suggests an inverse association between garlic consumption and risk of common cancers.
6. Etc.
1. Antioxidants
Antioxidants such free radical scavengers vitamin A, C, E enhance the immune system against the forming of free radicals and prevent the alternation of cell DNA cause of abnormal cell growth.
2. Quercetin
Quercetin is a type of phytochemical, also known as a flavonoid. In cell culture or animal studies, researchers found that quercetin has activity against some types of cancer cells and suggested it may be potential benefits in treating cancer.
3. Naringin
In s study of Intake of Flavonoids and Lung Cancer, researcger found that flavonoids, such as quercetin and naringenin (the aglycone derived from naringin), inhibit certain cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP1A1 and CYP3A4, respectively) involved in the bioactivation of chemical carcinogens.
4. Selenium
In a study of selenium effects in skin cancer, researchers discovered that it might help prevent lung cancer instead according to the book of 1001 Home Health Secrets for Seniors.
5. Lycopene and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3
In a study of Lycopene and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 cooperate in the inhibition of cell cycle progression and induction of differentiation in HL-60 leukemic cells, researchers found that The combination of low concentrations of lycopene with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 exhibited a synergistic effect on cell proliferation and differentiation and an additive effect on cell cycle progression. Such synergistic antiproliferative and differentiating effects of lycopene and other compounds found in the diet and in plasma may suggest the inclusion of the carotenoid in the diet as a cancer-preventive measure.
6. Etc.
Treatments
A. In conventional medicine
A.1. Non small cell lung cancer
1. Surgery
a. The aim of the treatment is to cure the cancer with surgery, if possible. Otherwise, treatments are focused to treat and control the symptoms as long as possible. If the cancer is located in the outer parts of the lung and has not spread to the lymph nodes, then surgery will be effective in curing it.
b. Risks and side effects
b.1. Surgical and anesthesia risks
b.2. Shortness of breath
Due to remove parts of the lung
b. 3. Etc.
2. Radiotherapy
By using high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation, radiation therapy kills lung cancer cells and keep them from growing or regrowing. Depending to stage or grade there are two types of radiation therapy.
a. External radiation
By using a machine outside the body to send direct high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation toward the cancer.
b. Internal radiation
By placing a radioactive substance direct into or near the cancer by a medical instrument with the aim to kill nearby cancer cells.
c. Side effects
c.1.. Fatigue
c.2. Chest pain
c.3. Heart problem
c.4. Short of breath
c.5. Skin discoloration or pinkness, irritation.
c.6. Etc.
3. Chemotherapy
a. Chemotherapy is most use to treat with advance stage of lung cancer, as it has spread to a distant parts of the body by using drugs taken by mouth or injected into a vein or muscle of the patient to stop the growth of or to kill cancer cells.
b. Side effects
b.1. Nausea
b.2. Vomiting
b.3. Hair loss
b.4. Fatigue
b.5. Anemia
b.6. Mouth sores taste and smell changes
b.7. Infection
b.8. Etc.
4. Biological therapy
a. Biological therapy with the use of Iressa, Taceva, target binding agents have contributed significantly in treating non small cell lung cancer by binding to the cancerous site and preventing its activity.
b. Risks and side effects
b.1. Weight gain
b.2. Neutropenia
b.3. Headache,
b.4. Thrombocytopenia
b.5. Anemia
b.6. Nausea
b.7. Rash
b.8. Etc.
A.2. Small cell lung cancer
Small cell ling cancer is behave differently than non small cell lung cancer as it is invasive and has tendency to spread to distant parts of the body, however, it often responds well to the treatments of chemo and radio therapies
1. Chemotherapy
a. Chemotherapy is most use to treat small cell lung cancer, as it has spread to a distant parts of the body by using drugs taken by mouth or injected into a vein or muscle of the patient to stop the growth of or to kill cancer cells.
b. Side effects
b.1. Nausea
b.2. Vomiting
b.3. Hair loss
b.4. Fatigue
b.5. Anemia
b.6. Mouth sores taste and smell changes
b.7. Infection
b.8. Etc.
2. Radiotherapy
By using high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation, radiation therapy kills lung cancer cells and keep them from growing or regrowing. Depending to stage or grade there are two types of radiation therapy.
a. External radiation
By using a machine outside the body to send direct high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation toward the cancer.
b. Internal radiation
By placing a radioactive substance direct into or near the cancer by a medical instrument with the aim to kill nearby cancer cells.
c. Side effects
c.1.. Fatigue
c.2. Chest pain
c.3. Heart problem
c.4. Short of breath
c.5. Skin discoloration or pinkness, irritation.
c.6. Etc.
3. Surgery
It is not very helpful to remove the primary lung tumor because of its spreading tendency, but it can be used to reduce certain symptoms such as enlarged lymph nodes, spleen, etc.
4. Etc.
B. Herbal medicine
1. Grape Seed
In a studies of grape seed extracts in test tubes, researchers suggested that it may prevent the growth of breast, stomach, colon, prostate, and lung cancer cells.
2. Green tea
In some clinical studies researchers suggested that the polyphenols in green tea, may play an important role in the prevention of cancer by killing cancerous cells and stopping their progression.
3. Aloe
in some studies, researchers suggest that some chemical compounds of aloe, such as acemannan, aloeride, and di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) may have immunomodulating and anticancer effects.
4. Cat's claw
In vitro studies, researchers found that cat's claw demonstrated anticancer effects against several cancer cell lines.
5. Etc.
C. Traditional Chinese medicine
1. Huang Qi
In study of Astragalus-Based Chinese Herbs and Platinum-Based Chemotherapy for Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials, researchers found that astragalus may increase effectiveness of platinum-based chemotherapy when combined with chemotherapy. These results require confirmation with rigorously controlled trials.
2. Yun Zhi
In a study by by Dr. Kenneth Tsang at the University of Hong Kong's School of Medicine in 1999, on the polysaccharopeptide (PSP) treatment of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, researchers found that after the four-week treatment, there was a significant increase in blood leckocyte and neutrophil levels and body fat compared with pre and post treatment of PSP. Serum IgG and IgM were significantly improved in the PSP treated group compared to the placebo group after four weeks In addition, there were less PSP treated patients who withdrew from the study due to disease progression. Therefore, this study suggests that PSP treatment may be of some benefit in patients with NSCLC.
3. Ling Zhi
In an study of Ling Zhi extracts tested them on three different types of cells: drug-sensitive small-cell lung cancer, drug-resistant small-cell lung cancer, and normal lung cells, researchers found that Ling Zhi killed lung cancer cells. Cancer cells responded to the herb much in the same way as they would react to chemotherapy drugs. Yet unlike chemotherapy drugs, which can also be toxic to healthy cells, herbal extracts were more deadly to cancer cells than to normal cells, indicating that they have some ability to specifically target cancer.
4. Yi Yi Ren
About 20 years ago, a young physician named Dr. Da-Peng Li observed that people in China who ate coix seed as a dietary staple had a surprisingly low incidence of cancer. Research in test tubes, animals and humans by Zhejiang Kanglaite Pharmaceutical Company indicated that The drug from the seed's oil, Kanglaite has been shown to induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in various kinds of human tumors, and has a powerful effect on angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels to feed the tumor).
5. Etc.
For More information of cancers, visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/p/cancers.html
For Other health articles, please visit my home page at
http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/
III. Bowel cancer
Bowel cancer also known as colorectal cancer, is defined as a condition of the abnormal proliferation of cells in the colon, rectum, or vermiform appendix. Bowl is divided in 2 parts, the first part of the bowel, the small bowl, is involved with the digestion and absorption of food. The 2nd part, the large bowel which consist the the colon and rectum, is involved in absorption of water from the small bowel contents and broken down of certain materials in the feces into substances of which some of them to be re absorbed and reused by the body. Bowel cancer is relatively very common and slowly growing and progress cancer and in predictable way.
Bowel cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in developed countries, including U>S and Canada.
Types of bowel cancer
1. Adenocarcinomas
Most bowel cancers are adenocarcinomas, originated in epithelium tissues, including the surface layer of skin, glands and their tissues that line the cavities and organs of the body.
2. Squamous cell cancers
Squamous cells are the skin like cells that make up the bowel lining together with the gland cells. Squamous cell cancers are rare with the risk of 25 per 100000.
Other bowel tumours
3. Carcinoid
Carcinoid is an unusual type of slow growth neuroendocrine tumor. It looks benign but might spread to other parts of the body as they grow in hormone producing tissue in the digestive system.
4. Leiomyosarcomas
Leiomyosarcomas are the rare and resistant types of bowel cancer and generally not very responsive to chemotherapy or radiation. They are malignant abnormal mass of tissue of smooth muscles of colon, comprising between 5–10% of soft tissue sarcomas.
5. Lymphomas
Bowel lymphomas are rare and more likely to start in the rectum rather in the colon. Many patients with lymphomas are diagnosed in the late stage and already spread to other organs.
6. Melanomas
Melanomas are rare malignant tumor of cells that produce the dark pigment. This type of bowel cancer usually originates from somewhere else and then spread to the bowel.
7. Etc.
Symptoms
1. Changes in bowel habits
2. Narrow stools
3. Constipation
4. Diarrhea
5. Irritable bowel syndrome
6. Intermittent
7. Ulcerative colitis
8. Crohn's disease,
9. Diverticulosis
10. Peptic ulcer disease
11. Abdominal pain
12. Unintentional weight loss
13. Loss of appetite
14. Unexplained fatigue
15. Nausea or vomiting
16. Anemia
17. Jaundice
18. Etc.
Causes and Risk factors
1. Age
The disease is more common in people over the age of 50 and increase with age. Regular colonoscopy after age of 50 is valuable to detect the disease in the early stage and decrease the risk of development of bowel cancer.
2. Bowl inflammatory diseases
Prolonged period of inflammatory diseases of the colon, such as Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease, can increase your risk of colon cancer due to long term inflammation of the lining of the colon.
3. Family History of Bowel Cancer
If a patient's parents, siblings, children who has had colorectal cancer are more likely to develop bowel cancer.
4. Inherited Syndromes
Genetic syndromes passed through generations can increase the risk of developing colon cancer.
a. Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP):
Familial adenomatous polyposis is an inherited condition in which numbers of benign polyp form mainly in the lining of the large intestine, but they can become malignant due to the mutations in the APC gene that a patient inherits from the parents.
b. Hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC)
HNPCC is also known as Lynch syndrome. It can increase the risk of developing bowel cancer than the general population due to mutation of genes in repairing DNA damage.
c. Turcot syndrome
Turcot syndrome is also a rare inherited condition in which cells become abnormal and form multiple adenomatous colon polyps anf eventually turn malignant.
d. Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is an autosomal dominant genetic disease with condition of the development of benign hamartomatous polyps in the gastrointestinal tract and hyperpigmented macules on the lips and oral mucosa due to mutations in the gene STK1.
e. MUTYH-associated polyposis
MUTYH is a human gene encoding a DNA glycosylase. Mutations in the gene MUTYH increases the risk of develop colon polyps which eventually become cancerous if the colon is not removed.
5. Race and ethic background
a, African Americans have the highest risk of bowel cancer with unknown reasons (E. Mitchell, et al., 2009)
b. Ashkenazi Jews have a highest risk of development of bowel cancer due to several genes mutation (I. Shapira et al., 2002; DS. Weinberg et al., 2006)
6. Personal history of other cancer
Research shows that the risk of developing bowel cancer is increased for women with history of other cancer such as ovarian, uterine, endometrial or breast cancer.
7. Diet
Diet with high in animal and trans fat and less in fiber, vegetables and fruits is associated with high risk if bowel cancer. Cooking meats at very high temperatures such as frying, broiling or grilling create chemicals that increases the risk of bowel and other cancer.
8. Physical Inactivity
Researchers in Utah and northern California at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program between 1997 and 2002 found that vigorous or moderated physical activity reduced the risk of bowel cancer in both men and women.
9. Diabetes
Abnormal glucose metabolism increases the risk of bowel cancer. Research from Cancer Research UK and the Medical Research Council studied 9600 participants. at the American Association for Cancer Research's Sixth Annual International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research found that women with diabetes are 1.5 times more likely to develop bowel cancer than women who don't have the metabolic disorder.
10. Obesity
The George Institute for International Health in Sydney, Australia report showed that obese individuals (Body Mass Index* (BMI) >30 kg/m2) have a 20% greater risk of developing colorectal cancer compared with those of normal weight (BMI < 25 kg/m2) and people who are obese have an increased risk of bowel cancer and an increased risk of dying of bowel cancer when compared with people considered normal weight.
11. Smoking
Long-term cigarette smoking increases a person's risk of developing bowel cancer due to the effect of carcinogens and development of polyps which can become malignant.
12. Alcohol
A study by Dr. Morten Gronbaek of the National Institute of Public Health in Copenhagen, has found that heavy drinkers (especially non-wine drinkers) significantly increase their risk of contracting rectal cancer.The findings are based on a population study of over 29,000 Danish men and women aged between 23 and 95.
13. Acromegaly
Acromegaly is an endocrine disorder characterized by sustained hypersecretion of growth hormone (GH) with concomitant elevation of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) may increase your risk of colon polyps and bowel cancer.
14. Nigh shift work
Study that exposures to light at night suppresses the production of melatonin, a hormone that has antiproliferative effects on intestinal cancers. The result also suggested that working a rotating night shift at least three nights per month for 15 or more years may increase the risk of bowel cancer in women.
15. Previous Radiation Therapy for Certain Cancers
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, colon cancer has been caused by doses of about 1,000 millisieverts (mSv).
16. Gender
According to Heinz-Josef Lenz, M.D., professor of medicine at USC's Keck School of Medicine There has been increasing evidence that gender plays a significant role in the development and progression of bowel cancer are higher among men due to protective effect of female hormones.
17. Etc.
Diagnosis and tests
Since bowel cancer is considered as one of most slow growth cancer and most of the discoveries are in the late stage and older than 50 years of age, implement bowel cancer screening methods can detect the cancer in its early stage resulting in a 29 percent drop in cancer deaths in 20 years.
1. Digital rectal exam
It is an internal examination of the rectum. The exam taken about a few minutes by first examining the external area (anus and perinium) for any abnormalities such as hemorrhoids, lumps, etc. Then, as the patient strains down, the physician gently puts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum through the anus and palpates the insides to check for large lumps for approximately sixty seconds.
2. Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
It is the test to check for invisible blood in the stool. you are asked to eat red meats for a week to look for globin, DNA, or other blood factors including transferrin with the purpose is to detect subtle blood loss in the gastrointestinal tract.
3. Endoscopy
An endoscope is an instrument used by your doctor to pass through a natural opening of the body or by a small incision. Depending to the circumstance, you doctor may refer either the rectum Sigmoidoscopy or whole colon Colonoscopy.
a. Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a test to exam the large intestine from the rectum through the last part of the colon by either using a flexible endoscope (flexible sigmoidoscopy) or a rigid device (rigid sigmoidoscopy) to look for benign and malignant polyps, early signs of cancer in the descending colon and rectum, as well as any intestinal bleeding, inflammation, abnormal growths, etc.
b. Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is a whole bowel examination to detect inflamed tissue, ulcers, and abnormal growths, benign and malignant polyps, early signs of cancer.
4. Double contrast barium enema (DCBE)
DCBE is a x-rays of the colon and rectum after injecting a liquid containing barium into the rectum to screen for bowel cancer and abnormalities. If there is any suspicious, your doctor may order a screening test such as a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy that we mentioned above.
5. Barium Enema
The exam, most of the time performs in the out patient in hospital and in the doctor office, you will be asked to move into different positions to get different views. Barium enema is the use of barium to highlight your large intestine and delivers air into the colon to expand it for better image as x-ray is taken.
6. CT Colonography scan and/or liver scan
a. CT colonography scan
With the same purpose, CT colonography scan is to screen for polyps or cancers in the large intestine by taking the cross-sectional images of bowel then be examined on a computer monitor, printed or transferred to a CD.
b. Liver scan
Liver scan is the test to gather information about liver and spleen function or used to help confirm that the tumor has spread with injecting a radioactive material called a radioisotope into one of your veins. After the liver has soaked up the material, under the scanner images are displaying on a computer.
7. Caricinoeembroyic antigen (CEA)
Caricinoeembroyic antigen (CEA) is a type of protein molecule found in many different cells of the body. CEA measurement is mainly used as a tumor marker to detect any recurrences after surgical resection, or localize cancer spread though dosage of biological fluids.
8. Etc.
Treatments
Treatments are depended totally in the stage and grade of the cancer of each patient. If the cancer is only limited to the mucosa such as a single layer of epithelial cells, a layer of connective tissue, and a thin muscle layer, than it can be cured in most cases. If the cancer have spread through the muscular layer of the bowel or the lymph note, the curable rate is lower. If the cancer has spread to other organs, the curable rate are even lower. Grade of the cancer is calculated dependently to how aggressive the cancer is.
1. Surgery and colostomy
a. Surgery
Types of surgery is depending to the stage, grade and position of the tumor needed to remove, and surgery with complete removal of the cancer offers the best chance to cure the disease.
b. colostomies
A colostomy is surgery to prevent the leakage of bowel content by diverting them away from the weaken part of bowel to prevent damage and infection after surgery to allow them to heal properly because of damage of bowel due to tumor removals to provide an alternative channel for feces to leave the body. After the weaken parts of bowel is recovered, further surgery is required to reconnect the bowel and close the colostomy.
Unfortunately, if the tumor is very close to the anus, bowel can not reconnected safely or in the late stage of the cancer, a permanent colostomy is required and small bowel is diverted to the surface.
2. Radiotherapy
2.1. Radiotherapy is the medical use of ionizing radiation to treat cancer by destroying the cancer cells but doing as little harm as possible to normal cells, if cancer happens to the place where surgery is impossible. In fact, radiotherapy has a minimum effect in treating bowel cancer.
2.2. Side effects
a. Diarrhea
b. Tiredness,
c. Frequent urinary
d. Sore skin in the treatment area
5. Etc.
3. Chemotherapy
3.1. Chemotherapy, in bowel cancer used to stop the spreading of the cancer cells and is most helpful treatment for bowel cancer with moderate advance such as bowel cancer has only spread to bowel wall or to the lymph note with combination of some medications, such as 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) with bevacizumab or 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) with bevacizumab, etc.
3.2 Side effects
a. Nausea
b. Hair loss
c. Sore mouth
d. Diarrhoea
e. Sore eyes
f. Etc.
4. Biological therapy
4.1. Biological therapies are new type of treatments in active research by using substances that occur naturally in the body, such as Cetuximab and bevacizumab are used to treat colon or rectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
4.2. Side effects
a. Tiredness
b. Diarrhea
c. Skin changes
d. A sore mouth, weakness
e. Loss of appetite
f. Low blood counts
g. Swelling of parts of the body due to a build up of fluid
Etc.
For More information of cancers, visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/p/cancers.html
For Other health articles, please visit my home page at
http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/
IV. Breast cancer
Breast cancer
Breast cancer (malignant breast neoplasm) is a cancer that starts in the tissues of the breast either from the inner lining of milk ducts (Ductal carcinoma) or the lobules (Lobular carcinoma) that supply the ducts with milk. there is also rare cases that breast cancer starts in other areas of the breast. In 2010, over 250,000 new cases of breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S. alone and the risk of getting invasive breast cancer during life time of a women is 1/8.
Signs and SymptomBreast cancer is first noticed as a painless lump in the breast or armpit and most often discovered by you or your partner may discover the lump or or your doctor during a routine physical exam.
In early case of cancer, symptoms normally include
1. Lump (mass) in the breast
2. Lump in the armpit (lymph nodes)
3. Nipple discharge (clear or bloody)
4. Inverted or retracted nipple
5. Scaly or pitted skin on nipple persistent tenderness of the breast
6. Unusual breast pain or discomfort
7. Etc.
In advance case of cancer as cancer have spread to distance of the body, symptoms include
1. Bone pain (Secondary tumors in bone)
2. Shortness of breath (Secondary tumors in lung)
3. Unintentional weight loss and drop in appetite (Secondary tumors in liver)
4. Headaches, neurological pain or weakness (Secondary tumors in the nervous system)
5. Etc.
A rare case of breast cancer (Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC))
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), an aggressive cancer can occur in women of any age, grows in sheets instead of lumps invades nearby skin, leading to whole breast may go suddenly red and feel hot, resembling an inflammation and happening only about 1-6% of all breast cancer cases in the USA. It should be treated very promptly. Symptoms include
1. Rapid swelling (a cup size in a few days) sometimes
2. Associated by skin changes (pink, red, or dark-colored areas)
3. Nipple retraction
4. Persistent itching, skin hot to touch
5. Initially resembles mastitis
6. Breast skin ulcers (later stage of IBC)
7. Etc.
Risk factors
1. Gender
If you are women, your chance of getting breast cancer is 99 % higher due to more breast cells and constant exposure to growth hormones that affect the production of estrogen and progesterone.
2. Aging
Breast cancer increases proportional with age. Researchers found that out of 1/8 invasive breast cancers found in women, 2 out of 3 are women age 55 or older.
3. Heredity
About 5% of woman of breast cancer are caused gene mutation inherited from either the parents.
4. Family factor
Researchers found that if one of your direct family have developed breast or ovary cancer, your risk of getting breast cancer is increased.
5. Pregnancy
The risk of develop breast cancer for women who never get pregnant.
6. Smoking
Researchers found that the risk of women who had smoked cigarettes in their teen years have a high risk of getting breast cancer and women who smoke for 35 years or more have a 59% higher risk of developing breast cancer, compared with those who never smoked
7. BRCA1 and BRCA2
Researchers found that mutation of tumor suppressor gene BRCA1 and BRCA2 are likely to develop breast cancer later in their life.
8. Menstruation
Women who started menstruating at an early age (before age 12) or went through menopause at a later age (after age 55) have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer due to longer lifetime exposed to estrogen and progesterone hormones.
9. Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM)
The alternation of The ATM gene provides instructions for making a protein in controling the rate cells grow and divide and assisting in DNA of cells repair by recognizing damaged or broken DNA strands caused by toxic chemicals or radiation. Inheriting one mutated copy of this gene increase the risk of breast cancer.
10. Tumor protein 53 or P53
P53, a tumor suppressor protein in humans encoded by the TP53 gene can cause Li-Fraumeni syndrome, increasing the risk of developing of breast cancer.
11. Dense breast tissue
Women who have denser breast tissue and more glandular tissue and less fatty tissue, have a higher risk of developing of breast cancer.
12. Previous breast lump that had atypical change
A benign breast lump which showed atypical change called atypical hyperplasia increases the risk of developing breast cancer later in their life.
13. Overweight
Overweight and obese women have a higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to women who maintain a healthy weight in BMI index, especially after menopause.
14. Etc.
Factors that reduce the risk of breast cancer
1. Breast feeding
Researchers found that women who breast feeding their babies slightly lower risk of developing of breast cancer.
2. Early age at first full-term pregnancy:
Women who have their first full-term pregnancy at an early age slightly lower the risk of developing breast cancer later in life. Researchers found the women who have a first full-term pregnancy before age 20, the risk of developing breast cancer is about half that of women whose first full-term pregnancy occurs after the age of 30 and only limited to hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
3. Increasing number of births
The risk of breast cancer declines with the birth of number of children, Researchers found that Women who have given birth to five or more children have half the risk of women who have not given birth and only limited to hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
4. Preeclampsia
Women who have had pregnancy conditions of high blood pressure and protein in the urine develop after the 20th week may slightly decrease the risk of developing breast cancer. Researchers suggested that certain hormones and proteins associated with preeclampsia may affect the risk of breast cancer.
5. Longer duration of breastfeeding:
Researchers found that Breastfeeding for an extended period of over a year) reduces the risk of developing of breast cancer later in their life in both hormone receptor-positive and hormone receptor-negative breast cancer.
6. Drinking more Coffee
In a new study, published in the journal Breast Cancer Research, women who drink five cups of coffee a day or more can reduce the risk of getting certain types of breast cancer. (How many women can do that without developing nervous tension)
7. Etc.
Diagnosis
1. Clinical Breast Exam (CBE)
The purpose of the clinical breast examination (CBE) is to detect early breast abnormalities or evaluate patient reports of symptoms of breast cancers at an earlier stage for more more effective treatment. In most case, cancer caught in early stage can be cured completely. In U. S. the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommended that women between the age of 20 to 39 should have a CBE once every three years and women 40 and older to get CBE annually.
2. Mammograms
If you have any symptoms is mentioned above, the first test which your doctor order is a mammogram to screen and detect any breast tissue abnormally and any sign of tumor. mammograms can detect between 85 to 90 percent of all abnormalities, including breast cancer, cysts, fibroadenomas, tumors, etc. even before you can feel a lump.
3. Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical test that helps physicians diagnose the breast conditions of a patient by using powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses to produce detailed pictures of soft tissues and internal structures of the breast. It reveals different details about many breast conditions that cannot be obtained by mammography, ultrasound, etc.
4. Elastography
Elastography, a new technology for imaging breast tissue, is a non-invasive method used to detect or classify the stage of the tumors. In a study comparing ultrasound with breast elastography measurement, researchers found that breast elastography was highly effective in distinguishing benign from malignant breast tumor.
5. Ductal Lavage (Pap smear for the breast)
Ductal lavage also known as Pap smear for the breast, is one of fluid test used in addition to CBE and mammography to detect breast cancer by with drawing fluid which contains breast cells from the breast ducts with the use of a tiny catheter inserted into the nipple.
6. Breast Biopsy
In a breast biopsy, a very small tissue sample is extracted and examined under a microscope for the presence of cancer cells by using a medical instrument (fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), Core needle biopsy (CNB) and Stereotactic biopsy) or cutting out by a surgical procedure.
7. Etc.
Factors that influence treatment options
A. Stages of breast cancer
The stages of breast cancer are classified depending to
1. Size of the cancer
2. Invasive or not
3. whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes
4. whether the cancer has spread to the distance parts or organs of the body.
There are 4 stages of breast cancer in TNM rating (where T is referred for tumor size, N is referred for Lymph Node status, M is referred for invasive or not)
# T: Tumor Size is divided into four classes: T-1 is between 0 - 2 cms, T-2 is between 2 - 5 cms, T-3 is > 5cms, and T-4 is a tumor of any size growing into the chest wall or skin, including inflammatory breast cancer.
#N: No swollen nodes: N-0, some swelling but negative node (not cancerous): N-1a, swelling nodes and positive node (cancerous): N-1b, quite swollen and bunched together: N-2, quite swollen and near the collarbone:N-3.
# M: if no cancer cell is found: M-0, cancer cells found: M-1.
a. Stage 1T-1 tumor and clear lymph nodes with no evidence of spreading (M-0), or T-1N-0M-0.
b. Stage 2
Stage 2 is the combination of combination of T-1, T-2, or T-3 tumor, N-0. N-1a and N-1b but no spreading (M-0)
c. Stage 3
Stage 3 is the combination of all T or N but no spreading (M-0)
d. Stage 4
Stage 4 is the combination of T, N-1a, N-1b, N-2, N-3 and M-1
B. Hormone receptors sites and HER2 (Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2)
1. Hormone receptors
A hormone receptor is a receptor protein on the surface of a cell with the function of binding to a specific hormone in its interior. Estrogen receptors are that bind estrogen hormone and progesterone receptors are cells with the same.
Estrogen and progesterone receptor status tests
They are the tests to determine whether the tumor's growth is influenced by the hormones estrogen and/or progesterone by taking a sample of breast cancer tissue obtained during a biopsy.
a. Cancer with hormones sensitive is always slower growing
b. Reponses well to hormones suppression treatment
c. If there is negative found in both tests (ER- and PgR-), hormone suppression treatments are not required (tuomor is not driven by hormones). Further testings are required to determine the best options.
d.
# ER-0, PgR-0 is no estrogen and progesterone receptor found
#Er-1+, PgR-2+ small numbers of estrogen and progesterone receptors found accordingly
#ER-2+, PgR-2+ a medium numbers of estrogen and progesterone receptors found accordingly
# ER-3+, PgR-3+ large numbers of estrogen and progesterone receptors found accordingly.
2. Testing HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2)
About 30% of breast cancers are caused by over expression of its protein product or HER2.
If your cancer is no driven by either hormones estrogen or progesterone, you doctor my order the testing of HER2. HER2, a gene with function of signaling the growth and differentiation of cells. and a healthy breast has only 2 copies of the HER2 gene.
A test of HER 2 positive can be treat by the amplification of other genes and the use of the drug Herceptin, in combination with other chemotherapy drugs, otherwise your cancer is not caused by gene HER2.
a. IHC test
IHC is the most commonly used test ordered by your doctor to determine the number of HER2 receptor protein on the surface of the cancer cells done by a special staining process performed on fresh or frozen breast cancer tissue removed during biopsy.
*HER2-0 or HER2-1+ is considered HER2 negative
*HER2-2+ or HER2-3+ is considered HER2 positive.
b. FISH test (Fluorescence in situ hybridization test)
If the IHC test can not clearing provide results of the HER2 positive or negative then FISH will be required. FISH is considered more accurate to determine whether the cells have extra copies of the HER2 gene by vitalizing gene HER2 in breast cancer tissues removed during biopsy. HER2-positive or negative)
The main types of invasive and non invasive breast cancer
1. Invasive breast cancer
Invasive breast cancers grow by alternation of the DNA of the breast cells and either have a tendency to spread to the lymph nodes then to distant parts of the body or already do so. Most breast cancers are invasive.
Common types of invasive breast cancers include:
a. Infiltrating/Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
This is the most common type of breast cancer accounted for about three-quarter of all breast cancer, originated in the milk ducts, then spread out to nearby breast tissue including Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), Medullary carcinoma, Metaplastic breast cancer, Paget's disease of the nipple, Tubular carcinoma, etc.
b. Infiltrating/Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)
Lobular breast cancer is another common types of invasive breast cancers, originated in the glands or lobes, that has broken through the wall of the lobule and begun to invade the tissues of the breast. Infiltrating Lobular Carcinoma accounted for about ten percent of all breast cancer.
2. Non invasive breast cancer
Non invasive breast cancer is also known as carcinoma in situ of which breast cancer cells stay within the milk ducts or lobules in the breast.
a. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
DCIS is one the most common type of non-invasive breast cancer as it has tendency not to beyond the milk duct into surrounding breast tissue and treated differently than other types of invasive cancer. DCIS isn’t life-threatening, but it increases the risk of developing an invasive breast cancer in the future of the patient life.
b. Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)
LCIS, is another types of invasive breast cancer, originated from the abnormal cells growth in the breast lobules, but not spread to the surrounding breast tissues. Researchers found that 25 percent of patients who have LCIS will develop breast cancer at some point in the future.
Depending to your diagnosis, your breast cancer is ranked in stage and grade by your oncologist and radiologist and treatment will be suggested or given accordingly.
Phytoestrogen and breast cancer
Since there is controversy of phytoestrogen protects against or induces breast cancer, we would like you to read this research from The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2oo4
Prevention and after treatments
A. With Foods
1. Food with high amount of beta carotene
All yellow orange vegetables contains high amount of beta carotene, a precursor of vitamin A which can be stored in the liver. Researchers found that eating foods high in beta- carotene lowers the risk of breast cancer.
2. Food with high amount of Indole -3-carbinol
Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, turnips, brussel sprout, etc. contains high amount of indole -3-carbinol which inhibits the breast cancer promoting estrogens such as the 16-hydroxy- estradiol and 16-hydroxy-estrone.
3. Nuts and seeds
Most but and seeds contain high amount of linoleic acid which found to prevents and reduces the risk of breast cancer in some studies.
4. Foods contain high amount lycopene
Lycopene is a bright red carotene and carotenoid but no vitamin A activity pigment and phytochemical found in tomatoes and other red fruits and vegetables, such as red carrots, watermelons and papayas. Reseachers found that lycopene inhibits tumors cells. Eat cooked tomatoes reduces the risk of breast and prostate cancer.
5. Foods with high resveratrol
Drinking no more than 150 mg of red wine or eating red grape helps to reduce the risk of breast cancer due to high amount of resveratrol. Researchers found that resveratrol has the ability to prevent the estrogen process that leads to cancer by blocking the formation of the estrogen DNA abducts.
6. Food with high amount of Omega 3 fatty acid
Cold water fish such as salmon, tuna, etc and nuts and seeds such as walnut, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds contain high amount of Omega 3 fatty acid. Researchers found that omega-3 fatty acids not only combat breast cancer but also prevent the breast cancer from spreading to other issue or organs.
7. Food with high amount of anthocyanins
Cherries contain high amount of anthocyanins. In some studies, found that cherries inhibit colon cancer and breast cancer cells.
8. Food with amount of limonoids
Researcher found that the peel and white membrane of oranges, lemon, tangerine contain high amount of limonoid, a chemical compound showed inhibition of breast cancer in test tubes. Eat whole fruit oranges and tangerines.
9. Eating whole grains
Study showed that women who ate one serving a day of a cereal high in wheat bran reduces the risk of breast cancer by increasing intake of high levels of vitamin and mineral and reducing in take of artificial ingredients added in refine grain which promotes estrogen.
10. Avoid trans and saturated fat
Diet high in trans and saturated fats increase the production of bad estrogen that induces the risk of breast cancer.
11. Polyphenol Epigallocatechin-3 Gallate (EGCG)
Green tea contains high amount of EGCG, a compound has been known to inhibit breast cancer cells. A new study has elucidated the molecular mechanisms by which (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a compound found in green tea, exerts anti-cancer effects in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells.
12. Top your olive oil instead of high heat
Oil becomes trans fat in high heat increases the risk of breast cancer as mentioned above.
13. Diallyl trisulfide
Garlic and onion contain sunstance diallyl trisulfide that can suppress breast cancer cell invasion and metastasis.
14. Isoflavinoids
Soy caontains high amount of isoflavonoid which can block the more powerful estrogens from stimulating estrogen sensitive cancer cells by occupying the estrogen receptors in breast cells.
15. Lignan
Lignan also known as mammalian lignan in flaxseed is a chemical structural similarity to the natural estrogen, 17-Beta-estradiol which has a weak estrogenic or antiestrogenic properties to inhibit breast cancer cells.
16. Etc. Please read 100+ Healthy Foods Classification
B. With Antioxidants
Antioxidants reduce the risk of oxidation causes of tissues damage and mutation of DNA of cells which can cause breast cancer and recurrence of breast cancer by scavenging or stopping them before causing damage to the normal cells.
You can read more details of above at this link Antioxidants, Free Radicals, Cancers, Diseases
1. Lycopene
Lycopene found abundant in cooked tomatoes as a powerful antioxidants counterbalances the detrimental oxygen free radicals before they can damage cellular structures in the breast as well as other types of cancer.
2. Vitamin A
Vitamin A plays an important role as an antioxidant as it scavenges free radicals by preventing them to become cancerous. including breast tissues but vitamin A have had mixed results in treating cancer according to W. Byers, Ph.D., a professor of oncology and cell biology at Georgetown's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center as vitamin A may cause some breast cancer cells to form blood vessels brings up the rather disturbing notion that treatment with these drugs may actually stimulate tumor growth,..."
3. Vitamin C
As an antioxidant and water soluble vitamin, vitamin C can be easily carry in blood and operate in much of the part of body. By restoring vitamin E, vitamin A and E helps to fight against forming of free radicals by scavenging in inhibiting any cause of oxidation.
4 Vitamin E
It beside is important in protecting muscle weakness, repair damage tissues, lower blood pressure and inducing blood clotting in healing wound, etc, it also is one of powerful antioxidant, by moving into the fatty medium to prevent lipid peroxidation, resulting in lessening the risk of chain reactions by curtailing them before they can starts.
5. Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 enhances energy production by promoting the process of the production of ATP then serving as fuel for the cells and acts an antioxidant to prevent the generation of free radicals during this process, thus reducing the risk of breast cancer and other types of cancers.
g. Etc. Keladi Tikus is also known as Rodent Tuber, a genus of Typhonium in Araceae family native to Eeast Asian. The herb has been used in traditional herbal
medicine in treating cancer, including leukemia. Researcher Sheen Lai Choo from Malaysia Science Research Center found that compound Fitol in keladi tikus expresses apoptosis property by activating PPARy to causes cancer cells die by suicide (Apaptosis).
2. Eruca sativa
Eruca sativa is also known as Arugula herba genus of Eruca, belongs to the family Brassicaceae, native to Europe and western Asia and It is a type of cruciferous vegetable like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. Study showed that Eruca sativa promotes apoptosis, suppresses cell cycle progression and inhibits angiogenesis of human breast cancer cells.
3. Anethum graveolens (Dill) seeds
Anethum graveolens is also known as dill, a genus Anethum, belongs to the family Apiaceae. Monoterpenes, the substance of essential oil activates the secretion of glutathione-S-transferase is an anti carcinogens and carcinogens neutralizing agent.
4. Trifolium pratense
Trifolium pratense is best known as Red clover, a genus Trifolium, belongs to the family Fabaceae, native to Europe, Western Asia and northwest Africa. Researcher found that genistein inhibits of cancer cell growth, promotes apoptosis
5. Actaea racemosa
Actaea racemosa is also known as black cohosh, a genus Actaea, belongs to the family Ranunculaceae, native to eastern North America. researchers found that black cohosh can block cell growth, Rebbeck and colleagues note. The herb contaons high amount of antioxidanta, and has been shown to have anti-estrogen effects. Taking black cohosh may reduce the risk of breast cancer by more than 50 per cent, suggested by an epidemiological study from the United States.
6. Punica granatum essential oil
Punica granatum is also known as pomegranate, a genus Punica, belongs to family Lythraceae, native to native to the Iranian Plateau and the Himalayas in north Pakistan and Northern India. Researcher from the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology found that pomegranate essential oil triggers apoptosis, a self-destruct mechanism in breast cancer cells.
7. Etc.
Ban Zhi Lian
Ban Zhi Lian is also known as scutellaria. The bitter and cool herb has been used in TCM as diuretic and to treat tumors and cancer as it clears heat, expels toxins, eliminates stagnation, stops bleeding and calms pain by enhancing the functions of lung, liver, spleen, stomach and large intestine channels. In vitro study, essential oil extract of 200mg/ml of the herb possesses the effect of inhibiting the tissues of rectum cancer or colon cancer.
In lab tests of animals and breast-cancer cells, BZL101 caused apoptosis or cell death, researchers found.
2. Qing Hao
Qing Hao is also known as Worm Wood. The bitter and cold herb has been used in TCM as anti malaria agent and to trealupus, schistosomiasis as it disperses cold and dampness, expels wind and calms pain by enhancing the functions of kidney, liver and gallbladder channels.
Researchers found that qing hao elevates the calcium ions of leukemia white cells, triggering apoptosis, a self-destruct mechanism in cancer cells. A University of Washington study showed that qing hao selectively kills several cancer cell lines in the test tube.
3. Huang Lian
Huang Lian is also known as Figwortflower. The bitter and cool herb has been used in TCM to treat indigestion, diabetes, inflammation of intestine, diarrhea caused by bacterial infection, high fever, restlessness and insomnia, etc. as it clears heat, dries dampness, disperses fire and expels toxins by enhancing the functions of heart, large intestine, liver, and stomach channels.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) found that huang lian extract has been shown to induce apoptosis and to arrest cell growth by up-regulating Interferon beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha genes in breast cancer cells.
4. Yun Zhi
Yun Zhi is also known as Turkey Tail Mushroom. The sweet, bland and cold herb has been used in TCM as an antibiotic, anti-viral, and anti-tumor agent and to treat hepatitis B, tumors in the digestive system, respiratory system and in the cervix uteri as it clear heat and dampness, transforming phlegm and expels toxin by enhancing the functions of liver, spleen, lung channels.
Researchers found that Yun Zhi significantly improves survival rates and lifespan for gastric, esophageal, colorectal, breast and lung cancers.
5. Bai Hua She She Cao
Bai Hua She She Cao is also known as spreading hedyotis, The bitter, sweet and cold herb has been used in TCM as anti-bacteria, anti-inflammation, anti-tumor, anti-virus agent and to treat snakebite and enhances immune system as it clears heat, drains dampness, expels toxins and resolves abscesses by enhancing the functions of liver, stomach, large intestine channels.
The Sanjiv Kumar YADAV, Shao Chin LEE(Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore researcher results showed that the ethanol extract from Bai Hua She She Cao effectively evokes cancer cell apoptosis, possibly through burst-mediated caspase activation.
f. Etc.
Treatments
A. Types of treatments
Using skin, fat, and muscle of your upper back, on the side of your breast that was removed by tunnelling this tissue under your skin to the breast area with blood vessels will remain connected to the area where the tissue was taken off then made to the size and shape that match your other breast.
2.3. Side effects
a. Loss of sensation
b. Scar
c. Uneven breast size
d. Etc.
For More information of cancers, visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/p/cancers.html
For Other health articles, please visit my home page at
http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/
V. Stomach cancer
Stomach located between the esophagus and the small intestine, is a muscular, hollow and an important organ of the digestive tract.
Stomach cancer is defined as condition of abnormal growth of the mucus-producing cells ofthe inside lining of the stomach. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of stomach cancer.
Types of stomach cancer
1. Adenocarcinoma
If cancer arises from the glands in the mucosa
a. Superficial spreading
It is an early stage of the cancer and tend to be less aggressive or ulcer
b. Polyloid
Cancer grows in pattern like a polyp and is less aggressive.
c. Infiltrating
If cancer grows in infiltrating pattern into the stomach wall and more aggressive.
d. Linitis plastica
Cancer grows diffusivity throughout the whole wall of stomach
2. Lymphomas
Cancer of the lymphocytes originated from the stomach and behave much like lyphomas of the other parts of the body but adenocarcinoma
3.
Cancer originated from the connected tissue of the stomach behave much like sarcomas of the other parts of the body but adenocarcinoma
Symptom
Like many other cancer, in early stage of stomach cancer, there may not be any symptom. As the cancer progress, common symptoms include
1. Pain and/or discomfort in the stomach area
2. Unintentional weight loss
Any weight loss of over 10% unintentional should be a concern.
3. Mild ache in the upper part of the body
4. Loss of appetite
A common of all cancers
5. Loss of energy
6. Tiredness
7. Nausea and vomiting
8. Difficult swallowing
9. Vomiting blood or having blood in the stool
10. Feeling full or bloated after a small meal
11. Etc.
Causes and risk factor1. Age
Most stomach cancer found in adult at their fifty
2. Diet
Exposure to certain chemical carcinogens in the foods of first 20 years of life or over a prolonged period of time may increase the risk of stomach cancer.
3. Bacteria
Researchers found that people with stomach cancer also contains bacteria Heliocbacter polorii in their stomach.
4. Hydrochloric acid production
People with Low amount or no of hydrochloric acid produced by the stomach are at risk to develop stomach cancer
5. Long-term inflammation of the stomach
People who have conditions associated with long-term stomach inflammation are at slightly increased risk of stomach cancer.
6. Family history
The risk of stomach increase if one of the member of your direct family has it.
7. Smoking
May be caused certain cigarette carcinogens
8. Obesity
In a study of Overweight, obesity and gastric cancer risk: Results from a meta-analysis of cohort studies, researchers found that overweight and obesity are associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer. The strength of the association also increases with increasing BMI.
8. Etc.
Grades
The Grades of skin cancer are depending to the tendency of spreading. Low grade cancers usually grow more slowly and are less likely to spread while high grade cancer indicates
Stages
Stomach cancer is classified as 5 stages1. Stage 0,If the cancerous cell have not penetrated in deeper tissue but in the surface of the the inside lining of the stomach.
2. Stage I
In stage I, The cancerous cells are no longer in the surface but have invaded into deep the inside stomach lining but still completely inside the ovaries
a. Stage IA
The cancer is not ≤ 3 mm (1/8 inch) deep and ≤ 7 mm (1/4 inch) wide.
a.1. Stage IA1:
The spreading is not less than 3mm(1/8 inch) deep and & less than 7mm (1/4 inch) wide.
a.2. Stage IA2:
The invasion area is ≥ 3 mm but ≤ 5 mm (about 1/5 inch) deep and & less than 7 mm (about 1/4 inch) wide.b.
Stage IB:
The cancer in this stage have invaded the connective tissue, & less than 5mm (1/5 inch).
b.1. Stage IB1:
Cancer is 4 cm large (1 3/4 inches).
b.2. Stage IB2:
Cancer is ≥ 4 cm (1 3/4 inches) but & less than 5cm (1/5 inch)
3. Stage II
In stage II, the cancerous cells have spread to distant tissues, but is still within the skin layers.
4. Stage III
In this stage, cancerous cells has spread to the tissues immediately surrounding the layers.
5. Stage IVIn this stage, cancerous cells has spread to the tissues immediately outside of the layers to distant parts of the body.
Diagnosis and tests
After carefully recording your family history and physical exams to check for swollen lymph nodes, and any abnormality inside your stomach by a endoscope.
1. Endoscopy is thin, tube-like instrument with camera and light at the end to view your stomach by passing it through your mouth and esophagus to the stomach. spray anesthesia is
applied to the throat area.
2. Stomach biopsy
In stomach biopsy, samples of affected abnormal area are taken by a thin, tube-like instrument(endoscope) to examine under microscopy to review the stage of the cancer.
3. Barium meal (special X ray)
In this test, you require to drink a white liquid which will show up on the X ray to check for structural and motility abnormalities of the stomach
4. CT Scan (computerized tomography)
A CT scan generates a large series of two-dimensional X-ray images taken around a single axis of rotation, to create a three-dimensional picture of the inside of the body in details.The pictures are viewed by your doctor to see the extent of the tumors abnormalities, such as spreading of cancer to the nearby structure and lymph nodes. CT scan can only review the existence of cancer, but it can not tell it is a primary or secondary cancer.
5. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is one of many advanced technology used to visualize internal structures cross sectional imaging of your body used effectively in providing the better details of the metastasis of cancer in the lymph nodes and surrounding areas.
6. Etc.
Prevention
A. How to avoid
1. Avoid infection caused by H. pylori
Researchers found that people with stomach cancer also contains bacteria Heliocbacter polorii in their stomach by taking vitamin C, beta-carotene and others anti-bacteria andioxidants.
2. Reduce weight
In study of a meta-analysis of cohort studies, researchers found that overweight and obesity are associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer.
3. Execive alcohol drinking
Alcohol beside is best monwn for its cause of liver disease, it also can lead stomach cancer due prolonged period of buring sensation of its ingredients. In some studies, researchers found that 3.6% of all cancer cases and 3.5% of cancer deaths worldwide are attributable to consumption of alcohol, including stomach cancer.
4. Quit smoking
In a A Taiwanese study concluded, "…cigarette smoking may play the most harmful role in the initial development of gastric cancer, and that drinking alcohol may promote the process."
May be it is caused certain cigarette carcinogens.
5. Avoid intake high amount of smoked or spicy foods
In a study of Smoked food and cancer, reseacher mentioned that moking is a well-known source of food contaminated caused by carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Epidemiological studies indicates a statistical correlation between the increased occurrence of cancer of the intestinal tract and the frequent intake of smoked foods.
6. Using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
In experimental and epidemiologic (nonrandomized) studies, along with randomized clinical trials, have shown that NSAIDs may have a prophylactic effect against certain cancers.
7. Eating organic healthy foods are always helpful in preventing long-term stomach inflammation
8. Etc.
B. Diet
1. Eat less red meat and fat
In anRed-meat lovers may have a greater likelihood of developing certain cancers of the throat and stomach than people who limit their intake of steaks and hamburgers, a new study suggests.
2. Low-Sodium Foods
In a newly published public health study, which appears in the current issue of the British Journal of Cancer, researchers found that there appears to strongly link excess salt consumption with an increased risk of developing stomach cancer.
3. Green tea
In some clinical studies researchers suggested that the polyphenols in green tea, may play an important role in the prevention of cancer by killing cancerous cells and stopping their progression.
4. Cruciferous vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, etc. beside contain high amount of antioxidants, but also phytonutrients that have been shown to help prevent the onset and halt the progression of certain cancers.
5. Mediterranean diet
A new study published on Dec 9 in the online journal American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has associated use of Mediterranean diet with a lower risk of stomach or gastric cancer.
6. Etc.
C. Nutritional supplements
1. Vitamin A, C, E
Vitamin A, C, E are free radical scavengers enhanced the immune system against the forming of free radicals and prevent the alternation of cell DNA cause of abnormal cell growth. For more information of how antioxidants help to treat cancer, click here
2. Beta- carotene and vitamin C
In some laboratory, animal, and human studies, researchers found that vitamin A, certain retinoids may also inhibit cancer development. In a study by Orleans, of more than 600 people from an area of South America found that people who took the three-drug combination alone or in combination with vitamin C and/or beta carotene were three to five times more likely than people who received no treatment to have a reduction in the size of precancerous stomach abnormalities. People in the study who received only antioxidant vitamins -- either vitamin C and beta-carotene alone or together -- also showed improvement.
3. Selenium
Research showed that selenium has a protective effect on various stages of cancer, including both the early and later stages of the disease. In a study in large groups of people, researchers found that in areas of the world where selenium levels in the soil are high, death rates from cancer are significantly lower than in areas where selenium levels are low.
4. Lycopene
Many studies showed that antioxidant lycopene in tomato inhibits cancer cell growth and exhibit apoptosis, causing cell death.
5. Indole-3-carbinol
Cabbage, a curciferous vegetables contains high amount of indole-3-carbinol, a chemical which boosts DNA repair in cells and appears to block the growth of cancer cells.
6. Etc.
For healthy foods diet you are directed to my previous 100+ healthy food list for in-depth information
Treatments
A. Conventional medicine
1. Surgery (either partial or total gastrotrectomy)
Depending to the extend of cancer, stage, grade and location, surgery can be either partial ( only part of stomach is removed) or total.
1. Total gastrectomy if cancer located at the upper part of the stomach
The surgeon removes the entire stomach, nearby lymph nodes, parts of the esophagus and small intestine, and other tissues near the tumor. sometime depending to the extend of the cancer, the spleen also may be removed. The surgeon then connects the esophagus directly to the small intestine.
2. Subtotal (Partial) gastrectomy if cancer located at the lower part of the stomach
The surgeon removes the lower part of the stomach with the cancer. The surgeon attaches the remaining part of the stomach to the intestine. Nearby lymph nodes and other tissues may also be removed. The greatest risk of stomach surgery is malnutrition caused by decreased appetite and inability to digest food, causing food to move into the small intestine faster than normal, that can lead lead to gastric dumping syndrome.
2. Adjuvant therapy
In case cancer is completely removed but to prevent the recurrence, radiotherapy and chemotherapy with drugs such as 5-flourouracil and leuccovorin) may be used to kill any remaining cancer cells.
3. Chemotherapy
a. Chemotherapy is most use to treat with advance stage of stomach cancer, as it has spread to a distant parts of the body by using drugs taken by mouth or injected into a vein or muscle of the patient to stop the growth of or to kill cancer cells.
b. Side effects
b.1. Nausea
b.2. Vomiting
b.3. Hair loss
b.4. Fatigue
b.5. Anemia
b.6. Mouth sores taste and smell changes
b.7. Infection
b.8. Etc.
4. Radiotherapy
a. By using high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation, radiation therapy kills lung cancer cells and keep them from growing or regrowing. Depending to stage, grade and location of the affected area. Radiotherapy in stomach cancer is only helpful in case cancer can not remove fully and is causing prolonged bleeding.
b. Side effects
b.1.. Fatigue
b.2. Chest pain
b.3. Heart problem
b.4. Short of breath
b.5. Skin discoloration or pinkness, irritation.
b.6. Etc.
5. Etc.
B. Herbal medicine
1. Fenugreek
Fenugreek is used both as a herb (the leaves) and as a spice (the seed), genus Trigonella, belonging to family Fabaceae. Vitro studies have shown that fenugreek exhibits chemopreventive properties against certain cancers.
2. Asparagus Cochinchinensis
In vitro studies researchers found that curcumin acts as a weak phytoestrogen, exhibits neuroprotective, antiproliferative and preventative effects against cancer.
3. Allium sativum,
An analysis of several case-controlled studies in Europe suggests an inverse association between garlic consumption and risk of common cancers.
4. Leaves of Camellia sinensis
In some clinical studies researchers suggested that the polyphenols in green tea, may play an important role in the prevention of cancer by killing cancerous cells and stopping their progression.
5. Allium tuberosum
In a study of A Pilot Study on Anticancer Activities of Chinese Leek researchers found that Chinese leek extract inhibited cancer cell growth and induced apoptosis in vitro. Oral administration of leek extract significantly reduced lung metastases in the present animal model.
6. Etc.
C. Traditional Chinese medicine
1. Gan Cao
Gan Cao is also known as Licorice root. In-vitro, researchers found that saponins in Gan Cao stimulate the immune system and inhibit Epstein-Barr virus expression and possess anti-cancer activities.
2. Ling Zhi
Ling Zhi one of many herbs, has been used over thousands of year in treating abnormal cells growth in traditional Chinese and herbal medicine. In a study , researcher found that cancer cells responded to the herb much in the same way as they would react to chemotherapy drugs. Yet unlike chemotherapy drugs, which can also be toxic to healthy cells, herbal extracts were more deadly to cancer cells than to normal cells, indicating that they have some ability to specifically target cancer.
3. Ban Zhi Lian
In a recent study results suggest that ginger, tea, and a Chinese herb called Scutellaria barbata or Ban Zhi Lian could all help to prevent cancer.
4. Qing hao
Qing hao is also known as wormwood. In a study, researcher at the University of Washington researcher found that wormwood can be used as a promising potential treatment for cancer among the ancient arts of Chinese folk medicine.
5. Bai Hua She She Cao
The Sanjiv Kumar YADAV, Shao Chin LEE(Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore researcher results showed that the ethanol extract from Bai Hua She She Cao effectively evokes cancer cell apoptosis, possibly through burst-mediated caspase activation.
6. Etc.
For More information of cancers, visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/p/cancers.html
For Other health articles, please visit my home page at
http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/
Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9883401
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