What Is an Oligodendroglioma?
At the age of 6, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. It is most commonly found in adults, so perhaps that means I am mature, but likely it only indicates a lack of fortune.
oligodendrogliomas is a type of tumor that is thought to originate the oligodendrogliomas in the brain. Most of the time oligodendrogliomas occur in adults; only four percent of them occur in children. On average, patients diagnosed with them are about 35 years old.
oligodendrogliomas originate from an unknown source at this time. Some studies have shown a link to a viral cause while others have found a genetic cause. More than likely, both are causes.
There is no way to tell if a tumor is an oligodendrogliomasa aside from taking a biopsy. They often take a shape similar to a fried egg and sort of wrap around healthy cells. This can lead to headaches, dizziness, and seizures. Since oligodendrogliomas can occur anywhere in the brain, they can ultimately have a number of different symptoms associated with them. For instance, visual loss, motor problems, and even cognitive difficulties can result depending on the location of the tumor.
Many experts believe that oligodendrogliomas are ultimately incurable. They tend to be slow growing and are difficult to remove completely and so recurrence is almost certain. Depending on the "grade" of the tumor, victims typically live anywhere from 3-12 years (although I have made it almost 30). Of course this range is only semi-accurate as severity of the tumor, type of treatment, general health at the time of diagnosis, etc., all have a significant impact on the survival rate of oligodendrogliomas and any type of cancer for that matter.
There are a number of different approaches to dealing with oligodendrogliomas including:
1. Surgery- obviously one way to remove any tumor is to surgically excise it. This may be a particularly important approach when the tumor is directly affecting particular brain structures.
2. Radiation therapy- this may be done in addition to surgery or as a standalone treatment to destroy the tumor cells. However, it can also damage healthy tissue.
3. Chemotherapy- this is a natural approach to any tumor because it can be effective at killing off tumor cells, but it often also brings harsh side effects.
4. Stereotactic Surgery- this is a relatively recent approach that allows doctors to "target" cells three dimensionally and essentially "shoot" them with radiation. That way only the bad cells are affected, unlike with radiation.
Tags : What is an Oligodendroglioma?, Oligodendroglioma, Brain Cancer
Related Post :
Read More >>
Labels
- Asbestos (3)
- Asbestos Cancer Mesothelioma (4)
- Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma (1)
- Asbestos Lawyers (1)
- Asbestos Settlements (1)
- Brain Cancer (1)
- Cancer (4)
- Lung Cancer (1)
- Melanoma (1)
- Mesothelioma (9)
- Mesothelioma Lawyers (2)
- Mesothelioma Settlements Today (1)
- Skin Acne (3)
- Skin Cancer (3)
- The History of Asbestos (1)
My Visitor
What Is an Oligodendroglioma?
Posted by Chanchandrue at 11:53 PM 0 comments
What Are Asbestos Settlements?
What Are Asbestos Settlements?
Since bringing to the fore of the health hazard constituted by asbestos beginning in the late 1960's, there had been so many cases of asbestos settlements in the United States and in fact in the whole of the western world. Some cases has led to victims been compensated while in some cases the verdict was against the victims. And still in some case the verdicts had been challenged and later overturned.
Exposure to asbestos has been proved to be the primary cause of a vast number of deadly diseases and these include cancer. The material had been used frequently in building because of its thermal and insulation properties but has also be scientifically proven carcinogenic in nature which means long time exposure to it results in dire consequences for the victims.
Helping the victim of exposure related with money to cover medical expenses was the sole purpose of asbestos settlements. It is also meant to cater for incapacity benefit, that is, compensation for the loss of income over the years. However, over the years, there has been numerous allegations of it been turned into a full-fledged enterprise where the attorneys are the big winners since they get a part of the settlement fees as reward for fighting the different cases.
There is no specific formula for estimating the valuation of a settlement as there are a lot of factors to consider carefully before the final verdict and these could be very difficult since some of the factors are subjective rather than quantifiable. Questions like age when exposed? How long the exposure was for? What is the victim's potential earning capacity? Settlements worth billions have been given in asbestos lawsuits settlements worth billions more are pending in various courts worldwide.
It is therefore, imperative to acquire the services of an experience team of attorneys who can perform the investigative stage perfectly and compile evidences in a compelling manner so as to help the court reach a verdict as quickly as possible. Without this aspect done correctly, you've got a no-case. So try to choose wisely and you and your family will smile in the end.
Tags : What Are Asbestos Settlements, Asbestos, Asbestos Sttlements
Related Post :
Read More >>
Posted by Chanchandrue at 11:46 PM 0 comments
Metastatic Lung Cancer Affects Other Body Parts
Metastatic Lung Cancer Affects Other Body Parts
Lung cancer is strongly related to smoking. Cigarette smoke contains over 4000 chemicals, of which 43 are carcinogenic (cancer-causing). These carcinogenic compounds include carbon monoxide, tar, nicotine, arsenic, formaldehyde, etc. Other causes of the disease include radon gas, asbestos, particulate matter, and viruses. Nicotine is highly addictive, thus it can be difficult for smokers to quit their unhealthy habit, even after they are diagnosed with the disease. It becomes even worse because once a smoker has the disease, his or her remaining lifetime will be significantly short, because the survival rate of this cancer is lower than that of other cancers. The cancerous cells can also spread at a faster rate to other parts of body. And even if they don't, a sufferer will still experience breathing problems.
In most cases, metastatic lung cancer affects the liver, brains, adrenal glands and bones. To determine the extent of the cancer spread can be determined using an assessment technique known as lung cancer staging. Staging varies for the two types of the cancer, namely the Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (SCLC) and the Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (NSCLC).
The SCLC staging can be classified as either limited stage or extensive stage. In the limited stage, the tumor is found in one lung or only in the lymph nodes of that lung. In the extensive stage, the tumor has spread into both lungs or other organs in the body. When the cancer has reached the latter stage, chemotherapy is usually the preferred treatment. However, the NSCLC is the most widely used staging scheme. It is divided into four stages, with stage 1 being the mildest form, and stage 4 being the most severe form. NSCLCs can also be categorized into 3 subgroups, namely adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type, accounting for 40% of all NSCLC cases. It is also the most common type of lung cancer found in non-smokers ("never-smokers").
Whether the lung cancer affects other body parts or not would depend on the cancer cell metastasis. To determine whether it has metastatized or not, doctors would use diagnostic techniques such as conventional chest radiography, computerized tomography (CT) scanning, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) scanning. Based on the test results, your doctor can determine the best treatment for you. Treatment options include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted drug therapy. However, metastatic lung cancer is very difficult to treat, because the cells have spread into various parts of the body. To treat this disease, each and every cell needs to be removed, and this is not an easy thing to do.
Tags : Metastatic Lung Cancer Affects Other Body Parts, Lung Cancer, Cancer
Related Post :
Read More >>
Posted by Chanchandrue at 11:34 PM 0 comments
Tips to Prevent Skin Cancer
Tips to Prevent Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is one of the common types of cancer. Over one million new cases can be found annually. Like any other cancers, it can only be treated but with intense medical therapies and medication. Nobody wants to suffer from cancer. Therefore, it is better to prevent than to treat.
Excessive sun exposure is one of main reasons of Skin cancer. Although early morning sunlight is beneficial because it contains Vitamin D, you should avoid sun exposure as much as you can. But of course people cannot just stay indoors and avoid going out at all. People need to do some of their activities outdoors sometimes. Below are some helpful tips for preventing Skin cancer.
1. Reduce sun exposure as much as possible, especially between 10 am - 4 pm, when UV levels are high. If you have to go out, you can choose to wear clothes that can cover your limbs such as long-sleeved shirts or accessories like scarf to cover your neck and shoulders. You can also wear gloves and socks while you are riding on bike or motorcycle. You can also keep yourself from sun exposure by staying under shade.
2. Before going out, apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher on your parts of body that will be exposed to the sun, including your ears and neck. Also apply lip balm with SPF regularly to protect your lips from harmful sun rays and dryness. Wear UV protective sun glasses to protect your eyes.
3. Antioxidants protect your body from free radicals, which are substances that can cause cancer. You should consume fresh fruit and vegetables regularly as they are good sources of antioxidants. Avoid foods that contain too much salt and fat. Whenever possible, buy organic fruits and vegetables as well as eggs, meats and dairy products, as they are free from harmful chemical substances and better for your body.
4. Go for a monthly skin check up. If you are using skin medications and you often have to go outdoors, you should consult your doctor. Ask your doctor if your medications can react negatively to sunlight.
5. Early detection of cancer is important as well. There are many symptoms of Skin cancer, such as abnormal growth (moles or lumps) and skin discoloration. If you notice some of these symptoms, you should see a specialist immediately. There is a better chance of getting rid of Skin cancer when it is still on its early stages.
Tags : Tips to Prevent Skin Cancer, Skin Cancer
Related Post :
Read More >>
Posted by Chanchandrue at 9:30 PM 0 comments
Skin Cancer - Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Skin Cancer - Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
In the United States, Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) accounts for 90 percent of all skin cancers in the southern states, and 47 percent in the northern states. Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer in Australia and New Zealand, representing 70-80% of diagnosed skin cancer. Occurrence of Basal Cell Carcinoma mainly occurs on the head and neck. It occurs less often in Asians and rarely among darker skinned races. As with all skin cancer the risk is considered to be related to sun exposure. The positive about Basal Cell Carcinoma is that it is slow-growing and rarely metastasizes throughout the body. However, it is locally destructive and can invade neighboring bone and nerve tissue.
Description - BCC is a malignant epithelial cell tumor that begins as a papule (a small, circumscribed, solid elevation of the skin) and enlarges peripherally, developing into a crater that erodes, crusts and bleeds. BCC originates in the basal layer of the epidermis, the lowest layer of skin.
Signs and Symptoms of Basal Cell Carcinoma - There are five typical characteristics of Basal Cell Carcinoma that are quite different from each other. Two or more features are frequently present in one tumor. BCC sometimes resembles non-cancerous skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema and requires diagnosis by a trained person. The five warning signs of Basal Cell Carcinoma are:
1. An open sore that bleeds, oozes or crusts, and remains open for three or more weeks. A persistent, non-healing sore is a very common early manifestation.
2. A reddish patch or an irritated area, frequently occurring on the chest, shoulders, arms or legs. Sometimes the patch crusts. It may also itch or hurt. At other times, it persists with no noticeable discomfort.
3. A smooth growth with an elevated, rolled border and an indentation in the centre. As the growth slowly enlarges, tiny blood vessels may develop on the surface (telangiectases).
4. A shiny bump (nodule) that is pearly or translucent and is often pink, red or white. The nodule can also be tan, black or brown, especially in dark-haired people, and can be confused with a mole or melanoma.
5. A scar-like area (white, yellow, or waxy in appearance) which often has poorly defined borders. The skin itself appears shiny or taut. Although a less frequent sign, it can indicate the presence of a more aggressive tumor.
Diagnosis of Basal Cell Carcinoma - Diagnosis is almost always by biopsy. Tissue is cut away from the site and examined under a microscope.
Medical Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma - Allopathic treatment depends on the size and type of tumor. There are various types of surgery or non-surgical treatments chosen from.
Non-surgical treatment of BCC - Allopathic non-surgical treatments have low success rates.
* Topical application of 5-fluorouracil for 2 to 12 weeks is only beneficial for superficial BCC. Fluorouracil is used to prevent excess cell proliferation as found in skin cancer and psoriasis. It prevents the formation of RNA which in turn prevents the formation of DNA.
* Imiquinoid cream -currently the use of Imiquinoid cream is considered experimental. It is an immune response modifier that stimulates the immune system to release cytokines that destroy cancer cells. Treatment causes significant skin irritation. Not all types of BCC are affected.
* Ionizing radiation: Superficial x-ray. It results in radiation damage, therefore it is used more with older patients. Impaired immune function and general malaise also usually results. Used for facial BCC and appears less effective for BCC occurring elsewhere.
Surgical Removal of BCC - Surgery is the most studied, and most used treatment for removal of a BCC in allopathic medicine. The effectiveness of surgery depends very much on the skill of the surgeon. Various surgical methods:
* Electrodessication and Curettage - the BCC is burned and removed with a scalpel. The main disadvantage of this method is that the tumor often tracks down hair follicles. (9)
* Cryosurgery - liquid nitrogen to freeze burn the BCC.
* Excision surgery- the BCC is cut from the skin with a scalpel. To increase the likelihood of complete removal of the tumor, a portion of normal-appearing skin surrounding the BCC is removed.
* Microscopic or MOHS surgery - the BCC is cut from the skin, along with some of the healthy surrounding tissue. This is examined under a microscope to check for any remaining cancer cells. Tissue is then taken in increments of thin layers of skin, until no more cancer cells are detected. Mohs is the most effective allopathic medical treatment (99% cure rate for primary BCC, 90-95% for recurrent BCC).
* Laser surgery. Lasers are also used as a secondary therapy when topical medications or other techniques are unsuccessful.
Recurrence of BCC - Once a Basal Cell Carcinoma has been removed, another growth can develop in the same place or nearby area. It has been found that 36% of people who develop a Basal Cell Carcinoma will develop a secondary primary BCC within the next 5 years. Radiotherapy can result in more aggressive and invasive cells in a recurrent BCC.
Effective Alternative Treatments - Allopathic medicine is often successful in completely removing BCC's but obviously also often fails, given the high number of recurrences suffered by many people with repeat visits to the doctor and then specialist. These treatments don't always work as well as expected or hoped.
Tags : Skin Cancer, Skin Cancer - Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Basl Cell Carcinoma
Related Post :
Read More >>
Posted by Chanchandrue at 9:13 PM 2 comments
Skin Cancer - Melanoma
Skin Cancer - Melanoma
Malignant melanoma is the rarest and most deadly form of skin cancer. It affects the melanocytes (the cells that produce melanin, the skin's pigment) and seems to be more prevalent among city-dwellers than among those who work outside. This seeming paradox is because scientific data indicates that episodic sun exposure resulting in burn is linked to melanoma, but constant exposure is not.
Melanoma does not necessarily occur in sun-exposed areas of the body which contributes to the belief that it is linked to brief, intense periods of sun exposure and a history of severe sunburn in childhood or adolescence.
Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that metastasizes easily making it often fatal if not treated early enough. Bear in mind, however, that all statistics of melanoma come from tissue that has been examined after some form of excisional treatment or biopsy. Melanoma becomes more common with increasing age but it still appears in younger people.
A melanoma can develop in any area of the skin or from an existing mole. A typical melanoma appears as a small darkened area of skin similar in appearance to a mole. It is recognisable as being different to a mole in four different ways known as the ABCDE of melanoma: Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving.
Asymmetry: Most early melanomas are asymmetrical: a line through the middle would not create matching halves. Common moles are round and symmetrical.
Border: The edges of melanomas are often uneven and may have scalloped, notched, or blurred edges. A mole has a smooth, well-defined edge.
Color: The pigmentation of a melanoma is often not uniform, with more than one shade of brown, tan, or black. Moles are usually a single shade of brown
Diameter: A melanoma is usually larger than a mole, continues to grow and is often at least the size of a pencil eraser (about 6mm, or 1/4 inch, in diameter).
Evolving: Change in size, shape and color shade.
Types of Melanoma
Melanomas are described according to their appearance and behavior. Those that start off as flat patches (i.e. have a horizontal growth phase) include:
Melanoma skin cancers tend to grow slowly, but at any time, they may begin to thicken or develop a nodule. When this happens they progress to a vertical growth phase.
Melanomas that grow quickly, involving deeper tissues, include:
Treatment of Melanoma
Usual protocol for the treatment of melanoma is:
Biopsy to confirm.
Surgical removal with wide margins encompassing healthy tissue to ensure complete removal.
Surgical removal of lymph nodes if their involvement is suspected.
There are natural options. I have used them and seen them used on many people. The natural treatment of melanoma and other skin cancer is viable and effective. I have written a book outlining my experiences of using a herbal paste with bloodroot as one of the main ingredients. I do not sell a product, I merely present the information so that people have a source of information and can be self-informed enough to have the confidence to make their own decision.
Tags : Cancer, Skin Cancer - Melanoma, Skin Cancer
Related Post :
Read More >>
Posted by Chanchandrue at 8:55 PM 0 comments
Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma
Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma - If you have watched television at some point in the past few months, then I am sure that you have seen the many commercials soliciting those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. These commercials are for legal services and target people who have been recently diagnosed with mesothelioma through an exposure to asbestos. So, maybe you have wondered what mesothelioma is and what the issues are surrounding it. It is simply another form of cancerMost of those who get diagnosed do not realize that they have it until it's too late because this form of cancer can go undetected for decades and can even be caused by just one incident in which one was exposed to asbestos. I have heard of cases were 20 years had passed since being exposed to asbestos to when mesothelioma was diagnosed.
Some people make the mistake of connecting mesothelioma to lung cancer. However, these two diseases are completely different. Mesothelioma develops around the lining that protects the body's organs, which is known as the mesothelium. It is often found around the lining of the lungs, which is why it is mistaken for lung cancer.
So, how does mesothelioma develop? It is primarily caused from asbestos. In most cases, people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos at various job sites in the construction or mining industry. However, you will find that asbestos can be found in your everyday household items. These levels of asbestos cannot be compared to what can be found in the job related sites and are not significant enough to cause any damage. Asbestos has been around for over 100 years and is used in many items that you would not even consider. The issue is when the amount of asbestos is beyond the normal safety limits.
Because there may not be any noticeable symptoms or the symptoms can be mistaken for other ailments, mesothelioma can take awhile to be detected. However, the common symptoms include unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, and pain around your chest area. If you notice any symptoms, you should ensure that you speaks to a medical professional as soon as possible. Unfortunately, there have not been any great advancements in technology to help support proper care and treatment for those with mesothelioma. However, the government has supported many laws to ensure that jobs sites minimize exposure as much as possible, including code violations and fines for any violations since the mid 1900s.
Tags : Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma, Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma
Related Post :
Read More >>
Posted by Chanchandrue at 9:13 PM 0 comments