What is Aplastic Anemia?

By David Austin

Aplastic anemia is a condition that can have a significantly negative effect on the cells in a human body. Even if the illness is considered to be a rare one, thousands of individuals are still diagnosed every year worldwide. A number of treatment options are available for patients with this disease; however, there are cases when the body does not respond positively to the treatment - these are the cases when the disease can lead to life-threatening situations.

Every human body has platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells traveling through its bloodstream at any given time; all of these cells are responsible for ensuring that the body's functions are carried out properly. The bone marrow (which is the spongy material located in the center of the bones) is where these cells are produced. The bone marrow is responsible for keeping the blood cells healthy and producing at a rate which the body requires; when a person is diagnosed with this disease, it means that their body is not producing the blood cells in the rate that is needed for the body to keep functioning in a healthy way.

Details of Aplastic Anemia

A lot of people are wondering how is different from other types of blood cancer, such as leukemia. The fact of the matter is that these cancers are all related in some way, with every single one of them attacking the human body's blood. More serious cases have a way of eventually developing into full-blown leukemia.

When an individual's blood level does not have adequate amounts of red blood cells, aplastic anemia occurs. These red blood cells are essential in making sure that oxygen is carried through the different parts of the body. Without these cells (and as a result, without the adequate amounts of oxygen carried throughout the body), it is not possible for a person not to feel fatigue and dizziness on a regular basis. A person who is positively diagnosed has bone marrow that has ceased to  the produce adequate amounts of new blood cells; these also includes white blood cells, which are needed for the body to properly fight infection. Any problems in the bone marrow will also have an effect on the platelets, which may result in improper blood clotting or excessive bleeding.

Aplastic Anemia Causes

Studies show that less than 1,000 people are diagnosed with this disease in the United States every year. The exact cause of this affliction still remains a mystery, even though it is not a common disease and is made up of a group of similarly-related conditions. Recent studies show, however, that there is a link between the development and an individual's exposure to the toxic chemical benzene, a known carcinogen present in cigarettes and in gasoline.

When the bone marrow becomes further damaged by another form of cancer, a secondary  form of the disease occurs. Some of the factors that are believed to be linked in the development of this secondary form are pregnancy, certain prescription drugs and chemotherapy.

Treatment of the Disease

Physicians will choose the treatment option best for the patient based on the severity of the illness and the time when the diagnosis was made. Mild cases of the affliction would involve blood transfusions, bone marrow transplants and specific medications, as these are considered to be the best options available. Experts are continuously doing research on aplastic anemia, in hopes of learning something new to eventually help lessen the number of those being afflicted with the condition.

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Anel Fissure

Anal Fissure - The Tearing of Anus Lining

By Jennifer Rey Stone

Anal fissure may sound like the name of some flora-fauna but it is actually a medical term for the small split or tear in the thin moist tissue lining the anus (lower rectum). This fissure is also known as fissure-in-ano and it can cause pain, bleeding and itching.

Anal fissures are common in infants and its rate decreases gradually with school-aged children and adults. In adults, it may be caused by constipation, the passing of large, hard stools, or by prolonged diarrhea. In older adults, anal fissures may be caused by decreased blood flow to the area. Anal fissures are also common in women after childbirth and persons with Crohn's disease. Other causes may be digital insertion (during examination), foreign body insertion, or anal intercourse, health conditions such as Vitamin B-6 deficiency, abdominal pain, fever, weight loss, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes bloody diarrhea, syphilis, a suppressed immune system, tuberculosis, HIV infection, anal cancer. A low fiber diet may also contribute to the development of a fissure.

The fistula symptoms are sharp, burning pain during bowel movements, malodorous discharge, constipation or crack in the skin in the middle when the area is stretched and bleeding. This blood is separate from the stool. Blood mixed with the stool indicates some other conditions (like colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease).

Generally, anal fissures heal themselves and do not need treatment, aside from good diaper hygiene in babies. Usually home care methods are successful like, avoiding constipation by high fiber diet and substances that absorb water while in the intestinal tract, more fluid intake, using stool softeners, cleansing gently, sitz bath (soaking anal area in plain warm water), muscle relaxants applied to the skin, numbing cream, if pain interferes with normal bowel movement, petroleum jelly applied to the area and avoiding sharp, hard-to-digest foods.

Usually, acute fistula symptoms take few days or weeks while chronic anal fissure may take more than 6 weeks, by the home treatment method. Natural anal fissure treatment prevents bleeding and helps to heal damaged tissue. When it does not prove to be successful, it is re-examined by a rectal exam and a sample of the rectal (anal) tissue. The treatments may be Botox injections into muscle in the anus (anal sphincter) or a minor surgery to relax the anal muscle.

As goes the saying, prevention is better than cure, it is wise to be aware of the pointers which can prevent anal fissures at any age. Keeping the anal area dry, wiping with soft materials or a moistened cloth or cotton pad, promptly treating any constipation or diarrhea and avoiding irritating the rectum are some of the prevention techniques. Children's diapers should be changed frequently to prevent anal fissures in infants.

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Facts About Prostate Cancer

Certain Facts About Prostate Cancer

By Sooraj Surendran

Most commonly found non-skin cancer among the humans is the prostate cancer. The probability of a man getting prostate cancer is 33% more than a female getting breast cancer. Prostate cancer commonly occurs in males above the age of 60. Only a few cases of prostate cancer are reported among younger males. This is one such disease which is related to age. Statistics shows that this disease is affecting more and more men like a plague. More than 200,000 cases are reported annually in United States itself. Many die of this disease without getting proper treatment at proper time. A new case of prostate cancer is being reported in every two-and-half minutes.

The prostate gland is found in males behind their pubic bone. It is a sex gland and it is of the size of a walnut. It is located at the lower part of the bladder. It encompasses the urinary tract coming out of the bladder. It produces a thick fluid to provide nourishment for the sperms and also helps with the ejaculation of the sperms. The growth pattern of this gland is different from that of others. At the time of birth, the prostate will only be the size of a peanut and this will become the size of a walnut at the age of 20. Then the growth stops until the age of 45 and after that it increases in size again. This variation in its growth pattern is one of the causes for the occurrence of cancer at an older age.

Prostate cancer in its initial stages is called Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy. Malignant tumor has the capacity to invade other cells and destroy them. A benign tumor does not spread out, but will cause damage to the tissue it has attacked. The abnormal cells in prostate will grow out of control to form small bumps and nodules on the surface of the prostate gland. If not treated properly at this stage the disease will escalate to become malignant and can be called Prostate cancer.

The occurrence of cancer can be recognized by conducting a PSA test and rectal examination. Though it is commonly occurring in males above the age of 65, it is recommended that such tests be taken from the age of 50 itself. Some of the common symptoms of this disease are not being able to urinate, difficulty in starting the urination, weak flow of urine, pain etc.

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Tattoo Ink Cause Skin Cancer

Can Tattoo Inks Cause Skin Cancer?

By Richard Miles

It seems today most people obtaining tattoos are more concerned about the quality of the tattoo and the effect of aging altering the tattoo, than any potential long term health risks. The health dangers associated with being injected by hundreds of needles into the dermis or the inner layer of the skin are widely publicised and most tattoo artists take these issues very seriously. We have all heard about Aids and Hep C, but are you aware of the current debate on the possible skin cancer risks associated with tattoo inks?

Recent years have seen an increase in stories associated with the potential of getting skin cancer from tattoo inks. Limited studies taken to date have not confirmed a direct link between cancer and tattoo inks..

Phthalates and other chemical ingredients used in tattoo inks have raised questions about the long term risks on our health such as skin cancer.It has been reported that some forms of phthalates are believed to have the potential to disrupt testosterone or mimic estrogen. Phthalate exposure has been identified to possible sperm defects and altered thyroid hormones. The phthalates in tattoo inks are believed to be cleared from the body within hours unlike many other forms of phthalate exposure. A study reported that Phthalates applied to the skin in a lotion were absorbed and metabolised and the same thing is likely to happen with the phthalates in tattoo inks. It would be well advised for pregnant and nursing women to avoid any exposure to phthalates.

Injecting tattoo inks, containing exogenous pigments, into the dermis creates a unique situation, due to the large amount of metallic salts and organic dyes remain in the skin for a lifetime. The potential carcinogenic risks of tattoo inks remain debatable. Several studies have identified the presence of potential carcinogenic or procarcinogenic products in tattoo inks.One chemical commonly used in black tattoo ink called benzo(a)pyrene is known to be a potent carcinogen that causes skin cancer in animal tests. As tattooing injects inks such asbenzo(a)pyrene directly into the dermis damaging the skin. You could conclude it may contribute to skin cancer.

Scientists and health professionals continue to debate the possible link between tattoo inks and cancer. In the last forty years there have only been 50 documented cases of squamous cell carcinoma, malignant skin melanoma or basal cell carcinoma with possible connections to tattoos, compared to the millions of tattoos obtained. Epidemiological studies on the effects of tattoo ink could be taken, although they would not be easy. A large number of tattooed people would have to be monitored over a long period of time to see whether they developed problems such as skin cancer near their tattoos. The low number of reported skin cancers arising in tattoos could be considered coincidental.

Further in depth studies will need to be carried out to give more conclusive evidence on the effects of tattoo ink and the cancer risks associated. The FDA is growing more concerned about the ingredients in tattoo ink. In the early 2000's, the FDA received a large number of complaints associated with giving and receiving tattoos. Since then the FDA has commenced more research into the chemical components of tattoo inks. The FDA is investigating how the body breaks down the tattoo ink as it fades over time. Is the body absorbing the ink or is it fading from sun exposure? A common pigment in yellow tattoo inks, Pigment Yellow 74, is believed to be a risk of being broken down by the body.

When skin cells containing tattoo inks are killed by sunlight or laser light, the tattoo inks break down and could possibly spread throughout the body. It is believed that tattoo inks could spread into lymph nodes whether this has unknown health concerns or not is still unknown. Our lymph nodes filtering out disease-causing organisms any interference in that process could have devastating effects on our health.

It is recommended not to have a tattoo placed too close to a mole. Changes occurring in a mole such as asymmetry, border, color, size, shape, texture are all warning signs of a possible melanoma or another skin cancer. Ensure all moles are left completely visible to prevent possible delays in detecting any changes. When a melanoma is discovered early it is usually curable where as more advanced melanomas are far harder to cure. A tattoo covering a mole could delay detection and be extremely dangerous even life threatening. If you get a tattoo, make sure it is placed a good distance from any mole. This is especially important for people who have multiple moles or dysplastic nevus (atypical mole) syndrome, due to the increased risk of developing melanoma, potentially within one of their moles.

It's imperative to be extremely diligent in caring for our skin correctly after a tattoo and monitor any changes that may occur to the skin. Our skin is the largest organ of the body and has many important functions. It protective us against injury and disease, regulates our temperature and maintains our bodies hydration. There are three layers to our skin the first layers is the epidermis the outer layer of the skin. The second layer is the dermis or the inner layer and the third layer is the subcutaneous fat layer.

Cancer is a disease of the body's cells. Normally the body's cells grow and divide in an orderly fashion. Some cells may grow and divide abnormally growing into a lump, a tumour. Tumours can be non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Benign tumours do not spread to other parts of the body. Cancer cells in a malignant tumour have the ability to spread to over areas in the body, if left untreated. These cells can destroy surrounding tissue and break away from the original cancer, affecting other organs in the body. These cells can then form another tumour referred to as a secondary cancer.

Skin cancer begins in the basal layer of the epidermis. There are three main types of skin cancer basal cell carcinoma; squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Melanomas start in the pigment cells while basal and squamous cell carcinomas develop from the epidermal cells. Basal cell carcinomas are the most common but least dangerous type of skin cancer. They grow slowly but if left untreated, a deep ulcer can occur. Fortunately they very rarely spread to other parts of the body. Basal cell carcinomas are most commonly found on the face, neck and upper trunk. They appear as a lump or scaly area and are pale, pearly or red in colour. Squamous cell carcinomas are less common but more dangerous. They typically grow over a period of weeks to months. These cancers may spread to other parts of the body if not treated immediately. Squamous cell carcinomas appear on areas of skin most often exposed to the sun. They have scaling, red areas which may bleed easily and ulcerate, looking like an unhealing sore. The major cause of these skin cancers is sun exposure for years. Melanoma is the rarest but most dangerous skin cancer. It is often a fast growing cancer which if left untreated can spread quickly to other parts of the body to form secondary cancers. Melanomas can appear anywhere on the body. The first sign of a melanoma is usually a change in a freckle or mole, or the appearance of a new spot. Changes in size, shape or colour are normally seen over a period of several weeks to months. Melanoma typically appears from adolescence onwards, most commonly seen between 30 and 50 years of age.

Any sign of a crusty, non-healing sore, a small lump which is red, pale or pearly in colour, or a new spot, freckle or mole changing in colour, thickness or shape over a period of several weeks to months. Any spots that range from dark brown to black, red or blue-black should be checked by a doctor immediately. A very high per cent of basal and squamous cell carcinomas that are found and treated early are cured.

If you have any concerns regarding the health of your skin or tattoo seek professional medical advice immediately, it's better to be safe than sorry.

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PH Blood Balance

PH Blood Balance and Cancer

By Louise Errington

Cancer is recognised as the leading cause of death in the main developed countries, with an estimated 12.7 million cases and 7.6 million deaths worldwide in 2008.

Why is it, that despite the billions of dollars invested into Cancer Research every year, "Modern Medicine" has not yet been able to produce anything to effectively treat cancer?

"Is the American Cancer Society more interested in cancer profit than cancer prevention?"

This is the question that was posed in a recent article that went on to show that Cancer agencies reportedly put a far greater financial and profit emphasis on chemotherapy and radiation research than on life-saving prevention techniques. In addition it appears that "Modern Medicine" and "Big Pharma" invest a lot of money and effort to discredit any doctors or healthcare practitioners that either research or practice effective alternative medicine cancer treatments.

It is interesting to note that R. Webster Kehr of the Independent Cancer Research Foundation. Inc., and author of the highly respected Cancer Tutor Web site, covers over 300 natural successful cancer treatments, many of which address the pH Blood Balance & Cancer process.

Contrary to claims made by "Modern Medicine", the cause of cancer is easy to understand and is preventable and reversible without the dangerous "modern medicine" therapies used as standard treatments in most countries. These aggressive and toxic treatments are based on the American standard cancer treatment which include, - Surgery (slash), Radiation (burn) and Chemotherapy (poison).

Elaine Feuer, the author of "Innocent Casualties" argues, "Instead of allotting money towards the prevention of cancer, the medical establishment prescribes chemotherapy and radiation (which is very expensive and even toxic)".

Samuel S. Epstein, author of "The Politics of Cancer", argues that the American Cancer Society 's "priorities remain fixated on damage control - screening, diagnosis and treatment".

Although these processes are important the primary focus for all of us should be to prevent cancer.

This is where balancing the blood's pH becomes absolutely critical. Lets first understand what pH Balance is all about.

Acidic-Alkaline pH Balance

It is very important to have a chemical balance between acid and alkaline conditions, both in the blood and in the body tissues. However, with the acidic "Modern Lifestyles" that most of us live, body tissues become too acidic very easily, and this acidic imbalance creates the ideal internal conditions for disease and especially cancer, to thrive. This acid/alkaline relationship is known as pH.

pH(potential hydrogen) is a measure of the "acidity" or "alkalinity" of a solution.

The pH scale is from 1 to 14 with 7 being neutral and 1 to 7 being acidic (low on oxygen) and 7-14 being alkaline (high on oxygen). Remember oxygen is critical to the well being of the cells and the prevention of disease.

The pH of the body has a profound effect on the inner terrain of the body and the pH of the blood and the tissues should ideally be 7.365 which will result in long lasting health and wellness.

The Cause of Cancer

It is interesting to note that in the 1930's, Nobel Prize Winner Dr Otto Warburg, established in his research that cancer only lives in an "acidic" (low oxygen) environment like most bacteria. Every time Otto Warburg lowered the oxygen level by 35% in a healthy cell, it became cancerous.

Based on his work he found that cancer cells cannot survive in high levels of oxygen (alkaline pH) and that increased amounts of oxygen prevented the spread of cancer cells and will eventually cause them to die.

Subsequently, Robert Barefoot established that at a pH slightly above 7.4 cancer cells become dormant and at a pH of 8.5 cancer cells will die.

Acidosis

As you have seen, "ACIDOSIS" is the prime cause of cancer. So!, it is important for you to fully understand the process of alkalizing your body and the critical role a properly alkalized body plays in restoring and maintaining your overall health. Everything in our bodies, from cells to organs only function properly in exact proportion to the amount of alkaline and acid levels in our system.

Health and Wellness through balancing your pH

I hope this short simplified explanation will enable you to start making the necessary changes to your lifestyle to prevent you from getting cancer.

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Causes and Treatment

Blood Cancer - Causes and Treatment

By Corwin Brown

Blood is a part of the body. Blood has different components sch as red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma. The red blood cells (RBC), platelets also called monocytes because it is belong to the "myeloid" group and other white blood cells belong to the "lymphoid" group. Lymphoid cells are affected. Disease progresses quickly. This is most common among children. Blood cancer or Leukemia is actually a group of diseases, each of which impede with the normal functioning of blood cells and   weaken the system. Leukemia is classified as either Acute or Chronic. Blood and urine samples may also be tested for various substances, called tumor markers, which may indicate cancer.

Causes

A weakened immune system - this may be a result of drugs that suppress the immune system (such as those used for organ transplants), high doses of radiation (such as in radiotherapy for another cancer), or diseases that affect the immune system (such as HIV).

Contact with a chemical called benzene, one of the chemicals in petrol and a solvent used in the rubber and plastics industry.

Genetic disorders like Fanconi anemia, Schwachman-Diamond syndrome and Down syndrome.

Treatment

In radio immunotherapy, an immunotoxin--a hybrid molecule formed by coupling an antibody molecule to a toxin--is injected into the patient. The antibody locks onto a signature protein the cancerous cells express and delivers the toxic dose to the cancer cells. Because the treatment is precision-guided, adverse effects to the rest of the body are minimized. Preliminary results with the new drug are extremely promising--completely eradicating the human cancer cells grafted to mice.

Your doctor may prescribe medications, sometimes called "growth factors," that encourage your body to produce more blood cells. Medications are also used to prevent low blood cell counts in people who have a high probability of experiencing complications of cancer treatment. Medications have benefits and risks, so talk to your doctor about the possible side effects of drugs used to boost blood cell counts.

Most people feel confused and overwhelmed when they are told they have leukaemia. It's a very distressing time both for them and their families. An important part of cancer treatment is learning how to talk about how you are feeling, and getting support with the physical and emotional symptoms you are experiencing.

For more advanced cancer, you can receive extra support, known as palliative care. Doctors and nurses based in hospitals, hospices and pain clinics specialize in providing the support you need, and can also visit you at home.

Many everyday activities put you at risk of cuts and scrapes. A low platelet count makes even minor abrasions serious. A low white blood cell count can turn a small cut into a starting point for a serious infection. Use an electric shaver rather than a razor to avoid nicks. Ask someone else to cut up food in the kitchen. Be gentle when brushing your teeth and blowing your nose.

Biological therapy uses special immune system cells and proteins to stimulate the body's immune system to kill cancer cells. Biological agents such as interferons, interleukins, monoclonal antibodies, tumor necrosis factors and colony-stimulating factors are natural substances found in the body that help alter the way the immune system reacts to cancer. Researchers are now able to create reproductions of some of these biological agents in laboratories, imitating the natural immune agents. These agents are used to augment the anti-tumor immune response of the patient.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1083916

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Different Brain Tumor Type

What Are the Different Brain Tumor Types?

By Nick G Johansen

You may have heard of cancer but have no idea as to what are the different types of brain cancer. A tumor is very serious and dangerous to life. This type of cancer is essentially intracranial or inside the cranium. It is a solid neoplasm which is an abnormal growth of cells that is within the central spinal cord or within the brain.

Types of tumors are abnormal and sporadic cell division within the brain itself. They also affect the pituitary gland, the skull, the lymphatic tissue, the cranial nerves or the pineal gland. Brain cancer are commonly spread from cancerous cells in the body of a person suffering from cancer which are called as metastatic tumors.

Different types of brain cancer

There are two essential brain cancer types that can be treated; these are benign and malignant types. Some types of cancer begin in the brain and are called as primary tumors and those that are metastatic tumors are a result of some cancerous or disease causing cells spread from other parts of the body to the brain. brain cancer types vary even in the symptoms, some tumors are detected with visible symptoms while other show up only in an imaging scan or an autopsy.

Glioma brain cancer: The glial cells are the place from where this tumor originates in the brain or spine.

Meningioma brain cancer: Arising from meninges or the membranes encompassing the central nervous system, this brain cancer comes out in diverse forms. It is one of the most common primary tumors affecting individuals.

Pituitary adenoma brain cancer: Arising from the pituitary gland which is one of the significant parts of the cranium of the brain, this type of cancer can range from the smallest to as large at 10 mm in size. They are often detected only through brain scans or autopsies.

Nerve sheath brain cancer: Originating in the nervous system, this tumor is one of those types of cancer that are primarily made up of myelin around the nerves of the nervous system.

How can one treat brain tumor?

A neurosurgeon is often a person who can treat all brain tumor types. The most common treatment for tumors is to completely remove it in case it does not affect any immediate or serious part of the brain through surgery. Other treatments include radiation therapy where the brain tumor is treated with radiation waves. This will ensure that the brain tumor reduces in size or the cells within the tumor die in order to prevent the spread of the tumor. Gamma knife treatment is also a very effective way of treating all brain tumor types as the gamma knife machine cuts the brain tumor cells by isolating gamma waves on the brain tumor.

Chemotherapy is also a commonly used treatment for treating all brain tumor types.

Successfully recoveries from all brain tumor types are present all over the world, as neurosurgeons have managed to treat them in order to give people a second life with the most advanced technologies at hand.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7019602

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Preparing for loss

Grief - Preparing for Loss Through The Living Will

By Darryl Pendergrass

My wife of 31 years, Lynne, lost her life to glioblastoma in 2010 following a battle lasting almost four years against the deadly disease. Glioblastoma is a stage 4 brain tumor, known for its fast-growth and recurring properties. As her family caregiver, I learned about many topics that surface during the care of someone facing a life-threatening illness. This article covers the topic of grief and how preparing a living will helped with my grief. I hope that the lessons I learned will encourage you to create a living will.

Despite all of the good intentions early in life to prepare a living will, neither Lynne nor I had done so. After her initial brain surgery and recovery, we both prepared a living will and health care power of attorney. Preparing the living will to document Lynne's advanced directives enabled us to discuss Lynne's decisions regarding the end of her life. The health care power of attorney allowed me to represent Lynne when she could not make decisions herself. The discussions we had and documenting them for legal purposes helped me significantly during the final week of her life and the weeks following her death. Knowing that the decisions I made on Lynne's behalf were those that she desired lifted a heavy weight from my heart. The doubts that surfaced in my mind following her death eased slightly, as I knew I was following her desires.

The many discussions that Lynne and I shared about death and dying during her illness were paramount to my grief recovery. Family members, who openly communicate about death, tend fare better than families with less open communication (Black, as cited in Carmon, Western, Miller, Pearson, & Fowler, 2010). One reaction to grief is personal growth. This reaction seems most predominant in those that openly communicate about their grief. Other reactions to grief include such things as anger, blame, despair, and panic (Carmon, et al., 2010). The discussions between Lynne and me helped to reduce the uneasiness we held about the dying process. In the final months of her life, I began to sense Lynne's own internal preparation for that day. My selfish nature desired that she live but she showed signs of exhaustion from the three-year battle. As I reflect on those discussions, they are some of my most treasured and valuable memories.

It is impossible to prepare completely or anticipate all of the emotions and other concerns we face during a loss. I believe that preparing and anticipating the loss causes thinking and actions that help to minimize, if only slightly, the grief of the loss. Reminiscing and expressing emotions with family and friends provide effective coping tools after the death. For me and my hope for you is that the hopelessness turns into hope, and the grief turns into joy, as you learn to push forward and reflect on the positive memories and the legacy of the life that was lost.

References

Carmon, A. F., Western, K. J., Miller, A. N., Pearson, J. C., & Fowler, M. R. (2010). Grieving Those We've Lost: An Examination of Family Communication Patterns and Grief Reactions. Communication Research Reports, 27(3),

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Symptoms

Breast Cancer and Its Symptoms

By Chris Paston

Every year millions of women are diagnosed with breast cancer and thankfully survival rates are increasing. Indeed, one thing that has improved the odds of breast cancer survival is related to the fact that woman who visit their GP immediately upon finding something during a routine breast examination will invariably gain a swift diagnosis and course of treatment.

Doctors state that examinations carried out at home can make a huge difference between living and dying when it comes to breast cancer. Every woman should give herself an exam every month and with that in mind, here's some basic information on how to give yourself a breast exam and some background on the common symptoms of breast cancer.

How to perform a breast examination on yourself

First things first; stand in front of a mirror and take a look at your breasts. They should appear to be their normal size and shape. You should not see any kind of misshapen areas and the nipple area should look like it always does. Now, lift up your arms and check your breasts again in the mirror with your arms above your head. Perform the same steps as when in your natural posture.

All good? It's time to lie down on your bed. Tuck one arm behind your head and with the opposite hand begin to touch your breast. Start touching from around the nipple then work your way out to include the areas both above and below your breast. The circular motion of your touch will allow you to feel anything unusual like hard lumps.

As some women struggle with this particular part of the examination due to age etc; if you prefer, you can also do the same exam while in the shower with one arm above your head.

The Symptoms of Breast Cancer

If during the examination, you encounter any of the following symptoms, it's important that you make an appointment to see your doctor at the earliest opportunity. Don't panic, but play it safe nevertheless.

• Changes in the breast: Do your breasts look swollen? Does part of your breast look swollen or misshapen?

• Changes in the skin: The skin may become dimpled, or there may be a rash that is scaly.

• Lumps: it goes without saying that lumps are the most common sign of breast cancer. Are there any painless hard lumps in your breast?

• Nipple changes: Your nipples may change appearance (often becoming inverted) and sometimes there will be discharge from the nipple.

Women need to check their breasts often to give themselves the best possible chance of successful treatment. Indeed, if you want to increase your chances of catching cancer early, you should examine your breasts every month and talk to your doctor if any of the above changes occur. The best way to stop breast cancer is early detection.

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Warning Signs Prostate Disorder

Warning Signs of a Prostate Disorder

By Philip Albert Edmonds-Hunt

The prostate is a small walnut sized gland that can be found at the bottom of the bladder. It surrounds the tube that carries the urine away from the bladder and makes the fluid that becomes part of semen, of which in turn contains sperm. When a man reaches the age of 40 years old, the prostate gland is usually prone to start suffering from some sort of disorder.

When a prostate disorder develops slowly overtime, the signs are usually very mild or unnoticeable. Also very little discomfort or pain may be experienced. However, if the disorder starts at a faster pace, the signs may be more noticeable at an earlier stage. There are four different types of disorders that a prostate gland may suffer from.

1. Acute Prostatitis is an infection of the prostate gland caused by a bacteria. Its symptoms usually include either a fever or chill, and a dull aching pain in the lower back or groin. At the same time, there may be present a pain or burning sensation when urinating. Acute prostatitis is relatively easy to cure and is usually treated with antibiotic drugs, that both heal the problem, and relieve the symptoms.

2. Chronic Prostatitis is a recurrent infection that has milder symptoms than acute prostatitis. It usually lasts a lot longer, and is considerably more difficult to treat. If the infection is caused by a bacteria, it is usually treated with antibiotics. However, if it is not, the antibiotics will have no effect at all. Hot baths and prostate massages may be used to ease the symptoms, although sometimes chronic prostatitis may even clear up on its own.

3.Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is more commonly found in older men. It is a term that is used to describe an enlargement of the prostate gland, that may overtime block the urethra and make it either difficult to urinate, or give a strong urge to urinate at a moments notice. BPH may also cause a sufferer to urinate more frequently throughout the day, and may be accompanied by the need to get up several times during the night.

4. Prostate Cancer may show no signs to begin with. However, over time as the cancer becomes more advanced, symptoms may start to appear that make it more difficult to urinate. Either blood or semen may also be found in the urine. Back pain, discomfort in the pelvic area, and a swelling of the legs may also begin to appear. These signs may at first get overlooked, and be put down to after exercise strains, sports activities, or working in the garden, etc.

Any one of the above signs may indicate that a possible problem exists with the prostate gland, and should be checked out as soon as possible. Men over the age of 40 years old should have a prostate examination every year, as many prostate disorders are found with routine medical checks. A prostate disorder may show no visible signs in its early stages, and may not get noticed, until it is in its advanced stages if it is not checked regularly.

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Early Stage Prostate Cancer

Early Stage Prostate Cancer Treatment

By Samantha E Stewart

You may wonder whether your treatment options vary depending on far advanced your prostate cancer might be. The truth is, if your cancer has grown beyond the confines of your prostate gland, there is no currently known cure.

Prostate cancer is defined in 4 stages called T1, T2, T3 and T4.

Stage T1 is when the disease is beginning. Only a blood test for PSA levels followed by a biopsy on some prostate tissue will discover whether cancer has taken root in your prostate gland.

Stage T2 is when the first signs and symptoms will appear. Your doctor may find a hard area on your prostate through a digital rectal exam. You may experience bladder problems like difficulties in controlling urination. You may find blood in urine or semen. You may feel pain or burning during urination or orgasm. (Note that these can be due to other medical conditions and not cancer.) Tests will tell how many tumors there are and whether the prostate is enlarged.

Stage T3 is the point at which the cancer has spread outside the prostate gland. Typically it will take residence in the seminal vesicles at this stage.

T4 is the final stage and the one with the most radical symptoms including fatigue, anemia and many difficulties with passing waste through urine or feces.

What Are My Treatment Options?

Your options for treatment have a good chance of a cure provided you catch it in stage T1 or T2. If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer your doctor will discuss those options with you. Those options include surgery, radiotherapy, cryotherapy or HIFU.

The most common surgical option recommended is a prostatectomy where your prostate gland is removed entirely. Some men may not be candidates for surgery due to age or health.

Radiotherapy can be done with an external beam where a radioactive source is aimed at your prostate from outside or with a number of small radioactive seeds implanted directly into your prostate. Both of these procedures use the same principle of burning away diseased tissue with radioactivity.

Cryotherapy is a procedure where your prostate is frozen and then thawed. The tissue in your gland cannot survive the temperature changes and the cancerous cells are killed.

HIFU stands for High Intensity Focused Ultrasound. Sound waves are focused and aimed at cancerous tissue within your prostate. When they strike the tissue, the cells are heated and the cancer cells are destroyed. This non-surgical treatment is done on an out-patient basis and results in fewer significant side effects than the other treatments.

Watching and Waiting

An option your doctor may recommend even if cancer has been verified is to watch and wait; your cancer is monitored to determine how aggressive it is while a final decision is made as to your best treatment option. This may be done if there are medical complications that would affect your ability to recover from some treatments, especially options like surgery or radiotherapy. It may also be done if you're having difficulty giving consent for a treatment your doctor has prescribed. If the cancer is aggressive, this will not be an option.

Making the Decision

While your doctor will recommend the best treatment option for you, the final decision on that treatment rests with you. Don't be afraid to ask questions or suggest treatments you doctor may have overlooked or is simply not aware of.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6952991

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