OTHER TREATMENTS OF CANCER
In the previous issues we discussed the three major modalities of treatment of cancer, Surgery, Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy. There are other modalities and newer therapies being used today for cancer care:-
Hormonal therapy
Some cancers like Breast, prostate and of uterus are hormone dependant. Hormonal therapy is used here for treatment, in prevention of recurrence and second cancers and also to prevent cancers. Tab tamoxifen is the most common of these, which is an anti estrogen and used for five years in cases of breast cancer.Aromatase inhibitors like Anestrazole and Letrazole are being used too.
Laser Therapy
Lasers are being extensively used these days to excise skin tumors and small cancers of head and neck. They are also used to control bleeding for inoperable cancers.
Thalidomide
Thalidomide is a drug that is used in slow growing recurrent, advanced or residual cancers, it is an antiangiogenesis agent, which stops the blood flow to the cancer cells causing their death and preventing growth.
Radioactive Frequency ablation
Radioactive frequency ablation is a technique where cancer cells, especially in the liver are killed by exposing them to radio frequency waves. This can be done by directing the waves through a needle under ultrasound guidance or during open surgery.
Photodynamic Therapy
This is a technique by which special light waves are used to kill cancer cells. Special photosensitive agents are injected in the tumor. when this is exposed to special light waves, the reagent gets activated and releases energy to kill the cancer cells. This is very helpful in lesions of the skin.
Radioactive ablation
Radioactive ablation is a method where radioactive reagents specially targeted to specific organs are used to kill cancer cells. Most commonly used here is radioactive Iodine ablation for cancer of Thyroid Cancers.
Intra-arterial chemotherapy
For better results chemotherapy can be delivered directly to the cancer cells, especially in the liver by placing a delivery port in the artery supplying blood to the involved organ.
TACE (Trance arterial chemo embolization )
The artery supplying the involved organ can be blocked by interventional radiology techniques andchemotherapy injected to ensure direct and permanent action of the chemotherapeutic agent on localized cancer areas.
Embolisation
The blood supply to the involved organ can be stopped by embolising (blocking ) the blood vessels supplying the involved organ. This can be done under interventional radiology and various materials like gel foam and lipadiol are used to block the blood vessels.
Intracavitary chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can be instilled inside the body cavities, especially that of the abdomen, lungs and brain to treat disseminated (widespread) cancers.
Intra Operative Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is often given directly to the involved organ directly while surgery, specially if a part or total of it cannot be removed.
IMRT ( Intensity Modulated Radio therapy )
This is a technique where radiotherapy is directly precisely to a localized area under computerized control and image monitoring. This is very helpful for cancers of prostate, brain and head and neck region.
Argon Beam
A special cautary machine delivers argon beam. The argon beam is helpful in destroying superficial cancer cells on surface of body or organs and more useful in controlling bleeding from the cancerous region.
Stem cell and Bone marrow transplant
This technique is used in patients of blood cancers or in metastasis cases of cancers of solid tumors.
Here the Stem cells and bone marrow ( which produce blood cells )are removed. Patient is then given high dose chemotherapy to kill all cancer cells and then the removed stem cells or bone marrow cells are reinfused.
Gene therapy
Research in gene therapy has come a long way and will soon be used in treatment and prevention of cancer. Gene Therapy changes the altered genes that cause cancer. It will be used to remove, repair and replace defected genes in patients at high risk of cancer or whose with familial history of cancer.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
COMMON QUERIES ABOUT CANCER
Common Queries about Cancer
Since when do I have the disease?
Though it is usually not possible to state the exact duration, but generally a cancer has been growing for a few months or years before it is detected
Could this have been caused by an old injury?
Old injuries don’t cause cancer, though in few cases it may occur in very old scars
How long will I live?
This is generally a presumptive estimate made depending on the type of cancer, stage of cancer, general condition of the patient and response to treatment
Will treatment help?
Treatment cures several, prolongs life in few and decreases the pain and other problems in all
What should I eat?
Except during chemotherapy when raw fruits and vegetables are to be avoided, a cancer patient should eat a normal diet that they can tolerate
What should I eat to prevent cancer?
Green vegetables and fresh fruits like carrot and apple and Vit A C and E prevent cancer
What should be my lifestyle?
Every cancer patient should live a normal life with all the daily personal and official duties that he or she can perform without getting tired
Can I spread cancer to others in the house?
Staying in the same house, by contact or by even eating food together, does not spread Cancer
Should I get married?
Yes a cancer patient can get married, but it is advisable that the patient should get married at least after two years of completion of treatment. Most recurrence of cancer occurs within two years of completion of treatment. The patient and the family members should inform the partner regarding the patient’s medical history of cancer. Off lately there are several marriages being arranged amongst cancer survivors
Can I have sex with my partner?
Yes cancer patients can have sex with their partners. However patients with cancers of the genital organs like the cervix or penis should avoid sex for at least one year and preferably two years after completion of treatment
Can I have Children?
Yes patients who are desirous of having children can have children after one or two years of treatment
Will I pass down the cancer to my child?
Though a few cancers are transmitted genetically, most cancer patients can have children without passing the cancer to them. However cancer patients planning to have children should consult a medical counselor before having a child
Does treatment affect childbearing?
Surgical removal of testis or ovaries, chemotherapy and radiotherapy to the testis or ovaries will adversely affect childbearing. Patients who have not completed their families and are to undergo these treatment and want a child later, should preserve their sperm or ovum before the treatment is started, to be used at a later stage
If my one child has cancer then will my other child have cancer too?
Some cancers have strong horizontal genetic familial presentation and may be seen in several siblings. Hence before planning a second child consultation with a counselor is a must
Does personality or stress cause cancer?
There are no scientific studies to prove that cancer is caused by stress or personality has any impact on its causation
Are there any Societies or Groups providing help for cancer patients?
There are a large number of Social Welfare Groups like V Care, Cancer Sahyog, Cancer Care, Prerna etc which provide, social, moral, psychological, medical and even financial support to cancer patients and their relatives
What are the other facilities available for cancer patients?
Cancer patients and one attendant gets 75 % concession in rail travel and 50 % concession in air travel throughout life to travel from home town to the city of treatment, for treatment or review. They are also entitles tax exemption on money spent on cancer treatment. Certain cancer institutes provide cancer care and medicines to poor patients at subsidized rates and even free. Financial aid for it can also be availed from Chief Ministers Funds
Since when do I have the disease?
Though it is usually not possible to state the exact duration, but generally a cancer has been growing for a few months or years before it is detected
Could this have been caused by an old injury?
Old injuries don’t cause cancer, though in few cases it may occur in very old scars
How long will I live?
This is generally a presumptive estimate made depending on the type of cancer, stage of cancer, general condition of the patient and response to treatment
Will treatment help?
Treatment cures several, prolongs life in few and decreases the pain and other problems in all
What should I eat?
Except during chemotherapy when raw fruits and vegetables are to be avoided, a cancer patient should eat a normal diet that they can tolerate
What should I eat to prevent cancer?
Green vegetables and fresh fruits like carrot and apple and Vit A C and E prevent cancer
What should be my lifestyle?
Every cancer patient should live a normal life with all the daily personal and official duties that he or she can perform without getting tired
Can I spread cancer to others in the house?
Staying in the same house, by contact or by even eating food together, does not spread Cancer
Should I get married?
Yes a cancer patient can get married, but it is advisable that the patient should get married at least after two years of completion of treatment. Most recurrence of cancer occurs within two years of completion of treatment. The patient and the family members should inform the partner regarding the patient’s medical history of cancer. Off lately there are several marriages being arranged amongst cancer survivors
Can I have sex with my partner?
Yes cancer patients can have sex with their partners. However patients with cancers of the genital organs like the cervix or penis should avoid sex for at least one year and preferably two years after completion of treatment
Can I have Children?
Yes patients who are desirous of having children can have children after one or two years of treatment
Will I pass down the cancer to my child?
Though a few cancers are transmitted genetically, most cancer patients can have children without passing the cancer to them. However cancer patients planning to have children should consult a medical counselor before having a child
Does treatment affect childbearing?
Surgical removal of testis or ovaries, chemotherapy and radiotherapy to the testis or ovaries will adversely affect childbearing. Patients who have not completed their families and are to undergo these treatment and want a child later, should preserve their sperm or ovum before the treatment is started, to be used at a later stage
If my one child has cancer then will my other child have cancer too?
Some cancers have strong horizontal genetic familial presentation and may be seen in several siblings. Hence before planning a second child consultation with a counselor is a must
Does personality or stress cause cancer?
There are no scientific studies to prove that cancer is caused by stress or personality has any impact on its causation
Are there any Societies or Groups providing help for cancer patients?
There are a large number of Social Welfare Groups like V Care, Cancer Sahyog, Cancer Care, Prerna etc which provide, social, moral, psychological, medical and even financial support to cancer patients and their relatives
What are the other facilities available for cancer patients?
Cancer patients and one attendant gets 75 % concession in rail travel and 50 % concession in air travel throughout life to travel from home town to the city of treatment, for treatment or review. They are also entitles tax exemption on money spent on cancer treatment. Certain cancer institutes provide cancer care and medicines to poor patients at subsidized rates and even free. Financial aid for it can also be availed from Chief Ministers Funds
RADIOTHERAPY
RADIOTHERAPY
What is Radiotherapy ?
Radiotherapy is use of high energy radiation like X-Ray to kill cancer Cell. In common language it is called heat treatment. Radiotherapy works by damaging the cancer cells, due to which they are unable to multiply.
It is given for a few minutes only, five days a week for an average of five to six weeks .Radiotherapy may damage some healthy cells too and hence cause side effects.
Types of Radiotherapy
Tele Therapy here radiotherapy is given from a distance. This is the most common form of radiotherapy.
Brachy Therapy here the source of radiotherapy is in contact of the body, as used in cancer of the cervix.
Intraluminal Therapy here the source is put inside the narrow hollow organs of the body like the windpipe or the foodpipe.
Interstitial Therapy here the radiotherapy is passed through very fine tubes placed in the body, as in cancer of the muscles and breast.
Cobalt Therapy is the conventional method of radiotherapy. Here the source of rays is Cobalt.
Linear Accelerator is the modern radiotherapy machine which is more effective, is faster and has less side effects.
Indications of Radiotherapy
Adjuvant used postoperatively to prevent local spread.
Primary used as the main modality of treatment as in cancer of cervix, and few cases of head and neck cancers and in some advanced inoperable cancers.
Pre Operative to shrink the tumor to make it operable and to decrease the extent of surgery.
Palliative given to bones and spine in cases of metastasis to the bone, for severe pain and to prevent fractures. It can also be used to stop generalized bleeding from cancers.
Side effects of Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy may cause nausea, vomiting, dryness of mouth, ulcers in mouth and skin, and diarrhea. These are generally temporary effects. it may however cause severe damage to the lungs, heart, nerves and brain if these organs are not protected well.
DOs and DONTs
• See the doctor at least once while on treatment
• No shaving if getting radiotherapy on face Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the area
• Avoid crowds and meeting people as they could give infection
• Report to the doctor immediately even in case of mild fever or bleeding
• Ensure you do not rub off the markings made on the skin to pinpoint the exact place where the radiotherapy is to be directed
Nutrition
Drink lots of fluids
Eat small frequent meals at room temperature
Eat well-cooked soft food
Avoid hot and spicy food
Eat a good nutritious diet rich in calories and proteins
Avoid tea, coffee, alcohol, and tobacco
Drink juices, soups, coconut water fresh lime etc
General Care
Exercise for a few minutes every day
Rest as much as you can
Do not over exert
Wear loose fitting clothes preferably of soft cotton material
Do not use perfumes, scented soaps etc
Sponge the radiated area lightly with lukewarm water and pat it dry.
What is Radiotherapy ?
Radiotherapy is use of high energy radiation like X-Ray to kill cancer Cell. In common language it is called heat treatment. Radiotherapy works by damaging the cancer cells, due to which they are unable to multiply.
It is given for a few minutes only, five days a week for an average of five to six weeks .Radiotherapy may damage some healthy cells too and hence cause side effects.
Types of Radiotherapy
Tele Therapy here radiotherapy is given from a distance. This is the most common form of radiotherapy.
Brachy Therapy here the source of radiotherapy is in contact of the body, as used in cancer of the cervix.
Intraluminal Therapy here the source is put inside the narrow hollow organs of the body like the windpipe or the foodpipe.
Interstitial Therapy here the radiotherapy is passed through very fine tubes placed in the body, as in cancer of the muscles and breast.
Cobalt Therapy is the conventional method of radiotherapy. Here the source of rays is Cobalt.
Linear Accelerator is the modern radiotherapy machine which is more effective, is faster and has less side effects.
Indications of Radiotherapy
Adjuvant used postoperatively to prevent local spread.
Primary used as the main modality of treatment as in cancer of cervix, and few cases of head and neck cancers and in some advanced inoperable cancers.
Pre Operative to shrink the tumor to make it operable and to decrease the extent of surgery.
Palliative given to bones and spine in cases of metastasis to the bone, for severe pain and to prevent fractures. It can also be used to stop generalized bleeding from cancers.
Side effects of Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy may cause nausea, vomiting, dryness of mouth, ulcers in mouth and skin, and diarrhea. These are generally temporary effects. it may however cause severe damage to the lungs, heart, nerves and brain if these organs are not protected well.
DOs and DONTs
• See the doctor at least once while on treatment
• No shaving if getting radiotherapy on face Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the area
• Avoid crowds and meeting people as they could give infection
• Report to the doctor immediately even in case of mild fever or bleeding
• Ensure you do not rub off the markings made on the skin to pinpoint the exact place where the radiotherapy is to be directed
Nutrition
Drink lots of fluids
Eat small frequent meals at room temperature
Eat well-cooked soft food
Avoid hot and spicy food
Eat a good nutritious diet rich in calories and proteins
Avoid tea, coffee, alcohol, and tobacco
Drink juices, soups, coconut water fresh lime etc
General Care
Exercise for a few minutes every day
Rest as much as you can
Do not over exert
Wear loose fitting clothes preferably of soft cotton material
Do not use perfumes, scented soaps etc
Sponge the radiated area lightly with lukewarm water and pat it dry.
CHEMOTHERAPY
CHEMOTHERAPY IN CANCER
What is Chemotherapy ?
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs in cancer treatment. Besides surgery and radiotherapy, chemotherapy is one of the three main modalities of treatment in cancer. In the multimodality treatment of cancer, chemotherapy is used in more than three fourths of the patients at some stage or the other. The medical branch dealing with chemotherapy is called Medical Oncology and the oncologist giving chemotherapy is known as Medical Oncologist.
Chemotherapy Drugs
There are about 100 chemotherapy drugs belonging to various groups. The common ones are adriamycin, taxol, cyclophosphamide, cisplatinum, methotrexate, 5 flurouracil. Mitomycin, bleomycin, etoposide etc. They are usually given as intravenous injections in the veins but few drugs can be given orally too.
Indications of chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is used in various settings; it can be used as the following:-
• Primary Chemotherapy - where chemotherapy is used as the main mode of treatment as in leukemia, lymphoma and cases which are inoperable or patient is unwilling for surgery
• Preoperative Chemotherapy – here chemotherapy is used before surgery to make the cancer operable or to decrease the extent of surgery and to preserve the affected organ
• Post operative- here chemotherapy is used after surgery to prevent local and distant recurrence
• Salvage – here chemotherapy is used for recurrence
• Palliative- chemotherapy may also be used to decrease pain and other symptoms in advanced cancers
• Chemoprevention- chemotherapy is also used in certain cases to prevent cancer in high risk patients or to prevent second cancer in cancer patients
Duration of Chemotherapy
There are various schedules of chemotherapy. It is usually given in cycles repeated every 3 weeks. Normally a patient receives six cycles. Some drugs are given over few hours while others may be given continuously for two to five day. Some regimes have a weekly schedule of chemotherapy and few drugs specially those being taken orally are given daily.
Actions of chemotherapy
Chemotherapy prevents cell division and leads to cell death. Maximum effect is on the cancer cells, however normal cells are affected too. The most commonly affected normal cells are of the bone marrow, blood and the intestines.
Preparation For Chemotherapy
Before chemotherapy the following blood tests should be done, hemoglobin, blood count, platelet, electrolyte, liver and kidney function tests. If the blood counts are high or low, then chemotherapy should be postponed. Patient should drink a lot of water and have light meals before chemotherapy.
Side Effects of chemotherapy
• Vomiting and nausea
• Loose motions
• Fever
• Low blood counts
• Loss of hair
• Bone marrow suppression
• Stopping of periods
• Blackening of skin and nails
Precautions during chemotherapy
• To drink adequate fluids
• To avoid heavy meals
• To avoid eating raw vegetables or fruits
• To avoid infections
• To avoid going in crowded areas soon after chemotherapy
Ports and catheters
In patients who need chemotherapy for long durations and frequently or in those where veins are not found easily, chemotherapy can be given through special catheters or ports which are placed in a central big vein .The drugs are injected directly into the catheter which are outside the body or the port which are placed under the skin. These prevent frequent injection of drugs in the veins.
Chemotherapy is being used extensively these days in the treatment of cancer patients with good results.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
TREATMENT OF CANCER
TREATMENT OF CANCER
The treatment of cancer today is a multimodality treatment where more than one modality of treatment is used. Almost all cancers are treated with at least two modes of cancer therapy while a fairly large number of patients receive three or even more forms of treatment to fight cancer. Treatment of cancer needs a close consultation between the surgical, radiation and medical oncologists, who are the specialists of surgical oncology (cancer surgery), chemotherapy and radiotherapy respectively and the ontological pathologist. Hence all patients should be seen by a team of oncologists consisting of all these specialists to plan the treatment, before starting the therapy.
The various modality of treatment of cancer are as follows
· Surgery
· Chemotherapy
· Radiotherapy
· Hormonal therapy
· miscellaneous therapies
· Recent Advances
SURGERY
Surgery is the main mode of therapy in most of the cancers, especially those affecting the solid organs of the body. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment in the following organs
· Head and neck tumors
· Breast cancer
· Brain tumors
· Lung cancer
· Cancers of intestines
· Endocrine gland tumors
· Cancers of muscles and bones
· Genitourinary tract tumors
It can be used in the following settings
· Curative -where the complete disease is removed with an intent to cure cancer
· Debulking- here as much of the cancer is removed as possible, to reduce tumor burden
· Biopsy –surgery may be performed for biopsy and to reach a diagnosis
· Palliative-here surgery is done to combat the complications caused by cancer or the treatment, like in obstruction, severe infection or bleeding
Principles of Surgery
· To remove the complete cancerous part
· To remove a clear margin around it
· To remove the local lymph nodes along with the organ or part of the organ being removed
· To ensure minimum handling of the tumor
· To reconstruct the organ or limb operated to maintain continuity or function
· To ensure cosmesis with minimum functional disability without compromise in the extent of clearance of cancer
Contraindications for Surgery
Definitive major surgery should not be performed in the following circumstances
· Distant spread of disease
· Poor general condition of the patient
· Extensive local spread
· Disease which cannot be reconstructed after excision
· Where there would be extensive functional or cosmetic defect
· Where the survival of the patient is expected to be very short
Organ Preserving Surgery
With advancement of surgical skill and the use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, extensive surgery is now a days being replaced by procedures where the organ is being preserved. This is especially being practiced in cancers of breast, voice box (larynx),limbs and the urinary bladder. Amputation as the treatment of cancers of muscles and bones has been replaced in most cases by limb preserving surgery where the affected part including the joint is excised and replaced by metallic prosthesis.
Minimal Access Surgery
Incision less or minimally invasive surgery is being practiced for cancer treatment also these days. Commonly called laproscopy, this is used in cancers of the intestine and other abdominal organs, lung and esophagus ( thoracoscopy and mediastenoscopy) .Here telescopes mounted with fibre-optic lights are used to enter the body cavity while surgery is performed under video monitoring. Here the incisions are very small so the postoperative recovery is faster.
Reconstructive (plastic )Surgery
Plastic surgery is often used in surgery of cancer. Common sites of its use are head and neck tumors, and in cancers of breast, larynx and muscles and bone. Common procedures performed are to provide skin cover, loss of inner lining, bone or muscles. Breast reconstruction is most commonly used besides transfer of muscles in limb saving surgery and head and neck cancers
The treatment of cancer today is a multimodality treatment where more than one modality of treatment is used. Almost all cancers are treated with at least two modes of cancer therapy while a fairly large number of patients receive three or even more forms of treatment to fight cancer. Treatment of cancer needs a close consultation between the surgical, radiation and medical oncologists, who are the specialists of surgical oncology (cancer surgery), chemotherapy and radiotherapy respectively and the ontological pathologist. Hence all patients should be seen by a team of oncologists consisting of all these specialists to plan the treatment, before starting the therapy.
The various modality of treatment of cancer are as follows
· Surgery
· Chemotherapy
· Radiotherapy
· Hormonal therapy
· miscellaneous therapies
· Recent Advances
SURGERY
Surgery is the main mode of therapy in most of the cancers, especially those affecting the solid organs of the body. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment in the following organs
· Head and neck tumors
· Breast cancer
· Brain tumors
· Lung cancer
· Cancers of intestines
· Endocrine gland tumors
· Cancers of muscles and bones
· Genitourinary tract tumors
It can be used in the following settings
· Curative -where the complete disease is removed with an intent to cure cancer
· Debulking- here as much of the cancer is removed as possible, to reduce tumor burden
· Biopsy –surgery may be performed for biopsy and to reach a diagnosis
· Palliative-here surgery is done to combat the complications caused by cancer or the treatment, like in obstruction, severe infection or bleeding
Principles of Surgery
· To remove the complete cancerous part
· To remove a clear margin around it
· To remove the local lymph nodes along with the organ or part of the organ being removed
· To ensure minimum handling of the tumor
· To reconstruct the organ or limb operated to maintain continuity or function
· To ensure cosmesis with minimum functional disability without compromise in the extent of clearance of cancer
Contraindications for Surgery
Definitive major surgery should not be performed in the following circumstances
· Distant spread of disease
· Poor general condition of the patient
· Extensive local spread
· Disease which cannot be reconstructed after excision
· Where there would be extensive functional or cosmetic defect
· Where the survival of the patient is expected to be very short
Organ Preserving Surgery
With advancement of surgical skill and the use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, extensive surgery is now a days being replaced by procedures where the organ is being preserved. This is especially being practiced in cancers of breast, voice box (larynx),limbs and the urinary bladder. Amputation as the treatment of cancers of muscles and bones has been replaced in most cases by limb preserving surgery where the affected part including the joint is excised and replaced by metallic prosthesis.
Minimal Access Surgery
Incision less or minimally invasive surgery is being practiced for cancer treatment also these days. Commonly called laproscopy, this is used in cancers of the intestine and other abdominal organs, lung and esophagus ( thoracoscopy and mediastenoscopy) .Here telescopes mounted with fibre-optic lights are used to enter the body cavity while surgery is performed under video monitoring. Here the incisions are very small so the postoperative recovery is faster.
Reconstructive (plastic )Surgery
Plastic surgery is often used in surgery of cancer. Common sites of its use are head and neck tumors, and in cancers of breast, larynx and muscles and bone. Common procedures performed are to provide skin cover, loss of inner lining, bone or muscles. Breast reconstruction is most commonly used besides transfer of muscles in limb saving surgery and head and neck cancers
Sunday, August 9, 2009
DIAGNOSIS OF CANCER
DIAGNOSIS OF CANCER
Diagnosis of Cancer
The Diagnosis of Cancer involves three sets of investigations
Confirmation of Diagnosis, by biopsy which we discussed in the last issue
Staging workup, to see the extent of disease locally, its spread and the operability
General Investigations, to assess the general fitness of the patient to undertake the treatment
The routine investigations to asses the general fitness of the patient include blood tests for hemoglobin, white cell count, sugar, liver function tests, kidney function tests, proteins and electrolyte(to detect nutritional deficiencies) and blood grouping
X Rays
X-ray chest to see the state of the lungs and any spread to the lungs
X-rays of the limbs, head, spine are done when cancers of the bone are suspected, or in cancers of muscles, to see the involvement of bones
Ultrasound
Ultrasound of the Abdomen -This is a simple OPD procedure, which is cheap, painless, fast and very informative. Besides giving details of the cancers of the abdominal organs (digestive system, kidneys, liver, gall bladder and female organs like uterus, ovary etc) it is helpful in showing the spread to the liver and the nodes.
Ultrasound of the neck is done to see the nodes in the neck and for glands like the thyroid
Ultrasound of the breast and other swellings on the limbs are done too to see if the swelling contains water or is solid
Scopy
Scopy is an investigation where the inside of a hollow organ is seen by an instrument which has fiber optic light. It not only shows the cancer or the disease but also can be used to take a biopsy, stop bleeding, and put stents to bypass blocks and perform other procedures
Usually done without anesthesia
Upper Gastrointestinal Scopy
This is for the stomach and the upper intestines. This is done through the mouth and can also be used to see the pancreatic duct and the bile duct. ERCP(Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatico graphy) is done by this too
Broncoscopy is done through the nose to see the air passage and the lungs
Nasopharyngoscopy is done to see the inside of the nose, through the nose
Laryngoscopy is done to see the Larynx (Voice Box) through the nose
Colonoscopy is done through the rectum to see the large intestines
Doppler
Doppler is done over blood vessels (artery and veins) to see the blood flow in them, and to find the involvement of the vessels or any compression on them by the tumor. This is like the ultrasound and done externally
Computerized Axial Tomography
Commonly called CAT scan or CT scan, this is a very common investigation done to see the extent of the cancer. It gives a very good picture of the cancer, the organs involved, and the local and distant spread. It is however a little expensive and not available in all the hospitals in our country. It is very helpful in cancers of the chest, abdomen and brain and is a great help in deciding the extent of surgery and the treatment for the patient
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Like Tuscan, MRI is a very helpful investigation to see the internal organs, specially the bones, spine, limbs and the head
Radioactive Scans
These are done by injecting radioactive dyes specific for particular organ and subsequently picking up the radio sensitivity by special cameras. They help to see the involvement of various organs and the functioning. Commonly done scans are for bone, liver, kidney and thyroid gland
Tumor Markers
These are tests done on blood. Tumor Markers are substances which are normally not found in the blood or found in very small quantities. The presence or rise of these in the blood is an indicator of cancer. It is very good investigation to see the response to treatment in which situation it will fall to normal and for follow-up of cancer patients, where rise in the levels after treatment indicates relapse. Following are some common tumor markers
CA-125 for cancer of ovary
PSA (Prostates Specific Antigen) for cancer prostate
CEA (Carcinoma Embryonic Antigen) for cancer of large intestines and rectum
AFP (Alpha Fetor Protein) for cancer of testis and liver
BHCG (Beta Human Chronic Gonadotropin) for cancer of testis and ovary
Calcitonin for Medullary carcinoma of thyroid
Thyroglobulin for cancer of thyroid
Diagnosis of Cancer
The Diagnosis of Cancer involves three sets of investigations
Confirmation of Diagnosis, by biopsy which we discussed in the last issue
Staging workup, to see the extent of disease locally, its spread and the operability
General Investigations, to assess the general fitness of the patient to undertake the treatment
The routine investigations to asses the general fitness of the patient include blood tests for hemoglobin, white cell count, sugar, liver function tests, kidney function tests, proteins and electrolyte(to detect nutritional deficiencies) and blood grouping
X Rays
X-ray chest to see the state of the lungs and any spread to the lungs
X-rays of the limbs, head, spine are done when cancers of the bone are suspected, or in cancers of muscles, to see the involvement of bones
Ultrasound
Ultrasound of the Abdomen -This is a simple OPD procedure, which is cheap, painless, fast and very informative. Besides giving details of the cancers of the abdominal organs (digestive system, kidneys, liver, gall bladder and female organs like uterus, ovary etc) it is helpful in showing the spread to the liver and the nodes.
Ultrasound of the neck is done to see the nodes in the neck and for glands like the thyroid
Ultrasound of the breast and other swellings on the limbs are done too to see if the swelling contains water or is solid
Scopy
Scopy is an investigation where the inside of a hollow organ is seen by an instrument which has fiber optic light. It not only shows the cancer or the disease but also can be used to take a biopsy, stop bleeding, and put stents to bypass blocks and perform other procedures
Usually done without anesthesia
Upper Gastrointestinal Scopy
This is for the stomach and the upper intestines. This is done through the mouth and can also be used to see the pancreatic duct and the bile duct. ERCP(Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatico graphy) is done by this too
Broncoscopy is done through the nose to see the air passage and the lungs
Nasopharyngoscopy is done to see the inside of the nose, through the nose
Laryngoscopy is done to see the Larynx (Voice Box) through the nose
Colonoscopy is done through the rectum to see the large intestines
Doppler
Doppler is done over blood vessels (artery and veins) to see the blood flow in them, and to find the involvement of the vessels or any compression on them by the tumor. This is like the ultrasound and done externally
Computerized Axial Tomography
Commonly called CAT scan or CT scan, this is a very common investigation done to see the extent of the cancer. It gives a very good picture of the cancer, the organs involved, and the local and distant spread. It is however a little expensive and not available in all the hospitals in our country. It is very helpful in cancers of the chest, abdomen and brain and is a great help in deciding the extent of surgery and the treatment for the patient
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Like Tuscan, MRI is a very helpful investigation to see the internal organs, specially the bones, spine, limbs and the head
Radioactive Scans
These are done by injecting radioactive dyes specific for particular organ and subsequently picking up the radio sensitivity by special cameras. They help to see the involvement of various organs and the functioning. Commonly done scans are for bone, liver, kidney and thyroid gland
Tumor Markers
These are tests done on blood. Tumor Markers are substances which are normally not found in the blood or found in very small quantities. The presence or rise of these in the blood is an indicator of cancer. It is very good investigation to see the response to treatment in which situation it will fall to normal and for follow-up of cancer patients, where rise in the levels after treatment indicates relapse. Following are some common tumor markers
CA-125 for cancer of ovary
PSA (Prostates Specific Antigen) for cancer prostate
CEA (Carcinoma Embryonic Antigen) for cancer of large intestines and rectum
AFP (Alpha Fetor Protein) for cancer of testis and liver
BHCG (Beta Human Chronic Gonadotropin) for cancer of testis and ovary
Calcitonin for Medullary carcinoma of thyroid
Thyroglobulin for cancer of thyroid
KNOW MORE ABOUT CANCER
KNOW MORE ABOUT CANCER
Myths and Facts About Cancer
Though cancer has existed since very long, its detailed knowledge is just over a century old in the history of medicine. And in spite of its significant prevalence and adequate efforts to spread cancer awareness amongst the common man, by all concerned, there are still a large number of myths existing, regarding cancer even in the mind of educated people.
· Age:- Cancer is not the disease of old age only, it can occur in any age and at times .Even a baby can be born with cancer.
· Survival and Cure Diagnosis of Cancer does not mean a death warrant. Cancer can be cured if detected early and a large number of patients survive several years and at times even normal life after having cancer
· Spread:- Cancer is not contagious, It does not spread by staying in the same house or by touch .
· Use of Knife:- People feel that use of knife for biopsy or surgery can spread cancer, but it is not so. Biopsy is essential to diagnose most cancers and plan treatment and surgery where ever possible is the most effective method of treatment in majority of cancers. It removes or decreases the diseased part and makes chemotherapy and radiotherapy more effective
·
Early signs of Cancer:-
Early detection of cancer is the most important way of curing it. So we must all be very careful of early signs of Cancer. They can be summarized as follows
C hange in bowel or bladder habits
A sore that does not heal
U nusual bleeding or discharge
T hickening or lump in breast or elsewhere
I ndigestion or difficulty in swallowing
Obvious change in an existing wart or mole
N agging cough or hoarseness of voice
Besides the above Cancer warning signals, one should consult a doctor in the eventuality of unexplained weight loss, continuous prolonged fever, or general weakness. Patients with family history of cancer or those who have had cancer in the past ,or who have had exposure to radiation or are working in an industry where they are in contact with chemicals are at high risk for cancer and should be careful, and undergo periodic checkups
The routine checkups advised in our country for common cancers is as follows
Woman • Cancer of Cervix - PAP Smear Test every 2-5 years from the age of 35
• Cancer Breast -Mammography every 5 years from the age of 35 years
• Self Breast Examination every month
• Breast examination by the doctor every 2-5 years
Men • Prostate - PSA (Prostatic Specific Antigen ) every 5 years from the age of 45years
• Colon and Rectum -Stool for occult blood and per rectal examination every 2-5 years from the age of 45 years
Stages of Cancer:-The first question that every patient or the relative ask after diagnosis of cancer is that what is the stage of cancer? Though all cancers have their specific staging systems, there are following four broad stages. Stages 1 and 2 have very good chances of cure, but unluckily more than half of the patients in our country report for treatment in stage three and four due to lack of facilities and ignorance.
Stage 1 The cancer is restricted to the organ or site of origin
Stage 2 The cancer has spread locally outside the organ or site of origin
Stage 3 The Cancer has spread to the nodes
Stage 4 The Cancer has spread to distant organs ( Metastatic Cancer )
Diagnosis of Cancer:-
Proper diagnosis of cancer is essential for starting correct treatment, and diagnosis can be achieved by various methods. The two common methods are Cytology and Histopathology
Cytology:- Here the diagnosis is made by seeing cancer cells in the material sent for testing
Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology or Biopsy (FNA/FNAB):- Here cells are aspirated from the tumor or cancerous lump by a thin (FNAB) needle and seen under a microscope, This is a very simple test, done without anesthesia or hospitalization and has significantly high accuracy. This is generally done for growths which are under the skin, specially cancer of the breast, thyroid, liver etc. FNAC on cancers of deeper or small organs can be done under guidance of ultrasound or CT Scan
Cytology of Fluids:- In certain cases cancer can also be diagnosed on finding cancer cells in fluids collected in the body cavity, like the abdomen or thorax or in urine
Histopathology:- This is the best method of diagnosis. Here a biopsy is taken from the cancerous part for diagnosis. A node, complete growth or a part of it can be removed and biopised
Endoscopic Biopsy:- Biopsy of the foodpipe, stomach and intestines is done by endoscopy and colonoscopy and of the airway by bronchoscopy
Stereostatic Biopsy:- Biopsy of small lesions or lesions in structures like brain are done after being localalised by fine needles under CTSan guidance
Myths and Facts About Cancer
Though cancer has existed since very long, its detailed knowledge is just over a century old in the history of medicine. And in spite of its significant prevalence and adequate efforts to spread cancer awareness amongst the common man, by all concerned, there are still a large number of myths existing, regarding cancer even in the mind of educated people.
· Age:- Cancer is not the disease of old age only, it can occur in any age and at times .Even a baby can be born with cancer.
· Survival and Cure Diagnosis of Cancer does not mean a death warrant. Cancer can be cured if detected early and a large number of patients survive several years and at times even normal life after having cancer
· Spread:- Cancer is not contagious, It does not spread by staying in the same house or by touch .
· Use of Knife:- People feel that use of knife for biopsy or surgery can spread cancer, but it is not so. Biopsy is essential to diagnose most cancers and plan treatment and surgery where ever possible is the most effective method of treatment in majority of cancers. It removes or decreases the diseased part and makes chemotherapy and radiotherapy more effective
·
Early signs of Cancer:-
Early detection of cancer is the most important way of curing it. So we must all be very careful of early signs of Cancer. They can be summarized as follows
C hange in bowel or bladder habits
A sore that does not heal
U nusual bleeding or discharge
T hickening or lump in breast or elsewhere
I ndigestion or difficulty in swallowing
Obvious change in an existing wart or mole
N agging cough or hoarseness of voice
Besides the above Cancer warning signals, one should consult a doctor in the eventuality of unexplained weight loss, continuous prolonged fever, or general weakness. Patients with family history of cancer or those who have had cancer in the past ,or who have had exposure to radiation or are working in an industry where they are in contact with chemicals are at high risk for cancer and should be careful, and undergo periodic checkups
The routine checkups advised in our country for common cancers is as follows
Woman • Cancer of Cervix - PAP Smear Test every 2-5 years from the age of 35
• Cancer Breast -Mammography every 5 years from the age of 35 years
• Self Breast Examination every month
• Breast examination by the doctor every 2-5 years
Men • Prostate - PSA (Prostatic Specific Antigen ) every 5 years from the age of 45years
• Colon and Rectum -Stool for occult blood and per rectal examination every 2-5 years from the age of 45 years
Stages of Cancer:-The first question that every patient or the relative ask after diagnosis of cancer is that what is the stage of cancer? Though all cancers have their specific staging systems, there are following four broad stages. Stages 1 and 2 have very good chances of cure, but unluckily more than half of the patients in our country report for treatment in stage three and four due to lack of facilities and ignorance.
Stage 1 The cancer is restricted to the organ or site of origin
Stage 2 The cancer has spread locally outside the organ or site of origin
Stage 3 The Cancer has spread to the nodes
Stage 4 The Cancer has spread to distant organs ( Metastatic Cancer )
Diagnosis of Cancer:-
Proper diagnosis of cancer is essential for starting correct treatment, and diagnosis can be achieved by various methods. The two common methods are Cytology and Histopathology
Cytology:- Here the diagnosis is made by seeing cancer cells in the material sent for testing
Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology or Biopsy (FNA/FNAB):- Here cells are aspirated from the tumor or cancerous lump by a thin (FNAB) needle and seen under a microscope, This is a very simple test, done without anesthesia or hospitalization and has significantly high accuracy. This is generally done for growths which are under the skin, specially cancer of the breast, thyroid, liver etc. FNAC on cancers of deeper or small organs can be done under guidance of ultrasound or CT Scan
Cytology of Fluids:- In certain cases cancer can also be diagnosed on finding cancer cells in fluids collected in the body cavity, like the abdomen or thorax or in urine
Histopathology:- This is the best method of diagnosis. Here a biopsy is taken from the cancerous part for diagnosis. A node, complete growth or a part of it can be removed and biopised
Endoscopic Biopsy:- Biopsy of the foodpipe, stomach and intestines is done by endoscopy and colonoscopy and of the airway by bronchoscopy
Stereostatic Biopsy:- Biopsy of small lesions or lesions in structures like brain are done after being localalised by fine needles under CTSan guidance
Sunday, July 12, 2009
KNOW ABOUT CANCER
KNOW ABOUT CANCER
Cancer is a deadly disease and is struggling hard presently to become the number one killer of our times .The incidence of cancer is increasing. This is because of increasing longevity, changing lifestyle, increasing pollution and many other factors. Three out of every ten people in the world will have cancer in their lives by 2025 .Cancer is increasing in India too and in the next 15 years or so, one out of every six person, will have cancer, which means that at least one member of every family will have a patient suffering from cancer. It is hence imperative that we all know the basics about cancer and its causes, early symptoms and methods of treatment. The study of Cancer is called Oncology,
The most common cancers in the world are of Lung, prostrate, colon (large gut), and rectum. In India the three most common cancers in women are of cervix, breast and esophagus (food pipe) and in men, the head and neck region and esophagus are affected by cancer most commonly. Over one third of all the cancers of the head and neck region, of the world affect Indians
What is Cancer?
Cancer is a purposeless growth of cells, which is unresponsive to the normal growth control mechanism of the body. These soon become so large that they cause adverse impact on the body. This is done by various methods
• Cancer cells use up body nutrients and deprive the normal cells of food and energy
• If on surface they can cause disfigurement and ulceration
• By fast growth they cause pain
• They may obstruct blood vessels, intestine, airway, food pipe etc
• They secrete hormone like substances which cause fever, weakness and other metabolic imbalance
• It may spread to distant organs and cause organ failure
Benign or Malignant
Cancer is often confused with tumor. Neoplasia, which is a purposeless growth of cells, can be of two types, Benign or Malignant. The benign one is the harmless growth and is normally called a tumor, these are slow growing, normally well localized in a capsule and almost never spread to distant organs. Very few tumors may invade local tissue or organs. Malignant neoplasm is the harmful one, which is called Cancer. This is fast growing, does not have a localizing capsule, infiltrates into local tissue and spreads to distant organs, often leading to death. Spread of cancer to distant organs is called metastasis. The common organs affected by metastasis are lymph nodes, liver, lung, bones and brain.
Types or Cancers
Cancers are of various types depending upon the organ or part of the body involved. The common ones are
• Adenocarcinomas - These affect the linings on the solid organs like intestine, lung etc.
• Squamous Cell Carcinomas -these are the common cancers of head and neck region, cervix and esophagus
• Transitional Cell carcinoma- these affect the urinary system
• Sarcoma-these are cancers of connective tissue like muscles, bone, fat etc
• Lymphomas-these are cancers of lymph nodes but may affect other organs too
• Leukemia- this is commonly called blood cancer and affects the blood cells
Causes of Cancer
The exact cause of cancer is not known. but it is believed that changes(mutations) in the genes lead to cancer. These changes may be caused by various factors like genetics, hereditary, geographical distribution, chemicals like aniline, benzene etc, chronic friction like old injury or burn scar, exposure to ionizing radiations and ultraviolet rays, smoking, drinking, use of pan, pan masala and tobacco, poor hygiene and certain preexisting diseases or conditions.
Cancer is a deadly disease and is struggling hard presently to become the number one killer of our times .The incidence of cancer is increasing. This is because of increasing longevity, changing lifestyle, increasing pollution and many other factors. Three out of every ten people in the world will have cancer in their lives by 2025 .Cancer is increasing in India too and in the next 15 years or so, one out of every six person, will have cancer, which means that at least one member of every family will have a patient suffering from cancer. It is hence imperative that we all know the basics about cancer and its causes, early symptoms and methods of treatment. The study of Cancer is called Oncology,
The most common cancers in the world are of Lung, prostrate, colon (large gut), and rectum. In India the three most common cancers in women are of cervix, breast and esophagus (food pipe) and in men, the head and neck region and esophagus are affected by cancer most commonly. Over one third of all the cancers of the head and neck region, of the world affect Indians
What is Cancer?
Cancer is a purposeless growth of cells, which is unresponsive to the normal growth control mechanism of the body. These soon become so large that they cause adverse impact on the body. This is done by various methods
• Cancer cells use up body nutrients and deprive the normal cells of food and energy
• If on surface they can cause disfigurement and ulceration
• By fast growth they cause pain
• They may obstruct blood vessels, intestine, airway, food pipe etc
• They secrete hormone like substances which cause fever, weakness and other metabolic imbalance
• It may spread to distant organs and cause organ failure
Benign or Malignant
Cancer is often confused with tumor. Neoplasia, which is a purposeless growth of cells, can be of two types, Benign or Malignant. The benign one is the harmless growth and is normally called a tumor, these are slow growing, normally well localized in a capsule and almost never spread to distant organs. Very few tumors may invade local tissue or organs. Malignant neoplasm is the harmful one, which is called Cancer. This is fast growing, does not have a localizing capsule, infiltrates into local tissue and spreads to distant organs, often leading to death. Spread of cancer to distant organs is called metastasis. The common organs affected by metastasis are lymph nodes, liver, lung, bones and brain.
Types or Cancers
Cancers are of various types depending upon the organ or part of the body involved. The common ones are
• Adenocarcinomas - These affect the linings on the solid organs like intestine, lung etc.
• Squamous Cell Carcinomas -these are the common cancers of head and neck region, cervix and esophagus
• Transitional Cell carcinoma- these affect the urinary system
• Sarcoma-these are cancers of connective tissue like muscles, bone, fat etc
• Lymphomas-these are cancers of lymph nodes but may affect other organs too
• Leukemia- this is commonly called blood cancer and affects the blood cells
Causes of Cancer
The exact cause of cancer is not known. but it is believed that changes(mutations) in the genes lead to cancer. These changes may be caused by various factors like genetics, hereditary, geographical distribution, chemicals like aniline, benzene etc, chronic friction like old injury or burn scar, exposure to ionizing radiations and ultraviolet rays, smoking, drinking, use of pan, pan masala and tobacco, poor hygiene and certain preexisting diseases or conditions.
INTRODUCTION TO CANCER
Cancer is the epidemic of today!
And it is different from most of the other major, serious and chromic illnesses, in many ways
It can strike at any age
Often grows silently
Treatment is prolonged, involving different specialties and even expensive
Cancer can be cured ,if detected early
Prevention of cancer is mandatory to decrease incidence
Cancer patients and their relatives ,need great moral and psychological support during treatment
Patients need life long Follow up
The incidence of cancer is increasing in India too. The problems being faced in India, in cancer care are
Extensive use of cancer causing agents
Ignorance about cancer
Reluctance of patients to seek medical assistance
Inadequate medical care
Insufficient knowledge about cancer ,in the health workers in rural areas
Improper initial treatment
Reporting late at concerned Centre for treatment
Inadequate cancer treatment facilities
Essential basic steps in fighting the battle of cancer are
· To create cancer Awareness amongst general population
· To educate the cancer patients and their relatives about the treatment
· And to educate the medical personal at the primary health centre about early detection of cancer
Keeping these aspects and aims ,we are starting a series of weekly articles, to speared cancer awareness .Anyone can feel free to raise a doubt, on the site, or forward the query to me
Col Sanjay Kapoor VSMSenior Advisor & Prof
Surgical Oncology
Command Hospital,Lucknow
skapoors@gmail.com
9794765054, 9899126646
0522-2992283, 2996586 (O)
0522-2385476, 4017539 (R)
And it is different from most of the other major, serious and chromic illnesses, in many ways
It can strike at any age
Often grows silently
Treatment is prolonged, involving different specialties and even expensive
Cancer can be cured ,if detected early
Prevention of cancer is mandatory to decrease incidence
Cancer patients and their relatives ,need great moral and psychological support during treatment
Patients need life long Follow up
The incidence of cancer is increasing in India too. The problems being faced in India, in cancer care are
Extensive use of cancer causing agents
Ignorance about cancer
Reluctance of patients to seek medical assistance
Inadequate medical care
Insufficient knowledge about cancer ,in the health workers in rural areas
Improper initial treatment
Reporting late at concerned Centre for treatment
Inadequate cancer treatment facilities
Essential basic steps in fighting the battle of cancer are
· To create cancer Awareness amongst general population
· To educate the cancer patients and their relatives about the treatment
· And to educate the medical personal at the primary health centre about early detection of cancer
Keeping these aspects and aims ,we are starting a series of weekly articles, to speared cancer awareness .Anyone can feel free to raise a doubt, on the site, or forward the query to me
Col Sanjay Kapoor VSMSenior Advisor & Prof
Surgical Oncology
Command Hospital,Lucknow
skapoors@gmail.com
9794765054, 9899126646
0522-2992283, 2996586 (O)
0522-2385476, 4017539 (R)
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
WHAT IS CANCER
CANCER
Cancer is a deadly disease and is struggling hard at present times to become the number one killer of our times .The incidence of cancer is increasing. This is because of increasing longevity, changing lifestyle, increasing pollution and many other factors. Three out of every ten people in the world will have cancer in their lives .Cancer is increasing in India too and soon every family will have a patient suffering from cancer. It is hence imperative that we all know the basics about cancer and its causes, early symptoms and methods of treatment. The study of Cancer is called Oncology,
The most common cancers in the world are of Lung, prostrate, colon (large gut), and rectum. In India the three most common cancers in women are of cervix, breast and esophagus (food pipe) and in men, the head and neck region and esophagus are effected by cancer most commonly. Over one third of all the cancers of the head and neck region, of the world affect Indians
What is Cancer?
Cancer is a purposeless growth of cells, which is unresponsive to the normal growth control mechanism of the body. These soon become so large that they cause adverse impact on the body. This is done by various methods
• Cancer cells use up body nutrients and deprive the normal cells of food and energy
• If on surface they can cause disfigurement and ulceration
• By fast growth they cause pain
• They may obstruct blood vessels, intestine, airway, food pipe etc
• They secrete hormone like substances which cause fever, weakness and other metabolic imbalance
• It may spread to distant organs and cause organ failure
Benign or Malignant
Cancer is often confused with tumor. Neoplasia, which is a purposeless growth of cells, can be of two types, Benign or Malignant. The benign one is the harmless growth and is normally called a tumor, these are slow growing, normally well localized in a capsule and never spread to distant organs. Very few tumors may invade local tissue or organs. Malignant neoplasm is the harmful one, which is called Cancer. This is fast growing, does not have a localizing capsule, infiltrates into local tissue and spreads to distant organs, often leading to death. Spread of cancer to distant organs is called metastasis. The common organs affected by metastasis are lymph nodes ,liver, lung, bones and brain.
Types or Cancers
Cancers are of various types depending upon the organ or part of the body involved. The common ones are
• Adenocarcinomas - These affect the linings on the solid organs like intestine , lung etc.
• Squamous cell Carcinomas -these are the common cancers of head and neck region and esophagus
• Transitional cell carcinoma- these affect the urinary system
• Sarcome-these are cancers of connective tissue like muscles, bone, fat etc
• Lymphomas-these are cancers of lymph nodes but may affect other organs too
• Leukemia- this is commonly called blood cancer and affects the blood cells
Causes of Cancer
The exact cause of cancer is not known. but it is believed that changes(mutations) in the genes lead to cancer. These changes may be caused by various factors like genetics, hereditary, geographical distribution, chemicals like aniline, benzene etc, chronic friction like old injury or burn scar, exposure to ionizing radiations and ultraviolet rays, smoking, drinking, use of pan, pan masala and tobacco, poor hygiene and certain preexisting diseases or conditions.
Cancer is a deadly disease and is struggling hard at present times to become the number one killer of our times .The incidence of cancer is increasing. This is because of increasing longevity, changing lifestyle, increasing pollution and many other factors. Three out of every ten people in the world will have cancer in their lives .Cancer is increasing in India too and soon every family will have a patient suffering from cancer. It is hence imperative that we all know the basics about cancer and its causes, early symptoms and methods of treatment. The study of Cancer is called Oncology,
The most common cancers in the world are of Lung, prostrate, colon (large gut), and rectum. In India the three most common cancers in women are of cervix, breast and esophagus (food pipe) and in men, the head and neck region and esophagus are effected by cancer most commonly. Over one third of all the cancers of the head and neck region, of the world affect Indians
What is Cancer?
Cancer is a purposeless growth of cells, which is unresponsive to the normal growth control mechanism of the body. These soon become so large that they cause adverse impact on the body. This is done by various methods
• Cancer cells use up body nutrients and deprive the normal cells of food and energy
• If on surface they can cause disfigurement and ulceration
• By fast growth they cause pain
• They may obstruct blood vessels, intestine, airway, food pipe etc
• They secrete hormone like substances which cause fever, weakness and other metabolic imbalance
• It may spread to distant organs and cause organ failure
Benign or Malignant
Cancer is often confused with tumor. Neoplasia, which is a purposeless growth of cells, can be of two types, Benign or Malignant. The benign one is the harmless growth and is normally called a tumor, these are slow growing, normally well localized in a capsule and never spread to distant organs. Very few tumors may invade local tissue or organs. Malignant neoplasm is the harmful one, which is called Cancer. This is fast growing, does not have a localizing capsule, infiltrates into local tissue and spreads to distant organs, often leading to death. Spread of cancer to distant organs is called metastasis. The common organs affected by metastasis are lymph nodes ,liver, lung, bones and brain.
Types or Cancers
Cancers are of various types depending upon the organ or part of the body involved. The common ones are
• Adenocarcinomas - These affect the linings on the solid organs like intestine , lung etc.
• Squamous cell Carcinomas -these are the common cancers of head and neck region and esophagus
• Transitional cell carcinoma- these affect the urinary system
• Sarcome-these are cancers of connective tissue like muscles, bone, fat etc
• Lymphomas-these are cancers of lymph nodes but may affect other organs too
• Leukemia- this is commonly called blood cancer and affects the blood cells
Causes of Cancer
The exact cause of cancer is not known. but it is believed that changes(mutations) in the genes lead to cancer. These changes may be caused by various factors like genetics, hereditary, geographical distribution, chemicals like aniline, benzene etc, chronic friction like old injury or burn scar, exposure to ionizing radiations and ultraviolet rays, smoking, drinking, use of pan, pan masala and tobacco, poor hygiene and certain preexisting diseases or conditions.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
CANCER PREVENTION AND CURE
1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do>> not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few>> billion. When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more>> cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests>> are unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached>> the detectable size.>>>> 2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person's >> lifetime.>>>> 3. When the person's immune system is strong the cancer cells will be>> destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumours.>>>> 4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has multiple>> nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic,>> environmental, food and lifestyle factors.>>>> 5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing diet>> and including supplements will strengthen the immune system.>>>> 6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing cancer cells>> and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in the bone marrow,>> gastro-intestinal tract etc, and can cause organ damage, like liver,>> kidneys, heart, lungs etc.>>>> 7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and>> damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.>>>> 8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often reduce>> tumor size. However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do not>> result in more tumor destruction.>>>> 9. When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and>> radiation the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hence>> the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and>> complications.>>>> 10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and>> become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause>> cancer cells to spread to other sites.>>>> 11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by>> not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply.>>>>>> WHAT CANCER CELLS FEED ON:>>>> a. Sugar is a cancer-feeder. By cutting off sugar it cuts off one>> important food supply to the cancer cells. Sugar substitutes like>> NutraSweet, Equal,Spoonful, etc are made with Aspartame and it is>> harmful. A better natural substitute would be Manuka honey or molasses>> but only in very sma ll amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to>> make it white in colour. Better alternative is Bragg's aminos or sea>> salt.>>>> b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the>> gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting off milk>> and substituting with unsweetened soy milk, cancer cells are being>> starved.>>>> c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is>> acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken rather than>> beef or pork. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth>> hormones and parasites, which are all harmful, especially to people>> with cancer.>>>> d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds,>> nuts and a little fruits help put the body into an alkaline>> environment. About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh>> vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and>> reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes to no urish and>> enhance growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building>> healthy cells try>> and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean>> sprouts) and eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are>> destroyed at temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C).>>>> e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high caffeine. Green>> tea is a better alternative and has cancer-fighting properties.>> Water-best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known toxins>> and heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.>>>>>> 12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of>> digestive enzymes.. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines become>> putrified and leads to more toxic buildup.>>>> 13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining>> from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein>> walls of cancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy>> the cancer cells.>>>> 14. Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Flor-ssence,>> Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, EFAs etc.) to enable the>> body's own killer cells to destroy cancer cells.. Other supplements>> like vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death,>> the body's normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or>> unneeded cells.>>>> 15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. A proactive and>> positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor. Anger,>> unforgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic>> environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to>> relax and enjoy life.>>>> 16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment.>> Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down to>> the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to>> destroy cancer cells.>>>>>> >>>>
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
EARLY DETECTION OF CANCER
Cancer: Simple tips on when to go to a doctor
Cancer is believed to be the second most common cause of death after heart disease. Its symptoms can be similar to those of common diseases. For example, unexplained weight loss may be an indication of cancer. Typically, people ignore these early symptoms confusing them with other common conditions. Sometimes they are scared to consult a doctor.
It is very important to detect cancer before it spreads, as treatment is most effective when cancer is found early. For example, if a breast lump is found at an early stage by self-examination, timely treatment can result in long cancer-free survival. Always remember that every symptom could be explained by a harmless condition. Still, it is important to be aware of the following symptoms of cancer and get them investigated.
Unexplained loss of weight: Substances released by cancer cells can result in weight loss. This is non-specific and can also be the result of a prolonged infection. Still, an unexplained and unintended weight loss over a six-month period needs to be investigated.
Fatigue: Patients with cancer experience ongoing tiredness. This could be caused by aneamia (low number of red blood cells in your body) due to an underlying disease like colon cancer, etc. Fatigue increases as cancer progresses.
Pain: Continuous pain that does not go away in a few months and keeps on getting worse may result from cancer. Bony pain may be a sign of cancer of the bone or a cancer that has started from a place like the prostate and has now travelled to the bone.
A persistent cough or blood in the saliva: This is especially relevant for long-term smokers, and is a common sign of lung cancer. Infectious diseases like tuberculosis can also present this way.
Change in bowel habits or blood in the stool: Diarrhoea that does not go away, long-term constipation or change in the size of the stool (eg. Pencil thin stools) can signify colon cancer. Blood in the stools could be due to hemorrhoids, but even this needs to be investigated and treated by a doctor.
Blood in the urine: Blood in the urine is typically due to kidney stones or a urinary infection. However, blood in the urine not accompanied by pain can be a sign of bladder cancer.
Lump in any part of the body: Lumps in the breast may be non-cancerous, but still need to be evaluated thoroughly. Women are advised to conduct monthly breast examinations, especially if they have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Discharges from breasts are common, but if the discharge is bloody or only from one nipple, further evaluation is needed. Testicular cancer presents as a painless lump on the testicles. Many other cancers like those of the lymph nodes can present this way. Lumps most frequently are harmless and lymph nodes could be swollen due to an infection. A lump should be reported to your doctor if it is new and remains enlarged for more than a month or a previous lump that is rapidly growing in size.
Changes in a mole or a wart: Any mole or wart that changes in size, shape, colour or if its edges get irregular may be cancerous. This should be reported to your regular doctor or a skin doctor immediately.
Sores that do not heal: Sores normally heal quickly. If a sore fails to heal, it should be evaluated by a doctor. Non-healing mouth sores and persistent white or red patches in the mouth could be a sign of cancer. This is VERY IMPORTANT in patients who smoke or chew tobacco and should be evaluated as soon as possible.
Though these symptoms are non-specific, if they meet the "2P" criterion (That is, if they are persistent and progressive), you should seek medical advice. Do not be afraid to visit your doctor as early detection may make all the difference. It is never too late to quit smoking, tobacco chewing and excessive alcohol intake. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.
Cancer is believed to be the second most common cause of death after heart disease. Its symptoms can be similar to those of common diseases. For example, unexplained weight loss may be an indication of cancer. Typically, people ignore these early symptoms confusing them with other common conditions. Sometimes they are scared to consult a doctor.
It is very important to detect cancer before it spreads, as treatment is most effective when cancer is found early. For example, if a breast lump is found at an early stage by self-examination, timely treatment can result in long cancer-free survival. Always remember that every symptom could be explained by a harmless condition. Still, it is important to be aware of the following symptoms of cancer and get them investigated.
Unexplained loss of weight: Substances released by cancer cells can result in weight loss. This is non-specific and can also be the result of a prolonged infection. Still, an unexplained and unintended weight loss over a six-month period needs to be investigated.
Fatigue: Patients with cancer experience ongoing tiredness. This could be caused by aneamia (low number of red blood cells in your body) due to an underlying disease like colon cancer, etc. Fatigue increases as cancer progresses.
Pain: Continuous pain that does not go away in a few months and keeps on getting worse may result from cancer. Bony pain may be a sign of cancer of the bone or a cancer that has started from a place like the prostate and has now travelled to the bone.
A persistent cough or blood in the saliva: This is especially relevant for long-term smokers, and is a common sign of lung cancer. Infectious diseases like tuberculosis can also present this way.
Change in bowel habits or blood in the stool: Diarrhoea that does not go away, long-term constipation or change in the size of the stool (eg. Pencil thin stools) can signify colon cancer. Blood in the stools could be due to hemorrhoids, but even this needs to be investigated and treated by a doctor.
Blood in the urine: Blood in the urine is typically due to kidney stones or a urinary infection. However, blood in the urine not accompanied by pain can be a sign of bladder cancer.
Lump in any part of the body: Lumps in the breast may be non-cancerous, but still need to be evaluated thoroughly. Women are advised to conduct monthly breast examinations, especially if they have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Discharges from breasts are common, but if the discharge is bloody or only from one nipple, further evaluation is needed. Testicular cancer presents as a painless lump on the testicles. Many other cancers like those of the lymph nodes can present this way. Lumps most frequently are harmless and lymph nodes could be swollen due to an infection. A lump should be reported to your doctor if it is new and remains enlarged for more than a month or a previous lump that is rapidly growing in size.
Changes in a mole or a wart: Any mole or wart that changes in size, shape, colour or if its edges get irregular may be cancerous. This should be reported to your regular doctor or a skin doctor immediately.
Sores that do not heal: Sores normally heal quickly. If a sore fails to heal, it should be evaluated by a doctor. Non-healing mouth sores and persistent white or red patches in the mouth could be a sign of cancer. This is VERY IMPORTANT in patients who smoke or chew tobacco and should be evaluated as soon as possible.
Though these symptoms are non-specific, if they meet the "2P" criterion (That is, if they are persistent and progressive), you should seek medical advice. Do not be afraid to visit your doctor as early detection may make all the difference. It is never too late to quit smoking, tobacco chewing and excessive alcohol intake. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
PREVENT CANCER
Food, Nutrition, Physical Acitivty and the Prevention of Cancer: A Global Perspective. Published by World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute of Cancer Research. Wasington DC:AICR, 2007 ISBN # 978-0-9722522-2-5"
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
TODAY ISWORLD CANCER DAY !
Cancer is the epidemic of our times
Lets join hands in Fighting Cancer
Say NO to smoking,alcohol,pan ,masala and tobacco
Be Cancer Aware
Spread Cancer awareness
Consult your Doctor at the slightest doubt
periodic medical check ups
Eat healthy food like green vegetables and fresh fruits with carotenes
Decrease,fast food,frozen,and smoked food from your diet
adopt cancer patients for treatment and care
CANCER CAN BE CURED-IF DETECTED EARLYFIGHT CANCER REGARDLESSTOGETHER WE CAN
regards and best wishes
sanjay
Col Sanjay Kapoor VSM
Senior Advisor & Prof
Surgical Oncology
Cancer is the epidemic of our times
Lets join hands in Fighting Cancer
Say NO to smoking,alcohol,pan ,masala and tobacco
Be Cancer Aware
Spread Cancer awareness
Consult your Doctor at the slightest doubt
periodic medical check ups
Eat healthy food like green vegetables and fresh fruits with carotenes
Decrease,fast food,frozen,and smoked food from your diet
adopt cancer patients for treatment and care
CANCER CAN BE CURED-IF DETECTED EARLYFIGHT CANCER REGARDLESSTOGETHER WE CAN
regards and best wishes
sanjay
Col Sanjay Kapoor VSM
Senior Advisor & Prof
Surgical Oncology
Friday, January 16, 2009
CANCER AND DIET
Cancer Update from Johns Hopkins :"Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor. Anger, unforgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life." - Johns Hopkins 1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a fewbillion. When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests areunable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size.2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person's lifetime. 3. When the person's immune system is strong the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumours. 4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has multiple nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, environmental,food and lifestyle factors. 5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing diet and including supplements will strengthen the immune system. 6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in the bone marrow,gastro-intestinal tract etc, and can cause organ damage, like liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc. 7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs. 8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often reduce tumor size. However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do not result in more tumor destruction. 9. When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and complications.10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other sites. 11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply. WHAT CANCER CELLS FEED ON: a. Sugar is a cancer-feeder. By cutting off sugar it cuts off one important food supply to the cancer cells. Sugar substitutes likeNutraSweet, Equal,Spoonful, etc are made with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute would be Manuka honey or molasses but only in very small amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in colour. Better alternative is Bragg's aminos or sea salt.b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting off milk andsubstituting with unsweetened soy milk, cancer cells are being starved. c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken rather thanbeef or pork. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites, which are all harmful, especially to people with cancer. d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into an alkalineenvironment. About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean sprouts) and eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C). e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high caffeine. Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer-fighting properties.Water-best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it. 12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines become putrified and leads to more toxic buildup. 13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy the cancer cells. 14. Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Flor-ssence, Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, EFAs etc.) to enable thebody's own killer cells to destroy cancer cells. Other supplements like vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body's normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells. 15. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer cells.
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