Posts Tagged ‘squamous cell carcinoma’

Greed is Good? Cigars and Throat Cancer

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

Greed is Good? Cigars and Throat Cancer

  

Michael Douglas has revealed that he has been diagnosed with stage 4 throat cancer.  He confesses that for most of his adult life he has been a smoker and drinker, two behaviors that have been linked to increased oral cancer risk.  This is a very serious diagnosis and not surprisingly his physicians are treating him aggressively with radiation and chemotherapy.

According to the American Cancer Society close to 38,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year.  It causes over 8,000 deaths annually in the US.  The death rate for oropharyngeal cancer is so high partly due to the difficulty in early detection.  It can be painless and go unnoticed with few physical changes until the disease is quite advanced.

Cigar smoking has a long history of being associated with wealth and achievement (think of Mr. Douglas’ character of Gordon Gekko in his movie Wall Street).  But cigars might also be known for being more toxic than cigarette smoke.  The larger size of most cigars, implies more tobacco and longer smoking time which results in higher exposures to many toxic compounds (including carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, ammonia, cadmium, and other substances).

90% of oral cancer patients use tobacco.  Diagnosis increases with the amount and duration of smoking.  Cigarette and Cigar smoking can cause cancer of the oral cavity (lip, tongue, mouth and throat), larynx (voice box), esophagus and the lung. Men are more than twice as likely to develop oral cancers.  But, this might be more due to lifestyle choices such as drinking and smoking.

George Karl, the head coach for the Denver Nuggets was diagnosed with Squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil back in February of 2009.  He too has been fighting with multiple rounds of radiation and chemotherapy.  He was recently seen at the ESPY Awards in July looking 40 pounds thinner.

In Mr. Douglas’ case he reports having suffered a sore throat for a while.  “I had a really sore throat….and I actually went through a litany of doctors and tests and they didn’t find anything,” he said on the David Letterman Show.   Doctors performed a biopsy and discovered a stage 4 tumor in the back of his throat.  His doctors expect him to make a full recovery.

Find out more about Oropharyngeal cancer:

American Cancer Society
1-800-ACS-2345
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp

National Cancer Institute
1-800-4-CANCER
http://www.cancer.gov/

Oral Cancer Foundation
949-646-8000
http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/

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Skin Cancer Information – Early Signs And Types Of Skin Cancer

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

Skin Cancer Information – Early Signs And Types Of Skin Cancer.   by John Wellington

The other day, I was taken by the hair coloring of a clerk at the local store. I commented on how beautiful it was, with the dark base and the natural-looking streaks, as if the sun had 
touched her alone; and we began a conversation of how when we were younger we would not have to use any hair dyes: we just sprayed SunIn on our hair and laid out in the sun for an 
hour or two. This of course led us to discussing the near impossibility of doing that now, as we have blasted the ozone layer(s) so hard we have created a direct line between us and the 
harsher (more deadly) rays of the sun (and no, SunIn is a pump spray, not an aerosol, so we didn’t have to go there with culpability and irony and all).
But you probably didn’t come here to read about hair coloring techniques that are sun-free or chemical free, for that matter …at least not specifically. You came looking for information 
on the different types of skin cancer. The speculation and theory does hold some proof against chemicals in–ahem–health and beauty products; and it does point to the sun’s 
“damaging rays” as a possible cause, etc., but here, since we aren’t medical professionals, specialist, or experts, the info on the types of skin cancer is going to be basic and absent of 
finger-pointing, if you will:
There are three types of skin cancer: Basal Cell Carcinoma (a.k.a. non-melanoma skin cancer); Squamous Cell Carcinoma; and Melanoma.
Melanoma (also, Cutaneous Melanoma, Malignant Melanoma) – Cancer cells are growing in the melanocytes, the cells that are responsible for skin pigmentation. According to University 
of Maryland medicine and other experts, of all of the types of skin cancer, Melanoma is “the rarest and the most virulent….” It is typically found in people with fair skin, light hair, and/or 
light eyes, though it is possible in others with different complexions, and as the experts above also assert, does not exempt those with dark brown or black skin. Identifiable symptoms 
contain, most commonly, a mole changing color, size, shape, or state (starts oozing or bleeding), or a mole that UMM notes “feels itchy, hard, lumpy, swollen, or tender to the touch.”
Squamous Cell Carcinoma–Also called non-melanoma skin cancer, Squamous Cell Carcinoma usually begins as a red-looking, scaly patch or patches of skin, or can appear as 
nodules. Of the three types of skin cancer, Squamous, affecting Caucasians, usually fair-complected, is the second most common and shows up, typically, on the ears (ear-rims), face, 
lips, and mouth.
Basal Cell Carcinoma – The second of the types of skin cancer, Basal Cell Cancer, typically starts as a “small, fleshy bump or nodule,” most commonly found on the head, neck, and/or 
hands. Of the three types of skin cancer, Basal Cell Carcinoma, which is typically found in Caucasians, say those at UMM, make up “more than 90 percent in the U.S..
My mother had the second most common of the types of skin cancer, on her lip, and while we at first teased her that it was herpes, she was smart enough to know it was a “sun blister” 
and quick enough to catch it by going to a specialist. That’s the good news, to give you hope when you bemoan the loss of days picnicking, swimming, and “bathing” under the 
wonderful sun.==>>   http://tinyurl.com/33tyfyz
I thank you for taking the time to read this short report Johnfox© 2003-2010 World Marketing Media, Inc.

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Johnfox© 2003-2010 World Marketing Media, Inc.
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Terminal Esophageal Cancer

Sunday, May 23rd, 2010

In olden days patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer were often terminal and the risk factor that was mainly responsible for causing the disease was said to be smoking. Sufferers required surgery in order to make the swallowing of food very easy and also for improving their condition at least till they are alive. The type of esophageal cancer diagnosed was mostly squamous cell carcinoma. But now, the whole scenario is different as patients suffering from esophageal cancer are diagnosed earlier and that too with adenocarcinoma which can be cured most often.

Adenocarcinoma is a type of esophageal cancer which is not a terminal one most often and is mainly caused by GERD or Gastroesophageal reflux disease. The esophageal junction which empies inside the stomach has a muscle ring which keeps the stomach acid that is responsible for digestion flows into the esophagus back. For many, the muscle ring does not work properly enabling the acid irritating the esophagus cell lining and results in heartburn and GERD. The acid which flows back into the esophagus might also result in long term alteration is esophageal cells making them prone to malignant abnormal cell patches called as barrett’s esophagus. The shift from squamous cell carcinoma’s incidence and prevalence to adenocarcinoma is believed to be due to GERD and Acid reflux.

Due to technological advancements terminal esophageal cancer has now become controllable and treatable cancer. The survival rate has also increased considerably due to this. For many years radiation therapy, surgery and a combination of both have been given to patients but their importance and effectiveness is under question as can lead to various types of side effects and complications of higher risk and lesser survival chances. Now doctors try radiation and chemotherapy first and sometime even avoid surgery. According to current studies and clinical trials it has been found that surgery is more effective than the above two treatment options.

There are several instances of certain natural remedies and unconventional treatments offering a promising cure even for terminal esophageal cancer. Ayurveda is one of the time tested unconventional medical option that provides effective medicines. When patients suffering from terminal esophageal cancer, they are treated using this system and it is believed to encourage the natural well being of the body and is more effective when given along with a nutritional diet. Homeopathy too is very effective kind of treatment for terminal esophageal cancer as it focuses mainly on energizing or restoring the body’s vital force. Other unconventional approaches include siddha, acupuncture, spiritual, holistic approach, sino vedic treatments and acupressure.

Natural Remedies:

There are certain natural remedies that offer a promising cure for esophageal cancer. Along with the natural remedies and a well-researched different diet pattern, a few simple adjustments to your lifestyle can make a huge difference to your efforts for prolonging the life for several years. You can increase your chances of surviving esophagus cancer now by trying these proven natural remedies discussed here

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Improve your survival chances to a great extent. Beat the deadly disease with the help of natural remedies. Visit the promising natural cure for esophageal cancer to get rid of the killer disease completely.
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Esophageal Cancer Causes

Saturday, May 8th, 2010

No one know about the exact esophageal cancer causes but know that certain things or factors can influence in getting esophageal cancer in women and men. Certain factors like race or age of a person cannot be altered but some factors like alcohol consumption, smoking and tobacco use can be brought under control.

Some of the factors that increase the chances of getting esophageal cancer include sex, age, barret’s esophagus, heartburn, alcohol and tobacco consumption, diet, overweight, lye, chemicals, achalasia, esophageal webs, tylosis, stomach bacteria and other types of cancer.

The chances of getting esophageal cancer increases as a person grows old (more than fifty five years of age) as people below 55 years are rarely diagnosed with esophageal cancer. The chances of men getting esophageal cancer is three time more when compared to women.

GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease normally called as reflux when experienced for a longer time can also enhances the risk of esophageal cancer even if the reflux had not converted into barrett’s esophagus.

Barrett’s esophagus is a condition caused due to acid reflux for a long period. Some might experience heartburn while some might not. The cells affected by reflux can become adenocarcinoma, a type of esophageal cancer. But it should be kept in mind that not all who have barrett’s esophagus would get affected by esophageal cancer.

Tobacco in any type can increase the chances of causing esophageal cancer. The risk is higher when it is being used for a longer period of time. More than fifty percent of squamous cell carcinoma is believed to be caused due to smoking. Alcohol consumption too enhances the risk of acquiring esophageal cancer.

The combination of both alcohol and smoking can be even more delirious than when they are used separately. Obese or weight persons too can get affected by this type of cancer.

Diet plays a major role in preventing esophageal cancer as a diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruits can decrease the risk of this cancer as they contain good quantities of minerals and vitamins. But overeating can increase the risk. Consuming liquids or beverages in higher temperatures too are said to be the cause of esophageal cancer. Ahcalasia is caused when the food does not get in to the stomach, tylosis is additional skin grown found on the feet soles and palms that they too can become a cause of esophageal cancer.

Workers exposed to dry cleaners on a daily basis are more susceptible to cancer as the chemicals and fumes created by them are found to be responsible for it. Lye is a substance most often present in the cleaners such as drain cleaners can destroy or burn cells that it too can become a cause of esophageal cancer.

Natural Remedies:

There are certain natural remedies that offer a promising cure for esophageal cancer. Along with the natural remedies and a well-researched different diet pattern, a few simple adjustments to your lifestyle can make a huge difference to your efforts for prolonging the life for several years. You can increase your chances of surviving esophagus cancer now by trying these proven natural remedies discussed here

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Improve your survival chances to a great extent. Beat the deadly disease with the help of natural remedies. Visit the promising natural cure for esophageal cancer to get rid of the killer disease completely.
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Women Esophageal Cancer Age, The Best Natural Remedies

Saturday, April 24th, 2010

Women getting affected by esophageal cancer are comparatively lower in incidence than when compared with men.  Before going in to the detail about the relationship between esophageal cancer, women and the age group that gets affected the most, let us first understand what esophageal cancer is all about, the symptoms and how it is caused.

Esophageal cancer is caused by malignant or cancerous cells attacking the tissues present in the esophagus.  Esophagus is a tube like structure that is hollow in the middle and helps in the movement of liquid and food from the mouth till it reaches the stomach.  Esophagus wall is made out of various tissue layers including connective tissues, muscles and mucous membrane.  The cancer begins from the interior side of the esophagus lining and spreads via various other layers outwards as it advances.

Esophageal cancer is named based on the kind of cells which become cancerous or malignant.  One is called the squamous cell carcinoma and the other is called the adenocarcinoma.  Squamous cell carcinoma is formed in the squamous cells which are flat and thin present in the esophagus. Often seen in the middle and upper esophagus region, but can be present in any place of the esophagus. It is also known as epidermoid carcinoma.  Adenocarcinoma starts in the secretary or glandular cells and produces fluids like mucus.  It is normally formed near the stomach and lower region of the esophagus.

Heavy alcohol drinkers, users of tobacco, barett esophagus, being an African American, being a male and of an old age are all prone to esophageal cancer.  Hence women get some relief that the incidence of esophageal cancer in women are very less when compared to the males.  But women esophageal cancer is possible in women who find it hard to swallow food or have pain while swallowing, those who have experienced unexpected weight loss, who have cough, hoarseness in the voice, pain at the back of the breast bone, heartburn and indigestion.  This can be felt at any age in women.  

Procedures and tests which are used for finding out the problem include a chest x ray which can give a clear picture on the state of the organs and bones, barium swallow test making the x rays very clear, esophagoscopy procedure that checks the abnormal regions of the esophagus using an instrument resembling a tube with a lens and light and biopsy where the removed abnormal cells are checked for cancer.

Natural Remedies:

There are certain natural remedies that offer a promising cure for esophageal cancer. Along with the natural remedies and a well-researched different diet pattern, a few simple adjustments to your lifestyle can make a huge difference to your efforts for prolonging the life for several years. You can increase your chances of surviving esophagus cancer now by trying these proven natural remedies discussed <a rel=”nofollow” href=http://esophagus.cancernaturalremedies.com”>here</a>

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Improve your survival chances to a great extent. Beat the deadly disease with the help of natural remedies. Visit <a rel=”nofollow” href=http://esophagus.cancernaturalremedies.com”>the promising natural cure for esophageal cancer</a> to get rid of the killer disease completely.
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