By Tim Gorman
Prostate Cancer Stages - There are 5 relevant prostate cancer stages that one must be aware of to understand the full scope of the disease. Prostate cancer is one of the deadliest cancers affecting men today. More men die from Prostate Cancer then any other form of cancer. Yet, Prostate cancer is one the few cancers that, if it is caught early enough, can be corrected or controlled.
The first of the 5 prostate cancer stages is usually only found through a blood test or biopsy in the affect region of the body. It is usually found through a prostate-specific antigen level in the blood test. This stage is called T-1, professionally. It consists of a microscopic tumor that is only in the prostate itself. It is undetectable by rectal exams and ultrasounds and usually presents no symptoms. T-1 cancers are usually local cancers.
The second stage of prostate cancer is called T2, professionally. This stage is one where the tumor can be felt through a digital rectal exam. It can also be viewed through ultrasound. The tumor is still confined to the prostate area. T2 cancers are usually local cancers.
The third stage of prostate cancer is a spreading tumor. This stage is professionally known as stage T3. The cancer at this stage will now start to move to the seminal vesicles and close-by tissues. It has not spread yet to the lymph nodes in the body. T3 cancers usually are regional cancers that affect areas just beyond the prostate.
The fourth stage of prostate cancer is afflicting the organs and tissues that reside nearest the prostate. This stage is professionally known as T4. T4 cancers are usually cancers that are regionally located. They reach just beyond the prostate area of the body.
The fifth stage of prostate cancer is afflicting the whole of the body. It can affect any organ, bone or lymph node. This stage is professionally known as N+ or M+. The N+ portion means that it is affecting the pelvic lymph nodes. The M+ portion of this stage means that the cancer is affecting the other lymph nodes, organs and bones that are distant from the prostate area of the body. All the parts that are mentioned for Stage M+ do not have to be afflicted with cancer in order to be classified as M+. At this stage, the cancer is considered to be a metastatic cancer, meaning that the cancer is reaching lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
Prostate cancer stages are hard to diagnose without the help of your doctor. Early detection can save your life or the life of someone you know. The National Cancer Center for Health Statistics stated that of prostate cancer sufferers on record, 99.9% had survived 5 years. Though there were people who had lived considerably longer than that, the study didn't indicate any further life expectancies beyond this one.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Pancreatic Cancer Stages - Know Your Chances
By Mert Ozge
Pancreatic Cancer Stages indicates the number or percentages of people who were able to extend their lives 5 years of more after they were diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas. A long time ago, cancer survival stages are measured in a 10 year period but recently statistical reports have lessened their time periods into 5 years. Patients who were under this study are those suffering from pancreatic cancer - whether or not they have shown symptoms but are still receiving treatment for this disease.
Medical professionals continually inform the public that it is unwise to predict your life expectancy period based on these survival stage charts. They may be used as basis, but since there are no 2 or more patients with the exact same case, it is still advisable to maintain an uplifted spirit and continue the prayers.
There are some factors that may highly affect the Pancreatic Cancer Stages and they are as follows:
Surgery - whether the tumor is removed or not
Stages - the earlier the stage, the higher chances of survival
General Health Condition - patients undergoing chemotherapy will drastically decrease the functionality of their immune system, therefore, those who are already unhealthy even before being diagnosed are at risks of getting more diseases during the treatment. Also, there are patients who may not be able to survive surgery due to existing lung and heart diseases in addition to old age
Recurrent - if the cancer is recurrent, there is a lesser chance of survival
EmedTv have released a relative report of the Pancreatic Cancer Stages in the US and it is not exactly something one could smile about. Since the pancreas is one of the most vital organs in the body, in some books even more important than the liver, the Pancreatic Cancer Stages is one of the lowest amongst all types of cancer.
The general average of people surviving this cancer is only at 15-20%. Below is the percentage of patients who were able to survive 5 years after confirmed diagnosis:
• At stage 1, there were only 16.4 percent of patients who survived
• At stage 2 and 3, there were only 7 percent of patients who survived
• At stage 4, there were only 1.8 percent of patients who survived
•For patients whose cancer stage was unknown or was not precisely confirmed, there were only 4.3 percent of patients who survived
Many patients would like to know more other than their Pancreatic Cancer Stages. A great source of cancer information you can use is here.
Pancreatic Cancer Stages indicates the number or percentages of people who were able to extend their lives 5 years of more after they were diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas. A long time ago, cancer survival stages are measured in a 10 year period but recently statistical reports have lessened their time periods into 5 years. Patients who were under this study are those suffering from pancreatic cancer - whether or not they have shown symptoms but are still receiving treatment for this disease.
Medical professionals continually inform the public that it is unwise to predict your life expectancy period based on these survival stage charts. They may be used as basis, but since there are no 2 or more patients with the exact same case, it is still advisable to maintain an uplifted spirit and continue the prayers.
There are some factors that may highly affect the Pancreatic Cancer Stages and they are as follows:
Surgery - whether the tumor is removed or not
Stages - the earlier the stage, the higher chances of survival
General Health Condition - patients undergoing chemotherapy will drastically decrease the functionality of their immune system, therefore, those who are already unhealthy even before being diagnosed are at risks of getting more diseases during the treatment. Also, there are patients who may not be able to survive surgery due to existing lung and heart diseases in addition to old age
Recurrent - if the cancer is recurrent, there is a lesser chance of survival
EmedTv have released a relative report of the Pancreatic Cancer Stages in the US and it is not exactly something one could smile about. Since the pancreas is one of the most vital organs in the body, in some books even more important than the liver, the Pancreatic Cancer Stages is one of the lowest amongst all types of cancer.
The general average of people surviving this cancer is only at 15-20%. Below is the percentage of patients who were able to survive 5 years after confirmed diagnosis:
• At stage 1, there were only 16.4 percent of patients who survived
• At stage 2 and 3, there were only 7 percent of patients who survived
• At stage 4, there were only 1.8 percent of patients who survived
•For patients whose cancer stage was unknown or was not precisely confirmed, there were only 4.3 percent of patients who survived
Many patients would like to know more other than their Pancreatic Cancer Stages. A great source of cancer information you can use is here.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Overview of Cervical Cancer Stages and Their Treatment
By Steve Walter
Cervical Cancer Stages - Cervical cancer is a type of malignancy that occurs in women. Women at higher risk for cancer of the uterine cervix are those who begin sexual intercourse at an early stage, those who have multiple sex partners, history of multiple pregnancies, develop cervical dysplasia or sexual relations with high risk males. Studies suggest that during adolescence, cervical epithelial cells are particularly sensitive to carcinogenic change.
Cervical cancer is classified and treated according to four cervical cancer stages of differentiation. Stage one is characterized as growth limited only to the cervix. When growth extends beyond the cervix, it is already considered as stage two. It is classified as stage three once the growth has extended into the pelvic wall. Lastly, if the growth has extended to adjacent organs then it has already reached the fourth stage.
Patients with cancer of the cervix may present with symptomatic or asymptomatic disease. Symptoms indicative of early stages of cervical cancer are prolonged menstrual periods, watery vaginal discharge and slight intermenstrual vaginal bleeding after coitus, travel or exertion. These findings may be present for months before additional irregularities occur. As the lesion becomes more extensive, symptoms are more pronounced. Hemorrhage occurs with advanced infiltrative tumors.
The first symptoms produced by the tumor after menopause is usually alarming because they are unexpected. Consequently the patient usually promptly seeks attention. However, if the symptoms begin two to three years after menopause, the patient may think that menstruation has resumed and will delay seeking medical attention.
In later stages, a serosanguinous or yellowish vaginal discharge may be present. It is often foul-smelling due to the sloughing of epithelium and may be associated with profuse bleeding. Pain in the lumbosacral area is usually a late sign and occurs with lymph node involvement. Urinary and rectal symptoms may appear when advanced local disease has invaded the bladder and rectum.
Treatment of cervical cancer is determined by the clinical findings, stage of disease, overall condition of the patient, and whether she wishes to preserve the reproductive mechanism. The treatment of preinvasive lesions can consist of cryotherapy, electrocautery, laser therapy, or conization. For the first level of cervical cancer stages, carcinoma can be conservatively managed by cervical conization, vaginal radiation therapy, and laser treatment. Patients who are conservatively managed should be closely evaluated at least yearly for further appearance of cancer.
Either surgery or radiation therapy are used for stages 1 and 2. Radiation therapy may be used alone for stages 2 and 3. For stage 4, pelvic exenteration may be performed. In advanced tumors in stages 3 and 4, external radiation therapy may be beneficial. External, internal and interstitial radiation therapy may be used. Systemic chemotherapeutics or regional chemotherapeutics are also treatments for cervical cancer.
The earlier the stage at which cancer is diagnosed means a better the prognosis. Preinvasive cancer commonly is diagnosed in women 30 to 40 years of age. Most patients with invasive carcinoma are 40 to 50 years old. Thus, 5 to 10 years are required for the chance to penetrate the basement membrane and become invasive. After invasion, death usually occurs in 3 to 5 years in the untreated patient. That is why to prevent any complications, watch out for early signs of cervical cancer.
Cervical Cancer Stages - Cervical cancer is a type of malignancy that occurs in women. Women at higher risk for cancer of the uterine cervix are those who begin sexual intercourse at an early stage, those who have multiple sex partners, history of multiple pregnancies, develop cervical dysplasia or sexual relations with high risk males. Studies suggest that during adolescence, cervical epithelial cells are particularly sensitive to carcinogenic change.
Cervical cancer is classified and treated according to four cervical cancer stages of differentiation. Stage one is characterized as growth limited only to the cervix. When growth extends beyond the cervix, it is already considered as stage two. It is classified as stage three once the growth has extended into the pelvic wall. Lastly, if the growth has extended to adjacent organs then it has already reached the fourth stage.
Patients with cancer of the cervix may present with symptomatic or asymptomatic disease. Symptoms indicative of early stages of cervical cancer are prolonged menstrual periods, watery vaginal discharge and slight intermenstrual vaginal bleeding after coitus, travel or exertion. These findings may be present for months before additional irregularities occur. As the lesion becomes more extensive, symptoms are more pronounced. Hemorrhage occurs with advanced infiltrative tumors.
The first symptoms produced by the tumor after menopause is usually alarming because they are unexpected. Consequently the patient usually promptly seeks attention. However, if the symptoms begin two to three years after menopause, the patient may think that menstruation has resumed and will delay seeking medical attention.
In later stages, a serosanguinous or yellowish vaginal discharge may be present. It is often foul-smelling due to the sloughing of epithelium and may be associated with profuse bleeding. Pain in the lumbosacral area is usually a late sign and occurs with lymph node involvement. Urinary and rectal symptoms may appear when advanced local disease has invaded the bladder and rectum.
Treatment of cervical cancer is determined by the clinical findings, stage of disease, overall condition of the patient, and whether she wishes to preserve the reproductive mechanism. The treatment of preinvasive lesions can consist of cryotherapy, electrocautery, laser therapy, or conization. For the first level of cervical cancer stages, carcinoma can be conservatively managed by cervical conization, vaginal radiation therapy, and laser treatment. Patients who are conservatively managed should be closely evaluated at least yearly for further appearance of cancer.
Either surgery or radiation therapy are used for stages 1 and 2. Radiation therapy may be used alone for stages 2 and 3. For stage 4, pelvic exenteration may be performed. In advanced tumors in stages 3 and 4, external radiation therapy may be beneficial. External, internal and interstitial radiation therapy may be used. Systemic chemotherapeutics or regional chemotherapeutics are also treatments for cervical cancer.
The earlier the stage at which cancer is diagnosed means a better the prognosis. Preinvasive cancer commonly is diagnosed in women 30 to 40 years of age. Most patients with invasive carcinoma are 40 to 50 years old. Thus, 5 to 10 years are required for the chance to penetrate the basement membrane and become invasive. After invasion, death usually occurs in 3 to 5 years in the untreated patient. That is why to prevent any complications, watch out for early signs of cervical cancer.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Lung Cancer Stages - Discover The Truth
By Paula Anfuso
Lung cancer stages are when a doctor learns the extent of the disease if a diagnosis is found to be lung cancer. The treatment of lung cancer varies depending on the size of the tumor and on how far it has spread. Staging is done to discover whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to what parts of the body. Lung cancer is notorious for spreading to the brain or bones, and knowing how far it has advanced helps the doctor plan the most useful treatment. Some tests used to determine whether the cancer has spread include CAT (or CT) scan, MRI, bone scan, mediastinoscopy/mediastinotomy.
Small Cell Lung Cancer
Limited, extensive, or recurrent are the three stages for small cell lung cancer.
Limited Stage: Cancer is found in one lung and in nearby lymph nodes. Treatment may well be one of the following: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy to the upper body/chest, chemotherapy with or without prophylactic cranial irradiation, surgery followed by chemotherapy with or without prophylactic cranial irradiation, clinical trials testing new drugs and new treatments.
Extensive Stage: Cancer has spread away from the lung to other tissues and organs in the chest and other parts of the body. Treatment may be one of the following: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy to the upper body/chest, radiation therapy to places in the body where the cancer has spread, clinical trials testing new drugs and new treatments.
Recurrent Stage: A cancer that has returned appearing in the lungs or in another part of the body. Treatment for recurrence can include be one of the following: Radiation treatment, chemotherapy, laser treatment, radiation therapy or surgical implant of devices to keep the airways open, clinical trial testing of new drugs.
Occult Stage: No tumor can be detected in the lung at this stage but cancer cells are found in the sputum. Lung cancer found at this early stage is often cured by surgery.
Stage 0: Cancer is found just in a local area of the lung and only in a few of the cells. Treatment may well be surgery or photodynamic therapy, as it has not yet grown through the top lining of the lung.
Stage I: Cancer is found only in the lung and is surrounded by normal tissue. Treatment may well consist of one of the following: Surgery, radiation therapy, clinical trials of chemotherapy, clinical trials of chemo-prevention, clinical trials of photodynamic therapy.
Stage II: Cancer has increased to include the nearby lymph nodes. Treatment may consist of: Surgery to remove the tumor and lymph nodes, radiation therapy, surgery and/or radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy.
Stage 3A: Cancer has spread to the chest wall or diaphragm. It could have spread to the lymph nodes separating the two lungs or in the lymph nodes on the other side of the chest or in the neck. Treatment for stage IIIA can be treated with surgery, but will usually consist of the following: Surgery, chemotherapy and other treatments, surgery and radiation treatment, radiation treatment alone, laser therapy and/or internal radiation treatment.
Stage 3B: Cancer has spread to the chest wall and probably the diaphragm near the lung. It may also have spread to the lymph nodes in the area separating the two lungs and to the lymph nodes on the other side of the chest or in the neck. Stage IIIB cancer is usually inoperable. Treatment may be one of the following: Radiation treatment alone, chemotherapy plus radiation treatment, chemotherapy plus radiation treatment followed by surgery, chemotherapy alone.
Stage 4: Cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Treatment usually includes the following: Radiation treatment, chemotherapy, chemotherapy and radiation treatment, laser therapy and/or internal radiation treatment.
Recurrent: Cancer has returned after previous treatment. Treatment can include the following: Radiation therapy to control symptoms from the cancer, chemotherapy, chemotherapy with radiation treatment, surgery to remove the tumor, laser therapy or internal radiation treatment, radio-surgery.
A rough guide for non-small cell lung cancer survival by stage based on a 5-year survival rate: Stage 1 is 47%, Stage II is 26%, Stage III is 8%, and Stage IV is 2%. These 5-year rates are based on patients diagnosed and originally treated more than five years ago, so the survival rate presently should be more promising. - lung cancer stages
Lung cancer stages are when a doctor learns the extent of the disease if a diagnosis is found to be lung cancer. The treatment of lung cancer varies depending on the size of the tumor and on how far it has spread. Staging is done to discover whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to what parts of the body. Lung cancer is notorious for spreading to the brain or bones, and knowing how far it has advanced helps the doctor plan the most useful treatment. Some tests used to determine whether the cancer has spread include CAT (or CT) scan, MRI, bone scan, mediastinoscopy/mediastinotomy.
Small Cell Lung Cancer
Limited, extensive, or recurrent are the three stages for small cell lung cancer.
Limited Stage: Cancer is found in one lung and in nearby lymph nodes. Treatment may well be one of the following: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy to the upper body/chest, chemotherapy with or without prophylactic cranial irradiation, surgery followed by chemotherapy with or without prophylactic cranial irradiation, clinical trials testing new drugs and new treatments.
Extensive Stage: Cancer has spread away from the lung to other tissues and organs in the chest and other parts of the body. Treatment may be one of the following: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy to the upper body/chest, radiation therapy to places in the body where the cancer has spread, clinical trials testing new drugs and new treatments.
Recurrent Stage: A cancer that has returned appearing in the lungs or in another part of the body. Treatment for recurrence can include be one of the following: Radiation treatment, chemotherapy, laser treatment, radiation therapy or surgical implant of devices to keep the airways open, clinical trial testing of new drugs.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer:
Non-small cell lung cancer uses a traditional staging system. Non-small cell lung cancer tumors may have many stages because they grow slower than small cell lung cancer.Occult Stage: No tumor can be detected in the lung at this stage but cancer cells are found in the sputum. Lung cancer found at this early stage is often cured by surgery.
Stage 0: Cancer is found just in a local area of the lung and only in a few of the cells. Treatment may well be surgery or photodynamic therapy, as it has not yet grown through the top lining of the lung.
Stage I: Cancer is found only in the lung and is surrounded by normal tissue. Treatment may well consist of one of the following: Surgery, radiation therapy, clinical trials of chemotherapy, clinical trials of chemo-prevention, clinical trials of photodynamic therapy.
Stage II: Cancer has increased to include the nearby lymph nodes. Treatment may consist of: Surgery to remove the tumor and lymph nodes, radiation therapy, surgery and/or radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy.
Stage 3A: Cancer has spread to the chest wall or diaphragm. It could have spread to the lymph nodes separating the two lungs or in the lymph nodes on the other side of the chest or in the neck. Treatment for stage IIIA can be treated with surgery, but will usually consist of the following: Surgery, chemotherapy and other treatments, surgery and radiation treatment, radiation treatment alone, laser therapy and/or internal radiation treatment.
Stage 3B: Cancer has spread to the chest wall and probably the diaphragm near the lung. It may also have spread to the lymph nodes in the area separating the two lungs and to the lymph nodes on the other side of the chest or in the neck. Stage IIIB cancer is usually inoperable. Treatment may be one of the following: Radiation treatment alone, chemotherapy plus radiation treatment, chemotherapy plus radiation treatment followed by surgery, chemotherapy alone.
Stage 4: Cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Treatment usually includes the following: Radiation treatment, chemotherapy, chemotherapy and radiation treatment, laser therapy and/or internal radiation treatment.
Recurrent: Cancer has returned after previous treatment. Treatment can include the following: Radiation therapy to control symptoms from the cancer, chemotherapy, chemotherapy with radiation treatment, surgery to remove the tumor, laser therapy or internal radiation treatment, radio-surgery.
A rough guide for non-small cell lung cancer survival by stage based on a 5-year survival rate: Stage 1 is 47%, Stage II is 26%, Stage III is 8%, and Stage IV is 2%. These 5-year rates are based on patients diagnosed and originally treated more than five years ago, so the survival rate presently should be more promising. - lung cancer stages
Monday, July 23, 2012
Kidney Cancer Symptoms
By Rita Goldman
Kidney Cancer Symptoms - Kidney cancer has direct links to a person's urine because the kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste products out of our blood. And like other forms of cancer, kidney cancer may not immediately produce symptoms or, if and when symptoms do appear they may have done so for reasons other than cancer. A person with an infection or a cyst for example, will present as would someone with kidney cancer. Initially a tumor in the kidney may be very small in which case there may well be few if any symptoms at all.
Kidney Cancer Symptoms is likely to be found more in people over 55 years of age and is more common in men than in women. There are several factors which are believed to influence the cause of kidney cancer and the interesting thing is that many of these factors are able to be controlled by the patient; two excellent examples being smoking and obesity. Don't smoke and do lose weight are two ways to reduce your risk of developing kidney cancer.
o Blood is seen in one's urine and this is the most common symptom. But this symptom can be because a person has kidney stones, an infection or, in the case of many men, an enlarged prostate gland.
o A lump or swelling in the area of the kidney.
o General lethargy and tiredness.
o A pain or ache which persists in the lower back or lower side.
o Sudden weight loss and/or loss of appetite.
o Sweating, fever and the like.
The kidneys carry out vital roles within the body including filtering blood and making hormones. These hormones regulate blood pressure, control calcium levels and help in the manufacture of red blood cells. Healthy kidneys go a long way to making a healthy body.
There are some interesting facts about kidney cancer symptoms. The first is that most kidney cancers are discovered when the doctor is checking a patient for something unrelated to kidney cancer. We each have two kidneys and to have a kidney removed in order to beat the disease normally makes little difference. We are usually able to function quite normally with just one kidney. In fact some elite athletes perform and perform well having had one of their kidneys removed. In some cases of kidney cancer, only a part of the diseased kidney is removed leaving the patient with one and half kidneys, so to speak, to continue living a healthy and normal life.
As with any form of cancer, any patient who has one or more of the symptoms listed above should immediately see their doctor and explain their condition. It may be there no cancer present but if there is, the sooner the tests are carried out and the treatment begun, the better are your chances of a good recovery.
The health of our blood is greatly influenced by the health of our kidneys. Give them the best chance to shine by avoiding bad things and giving your body all the goodness of natural, healthy living.
Kidney Cancer Symptoms - Kidney cancer has direct links to a person's urine because the kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste products out of our blood. And like other forms of cancer, kidney cancer may not immediately produce symptoms or, if and when symptoms do appear they may have done so for reasons other than cancer. A person with an infection or a cyst for example, will present as would someone with kidney cancer. Initially a tumor in the kidney may be very small in which case there may well be few if any symptoms at all.
Kidney Cancer Symptoms is likely to be found more in people over 55 years of age and is more common in men than in women. There are several factors which are believed to influence the cause of kidney cancer and the interesting thing is that many of these factors are able to be controlled by the patient; two excellent examples being smoking and obesity. Don't smoke and do lose weight are two ways to reduce your risk of developing kidney cancer.
Symptoms of this disease are as follows:
o Blood is seen in one's urine and this is the most common symptom. But this symptom can be because a person has kidney stones, an infection or, in the case of many men, an enlarged prostate gland.
o A lump or swelling in the area of the kidney.
o General lethargy and tiredness.
o A pain or ache which persists in the lower back or lower side.
o Sudden weight loss and/or loss of appetite.
o Sweating, fever and the like.
The kidneys carry out vital roles within the body including filtering blood and making hormones. These hormones regulate blood pressure, control calcium levels and help in the manufacture of red blood cells. Healthy kidneys go a long way to making a healthy body.
There are some interesting facts about kidney cancer symptoms. The first is that most kidney cancers are discovered when the doctor is checking a patient for something unrelated to kidney cancer. We each have two kidneys and to have a kidney removed in order to beat the disease normally makes little difference. We are usually able to function quite normally with just one kidney. In fact some elite athletes perform and perform well having had one of their kidneys removed. In some cases of kidney cancer, only a part of the diseased kidney is removed leaving the patient with one and half kidneys, so to speak, to continue living a healthy and normal life.
As with any form of cancer, any patient who has one or more of the symptoms listed above should immediately see their doctor and explain their condition. It may be there no cancer present but if there is, the sooner the tests are carried out and the treatment begun, the better are your chances of a good recovery.
The health of our blood is greatly influenced by the health of our kidneys. Give them the best chance to shine by avoiding bad things and giving your body all the goodness of natural, healthy living.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)