2012年6月30日 星期六

Acute Lymphocyctic Leukemia


Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), a type of blood cancer, causes damage and possible death by crowding the normal blood cells in the bone marrow and will eventually spread to other organs. ALL is commonly found in children but also found in adults and if left untreated can be fatal. The risk of getting ALL goes up in people age 45 and will go up again as you grow older. There are over 5000 people expected to be diagnosed with ALL in year 2008.

Effects of ALL

There is short term and long term effects living with ALL and it will be emotionally, physically and financially straining them. While living with ALL, your abnormal blood cells crowd around other cells in the bone marrow. This prevents your body from producing red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets causing many problems in their future such as anemia, and more infection.

Other acute lymphocytic leukemia symptoms are:

* Swollen lymph nodes

* Dyspnea

* Bleed more easily

* Enlarged liver or spleen

Diagnosing ALL

There are many tests that doctors use to diagnose ALL and the tests they use will depend on other factors such as your age, the severity of the symptoms. The tests given are blood work, a bone marrow biopsy, cytogenetics, imaging tests and more.

Treatment

Chemotherapy is the primary treatment for this disease varying in length and number of drugs involved. Clinical trials are another often used option that allow doctors to continue to learn about and improve treatments for ALL.

If you are experiencing some or all of acute lymphocyctic leukemia symptoms then you need the right legal guidance. Please contact a medical attorney today. There are experienced and trustworthy people who can give you the legal support you deserve.




David Austin is an Attorney focused on complex injury cases. You can learn more about Acute Lymphocyctic Leukemia at his website. Burke-Eisner.com





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Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in Children


Cancer in any of its forms is known to the society as a condition of adults or elder persons; still it can occur at any age even during the care-free childhood period. Children diagnosed with cancer must rapidly grow up and learn hoe to face the illness as well as their parents that will have to be able to care for them.

The most common form of malignant tumors in children is the acute lymphocyte Leukemia and it is known to affect about 2500 pediatric patients every year. The acute forms of Leukemia develop rapidly and spread to the entire body in just a few months if left untreated. Knowing how to recognize the disease seems to be most important as Leukemia can lead to death in a very short time if not treated properly.

Leukemia develops inside the bone marrow and spreads to the lymph nodes, liver, spleen and nervous system. Cancerous marrow cells produce abnormal blood cells; insufficient or inefficient red blood cells lead to anemia, a low number of white blood cells leaves the body helpless to infections, and decreased number of platelets caused bruising and bleedings. General symptoms like headaches, weakness or vomiting also occur when the cancer reaches other main organs.

No way of prevention is known to us today as leukemia cannot be linked to any lifestyle factors. A good life expectation can only be reached if a doctor is seen immediately when symptoms occur and a proper treatment is quickly administered.

The most specific diagnose is the bone marrow biopsy when a small amount of marrow is extracted from the thighbone with a needle. The microscopic examination of the tissue can establish the presence of cancerous cells inside the bone marrow. Further analysis includes blood tests for searching changes in number and function of the three vital blood cells. In Leukemia a risen number of white cells are found together with a decreased number of red ones. Through the blood tests certain diagnose of the particular form of blood cancer can be established.

Cancer cells are dangerous as they divide very quickly and an efficient primer treatment with chemotherapy must stop their multiplication. More types of chemotherapeutics are required to kill all cancerous cells as Leukemia is known to spread very rapidly throughout the whole body. The drug therapy is a long-lasting process and can produce several side-effects such as hair loss, infections, tiredness, nausea, anorexia and vomiting.

New ways of therapy are searched that should only affect the cancerous cells unlike conventional drugs. The stem cells transplantation targeting to replace the lost marrow working cellularity seems to give hopeful results.

Blood cancer can reoccur and therefore a treatment with stem cells can give more effective results. If Leukemia cannot be treated, doctors try ways of making the patient's life with cancer easier by relieving the symptoms. About 85% of the children that have survived 5 years without cancer reoccurring are considered to have been cured.




For greater resources about Leukemia please visit these pages http://www.leukemia-guide.com/leukemia-symptoms.htm or http://www.leukemia-guide.com/leukemia-causes.htm





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Symptoms And Diagnosing In Leukemia


No human is alike another on this planet. Because of the this the way that the disease leukemia affects people is also very different. Some patients may experience severe or acute symptoms, while in others the action of the symptoms may be so mild that a long time passes till the disease is actually found and diagnosed; this can go on for years or even decades. All of us know that leukemia is the worst cancer that exist in this days and that affects people. Properly diagnosing this disorder can prove quite tricky some times, the fact being that many of its symptoms do resemble the symptoms of other very common and not life threatening illnesses.

Some of the most usual symptoms found in leukemia patients are fever, chills or other symptoms that resemble the ones of flu; weakness or fatigue may also appear in patients. Because of the heavy tole that the disease has on the body the patient may experience loss of appetite and normally after this, the weight might severely drop. Severe sweating may also be present, especially during sleep, at night time. Swollen or bleeding gums may be some of that symptoms to show us that the disease is getting serious and taking a heavy tole on the patient. Because of the lack of oxygen and nutrients that the body is receiving, bone or joint pain may also make them selves felt. Because the fact that the brain is also affected, headache, paralysis, seizures may sometimes trouble the patient with different intensities. In men the case might also include the swelling of the testicles, witch is a very nasty thing. Skin symptoms may also appear like rashes, loss of hair.

To be sure of the diagnose he makes, the doctor will most certainly run a wide variety of tests to rule out any other disease that is suspected to cause trouble to the patient. As long with physical test the doctor will also take blood samples to be more shore of the diagnose that he makes. High white blood cell count would most certainly indicate an over production of the bone marrow, but this does not necessarily mean the person has leukemia. A further more thorough test will actually include the extraction of some bone marrow for a bone marrow biopsy. If in this case a problem is discovered than the patient is in for some bed news. Still these test are extremely painful, often making patients to think again about taking them.




For more info about acute leukemia please visit this website http://www.leukemia-guide.com/leukemia-causes.htm or even http://www.leukemia-guide.com/leukemia-symptoms.htm





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2012年6月29日 星期五

Could Fish Oil Potentially Cure Leukemia?


The results of a new study just published in the Journal Blood, has highlighted how a compound found in fish oil may in future be able to eradicate the blood cancer known as leukemia.

In laboratory experiments at Pennsylvania State University, researchers found that a component of Omega 3 known as Delta-12-J3 Prostaglandin or D12PGJ3 can selectively target the stem cells of chronic myelogenous leukemia or CML.

D12PGJ3 arises from Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), long chain fatty acid found abundantly in oily fish. It has now been shown in plenty of prior studies that Omega 3 fatty acids have important health benefits in helping to lower the risk of disease but this latest trial now opens up the incredible possibility that Omega 3 may be used in cancer therapy at some point.

"Research in the past on fatty acids has shown the health benefits of fatty acids on cardiovascular system and brain development, particularly in infants but we have shown that some metabolites of Omega-3 have the ability to selectively kill the leukemia-causing stem cells" said Sandeep Prabhu, author of the new study and associate professor of immunology and molecular toxicology in the Department of Veterinary and Medical Sciences

Prabhu also said that it's necessary to target the stem cells as they can divide and cause more cancer cells.

Current drugs used for CML can prolong a patient's life by keeping the number of leukemia cells in the blood down but they can't cure leukemia because they don't specifically target the leukemia stem cells explained Robert Paulson, Co author of the study and associate professor of veterinary and biomedical sciences.

"The patients must take the drugs continuously," said Paulson. "If they stop, the disease relapses because the leukemia stem cells are resistant to the drugs."

"These stem cells can hide from the treatment, and a small population of stem cells give rise to more leukemia cells," said Paulson.

"So, targeting the stem cells is essential if you want to cure leukemia."

CML is a relatively rare kind of cancer that results in too many white blood cells being produced. It is not a disease passed down through families and can occur in any individual at any age although it's more likely to affect middle aged and older people.

The Leukemia begins in the bone marrow in a cell called a stem cell. Stem cells produce new blood cells by making a copy of themselves and then dividing to make two new cells. In most cases of this disease, something goes drastically wrong during this process of cell division and genes that are normally in separate chromosomes get stuck together producing an abnormal cell. This gene mutation is called the Philadelphia chromosome. However, the existence of the Philadelphia Chromosome is not the only factor used to make a diagnosis of CML as it is often present in other types of leukemia.

Tests performed to diagnose CML include a full blood count and platelet count, a bone marrow biopsy, identification of the Philadelphia chromosome, and physical examination to detect if the spleen is swollen.

Exposure to radiation can increase the risk of developing CML although in most incidences of leukemia the precise cause is not apparent.

There are three phases of CML. The first phase is called the chronic phase and this stage develops slowly over many years. During this period there may be no symptoms. The second phase is the accelerated phase and during this stage there may be pain in the left side under the ribcage, mild fever and bone pain. The end phase is called the blast crisis and this is the terminal stage.

If the disease is caught soon enough then there are drugs available which can stop the progress of the disease but the only cure is a bone marrow transplant. Many people are diagnosed during the last stage. During this phase there is nothing that can be done.

The scientists in this latest study are now working to find out if the compound found in fish oil can be used to treat the blast crisis stage of this kind of Leukaemia. They have also applied for a patent and intend to test the fish oil compound in human studies next.




Taking omega 3 fish oil EPA, has been found to be very beneficial for a host of health problems, for more information about fish oil and how it can help come and visit.





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Signs of Leukemia in Dogs - Seeing the Earlier Signs So You Can Help


If you wish to get a dog, you must be sure not to end up with one that is vulnerable to a fatal disease like leukemia. It is nice to have pets at home because they can be extremely good companions. However, it is always safe to check whether it is susceptible to a potentially fatal blood disorder, if you are adopting a dog. All dog breeds can get leukemia, but as owners who love their loyal pets you want to be able to catch the early signals so you can better help your dog.

Leukemia in dogs is a blood related cancer that is caused by cancerous blood cells multiplying in the bone marrow. Depending on how rapidly the cancer cells are multiplying will usually determine whether this is an acute or chronic form of leukemia. The acute form means the progression of the cancer is very rapid. In other words the mutation of the blood cells that have become cancerous begin to multiply rapidly and the body is unable to regulate the production of these cells and it also means that the cancer affects the blood cells at an early stage rather when they become mature. Conversely, the chronic form is exactly opposite of the acute form. It is diagnosed when the cancer cells multiple in a slower progression and it affects the cells when they are fully mature.

There are different types of leukemia depending on which blood cells they are affecting. Some types of leukemia include acute acute/chronic myelogenous leukemia (AML/CML) and acute/chronic lymphoctic leukemia (ALL/CLL). The differences are by the types of blood cells they affect and the other factor being development progression of the cells.

The form of leukemia that occurs most commonly in our pets is lymphocytic leukemia where it affects the lymphocytes or white blood cells that develop in your bone marrow. This disease in canines can affect any breed and it still remains a question as to what actually causes this form of cancer. Any kind of dog is prone to leukemia. Depending on the stages of the cancer your will determine the severity of your dog's condition and prognosis.

As a responsible pet owner you want to watch for the obvious symptoms such as abnormal behavior, excessive bleeding, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, pale gums, thirsty, seizures (although not common), and any signs of poor health from your dog should all be taken into consideration. If you have a feeling that your dog is sick it is always a good idea to bring your pet to the veterinarian and get checked.

If you explain to the veterinarian all the symptoms you have observed then they will take a blood sample and send it into the lab for analysis. They will analyze the blood count, the reticulocyte count which is the immature blood cells, conduct a urine analysis, perform x-rays, perform a bone marrow biopsy, and several other tests to get a comprehensive outlook of your dog's health in order to make an accurate diagnosis.

If your dog becomes diagnosed with leukemia there are a number of methods your pet's veterinarian will discuss with you about on how to best treat your pet. There is the option to use chemotherapy drugs or radiation depending on the localization of the cancer. If the doctor has identified the dog as having a very low red cell blood count they will typically recommend a blood transfusion.

Your pet's doctor will also be prescribing medication for home treatment. Due to the weakened state of your pet's immune system they may be susceptible to other illnesses so you have to really limit the amount of contact your dog has to other outside animals. The safe way is to keep your dog in the house as much as you can.

These times can place great amounts of stress on your pet as well as you the owner. The best thing you can do for your pet is to follow up with your doctor once a week unless there is an emergency. Your doctor will want to monitor your dog's blood cells count. You want to administer medication to your dog as directed by the doctor and speak with the doctor if you are having issues administering the drugs.

To ensure the pathway to stabilization for your pet it is going to require both veterinary care and following the doctor's instructions on how to care for your pet when you are home. There is unfortunately no known cure for leukemia in dogs, but as a responsible pet owner you can do your best to keep your pet as comfortable as you can.




Bernard H. Yao invites you to http://www.petsinfoplace.com dedicated to sharing useful information on raising happy and healthy home pets to the online community. Come on by for more great updates on The Symptoms Of Dog Illness.





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2012年6月28日 星期四

Aplastic Anemia Diagnosis


A patient is diagnosed to have aplastic anemia when his bone marrow is seen to produce a decreased number of each blood cell type. The human body is composed of three types of blood cells ñ the red blood cells, the white blood cells and the platelets. Reduced production of red blood cells result to a drop in the hemoglobin levels; a decrease in the white blood cell count will increase an individual's risk of getting serious infections. Decreased levels of platelets would in turn result in the blood clotting very easily. All of these would result a positive diagnosis.

Diagnosing Aplastic Anemia

A person who learns that he has this form of  anemia would most likely have difficulty dealing with the news, but that should not prevent him from delving deeper into the diagnosis with his physician. Various causes are related to the disease, which unfortunately are commonly idiopathic. Idiopathic is defined as something that occurred randomly, with no definite causes or reasons. On the other hand, the known causes may include the following:


History of medicine - taking, like antibiotics
Recognized history of being afflicted with certain infectious diseases such as Epstein-Barr virus and hepatitis
Hereditary condition
Radiation exposure
Toxic chemical (such as benzene) exposure
It can either be developed over a period of time (generally without the patient even knowing that he is already at risk), and it can also be inherited. It is a common scenario for people not to have an idea that they are being exposed to benzene, which is a known carcinogen present in dyes, gasoline and cigarettes.

Aplastic Anemia Symptoms

A diagnosis for a arises from a number of known symptoms. Each patient suffering from the condition may experience varying symptoms, but some of these include:


Headaches
Bruising
Shortness of Breath
Dizziness
These symptoms of are very common to other afflictions as well, so it is best to have a proper consultation with expert physicians to ensure a correct diagnosis.

How Aplastic Anemia Can be Diagnosed

A thorough physical examination, along with the patient's medical history, will be required by the physician for a proper diagnosis. Blood tests, as well as a bone marrow aspiration or bone marrow biopsy, will also be included in the tests that need to be done.

Treatment Options

Doctors will have a clearer perspective on the patient's condition is when the disease is properly diagnosed. The diagnosis also provides a better understanding of how long the affliction has been in your body, what the causes are, and what the best treatment options will be. The best options for treatment for a patient will depend on a number of factors, which include the following:


Age
Medical History
Extent of the disease
Status of health
Without a doubt, receiving the news that you have aplastic anemia is a very difficult thing to handle for an individual; this is the reason why supportive therapy is also suggested for patients. Supportive therapy provides thorough information and guidance for the patients and their families, to help them deal with the condition better. The support will come from other individuals who have this disease, and the specialists who have dealt with the disease extensively.




David Austin is an Attorney focused on complex injury cases. You can learn more about Aplastic Anemia Diagnosis at his website. Burke-Eisner.com





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Lung Cancer Diagnosis - How This Works


What produces a lung cancer diagnosis? The physician evaluates a person's medical history, smoking history, exposure to environmental and occupational substances, and family history of cancer as well as a physical examination and chest X-ray to find the cause of the symptoms. Other tests may also be performed as needed.

Patient's history - If the doctor suspects lung cancer, they will: Investigate your medical history; Perform a thorough physical examination; Order further specialized medical tests. As part of your medical history, your doctor will ask: If you smoke or have smoked previously;?Your occupation and

place of work; If you have been exposed to occupational hazardous substances or radiation; Whether you have a family history of lung cancer.

Diagnosing Lung Cancer

Screening helps to discover cancer at an earlier stage when it is treatable by a series of tests performed before a person shows any symptoms. Early detection of abnormal tissue or cancer proves favorable of curing the cancer completely as opposed to detection during symptoms when the cancer might have spread.

There are several ways of diagnosing if someone is in the early stages of lung cancer. A physical examination and history taking: A physical examination checking for general signs of health or ill health such as disease and unusual lumps, bumps and anything else that seems atypical. The doctor will also get the history of personal health habits, any past illnesses and treatments given for those illnesses.

Laboratory tests: Procedures for testing samples of tissue, blood, urine, and other substances in the body. The tests will also help to diagnose the disease as well as assist in the planning, management and monitoring of it.

Sputum test: This can show evidence of cancer cells in the lungs. To ensure a more accurate diagnosis with a single sputum collection, the sputum is usually collected over a three-day period.

Fiberoptic bronchoscopy: An examination using a small flexible lighted tube to pass into the nasal canal and then into the appropriate bronchus (airway) down to the cancer. If cancer is detected then a small piece of the cancer is removed for a biopsy examination so the exact type of cancer can be determined and appropriate treatment given.

Percutaneous needle biopsy: This examination involves inserting a thin needle through the skin and chest wall into the tumor. This test is for tumors that are close to the surface of the lung and often used in conjunction with a CAT scan to assists in guiding the needle into the tumor.

Excision or surgical removal: This process can lead to further diagnosis of the suspected tumor via a small incision into the chest. A small thin video camera is inserted into the chest to assist in removing a small block of lung tissue using a mechanical surgical stapling device or laser with this clinical procedure.

Mediastinoscopy: This test helps evaluate how extensive the tumor is by looking into the mid portion of the chest through a small incision made just below the collar line. Samples are taken from the lymph nodes in the central part of the chest (mediastinum). The chance of surgically curing the lung cancer is automatically eliminated if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

Mediastinotomy: Unlike mediastinoscopy, the chest cavity is opened by cutting through the sternum (breastbone) and/or the ribs allowing the surgeon to reach and test more lymph nodes by removing samples of mediastinal lymph nodes. This is a complex test, and the patient has to undergo general anaesthesia.

Thoracentesis: A sample of fluid surrounding the lungs is taken using a needle to check for cancer cells.

Thoracotomy: To test for malignancy the chest wall has to be opened so this procedure is performed in hospital as a major operation.

Thoracoscopy: A procedure using a thin, lighted tube connected to a video camera to monitor and view the space between the lungs and the chest wall.

Bone marrow biopsy: With a needle a sample of bone is removed usually measuring about 1/16 inch across and 1 inch long. This is often taken from the back of the hip bone. Microscopically the sample is checked for cancer cells. This procedure is performed predominantly to diagnose small cell lung cancer.

Blood tests: A complete blood test checks for an accurate number of different cell types by showing whether you have anaemia or other related problems. Blood chemistry tests show abnormalities in organs and other parts of the body. Blood tests are repeated regularly especially if someone is undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Chemotherapy drugs affect the blood-forming cells of the bone marrow and sometimes cause lots of problematic side effects. If cancer has spread to the liver and bones, it might cause certain chemical abnormalities in the blood and exacerbate any problems already suffered by the patient.

Other Tests and Procedures to Detect Lung Cancer Include:

Chest x-ray: Chest x-rays account for about half of all x-rays obtained in hospitals. The x-rays are typically performed to obtain an assessment of the lungs, heart and chest wall. A chest x-ray is the first test a physician will order to look for any tumor or spots on the lungs. If it is normal there is a high probably there is no lung cancer, but if anything suspicious is spotted, the doctor will order further tests. Pneumonia, heart failure, emphysema, other medical conditions, and lung cancer can all be located with a chest x-ray.

CT Scanning or Computed Tomography also known as CT or CAT Scan: This equipment is to obtain multiple cross-sectional images of organs and tissues of the body. A CAT scan is especially useful for diagnosing tumors as it is far more detailed than a conventional chest x-ray. It shows different types of body tissue including the lungs, heart, bones, soft tissues, muscle, and blood vessels at the same time.

Modern CT scans capture images of the chest from many different angles using a method called spiral (or helical) CT. With the assistance of a computer, it processes the images to create cross-sectional pictures or "slices" of the area causing concern. The images can then be printed out or examined on a monitor. To achieve a better picture, after the first set of scans are taken an intravenous injection of a radio-contrast agent is administered to help outline the structures within the body. A second set of pictures is then taken so they can be examined together.

Information on the size, shape, and position of a tumor are provided by the CT scan. This helps discover any enlarged lymph nodes, which could contain cancer, which has spread from the lung. When looking for early lung cancers and to ensure patients receive the treatment they need as soon as possible, CT scans are much more sensitive than an ordinary routine chest x-ray. In looking for tumors in the adrenal glands, brain, and other internal organs usually affected by lung cancer spread a CT scan is also useful.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI scans use radio waves and strong magnets instead of x-rays. The energy released from the radio waves is absorbed and re-released in a pattern shaped by the type of tissue and the disease being investigated.

A pattern of radio waves is given by the tissues and organs forming very detailed images of the parts of the body using a very sophisticated computer. This can also produce slices parallel with the length of the body just as a CT scanner produces cross sectional slices of the body.

Positron emission tomography (PET): This scan uses glucose, which is a form of sugar containing a radioactive atom. Large amounts of radioactive sugar are absorbed by the cancer cells and a special camera is then able to detect the radioactivity.

To discover if someone is suffering from early stage lung cancer a PET scan is a very useful test. It is often used to discover if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. PET scans are valuable in ascertaining whether a shadow on a chest x-ray is cancer or not. PET scans are also helpful when a doctor thinks the cancer has spread, but isn't sure where the spread may be.

Because PET scans scan your whole body sometime they are used instead of several different x-rays. Bone scans: A radioactive substance (usually technetium diphosphonate) is injected into a vein. The radioactive substance builds up in bone areas suspected of having cancer metastasis, (spread). Due to the small amount of radioactivity used this does not cause any long-term effects.

Bone scan results need to be read in conjunction with results of other tests performed as other bone diseases can also cause abnormal scan results. Bone scans are usually performed on patients with small cell lung cancer and also in non-small cell lung cancer patients when other test results or symptoms suggest the cancer has spread to the bones - lung cancer diagnosis




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Multiple Myeloma: What You Need To Know - Part 1


1. What is Multiple Myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a relatively uncommon form of cancer which affects the plasma cells that are produced in the bone marrow - the soft tissue found inside some hollow bones. Normally plasma cells have the function of producing antibodies (immunoglobulin) as part of the body's immune system. However when plasma cells become cancerous they grow out of control producing tumors called plasmacytomas. These tumors usually develop in a bone, but may also occur in other tissues. A single plasma cell tumor is called an isolated (or solitary) plasmacytoma, whereas several plasma cell tumors are referred to as multiple myeloma.

2. What are the common symptoms?

There is a range of symptoms possible with multiple myeloma.


Anemia: a shortage of red blood cells causes sufferers to become pale, weak and fatigued.
Increased bleeding and bruising: due to low levels of platelets in the blood (thrombocytopenia).
Difficulty fighting infections: due to a shortage of normal white blood cells (leukopenia).
Weak and fragile bones: due to the myeloma cells sending signals to dissolve bone but not rebuild it.
Bone Pain: Any bone can be affected, but painful back, hips and skull are most common.
High Blood Calcium: due to dissolution of the bones. Related symptoms include extreme thirst, excessive urination, dehydration, constipation, loss of appetite, weakness, drowsiness and confusion. Extreme levels of calcium can lead to a coma.
Kidney Problems: due to high quantities of myeloma protein damaging the kidneys.
Nervous System Problems: due to physical collapse of affected vertebrae. Also myeloma proteins can be toxic to nerve calls, causing weakness and numbness.

3. What are the risk factors?

There are few risk factors that may affect someone's chance of getting multiple myeloma. However the following have been observed:


Age: Most sufferers are over 65 years while less than 1% of cases involve people under 35.
Gender: Men have a slightly greater chance of developing MM as women.
Race: MM is nearly twice as likely in black compared to white Americans.
Radiation Exposure: may slightly increase the risk.
Family History: A person with a parent or sibling with myeloma has a 4 times greater risk.
Workplace: Workers in petroleum related industries may have a higher risk.
Obesity: Overweight people have a slightly greater risk.
Plasma Cell Diseases: Many people with Solitary Plasmacytoma eventually develop multiple myeloma.

4. What causes this cancer?

Unfortunately, despite extensive research, the causes of multiple myeloma are still unknown.

5. How is it detected?

Multiple Myeloma causes few symptoms in the early stages and any occurring are often vague. Routine blood tests may show an abnormally high level of protein in the blood. If symptoms do suggest Multiple Myeloma then usually laboratory tests of blood and urine, bone x-rays and bone marrow biopsies are performed.


Blood Counts: Low levels of red cells, white cells and platelets.
Quantitative Immunoglobulins: Often one type of immunoglobulin is high while others are low.
Electrophoresis: Carried out on blood and urine to determine proportions of immunoglobulins.
Beta-2 microglobulin: Not harmful of itself, but high levels are indicative that the disease is advanced and the prognosis worse.
Bone Marrow Biopsy: A small amount of liquid bone marrow is withdrawn from the bone via a needle. The sample is examined with a microscope for the presence of myeloma cells.
Imaging Studies: Bone X-rays, CAT Scans, PET Scans and MRI's may all be carried out to locate and identify myeloma tumors throughout the body.

Diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma requires a combination of the patient's symptoms, doctor's physical examination and the results of blood tests and x-rays. The following observations are necessary for a positive diagnosis:


A plasma cell tumor identified via biopsy
OR
Plasma cells constituting over 10% of bone marrow cells

In addition any one of the following:


High levels of Myeloma protein in blood (> 3g/dL)
High levels of Myeloma protein in urine (> 1g/dL)
Holes in bones, caused by growth of tumors, detected on x-rays




By John Cusworth (Editor: "Healthy Wealth For Life")
Part 2 of this article will include information about the Stages of Multiple Myeloma as well as conventional and alternative treatments.
More information on Multiple Myeloma can be found at http://www.multiplemyelomasymptoms.net





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2012年6月27日 星期三

Lymphoma In Dogs - The Stage Of The Disease Is Important To Treatment And Prognosis


There are many types of cancer with many possible causes, and there are important genetic factors as well. With lymphoma in dogs, a biopsy of affected lymph nodes or organs confirms the diagnosis. A needle aspiration of an affected lymph node may also be necessary. X-rays, ultrasound, blood analysis, and bone marrow biopsy can reveal other locations of the cancer. The stage of the disease is important to treatment and prognosis.

Lymphoma in dogs starts with one or a small group of cells that have "gone wrong". There is no way to verify cause. It is best to concentrate on treatment. Focus on a realistic outcome which is longest possible survival with good quality life. If lymphoma in dogs is diagnosed early, immune modulation usually assures the greatest chance of remission, and the best chance the cancer does not reoccur. About 50% of dogs with lymphoma can be put into remission; untreated, average life expectancy is about 2 months from the time of diagnosis.

Ask your veterinarian for a referral.

If your dog could speak, it would tell you of the hope that you will open your mind to what decades of research and clinical experience has taught us about chemotherapy. It is crucial to work with a veterinarian oncologist to achieve maximum effectiveness in your canine's treatment! Treatment for dogs with lymphoma is a combination of cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone, L-asparaginase, doxorubicin, and diet. Other chemotherapy drugs such as chlorambucil, lomustine, cytosine arabinoside, and mitoxantrone are sometimes used. With chemotherapy for lymphoma, nausea or infections are possibilities but most dogs do not experience any such complications. Only 7% of patients require hospitalization due to side effects. The bottom line here is to know that dogs rarely get sick from chemotherapy. The information on this is changing daily so allow a specialist to present you with all the options.

Many experts believe diet is the main reason for lymphoma in dogs.

Many dogs are fed a diet that is based mostly around grain. However, none of the dog family feeds on grains in the wild -- not wolves, coyotes, dingos, or hyenas, none of them. Dogs do not have the necessary enzymes to digest or utilize grain in their diet. They are basically carnivores. When you feed a carnivore a diet based on grain, they will develop various immune dysfunctions, including cancer.

Diet is an important part in treating a dog with lymphoma. In fact, dogs rarely die of cancer. They usually succumb to secondary liver or kidney failure. These are cancer side effects that can usually be avoided by controlling the diet. Fish oil and the amino acid arginine, when added to the diet, help produce higher blood levels of two fatty acids called C20:5 and C22:6 in dogs with lymphoma. These two fatty acids seem particularly effective in fighting the disease, increasing survival time, increasing remission periods, and increasing period of time before disease reoccurred.

Just because the food is expensive, do not assume it is good.

Add canned sardines (excellent source), cottage cheese, eggs and just about any kind of meat such as hamburger or ground turkey. High fat content is good. Some veterinarians advocate a raw diet, while some say it should be cooked. More important than cooked or raw is the amount of animal-based protein and fats. Make sure the first ingredient is meat. If the first ingredient is corn meal, rice, or wheat, choose another brand.

Dogs with lymphoma are easily treated but, as with humans, their cancer tends to return. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, like those found in fish oil, may help prevent the growth and spread of cancer tumors, and may help prevent weight loss and muscle wasting. Arginine supplements have been reported to improve immune responses, and might help the body fight cancer.

The information provided here is not intended to substitute for the advice of a professional. Discuss all forms of treatment with your veterinarian.




We have existed as a company since 1985, but it was a love of dogs, the dogs that have been a part of our life, and the passing of one dog in particular, Rusty, that inspired the creation of http://www.CalloftheDog.com and http://www.CalloftheDogShop.com created to provide the things your dogs and pets need. Visit us for great information and quality dog supplies! Be sure to see our About Us page as well.

The two sites are dedicated to the dogs we have loved so deeply, and who have given us so much love in return. Purebreds and mixed breeds, but mostly rescues in need of a home. We educated them, but each one has had something to teach us in exchange.





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Types, Symptoms and Diagnosis of Blood Disorders


It's really hard to ignore the role blood plays in our body. It is one of the most important living tissues made up of liquids and solids. While, the liquid part, primarily known as plasma, is made of water, salts and protein, the other half of your blood is plasma. Apart from this, the solid part of your blood contains red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Any malfunction of red blood or white blood cells can lead to various blood disorders. In fact, at times blood disorders can lead to poor blood clotting and continuous bleeding. The disorders can result from defects in the blood vessels or from abnormalities in the blood itself. Today there are various types of blood disorders that must not be ignored as each blood disease have its own complication and require proper clinical care. Here are some of most serious blood disorders and best diagnosis method that can help you in knowing and curing blood disorders:

Anemia- It is one of is the most common blood disorder that occurs when the ratio of red blood cells or concentration of hemoglobin gets reduced in the blood. Though at times anemia itself is considered as symptom of a disease rather than a disease itself, but there are few major symptoms that must not be ignored and need to taken care of, like increased heart rate (tachycardia), difficulty in catching a breath, tiring easily and frequently, yellowing of skin, eyes, and enlarged spleen or liver. It can be cured very easily. The sooner you get to know the better it may help you in curing it properly. The most common diagnostic procedures that you can follow are blood test and bone marrow aspiration and/or biopsy.

Hemolytic Anemia- Hemolytic anemia is another blood disorder in which the red blood cells are destroyed faster than the bone marrow can produce them. Basically, this type of disorder can be classified into two categories:

Intrinsic- In this type of blood disorder, the destruction of the red blood cells takes place because of the fault within the red blood cells themselves.

Extrinsic- In this type of disorder, though red blood cells are developed but later it get destroyed by getting trapped in the infection, spleen, or from drugs that can affect red blood cells.

The major symptoms of this type of blood disorder are weakness, intolerance of various physical activities and dark color of urine. Apart from this, it can be diagnosed through methods like blood test, urine test and bone marrow aspiration and/or biopsy.

Thalassemia - Thalassemia is an inherited disorder that majorly affects the production of normal hemoglobin that carries oxygen to the tissues in the body. Thalassemia includes a number of different forms of anemia. However, the seriousness of this blood disorder basically depends on the number of genes that are affected. This blood disease can be easily diagnosed by blood test. Though, thalassemias also get passed on from parents to children therefore family genetic studies can also help in proper diagnose of this disease. This generally involves taking records of a family medical history and performing blood tests on family members to find out whether there are any missing or altered hemoglobin genes.

Porphyria - It is another category of blood disorder that is primarily caused due to the abnormalities that in turn leads in the production of a chemical compound called Heme. Now Heme is an important substance that is majorly produced by the body and the bone marrow and blood is the most vital content that holds the Heme. Generally, this blood disease is not easy to diagnose, but yet it can be checked by conducting a number of tests of the blood, urine and the stool.

Hemophilia - This disorder also known as hemophilia is hereditary bleeding disorder that is majorly caused by a shortage of a substance necessary for blood clotting. The lack of ability of blood to clot, or coagulate, leading to excessive bleeding, even from slight injuries is the trademark of Hemophilia. Although the density of symptoms may differ with this disease, but the disease is typical for the bleeding and typically occurs if an infant is circumcised. It can be analyzed by performing a set of blood tests.

These are some of the major blood disorders. Though each of them has its own way of analyzing or diagnosing, but each can be cured easily. All you need to do is take care of its symptoms and follow suitable curing procedure.




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Myelodysplastic Syndrome Diagnosis


Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is somewhat difficult to diagnose because it has symptoms that closely resemble the signs of aplastic anemia, leukemia, HIV infection, malfunctioning immune system, and rheumatoid arthritis. Oftentimes, MDS is misdiagnosed as one of these diseases. It is important to get a correct diagnosis of MDS at the earliest possible time because effective treatment cannot be given when disease is not properly diagnosed.

What are the Tests Used to Diagnose MDS?

Uncontrolled bleeding can be a sign of myelodysplastic syndrome but the doctors must be sure so certain clinical examinations must be performed first to diagnose MDS definitely. Getting a correct diagnosis is very important on finding the effective treatment for the patient. MDS patients can only be properly diagnosed after they have been thoroughly examined by expert hematologists or hemato-pathologists.

Common clinical tests include: complete blood cell count (CBC) and examination, bone marrow biopsy and aspiration, and close examinations of chromosomes.

CBC and Examination

The CBC test measures the amount of different types of blood cells (red, white, and platelets). The examination uses a smear, which is a glass slide spread with small amount of blood, observed under the microscope to see how these cells look. Patients with MDS are often characterized by having very few red blood cells. When abnormalities are noted, the next to examine is a sample of bone marrow cells.

Bone Marrow Biopsy and Aspiration

The bone marrow aspiration is the process of inserting a thin and hollow needle into the bone to suck out a small amount of liquid marrow. The marrow biopsy, usually done right after, is the process of removing a small piece of bone and marrow by pushing a large and twisted needle into the bone.

The size and shape of the cells will determine whether red blood cells contain iron particles or white blood cells contain granules. The bone marrow stem cells produce blasts, which will eventually mature into any of the three types of blood cells (red, white, and platelets). In MDS, these blasts do not mature properly so there may be a number of blasts in the marrow sample.

Other Tests

These other tests are performed in biopsied marrow tissue to determine specific features of the cells such as genetic abnormalities (chromosomal rearrangements) that are common in MDS.




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2012年6月1日 星期五

Fundamental Details About Most Cancers Leads to Signs and Symptoms As Well As Therapy


Cancer is one of the most common types diseases nowadays affecting millions of people in the entire world regardless of age gender or race, there are different types of cancer known to affect different parts of the body, it is usually considered a hereditary form of disease that can be passed down a generation of a particular clan or within close family members.

Cancer basically is used to refer to uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in different parts of the body, if this type of uncontrolled abnormal body cell occurs in the breast it will be called breast cancer in the long it will be lung cancer in the prostate region it will be called prostate cancer etc. Cancerous cells are also called as malignant cells.

Normal body cells are known to be the building blocks of the body and usually grow in a particular depending on when the body needs them and then are supposed to die when the body does not need them.Cancer is the opposite of this as it makes this cells to grow in un proportional amount especially so when the body does not need them and they do not die when they are supposed to die.This uncontrolled growth of body cells leading to cancerous cells is known to occur in different organs such as lung colon stomach breasts.

Depending on the type of cancer there are numerous causes of cancer some of which can be able to avoid but some of which are beyond the human ability to escape. Genetic problems is one of the main causes of different forms of cancer such as breast or skin cancer. This is where cancer is transferred to close family members within relatives with this it is usually difficult to avoid but early medication is known to enhance treatment. Exposure to UV rays produced by the sun is known to highly contribute to one getting skin cancer.

Environmental toxins also contribute to other forms of cancer some poisonous mushrooms and certain type of poison that grows in peanuts also contribute ton development of certain form of cancer. Other causes of cancer includes such things as excess body weight commonly known as obesity and other forms of viruses. Excess alcohol intake and habitual cigarette smoking can lead to somebody contracting lung cancer. Benzene and other chemicals are some of the other contributions to cancer.

Cancer is known to contain numerous different forms of symptoms depending in the type of cancer one is facing; it is worth noting that some cancer types usually don't have initial symptoms till in advanced stages so it is usually worth for one to be visiting hospitals for medical checkups. Excess body fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of cancer and common when cancer is on advanced stages, unusual body weight loss should be symptoms that should trigger one to seek medical help as it might be a symptom of a type of cancer. Pain is another symptom of cancer especially to those affect the bone regions as it usually occurs when the cancer spread to body organs.

After test such as MRI scan chest x-ray biopsy of the tumor and bone marrow biopsy to determine if one has been infected by a type of cancer treatment is usually the next step depending on the type of cancer. Treatment is usually based on the extent to which it has grown,if it is in its initial stages then surgery is usually the best option to remove the cancerous cells and usually for skin lung breast and colon forms of cancer. If surgery is not the best form treatment then one may undergo radiation or chemotherapy.Eating of good diets is usually the best treatment in initially avoiding cancer.




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Staging AIDS Complicated With Lymphoma


Diagnosing AIDS-related lymphoma is generally done quite late, after the disease has already advanced. In order to see whether the disease has spread within the lymph system or to other organs, doctors need to perform a procedure called staging that will finally determine the evolution stage of the disease. Knowing all these facts, the doctor can advice the patient what treatment to follow.

One of the tests made to determine the stage of the lymphoma is the CT (computer tomography) an X-ray based machine that will show detailed image of your organs and other related structures to them. You could be advised to take some oral drugs or the doctors will give you an injection that contains some dye, which will help them see a clearer image of your lymph system and bloodstream.

Another test is the PET scan which is designed to find the malign tumors inside your body. The substance used to track the tumors is a radionuclide glucose injected in your vein. This substance will brighten the tumor in the picture because the tumor uses the glucose for its development.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is also useful because it takes detailed pictures of your body, using magnet, radio waves. In this case, the substance used to brighten tumors in the picture is gadolinium.

Other reliable tests are the bone marrow biopsy, made on the hipbone or breastbone, and the lumbar puncture that takes some drops of the cerebrospinal fluid from the spinal column which will be analyzed in the laboratory to see if there are any signs of cancer.

AIDS-related lymphoma stages might include the E and S stages.

The E stage stands for extra-nodal meaning that the cancer has not reached the lymph nodes yet and that it is situated in other organs.

The S stage means that the cancer has reached the spleen and affects it.

Stage I of AIDS-related lymphoma is classified as stage I and stage IE; stage I means that the cancer has affected one group of lymph nodes; stage IE means that the cancer has not reached the lymph nodes yet and affects other organs.

Stage II is classified as stage II (cancer has affected two or more lymph node groups on the same side of the diaphragm) and stage IIE (cancer has affected the lymph nodes near the previous affected organs).

Stage III is divided into stage III, stage IIIE, stage IIIS and stage IIIE+S

Stage III - cancer has affected lymph nodes on the both sides of the diaphragm.

Stage IIIE - besides the lymph node group on the both sides of the diaphragm, cancer is found in other organs too.

Stage IIIS - besides the lymph node group on the both sides of the diaphragm, cancer is found in the spleen too.

Stage IIIE+S - besides the lymph node group on the both sides of the diaphragm, cancer is found in other organs and in the spleen too.

In stage IV the cancer is considered to have attacked multiple organs and associated lymph nodes and also distant lymph node groups.

In AIDS-related lymphoma patients the risk that the cancer will spread towards CNS (central nervous system) is quite high.

In treating the disease, the lymphoma is grouped based on where the cancer started in the organism: if it starts from the lymph nodes is called peripheral lymphoma; if it starts is the CNS is called primary CNS lymphoma.




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