Ramanisblog

Tag: Conditions and Diseases

  • Ten Cancer Symptoms of Women

    English: An ovarian cancer as seen on CT
    English: An ovarian cancer as seen on CT (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

    There is so much of information of cancer and symptoms of Cancer, which confuses one.

    I have come across a concise information in Web MD.

    These symptoms do not necessarily mean one has cancer.

    It is that you do not ignore these symptoms and check with your physician immediately.

    Also remember while evaluating the Tests, do not refer to Internet and form your conclusions.

    Some times the information may be inaccurate and the fact that the symptoms may be indicative of some other diseases as well.

    It is also that the first ten results of Google Search need not contain the correct information.

    Story:

    1. Breast Changes

    “If you feel a lump, you shouldn’t ignore it, even if your mammogram is normal,” says Carolyn Runowicz, MD, a breast cancer survivor and professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine and past president of the American Cancer Society. If your nipple develops scaliness or flaking, that could indicate Paget’s disease of the nipple, which is associated with an underlying cancer in about 95% of cases. Any milky or bloody nipple discharge should also be checked out.

    2. Irregular Bleeding

    Once you hit menopause (defined as 12 months without a period), any postmenopausal bleeding is a warning sign, says Runowicz. “Any bleeding, staining, little drops on your underwear, or big clots are abnormal and should be immediately investigated,” she says. Such bleeding could indicate something as benign as an endometrial polyp or something more serious like endometrial or cervical cancer.

    Bleeding that is uncharacteristic for you — spotting outside of your normal menstrual cycle or heavier periods — should be looked into, says Karlan. Around menopause, abnormal bleeding is often attributed to hormonal shifts, though more serious problems could be the cause, which is why all abnormal vaginal bleeding should be evaluated. Expect to receive a transvaginal sonogram and perhaps a biopsy.

    3. Rectal Bleeding

    Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in women. One of the hallmarks is rectal bleeding, which many people attribute to hemorrhoids, the most common cause. “But it’s not always that,” says Karlan. Red or dark blood in your stool warrants a visit to your doctor, she says.

    Your doctor will likely do a rectal exam and order a colonoscopy if you’re 50 or older and perhaps even if you’re younger.

    4. Discharge

    A foul or smelly vaginal discharge could be a sign of cervical cancer, says Runowicz. The discharge may contain blood and may occur between periods or after menopause. It’s best not to self-treat a discharge with over-the-counter medications, she advises.

    An exam is necessary to determine if the discharge is due to an infection or something more serious.

    5. Bloating

    “Ovarian cancer is the No. 1 killer of all the reproductive-organ cancers,” says Karlan. “For years it’s been known by the misnomer of the silent killer, and we really need to put that aside. Ovarian cancer clearly has symptoms.” The four most frequent are bloating; feeling that you’re getting full earlier than you typically would when eating; changing bowel or bladder habits, such as urinating more frequently; and low back or pelvic pain.

    It’s not unusual to have one or two of these symptoms occasionally, particularly after a big meal. But pay attention if you have two or more symptoms occurring daily for more than two weeks. “If they’re persistent and progressive,” says Karlan, “call your physician.”

    Expect a pelvic exam, transvaginal sonogram, and perhaps a CA-125 blood test to check for cancerous cells.

    6. Unexplained Weight Gain or Loss

    “If you suddenly put on 5 pounds, I wouldn’t worry,” says Runowicz. But gaining excess weight month to month — especially if you usually maintain a normal weight and watch what you eat — can be due to an accumulation of fluid in the belly related to ovarian cancer and warrants seeing your doctor, she says.

    Unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more “may be the first sign of cancer,” according to the American Cancer Society, and is most often associated with pancreatic, stomach, esophagus, or lung cancer.

    But weight loss in women is often caused by a hyperactive thyroid, says Runowicz. Expect your doctor to order a thyroid test first to check for this common disease.

    7. Persistent Cough

    Any persistent cough — one that lasts more than two or three weeks and is not due to an allergy or upper respiratory infection or one that produces blood in the sputum — needs to be checked by your doctor. If your cough may be caused by smoking or being exposed to second-hand smoke, get it checked out. “Smoking is the number one cancer killer of women,” says Karlan. Yet you don’t have to be a smoker to be at risk; the majority of lung cancers that occur in nonsmokers also occur in women. Expect your doctor to order a chest X-ray and perhaps a CT scan.

    8. Change in Lymph Nodes

    “If you feel hard lymph nodes in your neck or under your arm, you should be seen by a doctor,” advises Runowicz. Swollen, firm lymph nodes are often the result of an infection. However, lymphoma or lung, breast, head, or neck cancer that has spread can also show up as an enlarged lymph node. Expect a physical exam and possibly a biopsy.

    9. Fatigue

    Although fatigue can be hard to quantify, the American Cancer Society defines it as “extreme tiredness that does not get better with rest.” If you’re persistently fatigued, see your doctor. Leukemia, colon, or stomach cancer — which can cause blood loss — can result in fatigue.

    “Fatigue can be a serious problem and it’s easy to ignore,” says Runowicz, who notes your doctor will most likely do a physical exam and order blood tests to evaluate your thyroid and rule out a thyroid condition.

    10. Skin Changes

    Keep an eye on any changes you notice on your skin all over your body, and call your doctor right away if anything concerns you.

    Sores in the mouth that don’t heal — especially if you smoke or drink alcohol — may be a sign of oral cancer and should be examined by your physician.

    In particular, note any sores or irritated skin in the vaginal area. “A nonhealing vulvar lesion could be a sign of vulvar cancer,” says Runowicz. Changes in moles or pigmented lesions on the vulva can also signify cancer. “Vulvar melanoma can frequently be overlooked and can have a very aggressive course,” says Karlan. A simple biopsy can be done in your doctor’s office if necessary.

    http://www.webmd.com/cancer/features/10-cancer-symptoms-women-shouldnt-ignore

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  • First Aid for Dog Bite

    ‘Dogs are not always man\’s best friend! Dog bites can produce nasty injuries, especially in young children and babies. As well as the obvious injury caused, dog bites carry an extra risk from infectious diseases.

    One of the most well known diseases carried by dogs is rabies. Rabies is a virus carried by animals, often it is transmitted to humans after animal bites. As well as dogs, other wild animals such as bats and foxes can also carry the virus. Early signs and symptoms of rabies are very general, they can include a headache, nausea, vomiting and a fever. As the disease progresses, other characteristic symptoms such as excitability and hallucinations occur.

    If you suspect you may have come into contact with the rabies virus, it is important to seek urgent medical advice. There is an anti-rabies vaccine that can be given after exposure to reduce the risk of you contracting the disease.

    First aid for a dog bite

    You can treat a dog bite by following the simple first aid advice below.

    Step 1: Using clean water (with soap or an antiseptic product if possible) wash the wound thoroughly. Make sure to clean the area around the wound thoroughly as well.

    Step 2: Cover the wound with a sterile wound dressing. If the bleeding is severe, elevate the wound and apply direct pressure. Ensure an ambulance has been called if you cannot control the bleeding.

    Step 3: If there is a risk of infection (ie, you are in a rabies risk area) or the wound appear serious, then seek medical advice immediately. The casualty may require an injection to protect them from the rabies virus.

    If you are concerned that the dog may still be in the vicinity and poses a danger to yourself or other then call the police immediately. Do not try to capture or calm the dog down, as this may result in further injury to yourself or others.

    If you are concerned about rabies, you can find a map of areas at risk on the World Health Organization\’s website. It is important to follow travel advice when traveling to rabies risk areas, this could include not petting street animals or leaving food in the open.

    The advice above can also apply to any animal or human bites, not just dogs.
    Article Source:
    http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/first-aid-for-a-dog-bite-4905037.html

    http://thaimedicals.blogspot.in/2011/12/first-aid-for-dog-bite.html

  • Breast Cancer,Men can get it too.Symptoms,Treatment.

    Early signs of breast cancer.
    Image via Wikipedia

    Cancer is Unisex.

    It does not differentiate between men and women.

    Normally the thought that men can get Breast Cancer is too ridiculous to ponder even, as Men do not have Breasts as compared to women.

    Nature has endowed species with both characteristics of male and female in a every single body in every organism.

    Example of the male  part being present in the Female is the presence of Clitoris which corresponds to the

    Penis .

    Any disease that affects one sex is also likely to affect the other sex.

    “When Mark Doel first noticed spots of blood on his bedsheets, he was not unduly concerned.

    Even when a work colleague pointed out that he had a couple of specks on his shirt, the keen badminton player assumed it was dry skin or that he was rubbing against his shirt during sport.

    After several months, he visited his GP, who agreed it was probably a skin condition and prescribed cream to help.

    In fact, Mark had breast cancer.

    ‘I had no idea men could get this,’ says Mark, 41, an IT analyst who lives with his wife Despo, also 41, and children Christian, ten, and Chloe, seven, in Morden, Surrey.

    ‘There was a huge embarrassment factor. It took a while for me to be able to talk about it to anyone.

    ‘If it had been lung or brain cancer, I could have been more open about it. But there’s a stigma that breast cancer is for women. When I told work I was ill, I couldn’t say the words “breast cancer”, I could only say: “I have cancer in my chest.” ”

     http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2067342/I-didnt-know-MEN-breast-cancer–I-needed-mastectomy.html#ixzz1fdwoMI00
    Following are some facts.

    ”

    Men possess a small amount of nonfunctioning breast tissue (breast tissue that cannot produce milk) that is concentrated in the area directly behind the nipple on the chest wall. Like breast cancer in women, cancer of the male breast is the uncontrolled growth of the abnormal cells of this breast tissue.

    Breast tissue in both young boys and girls consists of tubular structures known as ducts. Atpuberty, a girl’s ovaries produce female hormones (estrogen) that cause the ducts to grow and milk glands (lobules) to develop at the ends of the ducts. The amount of fat and connective tissue in the breast also increases as girls reach puberty. On the other hand, male hormones (such as testosterone) secreted by the testes suppress the growth of breast tissue and the development of lobules. The male breast, therefore, is made up of predominantly small, undeveloped ducts and a small amount of fat and connective tissue…..

    Male breast cancer is a rare condition, accounting for only about 1% of all breast cancers. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2010, about 1,970 new cases of breast cancer in men would be diagnosed and that breast cancer would cause approximately 390 deaths in men (in comparison, almost 40,000 women die of breast cancer each year). Breast cancer is 100 times more common in women than in men. Most cases of male breast cancer are detected in men between the ages of 60 and 70, although the condition can develop in men of any age. A man’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is about 1/10 of 1%, or one in 1,000.

    As with cancer of the female breast, the cause of cancer of the male breast has not been fully characterized, but both environmental influences and genetic (inherited) factors likely play a role in its development. The following risk factors for the development of male breast cancer have been identified.

    Radiation exposure

    Exposure to ionizing radiation has been associated with an increased risk of developing male breast cancer. Men who have previously undergoneradiation therapy to treat malignancies in the chest area (for example,Hodgkin’s lymphoma) have an increased risk for the development of breast cancer.

    Hyperestrogenism (high levels of estrogen)

    Men normally produce small amounts of the female hormone estrogen, but certain conditions result in abnormally high levels of estrogen in men. The term gynecomastia refers to the condition in which the male breasts become abnormally enlarged in response to elevated levels of estrogen. High levels of estrogens also can increase the risk for development of male breast cancer. The majority of breast cancers in men are estrogen receptor-positive (meaning that they grow in response to stimulation with estrogen). Two conditions in which men have abnormally high levels of estrogen that are commonly associated with breast enlargement are Klinefelter’s syndrome and cirrhosis of the liver. Obesity is also associated with elevated estrogen levels and breast enlargement in men…

    the American Cancer Society identifies several other worrisome signs involving the breast that men as well as women should take note of. They include:

    • Skin dimpling or puckering
    • Nipple retraction
    • Redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin

    Nipple discharge”

    http://www.medicinenet.com/male_breast_cancer/article.htm#tocb

    ‘

    Most men diagnosed with breast cancer are initially treated by surgery. A modified radical mastectomy (removal of the breast, lining over the chest muscles, and portions of the axillary lymph nodes) is the most common surgical treatment of male breast cancer. Sometimes portions of the muscles of the chest wall are also removed.

    After surgery, adjuvant therapies are often prescribed. These are recommended especially if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes (node-positive cancer). Adjuvant therapies include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, andhormone therapy. In cases of metastatic cancer, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or a combination of both, are generally recommended.

    Chemotherapy refers to the administration of toxic drugs that stop the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be given as pills, as an injection, or via an intravenous infusion, depending upon the types of drugs chosen. Combinations of different drugs are usually given, and treatment is administered in cycles with a recovery period following each treatment. Some of the most common chemotherapeutic agents for treating breast cancer are cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall), fluorouracil, and doxorubicin (Adriamycin). In most cases, chemotherapy is administered on an outpatient basis. Chemotherapy may be associated with unpleasant side effects including hair loss, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea.

    Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill tumor cells. Radiation therapy may be delivered either externally (using a machine to send radiation toward the tumor) or internally (radioactive substances placed in needles or catheters and inserted into the body).

    Hormonal therapy prevents hormones from stimulating growth of cancer cells and is useful when the cancer cells have binding sites (receptors) for hormones. Over 90% of male breast cancers express estrogen receptors and are most commonly treated with the drug tamoxifen (Nolvadex), which blocks the action of estrogen on the cancer cells. Side effects of tamoxifen treatment can include hot flashes, weight gain, mood changes, andimpotence.

    While estrogen is the most common target of hormonal therapy, studies have also shown that treatments directed against the actions of male hormones (anti-androgens) can also reduce the size of male breast cancer metastases. The reasons why anti-androgens are effective in widespread disease are not fully understood. Orchiectomy (removal of the testes) was formerly performed to lower androgen levels, but newer nonsurgical methods are currently favored. Drugs known as luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogs affect the pituitary gland and result in lowered production of male hormones by the testes.

    Targeted therapy involves agents that are designed to specifically target one of the cancer-specific changes in cells. An example of targeted therapy is trastuzumab (Herceptin), a monoclonal antibody that blocks the activity the protein known as HER-2-neu that is made by some breast cancers. This treatment is only used in breast cancers whose cells express the HER-2-neu protein and is given intravenously. Trastuzumab has been shown to be effective in women with breast cancer but has not been extensively tested in men with breast cancer. Similarly, lapatinib (Tykerb) is a drug taken in pill form that also targets the HER2/neu protein. It is used in combination with other agents to treat HER2-positive breast cancer that is no longer responsive to trastuzumab.

    http://www.medicinenet.com/male_breast_cancer/page4.htm#toci

    The information provided is to familiarize people on the subject.

    Consult your Physician(GP) for professional advice.

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  • Additional tips for Arthritis.(osteoarthritis)

    mike-baird-knee-11-6-07_18-weeks-after-6-20-07...
    Image by mikebaird via Flickr

    I have blogged on this subject and I have been asked to post more information,

    Following seems to fit the bill.

    Achy and sore joints are the hallmarks of osteoarthritis. And one of the most frustrating aspects of the joint pain related to arthritis is when it occurs in the morning. Often, the pain can make it hard just to get out of bed.

    On the positive side, morning joint pain related to osteoarthritis doesn’t last long. “The good news is that the amount of morning stiffness with osteoarthritis is less than 5 to 10 minutes as a rule,” says Nathan Wei, MD, clinical director of the Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of Maryland. And, he adds, the more you move around, the more quickly you’ll loosen up.

    Of course, just moving around is easier said than done if you have osteoarthritis. Here are simple strategies that can make your mornings with arthritic joint pain more manageable:

    1. Do more the night before. One easy way to simplify your morning routine is to do the heavy lifting before you go to sleep — like packing your briefcase, laying out clothes, setting the coffeemaker, and setting the table for breakfast. “I recommend that all of my patients ready things the night before. I do that myself,” says Robin K. Dore, MD, a rheumatologist and clinical professor of medicine at UCLA. “That way, if they are too stiff in the morning or need to sleep in a little if they had a bad night, there is very little that needs to be done before they can start their activities of daily living.”
    2. Try supportive sleep accessories. Lumbar and cervical pillows are the two main supportive devices our experts recommend to banish morning joint pain. “Sleep aids can definitely be helpful by cushioning tender areas and supporting areas that are painful to move if unsupported,” says Dr. Dore. “Be certain to try different cervical pillows before purchasing one, as individual preferences vary.”
    3. Perfect your posture. You can avoid a lot of arthritic joint pain in the morning by simply sleeping in the correct position. “The best sleeping posture for an arthritic spine will vary based on the unique aspects of the individual,” says Kirt Kimball, MD, an orthopedic surgeon in Orem and Provo, Utah. “As a rule, lying on your side with cervical and slight lumbar support allows one to flex or extend as needed to find that ‘best’ position.”
    4. Stretch away the pain. Stretching away arthritic joint pain before you even get out of bed can minimize the pain you experience once you get on your feet. “When doing stretches, it is important to gradually apply stretch rather than bounce against the end point of a particular muscle group,” says Dr. Kimball. “As you attempt to stretch each muscle group, whether it be back, hip, thigh, knee, ankle region, or upper extremity regions, first consider the normal range of motion of that joint. Try to isolate the affected joint such that you are only working one joint at a time, and then take it to the extreme, gradually, and then gently push against that extreme to slowly improve the range of motion. All stretches should be done decisively yet gently and avoiding impact or bounce.”
    5. Take your time. With osteoarthritis, it’s often best to work your way up to getting out of bed rather than bounding out of bed immediately in the morning. “Roll to your side; sit up in bed using your arms for support; put your feet on the ground; gently apply force to your feet as you push up on the edge of the bed with your hands,” says Kimball.

    http://www.everydayhealth.com/osteoarthritis/ways-to-rise-and-shine-with-osteoarthritis.aspx?xid=aol_eh-arth_2_2011121_&aolcat=AJA&icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl8%7Csec1_lnk2%7C114542

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  • Sleep and Sleeping Styles.

    Sleep is Nature’s gift.

    It allows the system including the brain to relax and helps to recharge.

    The sleeping requirement if individuals vary.

    There is no standard .

    Some could do with 10 hours, some with 8 hours and yet some with 5 hours.

    The time spent on Sleep changes with age.

    While infants sleep anywhere between 10- 15 hours,an adolescent 8-9 hours, between 20 3-50 ,7-8,40-50 6-7 hours and after 60 around 5 hours or less is the pattern.

    Duration of Sleep is also determined by  the food you eat.

    Spicy,pungent, either too hot or too cold will disturb normal sleep while food that consists of less spice,bland and less acidic shall help a good sleep.

    Taking a glass of warm milk before retiring to bed is of great use.

    Happy thoughts, listening to good music,spending time with children will ensure quality sleep.

    No thoughts about morrow is suggested.

    Better take food by not later than one hour  after sunset.

    Be in the bed  one hour after the food and avoid being awake after 11 pm .

    Waking up before sun rise is ideal.

    At least wake up by not later than one hour after sunrise.

    People use different postures while asleep.

    Story:

     

    Some of them are:

    “Your preferred p.m. pose could be giving you back and neck pain, tummy troubles, even premature wrinkles. Discover the best positions for your body—plus the one you may want to avoid.

    http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20479110_1,00.html

    However your body knows the best position.Depend on it.