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Tuesday, 8 March 2016

The Benefits Of Allspice Act As Antioxidant, Antiseptic, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Flatulent, Rubefacient, And Carminative Properties







Allspice contains omega-3 fatty acid, omega-6 fatty acid, dietary fiber, protein, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B9 (folate), vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, copper, sodium, iron, selenium, and zinc.It has antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-flatulent, rubefacient, and carminative properties.

The chemical compounds in allspice include eugenol, tannins, quercetin, methyleugenol, glycosides, carryophyllene, sesquiterpenes, and resin.Eugenol gives pleasant, sweet aromatic fragrances to the allspice.It has local anesthetic and antiseptic properties.Allspice is the dried unripe fruit that is used as a spice.Allspice is used for culinary and medicinal purposes.Allspice can combat bacteria, viruses, and fungi.The leaves and wood of allspice are useful for smoking meats.Iron in allspice is an important co-factor for cytochrome-oxidase enzymes during cellular metabolism.Manganese is as a co-factor for antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.

The other names of allspice

  • Jamaica pepper
  • Myrtle pepper
  • English pepper
  • Turkish Yenibahar
  • Pimenta




The Benefits of Allspice

  • Increases the motility of the gastrointestinal tract
  • Controls heart rate
  • Reduces blood pressure level
  • Decreases inflammatory and swelling 
  • Reduces mild headache
  • Treats  gums
  • Cures fatulence
  • Reduces sinusitis
  • Relieves indigestion
  • Enhances the circulation of blood and secretions within the body
  • Cures arthritis
  • Treats sore muscles
  • Enhances the develpment of cells
  • Relieves gas
  • Treats bloating
  • Cures muscle cramps and bone fragments
  • Treats stings
  • Cures wounds quickly
  • Strengthens the immunity system
  • Reduces cold
  • Lessens pain joints
  • Increases the mood
  • Normalizes blood sugar levels
  • Slows down aging process
  • Treats diarrhea
  • Cures menstrual cramps
  • Eliminates nausea
  • Makes skin feel warmer
  • Treats fatigue
  • Lessens toothache
  • Fights bacterial and fungal infections
  • Increases the mechanism defense
  • Enhances cellular regrowth
  • Enhances digestion of food
  • Develops resistance against free radicals

Recent Research Studies have shown that Allspice oil mixed with extractions from garlic and oregano can work against Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and L.monocytogenes infections.


Caution
  • The consumption of allspice excessively may cause central nervous system depression, gastrointestinal irritation, and seizures.
  • Allspice may cause serious allergic reactions in hypersensitive people.
  • Dont mix allspice with drugs or iron supplements.
  • Pregnant women and breastfeeding women are not recommended to consume allspice.
  • People suffering for stomach ulcers, diverticulitis conditions, and ulcerative colitis should avoid to consume allspice.





Monday, 7 March 2016

The Benefits Of Cumin Act As Anticarcinogenic, Antioxidant, Antifungal, Antimicrobial, And Anti-Flatulent Properties







Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) contains carbohydrate, dietary fiber, protein, lutein, zea-xanthin, beta-carotene, choline, vitamin A, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B9 (folate), vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, manganese, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, copper, iron, selenium, and zinc.It has antioxidant,  carminative, anti-flatulent, anti microbial, and antifungal properties.

The essential oil of cumin seeds include 
  • Cymene, 
  • Terpenoids, 
  • Cuminaldehyde : 4-isopropylbenzaldehyde
  • Pyrazines : 2-ethoxy-3-isopropylpyrazine, 2-methoxy-3-sec-butylpyrazine,2-methoxy-3-methylpyrazine.
  • Y-terpinene
  • Beta-pinene
  • P-cymene
  • Safranal
  • Thymol

Cuminaldehyde in cumin seed has anti microbial and antifungal properties that fight against Escherichia coli and Penicillium chrysogenum.It has a warm aroma due to its essential oil content.Cumin is a spice for its distinctive flavour and aroma that can be used as culinary purpose.Curmin is a flowering plant that is used as a traditional medicinal plant.It can be used as ground and as seed.






The Benefits of Cumin

  • Prevents diabetes
  • Prevents colon cancer
  • Controls heart rates
  • Controls blood pressure
  • Cures weak memory
  • Staves off common cold
  • Improves appetite
  • Improves digestion
  • Relieves stomach ache
  • Relieves gas troubles
  • Heals wounds
  • Decreases in glucosuria
  • Helps in inducing a sound sleep
  • Relieves stress and anxiety
  • Prevents insomnia
  • Eliminates phlegm and mucus
  • Treats asthma
  • Cures bronchitis
  • Strengthens the immunity system
  • Increases secretion of milk in lactating women
  • Prevents anemia
  • Decreases Alzheimer's disease
  • Decreases dementia
  • Prevents the signs of premature aging like wrinkles and sagging skin
  • Keeps skin young and shiny
  • Speeds up the metabolism
  • Removes toxins from the body
  • Treats renal coli
  • Improves gut motility
  • Produces red blood cells
  • Increases sexual desire
  • Treats diarrhea
  • Cures colic
  • Treats bowel spasm
  • Increases the flow of urine
  • Relieves bloating
  • Treats menstrual problem
  • Cures fluid retention
  • Treats chronic fever
  • Cures vomiting
  • Treats swelling
  • Treats flatulence
  • Cures insect bites and painful stings
  • Stimulates the function and activity of white blood cells
  • Reduces pimples
  • Reduces rashes
  • Reduces boils
  • Treats fatigue
  • Fights viral, fungal, bacterial infections
  • Treats piles




A Review of Scientific Studies published in 2005 in The International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition confirmed that A number of spices, such as cumin might aid hypoglycemia

A Study on rats by Researchers at Mysore University, published in The Indian Journal of Medical Research in 2004, found that Cumin was useful for dyspepsia and diarrhea.


Side effects of Cumin
  • Pregnant women and breasfeeding women are not recommended to consume cumin.
  • People in bleeding disorders should not take cumin because it can slow blood clotting.
  • Stop consuming cumin during or after surgery.







The Benefits Of Juniper Act As Antioxidant, Antiseptic, Astingent, Antirheumatic, Diuretic, Antibacterial, And Vulnerary Properties





Juniper (Juniperus  communis) oil has antispasmodic, antiseptic, diuretic, antirheumatic, astringent, carminative, depurative, and vulnerary properties.It can be used for medicinal purposes and culinary purposes.

Juniper oil is composed of the main chemical component, including  alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, camphene, bornyl acetate, cayophyllene, alpha-phellandrene, beta-phellandrene, a-terpinene, y-terpinene, myrcene, terpinen-4-ol, 1,4-cineole, and p-cymene.Oil of juniper has trace amounts of camphor, linalool, borneol, limonene, nerol, and linalyl acetate.

Juniper is evergreen with needle-like blue-green leaves, small yellow flowers, and short reddish-brown trunks.It is aromatic and can be used as a spice.Juniper fruits are blue and some species are red-brown or orange.The essential oil of juniper is traditionally steam-distilled from the needles, twigs, wood, and berries.






The Benefits of Juniper
  • Treats diabetes
  • Reduces blood pressure
  • Increases activity of the brain
  • Increases frequency and volume of urination
  • Manages the herpes simplex virus
  • Treats gonorrhea
  • Treats kidney stone
  • Cures the enlargement of the prostate gland
  • Prevents cellulite formation
  • Treats stomach ulcers
  • Cures wounds and cuts faster
  • Relieves swelling
  • Improve blood circulation
  • Helps in removing the toxic like uric acid and excess salt from the body
  • Treats cramps
  • Regulates menstrual cycle in women
  • Cures spasmodic cholera
  • Reduces the chances of hemorrhaging
  • Cures tootache
  • Stops hair loss
  • Relieves dandruff
  • Strengthens the grip of gums on the teeth
  • Treats diarrhea
  • Relieves arthritis
  • Tightens loose muscles
  • Helps in the removal of gases from intestines
  • Purifies blood
  • Keeps skin healthy
  • Prevents acne
  • Increases secretion of milk
  • Helps in retaining youth for a long time
  • Relieves stress and anxiety
  • Relieves gout
  • Relieves muscle fatigue
  • Treat psoriasis
  • Cures eczema
  • Treats dermatitis
  • Fights renal calculi
  • Protects stomach upset
  • Protects intestinal fermentation
  • Protects colitis
  • Soothes digestive upset
  • Cures urinary tract infections
  • Overcomes dizziness
  • Overcomes  depression
  • Increases sweat
  • Relives swollen joints
  • Relieves mental fatigue



The Study from The Universite Tunis-El Manar in Tunisia published in Natural Product Research in 2011 tested The chemical compounds of juniper berries and concluded that they might be useful against brain and blood vessels diseases.

Another Report from Shiraz University of  Medical Sciences in Iran published Pharmacognosy Research in 2010 found that The essential oil of juniper berries possessed impressive antioxidant effects and the ability to sweep up damaging free radicals.

A German Study published in The International Peer-Reviewed Journal "Natural Product Communications in 2010 analyzed that The chemical composition of juniper berries oil and concluded that Juniper oil inhibited the activity of bacteria and was potential as an effective antibacterial tool.

According to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center stated that Juniper berries traditionally were also used for treating urinary tract infections, heart failure, and gonorrhea.



Side Effects Of Juniper
  • Pregnant women are not recommended to consume juniper because it can lead to miscarriage.
  • The consumption of juniper berries excessively may cause diarrhea, blood in the urine, kidney damage, DNA damage, and convulsions.
  • Breastfeeding women and very young children are not recommended to take juniper berries.
  • People in kidney or liver disease should refrain from using juniper berry oil.


Friday, 4 March 2016

Gallbladder Cancer : Symptom, Risk Factor, Diagnosis, Stage, Treatment, And Drug





Gallbladder Cancer is cancer cells found in the tissues of gallbladder.It is uncommon cancer.The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that lies under the liver in the upper abdomen.The wall of gallbladder has three main layers of tissue, such as mucosal (inner) layer, muscularis (middle, muscle) layer, and serosal (outer) layer.Gallbladder cancer is difficult to detect and diagnose because the symptoms of gallbladder cancer are like the symptoms of other diseases, Its symptoms or its signs cannot be found in the early stages, and it is hidden behind the liver.


The Signs and Symptoms of Gallbladder Cancer 
  • Yellowing of skin and whitish of the eyes (jaundice)
  • Weakness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lumps in the abdomen
  • Bloating
  • Pain above the stomach or abdominal pain
  • Weight loss
  • Dark urine
  • Itchy skin
  • Swelling in the belly

Risk Factors of Gallbladder Cancer
  • Gender, it is common in women than men.
  • Family history of gallbladder cancer
  • Obesity
  • Chronic thypoid infection of gallbladder
  • Chronic Cholecystitis and Cholelithiasis
  • Various single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs)
  • Older age
  • Ethnicity and Geography
  • Industrial and Environmental Chemicals


Diagnosis

Some tests and procedures are used to diagnose gallbladder cancer.
  • Medical History is to get information about Patient"s health habit, past illness, and treatment.
  • Physical Exam is to examine the body from signs or symptoms of gallbladder cancer.
  • Liver Function Test  is a test in which a blood sample is checked to measure the amounts of certain substances released into the blood by the liver.
  • Carcinoembryonic Antingen (CEA) Assay is a test to measure the level of CEA in the blood.
  • CA 19-9 Assay is a test to measure the level of CA 19-9 in the blood.
  • Blood Chemistry Study is a procedure in which a blood sample is checked to measure the amounts of certain substances released into the blood  the organs and tissues in the body.
  • Computed Tomography (CT) scan is a procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, such as the chest, abdomen, and pelvis taken from different angles.
  • Ultrasound Exam is a procedure in which high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) are bounced off internal tissues or organs and make echoes.
  • Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography (PTC) is a procedure that uses x-ray to the liver, and bile ducts.
  • Chest X-Ray is an x-ray of organs and bones inside the chest.
  • Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is  a procedure that uses x-ray to the ducts that carry bile from liver to the gallbladder and from gallbladder to the small intestine.



The Stage of Gallbladder Cancer
  • Stage 0 (Carcinoma In Situ) : Abnormal cells are found in the inner (mucosal) layer of the gallbladder.
  • Stage I : Cancer has formed and has spread beyond the inner (mucosal) layer to a layer of tissue with blood vessels or to the muscle layer.
  • Stage II : Cancer has spread beyond the muscle layer to the connective tissue around the muscle.
  • Stage IIIA : Cancer has spread through the thin layers of tissue that cover the gallbladder and/or to the liver and/to one nearby organ, including the stomach, the small intestine, the colon, the pancreas or the bile ducts outside the liver.
  • Stage IIIB : Cancer has spread nearby lymph nodes beyond the inner (mucosal) layer to a layer of tissue with blood vessels or to the muscle layer or beyond the muscle layer to the connective tissue around the muscle or through the thin layers of tissue that cover the gallbladder and/or to the liver and/to one nearby organ, including the stomach, the small intestine, the colon, the pancreas or the bile ducts outside the liver.
  • Stage IVA : Cancer has spread to a main blood vessel of the liver or to two or more nearby organs or areas other than liver.Cancer may have spread to nearby lymph nodes.
  • Stage IVB : Cancer has spread to either lymph nodes along large arteries in the abdomen and/or near the lower part of the backbone or to organs or areas far way from the gallbladder.


The Treatment of Gallbladder Cancer

1. Surgery
  • Cholecystectomy is  to remove the gallbladder and some of tissues around it.
  • Surgical Biliary bypass is done if the tumor is blocking the small intestine and bile is building up in the gallbladder.
  • Endoscopic Stent Placement is done if the tumor is blocking bile ducts and puts in a stent to drain bile that has built up in the area.
  • Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage is done to drain bile when there is a blockage and endoscopic stent placement is impossible.
2. Radiation Therapy is a treatment that uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing.There are two types of radiation therapy.External radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body to send radiation toward the cancer.Internal radiation therapy uses a radiactive substance sealed in needles, seeds, wires or catheters that are placed directly into or near the cancer.

3. Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing.

4. RadioSensitizers are drugs to make tumor cells more sensitive to radiation therapy.

5. Hyperthermia Therapy is a treatment in which body tissue is exposed to high temperatures to damage and kill cancer cells or to make cancer cells more sensitive to the effects of radiation therapy and certain anticancer drugs.


Drugs for Gallbladder Cancer

  • Fluorouracil (5-FU)
  • Capecitabine (Xeloda)
  • Gemcitabine (Gemzar)
  • Cisplatin (Platinol)
  • Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)

The side effects of these drugs

  • Hair loss
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Sore mouth
  • Easy bruising


Colorectal Cancer : Symptom, Risk Factor, Diagnosis, Stage, Treatment, And Drug






Colorectal Cancer (Colon Cancer) is the development of cancer in the colon or rectum.It is a disease originating from the epithelial cells lining the colon.The colon is the last part of digestive system.The colon consists of four sections, such as the ascending colon, the transverse colon, the descending colon, and the sigmoid colon.


The Signs and Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
  • Blood in the stool
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Tiredness all time
  • A change in bowel movements
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Worsening constipation
  • Decreasing in stool caliber (thickness)
  • Frequent gas pains 
  • Bloating
  • Diarrhea
  • Cramps
  • Feeling fullness

Risk Factors of Colorectal Cancer
  • Family history of colon cancer
  • Older age
  • Male gender
  • Race
  • Lifestyle
  • A diet high in red, processed meat
  • Fat intake highly
  • Tobacco smoking
  • Alcohol
  • Exposure to radiation
  • Inherited genetic disorders, such as Familial adenomatous polyposis
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Colon polyps
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Other diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease ; Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis

Diagnosis

Some tests and procedures are used to diagnose the colon cancer.
  • Medical History is to get information about Patient"s health habit, past illness, and treatment.
  • Physical Examination is to examine the body from signs or symptoms of colon cancer.
  • Digital Rectal Exam is an exam of rectum.
  • Fecal Occult Blood Test is a test to check the stool (solid waste) for blood that can onlybe seen with a microscope.
  • Multitarget Stool DNA Screening Test is a noninvasive test used to screen for the presence of colorectal cancer or precancerous lesions.
  • Barium Enema is a series of x-rays of the lower of gastrointestinal tract.
  • Sigmoidoscopy is a procedure to look inside the rectum and sigmoid colon for polyps, other abnormal areas, or cancer.
  • Colonoscopy is a procedure to look inside the rectum and colon for polyps, other abnormal areas, or cancer.
  • Virtual Colonoscopy is a procedure that uses  a seies of x-rays or computed tomography (CT) to make a series of pictures of the colon.
  • Biopsy is the removal of cells or tissues and looked under a microscope.
  • Computed Tomography (CT) scan produces detailed cross-sectional images of the body and determines the location and size of colorectal cancer and whether they have spread to nearby areas.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan provides very detailed images of colon and looks for cancer in the colon or cancer that has spread to nearby parts of body.
  • Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan is a radioactive substance is injected into the blood
  • Ultra sound uses sound waves to create images of parts of the body.
  • Chest X-Ray is an x-ray of the organs and bones inside the chest.
  • Surgery is a procedure to remove the tumor and see how far cancer has spread through colon.
  • Lymph Node Biopsy is the removal of all or part of a lymph node.
  • Complete Blood Count is a procedure in which a blood sample is drawn and checked for the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
  • Carcinoembryonic Antingen (CEA) Assay is a test to measure the level of CEA in the blood.


The Stage of Colon Cancer


  • Stage 0 (Carsinoma In Situ) : Abnormal cells are found in the mucosa (innermost layer) and the colon wall.


  • Stage I : Cancer has spread from the mucosa of the colon wall to the muscle layer.


  • Stage IIA : Cancer has spread through the muscle layer of the colon wall to the serosa (outermost layer) of the colon wall.


  • Stage IIB : Cancer has spread through the serosa of the colon wall but has not spread to nearby organs.



  • Stage IIC : Cancer has spread through the serosa of the colon wall to nearby organs.

  • Stage IIIA : Cancer has spread through the mucosa of the colon wall to the submucosa and may have spread to the muscle layer.Cancer has spread to one to three nearby lymph nodes or tissues near the lymph nodes or Cancer has spread through the mucosa to the submucosa and four to six nearby lymph nodes.


  • Stage IIIB : Cancer has spread through the muscle layer of the colon wall to the serosa.Cancer has spread through the serosa but not to nearby organs.It has spread through one to three nearby lymph nodes or tissues near the lymph nodes.Or Cancer has spread through the muscle layer or to the serosa, and to four to six nearby lymph nodes.Or Cancer has spread through the mucosa of the colon wall to the submucosa and may have spread through the muscle layer.It has spread to seven or more nearby lymph nodes.



  • Stage IIIC : Cancer has spread through the serosa of the colon wall but not to nearby organs.It has spread four to six nearby lymph nodes.Or Cancer has spread through the muscle layer of the colon wall to the serosa or Cancer has spread through the serosa of the colon wall but not to nearby organs.It has spread to seven or more nearby lymph nodes.Or Cancer has spread through the serosa to nearby organs and to one or more nearby lymph nodes or to tissues near the lymph nodes.


  • Stage IV : The cancer has spread through the blood and lymph nodes to other parts of the body, such as the lung, the liver,the abdominal wall or the ovary.

The Standard Treatments Of Colon Cancer

1. Surgery is the removal of cancer cells in operation.
  • Local Excision is the removal of cancer without cutting through the abdominal wall if the cancer is found in the very early stage.
  • Resection of the colon with Anastomosis is removing of the cancer and a small amount of healthy tissue around it if the cancer is larger and then sewing the healthy parts of the colon together.

2. Radio Frequency Ablation is the use of a special probe with electrodes that kill cancer cells.

3. Cryosurgery is a treatment that uses an instrument to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue.

4. Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing.Chemoembolization of the hepatic artery is to treat cancer that has spread to the liver.

5. Radiation Therapy is a treatment that uses high-energy x-ray or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing.There are two types of radiation therapy.External radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body to send radiation toward the cancer.Internal radiation therapy uses a radiactive substance sealed in needles, seeds, wires or catheters that are placed directly into or near the cancer.

6. Targeted Therapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells without harming normal cells.


The Stage Treatments Of Colon Cancer

The Treatment of Stage 0 includes
  • Local excision or simple polypectomy.
  • Resection and Anastomosis.
The Treatment of Stage I includes
  • Resection and Anastomosis.
The Treatment of Stage II includes
  • Resection and Anastomosis.
The Treatment of Stage III includes

  • Resection and Anastomosis which may be followed by chemotherapy.
  • Clinical trials of new chemotherapy regiments after surgery.
The Treatment of Stage IV includes

  • Local excision for tumors that have recurred.
  • Resection with or without Anastomosis
  • Surgery to remove parts of other organs, such as the liver, the lungs, and the ovaries where the cancer may have recurred or spread
      The treatment for the cancer has spread to the liver includes
      • Chemotherapy is given before surgery to shrink the tumor.Chemotherapy is done after surgery or both before and after surgery.
      • Radiofrequency Ablation or Cryosurgery for patuents who cannot have surgery.
      • Chemoembolization of the hepatic artery.
      • Radiation Therapy or Chemotherapy is offered to some patients to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
      • Chemotherapy and/or Targeted Therapy with a monoclonal antibody or an angiogenesis inhibitor.
      • Clinical trials of chemotherapy and/or Targeted Therapy


      Drugs For Colon Cancer approved by The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
      • Avastin ( Bevacizumab)
      • Bevacizumab
      • Camptosar (Irinotecan Hydrochloride)
      • Capecitabine
      • Cetuximab
      • Cyramza (Ramucirumab)
      • Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin)
      • Erbitux (Cetuximab)
      • 5-FU (Fluorouracil Injection)
      • Fluorouracil Injection
      • Irinotecan Hydrochloride
      • Leucovorin Calcium
      • Lonsurf (Trifluridine and Tipiracil Hydrochloride)
      • Oxaliplatin
      • Panitumumab
      • Ramucirumab
      • Regorafenib
      • Stivarga (Regorafenib)
      • Trifluridine and Tipiracil Hydrochloride
      • Vectibix (Panitumumab)
      • Wellcovorin (Leucovorin Calcium)
      • Xeloda (Capecitabine)
      • Zaltrap (Ziv-Aflibercept)
      • Ziv-Aflibercept

      Drug Combinations for Colon Cancer
      • Capox
      • Folfiri
      • Folfiri-Bevacizumab
      • Folfiri-Cetuximab
      • Folfox
      • FU-LV
      • Xeliri
      • Xelox


      Prevention of Colon Cancer

      • Increased surveillance.
      • Comsumption of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
      • Reducing red meat intake.
      • Physical exercises regularly.





        Thursday, 3 March 2016

        Thyroid Cancer : Type, Symptom, Risk Factor, Diagnosis, Stage, Treatment, And Drug







        Thyroid Cancer is a cancer that begins in the thyroid gland.The thyroid is a large ductless gland in the neck that secrets hormones regulating growth and development through the rate of metabolism.The thyroid gland has two main types of cells.Follicular cells use iodine from the blood to make thyroid hormones, which help in regulating a person's metabolism.Parafollicular cells make calcitonin that a hormone helps in controlling how the body uses calcium.Thyroid nodules are lumps or bumps in the thyroid gland.The thyroid cannot be felt and seen in the most people.


        The Types of Thyroid Cancers
        1. Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
        • Papillary Thyroid Cancer (PTC) tends to grow very slowly and usually develops in only one lobe of the thyroid gland.
        • Follicular Thyroid Cancer (FTC) spreads to other parts of body, such as the bones and lungs.
        2. Undifferentiated Thyroid Cancer
        • Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC) develops from the follicular cells of the thyroid gland.Sometimes it can spread into lymph nodes, the lungs or liver even before a thyroid nodule is discovered.
        • Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer (ATC) often spreads quickly into the neck and to other parts of the body.It sometimes develops from an existing palpillary or follicular cancer.It is very difficult to treat.


          The Signs or Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer
          • A lump in front of the neck , sometimes growing quickly.
          • Swollen glands in the neck.
          • Pain in the throat or neck, sometimes going up to the ears.
          • Hoarseness.
          • Difficulty in swallowing.
          • Trouble breathing.
          • A constant cough that is not due to a cold.


          The Risk Factors of Thyroid Cancer
          • Age
          • Gender
          • Family history of thyroid cancer
          • A diet low in iodine
          • Exposure to ionizing radiation
          • Certain inherited medical conditions, such as cowden disease, corney complex type I, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)


          Diagnosis

          Some tests are performed to diagnose the thyroid cancer as follow :
          • Medical history and physical exam are to get more informations about family of having thyroid cancer and examine possible symptoms of thyroid cancer and any other health problems.
          • Biopsy is a test in which cells from the suspicious area are removed and looked under a microscope.
          • Computed Tomography (CT) scan produces detailed cross-sectional images of the body and determines the location and size of thyroid cancer and whether they have spread to nearby areas.
          • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan provides very detailed images of thyroid gland and looks for cancer in the thyroid or cancer that has spread to nearby parts of body.
          • Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan is a radioactive substance is injected into the blood.
          • Ultra sound uses sound waves to create images of parts of the body.It can determine if a thyroid nodule is solid or filled with fluid.
          • Radioiodine scan is to determine if someone with a lump in the neck might have thyroid cancer.
          • Chest X-Ray is to see if cancer has spread to the lungs.
          • Vocal Cord Exam (Laryngoscopy) is a procedure to see if the vocal cords are moving normally.
          • Blood Tests help in showing if the thyroid is working normally.Carcinoembryonic antingen (CEA) is high blood levels of  a protein.Test for CEA sometimes helps in finding medullary thyroid cancer.Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is blood test to check the overall activity of the thyroid gland.


          THE STAGES OF THYROID CANCER

          The Stages of Papillary and Follicular Thyroid Cancers in patients younger than 45 years old
          • Stage I : The tumor is any size, may be in the thyroid or may have spread to nearby tissues and lymph nodes.Cancer has not spread into the other parts of the body.
          • Stage II : The tumor is any size and has spread from the thyroid into the other parts of the body, such as the lungs, or bone and may have spread to lymph nodes

          The Stages of Papillary and Follicular Thyroid Cancers in patients 45 years old and older

          • Stage I  : Cancer is found only in the thyroid.Cancer is 2 centimeters or smaller.


          • Stage II : Cancer is found only in the thyroid.Cancer is larger than 2 centimeters but not larger than 4 centimeters.
          • Stage III : Cancer is found only in the thyroid and cancer is larger than 4 centimeters or cancer is any size and has spread to tissues just outside the thyroid, but not to lymph nodes.


          • Stage IVA : Cancer is any size and has spread to tissue just outside the thyroid.Cancer has spread to lymph nodes on one or both sides of the neck or between the lungs.


          • Stage IVB : Cancer has spread to the tissue in front of the spinal column or has surrounded the carotid artery or the blood vessels in the area between the lungs.Cancer may have spread to lymph nodes.


          • Stage IVC : Cancer is any size and has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs and the bones.Cancer may have spread to lymph nodes.




          The Stages of Medullary Thyroid Cancer for All Ages
          • Stage 0 : There is no cancer found in the thyroid.
          • Stage I : Cancer is found only in the thyroid.Cancer is 2 centimeters or smaller.
          • Stage II : Cancer is found only in the thyroid.Cancer is larger than 2 centimeters or cancer has spread to tissues just outside the thyroid, but not to lymph nodes.
          • Stage III : Cancer is any size and has spread to lymph nodes near the trachea and the larynx.Cancer may have spread to tissues just outside the thyroid.
          • Stage IVA : Cancer is any size and has spread to tissue just outside the thyroid.Cancer has spread to lymph nodes on one or both sides of the neck or between the lungs.
          • Stage IVB : Cancer has spread to the tissue in front of the spinal column or has surrounded the carotid artery or the blood vessels in the area between the lungs.Cancer may have spread to lymph nodes.
          • Stage IVC : Cancer is any size and has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs and the bones.Cancer may have spread to lymph nodes.


            Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer is considered in Stage IV


            Anaplastic thyroid cancer grows rapidly.It usually spread within the neck when it is found.
            • Stage IVA : Cancer is found in the thyroid and may have spread to lymph nodes.
            • Stage IVB : Cancer has spread to tissue just outside the thyroid and may have spread to lymph nodes.
            • Stage IVC : Cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs and the bones.Cancer may have spread to lymph nodes.


            TREATMENT OF THYROID CANCER

            The Treatments of Papillary and Follicular Thyroid Cancers in Stage I and Stage II include
            • Total or Near-Total Thyroidectomy with or without Radioactive Iodine Therapy.
            • Lobectomy or removal of lymph nodes that contain cancer, followed by Hormone Therapy.
            • Radioactive Iodine Therapy may be given following surgery.


            The Treatments of Papillary and Follicular Thyroid Cancers in Stage III include
            • Total Thyroidectomy
            • Radioactive Iodine Therapy or External Radiation Therapy may be given after surgery.



            The Treatments of Papillary and Follicular Thyroid Cancers in Stage IV include

            Cancer has spread to lymph nodes can be treated.Cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs and the bones cannot be treated but can relieve the symptoms and can improve the quality of life.The treatments can be done as follow :

            Tumors that take up iodine
            • Radioactive Iodine Therapy
            Tumors that do not take up iodine
            • Hormone Therapy.
            • Targeted Therapy with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (sorafenib).
            • Surgery by removing cancer from areas where it has spread.
            • External-Beam Radiation Therapy.
            • A clinical trial of Chemotherapy
            • A clinical trial of Targeted Therapy.

            The Treatment of Medullary Thyroid Cancer includes
            • Total Thyroidectomy if the cancer has not spread to other parts of body.
            • Removal of lymph nodes that contain cancer.
            • External Radiation Therapy as palliative therapy to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients whose cancer has recurred in the thyroid.
            • Targeted Therapy with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (vandetanib) for cancer has spread to other parts of body.
            • Chemotherapy as palliative therapy to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients whose cancer has spread to other parts of body.



            The Treatment of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer includes
            • Tracheostomy as palliative therapy to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life.
            • Total Thyroidectomy as palliative therapy to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients whose cancer has not spread away from the thyroid.
            • External Radiation Therapy.
            • Chemotherapy
            • A clinical trial of Total Thyroidectomy followed by Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy.



              The Standard Treatment For Cancer
              1. Surgery is to treat thyroid cancer.
              • Lobectomy is removal of lobe in which thyroid cancer is found.
              • Near-Total Thyroidectomy is removal of all but a very small part of the thyroid.
              • Total Thyroidectomy is removal of the whole thyroid.
              • Lymphadenectomy is removal of lymph nodes in the neck that contain cancer.


              2. Radiation Therapy is a treatment that uses high-energy x-ray or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing.There are two types of radiation therapy.External radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body to send radiation toward the cancer.Internal radiation therapy uses a radiactive substance sealed in needles, seeds, wires or catheters that are placed directly into or near the cancer.


              3. Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing.

              4. Thyroid Hormone Therapy is a treatment that removes hormones or blocks their action and stops cancer cells from growing.


              5. Targeted Therapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells without harming normal cells.


              Drugs for Thyroid Cancer approved by The Food And Drug Administration (FDA)
              • Cabozantinib-S-Malate
              • Caprelsa (Vandetanib)
              • Cometriq (Cabozantinib-S-Malate)
              • Doxorubicin Hydrochloride
              • Lenvatinib Mesylate
              • Lenvima (Lenvatinib Mesylate)
              • Nexavar (Sorafenib Tosylate)
              • Sorafenib Tosylate
              • Vandetanib








              Wednesday, 2 March 2016

              Brain Cancer : Type, Symptom, Risk Factor, Diagnosis, Grade, Treatment, And Drug





              A Brain Tumor (Intracranial neoplasm) occurs when abnormal cells from within the brain.The brain of human is composed of very soft tissue and a gelatin-like texture.Three separate brain areas make up most of the brain's volume, such as telencephalon, mesencephalon, and cerebellum.

              The Brain consists of four main parts namely :

              • The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain.It contains two cerebral hemispheres on either side of the brain that each control the opposite side of the body.
              • The cerebellum is located at the back part of the brain below the cerebrum.
              • The brain stem is the portion of the brain that connects to the spinal cord.
              • The meninges are the membranes that  surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

              The Characteristics of Tumor :

              • Anaplasia or Dedifferentiation is the loss of diffentiation of cells and of their orientation to one another and blood vessels.
              • Atypia is an indication of abnormality of a cell.
              • Neoplasia is the uncontrolled division of cells.
              • Necrosis is the premature or death of cells caused by external factors, such as infection, toxin, and trauma.


              There are two main Types of Tumors :
              • Malignant or Cancerous Tumors contain cancer cells.These tumors will infiltrate the surrounding tissue.
              • Benign Tumors or Non-Cancerous Tumors do not contain cancer cells.These tumors may be present  for some years and be asymptomatic.

              The Characteristics of Malignant Tumors
              1. Uncontrolled mitosis that is the growth by division beyond the normal limits.
              2. Anaplasia is the cells in the neoplasm have an obviously different form in size and shape.
              3. Invasion or invasiveness is the spatial expansion of the tumor through uncontrolled mitosis, in the sense that the neoplasm invades the space occupied by adjacent tissue, thereby pushing the other tissues aside and eventually compressing the tissue.
              4. Infiltration is the behaviour of the tumor either to grow (microscopic) tentacles that push into the surrounding tissue that often makes the outline of the tumor undefined.It has tumor cells "seeded" into the tissue beyond the circumference of the tumorous mass.
              5. Metastasis that spread to other locations in the body via lymph or blood.


              Malignant or Cancerous Tumors can be divided into two :
              • Primary Tumors begin within the brain.These tumors are generally invasive or they will expand spatially and intrude into the space occupied by other brain tissues and compress those brain tissues.
              • Secondary Tumors or Metastasis Tumors start elsewhere in the body sends cells which end up growing in the brain.





              The most common of Primary Tumors

              1. Gliomas are tumors that grow from the glial cells which are the supportive cell in the brain.Gliomas include :
              • Astrocytoma begins in cells called astrocytes in the cerebrum or cerebellum.
              • Oligodendroglioma develops from cells called oligodendrocytes.
              • Mixed Glioma is made up of more than one of the gliac cell types.
              • Ependymoma begins in the passageways in the brain where CSF is made and stored.
              • Brain Stem Glioma begins in the glial cells in the brain stem.
              2. Non-Gliomas include :
              • Meningioma is a tumor that begins in the meninges.
              • Pineal gland and Pituitary Adenomas are tumors that begin in the pineal gland and pituitary gland.
              • Primary CNS lymphoma is a tumor that begins in the lymphatic system.
              • Medulloblastoma is a tumor that begins in granular cells in the cerebellum.It is most common in children.
              • Craniopharyngioma is a benign tumor that begins near the pituitary gland located near the base of the brain.
              • Acoustic schwannoma is a rare tumor that begins in the vestibular nerve, which is a nerve in the inner ear that helps control balance.

              Astrocytoma is a glioma cancer that begins in astrocytes in the cerebrum or cerebellum.


              There are four grades of Astrocytoma :

              • Grade I (Pilocytic Astrocytoma ) : A slow growing tumor that is most often benign and rarely spreads into nearby tissue.
              • Grade II (Low-Grade Diffuse Astrocytoma : A slow growing tumor that can often spread into nearby tissue and can become a higher grade.
              • Grade III (Anaplastic Astrocytoma) : a cancerous tumor that can grow quickly and spread into nearby tissues.
              • Grade IV (Glioblastoma) is a very agressive form of astrocytoma.



              The Symptoms of Brain Tumor
              • Vomiting
              • Nausea
              • Headache
              • Dilation of the pupil on the side of the lesion
              • Double vision 
              • Papilledema
              • Memory loss
              • Lack of recognition
              • Seizures
              • Dizziness
              • Personality or emotional changes
              • Impaired sense of smell
              • Impaired hearing
              • Facial paralysis
              • Visual field impairement
              • Difficulty in speaking and with sensation
              • Difficulty in walking
              • Abnormal fatigue
              • Weariness
              • Absences and tremors
              • Unconsciousness


              Risk Factors of Brain Tumor
              • Family history of brain tumor
              • Inherited conditions or neurofibromatosis
              • Age
              • Gender
              • The Epstein-Barr virus
              • Exposure to the industrial chemical, such as vinyl chloride.
              • Ionizing radiation.
              • N-Nitroso compounds
              • Exposure to Nerve agents
              • Race or ethnicity
              • Home and work exposures
              • Electromagnetic fields
              • Head injury and seizures


              Diagnosis

              There is no specific or singular clinical symptom or sign for any brain tumors, the presence of a combination of symptoms and the lack of corresponding clinical indication of infections or other causes can be an indicator to redirect diagnostic investigation towards the possibility of an intracranial neoplasm.

              The diagnosis will start by taking :

              • A medical history notes medical antecedents and symptoms.
              • Cinical and laboratory investigations serve to exclude infections as the cause of symptoms.
              • Gene Testing is a laboratory test in which a sample of blood or tissue is tested for changes in a chromosome that has been linked with a certain type of brain tumor.It is done to diagnose inherited syndrome.
              • Examinations in the stage include the eyes, otolaryngological (ENT), and electrophysiological exams.
              • The use of Electroencephalography.
              • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with gadolinium is a procedure that uses magnet, radio, waves, and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of the brain and spinal cord.It is as indicator for malignant gliomas, meningiomas, and brain metastases.
              • Computed Tomography (CT) scan is the procedure that make a series of detailed picture of areas inside the body.
              • Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan is a procedure to find malignant tumor cells in the body.
              • Histoligical examination of tumor tissue sample obtained either by means of brain biopsy or open surgery.It is to determine the appropriate treatment and the correct prognosis.A Stereotactic biopsy is done when imaging tests show there may be a tumor deep in the brain and it is hard to reach.An Open biopsy is done when imaging tests show that there may be a tumor that can be removed by surgery.


              Tumor Grading System based on WHO
              • Grade I (Low Grade) : The tumor cells look more like normal cells under a microscope and grow and spread slower than grade II, III, and IV tumor cells.They rarely spread into nearby tissues.The grade I can be treated by surgery.
              • Grade II : The tumor cells  grow and spread slower than grade III and IV tumor cells.They may spread into nearby tissues and may recur.Some tumors may become a higher-grade tumor.
              • Grade III : The tumor cells look different from normal cells under a microscope and grow quicklier than grade I and II tumor cells.cells.They are likely to spread into nearby tissues .
              • Grade IV (High Grade) : The tumor cells do not look like normal cells under a microscope and grow and spread very quickly.There may be areas of dead cells in the tumor.The Grade IV cannot be treated.


              Treatment of Brain Tumor

              The treatments of brain tumor depend on the type , grade, and the location of neoplasm. The treatnents can be done by ways :
              1. Active Surveillance is closely watching a patient's condition but not giving  any treatment unless there are changes in test results that show condition is getting worse.
              2. Surgery is  to remove tumor  tissue  in order that it decreases pressure of the tumor on nearby parts of the brain.
              3. Radiation Therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing.The way of radiation therapy is given depending on the type, grade, and location of the tumor.The ways of giving radiation therapy as follow :
              • 3-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy is a procedure that uses a computer to create a 3-dimensional (3-D) picture of the brain or spinal cord tumor.
              • Intensity-modulated Radiation Therapy is a type of 3-D radiation therapy that uses a computer to make picturesof the size and shape of the brain or spinal cord tumor.
              • Stereotactic Radiosurgery is a type of radiation therapy that uses a head frame attached to the skull to aim a single large dose of radiation directly to a brain tumor
              4. Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing.

              5. Targeted Therapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells without harming normal cells.
              • Monoclonal Antibody Therapy is a type of targeted therapy that uses antibodies made in the laboratory from a single type of immune system cell.Bevacizumab is monoclonal antibody that binds to a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and may prevent the growth of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow.
              6. Proton Beam Radiation Therapy is a type of high - energy, external radiation therapy that uses streams of protons (small, positively-charged pieces of matter) to make radiation.

              7. Biologic Therapy is a treatment that uses the patient's immune system to fight cancer.


              Drugs approved by FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for Brain Tumor.
              • Afinitor (Everolimus)
              • Afinitor Disperz (Everolimus)
              • Avastin (Bevacizumab)
              • Becenum (Carmustine)
              • Bevacizumab
              • BiCMU (Carmustine)
              • Carmubris (Carmustine)
              • Carmustine
              • Carmustine Implant
              • CeeNu (Lomustine)
              • Everolimus
              • Gliadel (Carmustine Implant)
              • Gliadel Wafer (Carmustine Implant)
              • Lomustine
              • Methazolastone (Temozolomide)
              • Temodar (Temozolomide)
              • Temozolomide


              Drugs Combinations used in Brain Tumor
              • PVC