What's Wrong With Me

Wear Down

2010-03-04T08:20:00.017+08:00

Toil, that is the word I would use to describe my condition now. Toiling all day long, toiling and do not have enough sleep. Toil and toil and I want to sleep, I want to rest, but simply have no time. 'Circumstances' would not allow me to have such 'luck' -- to have a good rest.

I am feeling very sleepy, very lethargy and really tired. But I have no time to sleep now. There are plenty of housework that cannot be finished and never seem to finish everyday. Any delay in the housework would cause things to be piled up and 'congestion' somewhere.

But what I can do is really limited with Isaac around. Everyday, all my time is given to Isaac. Everything is about Isaac. Toil day and night, caring for Isaac and trying to care for the whole family. It is so tough and extremely tired. I am really feeling worn down.... indeed I was hospitalized last year in late October....

Who would give me a helping hand? Luckily, I have a daughter to assist me most of the time. But what she can do is really not much also since she is a kid. But that is better than none... During this Chinese New Year, it was so nice to go to my mother's house. Over there, I can really relax for a while when my mother helped to carry Isaac while I ate lunch. She played with Isaac while I ate fruits. This kind of feeling is so good...so warm.

Everyday, I have to look after Isaac. He sticks to me like a leech. Toilet time, Meal time, and even sleeping time is all an unknown... I need help from family members before I can accomplish certain task. This alone is ways too difficult for them... Nobody likes to look after babies at home...

The Red Lion

I have no leisure time. I have no time to read newspaper and no time to read books. I borrowed so many library books but have no time to read them, really no time! I also have no time to surf the internet! I have not enjoyed a good meal since the day Isaac arrives on this earth. How I wish I can be sitting at The Red Lion. The Red Lion is one of the many London Pubs you can find at QYPE. The above shows the photograph of The Red Lion which I had found at QYPE. It is a website where you can find various services/entertainment like shopping, eating, health/beauty and more. What is useful about this website is that they provides reviews on this services. Users are allow to publish their personal reviews and uploads their photographs as well. Searching for Restaurants and hunting for a good restaurant is much easier with so much reviews and photographs to go along! Click on Pubs London for The Red Lion, which is listed on number 5. There are 11 reviews on this pub. User Cowfish had uploaded the photograph of this pub as shown above and another user had uploaded what he had eaten there, his meal as shown on the right. Users get to rate the pubs with stars. At HYPE, address of pubs and restaurants are shown and accompanied by google maps.

The Old Coffee House

The Old Coffee House is uploaded by a user named Andrew Hunter. At Restaurants London you can really find reviews and photographs of many restaurants. This is something which I like about this website. With various categories to search for, I can even search for food deliveries! How I wish to be at The Red Lion now, eating a nice meal...

Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease

2010-03-03T10:08:00.010+08:00

Heartburn caused by acid reflux is very common, especially when we have over-indulged in food or have eaten too close to bedtime. Although not usually life-threatening, frequent episodes of acid reflux can damage your oesophagus.

Picture showing Stomach and Oesophagus showing Gastro-oesophageal Reflux

What is Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)?
Food travels from your mouth through the oesophagus into your stomach via a valve-like muscle(the lower oesophageal sphincter). The food starts to be broken down by the acid in your stomach, while the sphincter helps to prevent food and acid flowing back into the oesophagus. Unfortunately, the sphincter sometimes allows acid to flow back into the oesophagus(acid reflux). Alhtough your stomach is designed to withstand the acid, the lining of the oesophagus is very sensitive to it and when you have acid reflux, you'll be aware of heartburn -- a burning sensation in your chest.

Heartburn affects many pregnant women. The increased pressure in the abdomen from the growing baby has a tendency to force the acidic stomach contents back into the oesophagus. Frequent and recurrent attacks of acid reflux (GORD) may damage the oesophagus, causing inflammation and ulceration. Although it causes discomfort, GORD rarely leads to any life-threatening complications.

Symptoms
You rarely need tests and examinations to diagnose GORD and your doctor will be able to diagnose it from your description of your symptoms. Symptoms vary between people and between episodes. They are most noticeable after eating and may include:

heartburn (often worse on lying down)
acid taste in mouth
persistent sore throat
difficulty or pain during swallowing
persistent cough

Treatment Options
There are three types of medication that are commonly prescribed in the treatment of GORD. Medication for GORD rarely has side effects. Although not licensed to be taken during pregnancy, most of these drugs have not caused any adverse effects to a developing baby.
1. Antacids: These medications neutralize the acid form the stomach and prevent the oesophagus from being damaged.
2. Histamine receptor blockers (H2 blockers) and proton pump inhibitors(PPIs): These reduce acid output.
3. Pro-motility drugs: These help the oesophagus to empty itself of any stomach contents.
4. Surgery: Occasionally, surgery is necessary to tighten the lower oesophageal sphincter.

Lifestyle changes are the first course of action to improve your symptoms, particularly if they are mild and infrequent. Watch your weight and do not smoke -- losing weight by diet and exercise may help. Don't eat late at night. It may help to have a light meal at night. Coffee, chocolate, and fatty food may trigger symptoms.

See your doctor if your symptoms are persistent, do not respond to self-help remedies, or if heartburn often interrupts your sleep. Lastly, avoid tight-fitting clothing that increases pressure in the abdomen and promotes reflux.

Epilepsy

2009-05-07T15:01:00.006+08:00

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition characterized by recurrent seizures that are caused by abnormal cerebral nerve cell activity.

Epilepsy is a condition in which the sufferer has recurrent seizures. It is not a mental illness and its victims are no more likely to suffer mental illness than anyone else. Epilepsy occurs in about four people in 1000. In children, particularly under the age of three, convulsions indistinguishable from epilepsy may be brought on by a high temperature.

Causes of Epilepsy
An abnormal discharge of electrical activity from part of the brain. The electrical discharge can spread throughout the brain causing a grand mal seizure (one of the three main types of epilepsy). In many cases the cause of epilepsy is unknown. Causes which can be identified include: birth, injury, infection (meningitis or encephalitis), stroke, alcoholism, or drug abuse, brain tumour and degeneration of the brain in old age.

General Symptoms of a Seizure
- A convulsion with or without a fever
- Episodes of blank staring or periods of rapid eye blinking
- jerking movements of the arms and legs
- stiffening of the body
- falls for no apparent reason
- loss of consciousness
- breathing problems or breathing stops
- loss of bowel or bladder control
- not responding to noise or words for brief periods
- Dazed behavior; appearing confused
- Sudden fear, anger or panic for no reason
- sleepiness and irritable upon waking in the morning

Treatment at home
Lay the patient on his side, without a pillow. Loosen clothing around the neck. Make sure there is enough space around the patient so that he cannot injure himself. Do not try to prise open his mouth, or try to give fluids, or try to force anything between his teeth. Do not try to restrict his movements. Once the movements have stopped and the patient is asleep, make sure his airway is clear. Grasp him under the jaw and extend the neck.

Professional Treatment
Seek professional help or consult the doctor after a first convulsion; or if the convulsions last more than five minutes or are getting more frequent despite treatment. The doctor would examine the patient and confirm the diagnosis with brain tests such as an Electroencephalogram. He might prescribe anticonvulsant drugs.

Because epilepsy sometimes runs in the families intermarriage in two such families increases the risk of epilepsy in the offspring, and genetic counselling may be helpful. Sometimes, particularly in children, treatment can be stopped after a few years and fits do not recur. But usually treatment for life is advisable. Without treatment, seizures may continue and even become worse and more frequent over time. Not everyone who has seizures has epilepsy. Sometimes seizures happen because of an injury, illness, or another problem. Once epilepsy is diagnosed, it is important to begin treatment as soon as possible. For about 80 percent of those diagnosed with epilepsy, seizures can be controlled with modern medicines and surgical techniques.

Back Pain

2009-05-05T18:47:00.009+08:00

Most people probably suffer back pain at some time in their lives, but in very few cases is it a symptom of serious disease. Back pain, however agonising, is usually the result of some minor strain or injury, and nearly 75% of the sufferers recover within a week and nearly 90% of the remainder within a month.

The lower spine is very mobile and can bend forwards, backwards, sideways and also rotate, and most cases of back pain are due to a minor upset in these movements. Pain can also come from the muscles round the spine which control the movement between the adjacent vertebrae and help the spine to bend and straighten.

This type of mechanically caused back pain is usually made worse by activity -- even coughing. It is eased by rest and the patient recovers with little treatment. Mechanical back pain tends to run in families and affect certain types of individuals. In addition there is usually an obvious cause, such as unaccustomed heavy manual work. These occasional heavy tasks should be undertaken with caution. Exercise protects against disease and relieves back pain -- exercises that keep spinal and abdominal muscles strong improve posture and help to prevent back pain. It thus help, to take a reasonable amount of moderate exercise in your lifestyle, particularly walking and swimming. Exercising just two or three times a week for periods of only 20 minutes will help keep you fit for life. However, any sudden or unusual form of exercise should be avoided. Infrequent bouts of intense physical activity are of little long-term benefit to your health. It is much more important that you persevere with a regular exercise routine. If you do not, all the benefits will be lost as your fitness begins to deteriorate.

In the majority of cases treatment consists of rest, the application of heat to the affected area and the taking of painkilling drugs, such as aspirin. Muscle-relaxing drugs, prescribed by a doctor, may also be helpful. Heat can be provided by a hot-water bottle or an electric pad. Many people obtain relief by sleeping on a firm base -- either by placing the mattress on the floor or by putting a hard board under the mattress.

If back pain lasts for more than two or three days, a doctor should be consulted. Even so, countless sufferes from back pain gain little from conventional treatment and seek the help of osteopaths, masseurs and other non-medical practitioners. Sometimes these treatments give relief, and not all doctors are opposed to them. But a doctor would normally advise a spinal X-ray before any form of treatment by manipulation.

Exercise over a long period of time will increase the efficiency of many organs within your body.

Dementia

2009-03-08T16:31:00.010+08:00

In the last 30 years, research has greatly improved and it has led us in understanding dementia better. What is Dementia? Dementia is a loss of mental ability -- such as thinking, memory, and reasoning, that is severe enough to interfere with a person's daily functioning. For example, people with dementia may not be able to think well enough to get themselves dressed or even eating. Not only do they have impaired intellectual functioning, their normal activities and relationships are affected too. They may lose their ability to solve problems or control their emotions too. Their personalities may also change and they may become agitated easily or when they see things that are not around.

There are two main types of dementia : Alzheimer's disease and Multi-infarct dementia. Two conditions, senile dementia and pre-senile dementia or Alzheimer's disease, have similar symptoms and a similar progression -- closely connected to the normal process of growing old. They differ in degree and age at which the symptoms begin. The patient's intellect, personality and physical condition all deteriorate. This deterioration will be noticed to a slight degree in many normal healthy people over 60. If the symptoms become sever, the condition is known as senile dementia. In people under 60, the condition is known as pre-senile dementia, or Alzheimer's disease.

Dementia Symptoms

Confusion, particularly in new surroundings or with new faces. Later on, this occurs in well-known places.
Lack of initiative and loss of interest in life.
Loss of sense of time. The patient may wander in the middle of the night, and not know what the day or date is.
Inability to think clearly or understand complex ideas.
Forgetting people's names -- even those of close members of the family.
Loss of memory of recent events (although memory of distant events may be good). For example, events of 50 years alo may be quite clear in the person's mind, but he has no idea what he had for breakfast.
The limbs may become stiff.
Deterioration in the patient's ability to cope with the problems of normal life.
Inability to carry on a conversation.

The dementia symptoms get worse over a period of years, and eventually the patient is bed-bound, talk little or not at all. The patient is incontinent of urine and faeces, and does not eat unless fed and is at risk of catching pneumonia because of moving about so little.

There are several things which could cause dementia. However, it is usually caused by a degeneration in the cerebral cortex, the part of the brain responsible for thoughts, memories, actions and personality. Death of brain cells in this region leads to the cognitive impairment that characterizes dementia. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease.

Dementia Treatment
Dementia usually progresses slowly. Care for a person with dementia can be difficult and complex. Patient may live with the condition for ten years or more, requiring increasing levels of support as they become less independent. With domestic support, a sufferer from mild dementia may live a normal life at home. In most cases, a true dementia cannot be cured. However, drugs such as cholinesterase inhibitors can play an important part in controlling symptoms and can enable a person with dementia to live independently in the community for longer -- they can improve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

Erectile Dysfunction

2008-06-24T18:10:00.004+08:00

The male reproductive organs consists of the penis and testicles. Within each testicle is a gland, called a testis, and a long tube called an epididymis. Sperm are continually produced in each testis and then passed into the epididymis, where they are stored. They mature over two or three weeks. Shortly before ejaculation, sperm are propelled from the epididymis, through a long tube called the vas deferens, into the seminal vesicles where seminal fluid is manufactured and added to the sperm to produce semen, which is also known as ejaculate.

During sexual excitement, spongy tissue in the penis fills with blood causing an erection. When orgasm occurs semen travels along ducts, which pass through the prostate gland, into the urethra. It is then ejaculated from the urethra through the penis. On average, there is about 3-6 ml of fluid in ejaculate.

Sexual arousal normally leads to erection in the male, but this natural progression is sometimes interrupted. Failure to achieve erection or to maintain it is a common cause of sexual failure.

Erectile Dysfunction(or sometimes known as impotence) is the inability to experience an erection adequate in order to have satisfactory sexual intercourse. This also includes losing an erection during intercourse. Erectile dysfunction is getting more common in older man, age ranging from 40-70. Erectile dysfunction may be temporary or it may persist. Recover your virility and manhood with Viagra or you may consult your doctor for best advice.

Mitral Regurgitation

2008-06-20T21:10:00.005+08:00

Mitral regurgitation is sometimes called mitral insufficiency or mitral incompetence. This means the failure of the mitral valve to stop blood leaking back out of the main pumping chamber of the heart (left ventricle) into the left atrium with each heartbeat. Consequently, the heart is a far less effective pump. Mitral incompetence is less common than the narrowing of the valve (mitral stenosis), though the two conditions may be found together.

Causes
The most common cause is rheumatic fever, usually in childhood. Mitral incompetence may follow rheumatic fever immediately. More rarely, congenital abnormalities, weakness or rupture of the cords of the valve. Another reason for mitral regurgitation is Mitral Valve Prolapse -- the valve is slightly deformed and 'bulges' back into the let atrium when the ventricle contracts. This can let a small amount of blood leak back into the left atrium. As many as 1 in 20 people have some degree of mitral valve prolapse. It most commonly occurs in young women. It usually causes no symptoms as the amount of blood that leaks back is often slight. Other causes which are less common include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(a disease where the heart muscle thickens and can distort the mitral valve), heart attack (myocardial infarction), Congenital heart problems, infection of the valve (endocarditis) and complication of various other diseases.

Symptoms

Shortness of breath
Fainting, dizziness or tiredness.
Chest pains (angina) may develop if there is a reduced blood flow to the coronary arteries or if not enough blood gets to the thickened ventricle.
The pulse may be faster than normal.

Treatment
Treatment for mitral valve regurgitation depends on the severity and progression of the patient's condition. The goals of treatment are to maximize the patient's heart's function, while minimizing the signs and symptoms, and avoiding future complications.

Antibiotics are prescribed if there are bacteria infection. Anti-hypertensive drugs and vasodilators may be given to reduce the strain on the heart and may help improve the condition. Other drugs used include anti-coagulant (used to prevent clot formation in patients with atrial fibrillation), digitalis (to strengthen heartbeat), and diuretics (to remove excess fluid in the lungs). More serious regurgitation may be treated with an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. For severe mitral regurgitation, hospitalization and surgery is necessary.

Mitral Valve Surgery may involve repairing the valve or replacing it with an artificial (prosthetic) valve. Repairing the valve eliminates regurgitation or reduces it enough to make the symptoms tolerable and prevent damage to the heart. Repairing the valve is preferable to replacing it, if possible, because a repaired valve usually functions better than a mechanical or bioprosthetic valve and the person does not require lifetime anticoagulation therapy. For more information about Mitral Valve Surgery or mitral valve repair or replacement, visit Maryland Heart Center.

The Silent Killer

2008-06-18T15:53:00.006+08:00

This is St Francis Church of Assisi. This is the church which my grandmother used to go. She was illiterate, only know Teochew, but she was holy, always asked the priest to bless her and received Holy Communion...

I was writing about my paternal grandmother. She was regarded as an insane person, not in her right mind. However, no one can really know if she was really 'insane'. She seemed a 'topic' of discussion. I did not know her death was a blessing for her to 'end her suffering' or was it a 'punishment' for her, really don't know...

However, one thing I know is that, she was said to be died of heart attack, the world's number one killer -- The Silent Killer. She died peacefully (as what I had written about her at Psychology Fact), never uttered any last words to her husband nor children. She did not look obese at all, and looked perfectly healthy.

Another neighbour living at my block(Boon Lay) also suffer similar fate. He was the sole breadwinner of a family of three. The wife was chubby and fair, the daughter very young (during my time). One day, news of the husband was heard saying that he died suddenly while squatting on the floor. He was said to die of a stroke. No last words left, no last look either. Sad ending.

My neighbour also suffer similar fate. I knew him for a short time only, but he was so friendly, no airs and I can see that he was a person so 'devoted' to 'God' at that time -- praying, offering to the 'God'. He knew that I was a financial adviser, and he wanted me to help him, and he even said that 'In case' he was not around, I would be able to help his family (since I was staying near his house).

True enough, he was really met with accident, really unexpected. He was so young and such a good man, and did not even know that he was going to die. It was again another 'silent killer', but this time, it was an accident -- a heavy metal rod dropped down onto his head. His brain was lacerated, his face swelled and he was dead. I went to his wake and I saw his body. His face was totally different from his normal face, and I could see 'stitches' of thread 'sewing' on his face, to join up the broken pieces/cracks of his face.

Three examples of death -- all 'silent killer' -- one of the heart, two of the brain. Of the three death, one died living no inheritance, and no money to the children, BUT she was faithful to God (I will tell more in other post). Another one, I am not sure, because not very close to the neigbhour, and never heard about insurance and won't know what is insurance also at that age. The last, with love for 'God' and love for family, died with insurance plans to cover for himself, thus leaving his children and wife monetary allowance for the rest of their lives -- a responsible, loving and caring man.

The lesson is to diversify your assets. Preparing a will just in case you have no chance of 'last words'. Be responsible for your own life and your family members. Save as you earn, and get yourself insurance plans or Affordable Health Insurance just in case you need them. E Health Help has been guiding people through the healthcare maze since 1999. Find affordable health insurance and apply online in minutes. Getting a health insurance quote from one of the healthcare industry's leading insurance providers only takes a minute at eHealthHelp.com! However, no matter how much you earn, one day you are going to die. How to prepare for your death or do you wish for everlasting life?

Pain Relief

2008-04-21T08:53:00.007+08:00

Can you feel at home here even when there is a television and sofa in the clinic?

There is really no place like home. This is especially so when you are sick. When you are sick, do you feel the urge to step out of your house? You might want to leave your house because you want to get the piece of 'Medical Certificate' (M.C) from the doctor or you want to get medication from the doctor so that you can be relief from the your bodily pain.

However, going out of the house to visit the doctor is another 'pain' and 'torture' in addition to your current illness that you have! You have to spend money, spend time, to travel to the nearest medical centre near your home. Upon arrival at the medical clinic, you have to register and wait for your turn next. After consultation, you have to wait again for medication. All these could take you about 3-5 hours!

Prevention is better than cure. It is a fact and we can see that there is really no instant cure which any doctor can provide to the patient. What the western doctor can really provide is to relief you from pain. For example, aspirin, paracetamol and even surgery(removal of cyst, lumps and tumour), etc.

One can find various medical supplies at the clinic and hospital. However, over the years, you can see simple and affordable medical supplies for sale at shopping centres and even online medical supplies! This is because, people need to realise that they are 'in-charge' of their own health. There is no one who would know your own health better than yourself.

With the convenience of online medical supplies, convenient healthcare service is catered to conscientious people who wanted to have more care to their health, especially pain relief at the comfort of their own home, own office, and thereby increasing work productivity for themselves and for the company as well! At JRS Medical, you can look for many areas of your medical needs such as skin care products, toothette oral swabs, devrom tablets, Pain Management and even so many more. In addition to this, you can even visit their blog, JRS medical blog for more medical products introduction and medical products promotion -- increase your knowledge as you search for an answer to your pain relief!

Skin Abnormalities

2008-03-31T17:00:00.003+08:00

Thousands of specialized sensory nerve cells under the skin's surface respond to external stimulation. They are sensitive to touch, pain, heat, cold, and pressure. The hands of Jesus are so special and can make magic -- miraculous healing.

There are two main groups of skin disorders: those which involve lumps, bumps, cysts, moles, birthmarks and other abnormalities that remain relatively unchanged for long periods; and those which involve rashes that tend to change in size and character from day to day. Other skin abnormalities include changes in texture and colour, and itching.

Some examples of skin abnormalities include:
1. blisters
2. cracking - eg. chapped lips or eczema
3. Crusting - Healing of a skin disorder such as impetigo or eczema
4. Dry Skin
5. greasy skin or blackheads
6. Severe itching
7. lump
8. rash
9. Roughness or thickening
10. ulcer
11. yellow skin
12. Blue skin
13. Pale skin

Since young, my palms were rather yellow. I was advised by Chinese Physician not to eat too much orange, and my face looked pale. My mother always cooked pig's liver, pig's blood, pig's intestine and pig's organs for me to eat. My father loved to catch fish. He caught fish and frog at the sea. We went to the sea almost every weekends. Those were our family days filled with love and indeed LIFE.

What we eat affect our skin, in addition to the constant exposure of sunlight. I have sensitive skin, sensitive eyes and sensitive body. During my young days, my legs have hives, blisters, and unexplainable 'rashes' which cause itchiness. At Lake Toba, Medan, the temperature was so cold that my hands and finger nail turned blue, cyanosis.

However, this is all the gift of God, the body I have, suited for its purpose, which I now know. My eldest brother has a big tummy. There are times where my father wanted him to reduce weight and even mention about Abdominoplasty (surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen while also tightening the underlying abdominal muscles to result in a tighter, more toned appearing abdomen) and various herbal dieting aids. But they were too costly.

The Victorian Cosmetic Institute is based in Melbourne Australia and offer a broad range of cosmetic treatments by highly trained and specialised cosmetic doctors, plastic surgeons, and nurses. Using the latest research, The Victorian Cosmetic Institute provide the most up-to-date techniques in both surgical and non-surgical rejuvenation. Their services are Facelifts, wrinkles, skin pigmentation, laser tattoo removal, sweaty palms and many more.

Accidents

2008-03-27T08:48:00.006+08:00

This is photograph taken on Chinese New Year Eve at Woodlands -- Accident I witnessed. Taxi accidents I saw, Singapore Taxi I wrote. Comfort Taxi is no comfort as it nearly killed my love. Now, last night, I see Comfort Taxi Accidents in news, and more road accidents on road.

Silvercab I spotted, Silvercab I captured, same day, same spot at the accident site, but Silvercab still serve, still in glamour.

Life is so unpredictable. How many people can know when is your last day on earth? Do you believe in miracle or do you believe in destiny?

Whether you choose to believe or not to believe, you go through the cycles of life -- birth, growth, 'illed' and death. 'Ill', I said illed because it can be a stage where you get sick, get injured, get any kind of ill-health at any stage of your life. Regardless of how you lead your life, how you observe your health and take care of your health, you cannot escape death. You cannot escape medical help someday. You definitely need to go to the medical centre, medical clinic or hospital someday in your life, no matter how hard you try to escape. In times like this, I see more need for better medical health services and better and more efficient medical resources. During these last days, we need the help of medical billing companies as many people are going to face many health risks.

I want to talk about accidents. There are more accidents now than ever before. Few months ago, construction sites accidents. A few days ago, chemical accidents reported. Yesterday, road accidents happened at so many places and involved so many cars, death and injuries. And it is yesterday that the General Insurance Association (GIA) had to take steps to reduce claim costs and prevent motor premiums from rising.

Medical billing companies will help families with accident victims to process faster claims and as well as billing services for both patients and physicians. Yesterday, I received a heart-breaking new. Our loyal worker, my father's worker, consider as part of our family now, was admitted to the hospital. Ambulance and Fire Engine was called for, and he was being rescued after much time. That was what I heard, from my mother and my sister. My mother witnessed the bloody scene. The whole lorry which this worker, which I had seen during my childhood days, was smashed and all left was bits and pieces (never see the accidents, but that was what was being said by my mother). My mother went into the ambulance with this worker, an uncle to me, and he was sent to NUH (National University Hospital).

My heart sank and I did not know if he would make it. I prayed that he would be fined. Strange things happened yesterday too. And everything is happening. This morning I called my mother to see how is this uncle. Everything have to wait. Queuing up for x-rays, surgery and so on. They went home last night after ten. The uncle's only daughter was so worried for his father. Everything seems brighter after hearing news that he could joke and utter some words.

My brother is going to have such a big headache. His staff injured, his lorry and goods from the company being affected and all the insurance claims, bills and police reports, and many more he has to settle. The last days are approaching. This world is going to change. It is happening and if accidents cannot be avoided, medical help and medical services can always be at the standby and be improved for emergency that is going to come. Medical billing companies are examples of useful services to be considered. However, that is not the permanent solution... After accidents, there are currently more illness, cancer, sickness, AIDS, and bird flu and all the mysterious illness....

Myopic Eyes

2008-03-04T09:30:00.005+08:00

Normal Eye (Emmetropia)

The myopic eye is an eye which sees more clearly for near than for distant objects. Optically, the eyeball is relatively too long for its focus. This means that when the eye views a distant object, the light rays from the object are brought to a focus in front of, rather than on the retina, resulting in a de-focused image on the retina and blurred vision.

Myopia (nearsightedness)

Near objects are seen more clearly because the more divergent rays of light reaching the eye from near objects effectively serve to push the point of focus backwards. In general, the longer the length of the eyeball, the more severe is the degree of myopia.

Symptoms of the Myopic Eye
Myopic eyes are more prone to certain eye diseases. The most important of these are retinal detachment and glaucoma. The primary symptom of myopia is blurred distance vision. Sometimes the person is unaware of his nearsightedness until he discovers that the others can see well in the distance while he cannot. Tension and fatigue of the facial and neck muscles may follow. Sometimes, headaches may result from straining the eyes to see clearly.

Treatment of Myopic Eye
The severity of myopia is commonly referred to as the 'degree' or 'power' of the myopia. Optically, it refers to the power of the concave lens that is needed to neutralise the refractive error. The more severe the myopia, the more elongated is the eyeball and the further in front of the retina the abnormal focus. To correct this, a stronger corrective concave lens will be needed to 'push' the focal point backwards.

An optometrist is someone trained in the science of optometry. This means he is trained to examine the eye for refractive errors and to recognise eye diseases. He is competent to prescribe and fit the necessary corrective lenses, be they spectacles or contact lenses. Nearsightedness is most conveniently corrected using spectacles such as $ 8 Zenni Optical Rx Eyeglasses mounted with concave lenses. More permanent methods of correction using surgery or laser have been successful too. These methods work by modifying the cornea curvature so that the point of focus is re-adjusted to fall back on the retina.

Alcoholism As A Disease

2008-02-20T14:14:00.006+08:00

Alcoholism not only causes liver damage, but also other diseases like gastritis, anaemia, pancreatitis, mouth cancer and so on.

Alcoholism is a chronic, often progressive disease with symptoms that include a strong need to drink. Compounding the problem is the progressive nature of the disease. Despite the dangers of all the five types of alcoholism (http://anthingblissful.blogspot.com/2008/02/types-of-alcoholism.html), Jellinek regards only Gamma and Delta alcoholism as being addictive and involving physical dependence. He also considers Gamma and Delta alcoholism to be diseases because of the physical changes that occur in the drinkers' cell metabolisms, or chemical processes.

Alcoholism have various harmful effects on our human body. At Happiness Is Bliss, I mentioned about Alcohol-Induced Liver Disease (ALD) - http://anthingblissful.blogspot.com/2008/02/alcohol-induced-liver-disease-ald.html. The Effects of Alcoholism and what alcoholism is posted at Psychology Facts. Alcohol when consume in excess will not do the body any good in the long run at all. There will be mental depression, physical degeneration, problems at work and misery at home. Alcohol causes brain damage as well as physical damage.

Besides Liver Damage, there may also be other physical disorders associated with alcoholism. Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) is widespread and many problem drinkers have a history of gastric ulcer and may have undergone a partial gastrectomy. Cardiomyopathy (heart- muscle disease), anaemia and pancreatitis also occur.

Some types of cancer are more often found in problem drinkers than in other people. That may be partly due to the fact that heavy drinkers are also often heavy smokers. For example, in the cases of mouth cancer, larynx cancer, pharynx cancer or oesophagus cancer.

Sufferers from alcoholism tend to bleed easily. The number of platelets in their blood is reduced and their blood does not coagulate as quickly as normal. Cirrhosis prevents blood passing through the liver so that it tries to get out in other ways leading, for example, to vomitting blood, bleeding piles and varicose veins in the oesophagus and the rectum. This adds to the hazards when the sufferers has to undergo surgery, frequently after an accident. After a successful operation, recovery may be complicated by withdrawal symptoms in the patient.

Alcoholism is a deceptive disease and can be a long term progressive disorder. It is a disease that gets worse the more the person keeps drinking. Without treatment, it can destroy both emotional and physical health and can lead to death. Despite the serious dangers of alcoholism, it is one of the most common addictions effecting our society today. Where can you find help then? Where there is a will, there is a way. Where there is hope, there is a cure. At Chillpharm.com, you can find various articles and drugs to help with drug addiction and recovery. There are information not only on addiction recovery, there are information on Heroin Rehab and various other articles on oxycontin abuse effects and also Hydrocodone Addiction! When choosing an alcohol rehab program or inpatient alcoholism treatment program, some important points to take note of includes

an alcohol detox program within its own facility
a medically monitored alcohol detox program that has 24-hour nursing
a physician trained in addiction medicine
a comprehensive family component
an intensive relapse prevention program

Alcoholism

2008-01-26T16:15:00.000+08:00

Alcohol(ethyl alcohol or ethanol) is a naturally occurring colourless liquid produced by the fermentation of sugars. A central nervous system depressant, it acts as a sedative or tranquilizer that relaxes people and releases their inhibitions. Although people who have had a drink or two may feel more confident and talkative, the alcohol is actually slowing down their motor coordination and reaction time, as well as impairing judgment, memory, reasoning and self-control. These effects are more obvious when large quantities of alcohol are consumed. Too much alcohol can lead to drowsiness, stupor, and life-threatening coma.

Alcohol abuse and dependence means the repetitive and chronic use of alcohol to the point where it significantly interferes with an individual's health or the ability to function normally. People who are dependent develop a tolerance to alcohol and require increasing amounts of it to achieve the same effects. They also suffer from withdrawal symptoms when they reduce or stop their alcohol intake. These can include the classic hangover -- headaches, nausea, vomiting, anxiety or malaise. In cases of heavy drinking, the end result may be delirium tremens -- tremors, panic attacks, confusion, delirium, hallucinations, and seizures.

In addition to increased tolerance and symptoms of withdrawal, other signs of alcohol dependence include a preoccupation with drinking, excessive or frequent drinking, solitary drinking, and temporary memory lapses (blackouts). Using alcohol as a medicine or to promote sleep, making excuses for drinking, or denying that drinking is a problem despite evidence to the contrary are other signs.

Drinking can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease but excessive alcohol is harmful to the body. Alcohol-related health problems include cirrhosis of the liver, permanent liver damage, fatty liver, obesity, anemia, malnutrition, and peptic ulcers Alcohol consumption can worsen osteoporosis, a disorder leading to progressive loss of bone density and accompanying fractures. If you or anyone in your family need help for treatment of alcohol abuse, Stone Hawk Rehabilitation is here to help. Almost all treatment programs view alcoholism as a chronic, progressive disease and insist on complete abstinence from alcohol and other addictive substances. Some aftercare programs are available to help recovering alcoholics remain sober and to help them if relapse occurs. Seek early treatment and there is always new hope for life.

All About Infertility

2008-01-22T12:26:00.000+08:00

Causes of Infertility

One of the most basic human urges is to reproduce; to have a family is usually regarded as a blessing, and to be denied one, a misfortune. But if 100 young, apparently normal couples have regular sexual intercourse for a whole year, without any sort of contraception, on average only 85% of the women will be pregnant at the end of that time. Seven or eight of them will need Treatments for infertility or they will never become pregnant, however hard they try.

At each intercourse, many millions of sperm are deposited in the upper part of the woman's vagina, but they move randomly, in all directions. Few find their way through the narrow neck of the cervix and into the womb, along the fluid lining the womb and up the Fallopian tubes, where the woman's egg may be awaiting fertilisation. The vast majority of sperm fail to complete the journey. They die and are discharged. This is to be expected and accounts for the normal delays in becoming pregnant. It is not a sign of infertility.

Most doctors agree that the question of infertility arises only if a normal young couple have had intercourse for more than a year without contraception, and without producing a pregnancy. Infertility may be due to problems in any of the four areas -- poor sperm production, poor egg production, blockage of the passages between sperm and egg, and a hostile response to sperm by the woman's body.

Treatments or remedies to infertility includes artificial insemination, medication, in vitro fertilisation and also Womb leasing. Here are some tips for coping with infertility:

Remember that infertility is a shared problem. It is often not possible, even after full investigation, to say with certainty that one partner alone is responsible.
Open discussion between partners is the best way of dealing with the disappointments, fears and worries that both may have.
Do not be afraid of discussing your difficulties with a doctor or someone else whom you trust.
Remember that one-third of all couples attending fertility clinics eventually have a baby. Many others achieve a baby after treatment by their family doctor alone.

Stress and Diabetes

2007-11-25T23:05:00.000+08:00

Some stress cannot be avoided, such as the death of a loved one. Some stress cannot be prevented. Holidays come along whether or not you are ready for them. On the positive side, such stresses can be dealt with, provided you know how to recognize the cause of the stress and learn to cope with its effects.

As a person with diabetes, you need to understand that stress and mood affect your blood glucose levels. For instance, if you get into an argument with a spouse or a child, which may be a fairly normal event, your blood glucose levels might soar. That's something you want to avoid. Although you cannot avoid all family arguments, you can learn ways to cut down on the frequency of these encounters and certainly you can learn to lower the intensity of your reaction to them.

On the other hand, if you allow your blood glucose levels to stay high, your own emotional threshold will be lowered. People with high blood glucose levels tend to be more vulnerable to depression and feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. The depressed person cannot cope with normal daily stresses, such as getting out of bed and going to work, and sinks deeper into depression. That reaction creates such a destructive cycle that the victim often requires professional help to get back into a normal lifestyle.

One of the best ways to cope with stress is to learn to relax. One of the oldest approaches to relaxation is meditation. Many religion have a tradition of meditation in which a person takes time out and goes to a quiet place to silently take an inward look at thoughts and feelings. Meditation techniques have been shown to improve a number of physical signs of tension or stress, including lowering the pulse rate and blood pressure. Such techniques lower blood glucose levels of persons with Type II diabetes.

Another way to deal with stress and improve relaxation is to think of things that are pleasant. In medical terminology, this process is called imaging. For example, you can do this by sitting down in your favourite chair, closing your eyes, and imagining yourself at a sun-drenched beach, beside a sparkling waterfall, or in a windswept field.

Another way to deal with stress is called biofeedback. This technique teaches you to relax tense muscles by thinking soothing thoughts. You have to learn what thoughts work for you and then turn them on when you feel muscles tense up. Each person differs on what works for him or her.

The next way to relax is to do some physical activity. When you exercise, you can concentrate on your activity and take your mind off your troubles. The result is relaxation. Physical activities on a regular basis will increase your emotional sense of well-being and as a bonus, will lower your pulse rate, blood pressure and blood glucose levels.

Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycaemia)

2007-11-22T23:02:00.000+08:00

Hypoglycaemia means low blood glucose, and in a person who does not have diabetes, the levels never fall much below 3.5 mmoles per litre. This is because their natural control system will sense the drop, and correct the situation by stopping insulin secretion and releasing other hormones such as glucagon, which boost blood glucose. Also, the person will start to feel hungry, and so do the right thing by eating and so raise their blood glucose.

Hypoglycaemia is dangerous because the brain is almost entirely dependent on glucose for normal functioning. If levels drops too low, the brain starts to work less well and produces the symptoms below. If the blood sugar level drops even lower, unconsciousness (coma) may result.

Symptoms of Hypoglycaemia

feeling sweaty or cold and clammy
trembling and feeling weak
tingling around the lips
feeling hungry
blurred vision
feeling irritable, upset or angry
unable to concentrate
looking pale
feeling drowsy and losing consciousness if nothing is done

Possible Causes of Hypoglycaemia

A delayed or missed meal or snack
more exercise than usual -- including things such as gardening, strenuous housework or sport
an illness that means you eat less than usual

Treatment of Hypoglycaemia

take some quick-acting carbohydrate, such as glucose tablets or a glucose drink
as soon after as you can, have some slower-acting carbohydrate such as sandwiches or toast
check your blood glucose if possible
take more glucose if symptoms persist
if you are due to have a meal or snack, eat something as soon as you can
if symptoms do not go, seek medical advice

Introduction To Diabetes

2007-11-21T22:55:00.000+08:00

Diabetes is one of the oldest known human diseases. Its full name is diabetes mellitus which comes from the Greek words for syphon and sugar and describes the most obvious symptom of uncontrolled diabetes -- the passing of large amounts of urine that is sweet because it contains sugar (glucose). There are descriptions of the symptoms by the ancient Persians, Indians, and Egyptians, but a proper understanding of the condition has only developed over the last hundred years or so.

In the later part of the 19th century, two German doctors worked out that the pancreas -- a large gland behind the stomach -- must be producing some substance that stopped the level of blood glucose rising. In 1921, three Canadian scientists isolated the mystery substance, which they named insulin, from small groups of cells within the pancreas, called the islets of Langerhans. When insulin became available as a treatment for diabetes after 1922, it was seen as medical miracle, transforming the future prospects of sufferers and saving the lives of many young people who would otherwise have died after a painful wasting illness.

Until the early part of the 20th century, when insulin and its effect on the body were first identified, there was no treatment for the disease and people with the condition eventually died. Some 30 years later, it was found that one form of diabetes could be treated with tablets to lower levels of blood glucose. This new development led doctors to distinguish between two forms of the condition:

1. Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus(IDDM) also called Type I, this type of diabetes starts most commonly in younger patients, who have to have regular injections of insulin to remain well.

2. Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus(NIDDM) also called Type II, age-related or maturity onset, this form of diabetes is more common in middle or later life, and can be controlled by tablets or just by diet.

In Europe during medieval times, physicians diagnosed diabetes by tasting the urine of the afflicted patient. If the urine was sweet, the physicians confirmed the diagnosis. Unfortunately, these physicians could not effectively treat the disease.
A diagnosis of diabetes does not mean having to give up everything you enjoy -- even sports. Most people can lead a normal, active life.

Health Problems

2007-11-20T23:05:00.001+08:00

Steam baths became very popular in the 19th century, and are still used today. They make the body sweat, which is said to expel impurities through the pores of the skin.

The ancient Greeks believed that water contained the essence of life and the secrets of health. In hydrotherapy, water is used internally and externally in all its forms -- hot and cold, as liquid, steam or ice -- to cleanse, revitalize, restore and maintain health. Traditionally, hydrotherapy consisted of baths, saunas and compresses, but in modern times, whirlpools and water jets have been introduced.

The therapeutic properties of water have been valued throughout the history by societies around the world, from the Chinese to the Native Americans. In ancient Greece, temples to Asklepios, god of medicine, were built near hot springs. In New Zealand, natural hot springs have been used for centuries to improve health. No Roman town were deemed complete without baths where citizens could enjoy hot, cold and tepid immersions.

The true pioneer of hydrotherapy was Father Sebastian Kneipp, a 19th century Bavarian monk who claimed that water could cure disease by improving the elimination of waste products from the body. His patients followed a programme of hot and cold baths and compresses, foot baths, sitz baths, steam baths, showers and wraps -- techniques still in use today.

Many treatments, such as compresses and ice packs, are simple to carry out at home. A hot compress eases back or abdominal pain and muscle tension. Go to the bathroom, turn on the hot water tap or pour hot water in a container, wring out a small towel in the hot water, fold it and apply to the affected area, alternating it with a cold compress, which restricts circulation and is useful for sprains and swollen joints. Next, collect some cold water from the cold water tap and put some ice cubes in it. Use the cold water and leave for several hours, or overnight. An ice pack relieves swelling and pain in emergencies. Place a towel or a drop of oil on the skin to avoid freezer burn, then apply ice, or even a packet of frozen peas, wrapped in a cloth, to the affected area and leave for 10 minutes.

Hydrotherapy is usually practised at health farms and spas, particularly those founded on naturopathic principles. Treatments are diverse and they may include High-powered jets, whirlpool baths, sitz baths, hot or warm baths, sea-water treatments, compresses, saunas and steam rooms. Hydrotherapy are useful for muscle and joint pain(such as back pain, muscle strains and sprains) circulatory problems, asthma, bronchitis, cystitis, menstrual problems, fevers, anxiety, stress, headaches and fatigue. Precautions include:

Avoid hot baths, steam baths and saunas if you have high blood pressure, angina or heart disease
Avoid steam baths or sitz baths in the first three months of pregnancy, and limit steam treatments to a maximum of 10 minutes for the remaining months
Avoid steam treatments if you are post-operative, epileptic, asthmatic or have a history of thrombosis
Avoid seaweed if you are allergic to iodine and do not add ingredients to a bath if you have an open wound

Body Odour Remedy

2007-11-06T16:51:00.000+08:00

Body odour is normal. Every individual has a distinctive odour which is recognised by animals with a keen sense of smell. It becomes a problem only if it becomes offensive. Perspiration is the main cause. The body secretes moisture constantly through sweat glands all over its surface. The sweat itself is virtually odourless and normally evaporates quickly. Offensive smells result, not from the perspiration, but from the bacteria which live on it. They accumulate especially in areas where sweat cannot evaporate freely: in the armpits, the groin and around the feet.

The most effective remedy for body odour is a visit to the bathroom where you have your bath or shower. Turn on the tap and enjoy a good bath. Use antibacterial soap or deodorant soap while bathing. After the shower or bath, apply deodorant. Deodorants work by masking the smell of sweat with fragrance, while antiperspirants reduce the amount of sweat your body produces. Roll-ons tend to be more effective for heavy sweating. People who have problems of body odour should wear loose clothes instead of tight-fitting ones. They should change their clothes daily and they should avoid synthetic clothes. Another useful trick is to shave your armpits. Armpit hair provides a greater surface area for sweat to adhere to and gives the bacteria a fertile breeding ground.

If showers or bath do not help, then people with body odour should also avoid food that are rich in lecithin or choline or cantine/lysine such as soya products, corn, wheat and also chocolates, peanuts, nuts, raisins, cereals, eggs, and so on. Drinking plenty of water and eat healthy food that contains loads of fiber, whole grains, wheat, soy products and green leafy veggies.

Body Odor

2007-10-17T11:28:00.000+08:00

Many body parts -- the sweat glands in the underarm and genital regions, the feet, and the mouth, in particular -- produce secretions that result in distinctive odours. These odours are generally due not to the secretions themselves but to the naturally occurring bacteria that metabolize the secretions into aromatic by-products.

In many parts of the animal kingdom, body odours plays an important role in sexuality. From insects to primates, attracting a mate depends to a large extent on giving off the right smell. There has been a great deal of discussion of pheromones, the airborne chemical emitted by animals which help regulate many social behaviours, including mating. Although there is some evidence that human secretions may also contain pheromone-like substances or other sexual attractants, it is clear that cultural factors override whatever subtle and perhaps unconscious power these chemical may have over us. An odour that is attractive or irrelevant to one person may be offensive or unbearable to another.

How we respond to body ordour, is partly a matter of personal sensitivity. It is determined largely by our upbringing. There are plenty of people who have come to appreciate, or at least tolerate their own natural odours as well as those of others. For women who do choose to mask or minimize body odours, a number of different options exist, most of which can be accomplish with minimal cost and effort.

Underarm Odor

2007-10-16T22:49:00.000+08:00

Underarm odour is the result of sweat or perspiration, which is produced by the sweat glands underneath the skin. Sweat glands are most active when the body is overheated because as the sweat evaporates into the air, the skin cools off to some extent. One type of sweat gland abundant in the underarm area, the apocrine glands, also secretes perspiration when a person is excited, scared or sexually aroused. After puberty, the sweat secreted from these glands can stain clothing and when metabolized by bacteria, emits a strong odour.

Most people are able to minimize underarm sweating and odour by washing with lukewarm water and mild soap at least once a day — and more frequently in hot, humid weather or after intense exercise. Some women find that washing with an antibacterial soap or applying a topical antibiotic to the armpit can also reduce odour.

Antiperspirant sprays, creams, or roll-ons reduce the amount of perspiration, and deodorants can cover up odour with a more pleasant fragrance. Some women prefer to use perfumes or colognes under their arms in lieu of deodorants. All of these products can irritate the skin if used immediately after shaving the armpits, however. As for shaving itself, while it plays no role in reducing the amount of perspiration, it can prevent the accumulation of pungent sweat in the hair. If these measures are inadequate, stronger antiperspirants are available by prescription. In severe cases, the sweat glands can be surgically removed from the armpits.

Magnesium Deficiency

2007-10-05T16:11:00.000+08:00

Magnesium may be used for problems of the nervous system. It protects against cardiovacular disease and helps to treat pre-menstural syndrome.

Magnesium is a mineral which is absolutely essential for every biochemical process in our bodies, including metabolism and the synthesis of nuclei acids and protein.

The main functions of Magnesium includes:

preventing kidney and gallstones
useful in treatment of high blood pressure
useful in treatment of prostate problems
repairs and maintains blood cells
requirements for hormonal activity

Magnesium deficiency is very common, particularly in the elderly, heavy drinkers, pregnant women and regular, strenuous exercisers, and it has been proved that even a very slight deficiency can cause a disruption of the heartbeat. Good sources of magnesium are brown rice, soybeans, nuts, brewer's yeast, wholewheat flour and legumes.

Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency are:

weakness
tiredness
nervous convulsions and behaviour
unsteadiness
hyperactivity in children
low blood sugar
palpitations

Magnesium is toxic to people with renal problems or atrioventricular blocks. Other than these cases, magnesium should be safe. Dietary intake is thought to be inadequate in the average Western diet; magnesium supplement of 200-500mg are recommended daily. Good multi-vitamin and mineral supplements should have a healthy dose of magnesium.

Reduce Stress

2007-10-05T00:06:00.000+08:00

What causes stress for you may not be stressful for someone else. Some people seem to strive on stress. They may even create it by leaving work until the very last minute and then using the adrenalin that goes with panic to help them achieve what could have been done at leisure. Others find that even the smallest disruption to routine is unbearable and induces a panic attack.

Most of us lie somewhere in between and our mental health depends on keeping the balance right. If you can recognize situations that wind you up, you may be able to learn how to avoid them or how to manage them so that they cause you less stress. Long-term stress can increase the risk of diseases like depression, heart disease and a variety of other problems. A stress-related illness called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops after an event like war, physical or sexual assault, or a natural disaster.

Stress-Reduction Techniques
We respond to stress through our autonomic nervous system, and we can also learn to calm down our nervous systems. If you have chronic stress, the best way to deal with it is to take care of the underlying problem. Counseling can help you find ways to relax and calm down. Medicines may also help. You can do exercises on your own to reduce feelings of stress and help you relax or go to a class to learn techniques such as yoga and meditation.

Often anxious thoughts, chasing around your brain, make it difficult to relax. It is hard to empty your mind if there is a constant ticker tape of worry hammering away in the background. It may help to put something else in your mind to occupy the space, such as a warm beach or a pool, and chase out the negative thoughts. To reduce stress, most of the time, it depends on how we lead our life. For example, learn time management, enrollment in some social classes like dancing courses, and also to take safety precautions wherever you are. One of the main factor adding to stress is fear. Fear for the lost of your possessions, fear theft of your belongings can add to stress and no 'free of mind' when you have to leave all your possessions and valuable belongings on the side of the classroom when you have your aerobic lessons. However, if there are Lockers, then you can have a peace of mind. You can enjoy every moment of aerobic lesson, concentrating what the teacher said. This is one example of reducing your stress level when you are attending classes. Securing your personal belongings in Gym Lockers ease your mind. In school, students can have lesser stress if they can put their books in School Lockers as their school bags will be lightened and they can have lesser 'worries' about forgetting to bring their books to schools.

Stress affects us all but by recognising where our individual stresses comes from, and learning tips and methods to cope and reduce them will improve our physical and mental health.

Respiratory Problems

2007-09-26T07:40:00.000+08:00

The Respiratory System

More than 25% of all conditions reported to the doctor occur in the respiratory system. About 200 different organisms, either viruses or bacteria, can attack the respiratory system and attempts at identification are usually impractical or impossible. Because of this difficulty, doctors tend to label respiratory disorders with the name of the area affected. This practice gives rise to names such as tonsillitis -- inflammation of the tonsils; bronchitis -- inflammation of the bronchial tubes; and many other 'itises', for example, sinusitis -- infection or inflammation of sinuses.

The vast majority of infections get better with simple treatment in one to five days. However, it is all the more important to consider the possibility of serious disease if symptoms do not begin to improve within five days.

The respiratory system is particularly susceptible to allergy, because it provides the easiest access to the body for allergic substances. If an allergic reaction blocks the nose, breathing through the mouth means that the filtering effect of the nasal passages is bypassed. Allergic substances pass straight into the trachea and then the lungs, causing catarrh, breathlessness, asthma and other disorders.

Benign or malignant tumours of the mouth, throat or the voice-box are rare. Lung cancer is more common. It is more common among cigarette smokers than among non-smokers.

High-Risk Groups

babies under six months
children under three, particularly if there are other symptoms, such as fever, reluctance to take food, or a seizure
frail, elderly people -- particularly vulnerable to acute bronchitis or pneumonia
people with a history of chest disease such as chronic bronchitis or asthma
any individual suffering from chronic ill-health from other causes
those who smoke

Disorders of the respiratory system includes sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma, bronchiolitis, laryngitis, lung cancer, rhinitis and many more. Main Symptoms of the Respiratory System includes blood in spit, breathing difficulties, catarrh, chest pain which is made worst by breathing, cough, hoarseness and sore throat.

Prevention and Treatment of Respiratory Problems

Do not smoke
Keep elderly people warm in winter and when they are ill to prevent hypothermia
keep cool a patient with a feverish respiratory infection, particularly if the patient is a child.
Do not allow children or healthy adults to participate in sport or heavy work too soon after a respiratory illness. This may cause infection to descend to the lungs.
Do not use nose drops or sprays to clear a stuffy nose unless they have been prescribed by a doctor.
Do not give small children peanuts, beads, beans or other small objects to eat or play with -- they may choke on them.

Silver Sinus is a place where you can find solution to your sinus infection. Silver Sinus provides sinus infection treatment and also information about Chronic Fungal Sinus Infections
. The website contains all the information you would want to know about sinus infection. You will find the meaning of sinusitis and sinuses, what is Chronic Fungal Sinus Infections and Sinus Infection Symptoms as well! If you have sinus problems, visit Silver Sinus, you might find your solution there!

Inner Beauty

2007-09-20T20:49:00.000+08:00

These are what I called Inner Beauty.

When God made Adam and Eve, they were naked. There were no clothes. However, because they had sinned against God, they had to face the consequences of life sufferings and feel ashamed and embarrassed without clothes on. In the past, cloth were used to wrap the breast. Similarly for men, such as those we seen in traditional Indian men -- using cloth to wrap round their underbody, the male reproductive system or the penis.

As people's living condition improves and human beings are better in scientific research and technology, the bra, lingerie, underwear, corsets and many more types of inner beauty are made. These 'Inner Beauty' or garments are regarded as more than just protective measures for women and men. They serve aesthetic purpose as well as sexual attractions.

Nowadays, there are so many types of bras and other fanciful Inner Beauty. For beauty purposes and not health reasons, many women wore push-up bras so as to look 'fuller', bigger breasts. Is it good for health? Some medical research has shown that wearing too tight bras are not beneficial for health at all. The best is not to wear bra. However, given some reasons like workplace proper attire and also those of business people's professionalism, most women need to wear bra to look presentable. No doubt there are statistics to show that countries with most people wearing bras have the highest incidence of breast cancer, breast lumps, cysts and pain. People who wear bras have a higher tendency to develop breasts diseases as compared to people who do not wear.

If bras must be worn, they must fit comfortably. It must not be too tight nor too loose. Similarly the cup size has to fit the breasts. Wearing tight bras not only restrict blood circulation, they causes body temperature to increase, more sweat and perspiration. Moisture and dampness results in the breasts. This is unhealthy to the breasts.

Men have problems with their Inner Beauty as well. Wearing underwear that is too tight restrict growth and proper development of their male reproductive organs for children. Wearing too tight underwear can cause male infertility too.

Wearing tight undergarments or Inner Beauty is stressful for the body. For as long as you wear them, you suffer as much discomfort and distress to your physical body as well as mental health. In public and social gathering, wearing not fitting or uncomfortable Inner Beauty can cause embarrassment and other unexpected laughing stock like that of Britney Spears. During social gathering, you would not want to be seen with bra straps dropping down and you do not want to have your bras dropped off.

Inner Beauty at Bare Necessities

Many people do not want to waste money in their Inner Beauty. Their thinking is 'nobody would see them, why bother?' Nevertheless, one should wear comfortable and good quality bras and other undergarments or Inner Beauty. They are always in contact with our inner body. Wearing comfortable Inner Beauty not only bring you comfort and peace, it also enable you to feel 'stress-free' throughout the day for working people. Good fitting bra should not give you much stress. Want to look beautiful on the inside, but do not want to spend too much money? Use coupons when shopping for Inner Beauty. Click here for CouponHeaven.com and start shopping for Bare Necessities. Enhance your Inner Beauty at Bare Necessities. Increase your self-esteem and confidence when you put on the perfect and comfort-fitting piece of Inner Beauty at Bare Necessities, Coupon Heaven. At Bare Necessities, you can shop for men and women's Inner Beauty. Find panties, bra, sleepwear, sexy lingerie, shapewear, underwear, T-shirts and many more! Watch the video below to see the advantages of shopping at Coupon Heaven and visit http://www.couponheaven.com/ to start getting everyday savings!

Bare Necessities

Liver

2007-09-07T21:02:00.000+08:00

Your liver, the largest organ in your body, is located in the upper right-hand side of the abdomen under the ribs. It is dark reddish-brown in color and weighs about three pounds. The liver plays a vital role in regulating life processes.

In this age of chemically-polluted air, water and food, the liver has to work much harder an dis in constant need of nutritional support. It is an incredibly complex organ, which is capable of self-regeneration. A liver firing on all cylinders is central to our health, but most people subject their liver to unacceptable levels of toxins. The diet contributes, with its load of rich food, alcohol, high-chemical diet drinks, strong spices, heavy metal content, and the amazing load of chemicals used in processed and packaged food. There are all sorts of toxic chemicals in our drinking water supply too. The liver has to deal with all these in addition to other very important functions.

The liver has the following major functions:

Function of Liver

1. Making bile salts for the emulsification and absorption of fats, and making heparin for the blood-clotting process;

2. Storage and filtering of blood;

3. Destruction of any bacteria, bowel toxins, allergic complexes, old red and white blood cells and any poisons which have escaped into the blood;

4. Involvement in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins, vitamins and minerals; it stores glucose, vitamins A, D, E and K, the minerals copper and iron, and even chemicals which cannot be broken down;

5. Removal of used hormones and cholesterol from the blood, and their excretion into the bile for removal from the body. Drugs, pesticides and other toxic food additives are also dealt with and excreted.

Information About Sluggish Liver

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

2007-08-30T01:16:00.000+08:00

Atopic Dermatitis is a very common condition which often begins before the age of two years in children. The prime cause is food allergy. A child who is born with a tendency towards allergy can become sensitized to any number of food through breast milk. For the infant who is not breast-fed, the situation is very complicated if he or she becomes allergic to cow's milk at an early stage. Breast feeding is important to an infant for many reasons, and any dietary changes can easily be made through the mother's food-intake. That is, any food to which the child is allergic can be removed from the mother's diet until he or she is weaned.

Skin abnormalities, such as dryness or a tendency to thickening when scratched, may predispose a child to eczema. Some people have skin which feels itchy with the least irritation and others have a tendency towards heavy bacterial levels. The latter indicates poor immune function.

Stress leads to eczema outbreaks in susceptible people, but this is largely due to the fact that it weakens the immune system, which then ceases to adapt to an allergen that has probably long been present. Certainly a sudden severe stressful situation or an accumulation of constant moderate stress will often trigger the start of eczema, and at this stage it becomes necessary to find the offending food causing the underlying problem and to avoid such food.

In atopic eczema, a common problem is the imbalance of fatty acids in the body. This imbalance is identical to that found in asthma and all upper respiratory tract infections. Where the diet contains adequate levels of oily fish, raw walnuts, sunflower and pumpkin seeds and soya products, they form the anti-inflammatory chemicals which block the troublemakers that are made from meat and dairy products.

Vitamins and minerals involved in immune system function are often deficient in people suffering from eczema too. The body's production of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins E1 and E3 requires not only the natural oils, but a range of nutrients like zinc, magnesium, B and C vitamins. A quality natural multivitamin/mineral product may be enough for mild cases of eczema. It is important to buy natural products from health food stores, as the drug companies make synthetic vitamins which are of little value in human nutrition. Livelifeorganic is an online store where you can buy organic food as well as other organic products at various price ranges.

Treatment

Food allergy test
Correct the diet
Strengthen the immune system
Inhibit inflammatory chemicals
Deal with the itch, to prevent secondary infection from scratching

Diet
Avoid food which cause you any allergy. Avoid all processed, refined food in cans and packages. Reduce intake of meat, eggs and dairy products. Avoid cosmetics, harsh soap and shampoo. Get more rest and exercise. Drink organic honey or other organic health products. There are organic skin care at livelifeorganic too.

PMS: Premenstrual Syndrome

2007-08-29T13:08:00.000+08:00

Women may experience emotional and physical changes prior to menstruation. Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, describes all the negative changes that occur in the second half of the menstrual cycle. Some women have PMS all their fertile life; others find it appears for the first time in their forties.

The physical symptoms of PMS includes headache, migraine, fluid retention, fatigue, constipation, painful joints, backache, abdominal cramping, heart palpitations and weight gain. The emotional and behavioral changes may include anxiety, depression, irritability, panic attacks, tension,lack of co-ordination, decreased work or social performance and altered libido. These symptoms vary from woman to woman and from cycle to cycle and it is not clear what causes premenstrual syndrome. A combination of physiological, genetic, nutritional, and behavioral factors are likely involved. There is no cure for PMS because it is not a disease, just a variation in what feels normal.

The most important indication of PMS is the cyclic nature of symptoms. It helps to make a chart of symptoms for at least three months to get a clear picture of any cyclical changes. There is usually a symptom free time period one week after menstruation ends.

Non-Medical Treatment
PMS can be treated in a variety of ways. The initial and usually most effective treatment involves non-medical changes in diet and lifestyle:

Tolerance for caffeine and alcohol is likely to be reduced premenstrually, so it helps to cut down.
Your blood sugar level may be low the day before a period, so remember to eat little and often and avoid junk food to keep your energy levels high.
Deal with aggressive feelings by exercising. It may help to run up and down the stairs or punch a pillow to avoid yelling at someone.

If family, friends or colleagues fail to appreciate that the symptoms are not within the woman's control, she should explain to them the nature of premenstrual syndrome or tension so that they will be more understanding and will provide her with the support that she needs.

Some women find additional relief in alternative therapies such as acupuncture. Each therapy works according to very different principles.

Medical Treatment
If the symptoms are intolerable or are interfering with normal activities, then you should consult your doctor. Your doctor may suggest a hormone treatment based on progesterone or he may prescribe diuretic tablets to make you pass more urine and to release the build-up of body fluids. He may also prescribe synthetic hormones to be taken as tablets or vaginal suppositories.

Progesterone is a naturally occurring steroid hormone. More than a decade ago, Dr. Katherine Dalton in London defined PMS and found success using high-dose progesterone administered as rectal suppositories. Dr. Joel T. Hargrove of Vanderbilt University Medical Center has published results indicating a 90 percent success rate in treating PMS with natural progesterone. It was found in studies that women who use over-the-counter progesterone cream could be exposed to hormone levels comparable to those used in a form of hormone replacement therapy. Thus women with PMS can try to use natural progesterone cream or bioidentical progesterone cream to relief them from many of the symptoms of PMS.

The Root Cause of Premenstrual Syndrome is Likely to be Xenoestrogens
The diagnostic sign of PMS is weight gain and bloating just before your period. Breast tenderness that varies with your period is also a hallmark. Cattle, chicken and hogs are routinely given estrogen to grow faster and fatter, and for the meat to be tender by retaining water and fat marbling. Perhaps, women are experiencing the same things as the estrogenized animals. Now within the last ten years some of the 85,000 chemicals in use in the United States have been found to conincidentally have hormonal effects. The most common effect is to mimic estrogen. Many researchers now suspect that these xenoestrogens cause PMS. Natual Progesterone opposes the effect of estrogen. The solution is to take Natural Progesterone and cut out Estrogen in your environment. ~ Elizabeth Smith, M.D.

Overwork or Underactivity

2007-08-16T14:04:00.000+08:00

In this competitive society, many people are in the habit of overworking. Work, relaxation, exercise and sleep should be balanced every day in our life. This means that we do not work for weeks at a time without a break nor do we overexercise until we are exhausted. Many people are mentally overactive and stressed at work. Their lifestyle is often too Yang according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, while others have a lifestyle which is too static and Yin.

As success becomes the priority, health becomes less important and many people overworked. The result is not making time to look after their own health. Becoming ill always carries a message with it. Very often, if we are overworking, the message is that our body wants us to stop. There are people who goes back to work despite having fully regain their health. Another common situation is people continuing to work hard when they still have the remains of an infection or virus in their system. Often, the body becomes too weak that they cannot throw it off. Later on, the person's whole system may give up and they find themselves unable to work at all. This can be the beginning of post-viral conditions.

While overwork is on the increase, exercise is on the decrease. Physical work has now largely been replaced by desk jobs. Many people sit behind computers everyday. Children are nowadays less active than before. Many children spend most of their time playing computer or sitting in front of computers. Inactive children turn into inactive adults. This will eventually lead to more problems like obesity and heart disease in the future.

'Underwork' or Underactivity is thus very common in our life too where people are doing more desk bound jobs, sitting in front of the computer and due to the presence of machines. Machines have replaced much of our labouring and bring so much convenience to some people's life. For example, daily housework was also a fairly active occupation. However, devices such as vacuum cleaners and automatic washing machines have saved a lot of work. For a healthy lifestyle, you should bring some physical exercise into your life. For example, jogging to the shops, gardening, dancing, cycling to work, and even desk therapy. Some people prefer to take exercise in their homes and a carefully chosen exercise video may help them to structure a routine.

According to the website DeskTherapy.com, there is an increasing problem of musculo-skeletal dysfunction (MSD). The symptoms of MSD includes Low back and neck pain, Headache and migraine, Shoulder dysfunction, Elbow conditions (like tennis elbow), Hand and wrist problems and Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). All these are the results of overworking and sitting too long. When we are ill, we become tired easily because our body tells us it needs to rest in order to recover. I understand all these symptoms as I have experienced them. For overworking, and getting too little rest, I have reached a point where my whole body was aching, there were pain and headaches.

Desk Therapy helps the desk bound workers to reduce discomfort, pain and disability results from overworking or underactivity. Desk Therapy has individually designed exercises programs for computer users which can be performed without leaving the desk useful for combating neck and back pain, headache and migraine, shoulder problems, RSI, eye strain, fatigue whilst improving productivity and concentration. So whether you are overwork or 'underwork', desk therapy is a good exercise either for relaxation or for more activity.

Sometimes taking proper lunch breaks and finding time for more rest is enough to counteract overworking. To protect our health we need around eight hours sleep a night. Our posture and the quality of sleep we get are important. A mid-day rest can be a great energy booster for us. Relaxation time is important. If we are overworked, we reached a level where we have no energy left to do the necessary work that we need to do. We need to plan time to rest and doing relaxation exercises can help us to relax. If we are living unhealthily and do not find time to stop, then sometimes illness stops things for us.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness

2007-07-24T23:38:00.000+08:00

Conquering Colon Cancer - CBS News

Colon Cancer

LIve Webcast: Advances in Colorectal Cancer Therapies

Colorectal cancer is the second most frequent cancer among men and women in Singapore. Its incidence increases with a sedentary lifestyle, obesity and a high fat diet, low in fruits and vegetables. Colon cancer is also the second-leading cause of cancer death in the US. In 2001, more than 57,000 people died of the disease, according to the American Cancer Society. In Singapore, the number of Singaporeans under the age of 50 with colon cancer is on the rise. About 20 percent of colorectal cancer patients are currently below that age, compared to less than 5 percent in 1989, according to the findings of the study at Singapore General Hospital.

Colorectal cancer develops in the inner wall lining of the colon and rectum. The cancer may start as a polyp or benign lump in the inner wall lining. Undetected, it will grow, become malignant, and spread. Removing a polyp early will prevent it from becoming malignant. Early detection may raise the survival rates to as high as 90%.

Test For Colorectal Cancer:
1. Colonoscopies allow doctors to see inside the colon and rectum to detect polyps by using a flexible hollow tube with a camera chip on the end. The disease can be prevented if detected early. The cost of colonoscopy can range from between $300 and $400 to more than $500 in the private hospital. Screening Test For Colorectal Cancer

2. Faecal Occult Blood Test
This is a preliminary screening test for colorectal cancer, which is cancer of the colon and rectum. It tests for presence of blood in the stools. Those over 50 or who have a family history of colon cancer are advised to have a faecal occult blood test done annually.
(Note: Free faecial occult blood test is only available to Singaporeans and Singapore PRs aged 50 years and above.) - Singapore Cancer Society

More Links To Know More About Colorectal Cancer
Cancer Facts
Colon Health
Facts about Colon Cancer
Colon Cancer
Colorectal Cancers
Diagnosis & Treatment Of Colon Cancer
Rectal Bleeding

Heart Disease & Health Disorders

2007-06-13T18:17:00.000+08:00

Do you have these health disorders -- arthritis, lupus, cancer, migraine, diabetes, or heart disease? Extensive research has found that eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are effective in the prevention of heart diseases and some other health disorders. Studies have established that Eskimos and Japanese have low rate of heart diseases although they consume a high fat diet. Studies have linked this fact to these people having high blood pressure and heart diseases.

Fish oils are beneficial to our health due to its EPA and DHA contents. EPA helps in production of prostaglandins while DHA is needed by our brain and nerve cells. Prostaglandin is a hormone known to prevent thrombosis clotting of our blood that also relaxes arterial and muscles. Prostaglandin is produced in the human body and it helps in a number of bodily functions which prevent various health disorders such as heart attack, high blood pressure, arthritis, menstrual cramps, allergies, asthma, migraine, headaches, infertility, glaucoma and cancer.

While the human body does produce some of these hormones, unfortunately, the amount is inadequate and therefore, like many vitamins and minerals, they have to be supplemented in our diet. This means that prostaglandin is not readily obtainable in the normal diet of most people. Prostaglandin is vulnerable to the action of digestive enzymes in the body which render them inactive, hence they are not stored in the body.

Fortunately, there are food supplements like Omax3 The Ultra Pure Omega-3 which is literally the purest Omega-3 supplement available (better then prescription Omacor) and cheaper than the current dominant commercial products like Nordic Naturals or Iceland Health. As our body cannot produce adequate amount of EPA and DHA for its various functions, we need to supplement our daily diet with fish oils like Omax3 to enjoy the optimum benefits of EPA and DHA from other sources.

Take the challenge, do the freezer test for your omega-3. Not all omega-3 are the same. The real 'fish oil pills' do not turns 'white' upon freezing, as what omax3.com has shown too. My father had shown me this fact when I was a little child. That is why I believe what omax3.com has shown too. It is absolutely true.

Omega-3 are the essential fatty acids, which when added to the diet as a supplement, have the ability to lower cholesterol and triglycerides. It also helps to minimize the tendency of blood clots in our body cells. Important omega-3 fatty acids in nutrition are α-linolenic acid (ALA), EPA, and DHA. Omax3 is composed of more than 90% Omega-3s, which is able to deliver the Omega-3s EPA and DHA more efficiently than virtually all other Omega-3 fish oil products on the market. Furthermore it is independently tested and certified free of environmental contaminants such as mercury, dioxins, PCBs, pesticides, and heavy metals. Take charge of your health, you don't have to be a number among the heart disease patients. You can prevent it!

Wrinkles

2007-06-12T16:06:00.000+08:00

Wrinkles are lines that appear on the soft parts of our body such as the face, neck and hands and they can result in sagging skin due to losses of skin elasticity. Why do some people seem to age faster than others? A varying combination of factors is at work. There are heredity, general health, environment, colour of complexion and exposure to several elements -- especially the sun -- make people of the same age appear younger or older looking than their peers.

There are two types of wrinkles. The fine lines and the deep furrows. Causes of wrinkles includes natural aging process, exposure to sun, wind, smoking, heredity, and other environmental causes such as occupational and recreational habits like sailing, golfing and so on.
Because of these factors, not all people have the same 'aging' problems. Some people have less wrinkles while some people have more wrinkles.

Exposure to the sun can often cause our skin to be dry, rough and even causing skin growths (keratoses) and wrinkles. The simplest way to prevent wrinkles is to minimize sun exposure and do not smoke. Always use a sunblock or sunscreen on exposed areas whenever you must be outdoors in the sun. Studies have shown that people who smoke may develop deeper and sharper wrinkles at the outer corners of their eyes and mouth than those who do not smoke. If you stopped smoking, you can prevent premature wrinkling!

In addition, prevent rapid weight loss. Rapid weight loss over a short time span also causes development of wrinkles because of the loss of fat cells. There are various treatments for wrinkles, however, these are more effective for the fine lines. The deeper creases and furrows require better technique such as injection of botox or even plastic surgery.

To prevent wrinkles, many people tried various ways. There are moisturizers, wrinkle creams, petroleum jelly, facial exercises and also Anti Wrinkle & Anti Aging Skin Care Therapy available in the market. Moisturizers won't prevent wrinkles, but they can have a positive effect on the way skin looks. When given moisture, the surface of the outer layer of skin appears smoother and minor wrinkles are temporarily softened. The skin feels better too. Many wrinkle creams are formulations designed to help 'fill in' wrinkles. They work only on the surface layer, so their effect is temporary. Other than that, many creams are excellent moisturizers containing ingredients that actually help to trap moisture within the layers of the skin. Petroleum jelly will prevent loss of moisture and protect the skin, but it won't reduce surface wrinkles. It also may encourage blackhead and whitehead formation.

Since wrinkles cannot be prevented, it's probably futile to use wrinkle creams at a young age. Rejuvawand is a light based alternative to botox injections, microdermabrasion, IPL photo rejuvenation and other skin care and anti-wrinkle treatments. RejuvaWand is clinically proven. You can read the various testimonials of happy and satisfied customers. RejuvaWand is your solution to your wrinkles problems. To find out more about RejuvaWand, visit their website. If you have lots of questions on your mind, they have Frequently Asked Questions, all answered for you!

Counting Calories

2007-05-25T00:24:00.000+08:00

To have the perfect weight you want, you need to have discipline -- counting calories is one way of 'counting' your food intake. Do not consume more than your body needs. Excess energy in the body will be converted to fats. To help you shed off excess weights, exercise is a method to burn off excess calories in your body.

Every object, both the living and non-living things in this world has energy. Even a stationary ball has energy, known as potential energy in it. Energy exist in everything, and this includes the food we eat. We learn in science that energy cannot be destroyed. Energy can only be passed from one place to another. This is why we got energy from the food we eat. How much energy can our food provides us is dependent on what food you eat and how much you eat. Different food contains different amount of energy. Just like the volume of a container is the amount of matter it can contain.

The units for measuring volume in the above example is cubic centimetre or cubic metre. What about the unit for food energy? To make communication easier and for research purposes, there are units assigned to measure how much energy there are in a certain type of food. The unit is known as the calorie. A calorie is a unit of energy. Scientifically, 1 calorie is the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water 1 degree Centigrade. One calorie is equal to 4.184 joules, another units for energy. But the calorie is commonly used for food. The symbol for calorie is cal while that of joules is J. 1000 cal is equal to 4.184kJ.

As mentioned earlier, different food contains different amount of energy. This means that not all food have the same calories. Food that is low in calories have lesser fats contents in them, while food that have high calories then to have high fats and carbohydrates. This explains why eating oily food and high carbohydrates food can make a person easily fat.

The consumption of calories has a part to play in obesity. The energy requirement for men and women is about 1500 to 2500cal, higher for men than women. The exact calories requirements is all dependent on the lifestyle, sex, age, activities, food of the person. A person who has higher metabolic rate and is active would naturally require more energy than a less active person with sedentary lifestyle. When more calories are consumed than expend, a person become obese. That is why exercise has to be taken into consideration when people want to lose weight. This is because exercise helps to burn the extra calories in the body.

At the end of the day, how much weight you are going to gain is all dependent on how much food have you eaten on that day and how much energy have you expended on that day. Every exercise that you do, you are in fact 'minusing off' the calories in your body. With all the food you eat, you are 'adding up' the calories in your body. At the end of the day, you just do all the calculation to make sure that you are getting what you want. If you want to maintain your weight, then you would want to see near to zero calories input. If you want to lose weight, then you got to see lower calorie consumption for the day and so on.

Counting calorie for the purpose of losing weight or maintaining your weight can be very tedious. It is all about recording what you are going to eat, what you have eaten, how much energy you are going to expend, in what form of exercise and so on. It is all calculation and planning. To help you in this area, calorie counter is designed to help people who want to lose weight in this area. They help you keep track of your calories. Let them do the counting for you while you see the results in you.

Drinking Water

2007-05-24T10:44:00.001+08:00

Water is what make up our body. It is what keeps our system running efficiently. It is the medium in which nutrients can be transported from one part of the body to another part. Water is the medium in which all living organisms live too. Water helps to prevent our body from getting dehydrated. When look under the microscope, we can see there are more 'things' in the water than with the naked eyes. Water can contains living microorganisms such as virus, bacteria, paramecium, protozoa, and the non-living chemical components, chemicals pollutants such as chlorine, sodium etc.

In drinking water, microbes, such as bacteria and viruses, are the contaminants with the greatest chance of reaching levels high enough to cause acute health effects. Drink 'dirty' water and you know what you will get. Ask yourself, "What' wrong with me? Why I had stomache cramp today, why I had diarrhoea..." -- diarrhoea, stomachache, cramps, and even feeling nauseous. All these could be the water you drink! This is the acute effects of drinking contaminated water. Drink water infested with parasites' eggs, larvae etc and you get parasites in your body. Drink a cup of water that is contaminated with mercury and you risk having mutated baby. The water that we drink and tap water are all colourless. At home, tap water is drink either after boiling or even without boiling too. At times when we are thirsty, we buy bottled water, which comes in various brands -- some distilled, some minerals, some ionized and so on. Chronic effects of drinking contaminated water occur after people consume a contaminant such as pesticides, arsenic chemicals at high levels over a period of time. Examples of the chronic effects of drinking water contaminants are cancer, liver or kidney problems, or reproductive difficulties.

During olden days, our mother and great grandmother's time, they are not aware that there could be so many 'things' in the drinking water. For them, water is just water. Water is fro quenching thirst and water that helps to keep the body 'cool' and water that are used for washing and bathing. However as science become more advance and medical studies is always getting better, more research are being done to examine what is in the drinking water. There are hard water, raw water, boiled water, soft water, rain water, snow water, filtered water, de-ionized water, and distilled water. Should we drink more distilled water, or should we drink more ionized water or reverse osmosis water? Do they really help our body?

Nowadays people know that tap water contains a variety of chemicals and harmful substances such as chlorine, chloramine, asbestos, pesticides, fluoride, copper, mercury, and lead. There might be living organisms in it too. How do we protect our body and our health? It is known that the water that we drink can affect our health. More families and more consumers are using water filters in their home. Some people claim that different water taste differently. Water that are contaminated with pollutants are not as tasty as pure water. For these reasons, filters are very popular in the market now. There are various types of filter too.

One type of filter is Water For Life Ionizers provided by Water For Life USA. Water For Life USA is the exclusive US distributor of KYK Water Ionizers. Their water ionizer unit, about the size of a bread maker, is an electronic water filter connected to your kitchen water supply to perform controlled low voltage electrolysis on tap water before you drink it or use it in the kitchen for cooking or cleaning. Ionized water helps balance the body's pH, which tends to be acidic because of our diet comprised of cooked foods, pasteurized or otherwise processed foods. Soft drinks are the most acid substance a person can put in their body.

What is ionized water? Water For Life USA has provided an excerpt by Dr Hidemitsu Hayashi Water Institute of Japan, which provides very good detailed explanation about water and how water can affect our body systems. It gives explanation about oxidation and antioxidants to our body. He shows how to avoid illnesses. Can we prevent disease at the source? Read what Dr Hidemitsu got to say!

Kidney Stones (calculi)

2007-05-15T22:10:00.000+08:00

Your kidneys are bean-shaped organs, each about the size of your fist. They are located near the middle of your back, just below the rib cage, one on each side of the spine. The kidneys are sophisticated trash collectors. Every day, your kidneys process about 200 quarts of blood to sift out about 2 quarts of waste products and extra water. The wastes and extra water become urine, which flows to your bladder through tubes called ureters. Your bladder stores urine until you go to the bathroom. The wastes in your blood come from the normal breakdown of active muscle and from the food you eat. Your body uses the food for energy and self-repair. After your body has taken what it needs from the food, wastes are sent to the blood. If your kidneys did not remove these wastes, they would build up in the blood and damage your body. In addition to removing wastes, your kidneys help control blood pressure. They also help make red blood cells and keep your bones strong.

Kidney stones are one of the most common disorders of the urinary tract. Kidney stones are a common cause of blood in the urine and pain in the abdomen, flank, or groin. Kidney stones are sometimes called renal calculi. Men tend to be affected more frequently than women. The prevalence of kidney stones rises dramatically as men enter their 40s and continues to rise into their 70s. For women, the prevalence of kidney stones peaks in their 50s. Once a person gets more than one stone, others are likely to develop.

The condition of having kidney stones is termed nephrolithiasis or urolithiasis or renal stone disease. Nephrolithiasis literally means kidney stone-itis while urolithiasis means urinary stone-itis.

A kidney stone is a hard mass developed from crystals that separate from the urine and build up on the inner surfaces of the kidney. Kidney stones may be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a pearl. Some stones are even as big as golf balls. Stones may be smooth or jagged. They are usually yellow or brown. A stone may stay in the kidney or break loose and travel down the urinary tract. A small stone may pass all the way out of the body without causing too much pain. A larger stone may get stuck in a ureter, the bladder, or the urethra. A problem stone can block the flow of urine and cause great pain.

Normally, urine contains chemicals that prevent or inhibit the crystals from forming. These inhibitors do not seem to work for everyone, however, so some people form stones. If the crystals remain tiny enough, they will travel through the urinary tract and pass out of the body in the urine without being noticed.

Kidney stones may contain various combinations of chemicals. The Four major types of kidney stones are:

1. Calcium Stones
Approximately 85% of stones are composed predominantly of calcium compounds. The most common cause of calcium stone production is excess calcium in the urine (hypercalciuria). Excess calcium is normally removed from the blood by the kidneys and excreted in the urine. In hypercalciuria, excess calcium builds up in the kidneys and urine, where it combines with other waste products to form stones. Low levels of citrate, high levels of oxalate and uric acid, and inadequate urinary volume may also cause calcium stone formation.

Calcium stones are composed of calcium that is chemically bound to oxalate (calcium oxalate) or phosphate (calcium phosphate). Of these, calcium oxalate is more common. Calcium phosphate stones typically occur in patients with metabolic or hormonal disorders such as hyperparathyroidism and renal tubular acidosis.

Increased intestinal absorption of calcium (absorptive hypercalciuria), excessive hormone levels (hyperparathyroidism), and renal calcium leak (kidney defect that causes excessive calcium to enter the urine) can cause hypercalciuria. Prolonged inactivity also increases urinary calcium and may cause stones.

Renal tubular acidosis (inherited condition in which the kidneys are unable to excrete acid) significantly reduces urinary citrate and total acid levels and can lead to stone formation, usually calcium phosphate.

2. Struvite Stone
A less common type of stone is caused by infection in the urinary tract. This type of stone is called a struvite or infection stone. A struvite stone may form after an infection in the urinary system. These stones contain the mineral magnesium and the waste product ammonia. Bacteria in the urinary tract release chemicals that neutralize acid in the urine, which enables bacteria to grow more quickly and promotes struvite stone development.

Struvite stones are more common in women because they have urinary tract infections more often. The stones usually develop as jagged structures called "staghorns" and can grow to be quite large.

3. Uric Acid Stone
A bit less common is the uric acid stone. Digestion produces uric acid. If the acid level in the urine is high or too much acid is excreted, the uric acid may not dissolve and uric acid stones may form. Genetics may play a role in the development of uric acid stones, which are more common in men. Approximately 10% of patients with kidney stone disease develop this type of stone. A uric acid stone may form when the urine contains too much acid. If you tend to form uric acid stones, you may need to cut back on the amount of meat you eat.

4. Cystine Stone
Cystine stones are rare. Cystine is an amino acid in protein that does not dissolve well. Cystine is one of the building blocks that make up muscles, nerves, and other parts of the body. Some people inherit a rare, congenital (i.e., present at birth) condition that results in large amounts of cystine in the urine. Cystine can build up in the urine to form a stone. The disease that causes cystine stones runs in families. This condition (called cystinuria) causes cystine stones that are difficult to treat and requires life-long therapy.

Urolithiasis is the medical term used to describe stones occurring in the urinary tract. Other frequently used terms are urinary tract stone disease and nephrolithiasis. Doctors also use terms that describe the location of the stone in the urinary tract. For example, a ureteral stone (or ureterolithiasis) is a kidney stone found in the ureter.

Skin Diseases

2007-04-19T16:25:00.000+08:00

Industry uses many chemicals that cause inflammation of the skin, both to the factory workers and to the users of the product. Some act by irritating and damaging the skin. Others make the skin sensitive to contact with metals or light. A third category can cause skin cancer.

1. Skin Damage
Some chemicals, including strong acids and alkaline, and the salts of chromium, arsenic and mercury -- damage the skin in much the same way as do burns or scalds. If the upper layers of the skin remain unbroken, blistering develops within a few hours, but more severe damage results in loss of the skin and with exposure of the underlying tissue. The harmful chemicals are encountered by workers producing acids such as sulphuric acid and alkaline such as caustic soda and lime.

2. Contact Eczema
After a period of handling, varying between months and years, a small proportion of people engaged in manufacturing paints, chemicals and pharmaceutical products become sensitive to metals. The symptom of this sensitivity is an inflammation called contact eczema -- so named because its eczema-like rash is brought on by contact with the metal (for example, nickel). Only the skin beneath the nickel object is affected. Similar problems can arise in the domestic situation. For example, a rash of the ear lobes is produced by earrings containing nickel, and small patches of rash on the thighs result from contact with the nickel used to make suspender-belt fastenings.

Handling virtually any of the industrial chemicals causing occupational asthma (including those used in plastics and detergent manufacture) may also cause contact eczema. In addition, some chemicals, such as those in antimalarial drugs, render the skin more susceptible to the ultra-violet radiation in sunlight so that those taking such drugs or in contact with such chemicals develop sunburn more easily. This condition is known as photosensitivity.

3. Skin Cancer
Any chemical which causes prolonged irritation of the skin may eventually cause skin cancer -- a condition in which body cells multiply abnormally to invade and destroy healthy tissue. For example, after chimney sweeps have been exposed to soot for many years, they are liable to develop cancer of the scrotum. Some chemicals, called carcinogens, are known to cause skin cancers more quickly than others. Among them are tar, pitch and bitument -- to which building and road construction workers are exposed -- and the salts of chromium used in the electroplating industry.

When you examine your skin for early signs of cancer, you are more likely to find other skin disorders, which although they can be distressing, are much less serious and respond readily to treatment. If you have a problem with persistent itching, an unsightly rash, or troublesome spots, see a doctor as soon as possible.

Some common Skin Disorders:

Ringworm - This fungal infection appears as rings of red, scaly skin, which are itchy. The same group of fungi also cause athlete's foot and rashes in folds of skin such as under the breasts.

Ringworm is spread by either direct or indirect contact. People can get Ringworm by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or pet. People can also get Ringworm indirectly by contact with objects or surfaces that an infected person or pet has touched, such as hats, combs, brushes, bed linens, stuffed animals, telephones, gym mats, and shower stalls. In rare cases Ringworm can be spread by contact with soil. Ringworm can be treated with Antifungal drugs or fungus-killing medicine. The medicine can be in taken in tablet or liquid form by mouth or as a cream applied directly to the affected area.

Allergic dermatitis - Alternative names: Contact Dermatitis. Irritant dermatitis, the most common type of contact dermatitis, involves inflammation resulting from contact with acids, alkaline materials such as soaps and detergents, solvents, or other chemicals. Allergy reactions cause redness, swelling and itching. The reaction usually resembles a burn.

The second most common type of contact dermatitis is caused by exposure to a material to which the person has become hypersensitive or allergic. The skin inflammation varies from mild irritation and redness to open sores, depending on the type of irritant, the body part affected, and the sensitivity of the individual.

Overtreatment dermatitis is a form of contact dermatitis that occurs when treatment for another skin disorder causes irritation. Steroid ointments and antihistamines help this condition.

Psoriasis - Psoriasis usually occurs in adults. This chronic skin condition is characterized by inflammation and scaling of the skin. It is caused by an abnormally rapid growth of cells just beneath the skin's surface. It sometimes runs in families. You usually get them on your elbows, knees, scalp, back, face, palms and feet, but they can show up on other parts of your body. A problem with your immune system causes psoriasis. In a process called cell turnover, skin cells that grow deep in your skin rise to the surface. Normally, this takes a month. In psoriasis, it happens in just days because your cells rise too fast.

Psoriasis can last a long time, even a lifetime. Symptoms come and go. Things that make them worse include Infections, Stress, Dry skin and Certain medicines. Treatments include creams, medications and light therapy. Many drugs, applied as creams or taken in tablet form, are available and can effectively slow down this excessive and harmful production of new skin cells.

Impetigo - Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria. Usually the cause is staphylococcal (staph) but sometimes streptococcus (strep) can cause it, too. It is most common in children between the ages of two and six. It usually starts when bacteria get into a break in the skin, such as a cut, scratch or insect bite.

Symptoms start with red or pimple-like sores surrounded by red skin. These sores can be anywhere, but usually they occur on your face, arms and legs. The sores fill with pus, then break open after a few days and form a thick crust. They are often itchy, but scratching them can spread the sores. Impetigo can spread by contact with sores or nasal discharge from an infected person. You can treat impetigo with antibiotics.

Discoid Eczema -- The cause of this skin inflammation is unknown. There are dry and wet types. The circular, itchy, scaling patches can appear similar to ringworm, but examination reveals that no fungi are present. In most cases, discoid eczema does not run in families. It does not result from food allergy. It is not infectious to other people, although it sometimes becomes secondarily infected by bacteria. Discoid eczema can affect any part of the body particularly the lower leg. One or many patches appear, and may persist for weeks or months.

The majority of patches are round or oval -- pink, red or brown and well defined -- hence the name ‘discoid‘ or ‘nummular’ dermatitis, which refers to their disc or coin shape. They can be several centimetres across, or as small as two millimetres.

They have a dry cracked surface or a bumpy, blistered or crusted surface. Discoid eczema may be extremely itchy, or scarcely noticeable. The skin between the patches is usually normal, but may be dry and irritable. Steroid ointments alleviate the problem. The patches may clear up without leaving a sign. However, in darker skins, marks may persist for months. These may be dark brown (postinflammatory hyperpigmentation) or paler than surrounding skin (postinflammatory hypopigmentation).

Did You Know?
Whether we are talking about personal or corporate pollution or destruction, the key in both situations is the attitude of individuals. In today's world, more people regard forested or bush covered land as 'waste' or as a vital resource which provides shade and shelter to human and animal life, is a rich source of food and medicine and a critical link in the process of rain making. For example, some real estate developer, disregard the precious life on the site as just as so much 'rubbish' to be cleared. They do not see its potential not only for beauty but for shade, soil stabilization, creation and enrichment and as a continuing habitat for birds and animals. Most businesses are thinking of making money but they do not know that they are destroying the environment indirectly. Whatever manufacture or sale you undertake, try to limit waste or do not take the view that waste doesn't matter because there's plenty more where that came from.

Chemicals have become major pollutants of our world -- land, sea and air. One reason is that there is much more being dispersed into the environment than anyone ever imagined. Another is that some chemicals, such as chlorofluorocarbons, have acted in unforseen ways and disasterously upon substances in the atmosphere which protect earth from the sun's ultra-violet rays. Still another is that chemicals mixing with other chemicals mixing with other chemicals have produced dangerous unforseen consequences on land and sea. As far as human health is concerned, the ever increasing use of chemicals and the interaction of chemicals, with unforeseeable consequences, is generally accepted to have brought about massive increases in cancer.

Dramatic publicity has been given to holes in the ozone layer at either pole with scientists have proved to be caused by chlorofluorocarbons. Ozone depletion will lead to skin cancers, eye disorders, reduced human immunity from diseases and serious damage to plants, trees and marine life such as plankton. If the ozone layer disappears, all life on earth will die.

Increased ultra-violet rays from the sun will not only cause sickness in humans and damage or destroy plants, but it also affects plastic making it brittle and therefore unusable. The chlorofluorocarbons which damage ozone are commonly used in aerosol sprays, solvents and cleaning agents, refrigerators and air conditioners and to make polystyrene. Other chemicals such as halons used in fire extinguishers or carbon tetrachloride, also used in fire fighting, are even more damaging to ozone.

Chemical companies are working at top speed to find alternatives. The use of chlorofluorocarbons, halons and other similarly dangerous chemicals are banned. EDSG (Environmental Data Solutions Group) integrates information technology innovations to optimize environmental, health and safety performance. EDSG helps customers design and implement Environmental Health & Safety Management Information Systems to better manage their EHS compliance and data information. The term "EHS" simply means "Environmental Health and Safety". Focusing on EHS systems, EDSG's core business focus is specifically dedicated to designing and implementing EHS systems -- EHS Compliance Software or EHS Metrics Software etc. edsgrp.com has helped many large businesses to help them stay in compliance with government regulations about the environment. Click here for
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Diagnosis & Treatment Of Hypothyroidism

2007-03-19T23:04:00.001+08:00

Because hypothyroidism is more prevalent in older women, some doctors recommend that older women be screened for the disorder during routine annual physical examinations. Some doctors also recommend that pregnant women or women thinking about becoming pregnant be tested for hypothyroidism.

A medical history and physical exam are the first steps in diagnosing hypothyroidism. If your health professional thinks you may have hypothyroidism, you will have blood tests to measure your thyroid hormones. If you have no or mild symptoms of hypothyroidism and blood tests show slightly abnormal levels of thyroid hormone, you may have mild (subclinical) hypothyroidism.

In general, your doctor may test for an underactive thyroid if you're feeling increasingly tired or sluggish, have dry skin, constipation and a hoarse voice, or have had previous thyroid problems or goiter.

Diagnosis of Hypothyroidism
A diagnosis of hypothyroidism can be suspected in patients with fatigue, cold intolerance, constipation, and dry, flaky skin. A blood test is needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Diagnosis of hypothyroidism is based on your symptoms and the results of blood tests that measure the level of TSH and sometimes the level of the thyroid hormone thyroxine. A low level of thyroxine and high level of TSH indicate an underactive thyroid. That's because your pituitary produces more TSH in an effort to stimulate your thyroid gland into producing more thyroid hormone.

In the past, doctors weren't able to detect hypothyroidism until symptoms were fairly advanced. But by using the sensitive TSH test, doctors are able to diagnose thyroid disorders much earlier — often before you ever experience symptoms. Because the TSH test is the best screening test, your doctor will likely check TSH first and follow with a thyroid hormone test if needed. TSH tests also play an important role in managing hypothyroidism. They help your doctor determine the right dosage of medication, both initially and over time.

In addition, TSH tests are used to help diagnose a condition called subclinical hypothyroidism, which usually causes no outward signs or symptoms. In this condition, you have normal blood levels of T-3 and T-4, but higher than normal levels of TSH.

The blood work mentioned above confirms the diagnosis of hypothyroidism, but does not point to an underlying cause. A combination of the patient's clinical history, antibody screening, and a thyroid scan can help diagnose the precise underlying thyroid problem more clearly. If a pituitary or hypothalamic cause is suspected, an MRI of the brain and other studies may be warranted. These investigations should be made on a case by case basis.

Babies are normally screened for hypothyroidism 24 hours after birth. A tiny sample of blood taken from the baby's heel is tested for low thyroid hormone levels or high thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.

Treatment of Hypothyroidism
The goal of treatment is to restore the thyroid gland to normal function, producing normal levels of thyroid hormones. Specific treatment for hypothyroidism will be determined by your physician based on:

your overall health and medical history

extent of the disease

your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies

expectations for the course of the disease

your opinion or preference

Treatment may include prescription of thyroid hormones to replace the deficient hormones. Dosage of thyroid hormone may need to be increased over the years. Yearly or biyearly checkups are usually required to ensure the proper dosage of thyroid hormones is taken. A patient usually takes thyroid hormones for the rest of his/her life.

Thyroid Weight Loss Treatment
In babies with the inherited form of hypothyroidism, the condition affects growth and cognitive development. It may cause mental retardation, delayed puberty, stunted growth, and ataxia (inability to coordinate muscle movements).

In adults, hypothyroidism slows the body's metabolism, making the patient feel mentally and physically sluggish. Symptoms of hypothyroidism includes weakness, fatigue, muscle aches, mood swings, hair loss, memory loss, or slow speech and weight gain. A person's symptoms will depend upon how little thyroid hormone they produce, and for how long they have had the disorder. When the body is deprived of thyroid hormone, the pituitary gland works overtime, producing extra thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). This glut of TSH may enlarge the thyroid into a condition called a goiter.

Thyromine is your Thyroid Weight Loss solution. Thyromine is a thyroid health supplement, containing vitamins and herbs. Thyromine works by improving your body functions, helping you to restore an active lifestyles; and most importantly, it is your Thyroid Weight Loss remedy.

Symptoms Of Hypothyroidism

2007-03-18T11:01:00.000+08:00

The thyroid is the largest endocrine gland in the body. It sits just below the larynx (voice box) and wraps around the trachea (windpipe). The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormone, which helps the body grow and develop. It also plays an important role in the body's metabolism (the processes in the body that use energy, such as eating, breathing, and regulating heat).

Hypothyroidism (or underactive thyroid) is a common condition in which the thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone. About 1 in 5,000 babies is born with congenital hypothyroidism, in which the thyroid fails to grow normally and cannot produce enough of its hormone. There is no known cause for most cases of congenital hypothyroidism. But about 10 to 20 percent of the time, the condition is caused by an inherited defect that alters the production of thyroid hormone.

Although anyone can develop hypothyroidism, it occurs mainly in women older than 50, and the risk of developing the disorder increases with age. You also have an increased risk if you:

Have a close relative, such as a parent or grandparent, with an autoimmune disease

Have been treated with radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medications

Received radiation to your neck or upper chest

Have had thyroid surgery (partial thyroidectomy)

The symptoms of hypothyroidism are often subtle. They are not specific (which means they can mimic the symptoms of many other conditions) and are often attributed to aging. Patients with mild hypothyroidism may have no signs or symptoms. The symptoms generally become more obvious as the condition worsens and the majority of these complaints are related to a metabolic slowing of the body. Common symptoms are listed below:

Fatigue, low energy
Weakness
Depression
Weight gain and difficulty losing weight
Cold intolerance
Excessive sleepiness
Dry, coarse hair, growing slow
Hair Loss
Constipation
Dry, rough pale skin
Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches
Vague aches and pains
Increased cholesterol levels
Irritability
Memory Loss
Decreased concentration
Swelling of the legs
Decreased libido
Abnormal menstrual cycles
high cholesterol resistant to cholesterol lowering drugs

As the disease becomes more severe, there may be puffiness around the eyes, a slowing of the heart rate, a drop in body temperature, and heart failure. In its most profound form, severe hypothyroidism may lead to a life-threatening coma (myxedema coma). In a severely hypothyroid individual, a myxedema coma tends to be triggered by severe illness, surgery, stress, or traumatic injury. This condition requires hospitalization and immediate treatment with thyroid hormones given by injection.

The symptoms of hypothyroidism occur throughout the body. In adults, they usually develop slowly and are often mistaken for part of the aging process. Some patients will have one of these symptoms as their main complaint, while another will not have that problem at all and will be suffering from a different symptom. Most will have a combination of a number of these symptoms. Occasionally, some patients with hypothyroidism have no symptoms at all, or they are just so subtle that they go unnoticed.

Causes Of Hypothyroidism

2007-03-17T23:04:00.000+08:00

Hypothyroidism is a decreased activity of the thyroid gland which may affect all body functions. The rate of metabolism slows causing mental and physical sluggishness. The most severe form of hypothyroidism is myxedema. Hypothyroidism can be caused by a problem with the thyroid itself (primary), or by the malfunction of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus (secondary).

Hypothyroidism is a very common condition. It is estimated that 3 to 5% of the population has some form of hypothyroidism. The condition is more common in women than in men, and its incidence increases with age. Worldwide, iodine deficiency remains the foremost cause of hypothyroidism. In the United States and other areas of adequate iodine intake, autoimmune thyroid disease is most common.

Hypothyroidism refers to any state in which thyroid hormone production is below normal. There are many disorders that result in hypothyroidism. These disorders may directly or indirectly involve the thyroid gland. Because thyroid hormone affects growth, development, and many cellular processes, inadequate thyroid hormone has widespread consequences for the body.

Subclinical hypothyroidism refers to a state in which patients do not exhibit the symptoms of hypothyroidism. These patients also have a normal amount of circulating thyroid hormone. The only abnormality is an increased TSH on their blood work. This implies that the pituitary gland is working extra hard to maintain a normal circulating thyroid hormone level and that the thyroid gland requires extra stimulation by the pituitary to produce adequate hormones. The majority of these patients can be expected to progress to obvious hypothyroidism, especially if the TSH is above a certain level.

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune reaction, where the body produces antibodies against the thyroid gland. One such autoimmune disorder is called Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an inflammation of the thyroid gland. Other causes include treatment of hyperthyroidism such as radioactive iodine treatment or surgery.

Below is a list of some of the common causes of hypothyroidism:

1. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
The most frequent cause of acquired hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto thyroiditis). The thyroid gland is usually enlarged (goiter) and has a decreased ability to make thyroid hormones. Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system inappropriately attacks the thyroid tissue. In part, this condition is believed to have a genetic basis. This means that the tendency toward developing Hashimoto's thyroiditis can run in families. Hashimoto's is 5 to 10 times more common in women than in men. Blood samples drawn from patients with this disease reveal an increased number of antibodies to the enzyme, thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO antibodies). Since the basis for autoimmune diseases may have a common origin, it is not unusual to find that a patient with Hashimoto's thyroiditis has one or more other autoimmune diseases such as diabetes or pernicious anemia ( B12 deficiency). Hashimoto's can be identified by detecting anti-TPO antibodies in the blood and by performing a thyroid scan.

2. Lymphocytic Thyroiditis After Hyperthyroidism
Thyroiditis refers to inflammation of the thyroid gland. When the inflammation is caused by a particular type of white blood cell known as a lymphocyte, the condition is referred to as lymphocytic thyroiditis. This condition is particularly common after pregnancy and can actually affect up to 8% of women after they deliver. In these cases, there is usually a hyperthyroid phase (in which excessive amounts of thyroid hormone leak out of the inflamed gland), which is followed by a hypothyroid phase that can last for up to 6 months. The majority of affected women eventually return to a state of normal thyroid function, although there is a possibility of remaining hypothyroid.

3. Thyroid Destruction (from radioactive iodine or surgery)
Previous thyroid injury due to surgery or external irradiation (for head and neck neoplasms, breast cancer, or Hodgkin disease) may result in hypothyroidism and require monitoring. Patients who have been treated for a hyperthyroid condition (such as Graves' disease) and received radioactive iodine may be left with little or no functioning thyroid tissue after treatment. The likelihood of this depends on a number of factors including the dose of iodine given, along with the size and the activity of the thyroid gland. If there is no significant activity of the thyroid gland six months after the radioactive iodine treatment, it is usually assumed that the thyroid will no longer function adequately. The result is hypothyroidism. Similarly, removal of the thyroid gland during surgery will be followed by hypothyroidism.

4. Pituitary or Hypothalamic Disease
If for some reason the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus are unable to signal the thyroid and instruct it to produce thyroid hormones, a decreased level of circulating T4 and T3 may result, even if the thyroid gland itself is normal. If this defect is caused by pituitary disease, the condition is called "secondary hypothyroidism". If the defect is due to hypothalamic disease, it is called "tertiary hypothyroidism".

A pituitary injury may result after brain surgery or if there has been a decrease of blood supply to the area. In these cases of pituitary injury, the TSH that is produced by the pituitary gland is deficient and blood levels of TSH are low. Because the thyroid gland is no longer stimulated by the pituitary TSH, hypothyroidism results. This form of hypothyroidism can, therefore, be distinguished from hypothyroidism that is caused by thyroid gland disease, in which the TSH level becomes elevated as the pituitary gland attempts to encourage thyroid hormone production by stimulating the thyroid gland with more TSH. Usually, hypothyroidism from pituitary gland injury occurs in conjunction with other hormone deficiencies, since the pituitary regulates other processes such as growth, reproduction, and adrenal function.

5. Medications
Medications that are used to treat an over-active thyroid (hyperthyroidism) may actually cause hypothyroidism. These drugs include methimazole (Tapezole) and propylthiouracil (PTU). The psychiatric medication, lithium, is also known to alter thyroid function and cause hypothyroidism. Interestingly, drugs containing a large amount of iodine such as amiodarone (Cardorone), SSKI, and Lugol's solution can cause a decrease in thyroid function, thereby resulting in low blood levels of thyroid hormone.

6. Severe Iodine Deficiency
In areas of the world where there is an iodine deficiency in the diet, severe hypothyroidism can be seen in 5 to 15% of the population. Examples of these areas include Zaire, Ecuador, India, and Chile. Severe iodine deficiency is also seen in remote mountain areas such as the Andes and the Himalayas. Since the addition of iodine to table salt and to bread, iodine deficiency is rarely seen in the United States.

7. Congenital hypothyroidism (present from birth).
Congenital hypothyroid child may present with slightly increased head size due to myxedema of the brain. There may be prolongation of physiological jaundice, lethargy, somnolence, large tongue and nasal obstruction. Affected infants cry little, sleep more and are very lethargic. There may be presence of umbilical hernia, hypothermia, constipation, edema of genitals and extremities, cardiomegaly, bradycardia and asymptomatic pericardial effusion.

8. Pregnancy
Some women develop hypothyroidism during or after pregnancy (postpartum hypothyroidism), often because they produce antibodies to their own thyroid gland. Left untreated, hypothyroidism increases the risk of miscarriage, premature delivery and preeclampsia — a condition that causes a significant rise in a woman's blood pressure during the last three months of pregnancy. It can also seriously affect the developing fetus.

What Is Hypothyroidism

2007-03-16T23:34:00.000+08:00

Thyroid hormones are essential and primary regulators of the body's metabolism. Imbalances can affect virtually every metabolic process in the body, exerting significant effects on mood and energy level. Thyroid function has a profound impact on overall health via its modulation of carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism, vitamin utilization, mitochondrial function, digestive process, muscle and nerve activity, blood flow, oxygen utilization, hormone secretion, sexual and reproductive health, and many other physiological parameters

Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck, just below your Adam's apple. Hormones produced by the thyroid gland have an enormous impact on your health, affecting all aspects of your metabolism — from the rate at which your heart beats to how quickly you burn calories.

As long as your thyroid releases the proper amounts of these hormones, your system functions normally. But sometimes your thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones, upsetting the balance of chemical reactions in your body. This condition is known as hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid disease.

Hypothyroidism is the most common pathologic hormone deficiency. It is usually a primary process resulting from failure of the gland to produce adequate amounts of hormone. It may also be caused by a lack of thyroid hormone secretion secondary to the failure of adequate thyrotropin (ie, thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH]) secretion from the pituitary gland or thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) from the hypothalamus (secondary or tertiary hypothyroidism). Patients may be largely asymptomatic or may rarely present with coma and multisystem organ failure (myxedema coma). Severe hypothyroidism can lead to a condition called myxedema, , which is a medical emergency, characterized by dry, thickened skin and coarse facial features.

The risk of developing hypothyroidism tends to increase with age; older women have the highest risk. Women, especially those older than 50, are more likely to have hypothyroidism than men are. Hypothyroidism seldom causes symptoms in the early stages, but over time, untreated hypothyroidism can cause a number of health problems, such as obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease. Women may develop hypothyroidism during or after pregnancy. Hypothyroidism that developed before pregnancy may become worse during pregnancy.

In rare cases, hypothyroidism occurs in infants and children. Cretinism refers to congenital hypothyroidism, which affects 1 per 4000 newborns. Infants will grow and develop normally if hypothyroidism is treated within the first month of life. Untreated hypothyroidism in infants can cause brain damage, leading to mental retardation and developmental delays.

Teens with hypothyroidism typically look much younger than their age. With proper treatment, a teen will catch up in weight and height to healthy teens of the same age.

In adults, untreated hypothyroidism can cause several complications, including fluid around the heart and an increase in the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (increasing the risk of coronary artery disease and stroke). Severe hypothyroidism can cause a life-threatening condition called myxedema coma.

Whether untreated hypothyroidism gets better or worse depends on its cause and your age. Hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto's thyroiditis-a disease in which the body's natural defense (immune) system attacks the thyroid gland-occasionally will disappear on its own. More often, you will have a gradual loss of thyroid function.

General psychological associations
Hypothyroidism can be caused by the medication Lithium which is used to treat Bipolar Disorder (previously known as Manic Depression). In addition, patients with hypothyroidism and psychiatric symptoms may be diagnosed with:

atypical depression (which may present as dysthymia)

bipolar spectrum syndrome (including bipolar depression, manic-depression, mixed mania, rapid-cycling bipolar disorder, cyclothymia, and premenstrual syndromes)

borderline personality disorder

psychotic disorder (typically, paranoid psychosis)

inattentive ADHD or more specifically sluggish cognitive tempo

Adults
In adults, hypothyroidism is associated with the following:

Slowed speech and a hoarse, breaking voice. Deepening of the voice can also be noticed.

Impaired memory

Impaired cognitive function (brain fog)

Urticaria (hives)

Migraine headache

Increased sensitivity to heat and cold

A slow heart rate with ECG changes including low voltage signals. Diminished cardiac output and decreased contractility.

Pericardial effusions may occur.

Sluggish reflexes

Dry puffy skin, especially on the face, and hair loss, especially thinning of the outer third of the eyebrows

Depression (especially in the elderly)

Mild weight gain

Anemia caused by impaired hemoglobin synthesis (decreased EPO levels), impaired intestinal iron and folate absorption or B12 deficiency from pernicious anemia

Slowed metabolism

Constipation

Fatigue (physical)

anxiety/panic attacks

Choking sensation or difficulty swallowing

Shortness of breath with a shallow and slow respiratory pattern.

Impaired ventilatory responses to hypercapnia and hypoxia.

Increased need for sleep

Muscle cramps and joint pain

Brittle fingernails

Osteopenia or Osteoporosis

Paleness

Irritability

Yellowing of the skin due to impaired conversion of beta-carotene to vitamin A

Abnormal menstrual cycles

Impaired renal function with decreased GFR.

Thin, fragile or absent cuticles

Infertility or difficulty becoming pregnant

Elevated serum cholesterol

Mood instability

Acute psychosis (myxedema madness) is a rare presentation of hypothyroidism

Poor muscle tone (muscle hypotonia)

Decreased libido

Pediatric
Hypothyroidism in pediatric patients can cause the following additional symptoms:

short stature

mental retardation

You have a higher risk of developing thyroid disease if, among a variety of factors,

You have a family history of thyroid problem

You have a history of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

You are a female and over menopausal

You are over age 60

You have been exposed to radiation or certain chemicals (i.e., perchlorate, fluoride)

In addition to a complete medical history and medical examination, diagnostic procedures for hypothyroidism may include blood tests to measure levels of thyroid hormones and the thyroid-stimulating hormones produced by the pituitary gland. Accurate thyroid function tests are available to diagnose hypothyroidism, and treatment of hypothyroidism with synthetic thyroid hormone is usually simple and effective once the proper dosage is established.

Potential Dangers of Hypothyroidism
In developed countries, death caused by hypothyroidism is uncommon. Hypothyroidism commonly manifests as a slowing in physical and mental activity but may be asymptomatic. Classic signs and symptoms such as cold intolerance, puffiness, decreased sweating, and coarse skin previously reported in 90-97% of patients may actually occur in only 50-64% of younger patients. Many of the more common symptoms are nonspecific and difficult to attribute to a specific cause. Consequently, the diagnosis of hypothyroidism is based on clinical suspicion and confirmed by laboratory testing. Myxedema coma is a severe form of hypothyroidism that results in an altered mental status, hypothermia, bradycardia, hypercarbia, and hyponatremia. Cardiomegaly, pericardial effusion, and ascites may be present. Myxedema coma most commonly occurs in individuals with undiagnosed or untreated hypothyroid who are subjected to an external stress such as cold exposure, surgery, infection, hypnotics, or other medical interventions.

Associated Disease

As many as 10 percent of 98 million Americans with high cholesterol and high LDL ("bad") cholesterol may not know that their cholesterol is high due to undiagnosed thyroid problem. Older women with sub clinical or under-active hypothyroidism was shown to be twice as likely as women without this condition to have heart attacks.

Thyroid disease is also intricately tied to adrenal gland and ovarian function.

Hazards Of Cosmetic Surgery

2007-03-12T15:14:00.000+08:00

Before Undergoing any form of cosmetic surgery, the patient should be aware of the dangers and drawbacks. The hazards of cosmetic surgery fall into four categories:

1. Risk
As well as the physical risk of infection and excessive bleeding involved in all forms of surgery, cosmetic surgery carries its own hazards. There is a slight risk of wound breakdown and delayed healing, which may spoil the finished result. There is also the risk of a collection of blood under the skin (haematoma). This stretches the skin and spoils the result of, say, a face-lift. It also increases the chance of infection and wound breakdown.

2. Price
A full face-lift performed in a private clinic would cost more than an operation on the nose.

3. Expectations
Some people believe that cosmetic surgery can 'work miracles'. This is not true. It cannot make a person youthful, virile or professionally successful.

Whatever the reasons for choosing cosmetic surgery, it is important to have realistic expectations. Improving a feature of the face or body may give greater self-confidence and add to a sense of well being, but it is not a guarantee of happiness or better relationships with others. Cosmetic surgery deals in improvement--not in perfection.

4. Disappointment
Even if the operation is a success patients are often disappointed with the outcome, they feel that their new nose or chin could have been a little 'different' or a little 'better'. The dissatisfaction often stems from a lack of communication between the patient and the surgeon beforehand, when the effects should have been fully discussed.

Good Candidate for Cosmetic Surgery
The best patient is in good health generally, a nonsmoker, within twenty pounds of their ideal weight, not going through major life stress (i.e. grieving a death, changing jobs, divorcing), and motivated by internal desires to look better.

This personal desire may be influenced to some degree by the individual's role in society. Because today's culture is youth-oriented, people seek ways to counter the effects of aging on their appearance.

Many elect surgery to look as young as they feel, to build confidence after a lifestyle change or to retain their edge against younger competitors. Surgery should be sought because the patient desires a change for himself or herself, not just to please a spouse, child, friend or any other person.

Whether a person is a good candidate for cosmetic surgery can only be answered after a consultation with a prospective plastic surgeon. There are many things to consider including psychiatric conditions, life stress, medical illness, obesity, and motivation.

Improvements in appearance can be made at any age with cosmetic surgery. However, as a person gets older, the changes do not last as long and they may not be as dramatic.

Rules And Safeguards
All operations have some risk. The main risks in cosmetic surgery are swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, a scar and numbness or change in feeling. General and specific risks should be discussed with the surgeon during the consultation.

A doctor, who is well trained and experienced in performing the specific procedure desired, should be carefully selected. Goals to be accomplished and whether these goals are realistic should be discussed with the doctor. Insurance does not usually cover costs for elective cosmetic surgery.

Do not enter a private clinic for cosmetic surgery without first discussing it with your own doctor. He will advise you whether it is likely to improve your appearance.

If you decide to go ahead your doctor can put you in touch with a reputable clinic and ensure that the consultant surgeon there is fully trained and qualified. You can also look up the surgeon's qualifications. You should also make sure that he works at a reputable hospital and was trained at a reputable center.

Wounds heal better if they are kept dry; scars are often at their worst in the first three months and, although permanent, they should fade within a year; swelling is common, but disappears in about a month; with nose reductions, it takes almost a year for the skin to shrink fully into place; and bruising fades in about three weeks.

The end result of cosmetic surgery may not be immediately obvious to relatives, friends and colleagues, especially if the alteration has been a minor one.

Plastic Vs Cosmetic Surgery

2007-03-11T09:54:00.000+08:00

Cosmetic surgery is one of many branches of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery that continues to gain in popularity. The main purpose of plastic surgery is to restore normal physical function of the body parts. Plastic surgery helps people to regain their normal function in their daily lives. Cosmetic surgery is basically surgery with a goal of improving form. It is changing the shape of your body for the sake of making the patient happy.

Cosmetic surgery is becoming well-known and popular nowadays. The branch of medicine that deals with surgical reconstruction of deformed, disfigured or injured parts of the body. When surgery is performed solely to improve the appearance it is called cosmetic surgery.

Demand for plastic surgery has increased along with exposure on TV shows. With the increasing popularity of cosmetic or aesthetic surgery, we often encounter different terms such as "plastic surgery", "cosmetic surgery", "reconstructive surgery", "plastic surgeon", "aesthetic plastic surgeon", "cosmetic plastic surgeon", "plastic and reconstructive surgeon", "cosmetic surgeon" or "aesthetic surgeon". Is there any difference between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery?

Difference Between Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Surgery
Plastic surgery is a specialized branch of surgery that is concerned with correcting deformities that are congenital (in-born) or acquired from accidents or aging, in order to restore or enhance form and/or function.

Plastic surgery can be divided into two main categories: cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery. Cosmetic surgery is an elective surgery. The surgery is not medically needed to improve the physical well-being of the patient. Cosmetic surgery is a subset of plastic surgery. Cosmetic surgery is the process of enhancement of appearance through surgical and medical techniques. It is specifically concerned with maintaining normal appearance, restoring it, or enhancing it toward some aesthetic ideal.

Cosmetic surgery is a multi-disciplinary and comprehensive approach directed to all areas of the head, neck and body. The target of cosmetic surgery is generally self-esteem. Patients undergo cosmetic surgery to alter or enhance a feature and in return are happier with their bodies and are more self-confident. Cosmetic surgery is practiced by surgeons from a variety of disciplines including board-certified dermatologists, general surgeons, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, ophthalmologists, otolaryngologists, plastic surgeons and physicians from other fields. All of these disciplines have contributed to the vital growth of cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic surgery is primarily learned during a surgeon’s post residency through ongoing continuing education, training, and experience.

During reconstructive surgery, you take a body part that is not within a range of normal appearance, and you try to make it look more normal. The repair of a cleft lip or the straightening of a nose that has been broken is usually considered reconstructive surgery, not cosmetic surgery, because the body part that is being improved didn't start out in a range of normal appearance; rather, it's being brought back to a normal appearance. Unlike cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery deals with the repair, reconstruction or replacement of physical defects of form or function involving the skin, musculoskeletal system, crainomaxillofacial structure, hand extremities, breast and trunk and external genitalia.

Although plastic surgery can be categorized into either reconstructive or cosmetic surgery, there is no clear distinction between the two, since there is a cosmetic aspect in reconstructive surgery, and often a reconstructive aspect in cosmetic surgery.

Rhinoplasty is a type of plastic surgery that is used to improve the function (reconstructive surgery or appearance (cosmetic surgery) of a person's nose. Rhinoplasty is also commonly called a "nose job". Rhinoplasty can be performed to meet aesthetic goals or for reconstructive purposes to correct birth defects or breathing problems. It can be combined with other surgical procedures such as chin augmentation to enhance the aesthetic results.

Cosmetic surgery is a subset of plastic surgery. It still makes sense to use the terms almost interchangeably, though. If you have a rhinoplasty, you can say that you had cosmetic surgery, or you can accurately say that you had plastic surgery. (When considering cosmetic surgery, people are almost universally unaware of the difference between cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery. In addition, a doctor who performs cosmetic plastic surgery is not necessarily trained as a plastic surgeon. There has been a number of newspaper reports and stories about plastic surgery that has went wrong. These procedures were done mostly by unskilled and unqualified physicians.

Difference Between Plastic Surgeon And Cosmetic Surgeon
Plastic surgery, like any surgery, carries risks and must be treated seriously. To ensure the best results for plastic surgery, always choose an authentic plastic surgeon with the training and experience that is essential for the success of your surgery. Choosing the right surgeon is the single most important decision a patient considering plastic surgery will make.

The primary difference between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon is the training that they have undergone. To become a plastic surgeon and use the title of "Plastic Surgeon" in his clinical practice, a doctor must be fully licensed to practice medicine and must undergo a formal residency training program in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. Doctors who have completed residency training in plastic and reconstructive surgery are the only doctors who can rightfully claim to be plastic surgeons. A fully trained plastic surgeon can use any or all of the following titles: Plastic Surgeon, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon, Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon, Facial Plastic Surgeon, Aesthetic Surgeon, and Cosmetic Surgeon.

Cosmetic or aesthetic surgeons are doctors who perform cosmetic surgery procedures, regardless of the training they have received. The patient must inquire into the training of the doctor because these doctors have varying credentials, such as residency training in general surgery, ENT, OB-Gyne, dermatology, or the doctor may not even have formal surgical training.

Plastic Surgeon or Cosmetic Surgeon
The extensive training that a plastic surgeon undergoes gives him a definite advantage over a cosmetic surgeon who has not had this specialized training. A plastic surgeon is trained to respond to unexpected outcomes. A doctor who practices cosmetic surgery must not only know how to do a procedure, but he must also have the technical skills and knowledge on what to do in case wound healing does not proceed normally or when other complications arise. The training and years of experience of a plastic surgeon makes a definite difference in the quality of work and success of the surgery.

Surgery is always serious, with potential dangers, no matter how popular the procedure.
Cosmetic surgery is often viewed more casually, which could set up unrealistic expectations about recovery, risk and results. Thus plastic surgery or plastic surgeon are often preferred to cosmetic surgery.

Uses of Cosmetic Surgery

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There are 13 basic cosmetic surgery operations which can be safely and successfully performed. All are conducted under anaesthetic, either general or local.

1. Scars and blemishes
Scars can be improved and minor skin blemishes such as moles can be removed.

2. Tattoo marks
Tattooing is done by injecting pigment deeply into the skin. A fine needle -- and blue, green and red colours -- are used to produce a picture. Tattoos can be removed in one of three ways: by cutting out the coloured skin and sewing up the wound to leave a line scar: by cutting out the large tattoo and replacing it with a skin graft; or by using a laser beam to burn out the colour and leave a scar in the shape of the original tattoo. Sandpapering the skin is unsuccessful because the blue dye is always very deep in the skin; it will, however, improve a tattoo by removing the red and green.

3. Protruding ears
Ears that protrude can be set back against the head. The excess skin behind the ears is removed and the cartilage, or gristle, is weakened, allowing the ear to lie flat. The resultant scar is concealed in the crease-line between the ears and the scalp.

4. Face-lift
Excessive facial lines, jowels and a drooping neck can be removed with a face-lift. The incision starts within the hair-line at the temple. It descends in the natural crease-line in front of the ear, curved round the lobe into the crease-line behind the ear, and then follows the hair-line to the nape of the neck. The surgeon gently pulls the facial skin back, making it taut over the cheek-bones. This smooths out the ridges and wrinkles. The excess skin is trimmed off and the edges are stitched together. The wounds are then dressed. The effect of a face-lift can be gauged beforehand by pulling th cheek skin back towards the ears with a finger on each side of the face.

A good face-lift will last for many years -- until the face starts to droop again. It is not ususual to have more than one face-lift, as the result of a second operation does not greatly improve the appearance.

5. Bags around the eyes
Excess skin from the upper eyelids can be removed to eliminate bagginess. This leaves the scar in the natural crease-line, about midway between eyebrow and eyelash, when the eye is closed. In the lower eyelid the cut is made immediately below the lower eyelashes, where the resultant scar will not be noticeable. The skin is undercut, pulled upwards and outwards, and the excess is trimmed off, removing the bags under the eye. The outer part of the scar thus lies in the natural crease-line between eye and temple.

6. Pockmarks
Acne and smallpox scars can be smoothed and removed, provided they are not too deep. The skin is rubbed down with a mechanical abrasive cylinder, or sometimes by using sandpaper. The best results are obtained on the cheeks, forehead and chin; the chest and back are less responsive to treatment.

Where there are many deep scars on the face, a face-lift will make them less noticeable by changing the shape of the pits from round to oval. Acne must always be inactive before an operation takes place -- otherwise it will flare up again.

7. Misshapen Chin
An over-prominent chin, caused by an over-developed lower jaw, can be rectified. The jaw-bone is divided on both sides and pushed back to a new position. THe teeth are then wired together to allow the bone to set and heal. As well as improving the contour, the operation often makes the entire face look rounder and smaller. When only the chin is over-prominent, and the jaw-bone is normally proportioned, the excess bone can be shaved down.

8. Misshapen Nose
Noses can be made smaller, shorter or straight -- and these are the most frequently requested operations. All incisions are made inside the nostrils. With crooked noses, the inner mid-line partition -- the septum, which separates the nostrils -- is often buckled. This can hamper a person's breathing, and the disability is corrected as part of the straightening operation.

Other noses may be lacking the structural support provided by the mid-line and so have a deformed or 'collapsed' appearance. If the bridge-line is narrow, the deformity is corrected by inserting a silicone or hip-bone strut through a vertical incision made in the mid-line of the columella -- the piece of skin between the nostrils. The resultant scar is narrow and hidden by the shadow of the nose.

9. Small Breasts
Flat chests in women can be enlarged by means of a silicone rubber implant behind the breasts. An incision is made in the horizontal crease-line beneath the breast. A pocket is then tunnelled behind the breast, but in front of the chest muscles. The implant fits snugly into the pocket. The scar will lie in the natural crease-line and is hidden by the new breast contour. However, more than half of the patients later develop excessive scar tissue around the implant -- which makes it hard, round and sometimes uncomfortable.

There is no way of preventing this, nor any way of knowing whom it will effect. However, the scar tissue can be removed by a second operation in which the implant is taken out and then replaced. Even so, there is no guarantee that the trouble will not recur.

10. Over-large Breasts
Large and drooping breasts can be reduced and given a firm and shapely contour. The excess skin, fat and tissue are removed, but this causes the nipples to move out of position. They then have to be transferred to their correct sites. This is a more complicated operation than breast enlargement, and the scars are more noticeable. There will be a long scar in the crease-line under the breast. There will also be a cut around the areola -- the flat, pigmented part of the nipple. However, as the scar lies a the junction between the pigmented and non-pigmented skin, it will not be too obvious. A vertical scar -- partly in shadow -- joins the other two. This scar often broadens, but it will fade with time.

In men, the breast may become unnaturally enlarged and so be unsightly. It can be reduced by removing all the breast tissue, by means of an incision through the areola. The resultant scar is unnoticeable.

11. Big Stomachs
Excess skin and fat from the front of the abdomen -- which cannot be got rid of by dieting -- can be removed to give the patient a trimmer figure. The incision goes across the abdomen down almost to the abdominal muscles, and the layer of overlying skin and fat is stripped upwards. The layer is then pulled down, tightening the rest of the skin, and the excess is trimmed off. By then, the navel has become too low and has to be surgically moved back up the abdomen. To relax the wound as it is being stitched, the patient's knees and hips are bent, so he will have to walk bent for the next few days, but he can sit normally.

12. Thighs, buttocks and hips
Excess fat can also be removed from the thighs, buttocks and hips. However, the resultant scars may stretch and be obvious.

13. Baldness
Hair transplants -- which are not always successful -- are mostly performed on men, who characteristically become bald at the temples and on the crown of the head. Pieces of skin containing hair roots form the sides and back of the scalp are punched out by a sharp, hand-held punch and then planted in punch holes in the bald patches. About 200 transplants are needed and they may be combined with a strip of hair-bearing skin -- taken from above the ears -- which forms a false hair-line on the forehead. The final result -- effective after about a year -- is never as thick as a wig or a hair-piece -- and the donor sites may look unsightly.

Cosmetic Surgery

2007-03-08T12:07:00.000+08:00

In seeking to correct such flaws as an unsightly or oversized nose, cosmetic surgery can boost the patient's self-confidence. No longer need he fear, at work or on social occasions, that people are making derogatory remarks about his looks.

A person looks can have a direct impact on how they feel about themselves. People, who don't like the way they look, can have a poor self-esteem and lack confidence. Whether it's a nose that's too big, breasts that are too small, or wrinkled, sagging skin, it is a problem that can often be solved with cosmetic surgery. There are procedures available that help people not only look better but feel better as well.

Cosmetic surgery is a form of plastic surgery. Taken from the Greek word "plastikos", meaning to mold or give form, plastic surgery is the specialty of medicine dedicated to restoring and reshaping the human body. It includes both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.

Cosmetic surgery enhances natural beauty. Skin, fat, and muscle are surgically removed, repositioned, reshaped, and/or tightened to rejuvenate, enhance, improve appearance, and balance body proportions. The work of a plastic surgeon is to correct embarrassing disfigurements and deformities.

People that are sensitive or concerned about some aspect of their physical appearance, turn to cosmetic surgery to give a more youthful, refreshed, and balanced look so that they will feel better about themselves. Some have noticeable changes made, others, subtle refinements.

Cosmetic surgery is a very popular avenue for personal enhancement. As for any operation, cosmetic procedures involve risk, and should therefore not be undertaken lightly. Some people appear to become addicted to cosmetic surgery, possibly because of body dysmorphic disorder. Sufficient amounts of repeated cosmetic surgery can lead to irreversible damage to the normal body structure. However, due to the high cost of repeated cosmetic surgery, this disorder is generally one limited to the wealthy. However, others have been known to take out loans for repeat procedures.

More and more people are approaching such clinics for plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery without consulting their doctor or being referred to a particular surgeon. In so doing they may be exposing themselves to the risk of an expensive and unsuccessful operation -- which could result in a series of further operations to correct the one that went wrong. South Korea is known for the high prevalence of plastic surgery in its population. One conservative estimate puts at least 50% of South Korean women in their twenties have some form of plastic surgery.

What Cosmetic Surgery Can Do
There are four ways in which cosmetic surgery can help the patient:
1. It can often improve an ugly scar -- although it will not remove the scar completely. This is because once the skin has been cut into deeply, the resultant scar is permanent. But cutting out a scar and sewing the skin neatly may leave the area flat and less defaced. However, some people, especially those with dark skin, develop thick, raised, itchy red scar tissue called keloid. This form of abnormal healing is often worse than the original scar. But it is a risk the patient may be prepared to take, and in most cases keloid eventually flattens and fades away. If it persists, then radiotherapy may help it fade.

2. Moles and some birthmarks can be removed with little scarring by surgery or skilled use of an argon laser.

3. Excess skin which may come with advancing years or weight loss can be removed from the face, eyelids, stomach and breasts. The post-operative scars of face-lifting and similar operations will fall into natural crease-lines, be hidden by hair or be covered by clothing.

4. The nose, chin, breasts and stomach can be reduced in size and made more symmetrical.

What Cosmetic Surgery Cannot Do
Despite popular belief to the contrary, cosmetic surgery can rarely be performed without leaving a scar. The few operations in which scars are not left are: the sandpapering of pitted facial scars (dermabrasion), which is limited to the top layers of the skin; the use of acid to tighten wrinkled skin, which causes a very mild burn; the reduction of an excessively large nose (rhinoplasty), in which the scars are inside the nose and so are not visible.

1. It cannot make people look younger than they are. But it can prevent them looking older than they are. It can turn an aged 60 years old into an well preserved 60 years old. Age is not just a matter of years. It is revealed by people's habits, speech, posture and gait, and none of these can be made to seem younger by a surgical operation.

2. By changing a person's face, it cannot necessarily save a marriage, increase job efficiency or alter personality -- although it may make the patient a more contented, happier and therefore nicer person to be with.

3. It cannot cure mental illness or depression caused by brooding about a particular disfigurement -- real or imaginary. If the patient is mentally upset by, say , an outsize nose, its reduction will not automatically remove or decrease his obsession. Instead, he may find fault with his 'new' nose or start to worry about some other physical defect which he may or may not have.

4. Cosmetic surgery cannot reproduce an 'ideal' nose from a photograph of an actor or a model in a magazine. And those who expect such perfection are doomed to disappointment.

5. It cannot remove such blemishes as a pink birthmark (haemangioma) or port-wine stain, which if large is better masked by ordinary cosmetics. It is possible to replace a large birthmark -- provided it is not on the face -- with skin taken from another part of the body and grafted in place. But the graft will not match the colour or texture of the rest of the skin.

Facts About Colon Cancer

2006-12-24T13:13:00.000+08:00

Globally, cancer of the colon and rectum is the third leading cause of cancer in males and the fourth leading cause of cancer in females. The frequency of colorectal cancer varies around the world. It is common in the Western world, and is rare in Asia and Africa. In countries where the people have adopted western diets, the incidence of colorectal cancer is increasing.

Symptoms of colon cancer
Symptoms of colon cancer are numerous and non-specific. They include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, change in bowel habits, narrow stools, diarrhea or constipation, red or dark blood in stool, weight loss, abdominal pain, cramps, or bloating. Other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (spastic colon), ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, diverticulosis, and peptic ulcer disease can have symptoms that mimic colorectal cancer.

Colon cancer can be present for several years before symptoms develop. Symptoms vary according to where in the large bowel the tumor is located. The right colon is spacious, and cancers of the right colon can grow to large sizes before they cause any abdominal symptoms. Typically, right-sided cancers cause iron deficiency anemia due to the slow loss of blood over a long period of time. Iron deficiency anemia causes fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. The left colon is narrower than the right colon. Therefore, cancers of the left colon are more likely to cause partial or complete bowel obstruction. Cancers causing partial bowel obstruction can cause symptoms of constipation, narrowed stool, diarrhea, abdominal pains, cramps, and bloating. Bright red blood in the stool may also indicate a growth near the end of the left colon or rectum.

Colon polyps and colon cancer
Doctors believe that most colon cancers develop in colon polyps. Therefore, removing benign colon polyps can prevent colorectal cancer. Colon polyps develop when chromosome damage occurs in cells of the inner lining of the colon. Chromosomes contain genetic information inherited from each parent. Normally, healthy chromosomes control the growth of cells in an orderly manner. When chromosomes are damaged, cell growth becomes uncontrolled, resulting in masses of extra tissue (polyps). Colon polyps are initially benign. Over years, benign colon polyps can acquire additional chromosome damage to become cancerous.

Ulcerative colitis and colon cancer
Chronic ulcerative colitis causes inflammation of the inner lining of the colon. The risk of colon cancer is much higher than average for patients with chronic ulcerative colitis of long duration. The risk of colon cancer increases significantly after 10 years of colitis.

Genetics and colon cancer
A person's genetic background is an important factor in colon cancer risk. Among first-degree relatives of colon cancer patients, the lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is eighteen percent (a threefold increase over the general population in the United States).

Even though family history of colon cancer is an important risk factor, majority (80%) of colon cancers occur sporadically in patients with no family history of colon cancer. Approximately 20% of cancers are associated with a family history of colon cancer. And 5 % of colon cancers are due to hereditary colon cancer syndromes. Hereditary colon caner syndromes are disorders where affected family members have inherited cancer causing genetic defects from one or both of the parents.

Chromosomes contain genetic information, and chromosome damages cause genetic defects that lead to the formation of colon polyps and later colon cancer. In sporadic polyps and cancers (polyps and cancers that develop in the absence of family history), the chromosome damages are acquired (develop in a cell during adult life). The damaged chromosomes can only be found in the polyps and the cancers that develop from that cell. But in hereditary colon cancer syndromes, the chromosome defects are inherited at birth and are present in every cell in the body. Patients who have inherited the hereditary colon cancer syndrome genes are at risk of developing large number of colon polyps, usually at young ages, and are at very high risk of developing colon cancer early in life, and also are at risk of developing cancers in other organs.

FAP (familial adenomatous polyposis) is a hereditary colon cancer syndrome where the affected family members will develop countless numbers (hundreds, sometimes thousands) of colon polyps starting during the teens. Unless the condition is detected and treated (treatment involves removal of the colon) early, a person affected by familial polyposis syndrome is almost sure to develop colon cancer from these polyps. Cancers usually develop in the 40’s. These patients are also at risk of developing other cancers such as cancers in the thyroid gland, stomach, and the ampulla (the part where the bile ducts drain into the duodenum just beyond the stomach).

AFAP (attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis) is a milder version of FAP. Affected members develop less than 100 colon polyps. Nevertheless they are still at very high risk of developing colon cancers at young ages. They are also at risk of having gastric polyps and duodenal polyps.

HNPCC (hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer) is a hereditary colon cancer syndrome where affected family members can develop colon polyps and cancers, usually in the right colon, at early ages of 30’s to 40’s. Certain HNPCC patients are also at risk of developing uterine cancer, stomach cancer, ovarian cancer, and cancers of the ureters (the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder), and the biliary tract (the ducts that drain bile from the liver to the intestines).

MYH polyposis syndrome is a recently discovered hereditary colon cancer syndrome. Affected members typically develop 10-100 polyps occurring at around 40 years of age, and are at high risk of developing colon cancer.

Fast Facts About Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor arising from the inner wall of the large intestine.

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer in males, fourth in females in the U.S.

Risk factors for colorectal cancer include heredity, colon polyps, and long standing ulcerative colitis.

Most colorectal cancers develop from polyps. Removal of colon polyps can prevent colorectal cancer.

Colon polyps and early cancer can have no symptoms. Therefore regular screening is important.

Diagnosis of colorectal cancer can be made by barium enema or by colonoscopy with biopsy confirmation of cancer tissue.

Treatment of colorectal cancer depends on the location, size, and extent of cancer spread, as well as the age and health of the patient.

Surgery is the most common treatment for colorectal cancer.

Diagnosis & Treatment Of Colon Cancer

2006-12-23T12:17:00.000+08:00

Colon cancer remains a major cause of death and disease, especially in the Western world. A clear understanding of the causes and course of the disease is emerging. This has allowed for recommendations regarding screening for and prevention of this disease. The removal of colon polyps helps prevent colon cancer. Early detection of colon cancer can improve the chances of a cure and overall survival. Treatment remains unsatisfactory for advanced disease, but research in this area remains strong and newer treatments continue to emerge. New and exciting preventive measures have recently focused on the possible beneficial effects of aspirin or other anti-inflammatory agents. In trials, the use of these agents has markedly limited colon cancer formation in several experimental models. Other agents being evaluated to prevent colon cancer include calcium, selenium, and vitamins A, C, and E. More studies are needed before these agents can be recommended for widespread use by the public to prevent colon cancer.

When colon cancer is suspected, either a lower GI series (barium enema x-ray) or colonoscopy is performed to confirm the diagnosis and to localize the tumor.

A barium enema involves taking x-rays of the colon and the rectum after the patient is given an enema with a white, chalky liquid containing barium. The barium outlines the large intestines on the x-rays. Tumors and other abnormalities appear as dark shadows on the x-rays.

Colonoscopy is a procedure whereby a doctor inserts a long, flexible viewing tube into the rectum for the purpose of inspecting the inside of the entire colon. Colonoscopy is generally considered more accurate than barium enema x-rays, especially in detecting small polyps. If colon polyps are found, they are usually removed through the colonoscope and sent to the pathologist. The pathologist examines the polyps under the microscope to check for cancer. While the majority of the polyps removed through the colonoscopes are benign, many are precancerous. Removal of precancerous polyps prevents the future development of colon cancer from these polyps.

If cancerous growths are found during colonoscopy, small tissue samples (biopsies) can be obtained and examined under the microscope to confirm the diagnosis. If colon cancer is confirmed by a biopsy, staging examinations are performed to determine whether the cancer has already spread to other organs. Since colorectal cancer tends to spread to the lungs and the liver, staging tests usually include chest x-rays, ultrasonography, or a CAT scan of the lungs, liver, and abdomen.

Sometimes, the doctor may obtain a blood test for CEA (carcinoembyonic antigen). CEA is a substance produced by some cancer cells. It is sometimes found in high levels in patients with colorectal cancer, especially when the disease has spread.

There are different types of treatment for patients with colon cancer.

Different types of treatment are available for patients with colon cancer. Some treatments are standard (the currently used treatment), and some are being tested in clinical trials. Before starting treatment, patients may want to think about taking part in a clinical trial. A treatment clinical trial is a research study meant to help improve current treatments or obtain information on new treatments for patients with cancer. When clinical trials show that a new treatment is better than the standard treatment, the new treatment may become the standard treatment.

Clinical trials are taking place in many parts of the country. Choosing the most appropriate cancer treatment is a decision that ideally involves the patient, family, and health care team.

Three types of standard treatment are used. These include the following:

1. Surgery
Surgery (removing the cancer in an operation) is the most common treatment for all stages of colon cancer. A doctor may remove the cancer using one of the following types of surgery:

Local excision: If the cancer is found at a very early stage, the doctor may remove it without cutting through the abdominal wall. Instead, the doctor may put a tube through the rectum into the colon and cut the cancer out. This is called a local excision. If the cancer is found in a polyp (a small bulging piece of tissue), the operation is called a polypectomy.

Resection: If the cancer is larger, the doctor will perform a partial colectomy (removing the cancer and a small amount of healthy tissue around it). The doctor may then perform an anastomosis (sewing the healthy parts of the colon together). The doctor will also usually remove lymph nodes near the colon and examine them under a microscope to see whether they contain cancer.

Resection and colostomy: If the doctor is not able to sew the 2 ends of the colon back together, a stoma (an opening) is made on the outside of the body for waste to pass through. This procedure is called a colostomy. A bag is placed around the stoma to collect the waste. Sometimes the colostomy is needed only until the lower colon has healed, and then it can be reversed. If the doctor needs to remove the entire lower colon, however, the colostomy may be permanent. Three panel drawing showing colon cancer surgery with colostomy; first panel shows area of colon with cancer, middle panel shows cancer and nearby tissue removed and stoma created, last panel shows a colostomy bag attached to the stoma.

Radiofrequency ablation: The use of a special probe with tiny electrodes that kill cancer cells. Sometimes the probe is inserted directly through the skin and only local anesthesia is needed. In other cases, the probe is inserted through an incision in the abdomen. This is done in the hospital with general anesthesia.

Cryosurgery: A treatment that uses an instrument to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue, such as carcinoma in situ. This type of treatment is also called cryotherapy.

Even if the doctor removes all the cancer that can be seen at the time of the operation, some patients may be given chemotherapy or radiation therapy after surgery to kill any cancer cells that are left. Treatment given after the surgery, to increase the chances of a cure, is called adjuvant therapy.

2. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping the cells from dividing. When chemotherapy is taken by mouth or injected into a vein or muscle, the drugs enter the bloodstream and can reach cancer cells throughout the body (systemic chemotherapy). When chemotherapy is placed directly into the spinal column, an organ, or a body cavity such as the abdomen, the drugs mainly affect cancer cells in those areas (regional chemotherapy).

Chemoembolization of the hepatic artery may be used to treat cancer that has spread to the liver. This involves blocking the hepatic artery (the main artery that supplies blood to the liver) and injecting anticancer drugs between the blockage and the liver. The liver’s arteries then deliver the drugs throughout the liver. Only a small amount of the drug reaches other parts of the body. The blockage may be temporary or permanent, depending on what is used to block the artery. The liver continues to receive some blood from the hepatic portal vein, which carries blood from the stomach and intestine.

The way the chemotherapy is given depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.

3. Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells. 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 radioactive substance sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters that are placed directly into or near the cancer. The way the radiation therapy is given depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.

Other types of treatment are being tested in clinical trials. These include the following:

Biologic therapy - Biologic therapy is a treatment that uses the patient’s immune system to fight cancer. Substances made by the body or made in a laboratory are used to boost, direct, or restore the body’s natural defenses against cancer. This type of cancer treatment is also called biotherapy or immunotherapy.

Follow-up exams may help find recurrent colon cancer earlier.

After treatment, a blood test to measure carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA; a substance in the blood that may be increased when colon cancer is present) may be done along with other tests to see if the cancer has come back.

Patients whose colon cancer spreads or recurs after initial treatment with chemotherapy may be offered further chemotherapy with a different drug or combination of drugs.

Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.

The prognosis (chance of recovery) depends on the following:

* The stage of the cancer (whether the cancer is in the inner lining of the colon only, involves the whole colon, or has spread to other places in the body).
* Whether the cancer has blocked or created a hole in the colon.
* The blood levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA; a substance in the blood that may be increased when cancer is present) before treatment begins.
* Whether the cancer has recurred.
* The patient’s general health.

Prevention
People can change their eating habits by reducing fat intake, and increasing fiber (roughage) in their diet. Major sources of fat are meat, eggs, dairy products, salad dressings, and oils used in cooking. Fiber is the insoluble, non- digestible part of plant material present in fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain breads and cereals. It is postulated that high fiber in the diet leads to the creation of bulky stools which can rid the intestines of potential carcinogens. In addition, fiber leads to the more rapid transit of fecal material through the intestine, thus allowing less time for a potential carcinogen to react with the intestinal lining.

Unfortunately, colon cancers can be well advanced before they are detected. The most effective prevention of colon cancer is early detection and removal of precancerous colon polyps before they turn cancerous. Even in cases where cancer has already developed, early detection still significantly improves the chances of a cure by surgically removing the cancer before the disease spreads to other organs. Multiple world health organizations have suggested general screening guidelines.

Colon Cancer

2006-12-22T12:17:00.000+08:00

Polyps in the colon. Some polyps have a stalk and others do not.

The colon absorbs water, electrolytes, and nutrients from food and transports them into the bloodstream. It is about 6 feet in length and consists of the cecum (connects to the small intestine at the cecal valve), the ascending colon (the vertical segment located on the right side of the abdomen), the transverse colon (extends across the abdomen), the descending colon (leads vertically down the left side of the abdomen), and the sigmoid colon (extends to the rectum).

Colon cancer (cancer of the large bowel) strikes 155,000 persons in the United States each year. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, exceeded only by lung cancer. Colon cancer can be treated and often cured if it is found early. Because death from colon cancer is preventable, doctors want to look for colon cancer before it grows too large or spreads to other organs. Testing persons without symptoms or signs of colon cancer (such as blood in the stool or low blood count) is called screening. Screening for colon cancer is recommended for everyone aged 50 years and older.

Age and health history can affect the risk of developing colon cancer.

Risk factors include the following:

Age 50 or older.

A family history of cancer of the colon or rectum.

A personal history of cancer of the colon, rectum, ovary, endometrium, or breast.

A history of polyps in the colon.

A history of ulcerative colitis (ulcers in the lining of the large intestine) or Crohn's disease.

Certain hereditary conditions, such as familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC; Lynch Syndrome).

Possible signs of colon cancer include a change in bowel habits or blood in the stool.

These and other symptoms may be caused by colon cancer. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur:

A change in bowel habits.

Blood (either bright red or very dark) in the stool.

Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely.

Stools that are narrower than usual.

Frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, or cramps.

Weight loss for no known reason.

Feeling very tired.

Vomiting.

After colon cancer has been diagnosed, tests are done to find out if cancer cells have spread within the colon or to other parts of the body.

The process used to find out if cancer has spread within the colon or to other parts of the body is called staging. The information gathered from the staging process determines the stage of the disease. It is important to know the stage in order to plan treatment.

As colon cancer progresses from Stage 0 to Stage IV, the cancer cells grow through the layers of the colon wall and spread to lymph nodes and other organs.

Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ)
In stage 0, the cancer is found only in the innermost lining of the colon. Stage 0 cancer is also called carcinoma in situ.

Stage I
In stage I, the cancer has spread beyond the innermost tissue layer of the colon wall to the middle layers. Stage I colon cancer is sometimes called Dukes’ A colon cancer.

Stage II
Stage II colon cancer is divided into stage IIA and stage IIB.

Stage IIA: Cancer has spread beyond the middle tissue layers of the colon wall or has spread to nearby tissues around the colon or rectum.

Stage IIB: Cancer has spread beyond the colon wall into nearby organs and/or through the peritoneum.

Stage II colon cancer is sometimes called Dukes' B colon cancer.

Stage III
Stage III colon cancer is divided into stage IIIA, stage IIIB, and stage IIIC.

1. Stage IIIA: Cancer has spread from the innermost tissue layer of the colon wall to the middle layers and has spread to as many as 3 lymph nodes.
2. Stage IIIB: Cancer has spread to as many as 3 nearby lymph nodes and has spread:

beyond the middle tissue layers of the colon wall; or

to nearby tissues around the colon or rectum; or

beyond the colon wall into nearby organs and/or through the peritoneum.

3. Stage IIIC: Cancer has spread to 4 or more nearby lymph nodes and has spread:

to or beyond the middle tissue layers of the colon wall; or

to nearby tissues around the colon or rectum; or

to nearby organs and/or through the peritoneum.

Stage III colon cancer is sometimes called Dukes' C colon cancer.

Stage IV
In stage IV, cancer may have spread to nearby lymph nodes and has spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver or lungs. Stage IV colon cancer is sometimes called Dukes’ D colon cancer.

Recurrent Colon Cancer
Recurrent colon cancer is cancer that has recurred (come back) after it has been treated. The cancer may come back in the colon or in other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, or both.

What Is Really Wrong With Me

2006-12-21T14:06:00.000+08:00

What's wrong with you? Why do you look so gloomy and dull? Why do you look so depress?
These might be some questions that you face in some part of your life. Then you need to think of what have you been doing all these while! Maybe it is time you need to reschedule your time and to add 'exercise' in your time table. You have to take care of your health. Good health don't just come naturally. Knowledge and practice of what you know about having a good health will lead you to good health.

We often see shopping centres selling fitness equipments, government build more gyms and encourage us to exercise. We know the importance of exercise. We know that health is important to us and that to achieve good health, besides watching what we eat, we also must exercise. However, due to the busy schedule that we have everyday -- going to work and coming back home late, we often find excuses not to exercise. The only time that we might really get to exercise is when problems come.

Diseases don't just happen to us overnight. Our problems in life are just like diseases, they don't just happen overnight. A lot of problems in life are the results every little things and habits that we do and have. It is the accumulation of all these little bit of things that we do and the bad habits that we have. For instance, lets assume you have a habit of collecting bricks. Imagine everyday when you collect a brick, it is not going to give you any problem. But everyday one brick, one month 30 bricks, one year 365 bricks, imagine the figures keep multiplying, by 5 years time you would have about 2000 bricks. Imagine a small house filled with so much bricks, there would be lesser room for other things, it can even be built into a wall! When you discovered that you have so much bricks all of a sudden, unknowingly that it has become a habit to you! And you discovered that it is so hard to remove all at one time, this is your problem now. It has become an obstacle in your home.

In life, everything that we eat and we do is the same. While it is so easy to do everything day by day. When problems come, it is so hard to solve the problems. Our health don't deteriorate in just one day too. Sometimes our body response to harmful pathogens and harmful things that associate with our body (which our body cannot take it) in the form of allergy, vomit, diarrhea, etc. When such signs and symptoms of illnesses arises, you start to wonder what's wrong with me? Why am I feeling tired, why am I having rashes all over my body? Why do I have aches all over me, why my menses stop suddenly or why I have blood in my stool? A lot of time, you are what you eat. You are what you do. When your life is not balanced, as in you keep collecting bricks, you do not use them, then all the bricks will be chaotic in your home, obstructing ways in your home. However, if you balance your life, you collect the bricks(bricks can be analogous to food you eat), you need to do some exercise, to carry the bricks to appropriate places in the home everyday when you bring them home. This may take you some time. But in the long run, it will not block your way and it might be of good use to you (as in you can make a partition in your home or build another home extension.) Bringing the bricks to the other part of the house, tidying it up, is analogous to doing exercise when you eat food everyday. When you have a habit of exercising, in the long run you find that your body is fit. Your rewards will be better work performance and you have a fit body (just like the bricks put in good use).

So in order to prevent any health problems(though it is very hard to totally eliminate it, as there are other contributing cause of diseases such as environments and genetic inheritance, we still can decrease the chances of it), we need to have a habit of exercise. There are so many advantages of exercise. Sometimes when you have a habit of exercise, you find that you can become more cheerful, your bowels function better, your back aches are gone, your heart is also more healthy, your blood circulation improve, and your overall health is better than before!

For people who are lazy to travel around, especially after a hard day of work, or even during your day off from work. Exercise can be anywhere. For instance while you are sitting down on the bus to any destination or even at home anytime (while sitting), you can do pelvic floor exercise for ladies, and for guys, you can do feet rotation exercises (just to quote an example). There are many forms of exercise. You don't have to spend huge amount of money to exercise. Walking the stairs, jogging in the park or even running on the spot at home, are all exercise which you don't have to spend a single sum of money. It just need your time! While some people are bored doing home exercise, they need friends and companion to do exercise. They can join clubs such as yoga, aerobic classes and so on.

Here are some notes about Home exercise. As exercise can be anywhere and home is the best place for exercise, since you can do it anytime and at your own convenient time, and at your own privacy or even have fun with your family -- spouse and even with your children.

Home Exercise
Exercise at home can be fun and effective; it also builds up your confidence to take part in other sports.

One good way of making sure that you find the time to workout regularly, without disrupting other commitments, is to exercise at home. Home exercise programmes can be just as effective as any other form of physical activity. Many people actually prefer to exercise in the privacy of their own home, until they feel more confident and are in better shape.

The Simple Route To Fitness
There are many types of exercise that can be performed in your home, with no need for any special equipment. For some activities you can make use of a piece of furniture or a door frame to provide support.

By performing a series of simple exercise, which work different muscles and joints, you can improve your strength and flexibility. Spend 30s on each exercise, and then change to the next. Perform each exercise in your routine three times in all. Once you are fit enough to keep going for more than a few seconds between the different activities, you will be enhancing the efficiency of both your heart and your lungs.

Motivating Yourself
Although it does not matter when you exercise, if you set aside the same time of day each day for your workout, you are more likely to get into the habit. Put some music on in the background to liven up your routine, but choose a tempo that helps you pace yourself and stay comfortable. Exercise videos have become extremely popular; not only do they show how each movement should be done, but they also provide extra motivation and a feeling of actually belonging to a health club.

Home Exercise Equipment
A wide variety of exercise machines are now available for use in your own home, ranging from fairly simple devices to expensive, highly sophisticated ones that use a computer to monitor your level of progress. Apparatus such as hydraulic fitness equipment, exercise bicycles, treadmills, rowing, stair-climbing and skiing machines are now available that can effectively stimulate many different physical activities. What's more, there also kids fitness equipments and sports apparatus cater just for children too. Imagine, you can spend meaning time with your families -- having fun time exercising together, and at the same time improving the health of the family.

Although in theory, these machines offer you an enjoyable form of exercise, which is readily accessible and convenient to use, in practice they are often expensive dust-gathers. It takes a lot of willpower to exercise regularly on your own machines at home. Before you go out and buy one, ask yourself whether this is really the sort of activity you will enjoy. More importantly still, would you really use this machine two or three times a week? No one's health has ever been improved by simply owning exercise equipment.

A lot of time when you ask what is really wrong with me, it is the result of the accumulation of the many little things that you have eaten and done over the years. Though it is fun to play and eat, but don't forget to exercise too. Whether you are a kid or an adult, as long as you are a human, you need to exercise. Children also suffer the same kind of illness and disease like adults. Children are prone to diseases and illness too. Sometimes, children wake up, experiences neck ache, headache, and so on. Exercise in any form, depending on your interest, as long as it is regular, will benefit your body in the long run. If you have not had this habit of regular exercise, start now. Make exercise a habit and better still, a family affair. In this way, you spend meaningful time with the family and you are building a stronger family bonds too. It is never too late to start your life anew. It is better to be late than never. When you start late, don't expect instant result. Just like the 'bricks story' I told you earlier on, it takes time for things to work. You need patience, will, discipline and commitment to achieve your goals in life.

Cancer Pain

2006-12-17T23:49:00.000+08:00

Statistics (released in 1997) show that cancer patients are living longer and even "beating" the disease. Information released at an AMA sponsored conference for science writers, showed that the death rate from the dreaded disease has decreased by 3 percent in the last few years. In the 1940's only one patient in four survived on the average. By the 1960's, that figure was up to one in three, and now has reached 50% survival.

Not only are those stricken surviving, but they are experiencing a better quality of life while under treatment. Surgery is less radical, and chemotherapy is producing fewer side effects (some of which can be treated by new medications).

Cancer is a group of diseases. More than 100 different types of cancer are known. They all have one thing in common: cells become abnormal. These abnormal cells grow and destroy body tissue and can spread to other parts of the body.

Healthy cells that make up the body's tissues grow, divide, and replace themselves in an orderly way. This process keeps the body in good repair. If cells lose the ability to control their growth, they grow too rapidly and without any order. They form too much tissue. The mass of extra tissue is called a tumor. Tumors can be benign or malignant.

Benign tumors are not cancer. They do not spread to other parts of the body and are seldom a threat to life. Benign tumors can usually be removed. Although benign bone tumors sometimes return, they usually can be removed with additional surgery.

Malignant tumors are cancer. They can invade and destroy nearby healthy tissues and organs. Cancer cells also can break away from the tumor and enter the bloodstream. That is how bone cancer can spread to other parts of the body. This spread is called metastasis.

The majority of people with cancer will experience pain at some time or another. The pain can result from the cancer itself, or from the cancers treatment. In addition, some people who have been cured of their cancer can continue to suffer from pain.

Cancer pain, or the discomfort that stems from cancer and its treatment, can be controlled most of the time. There are many different medicines and methods available to control cancer pain. People who have cancer and are feeling pain need to inform their doctor immediately. The earlier pain treatment is started, the more effective it is.

What Causes Cancer Pain?
There are many causes of cancer pain, but most cancer pain occurs when a tumor presses on nerves or body organs or when cancer cells invade bones or body organs. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery also may cause pain.

What Are the Symptoms of Cancer Pain?
The symptoms of cancer pain vary from person to person. The amount of pain present may depend on the type of cancer, the stage or extent of the disease, and the person's pain threshold (tolerance for pain). Pain can range from mild and occasional to severe and constant.

What Medicines Are Used To Treat Cancer Pain?

Mild to Moderate Pain
Pain relievers: Tylenol and a group of pain relievers called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Motrin and Aleve) can treat mild to moderate pain. Many of these are over-the-counter drugs that do not require a prescription, but some do require a prescription. Patients should check with a physician before using these medicines, especially if chemotherapy is being administered. NSAIDs can slow blood clotting.

Moderate to Severe Pain
Narcotic pain relievers: These drugs include morphine, Actiq, Duragesic, Dilaudid, oxycodone (sold under the brand names OxyContin, Percocet, and Tylox) and codeine. Narcotic pain relievers require a prescription and may be used along with mild pain relievers for moderate to severe pain.

Breakthrough Pain
Onset narcotic pain relievers: Onset narcotic pain relievers, which require a prescription, are used to treat breakthrough pain (a flare-up of pain characterized by rapid onset, severe intensity and short duration). Immediate-release oral morphine is among these drugs.

Tingling and Burning Pain
* Antidepressants: Antidepressants are used to relieve pain regardless of if the person is depressed. Elavil, Pamelor, Norpramine are antidepressants prescribed to treat pain.
* Anticonvulsants (anti-seizure medications): Despite the name, anticonvulsants are used not only for seizures, but also to control burning and tingling pain, painful symptoms of nerve damage. Tegretol and Neurontin require prescriptions
* Other drugs: Corticosteroids such as Deltasone are used to lessen swelling, which often causes pain.

How Else Can Cancer Pain Be Treated?
Although cancer pain is usually treated with medicine, surgery to remove a tumor or radiation therapy to shrink a tumor can be used along with medicine to provide additional pain relief. In most cases, doctors treat cancer pain with pain-relief medicines called analgesics or with non-drug treatments such as physical therapy and rehabilitation, imagery, biofeedback and relaxation techniques. Other treatment options for cancer patients include nerve blocks , which involve the injection of pain medicine into or around a nerve or the spine; and neurosurgery, a procedure in which pain nerves are cut to alleviate pain.

Bone Metastasis

2006-12-16T00:32:00.000+08:00

Bone is the third most common site of metastatic disease. Cancers most likely to metastasize to bone include breast, lung, prostate, thyroid and kidney. Carcinomas are much more likely to metastasize to bone than sarcomas. The axial skeleton is seeded more than the appendicular skeleton, partly due to the persistence of red bone marrow in the former. The ribs, pelvis and spine are normally the first bones involved and distal bones are rarely affected. Metastases are established when a single tumor cell or a clump of cells gain access to the blood stream, reach the bone marrow through blood vessels in Haversian canals, extravasate, multiply and neovascularize. Batson's vertebral venous plexus allows cells to enter the vertebral circulation without first passing through the lungs. The sluggish blood flow in this plexus is more conducive to tumor survival, accounting for the high rate of prostate cancer metastasis to the spine.

Metastatic cancer is cancer that has spread from the part of the body where it started (called its primary site) to other parts of the body. When cells break away from a cancerous tumor, they can travel to other areas of the body through either the bloodstream or lymphatic channels.

When the cells travel through lymphatic channels they can become trapped in lymph nodes, often those closest to the cancer’s primary site. When the cells travel through the bloodstream they can go to any part of the body. Most of these cells die, but occasionally they don't. They settle in a new location, begin to grow, and form new tumors. The spread of a cancer to a new part of the body is called metastasis.

Even when cancer has spread to a new location, it is still named after the part of the body where it started. For example, if prostate cancer spreads to the bones, it is still called prostate cancer, and if breast cancer spreads to the lungs it is still breast cancer. A person with breast cancer that has spread to the bones is said to have breast cancer with bone metastases.

When cancer comes back in a patient who appeared to be free of cancer (in remission) after treatment, it is called a recurrence. Cancer may recur as:

* local recurrence (in or near the same organ it developed in); for example, a recurrence of breast cancer in the skin of the chest near where the original cancer was removed

* regional recurrence (in nearby lymph nodes or in the area that lymph nodes had been removed from)

* distant recurrence (involving any other part of the body not included in local or regional recurrence). Distant recurrence is also called metastatic recurrence. For example, the cancer might recur in distant parts of body such as in bones, the liver, or the lungs. This happens because some cancer cells have broken off from the original tumor, traveled elsewhere, and begun growing in these new places.

Sometimes the metastatic tumors have already developed when the cancer is first diagnosed. In some cases, this metastasis is discovered before the primary (original) tumor is found. Sometimes a cancer can spread widely throughout the body before it is discovered without developing as a large tumor in the site where it started. When the original site cannot be determined, this condition is called cancer of unknown primary, and is discussed further in a separate American Cancer Society document.

Meaning Of Bone Metastasis
Cancer cells that break off from a primary tumor and enter the bloodstream can reach nearly all tissues of the body. Bones are one of the most common sites for these circulating cells to settle in and start growing. Metastases can occur in bones anywhere in the body, but they are mostly found in bones near the center of the body.

Bone metastases are not the same as cancers that start in the bone, which are called primary bone cancers. Bone metastasis and primary bone cancers are very different. Primary bone cancer is much less common than bone metastasis. For information on primary bone tumors, refer to the American Cancer Society documents on "Bone Cancer," "Osteosarcoma," "Multiple Myeloma," and "Ewing’s Tumors."

Bone metastasis is one of the most frequent causes of pain in people with cancer. It can also cause bones to break and high calcium levels in the blood (calcium is released from damaged bones) It also causes other symptoms and complications that can lower your ability to maintain your usual activities and lifestyle.

Many people with cancer (except for those with non-melanoma skin cancer) develop bone metastasis at some point in the course of their disease.

Breast, prostate, lung, kidney and thyroid cancers are most likely to spread to bones.

The spine is the part of the skeleton most commonly affected by bone metastasis. The next most common parts are the pelvis, hip, upper leg bones (femurs), and the skull.
How Cancer Spreads to the Bone When cells break away from a cancerous tumor (a primary tumor) they can travel to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or the lymph vessels. Moving through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, cancer cells can lodge in an organ at a distant location and establish a new (secondary) tumor. Different types of tumors seem to prefer to spread to particular sites in the body, such as the liver or the skeleton. Many cancer types noted above commonly spread to the bone. Secondary tumors that spread to bone (bone metastases) are not the same as primary bone cancer that starts in the bone (sarcoma). A tumor that has metastasized to bone is made up of abnormal cancer cells from the original tumor site and not of bone cells. For example, lung cancer that spreads to the bone consists of lung cancer cells. In this case, bone metastasis would be called metastatic lung cancer. When cancer cells spread to the bone, they commonly lodge in the spine, rib cage, pelvis, limbs, and skull. Cancer cells that spread to bone can cause damage in two ways: * The tumor may wear away bits of bone, creating small holes called osteolytic lesions. This process can make bones fragile and weak so that they break or fracture easily. * The tumor may stimulate bone to form and build up abnormally. These areas of new bone are called osteosclerotic lesions. They are weak and unstable and may break or collapse. They also can be painful. Symptoms A number of symptoms arise as a result of bone metastasis.

Bone pain. Pain is the most common symptom of bone metastasis and is usually the first symptom that patients notice. At first the pain may come and go. It tends to be worse at night or with bed rest. Eventually the pain may increase and become severe. Not all pain indicates metastasis. The doctor can help you distinguish between pain from metastasis and aches and pains from other sources.

Fractures. Bone metastasis can weaken bones, putting them at risk for fractures. In some cases a fracture is the first sign of bone metastasis. The long bones of the arms and legs and the bones of the spine are the most common sites of fracture. A sudden pain in the middle of the back may indicate a cancerous bone breaking and collapsing.

Spinal cord compression. When cancer metastasizes to the spine, it can squeeze the spinal cord. The pressure on the spinal cord may not only cause pain, it may cause numbness or weakness in the legs, problems with the bowels or bladder (for example, trouble urinating), or numbness in the abdominal area.

High blood calcium levels. High levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia) is caused when calcium is released from the bones. High calcium levels may reduce one's appetite, may cause nausea, thirst, constipation, tiredness, and confusion. If untreated, it may cause a coma.

Other symptoms. If bone metastasis affects the bone marrow, other symptoms may be experienced, depending on the type of blood cell affected. Red blood levels may drop, causing anemia that leads to symptoms of tiredness, weakness, and shortness of breath. If white blood cells are affected, the patient may develop infections that cause fevers, chills, fatigue, or pain. If the number of platelets drops, abnormal bleeding may occur.

It is important for patients to discuss any of these symptoms with their doctor. Detecting and treating this condition early can help reduce complications.

Chondrosarcoma

2006-12-15T21:07:00.000+08:00

Chondrosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that develops in cartilage cells. Cartilage is the specialized, gristly connective tissue that is present in adults and the tissue from which most bones develop. Cartilage plays an important role in the growth process. There are many different types of cartilage that are present throughout the body. Chondrosarcoma is a malignant type of bone cancer that primarily affects the cartilage cells of the femur (thighbone), arm, pelvis, knee, and spine. Although less frequent, other areas (such as the ribs) may be affected.

Chondrosarcoma is the second most common type of primary bone cancer. A primary bone cancer is one that originates from bone versus another organ. This type of cancer rarely affects individuals under age 20 and is most common between the ages of 50 and 70. The incidence between males and females is equal.

The aggressiveness of chondrosarcoma is graded based on how fast it grows and its likelihood to metastasize or spread to other parts of the body. Grade 1 is a low grade (slow growing) cancer, and grades 2 and 3 are higher grades (fast growing) cancers. Depending on the grading system used by your medical facility, it's also possible to have grade 4 which would be even more aggressive than lower grade tumors. The most common bones for chondrosarcoma to grow are the pelvic and shoulder bones along with the superior regions of the arms and legs. But they can also be found in any bones of the body, even in the base of the skull.

Two non-cancerous diseases, Maffuci disease and Ollier disease, are similar to chondrosarcoma. Ollier disease, also known as enchondromatosis or dyschondroplasia, is a disorder affecting the growth plates of bone where new bone is deposited. The cartilage laid down is not reabsorbed and masses form near the ends of the long bones such as the thigh bone (femur) and upper arm bone (humerus). Maffucci disease has the same abnormalities as Ollier disease as well as soft tissue destruction including the skin. Patients with Maffucci or Ollier disease should have bone scans every three to five years to monitor potential malignant transformations.

Cause Of Chondrosarcoma

Most chondrosarcomas are low-grade lesions. They are typically seen in adults in their late 20s to 60s. They occur more commonly in men than women. Chondrosarcoma is not contagious. It cannot be passed on to another person by exposure to a chondrosarcoma patient.

The exact cause of chondrosarcoma is not known. There may be a genetic or chromosomal component that predisposes certain individuals to this type of malignancy.

Risk Factor
A risk factor is anything that may increase a person's chance of developing a disease. It may be an activity, such as smoking, diet, family history, or many other things. Different diseases have different risk factors.

Although these factors can increase a person's risk, they do not necessarily cause the disease. Some people with one or more risk factors never develop a disease, while others develop the disease and have no known risk factors.

But, knowing your risk factors to any disease can help to guide you into the appropriate actions, including changing behaviors and being clinically monitored for the disease.

Most often, chondrosarcoma occurs from normal cartilage cells, but it may also stem from a preexisting benign (non-cancerous) bone or cartilage tumor. The following is a list of some benign conditions that may be present when chondrosarcoma occurs:

enchondromas - a type of benign bone tumor that originates from cartilage and usually affects the hands (can also affect other areas).

osteochondromas - an overgrowth of cartilage and bone near the end of the bone near the growth plate.

multiple exostoses - the presence of multiple osteochondromas (an overgrowth of cartilage and bone near the end of the growth plate).

Ollier's disease - a cluster of enchondromas (benign cartilage tumor that usually affects the hands).

Maffucci's syndrome - a combination of multiple enchondroma (benign cartilage tumors that usually affects the hands) tumors and angiomas (benign tumors made up of blood vessels).

Symptoms of Chondrosarcoma
Symptoms of chondrosarcoma may vary depending on the location of the tumor. The following are the most common symptoms of chondrosarcoma. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

large mass on the affected bone

feeling of pressure around the mass

pain that is usually worse at night and may be relieved by taking anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen

pain that is not usually relieved through rest

pain that may be present for years but increases gradually over time

Diagnosis Of Chondrosarcoma
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for chondrosarcoma may include the following:

biopsy - a procedure in which tissue samples are removed (with a needle or during surgery) from the body for examination under a microscope; to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.

x-ray - a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.

computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.

Treatment For Chondrosarcoma
Specific treatment for chondrosarcoma will be determined by your physician based on:

* your age, overall health, and medical history
* extent of the disease
* your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, and therapies
* expectation for the course of the disease
* your opinion or preference

The goal for treatment of chondrosarcoma is to remove the mass and reduce the likelihood that it will return. Close follow-up with your physician may be necessary. Treatment may include:

* surgery (to remove the tumor)
* physical therapy (to regain strength and use of the affected area after surgery)
* chemotherapy- Chemotherapy, although is not the primary treatment, may be required if the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

Definition Of Diseases
Ollier’s Disease (a.k.a multiple enchondromatosis) is a disease of multiple benign bone tumors (enchondromas) within the bones which cause affected bones to swell. The disease often primarily affects one side of the body. It may affect the hands or feet, or be generalized. It is not an inherited disease. Patients have bony swellings, limb shortening and mechanical difficulties, associated with joint disruption and short stature. The condition usually presents before age 10. These typically occur in the bone metaphyses and can lead to secondary deformity of the growth plates. A secondary Madelung deformity may occur at the wrists. There is a small increased risk of malignant transformation to chondrosarcoma, particularly in flat bones, during adult life. Ollier’s is often diagnosed at the time chondrosarcoma is diagnosed.

Maffucci Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by benign enlargements of cartilage (enchondromas), bone deformities, and dark, irregularly shaped hemangiomas within the body or on the skin). The disease manifests early in life, usually around the age of 4 or 5 years, with 25% of cases being congenital. There is relatively high risk of malignant transformation to chondrosarcoma in adult life (reportedly 20-30%). Relatively few cases have been published in the English literature.

Multiple Hereditary Exostoses (MHE, a.k.a., osteochondromatoses) is a hereditary skeletal disorder in which there are numerous cartilage-capped excrescences (sp) in areas of actively growing bone (osteochondromas). The condition is genetically heterogeneous, and at least three genes (ext1 and ext2) have been demonstrated to be involved. The reported risk for malignant transformation to chondrosarcoma has been from 0.6% to 2.8% The lesions most at risk for malignant transformation are those occurring near the pelvis, scapula, proximal humerus, proximal femur, and spine. Change in size of the exostosis or onset of pain in an affected adult is cause for further investigation.

Wilms Tumor is a neoplasm of the kidneys that typically occurs in children. It is also known as a nephroblastoma. Although rare, chondrosarcoma of bone has been described as secondary tumor after diffuse anaplastic Wilms' tumor.

Bone Cancer

2006-12-14T22:50:00.000+08:00

Bone cancers are rare forms of cancer that can affect any bone in the body. There are over 200 bones in the human body, any of these can be affected by cancer. However, certain types of bone cancer are more common in specific bones. Osteosarcoma is most commonly found in the bones around the knee. Ewing's sarcoma is more common in the upper leg, pelvis and other bones of the trunk. The pelvis is the most frequent location for chondrosarcoma. Nevertheless, it is possible for these cancers to affect any bone in the body.

Two types of bone cancer are multiple myeloma and bone sarcomas. Bone cancers can also happen when tumors that start in other organs, such as breasts, lung, and prostate, metastasize (spread) to the bone. Multiple myeloma is the most common type of bone cancer. The two most common bone sarcomas are osteosarcoma, which develops in new tissue in growing bones, and chondrosarcoma, which develops in cartilage. Osteosarcoma tends to occur more frequently in children and adolescents, while chondrosarcoma occurs more often in adults.

Primary bone cancer refers to cancers which start in the bone. These are different to secondary bone cancers which started in other parts of the body and later spread to the bones.

Bone cancers are tumours which have the potential to spread to other parts of the body. These are different to benign (non-cancerous) bone tumours which do not spread. Benign bone tumours are more common than malignant (cancerous) bone tumours.

Secondary bone cancer is where malignant cells have spread to the bones from other parts of the body. This is different to cancer that actually started in the bones (primary bone cancer). Virtually all types of cancer can spread to bone. Bone metastases are particularly common in people with breast, lung or prostate cancer. Bone metastases are usually multiple, they cause pain and can can lead to other symptoms such as hypercalcemia (abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood )

Symptoms Of Bone Cancer
Symptoms of bone cancer tend to develop slowly. They depend on the type, location, and size of the tumor.

Pain is the most frequent symptom of bone cancer. Sometimes a firm, slightly tender lump on the bone can be felt through the skin. In some cases, bone cancer interferes with normal movements. Bone cancer can also cause bones to break.

These symptoms are not sure signs of cancer. They may also be caused by other, less serious problems. Individuals who are experiencing symptoms should consult a doctor.

Summary of Bone Cancer Symptoms
* Pain and/or swelling in the bone.
* Weakness in the affected bones.
* Raised calcium levels in the blood.
* Unexpected bone fractures.
* Movement problems.

Diagnosis Of Bone Tumours
If a bone tumour is suspected the doctor will do a complete medical examination. This may include a blood test as bone tumours can be associated with increased levels of certain proteins in the blood. The doctor may also recommend X-rays and other scans of the bone(s), if X-rays and scans suggest that a tumour might be present then a biopsy (removal of a sample of tissue) will be performed. A pathologist will then examine the cells to determine whether it is cancerous, and if so what type of cancer it is.

Treatments Of Bone Tumours
Treatment will depend on the type of cancer, whether it has spread or not , and the size and location of the main (primary) tumour. Treatment of bone cancers is complex and involves a team of different specialists usually within an institution that is experienced in treating these types of cancers. There are 3 main types of therapy used to treat bone cancers;

surgery (to take out the tumour in an operation)

radiotherapy (using high-dose x-rays to kill cancer cells)

chemotherapy (using drugs to kill cancer cells)

Surgery is often used to remove the primary tumour. For tumours of the arms and legs an amputation of the limb is sometimes necessary, however, limb-sparing surgery may be possible in many cases where only the cancerous part of the bone is removed and it is replaced by a bone graft or metal prosthesis. Radiotherapy may be given as well as or instead of surgery to destroy the cancer cells. Also, chemotherapy (drugs) may also be given to kill malignant cells that may be circulating around the body.

There is no single set treatment for bone metastases. Treatment depends on type of cancer, extent of the spread of metastases, prior treatment and other factors. Only a physician who is very familiar with the person's medical details can know what the best treatment is. However, in general terms treatment of bone metastases can be palliative (relief of symptoms) or curative. For many people with advanced cancer there may be no known effective cure so treatment may largely be focused on prolonging life and relieving the symptoms of bone metastases (eg. pain relief). However in certain cases where there is a chance of cure the treatment may include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and possibly bone marrow / stem cell transplantation.

Complications
The complications of bone cancer may include weakened bones and bone fractures. If the cancer spreads to other organs, complications include dysfunction of the affected organ, such as shortness of breath if it spreads to your lungs.

Overall, the chance of recovery (prognosis) for bone cancers has improved significantly since the development of modern chemotherapy.

The chance of recovery will depend on a variety of influences; if the cancer has spread, the type of bone cancer, the size of the tumour, location, the person's general health and other individual factors. Also important is how much of the main tumour can be removed/destroyed by surgery and/or radiotherapy, and how the tumour responds to chemotherapy.

Advanced Cancer

2006-12-13T22:50:00.000+08:00

Sometimes cancer cells break away from a tumor and spread to other parts of the body through the blood or lymph system. They can settle in new places and form new tumors. When this happens, it is called metastasis (meh-tas-tuh-sis). Cancer that has spread in this way is called metastatic cancer.

More than half a million people die of advanced cancer each year in the United States. More than 7 out of 10 of these people will be older than 65 years of age. Although more than half of all people who get cancer live 5 or more years after their cancer is found, people with advanced cancer usually live less than a year.

Advanced cancer is cancer that has grown beyond the organ where it first started. Often it has spread widely throughout the body. This is called metastatic cancer. But advanced cancer is not exactly the same as metastatic cancer. A cancer might be called advanced if it involves a vital organ and can’t be removed.

Often “advanced cancer” means that it can’t be cured. But even if there is no cure, treatment can sometimes shrink the cancer, help relieve symptoms, and allow the person to live longer. Some people can live many years with advanced cancer.

In many cases, advanced cancer happens after the person has had cancer for some time and treatment is no longer working. But every person is unique and for some the cancer may already be advanced when they find out they have the disease. In any case, treatment of symptoms such as pain and depression almost always helps.

Metastatic cancer is not always the same as advanced cancer. Cancer can be metastatic even if only a small amount of the cancer has spread. In many cases metastatic cancer can be treated successfully or even cured if it has not done a lot of damage. But metastatic cancer may be advanced if it has spread to many places or has greatly harmed tissues and important organs.

Most people who die from cancer have metastatic tumors. Many of the problems from cancer come about because the cancer has spread to an important place in the body or because it has spread to many places.

When cancer comes back in a person who seemed to be free of cancer after treatment, it is called recurrent cancer. Cancer can come back in:

* the same place where it started or very close by (local recurrence)
* lymph nodes near the place where it started (regional recurrence)
* distant organs (metastatic recurrence)

Can Advanced or Metastatic Cancer Be Prevented?
For now, the only sure way to prevent the spread of a cancer is to find it early and remove or destroy it. For some people, the American Cancer Society recommends certain tests to find cancers of the breast, prostate, colon, and cervix. But many people don’t know about, or don’t get these tests. And because these tests aren’t perfect, some cancers can spread before they are found. There are also many cancers that can’t be found early by any of the tests we now have.

Scientists are looking for ways to keep cancer from spreading. For example, certain drugs can be given after surgery to kill cancer cells that might have broken away from the first tumor.

All About Brain Tumor

2006-12-12T22:49:00.000+08:00

A brain tumor is a mass of abnormal cells that is growing in or around the brain. It develops when abnormal cells multiply for unknown reasons. Benign and malignant are used to describe brain tumors. Benign brain tumors are usually slow growing with distinct borders, and have a normal appearance under a microscope. Malignant tumors are called brain cancer. They tend to be invasive into healthy areas of the brain and may grow rapidly. A benign tumor may be considered malignant if its size or location in a critical area of the brain may be life-threatening.

Primary brain tumors start within the brain. Secondary or metastatic brain tumors come from cells which have broken away from cancers within the body and traveled to the brain. Metastatic brain tumors are always considered malignant since they evolve from cancerous cell and grow rapidly.

Causes of Brain Tumor
Brain tumors are usually caused by a change in genetic structure. This change in genetic structure may be inherited, caused by the environment, or both. Only a low percentage (5%) of primary brain tumors are associated with inherited genes alone.

Mutated or missing genes result in abnormal cells. If abnormal cells have malignant potential, they will form a tumor when they multiply.

High-dose ionizing radiation, used to treat brain tumors, may on rare occasions be associated with the production of secondary brain tumors. This most often occurs from radiation treatments that are given over time. People exposed to certain chemicals, such as petrochemicals, pesticides and formaldehyde, appear to be at higher risk of developing a malignant brain tumor than those who are not exposed.

In laboratory experiments, some viruses caused brain tumors in animals. It is unknown whether viruses can cause brain tumors in humans. Electromagnetic fields have been under study for some time as there appears to be a connection to brain tumors.

There are many environmental and genetic factors that can cause brain tumors. However, in most cases, we just don't know what causes a brain tumor.

Tumor Grading
Tumors are graded based on their microscopic appearances. The grade indicates the level of malignancy. Tumors are graded on their mitotic index (growth rate), vascularity (blood supply), presence of a necrotic center, invasive potential (border distinctness) and similarity to normal cells.

Malignant tumors may contain several grades of cells. The most malignant grade of cell found determines the grade for the entire tumor, even if most of the tumor is a lower grade.

In the World Health Organization grading system, grade I tumors are the least malignant. These tumors grow slowly and microscopically appear almost normal; surgery alone may be effective. However, even a grade I tumor may be life-threatening if it is inaccessible for surgery. Grade I tumors are often associated with long-term survival.

Grade II tumors grow slightly faster than grade I tumors and have a slightly abnormal microscopic appearance. These tumors may invade surrounding normal tissue, and may recur as a grade II or higher tumor.

Grade III tumors are malignant. These tumors contain actively reproducing abnormal cells and invade surrounding normal tissue. Grade III tumors frequently recur, often as grade IV tumors.

Grade IV tumors are the most malignant and invade wide areas of surrounding normal tissue. These tumors reproduce rapidly, appear very unusual microscopically and are necrotic (have dead cells) in the center. Grade IV tumors cause new blood vessels to form, to help maintain their rapid growth.

Signs and symptoms Of Brain Tumor
The signs and symptoms of a brain tumor depend on its size, location and rate of growth.

A brain tumor — primary or secondary — can cause a variety of signs and symptoms because it can directly press on or invade brain tissue. This can damage or destroy areas responsible for sight, movement, balance, speech, hearing, memory or behavior. Pressure from a brain tumor can also cause surrounding brain tissue to swell (edema), further increasing pressure and symptoms.

Signs and symptoms can include the following:

New onset or change in pattern of headaches

Headaches that gradually become more frequent and more severe

Unexplained nausea or vomiting

Vision problems, such as blurred vision, double vision or loss of peripheral vision

Gradual loss of sensation or movement in an arm or a leg

Difficulty with balance

Speech difficulties

Confusion in everyday matters

Personality or behavior changes

Seizures, especially in someone who doesn't have a history of seizures — as with epilepsy, for example

Hearing problems

Hormonal (endocrine) disorders

Treatment Of Brain Tumor
Brain tumors are often challenging for doctors to treat. But many types of brain tumors can be successfully treated with one or more methods. In addition, technology is enabling doctors to target tumors more precisely.

Various treatments may be used to treat a malignant brain tumor. The type and number of treatments given is dependent upon many factors, including the size of the tumor, its growth rate and the symptoms the patient is experiencing. Patients should realize that there is more than one way to treat their tumors and should seek medical treatments where many options and a continuum of treatments are available.

Complications Of Brain Tumor
Your brain is divided into different parts that are responsible for a variety of functions. Depending on its size and location, a brain tumor can cause temporary or permanent brain damage.

The front part of your brain (frontal lobe) is responsible for helping you think and managing motor skills. A brain tumor in the frontal lobe may press on or invade brain tissue in this area, resulting in learning or memory difficulties. It may also make talking or walking difficult.

A brain tumor in the part of your brain called the occipital lobe — located in the back of your head — can result in vision problems because that area of your brain controls your ability to see and comprehend what you see.

Brain tumors may lead to an emergency complication known as hydrocephalus, which is the buildup of fluid in and around your brain. This occurs when a tumor blocks the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in and around your brain, causing fluid to build up within the confined spaces of your skull. This buildup can create pressure on delicate brain structures. The fluid must be drained to relieve pressure and reduce the risk of brain injury.

Another emergency situation that can be caused by brain tumors is bleeding in your brain. This might cause an extremely severe headache with an abrupt onset. If this occurs, seek emergency medical treatment.

Your brain as a unit controls everything you do. An aggressive tumor that destroys too much brain tissue can be deadly.

Metastatic Cancer

2006-12-11T21:07:00.000+08:00

Metastases spread in three ways - by local extension from the tumor to the surrounding tissues, through the bloodstream to distant sites or through the lymphatic system to neighboring or distant lymph nodes. Each kind of cancer may have a typical route of spread.

Metastasis means the spread of cancer. Cancer cells can break away from a primary tumor and enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system (the system that produces, stores, and carries the cells that fight infections). That is how cancer cells spread to other parts of the body.

When cancer cells spread and form a new tumor in a different organ, the new tumor is a metastatic tumor. The cells in the metastatic tumor come from the original tumor. This means, for example, that if breast cancer spreads to the lungs, the metastatic tumor in the lung is made up of cancerous breast cells (not lung cells). In this case, the disease in the lungs is metastatic breast cancer (not lung cancer). Under a microscope, metastatic breast cancer cells generally look the same as the cancer cells in the breast.

To determine whether a tumor is primary or metastatic, a pathologist examines a sample of the tumor under a microscope. In general, cancer cells look like abnormal versions of cells in the tissue where the cancer began. Using specialized diagnostic tests, a pathologist is often able to tell where the cancer cells came from. Markers or antigens found in or on the cancer cells can indicate the primary site of the cancer.

Metastatic cancers may be found before or at the same time as the primary tumor, or months or years later. When a new tumor is found in a patient who has been treated for cancer in the past, it is more often a metastasis than another primary tumor.

Symptoms Of Metastatic Cancer
Some people with metastatic cancer do not have symptoms. Their metastases are found by x-rays and other tests performed for other reasons.

When symptoms of metastatic cancer occur, the type and frequency of the symptoms will depend on the size and location of the metastasis. For example, cancer that spreads to the bones is likely to cause pain and can lead to bone fractures. Cancer that spreads to the brain can cause a variety of symptoms, including headaches, seizures, and unsteadiness. Shortness of breath may be a sign of lung involvement. Abdominal swelling or jaundice (yellowing of the skin) can indicate that cancer has spread to the liver.

Sometimes a person’s primary cancer is discovered only after the metastatic tumor causes symptoms. For example, a man whose prostate cancer has spread to the bones in his pelvis may have lower back pain (caused by the cancer in his bones) before he experiences any symptoms from the primary tumor in his prostate.

Which Cancers Spread Where?
Cancer cells may travel from the place they started through the blood or lymphatic system to other parts of the body. The type of cancer and where it starts often have an effect on where it will spread. Breast cancer, for example, often spreads first to lymph nodes under the arm because this is where the lymph fluid drains first. It rarely spreads to lymph nodes farther away in the groin. Likewise, the lung is a common place for cancer to spread. This is because the heart pumps blood from the rest of the body through the lung’s blood vessels before sending it elsewhere. The liver is a common site for spread of cancer cells from the stomach and intestines because blood from these organs flows into the liver.

Sometimes, though, the pattern of spread cannot be explained by anatomy. It seems to be caused by the certain cancer cells being able to “home in” on certain places in the body.

Bladder: Bladder cancer tends to invade nearby tissues such as the pelvic wall. It also spreads to lungs, liver, and bone.

Brain: Brain cancer rarely spreads outside the brain.

Breast: Breast cancer most often spreads to bone but can also spread to the liver, lung, and brain. As the cancer grows, it may affect any organ, even the eye. It can also spread to the skin near where it started.

Colorectal: The most common place for colon cancer to spread is the liver. Next are bone and lung. Rectal cancer can spread into the pelvis and also to the lung, brain, and bone.

Esophagus: Esophageal cancer grows mostly nearby. As it grows, it may slowly become hard for the patient to swallow.

Kidney: Kidney (renal) cancer can invade directly into nearby tissues. It spreads most often to the lungs and bones.

Leukemia: Leukemia can fill the bone marrow with cancer cells. As the bone marrow is replaced, it can no longer make normal blood cells.

Liver: Liver cancer doesn’t often spread outside the liver. Rather it spreads within the liver.

Lung: Lung cancer can spread to any organ of the body, but most often it will spread to the liver, bones, and brain. It can also grow into the sac around the heart.

Lymphoma: Lymphoma tends to stay in the lymph nodes and bone marrow. It will spread to other organs when it is very far advanced.

Melanoma: Melanoma can spread anywhere in the body. It first tends to spread to nearby lymph nodes but can then spread through the blood to the brain, lungs, liver, and bone.

Mouth and throat: Cancers of the mouth, throat, or nose tend to grow nearby. When they spread, it is often to the lungs.

Multiple myeloma: Multiple myeloma mainly stays in the bone where it started. It rarely spreads elsewhere. But myeloma can cause the bones to weaken and break. As it dissolves bone calcium is released into the blood. Myeloma also makes a protein that can damage the kidneys.

Ovary: Advanced ovarian cancer most often spreads to the lining and organs of the abdomen. This can cause a build-up of fluid and swelling. It can also spread to the outer lining of the lung and cause fluid there to build up. Much less often it spreads outside the abdomen and pelvis.

Pancreas: Pancreatic cancer mainly stays in the abdomen and grows locally as well as spreading to the liver. It can also spread to the lungs, bones, and brain.

Prostate: Prostate cancer usually goes to the bones when it spreads. Much less often it will spread to other organs, including the brain.

Stomach: Stomach cancer tends to spread nearby and within the abdomen. The next areas it usually goes to are the liver and lungs. Spread to the bone and brain is less common.

Treatment Of Metastatic Cancer
Treatment options for people with metastatic cancer will depend on where the cancer started and where it has spread to. Other factors will also be considered, such as specific features of the cancer cells (in the case of breast cancer, whether they contain estrogen receptors), the patient's general state of health, and which treatments that patient has already received.

As a general rule, localized cancers are most effectively treated with surgery or radiation therapy, and metastatic cancers are treated with systemic therapies, such as chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. Systemic therapies are taken by mouth or injected. They enter the bloodstream, and can therefore reach cancer cells that have spread throughout the body.

Diagnosis & Treatment Of Brain Cancer

2006-12-10T21:07:00.000+08:00

The brain, like any other tissue in the body, is made up of individual cells which are much smaller than a pinpoint, and require a microscope to see them. These cells are the smallest units which compose the brain, and there are several different types. A brain cancer can arise from any of the cells which make up the brain. Basically, the brain's thinking cells (called "neurons") are meant to divide rapidly before birth, and up until about 7 years old. At this time the brain is fully grown, and contains all the "neurons "that it ever will. Further development is by the existing cells making increasingly elaborate connections with each other, to communicate with one another.

Once the brain cells stop dividing in childhood, they are never meant to divide again. If the brain is injured, such as by trauma or a stroke, specific cells within the brain (the "glial cells" ) divide to form scar tissue, but the brain's thinking cells (the neurons) don't reproduce (although damaged ones may be repaired). You can see that the division of brain cells is under strict regulation and control. When this control is lost in a single cell, then it starts dividing in an uncontrolled manner. Brain cancer starts in just one cell. As the cell makes more and more copies of itself, it grows to form a tumor (which means a swelling). A benign tumor stays where it starts, although it can grow very large and press on crucial areas. In contrast, a malignant tumor has a capacity to spread, and is then called "brain cancer". "Primary" brain cancer starts within the brain. In contrast, "secondary" brain cancer starts in some other organ (like lung or breast) and then spreads to the brain. This is called "brain metastasis".

Diagnosis Of Brain Cancer
A tumor simply means a swelling, and isn't necessarily cancer. A patient will come to the doctor with symptoms suspicious for a brain tumor, and the physician will perform a neurological examination to check the nerves or the brain which control the eyes and face, check for equal strength and sensation on both sides of the body, coordination and balance, and memory and judgment. He will look into the eyes for signs of increased pressure in the skull, such as swelling of the optic disks.

The first step in diagnosing brain cancer involves evaluating symptoms and taking a medical history. If there is any indication that there may be a brain tumor, various tests are done to confirm the diagnosis, including a complete neurological examination, imaging tests, and biopsy.

Treatment Of Brain Cancer
Treatment for brain cancer depends on the age of the patient, the stage of the disease, the type and location of the tumor, and whether the cancer is a primary tumor or brain metastases. The treatment plan is developed by the oncology team and the patient.

Treatment involves any combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Some tumors require several different surgical procedures, and some can be treated with radiation alone.

1. Surgery
Surgery is the treatment of choice for accessible primary brain tumors, when the patient is in good health. The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as possible without damaging nearby normal brain tissue. The prognosis improves when more than 90% of a tumor can be removed.

Removal is often complicated by the nature of the tumor (e.g., invasive, highly vascularized) and by its location. Partial removal (debulking) of the tumor can improve quality of life by alleviating symptoms and sometimes improve the effectiveness of radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Before surgery, some important tests are performed. Patients over the age of 40 usually undergo an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) and a chest x-ray. Other tests are used to detect the presence of uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, active coronary ischemia, or the presence of circulating anticoagulant (substance that inhibits normal blood clotting) in the blood. If any of these conditions are present, it may not be advisable to undergo craniotomy.

2. Craniotomy
Craniotomy is the treatment of choice and the goal is to remove as much of the tumor as possible. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and involves opening the skull (cranium).

The neurosurgeon makes an incision into the scalp and several holes (called burr holes) are made in the skull. A bone saw is used to join the holes together to create a flap of bone.

The bone flap is then removed to expose the brain and remove as much of the tumor as possible. After the tumor has been partially or completely resected, the bone flap is replaced and secured using fine wire. Recovery from the procedure may take as long as 8 weeks.

Complications of craniotomy include bleeding (hemorrhage), swelling (edema), increased intracranial pressure (IICP), infection, and brain tissue damage.

In laser microsurgery, MRI is used to pinpoint the location of the tumor and a laser is used to destroy the tumor. This procedure may be used after craniotomy to remove remaining tumor tissue.

Brain-mapping is performed under local anesthesia and sedation. Electrodes stimulate nerves in the brain, measure responses, and allow communication with the patient. The surgeon removes as much of the tumor as possible without damaging vital areas of the brain, such as those that control motor function and speech.

In some cases, a chemotherapeutic agent called BCNU is used following surgery. In this treatment, the neurosurgeon places a wafer soaked with BCNU (Gliadel®, BiCNU®) into the surgical cavity after the tumor has been removed. By applying it directly to the diseased area of the brain, side effects are limited and the drug has a more beneficial effect.

Postoperative care includes drug therapy with corticosteroids, histamine inhibitors (block stomach acid), and antiepileptics. Corticosteroids (dexamethasone and Decadron®) help reduce swelling and can relieve various postoperative neurological effects.

An MRI scan, with and without contrast, is often obtained to determine the extent of residual disease following surgery. Sometimes, a plan for rehabilitation is needed.

3. Radiation Therapy
Radiation is used when the entire primary tumor cannot be surgically removed. Most malignant brain tumors are treated with external-beam radiation even if the entire primary tumor is surgically removed, because hidden tumor cells often remain in brain tissue.

The survival rate for patients with malignant tumors (e.g., anaplastic astrocytoma, glioblastoma multiforme) more than doubles with radiation therapy, and it can prolong life for patients with low-grade gliomas as well.

Radiation therapists use several different approaches to treat primary brain tumors, but external-beam radiation is the most common. Local radiation therapy techniques, including external focal, brachytherapy, and stereotactic radiosurgery, may be administered to selected patients.

There are various other radiation techniques, some of which are being used on an experimental basis. An assortment of technologies, as well as the use of medications and other compounds, can make tumor cells more sensitive to radiation.

External-beam radiation External-beam radiation, the traditional form of radiation therapy, delivers radiation from outside the body. Therapy usually begins a couple of weeks after surgery and is typically repeated at regular intervals for several weeks.

Hyperfractionation is a modified form of external-beam radiation that involves applying less intense but more frequent doses of radiation. Some benign tumors are treated with external-beam radiation to prevent recurrence, even if the entire primary tumor has been surgically removed. They also may be treated with radiation at the time of recurrence.

Stereotactic radiosurgery Stereotactic radiosurgery delivers radiation to the tumor in a single dose and does not involve surgery, as the term may imply. In this procedure, a head frame supporting a CT or MRI scanner may be attached to the skull. With the aid of computer imaging, the radiologist is able to pinpoint the exact location of the tumor and aim the beam of radiation directly at it.

Newer stereotactic techniques do not involve the use of the head frame. Often the radiation is delivered from several different directions, hitting the tumor at various angles.

The advantage of using localized radiation is that the surrounding, healthy tissue is left undestroyed. It often is used in addition to external-beam radiation, especially in cases of malignant gliomas and mestastases that are in deep or sensitive areas of the brain.

Some tumors, however, cannot be treated with the intense local radiation of radiosurgery. For example, tumors near the optic nerves are better treated with several small doses because the optic nerves are especially sensitive to radiation. Stereotactic radiotherapy involves applying many small doses of radiation, using the same imaging techniques used in stereotactic radiosurgery.

Brachytherapy involves implanting capsules containing radioactive substances into the tumor to deliver localized radiation. It is frequently applied to treat recurrent disease in an area previously treated by external-beam radiation.

Advantages of this type of radiation therapy include sparing vital structures close to the tumor and a shorter length of treatment (i.e., hours to days instead of weeks).

Radiation follow-up
Because loss of pituitary function can be a long-term side effect of radiation therapy, an endocrine evaluation is an important part of follow-up care for patients who have received radiation. Neuropsychological testing may also be done to evaluate whether a patient has incurred diminished intellectual activity resulting from brain tumor radiation.

Brain Cancer

2006-12-09T21:07:00.000+08:00

A tumor that begins in the brain is called a primary brain tumor. In children, most brain tumors are primary tumors. In adults, most tumors in the brain have spread there from the lung, breast, or other parts of the body. When this happens, the disease is not brain cancer. The tumor in the brain is a secondary tumor. It is named for the organ or the tissue in which it began.

There are two types of brain tumors: primary brain tumors that originate in the brain and metastatic (secondary) brain tumors that originate from cancer cells that have migrated from other parts of the body.

Primary brain cancer rarely spreads beyond the central nervous system, and death results from uncontrolled tumor growth within the limited space of the skull. Metastatic brain cancer indicates advanced disease and has a poor prognosis.

Primary brain tumors can be cancerous or noncancerous. Both types take up space in the brain and may cause serious symptoms (e.g., vision or hearing loss) and complications (e.g., stroke).

All cancerous brain tumors are life threatening (malignant) because they have an aggressive and invasive nature. A noncancerous primary brain tumor is life threatening when it compromises vital structures (e.g., an artery). Malignant tumors grow and spread aggressively, overpowering healthy cells by taking their space, blood, and nutrients. (Like all cells of the body, tumor cells need blood and nutrients to survive.) Tumors that do not spread aggressively are called benign.

The most common primary brain tumors are gliomas, meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, vestibular schwannomas, and primitive neuroectodermal tumors (medulloblastomas). The term glioma includes astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, ependymomas, and choroid plexus papillomas.

Metastatic(secondary) brain tumors are made of cancerous cells from a tumor elsewhere in the body. The cells spread to the brain from another tumor in a process called metastasis. About 25% of tumors elsewhere in the body metastasize to the brain.

Incidence and Prevalence
In the United States, the annual incidence of brain cancer generally is 15–20 cases per 100,000 people. Brain cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in patients younger than age 35.

Primary brain tumors account for 50% of intracranial tumors and secondary brain cancer accounts for the remaining cases. Approximately 17,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with primary cancer each year and nearly 13,000 die of the disease. The annual incidence of primary brain cancer in children is about 3 per 100,000.

Secondary brain cancer occurs in 20–30% of patients with metastatic disease and incidence increases with age. In the United States, about 100,000 cases of secondary brain cancer are diagnosed each year.

Causes and Risk Factors Of Brain Cancer
Aside from a known association with exposure to vinyl chloride, there are no known chemical or environmental agents that lead to the development of brain tumors.

Genetic mutations and deletions of tumor suppressor genes (i.e., genes that suppress the development of malignant cells) increase the risk for some types of brain cancer. Inherited diseases that are associated with brain tumors include the following:
* Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (pituitary adenoma)
* Neurofibromatosis type 2 (brain and spinal cord tumors)
* Retinoblastoma (malignant retinal glioma)
* Tuberous sclerosis (primary brain tumors)
* Von Hippel-Lindau disease (retinal tumor, CNS tumors)

Patients with a history of melanoma, lung, breast, colon, or kidney cancer are at risk for secondary brain cancer.

Exposure to vinyl chloride is an environmental risk factor for brain cancer. Vinyl chloride is a carcinogen, that is, a cancer-causing substance. It is used in manufacturing plastic products such as pipes, wire coatings, furniture, car parts, and housewares, and is present in tobacco smoke.

Manufacturing and chemical plants may release vinyl chloride into the air or water, and it may leak into the environment as a result of improper disposal. People who work in these plants or live in close proximity to them have an increased risk for brain cancer.

Signs and Symptoms Of Brain Cancer
Brain tumours cause "symptoms" by pressing on, or invading normal brain. These symptoms can result from increased pressure on the brain or destruction of normal nervous tissue. Symptoms can include headache (usually worse in the morning), nausea, vomiting, seizure, and weakness or numbness in the arms and/or legs. Headache is a common symptom of brain tumour, occurring in about 50% of patients. None of these symptoms are specific for brain tumours and they all can be caused by other medical problems. Less than 1% of headaches are caused by brain tumours. Brain tumours cause approximately 10% of new seizures in adults.

A brain tumor can obstruct the flow of cerebrosinal fluid (CSF), which results in the accumulation of CSF (hydrocephalus) and increased intracranial pressure (IICP). Nausea, vomiting, and headaches are common symptoms.

Brain tumors can damage vital neurological pathways and invade and compress brain tissue. Symptoms usually develop over time and their characteristics depend on the location and size of the tumor.
A brain tumor in the frontal lobe may cause the following:
* Behavioral and emotional changes
* Impaired judgment
* Impaired sense of smell
* Memory loss
* Paralysis on one side of the body (hemiplegia)
* Reduced mental capacity (cognitive function)
* Vision loss and inflammation of the optic nerve (papilledema)

A tumor located in both the right and left hemispheres of the frontal lobe often cause behavioral changes, cognitive changes, and a clumsy, uncoordinated gait.

A tumor in the parietal lobe may cause the following symptoms:
* Impaired speech
* Inability to write
* Lack of recognition
* Seizures
* Spatial disorders

Vision loss in one or both eyes and seizures may result from a tumor located in the occipital lobe.

Tumors that develop in the temporal lobe are often asymptomatic (i.e., without symptoms), but some may cause impaired speech and seizures.

A tumor in the brainstem may produce the following symptoms:
* Behavioral and emotional changes (e.g., irritability)
* Difficulty speaking and swallowing
* Drowsiness
* Headache, especially in the morning
* Hearing loss
* Muscle weakness on one side of the face (e.g., head tilt, crooked smile)
* Muscle weakness on one side of the body (i.e., hemiparesis)
* Uncoordinated gait
* Vision loss, drooping eyelid (i.e., ptosis) or crossed eyes (i.e., strabismus)
* Vomiting

Ependymoma originates in the lining of the ventricles and the spinal canal and may damage cranial nerves. When this happens, hydrocephalus, stiff neck, head tilt, and weakness may result.

Symptoms produced by a tumor of the meninges (meningioma) depend on which area of the brain is being compressed. They include:
* Headache
* Hearing loss
* Impaired speech (i.e., dysphasia)
* Incontinence
* Mental and emotional changes (e.g., indifference, disinhibition)
* Prolonged drowsiness (somnolence)
* Seizures
* Vision loss

A tumor located in the pituitary gland (i.e., pituitary adenoma) may increase the secretion of hormones and cause discontinuation of menstruation (i.e., amenorrhea) and excess secretion of milk (i.e., galactorrhea) in women. Impotence may occur in men.

Metastatic brain cancer tends to invade the brain tissue indiscriminately. Some symptoms include the following:
* Bleeding
* Headache
* Impaired mental function
* Motor dysfunction
* Nausea
* Seizures
* Swelling
* Vomiting

Complications Drastic and sometimes life-threatening complications can develop with brain cancer.
* Obstructed flow of cerebrospinal fluid from the third ventricle may cause sudden death.
* Cerebral hernia is a progressive, fatal condition in which the brain is forced through an opening in the skull.
* Hemorrhagic stroke produces sudden loss of vision and/or speech, unconsciousness, and paralysis.