Understanding Liver Cancer Survival Rates

December 9th, 2011

Liver cancer survival rates differ from one person to another. In order to understand survival rates, we must first discuss what we call Five-Year Survival Rate. This is a tool that aids in the prognosis and in determining the longevity of a person’s life. It is recommended for individuals that have lived a minimum of five years after the diagnosis of cancer.  Since every one of us has different genetic make-ups and individualized situations, there are still a lot of factors to consider when talking about survival rates. The liver is a high risk organ for liver cancer because it has numerous types of cells. These cells, having their own diverse functions may develop to different tumors. The liver is mainly responsible for the breakdown of nutrients and filtration of toxins. It is located beneath the right lung, resting adjacent to the stomach.

45 Understanding Liver Cancer Survival Rates

How does the Five-Year Survival Rate work?

• The Five-Year Survival Rate is a result from previous cases of cancer over the years. It may not be accurate for all people.

• General welfare and overall health performance are still taken into consideration.

• Physicians and other members of the health care team may also look into how the patient is responding to treatment and how compliant the patient is to medical routines.    

• For people with liver cancer, there are different percentages for the, depending on the gravity of the condition and the treatment given.

• Having no other life threatening conditions with minimal tumors removed, considering cirrhosis is not an issue, a fifty percent Five-Year Survival Rate is determined.

• If the cancer is diagnosed ahead of time and liver transplant was successfully made, there is a sixty to seventy percent.

• Overall, liver cancer is often diagnosed at late stages and has a ten percent Five-Year Survival Rate. Such low percentage is due to other problems that may arise from liver cancer, usually liver cirrhosis, which is a serious problem.

Location of the cancer related to liver survival rate

• They are further divided into localized, regional, and distant.

• If one or two tumors are found in one lobe of the liver and it is a Stage I or II liver cancer, it is classified as localized.

• This has twenty-one percent Five Year Relative Survival Rate determination.

• Regional includes severe forms of Stage II, III, and IV and has affectations on more lobes of the liver.

• Lymph nodes are also affected and this has six percent classification.

• For distant, distant organs are concerned and this has two percent liver cancer survival rate.

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Learning About Esophageal Cancer Symptoms

November 25th, 2011

During the early course of the disease, esophageal cancer symptoms do not manifest right away. Symptoms appear as the tumor grows. The cancer starts in the wall of the esophagus and it grows through the wall. Using the lymphatic system, the cancer continues to spread throughout the body. There are two type of esophageal cancer, these are:

44 Learning About Esophageal Cancer Symptoms

Squamous cell carcinoma

There are two types of this disease as the esophagus consists of two types of cells. The upper structure of the esophagus is lined up with squamous cell thus if the cancer starts here, it will be called squamous cell carcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma

On the lower part, the junction of the esophagus and the stomach, glandular cells can be found. If the tumor grows here, it will be called adenocarcinoma. In a condition called Barret’s Esophagus, glandular cells replace squamous cells thus making one susceptible to adenocarcinomas. A small fraction of esophageal cancers are melanomas, sarcomas. and lymphomas.

Signs and Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer

• The first symptom identified in patients is dysphagia or difficulty in swallowing as the tumor obstructs the channel for food to pass through.

• Odynophagia or painful swallowing may appear later once the tumor is big enough that passage of hard foods like meat and bread irritate the tissues.

• Pain is commonly felt in the sternal area and is worsened by swallowing food. Soft food and liquids may be tolerated at first.  

• Once there is painful swallowing, this affects the individual’s weight and nutrition as loss of appetite soon ensues.

• Another characteristic symptom of this disease is the hoarse or husky, raspy sounding cough, which is also persistent, due to the affectation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve.

• Painful hiccups due to the irritation of the phrenic nerve that controls the diaphragm.

• Excessive salivating is also noted as the body tries to compensate to the difficulty in swallowing by increasing saliva production.

GERD related to Esophageal Cancer

• It has been found that recurrent acid reflux may contribute to acquiring the disease so individuals with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux

• Disease or GERD are most likely candidates to having esophageal cancer.

• GERD or heartburn in lay terms is the recurrent reflux or backflow of gastric acid through the esophagus. Other risk factors are being over 60 years old, more common to men, heavy alcohol consumers and tobacco smokers, hereditary, obesity, and previous conditions like Celiac disease and Achalasia in which there is constant irritation of the esophageal lining.

These identified manifestations may also be related to other diseases. For further screening and testing, it is highly recommended that you consult a health care professional. One should be cautious when dealing with esophageal cancer symptoms for early detection and management.

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Defining Sinus Cancer

November 10th, 2011

Epistaxis or nose bleeding is the most common sign and onset of sinus cancer. Sinuses are those hollow spaces or air pockets found at a person’s nasal cavity. Their main function would have something to do with the resonance of voice and decreasing the weight of a person’s head. One may wonder how cancer would develop in such part of the body. Malignant cells usually arise from the sinuses’ lining, called as the mucosa and sometimes from the bone itself. These are usually squamous cell carcinomas. If the skin is affected, it is classified as a melanoma while if connective tissues are the main concern, it is called sarcomas.

clip image002 Defining Sinus Cancer

Having these ideas, one may experience nasal stuffiness and tooth pain. There may be also nasal discharges present. Other signs and symptoms are usually dependent on metastatic activity of the cancer cells. This means that it may affect adjacent tissues and further areas of the face, but this are already late manifestations. For the eyes, there may be blurring or doubling of vision and excessive tearing. For the cheeks and the nose, pain may be present, same as lumps. There could also be numbness on these parts. For the neck, one may palpate presence of lumps, too. Overall, asymmetry of the face may be seen on patients with late stages of sinus cancer.

Sinus cancer is rare. Chances of getting it are close to none. Too much exposure to different chemicals in one’s workplace may predispose a person in developing this type of cancer. High risk individuals are those in close contact with wood dust and to certain types of chemicals such as chromium and nickel. Same is true with polycyclic hydrocarbons, aflatoxin, and mustard gas. As with any type of cancer, surgery may be needed to treat the affected part. A consultation to an EENT specialist is needed for sound advise and to determine options regarding this case. If surgery is advised, usual hospital protocols will follow. A call to the emergency department is necessary, after the surgery, if one is experiencing  severe untolerable headache and uncontrollable nasal bleeding. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be suited depending on the gravity and condition of the site.

Sinus cancer is disregarded by most people because of non-alarming signs and symptoms. One is therefore advised to be vigilant to any manifestations listed above, especially  considering if you are in a high risked group, so as to avoid future complications and problems that may give arise to sinus cancer.

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Defining Ureter Cancer

November 10th, 2011

Ureter Cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects mostly men, over the age of 65. Smoking is one the risk factors involved. Environmental and work-related factors would include exposure to chemicals and dyes that are used for manufacturing leather, textile, rubber, and plastics. Since most ureter cancers are from transitional cells that are found in the bladder, a person with bladder cancer is also at risk.

clip image002 Defining Ureter Cancer

Ureters are the tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Manifestations therefore are related to the urinary output and quality. Symptoms include dark colored urine and urinary frequency or urgency. This refers to individuals who cannot stand holding their urine for a specific period of time and needs to empty his or her bladder as soon as possible.  Some people may also experience urinary hesitancy. Urinary frequency or urgency varies from one person to another. Another symptom would be pain upon urinating. It is classified to be burning in sensation and discomfort is highly felt. Aside from difficulty from urinating, the person may complain of back cramps or even pain located at the ribcage. There can also be passing out of blood clots or pure blood in their urine. Fatigue and weight loss are also symptoms that are suggestive of ureter cancer.

Stages of ureter cancer are recognized by determining the size and spread of cancer cells. If it has been confined to the ureter and kidney, it is classified as localized. Regional would now include surrounding tissues and lymph nodes. Metastatic cancer is what they call when cancer cells have already invaded other vital organs.

There are a lot of test that can determine ureter cancer. They are usually laboratory exams that deal with urine and imagery that covers the ureters. Examples would be urinalysis, blood test, abdominal CT (Computerized Tomography) scan or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), kidney ultrasound, and intravenous pyelogram.

Treatments for late stages would be in accordance to the patient’s health, general welfare, and overall status. If surgery is deemed to be done, the surgeon will determine what surgical procedure is needed and applicable for the patient. The most common treatment option would be nephrectomy or total removal of the kidneys. Nephro-ureterectomy would be the removal of the kidney, upper bladder, and the ureter. Segmental ureterectomy would be removal of a part of a ureter. It is only possible if the tumor is localized and small enough. Ureteroneocystomy or reimplantation would be the removal of the lower portion of the ureter and reconnecting the ureter back to the bladder. Early treatments are laser therapy or electrosurgery therapy. These treatments for ureter cancer vary from one person to another.

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Defining Spleen Cancer

November 9th, 2011

Spleen cancer is the rapid, uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells in the spleen. The spleen, which is part of the lymphatic system, is a spongy organ the size of a fist located on the left side of the body just under the ribs. Its functions include filtering unwanted material, destroying old, damaged cells, producing red and white blood cells, maintaining balance of body fluids, and finally, controlling the amount of blood in the body. Survival without the spleen is possible because other organs can take over its job.

clip image002 Defining Spleen Cancer

A number of factors increase the risk of developing cancer of the spleen.

• old age

• those who are immunocompromised or those whose immune system is incapable of functioning normally as a result of a disease such as HIV or AIDS, or are currently taking corticosteroids or medications that suppress immune response

• exposure to carcinogenic chemicals like those found in tobacco

• family history of lymphoma or leukemia

• personal history of certain blood disorders

However, a cancer may or may not start in the spleen. More often, the cancer originates from another tissue and just metastasizes or spreads to the spleen. An example to this is lymphoma, a type of blood cancer that forms in the lymphatic system. Lung cancers, stomach cancers, pancreatic cancers, liver cancers, and colon cancers are some of the other cancers that may invade the spleen.

Symptoms often appear when the cancer has reached a critical stage. Varying from indistinct signs and symptoms such as a simple cold, to alarming ones like spleen enlargement and pain or fullness of the upper abdomen. Common symptoms identified for spleen cancer are:

• Abdominal pain or fullness, especially in the upper abdomen

• Bone pain or joint pain

• Easy bleeding or bruising

• Fatigue

• Fever and chills

• Frequent infections

• Night sweats

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Unexplained weight loss

• Bluish coloration of the lips or fingernails

• Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure, palpitations

• High fever higher than one hundred one (101) degrees Fahrenheit

• Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, and wheezing

Some symptoms may also be present in other conditions therefore it is imperative to seek medical help first as there are various diagnostic examinations that are required before an oncologist can affirm that one has spleen cancer. Treatment and prognosis of spleen cancer depends on extent to which it has spread, age, and general health status of the individual. Surgery, followed by series of radiation and chemotherapies are the main three methods of treatment for spleen cancer.

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Identifying Tongue Cancer Symptoms

November 5th, 2011

Tongue cancer symptoms can be prevented and at the same time treated promptly if they are acknowledged ahead of time. It has been noted that men are in higher risk than females. Age group would be from 40 years old and over. In order to understand the symptoms, let us first identify what is tongue cancer. There are two types of tongue cancer. If the malignant cells are found anteriorly, this refers to front two-third portion of the tongue; it is considered as oral cavity cancer. As the name implies, it includes the lips, cheeks and gums, floor of the mouth, hard palate, and minor salivary glands. The other type would be from the back third portion of the tongue and this is called oral pharyngeal cancer. It covers the pharynx, soft palate, tonsils, and tonsilar arches.

Red or white patches are often seen to patients with tongue cancer. They are firm with raised edges and as they grow in size, they become harder. It is noticeable in the areas of the tongue or in any lining of the mouth and gums. Oral bleeding may be present due to the pressure exerted upon eating. Pain is also significant since these areas are tender and prone to movement due to talking and chewing. A sore throat can also be a manifestation, same with difficulty in swallowing. A person can also experience alterations in the voice quality, bad breath, presence of lumps, and ear aches. Another way to determine its occurrence would be to notice if there are alterations in the way dentures are placed. A person may even find it difficult to open his or her mouth.

More specific manifestations for oral pharyngeal cancer would be difficulty swallowing or a persistent sore throat. Unexplained and excessive weight loss therefore is also noticeable to patients suffering from oral pharyngeal cancer. There are also lumps palpable in the neck area, which are actually inflamed lymph nodes. There may be also ulcerations in the oral area and lumps at the back of the throat.

As for all cancer types, chemotherapy or radiation therapy are advised by a medical specialist after determining if a person has cancer. Bear in mind that all cancer related queries and concerns should be addressed as early as possible so as to avoid its happening. The earlier symptoms are known, the better would be the prognosis. It is important to take tongue cancer symptoms seriously and to visit your physician for consultation.

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Defining Duodenal Cancer

November 3rd, 2011

Duodenal cancer is the abnormal, rapid proliferation of malignant cells in the small intestine. It is considered as one of the rare types of cancer. The small intestine is divided into three parts, namely, the duodenum, jejunum, and the ileum. The duodenum is the part of the intestines that connects to the stomach and pancreas. It is where most of the digestion takes place and is largely responsible for the breakdown of food in the small intestine, using enzymes. The duodenum also protects the body from harmful microbes using paneth cells which secrete enzymes that destroy bacteria.

Adenocarcinomas that form in the lining of the small intestine are the most common tumors affecting the duodenum. These are tumors that obstruct the bowel, causing pain, enlargement of abdomen, and digestive problems. Adenocarcinoma only accounts for two percent (2%) of all tumors in the gastrointestinal tract and one percent (1%) of all deaths related to cancer of the gastrointestinal tract.

Risk factors that increase the chances of developing duodenum cancer are:

• High fat diet
• Diabetes and obesity
• Smoking
• Exposure to chemicals
• Genetic abnormalities and hereditary conditions like Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) infection, Muit-Torre syndrome, Puetz-Jeghers, Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome, Celiac disease, and Crohn’s disease.
• Duodenal Ulcer

Symptoms in cancer often appear when the disease is at its advance stage. If one has one or more risk factors, it is recommended to see a specialist to be able to undergo screenings and diagnostic examinations. Common symptoms seen in persons with duodenal cancer are as follows:

• Pain below the breast bone
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bloating of the abdomen after consumption of food
• Blood in stool
• Ascites or abdominal swelling
• Unexplained weight loss
• Abdominal pain in the middle region
• Heartburn
• Acid reflux
• Fatigue

Be aware that some symptoms identified in this article may also manifest in other health conditions. A definite diagnosis of liver cancer can only be made by an oncologist after a series of diagnostic examinations. Standard treatments for cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Prognosis or likelihood of recovery depends on the type of cancer, the age, overall health of the patient, and cancer stage. Duodenal cancer can be prevented by making lifestyle changes like discontinuing smoking, decreasing consumption of foods high in fat, and regular exercise. Also, annual screenings may also be helpful for individuals who have risk factors associated with duodenal cancer.

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Liver Cancer Survival Rates

October 31st, 2011

Liver cancer survival rates are variable. To discuss life expectancy with this type of cancer would be understandable after discussing the Five-Year Survival Rate. The Five-year Survival Rate tool is a basic means in prognosis and in determining the longevity of a person’s life. It is applicable for individuals that have lived a minimum of five years after the diagnosis of cancer.  Although it is suggestive, there are a lot of factors to consider, for each and every one of us have different genetic make-ups and individualized situations.

For people with liver cancer, there are different percentages for the Five-Year Survival Rate, depending on the gravity of the condition and the treatment given. Having no other life threatening conditions with minimal tumors removed, considering cirrhosis is not an issue, a fifty percent Five-Year Survival Rate is determined. If the cancer is diagnosed ahead of time and liver transplant was successfully made, there is a sixty to seventy percent. Overall, liver cancer is often diagnosed at late stages and has a ten percent Five-Year Survival Rate. Such low percentage is due to other problems that may arise from liver cancer, usually liver cirrhosis, which is a serious problem.

The liver is a high risk organ for cancer because it has numerous types of cells. These cells, having their own diverse functions may develop to different tumors. The liver is mainly responsible for the breakdown of nutrients and filtration of toxins. It is located beneath the right lung, resting adjacent to the stomach.

Another good classification of liver cancer survival rates would be depending on the spread of cancer cells. They are further divided into localized, regional, and distant. If one or two tumors are found in one lobe of the liver and it is a Stage I or II liver cancer, it is classified as localized. This has twenty-one percent Five Year Relative Survival Rate determination. Regional includes severe forms of Stage II, III, and IV and has affectations on more lobes of the liver. Lymph nodes are also affected and this has six percent classification. For distant, distant organs are concerned and this has two percent.

The Five-Year Survival Rate is a result from previous cases of cancer over the years. It may not be accurate for all people. General welfare and overall health performance are still taken into consideration. Physicians and other members of the health care team may also look into how the patient is responding to treatment and how compliant the patient is to medical routines. Always remember that each person is different and has varying cases, therefore one person’s liver cancer survival rate is different from another.  

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Identifying Esophageal Cancer Symptoms

October 28th, 2011

Esophageal cancer symptoms do not manifest early in the course of the disease. More often, as with other cancers, symptoms appear as the tumor grows. Esophageal cancer starts in the lining of the esophagus and it grows through the wall. When it does, it continues to spread throughout the body by using the lymphatic system.

There are two types of this disease as the esophagus consists of two types of cells. The upper structure of the esophagus is lined up with squamous cell thus if the cancer starts here, it will be called squamous cell carcinoma. On the lower part, the junction of the esophagus and the stomach, glandular cells can be found. If the tumor grows here, it will be called adenocarcinoma. In a condition called Barret’s Esophagus, glandular cells replace squamous cells thus making one susceptible to adenocarcinomas. A small fraction of esophageal cancers are melanomas, sarcomas. and lymphomas.

The first symptom identified in patients is dysphagia or difficulty in swallowing as the tumor obstructs the channel for food to pass through. Odynophagia or painful swallowing may appear later once the tumor is big enough that passage of hard foods like meat and bread irritate the tissues. Pain is commonly felt in the sternal area and is worsened by swallowing food. Soft food and liquids may be tolerated at first.  Once there is painful swallowing, this affects the individual’s weight and nutrition as loss of appetite soon ensues. Another characteristic symptom of this disease is the hoarse or husky, raspy sounding cough, which is also persistent, due to the affectation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve.

It has been found that recurrent acid reflux may contribute to acquiring the disease so individuals with conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD are most likely candidates to having esophageal cancer. GERD or heartburn in lay terms is the recurrent reflux or backflow of gastric acid through the esophagus. Other risk factors are as follows:

• Being over 60 years old

• More common among men

• Heavy alcohol consumers and tobacco smokers

• Heredity

• Obesity

• Having prior conditions like Celiac disease and Achalasia in which there is constant irritation of the esophageal lining

Another characterististic symptom is painful hiccups due to the irritation of the phrenic nerve that controls the diaphragm. Excessive salivating is also noted as the body tries to compensate to the difficulty in swallowing by increasing saliva production.

Note that some symptoms may also be present in other conditions. Seek medical advice so that you may undergo screening and further testing. It is crucial to determine the disease as soon as possible rather than waiting for further appearance of esophageal cancer symptoms.

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A Quick Look at Ureter Cancer

September 14th, 2011

Ureter Cancer is the malignant proliferation of the cells of the bladder. This cancer most often originates in transitional cells, which are cells in the lining of the bladder. Only a small percentage of ureter cancers, approximately ten (10) percent, start in the squamous cells, flat cells in the outer layer of the skin, that line the respiratory and digestive tracts, and hollow organs.

18 A Quick Look at Ureter Cancer

As urine is collected in the kidneys, it empties into two tubes called the ureters, which in turn lead to the bladder. Each ureter is a small tube, about twenty five to thirty centimeters (25 to 30 cm) long, that carries urine from the renal pelvis in the kidney to the urinary bladder. It descends from the renal pelvis, along the posterior abdominal wall, behind the parietal peritoneum, and enters the urinary bladder on the posterior inferior surface. The ureters join the bladder through an angled tunnel in the bladder wall that prevents reflux or backflow of urine into the ureters when the bladder muscle contracts.

There are no direct causative factors for ureter cancer but smoking, like in most cancers, is identified as a risk factor. A previous history of cancer, like kidney cancer, most likely increases one’s risk of getting ureter cancer.

Symptoms for cancer of the ureter include:

• Weight loss (unintentional)

• Fatigue

• Dark urine

• Urinary frequency or urgency

• Pain or burning discomfort during urination

• Urinary hesitancy

• Pain at the juncture of ribs and spine

• Blood in urine

• Blood clots in urine

• Cramps or back pain

• Urethral discharge and swelling

• Pain during sexual intercourse

• Recurrent urinary tract infections

These symptoms may also be present in other health problems. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not automatically suggest having ureter cancer. To definitely diagnose ureter cancer requires help of a doctor and a series of laboratory tests. The primary treatment, as in most cancers, is surgery. In this method, the affected part or the tumor itself is removed by a surgeon. In some cases, one whole kidney and ureter may be removed. This is followed by a course of radiation therapy and chemotherapy to kill or stunt the proliferation of cancer cells. A lifetime of frequent follow-ups ensue to determine a recurrence of cancer. Treatment and prognosis for ureter cancer depends on the patient’s age and overall health and the stage of the cancer.

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