Hormone Therapy Increasing Risk Of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer still become the terrible specter for most of women. The cause is cancer which attacks the ovary is usually known when the stadium is on the go. That's why ovarian cancer have been used as the Silent Killer.

For you who are doing hormone therapy, you need to be cautious. Because hormone therapy may be a trigger of the emergence of ovary cancer. This is not new findings. A study from Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University in Denmark strengthens the statement that hormone therapy in close relation with the increased risk of cancer.

"Previous studies have connected hormone therapy with the ovarium cancer, but this study is believed as the largest and most detailed study on this matter," said study leader, Lina Morch, as quoted from the Webmd site.

In the research, Lina Morch and team of researcher at Rigshospitalet evaluated more than 909,000 Danish women, ages 50 to 79. After following the development of the participants during the eight years, 3,068 cases of ovarian cancer were found. Some 63 percent of the participants did not use hormone therapy before, while 9 percent are undergoing hormone therapy.

Compared with those who have never been to hormone therapy, women who are currently receiving hormone therapy have a 38 percent higher risk of ovarian cancer. Those who have stopped using the therapy for two years has a same risk to that who are never use.

Meanwhile, by the time women had been off the hormone therapy for more than six years, the risk of ovarian cancer was nearly 40% less in these past users than the never users. Morch says that finding is based on a low number of women who had quit hormone therapy for more than six years.

"What is important is the risk declines in former users with increasing time since last use," she says. And For those currently on hormone therapy, the risk of getting ovarian cancer didn't differ much among the various therapies, doses, or administration, Morch found.

Please Read Also: Ovarian Cysts Types, Causes And Symptoms

Ovarian Problems: Introduction To Ovarian Cysts Types, Causes And Symptoms

The common cyst (sac containing fluid) with the small size often occurs normally both on the ovaries. In general, the cyst does not disrupt and will disappear by itself. But on the other cases, cyst can cause a problem and needs to treated.

A woman has two ovaries. The function is to release ovum / egg cells and to produce hormones. One of the normal ovary producing egg cells each month. This egg cell is in a pouch called the folikel, grow inside the ovary.

In the day-5 of monthly female cycle, estrogen hormones stimulate layer in the uterus (endometrium) to grow and become thick, the preparation will be the possibility of pregnancy. Approximately, after 14 days, the egg cell will be removed / released from the ovary, the process is called ovulation.

Egg cells produced will be moving towards egg channels (the fallopian tubes), which will then be fertilized by sperm, this process is called conception. After the empty ovarian follicle become corpus luteum, which still survive until the next period of menses. Corpus luteum function in order to prepare the endometrium to be ready to accept the cells as the result of the conception.

Ovarian cyst quite often experienced by women at the age of reproduction. Cyst can vary in size and there are many different types of ovarian cyst. Most of the cyst is benign and not causing cancer, while some other can be a malignant cyst which can causing cancer, so that all forms of cyst symptoms need to be checked to a doctor.

Functional cysts

This type of ovarian cyst is the most widely found. The origin is from the egg cells and corpus luteum. So that is known two types of cysts, follicular cyst and corpus luteum cyst. This two types of cyst usually does not cause symptoms and will disappears within 6 to 8 months.

However, it can grow to almost 4 inches and may bleed or twist the ovary and cause pain. Clomid or Serophene, which are drugs used to induce ovulation, can raise the risk of developing this type of cyst. These cysts are almost never associated with cancer.

Dermoid cysts

This type of cyst containing various types of the body such as skin, nails, hair, teeth, and fat. Dermoid cyst can be found on both of the ovaries. Dermoid cyst is usually small and do not cause symptoms, unless if it is grows up. These cysts can become large and cause pain.

Cystadenoma

These cysts develop from cells on the outer surface of the ovary. They are often filled with a watery fluid or thick, sticky gel. They are usually benign, can grow into very large and can cause pain.

Hemorrhagic cyst

Hemorrhagic cyst is also called a blood cyst, hematocele, and hematocyst. It occurs when a very small blood vessel in the wall of the cyst breaks, and the blood enters the cyst. Giving pain on the one side of the lower part of the stomach. Occasionally hemorrhagic cysts can rupture, with blood entering the abdominal cavity. No blood is seen out of the vagina. Even if a hemorrhagic cyst ruptures, in many cases it resolves without surgery.

Endometrioid cyst / Endometrioma

An endometrioma, endometrioid cyst, endometrial cyst, or chocolate cyst is caused by endometriosis, and formed when a tiny patch of endometrial tissue (the mucous membrane that makes up the inner layer of the uterine wall) bleeds, sloughs off, becomes transplanted, and grows and enlarges inside the ovaries.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts:

Small-size Ovarian cyst usually does not cause symptoms, however when symptoms are present, ovarian cysts may cause a dull ache or a sense of fullness or pressure in the abdomen. Pain during intercourse and at other times can also indicate the presence of ovarian cysts.

Pain or pressure is caused by a number of factors such as size, bleeding or bursting of a cyst which irritates the abdominal tissues, or torsion (twisting of a cyst) which can block the flow of blood to the cyst.

Other symptoms of ovarian cysts which might occur include delayed, irregular, or unusually painful periods. If you experience distention of your abdomen or any other symptoms, notify your clinician immediately.

Following are symptoms that may be present:

* Dull aching, or severe, sudden, and sharp pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen (one or both sides), pelvis, vagina, lower back, or thighs; pain may be constant or intermittent -- this is the most common symptom
* Fullness, heaviness, pressure, swelling, or bloating in the abdomen
* Breast tenderness
* Pain during or shortly after beginning or end of menstrual period.
* Irregular periods, or abnormal uterine bleeding or spotting
* Change in frequency or ease of urination (such as inability to fully empty the bladder), or difficulty with bowel movements due to pressure on adjacent pelvic anatomy
* Weight gain
* Nausea or vomiting
* Fatigue
* Infertility
* Increased level of hair growth
* Increased facial hair or body hair
* Headaches
* Strange pains in ribs, which feel muscular
* Bloating
* Strange nodules that feel like bruises under the layer of skin

Because ovarian cysts may not cause symptoms, they are usually found during a routine pelvic examination. During this examination, a physician may be able to feel the swelling of the cyst on an ovary.

Once a cyst is found, ultrasonography is indicated to visualize the shape of the cyst, its size and location, and whether it is fluid-filled, solid, or mixed. A pregnancy test is also indicated. Hormone levels (such as luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, and testosterone) may also be assessed.

To determine whether a cyst might be cancerous, CA-125 levels should be measured. The amount of this protein is higher if a woman has ovarian cancer. However, some ovarian cancers do not produce enough CA-125 to be detected by the test. In addition, other noncancerous diseases such as uterine fibroids and endometriosis can increase the levels of CA-125.

These noncancerous causes of increased CA-125 are more common in women younger than 35 years of age, whereas ovarian cancer is very uncommon in this age group. For this reason, the CA-125 test is recommended mostly for women over the age of 35 years, who are at high risk for the disease and have a cyst that is partially solid.

Causes Of Common Leukemia Types , Diagnosis, Symptoms, and Treatment

Image via: www.kumc.edu

White Blood Cells (WBC) in the normal amount of work as a body soldier to fight the disease. On leukemia, bone marrow produces too many lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) which finally decreased production and function of normal blood cells. Community usually recognize leukemia as a blood cancer.

Leukemia, first recognised by the German pathologist Rudolf Virchow in 1847, starts when tissues such as bone marrow behave abnormally. This is caused by mutations in the DNA of bone marrow stem cells. Bone marrow stem cells produce billions of red blood cells and white blood cells each day, respectively carrying oxygen and fighting disease around all parts of the body.

Leukemia was referring to a group of blood diseases marked by the malignancy alias cancer on the networks that produce blood. These malignancies can come from the white blood cell, red blood cells, blood-chip (thrombocyte), or myeloid (cells found in bone marrow).

As with all cancers, leukemia is a broad term covering a spectrum of diseases. In leukemia, the diseases are classified according to the type of abnormal cell found most in the blood. Leukemia is also clinically split in to its acute and chronic forms.

The four main forms of Leukimia are:

* Acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL) , also known as acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is a cancer of the white blood cells, characterised by the overproduction and continuous multiplication of malignant and immature white blood cells (referred to as lymphoblasts) (ALL)

* Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is also known as Acute Myeloid Leukemia and is specifically a cancer of the myeloid line of white blood cells. It is the most commonly diagnosed type of adult leukemia, and is rare among children. These malignant cells calle (AML)

* Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a cancer in which too many lymphocytes ( white blood cells) are produced. CLL has two subtypes: T-cell and B-cell. The latter (B-cell) is the most common form (about 95%) and shows up mainly in the bone marrow and bl (CLL)

* Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a clonal stem cell disorder characterized by excessive proliferation of myeloid cells. Signs and symptoms The disease is often without specific symptoms. Often it is detected on a routine full bl (CML)

The most common forms in adults are AML and CLL, whereas in children ALL is most widely observed.

In other words, the type of leukemia is a cancer that can affect the bone marrow and the lymph system (spleen). Leukemia starts in the bone marrow and then spreads to the blood. From there it can spread to the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, central nervous system, and other organs. In general, leukemia is grouped in two, namely the form of acute (rapid growth) and chronic (slow growth).

According to the medical specialist Hematology and Medical Oncology, Prof. Dr. dr Arry Harryanto Reksodiputro, acute leukemia is not treated can cause death in only a month, caused by severe infection or bleeding.

And more distressing, many acute leukemia occurred in babies, and children. Meanwhile, the chronic leukemia, the disease progress slowly and generally does not cause damage to the other cells system in the body.

"That's why, when have a blood test, chronic leukemia patients may indicate that hemoglobin and trombosit is normal," said Arry at the launch of Novartis Oncology Access (NOA) in Jakarta.

Despite not directly or quickly cause the death, without proper handling of patients with chronic leukemia can be decreased quality of life. Arry cite, chronic leukemia that came from granulocyte (a type of white blood cells) causing people vulnerable affected by the attack of the disease.

"Granulocyte found under the skin and mucosa works as front lines in the fight against infection. If this Granulocyte does not exist or become abnormal, someone does not have protection on the first line," said Chairman of the National Coordination Board of Medical Hematology and Oncology In Indonesia.

One type of leukemia that can cause death and require intensive care is chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). This disease is suffered by 1-2 people per 100,000 population each year, with a range of average age 45-55. The occurrence of CML involves hematopoiesis, ie, formation of elements of the blood cells formed in the bone marrow.

"CML is a proliferative disease, where cell division occurs continuously in a progressive, so uncontrollable," said medical staff from Novartis, dr Early Arini.

Abnormal chromosome genes, known as the Philadelphia chromosome, considered as the main cause of occurrence of the CML. According to Dini, very high radiation exposure or industrial chemical substances (such benzena and formaldehyde) is also risk factors that should bewared by people.

Just as an additional information, in Indonesia there are about 250 patients with Chronic myelogenous (or myeloid) leukemia (CML), also known as chronic granulocytic leukemia (CGL). Of these amount, almost half are in Jakarta, with high levels of pollution.

A person stated suffering CML when the examination results show a progressive increase white blood cell, Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph +), and BCR-ABL-positive (BCR-ABL +).

BCR-ABL is a kind of active protein tyrosine kinase that is not normal. In the CML patients, this protein is stimulates the cells to continue to split so the amount of it could be too excessive. That is why, one of the targeted therapy is aimed to hamper the performance of BCR-ABL. Unfortunately, examination BCRABL is relatively expensive, around Rp. 750.000-Rp. 1 million.

Despite often asymptomatic, CML is usually characterized by the enlargement of spleen. This matter is also supported with the results of laboratory data that shows such as increased white blood cell and red blood cells, anemia, and basophilia (basophil is increase).

The common symptoms felt by some patients like the body is weak, fatigue, body weight decreased, and the feeling in the stomach is full.

Up to now, CML patients are usually given Imatinib, the only therapy approved for use on the new diagnosed patients suffering from Ph + CML, and in chronic phase after failure using Interferon-alpha therapy or in accelerated phase or blast crisis.

Based on the results of clinical testing IRIS (International randomized Interferon versus ST1571) for 60 months, Imatinib has a 83 percent success rate after 60 months during handling.

Unfortunately, the price of these drugs is still very expensive, around Rp. 11, 5 million per box (60 tablets contents). In fact, the patient must consume four tablets per day, or two boxes per month.

Facts Of Cancer Treatment Methods: Alternative And Traditional To Modern Medical Therapy

The reason of why an alternative treatments and medications of cancers are not more known widely has little to do with their alleged therapeutic ineffectiveness and far more to do with political control and the therapy marketplace. Many of the current treatments and medications methods are on the "unproven methods of cancer management" list maintained by the American Cancer Society which is, effectively, a "blacklist".

For number of reasons, modern medical doctors will know little if anything at all about alternative cancer treatments and therapy. Medical schools don't teach alternative treatments and medical journals rarely contain articles about alternative treatments.

Medical journals are published for the allopathic establishment, and they are mostly financed by advertisements from pharmaceutical companies. Doctors receive a lot of negative information about alternative treatments from the American Medical Association (AMA) and the pharmaceutical industry.

Internet "Quackwatches" and so forth decry alternative therapies even when there is contradictory evidence to their effectiveness plus their state medical boards may fine them heavily, suspend their license to practice or even revoke it.

The American Cancer Society (ACS), the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and other Government cancer bodies will not investigate or promote alternative treatments. If your doctor prescribes treatments that are not FDA approved, he or she can be sued or lose their license. A medical doctor can only prescribe treatments that are Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved. Their state medical boards may fine them heavily, suspend their license to practice or even revoke it.

The federal government can close them down and confiscate their property and they may lose their right to see patients in hospitals not to mention other doctors/peers openly ridicule and criticize them. It is no wonder your doctor will not know or tell you about alternative cancer treatments, because they could literally lose everything they have and worked for their whole lives.

There are many alternative treatments for cancer that will not provide Big Pharma a single penny of revenue, much less profits. This means these same treatments will not provide the media with a single penny of revenue. Guess which treatments the media pushes?

There is a war going on in medicine today; a war between orthodox medicine and alternative medicine. The war is being fought with money and information. The war is to control what you know, and don't know, about cancer treatments. When a new discovery is made, it comes down to the profitablity. If there is no profit, the treatment is buried.

Find a natural substance that cures something, bury this fact, then fabricate, synthesize, and mutate the key natural substance, then patent the mutation, and make huge profits.

That is why there is "no scientific evidence" for alternative treatments, no one is looking, because they cannot be patented and thus are not profitable enough. The reason there is no official "scientific evidence" for alternative cancer treatments and cancer prevention treatments is that they are not highly profitable to Big Pharma. It is impossible, by law, for a substance to be considered to have "scientific evidence" unless Big Pharma submits it to the FDA, and they will only submit things that are very, very profitable to them.

To the cancer establishment, a cancer patient is a profit center. The actual clinical and scientific evidence does not support the claims of the cancer industry. Conventional cancer treatments are in place as the law of the land because they pay, not heal, the best. Decades of the politics-of-cancer-as-usual have kept you from knowing this, and will continue to do so unless we wake up to their reality.

Adapted from articles By Joni Bell at www.freearticles.co.za

Cancer And Its Development: Facts We Should Know

If there is someone asking you about the definition of cancer, can you do it? We all have heard the word "cancer" for so many times, however just a few people understand about this disease and how it develops.

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a term used for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and are able to invade other tissues. Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems.

Cancer is a complex group of over 100 different types of cancer. Cancer can affect just about every organ in the human body. Cancer is not just one disease but many diseases. There are more than 100 different types of cancer. Most cancers are named for the organ or type of cell in which they start - for example, cancer that begins in the colon is called colon cancer; cancer that begins in basal cells of the skin is called basal cell carcinoma.

How Does Cancer Develop?

The organs in our body are made up of cells. Cells divide and multiply as the body needs them. When these cells continue multiplying when the body doesn't need them, the result is a mass or growth, also called a tumor.
These growths are consider either benign or malignant. Benign is considered non-cancerous and malignant is cancerous.
Benign tumors rarely are life threatening and do not spread to other parts of the body. They can often be removed.

How Does Cancer Spread to Other Parts of the Body?

The cells within malignant tumors have the ability to invade neighboring tissues and organs, thus spreading the disease. It is also possible for cancerous cells to break free from the tumor and enter the blood stream, and spreading the disease to other organs. This process of spreading is called metastasis.

When cancer has metastasized and has affected other areas of the body, the disease is still referred to the organ of origination. For instance, if cervical cancer spreads to the lungs, it is still called cervical cancer, not lung cancer.

Although most cancers develop this way, diseases like leukemia do not. They affect the blood and the organs that form blood and then invade nearby tissues.

All cancers are different, and require different treatment. What may be effective for prostate cancer, probably will not be for bladder cancer. Diagnosing cancer will vary as well, depending on the organ affected.

Fast Facts About Cancer

One in three people will develop cancer.
One in four people will die of cancer.
In 2005, about 1.4 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed.
Over 1,000,000 cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed this year.
Cancer is the leading cause of death among Americans under the age of 85.