Cancer

There are many tests that may be done to detect and confirm Cervical Cancer Medical history and physical exam: First, the doctor will ask you about your personal and family medical history. This includes information related to risk factors of cervical cancer and symptoms of cervical cancer. He or she will do a complete physical exam. The doctor will do a pelvic exam and may do a Pap test if one has not already been done. In addition, your lymph nodes will be checked closely for evidence of…

Depending on the individual patient, treatment options may include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery or a combination. It is important to understand the purpose of the treatment, which may vary. In some cases, the treatment aims to ‘cure’ the cancer or ensure ‘remission’. (Doctors tend to use the word ‘remission’ rather than ‘cure’ as in some cases the cancer returns after months or years.) In some cases, treatment aims to control the cancer – limit its growth and keep you free of symptoms…

There are two main types of cervical cancer: Squamous cell cancer Adenocarcinoma They are named after the type of cell that becomes cancerous.  Squamous cell cancer Squamous cells are the flat, skin-like cells lining the ectocervix, which connects to the vagina. Around 7 to 8 out of 10 cervical cancers are squamous cell cancer (70 to 80%). Adenocarcinoma Adenomatous cells are gland cells that produce mucus. The cervix has these gland cells scattered along the inside of the passageway…

Are you at risk of developing cervical cancer? Risk factors include the following HPV infection (Human papilloma virus): Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the major cause of the main types of cervical cancer – squamous cell cancer and adenocarcinoma. HPV is a common virus. Most sexually active women come into contact with HPV during their lifetime. There are over a 100 types of HPV and not all that cause cancer. The body can shake off the infection on its own. But there are some types of high…

The following symptoms may occur but the early stages of cervical cancer may be asymptomatic (not have any symptoms) as well: Constant vaginal discharge which may be foul smelling, watery or bloody Vaginal discharge may be pink or brownish in colour Unusual vaginal bleeding in between menstruation, at menopausal stage and even after having intercourse Pelvic pain during intercourse or otherwise Menstruation period is heavier than the usual and lasts longer Cervical cancer can spread to other…

Jane Prior of the Bone Marrow Donor Programme, Singapore takes a closer look at the myths and misconceptions surrounding the impact bone marrow donation may have on your own health.  First, we need to understand why we need to donate blood stem cells. Certain diseases destroy bone marrows or cause it to not function normally. As bone marrow is crucial in the production of blood, this may lead to the endangerment of one’s life if the bone marrow is not working properly.  Myth 1:…

Cuddles Foundation is one of the few NGOs in India that provides holistic nutritional support to impoverished children so that they can survive the trauma of cancer. In an interview founder-member Purnota Dutta Bahl stresses the need to fight malnutrition to save lives.  How important is nutrition in the fight against childhood cancer? 50,000 children are diagnosed with cancer every year in India. Only 22% of these even make it to the hospital for treatment. 4 out of 10 children…

There are several treatment options for controlling leukemia based on status and severity. Several prognostic features, such as the patient's age and overall health are taken into consideration before deciding a particular treatment regimen. The five major approaches to the treatment of leukemia are: Radiation Therapy Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Targeted therapy Stem Cell Transplantation Surgery (in specific cases only) Radiation Therapy  Radiation therapy is one of the many tools used to…

Diagnosing leukemia Physical Exam: During a physical exam, a doctor may look for lumps (formed by accumulation of abnormal cells in the skin). Also known as Choloromas or Skin rashes. A thorough medical history will be taken and the patient can report a family history of leukemia or any symptoms or risk factors. Blood Tests: Blood tests, like a complete blood count (CBC) can detect leukemia. A CBC determines the number of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. It can also count…

What are the types of leukemia? There are several classification systems for classifying leukemia. However, based on degree of disease progression, the two major forms are acute and chronic. Acute leukemia is fast-growing and can overwhelm the body within a few weeks or months. The new cells, called blasts (immature WBCs) cannot perform normal physiological functions. Due to longer life span, these cells continue to rise in circulation. Chronic leukemia in contrast progresses slowly. The blood-…