Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Sugar and Proteins Keep Cancer Cells Alive
It's been said that cancer cells are immortal – they don't die off in an orderly way like healthy cells do. Scientists have studied this effect and may have discovered what tumor cells do to avoid cell death. In laboratory research at Duke University, cancer cells appear to use a combination of sugar and specific proteins to keep growing when they should die. These cancer cells appear to use sugar at a high rate, in order to ignore cellular instructions to die off. So might sugar – which appears to make cancer cells stronger – someday turn out to be cancer's Achilles' Heel?
Cancer Loves Sugar – Truth or Rumor?
This familiar saying, "cancer loves sugar" has been around since the 1924 publication of Dr. Otto Warburg's paper, "On metabolism of tumors." Warburg was a Nobel Prize winning cell biologist who wrote, "Summarized in a few words, the prime cause of cancer is the replacement of the respiration of oxygen in normal body cells by a fermentation of sugar." Many people who referred to his work in later years misquoted Warburg's statement by saying, "cancer loves sugar."
Warburg's hypothesis stated that cancer growth was caused when cancer cells converted glucose into energy without using oxygen. Healthy cells make energy by converting pyruvate and oxygen. The pyruvate is oxidized within a healthy cell's mitochondria, and Warburg theorized that since cancer cells don't oxidize pyruvate, cancer must be considered a mitochondrial dysfunction.
Now that we know more about the genetics of cancer, we know that cancer is not a mitochondrial dysfunction, but is caused by genetic mutations, such as appear on the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. It is true that healthy cells and cancer cells convert their food to energy in different ways, but that difference is an effect, and not a cause, of cancer.
Warburg's hypothesis stated that cancer growth was caused when cancer cells converted glucose into energy without using oxygen. Healthy cells make energy by converting pyruvate and oxygen. The pyruvate is oxidized within a healthy cell's mitochondria, and Warburg theorized that since cancer cells don't oxidize pyruvate, cancer must be considered a mitochondrial dysfunction.
Now that we know more about the genetics of cancer, we know that cancer is not a mitochondrial dysfunction, but is caused by genetic mutations, such as appear on the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. It is true that healthy cells and cancer cells convert their food to energy in different ways, but that difference is an effect, and not a cause, of cancer.
Predicting drug metabolism
Another type of test that may prove important is the assessment of inherited genetic variation that influences drug metabolism (the processing of drugs by the body). In the case of tamoxifen, for example, differences in effectiveness may be explained at least in part by inherited differences in a gene known as CYP2D6.[3] Most people have two functional versions of this gene and are able to effectively process tamoxifen. Some people, however, have versions of this gene that are less effective at processing tamoxifen. Testing patients for these gene variants could help doctors identify patients who are less likely to respond to tamoxifen. A currently available test is AmpliChip®, which assesses CYP2D6 as well as CYP2C19 (another gene involved in drug metabolism). Additional data are required, however, before formal recommendations can be developed about this type of testing.[4]
For more information about AmpliChip, visit http://www.amplichip.us/.
Carcinoma In Situ: Approximately 15-20% of breast cancers are very early in their development. These are sometimes referred to as carcinoma in situ and consist of two types: ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which originates in the ducts and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), which originates in the lobules. DCIS is the precursor to invasive cancer and LCIS is a risk factor for developing cancer.
Stage I: Cancer is confined to a single site in the breast, is less than 2 centimeters (3/4 inch) in size and has not spread outside the breast.
Stage IIA: Cancer has spread to involve underarm lymph nodes and is less than 2 centimeters (3/4 inch) in size or the primary cancer itself is 2-5 centimeters (3/4-2 inches) and has not spread to the lymph nodes.
Stage IIB: Cancer has spread to involve underarm lymph nodes and/or the primary cancer is greater than 5 centimeters (2 inches) in size and does not involve any lymph nodes.
Stage IIIA: Cancer is smaller than 5 centimeters (2 inches) and has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm or the lymph nodes are attached to each other or to other structures or the primary cancer is larger than 5 centimeters (2 inches) and has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm.
Stage IIIB: Cancer directly involves the chest wall or has spread to internal lymph nodes on the same side of the chest.
Inflammatory: Inflammatory breast cancer is a special class of breast cancer that is rare. The breast looks as if it is inflamed because of its red appearance and warmth. The skin may show signs of ridges and wheals or it may have a pitted appearance. Inflammatory breast cancer tends to spread quickly.
Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant locations in the body, which may include the liver, lungs, bones or other sites.
Recurrent/Relapsed: The breast cancer has progressed or returned (recurred/relapsed) following an initial treatment.
For more information about AmpliChip, visit http://www.amplichip.us/.
Learn More
Patients who have already undergone surgery and lymph node evaluation and know their stage of cancer may select from the options below. In order to learn more about surgery and sentinel lymph node dissection, go to Surgery for Breast Cancer.Carcinoma In Situ: Approximately 15-20% of breast cancers are very early in their development. These are sometimes referred to as carcinoma in situ and consist of two types: ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which originates in the ducts and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), which originates in the lobules. DCIS is the precursor to invasive cancer and LCIS is a risk factor for developing cancer.
Stage I: Cancer is confined to a single site in the breast, is less than 2 centimeters (3/4 inch) in size and has not spread outside the breast.
Stage IIA: Cancer has spread to involve underarm lymph nodes and is less than 2 centimeters (3/4 inch) in size or the primary cancer itself is 2-5 centimeters (3/4-2 inches) and has not spread to the lymph nodes.
Stage IIB: Cancer has spread to involve underarm lymph nodes and/or the primary cancer is greater than 5 centimeters (2 inches) in size and does not involve any lymph nodes.
Stage IIIA: Cancer is smaller than 5 centimeters (2 inches) and has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm or the lymph nodes are attached to each other or to other structures or the primary cancer is larger than 5 centimeters (2 inches) and has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm.
Stage IIIB: Cancer directly involves the chest wall or has spread to internal lymph nodes on the same side of the chest.
Inflammatory: Inflammatory breast cancer is a special class of breast cancer that is rare. The breast looks as if it is inflamed because of its red appearance and warmth. The skin may show signs of ridges and wheals or it may have a pitted appearance. Inflammatory breast cancer tends to spread quickly.
Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant locations in the body, which may include the liver, lungs, bones or other sites.
Recurrent/Relapsed: The breast cancer has progressed or returned (recurred/relapsed) following an initial treatment.
References:
[1] American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2009. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/stt/stt_0.asp (Accessed July 14, 2009).
[2] Albain K, Barlow W, Shak S et al. Prognostic and predictive value of the 21-gene recurrence score assay in postmenopausal, node-positive, ER-positive breast cancer (S8814,INT0100). Presented at the 30th Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. San Antonio, TX, December 13-16, 2007. Abstract #10.
[3] Schroth W, Antoniadou L, Fritz P et al. Breast cancer treatment outcome with adjuvant tamoxifen relative to patient CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 genotypes. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2007;25:5187-5193.
[4] Desta Z, Flockhart DA. Germline pharmacogenetics of tamoxifen response: have we learned enough? Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2007;5147-5149.
Predicting the need for chemotherapy
Among women with early-stage breast cancer, the expression, or activity, of certain genes has been linked with the likelihood of cancer recurrence and chemotherapy benefit; testing tumor tissue for the expression of these genes can provide important information about prognosis and likely response to treatment. A genomic test that is included in guidelines from both the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is Oncotype DX®. Based on the expression of 21 genes, this test provides information about recurrence risk and likely chemotherapy benefit among women with newly diagnosed breast cancer that has not spread to the lymph nodes (node-negative) and is hormone receptor-positive. Oncotype DX has also shown promising results in women with node-positive breast cancer.[2]
For more information about OncotypeDX, visit http://www.mytreatmentdecision.com/
For more information about OncotypeDX, visit http://www.mytreatmentdecision.com/
Hormone receptor status
Some breast cancer cells express an abundance of receptors for the female hormones estrogen and/or progesterone. These cancers-- called hormone receptor-positive --are typically associated with a better prognosis and are treated differently from breast cancers that are hormone receptor-negative. Patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer often receive treatment with hormonal therapy, such as tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor. For more information, go to Hormonal Therapy.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a common cancer, with approximately 194,000 new cases diagnosed in the United States each year.[1] The disease occurs most frequently in women, but can also occur in men.
The normal breast has 6 to 9 overlapping sections called lobes and within each lobe are several smaller lobules that contain the cells that produce milk. The lobes and lobules are linked by thin tubes called ducts, which lead to the nipple in the center of the breast. The spaces around the lobules and ducts are filled with fat. Lymph vessels carry colorless fluid called lymph, which contains important immune cells. The lymph vessels lead to small bean-shaped structures called lymph nodes. Clusters of lymph nodes are found in the axilla (under the arm), above the collarbone, and in the chest.
The suspicion of breast cancer often first arises when a lump is detected in the breast during breast examination or a suspicious area is identified during screening mammography. In order to diagnose the cause of the suspicious area or lump in the breast, a physician will perform a biopsy. A biopsy can be performed on an outpatient basis. During a biopsy, a physician removes cells for examination in the laboratory to determine whether cancer is present. Other information obtained from the biopsy sample will play an important role in treatment decisions. If the biopsy indicates that cancer is present, additional surgery may be performed after the patient and doctor select a course of treatment.
There are many types of breast tumors. Some breast tumors are benign (not cancerous). Benign breast tumors such as fibroadenomas or papillomas do not spread outside of the breast and are not life threatening. Other breast tumors are malignant (cancerous). The most common type of breast cancer is called ductal carcinoma and begins in the lining of the ducts. Another type of cancer is called lobular carcinoma, which arises in the lobules.
Stage: Stage is a measure of the extent of the cancer, and is based on the size of the tumor and the presence or absence of lymph node metastases and distant metastases. Determining the stage of the cancer may require a number of procedures, such as blood tests, chest x-rays, mammography, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). For patients with early-stage cancer, the spread of the cancer to the axillary (under the arm) lymph nodes may be assessed through either sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection. Axillary lymph node dissection involves the removal of many axillary lymph nodes; the procedure can be associated with chronic side effects such as pain, limited shoulder motion, numbness, and swelling. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a more recent procedure that involves the removal of only a small number of nodes, or even a single node. If the sentinel lymph nodes are negative (show no evidence of cancer), then no further lymph node surgery is required. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is becoming more widely adopted in the clinical setting for determining whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in women with localized breast cancer.
HER2 status: Twenty to thirty percent of breast cancers overexpress (make too much of) a protein known as HER2. Overexpression of this protein leads to increased growth of cancer cells. Fortunately, the development of treatments that specifically target HER2-positive cells – such as Herceptin® (trastuzumab) and Tykerb® (lapatinib) -- has improved outcomes among women with HER2-positive breast cancer. For this reason, HER2 status should be accurately measured on all breast cancers.
The normal breast has 6 to 9 overlapping sections called lobes and within each lobe are several smaller lobules that contain the cells that produce milk. The lobes and lobules are linked by thin tubes called ducts, which lead to the nipple in the center of the breast. The spaces around the lobules and ducts are filled with fat. Lymph vessels carry colorless fluid called lymph, which contains important immune cells. The lymph vessels lead to small bean-shaped structures called lymph nodes. Clusters of lymph nodes are found in the axilla (under the arm), above the collarbone, and in the chest.
The suspicion of breast cancer often first arises when a lump is detected in the breast during breast examination or a suspicious area is identified during screening mammography. In order to diagnose the cause of the suspicious area or lump in the breast, a physician will perform a biopsy. A biopsy can be performed on an outpatient basis. During a biopsy, a physician removes cells for examination in the laboratory to determine whether cancer is present. Other information obtained from the biopsy sample will play an important role in treatment decisions. If the biopsy indicates that cancer is present, additional surgery may be performed after the patient and doctor select a course of treatment.
There are many types of breast tumors. Some breast tumors are benign (not cancerous). Benign breast tumors such as fibroadenomas or papillomas do not spread outside of the breast and are not life threatening. Other breast tumors are malignant (cancerous). The most common type of breast cancer is called ductal carcinoma and begins in the lining of the ducts. Another type of cancer is called lobular carcinoma, which arises in the lobules.
Personalized Cancer Care Center
When cancer is identified in the biopsy specimen, several other tests may be performed on the specimen in order to further classify the cancer and determine the optimal treatment strategy. Based on the stage of the cancer and the results of these tests, treatment of breast cancer is personalized for each individual. Treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and/or hormonal therapy.Stage: Stage is a measure of the extent of the cancer, and is based on the size of the tumor and the presence or absence of lymph node metastases and distant metastases. Determining the stage of the cancer may require a number of procedures, such as blood tests, chest x-rays, mammography, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). For patients with early-stage cancer, the spread of the cancer to the axillary (under the arm) lymph nodes may be assessed through either sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection. Axillary lymph node dissection involves the removal of many axillary lymph nodes; the procedure can be associated with chronic side effects such as pain, limited shoulder motion, numbness, and swelling. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a more recent procedure that involves the removal of only a small number of nodes, or even a single node. If the sentinel lymph nodes are negative (show no evidence of cancer), then no further lymph node surgery is required. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is becoming more widely adopted in the clinical setting for determining whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in women with localized breast cancer.
HER2 status: Twenty to thirty percent of breast cancers overexpress (make too much of) a protein known as HER2. Overexpression of this protein leads to increased growth of cancer cells. Fortunately, the development of treatments that specifically target HER2-positive cells – such as Herceptin® (trastuzumab) and Tykerb® (lapatinib) -- has improved outcomes among women with HER2-positive breast cancer. For this reason, HER2 status should be accurately measured on all breast cancers.
Cyberknife Treatment for Brain Tumors
By Michael Chewful
The brain can be considered as the body's director since it tells the body what it has to do and mainly controls the senses, emotions, personality, and memory. A tumor is the abnormal growth of cells, so we can define a brain tumor as an abnormal growth within the brain or the central spinal canal. Because of advanced technology, malignant brain tumors can now be cured. One modern treatment that is starting to gain popularity is the Cyberknife Treatment.
This article will give you an insight on this new technology, the Cyberknife Treatment. But before that, let us know more about this disease.
Any kind of tumor can be fatal and life-threatening due to its invasive character within the limited space of the brain cavity. Tumors on the brain can either be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). However, even malignant tumors may not cause death to an afflicted person. The brain tumor's threat level will depend on several factors which include the tumor type, location, size, and the state of its development.
Doctors categorize tumors on the brain by grade, according to how it appears when seen under a microscope: from low grade or grade I to high grade or grade IV. High grade tumor cells look more abnormal and the growth is faster compared to the low grade tumor cells.
Primary tumors are those that begin in the brain tissue. They are also called true tumors. Secondary ones, also known as metastatic tumors, are cancer cells that originate from other parts of the body that invaded the brain tissue.
Over the years, doctors cannot exactly pinpoint the cause of the disease. Studies show that there are certain risk factors that increase one person's chance that could develop the disease. They are known to be more common to males rather females. Experts have also found out that brain tumors occur mostly on Caucasians or whites. They rank second to leukemia as the most common childhood cancer. Children aged 8 years and younger are likely to develop brain tumor while in adult, the disease is usually detected in people aged 70 years and above.
The following are just few of the symptoms of tumors; however, there are other diseases that have similar symptoms so it is better to consult a doctor if you have any of these symptoms:
The Colorado Cyberknife facility in Lafayette is a 30-minute drive from Denver International Airport. Their well-trained physicians and staff are known to provide the best patient care possible. Patients are given the utmost care possible to make their stay at the center more comfortable. The Cyberknife Treatment for brain tumors gives a newfound hope for patients to have another shot at life.
This article will give you an insight on this new technology, the Cyberknife Treatment. But before that, let us know more about this disease.
Any kind of tumor can be fatal and life-threatening due to its invasive character within the limited space of the brain cavity. Tumors on the brain can either be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). However, even malignant tumors may not cause death to an afflicted person. The brain tumor's threat level will depend on several factors which include the tumor type, location, size, and the state of its development.
Doctors categorize tumors on the brain by grade, according to how it appears when seen under a microscope: from low grade or grade I to high grade or grade IV. High grade tumor cells look more abnormal and the growth is faster compared to the low grade tumor cells.
Primary tumors are those that begin in the brain tissue. They are also called true tumors. Secondary ones, also known as metastatic tumors, are cancer cells that originate from other parts of the body that invaded the brain tissue.
Over the years, doctors cannot exactly pinpoint the cause of the disease. Studies show that there are certain risk factors that increase one person's chance that could develop the disease. They are known to be more common to males rather females. Experts have also found out that brain tumors occur mostly on Caucasians or whites. They rank second to leukemia as the most common childhood cancer. Children aged 8 years and younger are likely to develop brain tumor while in adult, the disease is usually detected in people aged 70 years and above.
The following are just few of the symptoms of tumors; however, there are other diseases that have similar symptoms so it is better to consult a doctor if you have any of these symptoms:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Speech impairment
- Difficulty in hearing
- Difficulty in motor movements
- Sudden mood changes
- Memory lapses
- Seizures
The Colorado Cyberknife facility in Lafayette is a 30-minute drive from Denver International Airport. Their well-trained physicians and staff are known to provide the best patient care possible. Patients are given the utmost care possible to make their stay at the center more comfortable. The Cyberknife Treatment for brain tumors gives a newfound hope for patients to have another shot at life.
Visit http://www.ColoradoCyberknife.com to Learn the 5 things your Dr. should know about the world's first Cyberknife VSI Treatment Facility & 1st Robotic CyberKnife IMRT System
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Chewful
Cyberknife Treatment for Glioblastoma Multiforme (GVM)
By Michael Chewful
Among the types of brain tumors, Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and the most aggressive. It develops from glial cells, the supportive cells of the brain. Examples of these cells are astrocytes, ependymal and oligodendroglial cells. Glioblastoma multiforme accounts for the one-fifth of the primary spinal cord tumors and nearly one-half of the primary brain tumors. The World Health Organization identified a contemporary classification based on the origin of the cell and histologic features. Grade I and II are slow growing and low grade glioblastoma multiforme. On the other hand, malignant or high grade glioblastoma multiforme grow much more quickly. They are classified either as grade III or anaplastic and grade IV. 40% of all primary brain tumors cases is comprised of combined grade III and IV glioblastoma multiforme patients aging 40-49 year, while 60% are patients aging 60 years and older. Grade IV glioblastoma multiforme, or GBM is characterized as having multiple abnormalities on genetic and chromosomal aspect, which leads to the rapid generation of these tumors. As tumors increase in number, they also rapidly destroy the surrounding brain tissues. When the tumor outgrows its blood supply, necrosis happens. But the tumor's peripheral areas readily undergo angiogenesis or formation of new blood vessels, forming continued rapid metastasis of GBM. Manifestation of symptoms for glioblastoma multiforme depends on its brain location and its growth rate. These commonly include seizure, sensational impairment, nausea and vomiting, difficulty of vision, behavioral changes, balance difficulty and thinking impairment.The initial diagnosis of the condition is usually incidental. CT scan, MRI and PET may be done for further evaluation.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more preferred over CT scan for it provides more exact brain tumor location. However, positron emission tomography (PET) scanning provides information regarding the metabolic potential of a brain tumor and in case of a glioblastoma multiforme, it depicts a more aggressive and rapidly increasing tumors. Regarding its treatments, surgery, chemotheraphy and radiation therapy are the options. The primary treatment for glioblastoma multiforme is an open surgery through craniotomy. It aims to remove the tumor with producing any neurological function damage. If not removed, area may be resistant to other procedures like chemotherapy and radiation. It also provides sample tissue that may be used for its histological and genetic analysis. Adjuvant treatments for GBM are radiation and chemotherapy. These are usually done to patients who have unstable medical condition; patients having various types of cancer simultaneously; patients who opposed surgery; patients having tumors on both hemispheres of the brain and in inoperable location like the brainstem. But conventional radiation therapy leads to side effects like fatigue, hair loss, memory loss and scarring of tissues. Nevertheless, advances in technology like stereostatic surgery which may be the Gamma Knife or the Cyberknife treatment for Glioblastoma multiforme (GVM)
A large, single dose of radiation in a radiosurgery is done to delay the reoccurrence of tumor. According to clinical studies, it prolongs the patient's survival by creating a zone of tumor destruction as compared to the traditional radiation therapy that only suppresses the tumor growth. Some technologies specifically Gamma Knife makes use of radioactive cobalt as its ionizing radiation source but all of which uses stereotactic frames to accurately locate the tumor and immobilize the patient. It is done by anchoring the patient's skull with invasive titanium or aluminum screw. As compared, the Cyberknife treatment for Glioblastoma multiforme (GVM) is non-invasive. No screws or scalpel is used. It is a painless procedure with no potential risk for bleeding or risk for infection. It uses a robotic non-isocentric targeting system that enables the radiation to reach tumors in all angles. This procedure is usually done in an out-patient basis. Thus patient may resume to their usual lifestyle after the procedure.
Known for its effective and credible Cyberknife treatment for Glioblastoma multiforme (GVM) is the Colorado Cyberknife. It is the first Robotic Cyberknife Robotic Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) System and the world's 1st CyberKnife VSI treatment facility. It has credible health professionals that ensure proper, accurate and safe treatment for patients. It also provides an individualized treatment plan for every patient, enabling them to be recognized all over the world in the field of treating cancer cases.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more preferred over CT scan for it provides more exact brain tumor location. However, positron emission tomography (PET) scanning provides information regarding the metabolic potential of a brain tumor and in case of a glioblastoma multiforme, it depicts a more aggressive and rapidly increasing tumors. Regarding its treatments, surgery, chemotheraphy and radiation therapy are the options. The primary treatment for glioblastoma multiforme is an open surgery through craniotomy. It aims to remove the tumor with producing any neurological function damage. If not removed, area may be resistant to other procedures like chemotherapy and radiation. It also provides sample tissue that may be used for its histological and genetic analysis. Adjuvant treatments for GBM are radiation and chemotherapy. These are usually done to patients who have unstable medical condition; patients having various types of cancer simultaneously; patients who opposed surgery; patients having tumors on both hemispheres of the brain and in inoperable location like the brainstem. But conventional radiation therapy leads to side effects like fatigue, hair loss, memory loss and scarring of tissues. Nevertheless, advances in technology like stereostatic surgery which may be the Gamma Knife or the Cyberknife treatment for Glioblastoma multiforme (GVM)
A large, single dose of radiation in a radiosurgery is done to delay the reoccurrence of tumor. According to clinical studies, it prolongs the patient's survival by creating a zone of tumor destruction as compared to the traditional radiation therapy that only suppresses the tumor growth. Some technologies specifically Gamma Knife makes use of radioactive cobalt as its ionizing radiation source but all of which uses stereotactic frames to accurately locate the tumor and immobilize the patient. It is done by anchoring the patient's skull with invasive titanium or aluminum screw. As compared, the Cyberknife treatment for Glioblastoma multiforme (GVM) is non-invasive. No screws or scalpel is used. It is a painless procedure with no potential risk for bleeding or risk for infection. It uses a robotic non-isocentric targeting system that enables the radiation to reach tumors in all angles. This procedure is usually done in an out-patient basis. Thus patient may resume to their usual lifestyle after the procedure.
Known for its effective and credible Cyberknife treatment for Glioblastoma multiforme (GVM) is the Colorado Cyberknife. It is the first Robotic Cyberknife Robotic Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) System and the world's 1st CyberKnife VSI treatment facility. It has credible health professionals that ensure proper, accurate and safe treatment for patients. It also provides an individualized treatment plan for every patient, enabling them to be recognized all over the world in the field of treating cancer cases.
Visit http://www.ColoradoCyberknife.com to Learn the 5 things your Dr. should know about the world's first Cyberknife VSI Treatment Facility & 1st Robotic CyberKnife IMRT System
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Chewful
Brain Cancer Symptoms
By Douglas Ketner
Brain Cancer is a malignancy that can be detected and treated only with a detailed medical examination. It is not a routine ailment since in most cases it is fatal. It normally strikes when one type of the brain cell transforms and loses its normal characteristics and starts multiplying to form an abnormal mass of cells called a tumor. However, not all brain tumors are malignant. Benign brain tumors pose no threat and can be successfully removed.
The malignant brain tumors grow very aggressively and they destroy the healthy brain cells. Continuous growth of abnormal cells also increases the intracranial pressure resulting in malfunctioning of other brain organs and tissues.
There are two types of Brain Cancer. The Primary Brain Cancer originates in the brain itself and generally confines itself to the brain only. The second type is the Secondary Brain Cancer which is an extension of a cancer in some other part of the body gradually spreading to the brain.
The symptoms of brain tumor depend on the part of the brain affected i.e. the location of the tumor. There are numerous symptoms which if not cured by basic medication need to be examined in detail for indications of brain tumor. These are:
* Headaches - most common due to increased intracranial pressure as a result of the growing tumor.
* Nausea, Vomiting & Seizures.
* Difficulty in maintaining body balance.
* Short lapses in memory.
* Swelling in the brain.
* Weakness in the arms or legs or both.
* Poor motor functions.
* Slurring.
* Lowered eye vision.
* Spells of dizziness.
* Lack of coordination in speech and action.
* Numbness of limbs.
* Difficulty in recollecting events.
* Hallucinating.
* Persistent general weakness.
* Falling or stumbling.
* Changes in pupil sizes of both eyes.
* Change in gait.
* Cognitive decline.
* Mood changes.
It is advisable to see a doctor whenever you feel you have a tumor. If you do not share your concerns with your doctor, they may not get addressed timely.
Brain Cancer is a malignancy that can be detected and treated only with a detailed medical examination. It is not a routine ailment since in most cases it is fatal. It normally strikes when one type of the brain cell transforms and loses its normal characteristics and starts multiplying to form an abnormal mass of cells called a tumor. However, not all brain tumors are malignant. Benign brain tumors pose no threat and can be successfully removed.
The malignant brain tumors grow very aggressively and they destroy the healthy brain cells. Continuous growth of abnormal cells also increases the intracranial pressure resulting in malfunctioning of other brain organs and tissues.
There are two types of Brain Cancer. The Primary Brain Cancer originates in the brain itself and generally confines itself to the brain only. The second type is the Secondary Brain Cancer which is an extension of a cancer in some other part of the body gradually spreading to the brain.
The symptoms of brain tumor depend on the part of the brain affected i.e. the location of the tumor. There are numerous symptoms which if not cured by basic medication need to be examined in detail for indications of brain tumor. These are:
* Headaches - most common due to increased intracranial pressure as a result of the growing tumor.
* Nausea, Vomiting & Seizures.
* Difficulty in maintaining body balance.
* Short lapses in memory.
* Swelling in the brain.
* Weakness in the arms or legs or both.
* Poor motor functions.
* Slurring.
* Lowered eye vision.
* Spells of dizziness.
* Lack of coordination in speech and action.
* Numbness of limbs.
* Difficulty in recollecting events.
* Hallucinating.
* Persistent general weakness.
* Falling or stumbling.
* Changes in pupil sizes of both eyes.
* Change in gait.
* Cognitive decline.
* Mood changes.
It is advisable to see a doctor whenever you feel you have a tumor. If you do not share your concerns with your doctor, they may not get addressed timely.
Douglas Ketner administers TheSymptomsOfCancer.com. For more information on brain cancer symptoms, visit http://www.thesymptomsofcancer.com/brain-cancer-symptoms.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Douglas_Ketner
Brain Cancer Cases on the Rise World Wide
By Lance Winslow
Most people don't know a lot about brain cancer, although I am sure everyone will admit they don't want anything to do with it. Unfortunately, brain cancers are on the rise world-wide and there are many reasons for this. It is a very serious problem and challenge for the future of humanity - not only for the inflicted but also due to the severe challenges it causes with health-care costs and family issues.
Did you know in places like Japan and other Asian nations that brain cancers are severely on the rise? It's true. But this is not the only place where there are problems, problems which are getting worse. Indeed, I'd like to take this opportunity to get you to think about brain cancers, and some of the causes and what we can all do to help. Let's talk about this topic, one which no one really wants to discuss.
In Asian countries the populations have always eaten lots of fish, but due to pollution in the oceans, the fish have plastics inside of them, and toxins like mercury for instance. This is causing a terrible problem and this is why brain cancers are way up in these nations. Although there is a lot of data in Japan on this, other nations have been slow to notice the rise or attribute it to the pollution problem - worse, the very nations which do the most polluting, don't even realize it's killing their population and causing cancer.
And, it's not just in Asia, the Pacific Islanders and Polynesians never had a problem with cancers of the brain, but now they do. Indeed, much of the fish bought, sold, and shipped world-wide comes from polluted oceans, meaning they are not alone by any means, it's something very serious for US populations too.
We need the Omega 3 in our diets, but the toxic fish seem to be part of that trade off, one we really can't afford at all. Still, even without the problem with the fish there is yet, an even more serious issue which needs to be addressed. Can you guess what that is?
If you guessed "frequency pollution" you guessed right. Our cell phones although low-wattage are a contributor to brain cancers show Swiss Studies and Research. Unfortunately, the public is ill-informed on this. Luckily the wattage of current cell-phone technology is a lot less than it was, which is a start and that helps tremendously.
However, what about all the WiFi systems, and mobile electronics these days? Yes, all potential contributors, and just these two reasons alone are why we will continue to see more brain cancers in the future. I hope you will please consider all this and do your own research to verify what I've said here today.
Did you know in places like Japan and other Asian nations that brain cancers are severely on the rise? It's true. But this is not the only place where there are problems, problems which are getting worse. Indeed, I'd like to take this opportunity to get you to think about brain cancers, and some of the causes and what we can all do to help. Let's talk about this topic, one which no one really wants to discuss.
In Asian countries the populations have always eaten lots of fish, but due to pollution in the oceans, the fish have plastics inside of them, and toxins like mercury for instance. This is causing a terrible problem and this is why brain cancers are way up in these nations. Although there is a lot of data in Japan on this, other nations have been slow to notice the rise or attribute it to the pollution problem - worse, the very nations which do the most polluting, don't even realize it's killing their population and causing cancer.
And, it's not just in Asia, the Pacific Islanders and Polynesians never had a problem with cancers of the brain, but now they do. Indeed, much of the fish bought, sold, and shipped world-wide comes from polluted oceans, meaning they are not alone by any means, it's something very serious for US populations too.
We need the Omega 3 in our diets, but the toxic fish seem to be part of that trade off, one we really can't afford at all. Still, even without the problem with the fish there is yet, an even more serious issue which needs to be addressed. Can you guess what that is?
If you guessed "frequency pollution" you guessed right. Our cell phones although low-wattage are a contributor to brain cancers show Swiss Studies and Research. Unfortunately, the public is ill-informed on this. Luckily the wattage of current cell-phone technology is a lot less than it was, which is a start and that helps tremendously.
However, what about all the WiFi systems, and mobile electronics these days? Yes, all potential contributors, and just these two reasons alone are why we will continue to see more brain cancers in the future. I hope you will please consider all this and do your own research to verify what I've said here today.
| Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank http://www.worldthinktank.net - Lance Winslow believes it's hard work to write 22,222 articles; http://www.bloggingcontent.net/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow |  |
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