Blood cancers affect the production and function of your blood cells.

Most of these cancers start in your bone marrow where blood is produced. Stem cells in your bone marrow mature and develop into three types of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. In most blood cancers, the normal blood cell development process is interrupted by uncontrolled growth of an abnormal type of blood cell. These abnormal blood cells, or cancerous cells, prevent your blood from performing many of its functions, like fighting off infections or preventing serious bleeding.

There are three main types of blood cancers: Leukemia, a type of cancer found in your blood and bone marrow, is caused by the rapid production of abnormal white blood cells. The high number of abnormal white blood cells are not able to fight infection, and they impair the ability of the bone marrow to produce red blood cells and platelets. Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which removes excess fluids from your body and produces immune cells. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that fight infection. Abnormal lymphocytes become lymphoma cells, which multiply and collect in your lymph nodes and other tissues. Over time, these cancerous cells impair your immune system. Myeloma is a type of blood cancer that specifically targets your plasma cells. Plasma cells are white blood cells that produce disease- and infection-fighting antibodies in your body. Myeloma cells prevent the normal production of antibodies, leaving your bodys immune system weakened and susceptible to infection.

Blood cancer is a generalized term for malignancy which attacks the blood, bone marrow, or lymphatic system. There are three kinds of blood cancer: leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. All of them can be treated through blood cancer treatments. Leukemia is malignancy of cells in the blood. Lymphoma refers to malignant tumors of the lymph system. Myeloma is malignancy of plasma cells. Plasma cells are the cells in bone marrow that produce antibodies. Collectively they are called Hematological malignancies. Some of the common blood cancer symptoms:

Weakness, Fatigue, Malaise and Breathlessness Minimal body strain results inbone fractures Excessive or easy bruising Bleeding gums or frequent nose bleeds Recurrent infections or fever Excessive sweating of body during night Weight loss Frequent vomiting sensations Anorexia Lymph node (gland) enlargement

Lumps or abdominal distension due to enlarged abdominal organs Abdominal pain, Bone pain and Back pain Delirium and confusion Abnormal bleeding in gums nose and cuts, which will result in platelet redution Headaches with occurrence of visual difficulties Occurrence of fine rashes on dark spots Decreased urination and difficulty whil urinating

Some of the specific leukemia blood cancer symptoms are anemia, recurrent infections, bone and joint pain, abdominal distress and difficult in breathing or dyspnea. In case of lymphomas blood cancer the symptoms depend on location of cancer, where it has spread, and the size of the tumor. It begins with swelling in the neck, underarm, or groin. The first sign of multiple myeloma is bone pain due to bony distruction by plasma cells. Some of the prominent symptoms include bleeding gums, nose bleeds and easy bruising. Unexplained bone fractures, kidney failure, persistent infections and weight loss are other signs of the disease. Incidences of Blood Cancer Types Each Year:

S.No. Blood Cancer Type Percentage Per One Lack of Population 1. 2. 3. Leukemia Myeloma Lymphoma 12.2 5.6 2.8

Latest Statistical Facts about Blood Cancer in United States:

Symptoms of blood cancer are confirmed using the Dignostic test Biopsy. After every 4 minutes, an individual from America is diagnosed with blood cancer by such tests. Every 10 minutes, this disease takes the life of an individual. It means 146 people die every day because of this disease. Approximately 1,39,860 people are going to be diagnosed with all the three types of blood cancer in the year 2009. These people constitute 9.5% of the total number of new cancer cases ( 1,479, 350 ) diagnosed in the whole country. 53,240 people out of the 1,39,860 diagnosed, are estimated to lose their lives this year owing to this dreadful disease. The total cancer deaths estimated in the year 2009 are 5,62,340. Blood cancer deaths will comprise 9.5% of these deaths. Leukemia is the most common type of blood cancer in children affecting the age group of 0-19 years. It comprises 31% of cancers affecting the children in United States. 2,655 children within the mentioned age group, are estimated to be diagnosed with this disease in 2009. The symptoms of blood cancer remain latent and dangerously make the disese apparent in its last stages.

Does Cancer cause Blood Clots ? Research studies conducted at the University of Aquila, Italy suggest that children suffering from Leukemia are at high risks of facing Thrombosis while they are provided the cancer treatment. Thrombosis is the technical name given to clotting of blood in the deep veins of the body. In the research, 1,752 children suffering from this dreadful disease were considered. In 5.2% of these children, the study found the complication of blood clotting. The researchers however were successful in finding out the therapies and medical procedures for addressing the risk of blood clotting.

Blood cancer is a type of cancer ailment which either affects the blood or the bone marrow (spongy central section of bones). It involves abnormal production of blood cells. 90 percent of the diagnosed cases are in the adults while the rest of the 10 percent cases are reported in children. Blood cancer treatment is based upon the types and sub-types of the ailment. There are primarily four types of this cancer with their respective sub-types. This article tries to understand the available remedy options for this dreadful disease and their aims.

Treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): The term acute implies that the disease turns fatal in a short period of time. Lymphoblastic refers to immature blood cells being produced abnormally in the bone marrow. Death is caused when normal cells are completely replaced by the rogue cells. Early diagnosis of the symptoms is imperative for ensuring favourable results of remedy. It is aimed at causing absence of the detectable malignant cells from the body for long duration of time. Chemotherapy, usage of prescribed steroids, radiation therapy, intensive combined remedies like stem cell or bone marrow transplants and growth factors are some of the techniques available to treat ALL. In the United States, the incidence of ALL is roughly 6000 new cases per year (until 2009). It is the most common form of this cancer in children with as many as 70 percent cases diagnosed in them falling under this group. Age of the patient, sub-type of ALL affected with and the extent of care received by the patient are some of the vital factors affecting the remedy.

Treatment for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): The term chronic refers to the fact that the symptoms takes months or even years to develop and become apparent. CLL is a disease mostly affecting adults over the age of 50 years and predominantly in men. Unfortunately, it is considered incurable. The aim of the remedy is focused on controlling the progression of the disease by curbing its symptoms. However, early diagnosis of symptoms does not improve the survival time. That is why, the disease is rather monitored for any observable changes in pattern. The decision to treat this disease is taken when it is confirmed that the quality of life of the patient is at stake. It is difficult to decide when to start the remedy. The National Cancer Institute Working Group guidelines for treatment are followed by the doctors along with meeting of certain specific markers before it is initiated. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, bone marrow transplantation and biological therapy are the available treatment options for CLL.

Treatment for Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML): Several anti-cancer drugs are effective in treating this cancer type. However, age of the patient and the sub-type of AML are crucial factors which decide the choice of remedy. Chemotherapy technique ensures five year survival rate from AML by 40 percent. Some doctors apply a combination therapy involving the usage of anti-cancer drugs and making the patient under go chemotherapy simultaneously. This technique is found to be effective in causing absence of signs of AML early. Controlling the destruction in the bone marrow, spreading of the disease to the entire body and protecting the central nervous system damage even before it is involved are the aims of the treatment. The disease affects men and women equally with 1.2 percent of its death rate in the United States.

Treatment for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML): There are many treatment options available for this cancer affecting the adults mainly. However, the anti-cancer drug Imatinib is prescribed in most of the cases. This single drug is found to keep the signs of CML under check for five years. The drug has the added advantages of possessing relatively less number of side effects and the comfort of taking it orally at home. Severe cases of this cancer can be treated by a combined technique of chemotherapy, radiation therapy and bone marrow transplantation. Though the approach offers close to permanent cure, 30 percent patients are found to die from the complications of the process involved. Research on Blood Cancer Treatment through Mordern Medicine: The research in this area can be divided into two types. They are either the clinical research or basic science research. The former focuses on understanding the ailment and coming out with ways which can be immediately applicable on the patients. The later, studies the disease process thoroughly and the results from such studies take time to come out but are usually the ground breaking ones. Blood Cancer Treatment through Alternative Medicines and Complementary Therapies: Of late, researchers and medical practitioners from the western world are increasing showing interest in the efficacy of the age old and traditional medical practices of the east. Some of the well-known and established fields on their own right in Eastern medicine are Ayurveda from India, traditional Chinese medicine and Unani Medicine. There have been several claims made by these alternative techniques to address this cancer. But lack of sufficient scientific evidences to support these claims have lead to the drought of credibility on these ancient medical practices. In the United States, the American National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is the agency which studies the efficacy of these non-evidence based medicine therapies against this cancer and other dreadful ailments.

Causes

A weakened immune system - this may be a result of drugs that suppress the immune system (such as those used for organ transplants), high doses of radiation (such as in radiotherapy for another cancer), or diseases that affect the immune system (such as HIV). Contact with a chemical called benzene, one of the chemicals in petrol and a solvent used in the rubber and plastics industry. Genetic disorders like Fanconi anemia, Schwachman-Diamond syndrome and Down syndrome. Treatment In radio immunotherapy, an immunotoxin--a hybrid molecule formed by coupling an antibody molecule to a toxin--is injected into the patient. The antibody locks onto a signature protein the cancerous cells express and delivers the toxic dose to the cancer cells. Because the treatment is precision-guided, adverse effects to the rest of the body are minimized. Preliminary results with the new drug are extremely promising--completely eradicating the human cancer cells grafted to mice. Your doctor may prescribe medications, sometimes called "growth factors," that encourage your body to produce more blood cells. Medications are also used to prevent low blood cell counts in people who have a high probability of experiencing complications of cancer treatment. Medications have benefits and risks, so talk to your doctor about the possible side effects of drugs used to boost blood cell counts. Most people feel confused and overwhelmed when they are told they have leukaemia. It's a very distressing time both for them and their families. An important part of cancer treatment is learning how to talk about how you are feeling, and getting support with the physical and emotional symptoms you are experiencing. For more advanced cancer, you can receive extra support, known as palliative care. Doctors and nurses based in hospitals, hospices and pain clinics specialize in providing the support you need, and can also visit you at home. Many everyday activities put you at risk of cuts and scrapes. A low platelet count makes even minor abrasions serious. A low white blood cell count can turn a small cut into a starting point for a serious infection. Use an electric shaver rather than a razor to avoid nicks. Ask someone else to cut up food in the kitchen. Be gentle when brushing your teeth and blowing your nose. Biological therapy uses special immune system cells and proteins to stimulate the body's immune system to kill cancer cells. Biological agents such as interferons, interleukins, monoclonal antibodies, tumor necrosis factors and colony-stimulating factors are natural substances found in the body that help alter the way the immune system reacts to cancer. Researchers are now able to create reproductions of some of these biological agents in laboratories,

imitating the natural immune agents. These agents are used to augment the anti-tumor immune response of the patient.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1083916

Prostate

Prostate cancer
Cancer - prostate; Biopsy - prostate; Prostate biopsy; Gleason score
Last reviewed: September 19, 2011.

Prostate cancer is cancer that starts in the prostate gland. The prostate is a small, walnut-sized structure that makes up part of a man's reproductive system. It wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Prostate cancer is the most common cause of death from cancer in men over age 75. Prostate cancer is rarely found in men younger than 40. People who are at higher risk include: African-American men, who are also likely to develop cancer at every age Men who are older than 60 Men who have a father or brother with prostate cancer Other people at risk include: Men who have been around agent orange Men who use too much alcohol Farmers Men who eat a diet high in fat, especially animal fat Tire plant workers Painters Men who have been around cadmium Prostate cancer is less common in people who do not eat meat (vegetarians).

A common problem in almost all men as they grow older is an enlarged prostate. This is called benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. It does not raise your risk of prostate cancer. However, it can increase your PSA blood test results.

Symptoms
The PSA blood test is often done to screen men for prostate cancer. Because of PSA testing, most prostate cancers are now found before they cause any symptoms. The symptoms listed below can occur with prostate cancer, usually at a late stage. These symptoms can also be caused by other prostate problems: Delayed or slowed start of urinary stream Dribbling or leakage of urine, most often after urinating Slow urinary stream Straining when urinating, or not being able to empty out all of the urine Blood in the urine or semen Bone pain or tenderness, most often in the lower back and pelvic bones (only when the cancer has spread)

Signs and tests

A biopsy is needed to tell if you have prostate cancer. A sample of tissue is removed from the prostate and sent to a lab. Your doctor may recommend a prostate biopsy if: You have high PSA level A rectal exam shows a large prostate or a hard, uneven surface The results are reported using what is called a Gleason grade and a Gleason score. The Gleason grade tells you how fast the cancer might spread. It grades tumors on a scale of 1 - 5. You may have different grades of cancer in one biopsy sample. The two main grades are added together. This gives you the Gleason score. The higher your Gleason score, the more likely the cancer is to have spread past the prostate: Scores 2 - 5: Low-grade prostate cancer Scores 6 - 7: Intermediate- (or in the middle-) grade cancer. Most prostate cancers fall into this group. Scores 8 - 10: High-grade cancer The following tests may be done to determine whether the cancer has spread: CT scan Bone scan The PSA blood test will also be used to monitor your cancer after treatment. Often, PSA levels will begin to rise before there are any symptoms. An abnormal digital rectal exam may be the only sign of prostate cancer (even if the PSA is normal).

Treatment
Treatment depends on many things, including your Gleason score and your overall health. Your doctor will discuss your treatment options.

For early-stage prostate cancer, this may include: Surgery (radical prostatectomy) Radiation therapy, including brachytherapy and proton therapy If you are older, your doctor may recommend simply monitoring the cancer with PSA tests and biopsies. If the prostate cancer has spread, treatment may include: Hormone therapy (medicines to reduce testosterone levels) Surgery Chemotherapy Surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy can affect your sexual desire or performance. Problems with urine control are common after surgery and radiation therapy. Discuss your concerns with your health care provider. After treatment for prostate cancer, you will be closely watched to make sure the cancer does not spread. This involves routine doctor check-ups, including PSA blood tests (usually every 3 months to 1 year). See also: Prostate cancer - stages Prostate radiation - discharge

Support Groups
You can ease the stress of illness by joining a support group whose members share common experiences and problems. See:Support group - prostate cancer

Expectations (prognosis)
How well you do depends on whether the cancer has spread outside the prostate gland and how abnormal the cancer cells are (the Gleason score) when you are diagnosed. Many patients can be cured if their prostate cancer has not spread. Some patients whose cancer has not spread very much outside the prostate gland can also be cured. Hormone treatment can improve survival, even in patients who cannot be cured.

Complications
The complications of prostate cancer are mostly due to different treatments.

Calling your health care provider

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages to PSA screening with your health care provider.

Prevention
You may lower your risk of prostate cancer by eating a diet that is: High in omega-3 fatty acids Low-fat Similar to the traditional Japanese diet Vegetarian

Finasteride (Proscar, generic) and dutasteride (Avodart) are drugs used to treat prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH). If you do not have prostate cancer and your PSA score is 3.0 or lower, ask your health care provider about the pros and cons of taking these drugs to prevent prostate cancer.

References
1. Theoret MR, Ning YM, Zhang JJ, et al. The risks and benefits of 5a-reductase inhibitors for prostatecancer prevention. N Engl J Med. 2011 Jun 15. 2. Antonarakis ES, Eisenberger MA. Expanding treatment options for metastatic prostate cancer. N Engl J Med. 2011 May 26;364:2055-2058. 3. Andriole GL, Crawford ED, Grubb RI 3rd, Buys SS, Chia D, Church TR, et al. Mortality results from a randomized prostate-cancer screening trial. N Engl J Med. 2009;360:1310-1319. [PubMed] 4. Babaian RJ, Donnelly B, Bahn D, Baust JG, Dineen M, Ellis D, et al. Best practice statement on cryosurgery for the treatment of localized prostate cancer. J Urol. 2008;180:1993-2004. [PubMed] 5. Schrader FH, Hugosson J, Roobol MJ, Tammela TL, Ciatto S, Nelen V, et al. Screening and prostatecancer mortality in a randomized European study. N Engl J Med. 2009;360:1320-1328. [PubMed] 6. Walsh PC. Chemoprevention of prostate cancer. N Engl J Med. 2010 Apr 1;362(13):1237-8. 7. Wilt TJ, MacDonald R, et al. Systematic review: comparative effectiveness and harms of treatments for clinically localized prostate cancer. Ann Intern Med. 2008;148(6):435-448. [PubMed]
Review Date: 9/19/2011. Reviewed by: Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD, Chief of Urology, Cambridge Health Alliance, Visiting Assistant Professor of Surgery, Harvard Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Disclaimer Copyright 2012, A.D.A.M., Inc.

What works?

Treating Prostate Cancer: A Guide for Men With Localized Prostate CancerTreating Prostate Cancer: A Guide for Men With

Localized Prostate Cancer This guide can help you work with your doctor to treat localized prostate cancer. The information comes from a government-funded review of research about treatments for localized prostate cancer. It covers research about four common prostate cancer treatments and their side effects.
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