Skin Cancer Sign & Syptoms

The most common form of cancer to strike people than any other form is skin cancer. All skin types can develop skin cancer but is it more common in fair-skinned people. The main cause of skin cancer is from ultraviolet radiation from spending too much time in the sun. Discovering the signs of skin cancer early, and avoiding overexposure to the sun are the two greatest ways to prevent skin cancer. Ultraviolet light, heredity and environment are the three major causes of skin cancer, mostly in children and teens. Studies have shown that adults receive half of their lifetime ultraviolet exposure when they are 20 years old.

Did you know skin is our bodies largest organ. It protects our internal organs from injury, acts as a barrier between those organs and bacteria, and prevents the loss of valuable fluid from our body. It also regulated body temperature and communicates to the brain to allow for temperature, touch, and pain sensations. You can see why it is important to keep our skin healthy and free from any signs of skin cancer symptoms. The majority of skin cancers are classified as non-melanoma or melanoma.

Non-melanoma skin cancer will develop on those areas of the body that are the most exposed to the sun. The early signs of skin cancer systems that appear on the body, face, ears, neck, lips, and the backs of our hands are where most non-melanoma skin cancer would be found. These signs of skin cancer rarely spread to another part of the body.

Skin cancer signs can be one extreme to the next, either the cancer can be slow growing or grow at a rapid rate.

Melanoma, a common skin cancer, begins in the cells that produce the skin pigment or coloring known as melanin. Melanin also protects the deepest layers of the skin from harmful radiation from the sun. Melanoma accounts for a small percentage of skin cancer, but it is far more dangerous and life threatening than non-melanoma skin cancer. The chances of surviving melanoma skin cancer are better if it is caught in the earliest stage.

The signs of skin cancer include family history of skin cancer, multiple moles, a fair complexion, exposure to coal tar, pitch, creosote, arsenic compounds, and radium, and severe sunburn as a child.

Your body will show early signs of skin cancer symptoms, and both patients and doctors play an important role in finding signs of skin cancer. If you believe you have signs of skin cancer or have any change on the skin, consult your doctor. Any change can be a sign of skin cancer, like the size and color of a mole, or a growth that is darkly pigmented, or a new growth on the skin. If you have a change in the appearance of any bump or nodule, or if you have oozing, bleeding or scaling of the skin you should contact your doctor. Another sign of skin cancer to look for is if the color of the pigmentation spreads beyond the border of a mole or mark. Another sign of skin cancer would be a change in sensations to your skin, for example, itchiness, tenderness, or pain, it's time to go to your doctor.

If you watch for any of the signs of skin cancer symptoms it can be prevented that is important to know. Avoid the sun for extended periods of time and make sure to practice sun safety. If you fear that you have signs of skin cancer symptoms, avoid the sun altogether between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM. Try to stay in the shade especially when rays are the strongest. To protect your skin from the sun rays it is helpful to wear a long sleeved shirt.

If you show any of the signs of skin cancer symptoms, using sunscreen is important when you are going to be in the sun. Using a sunscreen of SPF 15 or above when outdoors will help you protect your skin from skin cancer. Use sunscreen generously and always reapply if you have been in the water, are heavily perspiring, or have recently toweled off.

For prevention of developing signs of skin cancer wear a hat this will keep your face, ears, and neck shaded and provide some protection. A wide-brimmed hat is the best choice but if you are wearing a baseball cap, remember to protect your ears and neck with sunscreen.

Your eyes also need protection from developing signs of skin cancer. The best protection for the eyes and surrounding skin is to wear sunglasses. Sunglasses with 99-100 percent UV absorption are recommended when you are in the sun.

Protect yourself, and alert your doctor if you think you may be developing any signs of skin cancer.

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Hyperthermia

Breaf History of Hyperthermia
The healing effect of heat treatment was already mentioned in the advanced cultures of the old Egypt (2400 B.C.), but only the medical professionals of the Greek Antique used this therapeutic approach consistently, acknowledged it and called it over-warming (in Greek: Hyperthermia). "Give me the power to produce fever and I heal every illness", said Parmenides, Greek physician, 540-480 B.C.

Hyperthermia in cancer treatment
Hyperthermia (also called thermal therapy or thermotherapy) is an acute condition which occurs when the body produces or absorbs more heat than it can dissipate. It is usually caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures. The heat-regulating mechanisms of the body eventually become overwhelmed and unable to effectively deal with the heat, causing the body temperature to climb uncontrollably.

Hyperthermia can also be created artificially by drugs or medical devices. In these instances it may be used to treat cancer and other conditions. Cancer cells are more heat-sensitive than healthy cells and their structure reacts differently to overheating. In 1910 the possibility of overheating in order to increase the radiation effect on malicious tumors was described for the first time. This already well-known and applied method was rediscovered as so called "whole body hyperthermia" in the beginning of the 1960s. Since the 70s a number of studies were run to further investigate this therapy form.

Research has shown that high temperatures (up to 44°C) can damage and kill cancer cells, usually with minimal injury to normal tissues. By killing cancer cells and damaging proteins and structures within cells, hyperthermia may shrink tumors.

Hyperthermia is almost always used with other forms of cancer therapy, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Hyperthermia may make some cancer cells more sensitive to radiation or harm other cancer cells that radiation cannot damage. When hyperthermia and radiation therapy are combined, they are often given within an hour of each other. Hyperthermia can also enhance the effects of certain anticancer drugs, which is mutually strengthened thereby and a healing more likely - the so-called synergistic effect of hyperthermia. It was found out that cytostatic drugs (chemotherapy substances) clearly act more aggressively at temperatures over 40° C than within the range of the normal body temperature.

Prostate Cancer and Homeopathy Treatment.

Prostate cancer and homeopathy treatment.



Prostate cancer is an abnormal, uncontrolled growth of cells that results in the formation of a tumor in the prostate gland. Prostate, the walnut sized gland, is a part of the reproductive system which lies deep in the pelvis. It is located in front of the rectum and underneath the urinary bladder and surrounds the urethra, (the urine tube running from the bladder, through the prostate and the penis). It contains gland cells that produce some of the seminal fluid, which protects and nourishes sperm cells in semen and supports the ejaculatory ducts, or sperm tubes. The prostate continues to grow till a man reaches adulthood and is maintained after it reaches normal size as long as male hormones are produced.



Prostate cancer begins most often in the outer part of the prostate. It is the most common cancer in men older than age 50. In most men, the cancer grows very slowly. In fact, many men with the disease will never know they have the condition. Early prostate cancer is confined to the prostate gland itself, and the majority of patients with this type of cancer can live for years with no problems. In some cases, it may spread from the prostate to nearby lymph nodes, bones or other organs. This spread is called metastasis. Most Prostate cancers originate in the posterior prostate gland, the rest originate near the urethra. Often the disease has no symptoms until the disease is well advanced. However, as the tumor grows, it may spread from the prostate to surrounding areas like lymph nodes, bones or other organs. This may result in back pain. Men with prostate cancer may experience any of the following symptoms.




* A need to urinate frequently, especially at night;

* Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine;

* Weak or interrupted flow of urine;

* Painful or burning urination or bowel movement;

* Difficulty in having an erection;

* Painful ejaculation;

* Blood in urine or semen; or

* Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs.



It is advised to consult a doctor immediately if you have experienced any of the above symptoms. Men aged 50 and above have the chances of developing prostate cancer. Those who have a family history of prostate cancer should consider screening at age 45.

Prostate cancer can be staged as 'A,B,C,D'. Stage A and B cancers are curable. Stages C and D are treatable, but their prognoses are discouraging.



Stage A - This is the very early stage without any sysmtoms, in this stage cancer cells are confined to the prostate. It can be identified with PAS tests and Biopsy. This type of cancer is usually curable.



Stage B - In this stage, it is known that cancer is in several places within the prostate. It is detectable by PAS.



Stage C - In this stage, cancer cells can be found throughout the prostate as well as near by tissue or the bladder. This stage is determined by Digital Rectal Exam, or CT/ MRI scans, and/or Sonography. Some Stage C cancers are curable.



Stage D : At this stage, cancer has spread beyond the prostate and nearby lymph nodes, distant bones, organs such as liver, lungs and also to other tissues. This is usually determined by bone scan, Prostascint scan or other studies. Stage D cancer is not curable but treatable.



Treatment



Treatment depends on individual circumstances such as the man's age and general health, extent of the cancer etc. Elderly patients with minor sysmptoms., early stage cancer, or coexisting illness may be treated conservatively.



There are many different ways to treat prostate cancer. It is advisable to get advise from two or more doctors before making a final decision about the treatment. Treatment includes Prostatectomy and Hormone Therapy or anti-antrogen drugs, Chemotherapy and Radio Therapy.



Hormone Therapy: Hormone therapy, is used either alone or in combination with surgery or radiation. It is based on the fact that prostate cancer cells frequently use the male hormone , testosterone as a Fertilizer and the absence of this hormone may lead to the death or weakening of prostate cancer cells. So It is used to stop the production of testosterone hormone and hence a person with Stage C and D cancer can have their life extended and improved by the use of hormonal therapy.



There are side effects associated with Hormone therapy. They include hot flashes, weight gain, erectile dysfunction, decrease in muscle mass and strength, personality changes, decreased mentation and osteoporosis.



Prostatectomy : Patients in good health and under age 70 is usually offered surgery as a treatment option. Various types of surgical procedures are done depending on the stage of prostate cancer and patient's over all health.



Prostatectomy is the most common treatment option for localized prostate cancer. It involves surgical removal of prostate gland and some other near by tissues and reattaching the urethra and bladder. It will prevent further spread of the cancer. If the prostate cancer is in the early stages, prostatectomy can treat the cancer completely. This is done either through a surgical incision in the lower abdomen or the space between the scrotum and rectum.



These procedures also produce side effects like impotency, Urinary incontinence, narrowing of the urethra and difficulty in urination.



Radio Therapy: It is a form of treatment which uses high levels of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing and dividing thus reducing damage to healthy cells. It is more effective for early stage prostate cancer.

Good nutrition is an important part of recovering from the side effects of radiation therapy.



Slight skin changes will be visible after radiation. Skin may become red, swollen, warm and sensitive, as if in a sunburn but it is temporary. The long term effects include, slight darkening of the skin, enlarged pores, increased or decreased sensitivity of the skin and a thickening of tissue or skin.



Chemotherapy: It is a combination of drugs which is effective to kill or slow the growth of rapidly multiplying cells. Chemotherapy is usually prescribed to men with advanced prostate cancer. Chemotherapy drugs are carefully controlled in both dosage and frequency so that cancer cells are destroyed while minimizing the risk to healthy cells. As the drugs circulate throughout the whole body, they can effect the healthy cells also.



The side effects of chemotherapy include hair loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lowered blood counts, reduced ability of the blood to clot, and an increased risk of infection.



HOMEOPATHY TREATMENT:



CROTALUS : cancer with haematuria.



CONIUM : On every emotion, with itching of prepuce.



SEPIA : discharge during stool.



KALI BHICH : pain during chronic prostates.



SILICEA : While straining at stool.



NITRIC ACID : Discharge after stool.



NUX VOMICA : discharge during stool.



THUJA : When the discharge is greenish and thick.



STAPHISAGRIA : prostatic discharge after sexual excesses.



SELENIUM : discharge during stool.


Homeopathy Dosage Directions



Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C)

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Acne Vulgaris

An inflammatory disease of the sebaceous follicles, acne vulgaris primarily affects adolescents, although lesions can appear as early as age 8. Although acne strikes boys more often and more severely than girls, it usually occurs in girls at an earlier age and tends to last longer, sometimes into adulthood. The prognosis is good with treatment.
Causes of acne vulgaris

Many factors may promote acne, but theories regarding dietary influences appear to be groundless. Research now centers on follicular occlusion, androgen-stimulated sebum production, and Propionibacterium acnes as possible primary causes.
Predisposing factors include heredity; oral contraceptives (many females experience an acne flare-up during their first few menses after starting or discontinuing oral contraceptives); androgen stimulation; certain drugs, including corticosteroids, corticotropin, androgens, iodides, bromides, trimethadione, phenytoin, isoniazid, lithium, and halothane; cobalt irradiation; and hyperalimentation.
Other precipitating factors include exposure to heavy oils, greases, or tars; trauma or rubbing from tight clothing; cosmetics; emotional stress; and unfavorable climate.
More is known about the pathogenesis of acne. Androgens stimulate sebaceous gland growth and production of sebum, which is secreted into dilated hair follicles that contain bacteria. The bacteria, usually P. acne'sand Staphylococcus epidermidis - which are normal skin flora-secrete lipase. This enzyme interacts with sebum to produce tree fatty acids, which provoke inflammation. Also, the hair follicles produce more keratin, which joins with the sebum to form a plug in the dilated follicle.
Signs and symptoms of acne vulgaris

The acne plug may appear as a closed comedo, or whitehead (if it doesn't protrude from the follicle and is covered by the epidermis), or as an open come­do, or blackhead (if it does protrude and isn't covered by the epidermis). The black coloration is caused by the melanin or pigment of the follicle. Rupture or leakage of an enlarged plug into the dermis produces inflammation and characteristic acne pustules, papules or, in severe forms, cysts or abscesses. Chronic, recurring lesions produce acne scars

.
Diagnosis

The appearance of characteristic acne lesions, especially in an adolescent patient, confirms the presence of acne vulgaris.
Treatment of acne vulgaris

Commonly, acne is treated topically with benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, or erythromycin antibacterial agents, alone or in combination with tretinoin (retinoic acid), a keratolytic. Benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin agents may irritate the skin.
Systemic therapy consists primarily of antibiotics, usually tetracycline, to decrease bacterial growth until the patient is in remission; then a lower dose is used for long-term maintenance. Tetracycline is contraindicated during pregnancy and childhood because it discolors developing teeth. Erythromycin is an alternative for these patients. Exacerbation of pustules or abscesses during either type of antibiotic therapy requires a culture to identifY a possible secondary bacterial infection.
Oral isotretinoin combats acne by inhibiting sebaceous gland function and abnormal keratinization. Because of its severe adverse effects, the 16- to 20­week course of isotretinoin is limited to those with severe papulopustular or cystic acne who don't respond to conventional therapy.
Females may benefit from taking birth control pills (such as Ortho Tri-Cyclen) or spironolactone because these drugs produce antiandrogenic effects. Other treatments for acne vulgaris include intralesional corticosteroid injections, exposure to ultraviolet light (but never when a photosensitizing agent, such as tretinoin, is being used), cryotherapy, and acne surgery
Special considerations

* Check the patient's drug history because certain medications, such as some oral contraceptives, may cause an acne flare-up.
* Try to identify predisposing factors that may be eliminated or modified.
* Explain the causes of acne to the patient and his family. Make sure they understand that the prescribed treatment is more likely to improve acne than a strict diet and fanatic scrubbing with soap and water. Provide written instructions regarding treatment.
* Instruct the patient receiving tretinoin to apply it at least 30 minutes after washing the face and at least 1 hour before bedtime. Warn against using it around the eyes or lips. After treatments, the skin should look pink and dry. If it appears red or starts to peel, the preparation may have to be weakened or applied less often.
* Advise the patient to avoid exposure to sunlight or to use a sunscreen. If the prescribed regimen includes tretinoin and benzoyl peroxide, avoid skin irritation by using one preparation in the morning and the other at night.
* Instruct the patient to take tetracycline on an empty stomach and not to take it with antacids or milk because it interacts with their metallic ions and is then poorly absorbed.
* Tell the patient who is taking isotretinoin to avoid vitamin A supplements, which can worsen any adverse effects. Also discuss how to deal with the dry skin and mucous membranes that usually occur during treatment. Warn the female patient about the severe risk of teratogenesis. Monitor liver function and lipid levels.
* Inform the patient that acne takes a long time to clear-even years for complete resolution. Encourage continued local skin care even after acne clears. Explain the adverse effects of all drugs.
* Pay special attention to the patient's perception of his physical appearance, and offer emotional support.