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Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Uterine Polyps Cancer Treatment

Nobody knows how common uterine polyps are. Some research suggest it occurs in 10% of women. Patients who go to their doctor complaining menstrual bleeding problems will usually be tested for the possibility of polyps.

Symptoms: Intermenstrual bleeding, excessive bleeding, spotting after intercourse.

Because most polyps are small, they usually do not cause any symptoms. Larger polyps will cause the symptoms mentioned above. If the polyps interfere with sperms or eggs, it might make it hard to get pregnant. Polyps may also cause a higher risk of miscarriage. This can be a thing condition to look out for in recurrent miscarriage cases.

Multiple case reports indicate that tamoxifen treatment (breast cancer treatment) may stimulate the development and growth of endometrial polyps. The good news is, polyps are usually benign. Only very rarely (around 1%) are precancerous or cancerous.

Treatment

Polyps are normally removed surgically. Polyps can be removed by performing D & C ( Dilation and Cutterage), but the cutterage method may miss the polyps because this method is mainly performed buy feel. Newer development allow the polyps to be seen visually (Hysteroscopy). The use of a hysterescope allows polyps to be removed through the cervix visually.

Hysteroscopy using small tubes can be performed in the office, but larger tubes (used to remove large polyps or fibroids) usually require anesthesia in the hospital.

What do you do after surgery? What are the chances the polyps will recur? These are some of the issues that you need to prepare for even after treatment of uterine polyps.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Ovarian Cyst Burst - Typical Symptoms and What Happens When an Ovarian Cyst Bursts

It is not uncommon for ovarian cysts to develop and in most cases they shrink and disappear after a few months with little to no obvious symptoms. However, in some cases a cyst does not shrink but becomes larger. This is when symptoms may become apparent and these types of ovarian cysts are most likely to burst. An ovarian cyst burst represents the worst possible outcome for you. This article will detail what happens when this happens and your what you should do about it.

You are likely to feel intense pain around the lower abdomen with an ovarian cyst burst. The extent of the pain will vary based on certain factors, like the type and if there is any bleeding and infection of the surrounding tissue.

Pain is felt around the abdomen because the contents of the cysts come into contact with the peritoneum. The peritoneum is a serous membrane that lines the inner abdominal cavity and secretes the hormone serous that acts as a lubricant. The peritoneum is very sensitive and is easily inflamed and irritated. In the case of an ovarian cyst burst, blood and other matter may irritate the peritoneum causing intense pain. The amount of pain will vary and depends on the size of the cysts and the amount of blood and other matter that is released.

Again, depending on the size there could be a release of a large amount of blood. This will be far more than the amount of blood released during a during a normal menstruation cycle.

An ovarian cyst burst is the worst case scenario you might expect if you have such a condition. Although it can be potentially very painful it is not a life threatening condition. With this said, if you suspect that this has happened to you then see your doctor immediately or go to hospital.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Treating Cervical Cancers

Cervical cancer, to some people, might not be a very common type of cancer, but unfortunately, it is no less dangerous. This type of cancer ranks second only after breast cancer in the number of deaths recorded globally, annually in women between the ages of 35 and 55. Though its prevalence varies from country to country, depending on, sexual activity; although this has not been medically proved, an estimated 300,000 women have different stages of cervical cancer globally.

The cause of cervical cancer is much less complicated when compared to breast cancer and by undergoing regular Pap smear screening, it is often easy to detect the cancer in its very early stages, when treatment will be more effective and less invasive. The most common cause of cervical cancer has been shown to be the human Papilloma virus (HPV) which is transmitted through sexual intercourse. This virus could induce lesions in the cells of the cervix that may progress into cancer. However, Pap smear screening can efficiently detect the earliest signs of pre-cancer changes in these cells.

Unfortunately, despite the simplicity of this cancer type, most women do not notice it until the later stages when the cancer has spread throughout the cervix and at times, to nearby organs. This could be due to the fact that the cancerous changes in the cervical cells span a long period of time and often without symptoms. While this is good on one hand, because it allows you to treat effectively the condition at the pre-cancerous stages, it is also bad, on the other hand, because it stays in the body over a very long period of time, without a form of sign/warning, wreaking havoc on the cells of the cervix and making treatment very difficult when it is finally discovered.

So, prevention and early detection very important with cervical cancer. Some medical reports say there is now a vaccine to prevent cervical cancer. The vaccine is said to come in three shots and when taken in series, it is believed to be totally capable of preventing cervical cancer by raising the body's immunity against the HPV. However, the vaccine must be taken before girls become sexually active for it to work optimally. You and I know that the best form of treatment is prevention, if you have daughters, sisters or friends that are still under sexual age, helping them get this vaccine would be the best help you can render to them. Ask your medical practitioners for more information about the vaccine.

In the early stages of development cervical cancer is usually treated with chemotherapy or radiation or sometimes, a combination of the two. Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs that enter the bloodstream. These contain chemical substances that can locate and destroy cancerous cells, without harming the normal cells of the body. Though these drugs come with some adverse effects, but the body can get over these after treatment has been completed. Radiation involves the use of powerful electromagnetic waves to shrink the tumor, killing the cancerous cells in the process. During the process, other organs of the body are protected from the radiation.

However, in advanced stages of cervical cancer, surgery is usually the only alternative. Depending on how far the cancer has spread, treatment may require partial removal of the cervix and uterus, known as partial hysterectomy. This spare the ovaries and other parts of the female genitalia.

If the spread of the cancer has reached several parts of the cervix and uterus, radical trachelectomy might be the treatment alternative. This involves removal of the cervix and the lower part of the uterus with several lymph nodes in the pelvis that might have been infected. This treatment option is intended to preserve fertility.

However, in the worst cases of cervical cancer where the cancer has spread outside the uterus, radical hysterectomy is the only option. This involves removing the cervix and uterus completely, the ovaries, part of the vagina and lymph nodes in the region. This is a very radical treatment and often the last alternative when the cancer has got out of hand. Because of the hormonal value of the ovaries, removal of the ovaries often has serious health implications for the woman. Paying attention to your body, especially the cervix, regular Pap smear testing and a healthy lifestyle is all you need to ensure that you never suffer such a consequence.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

How You Can Survive Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer

Your doctor has just told you that your ovarian cancer has moved onto stage 4, the most advanced and dangerous stage of them all. Your worst nightmare has just been realized and you are in a very distressed and desperate state. This is a very common feeling among stage 4 cancer sufferers. But remember this. People have survived stage 4 cancer and this article will outline how they achieved this against the odds.

Firstly, a couple of statistics to give you some comfort. More than 60% of all ovarian sufferers are already in stage 3 or 4 at the time of diagnosis. In other words, there are many people out there in your situation and it gives you a chance to share your experience. Another comforting statistic is only 0.1% of patients show metastases of the brain, which is frankly a horrible experience.

You may have heard people say that there is no cure for stage 4 cancers or that such cancers are inoperable. In other words, stage 4 cancer sufferers are in some way terminally ill. But that's not true. There are treatments for stage 4 ovarian cancer. For example, patients normally undergo a total hysterectomy and a process of tumour debulking which involves the removal of as much tumour as possible from the pelvic area. Following these 2 procedures, chemotherapy is used to kill off the remaining cancer. You can now agree that there are various treatments for this type and stage of cancer.

Finally, probably the most important part of surviving ovarian cancer is to have a positive, upbeat attitude to your situation. It's amazing the amount of people that get sick or get worse by simply adopting a negative attitude. Be optimistic and treat this experience as a fascinating learning experience in your journey of life.

As you can see, surviving this dangerous stage of cancer is indeed possible and you cannot and must not lose hope if you want to overcome this cancer. Always remember that having a positive attitude is vital in your battle to survive stage 4 ovarian cancer.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Cervical Cancer Vaccine


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Cervical cancer is a malignant cancer of the cervix. Cervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus (womb) that opens at the top. The upper part, or body, of the uterus, is where a fetus grows. The cervix connects the body of the uterus to the (birth canal). The part of the cervix closest to the body of the uterus is called the endocervix.. Cancer of the cervix (also known as cervical cancer) begins in the lining of the cervix. Cervical cancers do not form suddenly. Normal cervical cells gradually develop pre-cancerous changes that turn into cancer. Cervical cancer is caused by several types of a virus called human papillomaviruses (HPV). The virus spreads through contact. Most women's bodies are able to fight HPV infection. Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells on the cervix grow out of control. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens. Cervical cancer can often be cured when it's found early. Cervical cancer is a carcinoma, typically composed of squamous cells, and is similar in some respects to squamous cell cancers of the head and neck and anus.

All three of these diseases may be associated with human papillomavirus infection. The remaining 10% to 20% of cervical cancers are adenocarcinomas. Adenocarcinomas are becoming more common in women born in the last 20 to 30 years. Cervical adenocarcinoma develops from the mucus-producing gland cells of the endocervix. Most (80-90%) invasive cervical cancer develops in flat, scaly surface cells that line the cervix (called squamous cell carcinomas). Approximately 10-15% of cases develop in glandular surface cells (called adenocarcinomas). Symptoms of cervical cancer may include is pain during discharge that is tinged with blood and bleeding from that is not normal, or a change in your menstrual cycle. Cervical cancer is staged by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system, which is based on clinical examination, rather than surgical findings. Cervical cancer is found only in women. Cervical cancers usually affect women of middle age or older, but it may be diagnosed in any reproductive-aged woman.

Cervical cancer that is caught early can usually be cured. Microinvasive cancer (stage IA) is usually treated by hysterectomy (removal of the whole uterus). Vaccines have been developed that can protect women from HPV infections. A vaccine that offers protection from the virus responsible for most cases of cervical cancer is the latest addition to the official childhood immunization schedule. The cervical cancer vaccine currently available in Australia is called Gardasil. This vaccine prevents infection with HPV types 16, 18, 6 and 11. HPV 16 and 18 are responsible for the majority (70% internationally; 80% in Australia) of cervical cancers. Cervical cancer strikes more than 10,000 U.S. women each year, killing more than 3,700. The vaccine appears to be virtually 100 percent effective against two of the most common cancer-causing HPV strains. A vaccine for girls and young women protects against the four types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. Practicing safe (using condoms) also reduces your risk of HPV.

Cervical Cancer Treatment Tips

1. Surgery treats the cancer in the cervix and the area close to the tumor.

2. Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.

3. Chemotherapy uses anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells.

4. Anticancer drugs for cervical cancer are usually given through a vein.

5. Electrosurgery, cryosurgery, podophyllum, and trichloroacetic acid are methods used to remove HPV in mucosal tissue.

6. A vaccine that offers protection from the virus responsible for most cases of cervical cancer

7. Practicing safe (using condoms) also reduces your risk of HPV and STD diseases

8. Avoid Cigarette smoking is associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

5 Facts About Ovarian Cancer You Must Know!

Ovarian cancer is claiming the lives of millions of women all over the world, even in countries that are stereotyped to be the leaders in medical technology. In fact, it is actually the lack of medical technology that is resulting in so many ovarian cancer deaths, since there are no screening methods that can officially detect the disease. And yet, they can still help a woman save her life, if she knows when she should get the screening. If you need help in making such a determination, read on as this article will provide 5 chunks of information about ovarian cancer you must know.

1. Fact 1: It Can Take Years Before Ovarian Cancer Develops Symptoms

The first fact of the 5 chunks of information about ovarian cancer you must know is concerning how the symptoms of the disease develop. Basically, you can have the tumors growing inside you for a very long time and not have any idea that you have ovarian cancer. And when the symptoms start, it can mean the cancer has gotten to a point where it's not easily treated.

2. Fact 2: If Ovarian Cancer is Caught in its Early Stages, it has a 90 Percent Survival Rate

The second fact of the 5 chunks of information about ovarian cancer you must know is concerning the survival rate if the cancer is caught early. It can be as high as 90 percent. Yet, only 25 percent of women are able to catch the disease in these stages. Why is this so? Well, women who are at higher risk of ovarian cancer tend to get screening at the very moment something seems wrong with their bodies, (sometimes even earlier). You can be in this category mainly if you have a history of the disease in your family. When you get your gynecological exams, press your doctor for ovarian cancer screening. Be careful if you do this and you are not in the high risk category, since unfortunately ovarian cancer screening does carry a high rate of misdiagnoses, (which is why it isn't encouraged for the general population).

3. Fact 3: Breastfeeding and Having Babies Lowers Your Chances of Getting Ovarian Cancer

The third fact of the 5 chunks of information about ovarian cancer you must know concerns childbirth and breastfeeding. Having your first baby in your 20s along with breastfeeding significantly decreases your chances of having ovarian cancer. However, you do not have this advantage if you had your first baby in your teens or if you have a baby after 35.

4. Fact 4: Taking Birth Control Lowers Your Ovarian Cancer Risk

The fourth fact of the 5 chunks of information about ovarian cancer you must know concerns birth control. It is believed that birth control is effective at helping to prevent ovarian cancer because it lowers a woman's estrogen level, which is believed to be a factor for the disease. Be careful, though since some women may not be able to take birth control due to certain risk factors.

5. Fact 5: Get a Hysterectomy or Ovary Removal if You're High Risk

The final fact of the 5 chunks of information about ovarian cancer you must know concerns the hysterectomy or removal of one's ovaries. Hysterectomies provide protection for virtually any time of uterine cancer, but it can drastically decrease sexual pleasure. This is why if a woman is not at risk for any other type of reproductive cancer, a doctor may instead opt to remove just her ovaries.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

How Does the CA 125 Blood Test For Ovarian Cancer Work?

A lot of people have heard the rumors of how bad the CA 125 Blood Test is at detecting ovarian cancer, but right now it's all the world really has to work with.  It may not always be accurate (in fact most of the time it isn't), but it is still the best way right now to check for ovarian cancer.  Women who have had a history of ovarian cancer in their families should definitely consider getting a CA 125 Blood Test after talking with a doctor. But how does this controversial little test work and what all is involved in the process?

The test is performed just like any other blood test, and no preparation is necessary before hand. The process is pretty simple and straightforward.  A nurse will pick out the spot to draw the blood from, normally in the elbow or in the back of the hand. She will apply antiseptic to the area and wrap it in elastic so that the vein pops out easier. The area with in the elastic bands will fill with blood that the nurse will be able to draw.

Once the nurse prepares the patient's arm, he get the needle ready to draw the blood. Then, she simply inserts the needle into the vein and draws out the necessary amount of blood. A lot of people have problems with their veins "rolling away" or hiding whenever a needle is stuck in them, so sometimes it's a little hard to get the test done quickly. Most people don't have to worry about that though. Once all of the blood has been drawn, the puncture area is clean and covered to stop the bleeding.

Most people don't feel any pain at all during the test, and those who do just feel a slight stinging in the puncture area.  The procedure is short, and most people don't even realize when it's all over. After that, the nurse will brief the patient on when to expect the results and what to do in the meantime. The patient will then do the obvious--pay the doctor bill (or at least get the doctor bill), and leave the office. Then it's just a waiting game.

The wait isn't the only hard part though. A lot of times the test results themselves can cause unnecessary stress and worry. When the results are in, the process isn't over. CA 125 tests are known for showing false positives and false negatives, so multiple screenings will need to be performed to really figure out if the patient has ovarian cancer. Even though the CA 125 test is the best way to detect ovarian cancer, the process still isn't exact. Doctors are working to get closer to finding an accurate test, but for now, the CA 125 is what they have to work with. Until then, most women are advised not to get the test done unless instructed to by a doctor. There's no sense in worrying about something that may have very incorrect results.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Cervical Cancer and Having Children Later


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Will I be able to have children after surgery? Do I have to have a hysterectomy? These are both natural questions women ask when they're told they have to have surgery for cervical cancer. The answer to the second question is: it depends. It depends on how early your cancer was caught. If it's still just local and smaller than 2 cm (which is a little less than an inch), then you should be able to avoid a hysterectomy. The answer to the second question is: it depends, but probably yes as long as you don't have a hysterectomy.

Surgery to remove a small, localized cervical cancer will require one of these surgeries: LEEP, cone biopsy or trachelectomy. Sometimes you may have more than one, like a LEEP followed by a cone biopsy. The reason for two surgeries is because you may have a LEEP to remove severe dysplasia, and they find a small tumor in the tissue. Then you may have a followup cone biopsy to make sure it was all removed.

Okay, now your surgery is over, you have waited 6 months to a year to heal, can you have children? Provided you don't have any other reason to be infertile, you should be able to, but you might encounter a few hurdles. These hurdles are cervical stenosis (or stiffness of the cervix), decreased cervical mucus, blocked fallopian tubes and incompetent cervix. You may not have any of these, or you may have all of them.

I had micro-invasive cervical cancer, and after 3 surgeries, I had a baby five years later. I was terrified that I would suffer from preterm labor because all the doctors warned about that due to the dreaded "incompetent cervix." That is when your cervix won't stay closed to keep the baby inside. It can happen because your cervix is shorter after the surgeries, but, interestingly, the length of your cervix may still be long enough. An "incompetent cervix" is more likely to happen to women who are born with short cervixes or who have a genetic defect in the shape of their uterus.

Nobody can guarantee that you won't have premature dilation of your cervix, so you will go see a perinatologist once you get pregnant, and the doctor can measure your cervix length on ultrasound. The doctor will see you once a month once you're about 3 months pregnant, and if your cervix looks like it's shortening, you may need a cerclage to keep it closed.

A cerclage is a fancy word for a stitch in the cervix. Literally, they put in a stitch to close the cervix. That stays in until about 2 weeks before you're due to have the baby. I think the important thing to know is that there is life after cervical cancer, and it can include having children if you catch the cancer early. Go to your doctor for regular Pap smears and pelvic exams! Whether or not you have children later is something that you should get to decide, not have cancer decide it for you.

Monday, December 20, 2010

What Are the Early Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer? Two Signs You Would Never Expect to Be Cancer

I really hate talking about this subject but the more articles and documentation that is out there regarding this terrible disease, the better chance women will start to bother their doctors early enough. Please remember, the earlier the better, as it could be the difference between stage 1 and stage 3 or 4. So what are the early symptoms of ovarian cancer? Here are two you'd never expect to be anything at all, much less a sign of cancer.

As hard as it is to believe, bloating is one of the signs. Isn't that crazy? This is why it's so hard to get the doctors to take us seriously. You make an appointment and go into the doctor and tell him you are worried because you are bloated, and they'll probably tell you to take some Mylanta or Gas-X, and go home and stop wasting their time. And actually 9 times out of 10, that's all you would need. But we're only concerned with that 1 time out of 10, or even less than that. And as silly as it might seem, you just can't take the chance if you want to find this disease early.

All right then, another early sign is indigestion. Yep, another benign-sounding symptom. Here's another complaint your doctor is going to chuckle at. And again, most of the time, it's nothing serious at all. I had these symptoms though, and the thing is, I had never experienced them before so they were not the norm for me.

So the key is you need to know what is normal for you. If you all of a sudden start to have bloating and indigestion, and it remains ongoing, and this is not something that is usual for you, then march into the doctor's office and make sure they check things out thoroughly. I wish I had done that. But, like most people, I just assumed these were maybe signs of getting older and nothing to be concerned about.

Remember these two very harmless-sounding early symptoms of ovarian cancer, and see your physician if they stick around for an extended time.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Could it Really Be Ovarian Cancer?

Once called a silent killer of women, ovarian cancer was considered to be symptom free up to the point that the cancerous growths had reach critical mass and most likely already spread to other organs. Diagnosis would then be made because of symptoms the other organ manifests, in turn leading doctors to the source of the problem, often times too late for many sufferers to undergo successful treatment.

Nevertheless, in recent years experts and researchers have determined that when comparing case studies of various patients presenting with ovarian cancer, across the board there appeared to be a general agreement about similar feelings of discomfort that took place well before the diagnosis. This has caused the medical industry to rectify its opinion of ovarian cancer and it is no longer considered a symptom free illness, but instead one that has symptoms so subtle that unless the patient knows what to look for, they are likely missed or attributed to other problems.

1. There is frequent or recurring pain in the abdomen. Initially many respondents of the studies had suggested that it felt a bit like constipation, bloating, or gas pains, but because the pains lasted so much longer than the average bout of constipation, it soon became obvious that there was more going on than indigestion.

2. It could be ovarian cancer if you feel abdominal bloating. Sure, it might be the food you ate or the period that is just around the corner, but if it continues for more than a week, something might be amiss.

3. Frequent urination is another symptom but sadly is frequently missed since many a woman is religiously precise in drinking her water and frequent urination is considered par for the course.

So, Could it be irritable bowel syndrome? Could it be ovarian cancer? Could it be the onset of another disease or condition that imitates the same symptoms? The "what if" questions may continue non stop, yet unless a woman is willing to acknowledge the warning signs her body is giving off, precious little will answer her health related worries and questions. Too often she may think them to be too minor to mention to her doctor or - what makes this disease so dangerous - she will learn to live with them.

Although adaptability is a sought after trait in the theory of evolution, when it comes to detecting the early warning signs of ovarian cancer, it may be a contributing factor to death. Physicians involved in the studies have declared that any of the symptoms individually or in combination with one or both of the others should be grounds for concern and if the symptom persists for one week, heightened attention must be paid. If two weeks go by and the symptoms persist, a doctor's appointment must be scheduled for the first available time slot and if three weeks pass and the symptoms continue, it is time to set up an appointment with a specialist.

Could it be ovarian cancer? Maybe; either way, you owe it to yourself and those who love you to find out for sure.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Circumcision And Cervical Cancer

The bad news about cervical cancer is that it is one of the most common cancers affecting the female reproductive organs. But cheer up! It's a slow-growing cancer and 100 percent curable if detected early.

Cervical cancer usually affects women between 30 and 55 years old. The National Cancer Institute said there are over 11,000 cases discovered every year.

Who gets cervical cancer? Naturally, any woman with a cervix is prone to the disease, but there are certain risk factors to consider. Sexual promiscuity is one of them.

Women who begin having sex before age 18 are more likely to get the disease. The cervix simply can't stand numerous penile thrusts from different men who may carry a variety of infections. These include the papilloma virus (which is responsible for warts), genital herpes, the chlamydia organism, and other cancer-causing agents.

It you have had many pregnancies which started at a tender age, that puts you at risk for cervical cancer as well. On a positive side, women who use barrier methods of contraception, namely, the cervical cap, diaphragm, or let their partners wear a condom, which in all cases protect the cervix, have a lower cancer rate.

For some reason, smoking affects the cervix and the nicotine buildup in that organ can trigger the disease. Passive smokers face the same risk. So stop smoking now and avoid those who do. A diet rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and folacin is believed to be protective against cervical cancer. So it's probably wise to eat your veggies.

Circumcision was once thought to protect women from cervical cancer but we now know that this is not true. This painful procedure has no medical benefit and should be discouraged except in special cases.

There are usually no symptoms in the early stage of the disease. Warning signals include bleeding after intercourse, bleeding between periods or after menopause. In some, there is a watery, bloody discharge from the vagina. A dull backache may be felt later.

With early detection, cervical cancer is highly curable provided it has not spread beyond the uterus. A yearly pelvic exam and a routine Pap test can save you a lot of trouble.

Since the 1940s, the Pap smear has reduced cervical cancer death rates by 70 percent. Today, only about three percent of women die from the disease thanks to this valuable test.

"A Pap smear is the best screening procedure for cervical cancer. It can detect early lesions as well as pre-malignant lesions of the cervix. Aside from that, a Pap smear can also detect infection," according to Dr. Rey de los Reyes, an obstetrician and gynecologist at the United Doctors Medical Center in the Philippines.

The Pap smear is named after Dr. G.N. Papanicolaou who developed it. In this test, the doctor gathers cell samples from the surface of the cervix by means of scraping it with a wooden spatula, brush, or cotton swab. The cell samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis.

"A negative result means that your cervix is normal; positive result indicates some abnormal cells. A positive result does not prove that you have cancer or even dysplasia, a precancerous condition, but it usually does mean you should have further evaluation, such as colposcopic examination and biopsy,'' said Dr. David E. Larson, editor-in-chief of the "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book."

A colposcope is an instrument with a magnifying lens which helps the physician examine the cervix. While doing so, he removes a bit of the cervix (biopsy) for analysis.

"Once you have a suspicious lesion on the cervix that should be biopsied. Since some lesions of the cervix and even an infection can look like cervical cancer, a biopsy can accurately detect the disease," De los Reyes said. (Next: When should you have a Pap test?)

Friday, December 17, 2010

Cervical Cancer - The Slow Killer

The mere mention of the word Cancer scares people endlessly. The causes of cancer are the abnormal growth of cells which multiply endlessly to form a tumour like growth. However people are now getting aware about the various cancers and the carcinogens causing them.

People are quite aware about the breast cancer but another cancer that targets the health of women all around the world is the cervical cancer. The main problem that is seen in this condition is the late diagnosis of the condition. The symptoms are seen only at a later stage and hence this cancer is almost undetectable in the earlier stages. However now with the spread of awareness, people are taking the necessary care to get themselves checked by the doctor.

One way to check for these cancers is the PAP smear screening. This screening can identify the precancerous changes. The cause for this cancer is the Human Papilloma virus also known as the HPV. There are now vaccines available for this cancer.

This carcinoma cannot be detected as the early stages are totally asymptomatic. The symptoms seen in the later stages include contact bleeding and vaginal bleeding. Advanced stages of this cancer show weight loss, back pain, pelvic pain, loss of appetite and leaking urine or feces from the vagina.

This disease is considered among the venereal diseases or the sexually transmitted diseases. Preventive measures to avoid cervical cancer include usage of condoms. The treatment for this is surgery in the early stages and radiation and chemotherapy in the later stages.

With the awareness and availability of vaccines, this cancer is now controllable to a certain extent. This is the fifth mostly deadly known cancer affecting women and has an incidence of 16 per 100,000 women. However it is reducing drastically as the PAP smear screening is done almost in every hospital and health care centre.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Who Is At Risk Of Uterine Cancer?

All cancers begin in cells, the body's basic unit of life. Tumors can be benign or malignant: Benign tumors are not cancer.

Cancer that starts in the muscle layers of the womb is called uterine sarcoma. This type of cancer is most common in women between the ages of 50 and 70. Cancer of the uterus can also be called uterine cancer. Cancers that start in the muscle of the womb (sarcomas) are even less common. Cancer of the uterus usually occurs after menopause.

The spread of cancer means metastasis. When uterine cancer spreads outside the uterus, cancer cells are often found in nearby lymph nodes, nerves, or blood vessels. If the cancer reached the lymph nodes, cancer cells may have spread to other lymph nodes and other organs, such as the liver, lungs and bones.

When cancer spreads from its original place to another part of the body, the new tumor has the same kind of abnormal cells and the same name as the primary tumor.

For example, if cancer of the uterus spreads to the lungs, the cancer cells in the lungs are actually uterine cancer cells. The disease is metastatic uterine cancer and not lung cancer.

As with any cancer, the exact reason why one woman gets uterine and another does not is unknown. These have much in common with breast cancer risks, since both cells in the uterus and breast respond to hormone stimulation.

Symptoms of Uterine Cancer

Vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of uterine cancer, and is very suspicious for cancer in a woman after her menopause. Of woman with new onset vaginal bleeding after menopause, 30% will have cancer, with the chance of it being uterine or cervical about equal. Infection may be the first indication of a cancer problem. If you find out that these symptoms are present, it is best to seek medical attention to avoid more complications that may mean more serious condition leading to uterine cancer.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Cervical Cancer Smear Test - The Long Wait

Cervical and breast cancer are two types of cancer which not only affect a woman physically but mentally too e.g. dealing with all the trauma after being diagnosed with the disease. A large percentage of women admit to living in fear of the big C, however cervical or breast cancer free women admit that the thought of contacting the disease never leaves their thoughts.

Sadly, self breast examination seems to be unimportant for some women who choose to ignore a health issue as vital to secure their well being, ignoring any indication that breast cancer is developing can result in the patient having to fight for their life. If an examination of the breasts had taken place in some unfortunate cases the whole scenario would have just involved treating the breast cancer and no involvement of an undertaker. Women need to wise up because if they continue to carry ignorance as an ally to help beat this battle - then they lose. Winning includes modern medicines. Early cancer treatment betters survival odds hence giving a patient the chance to carry on with their life instead of throwing it away.

Aside from bosom blunders where ignorance may have prevailed we have cervical cancer. Women need to be aware of all involvements i.e. what to expect throughout any cervical cancer treatments. The cervix is the lower part of the womb or uterus and is commonly referred to as the 'neck of the womb'.

The cervix and its purpose are to help maintain a normal pregnancy. In non-pregnant women, the cervix has no obvious function. In the UK cervical cancer is down on paper as the sixth most common cancer in women. It is of the utmost importance for a woman to keep healthy in mind body and soul by having regular cervical cancer smear tests - oft times referred to as a Pap smear test. Smear tests are commonly carried out in order to detect any cell changes that come before cancer. It's a waiting game, meaning, it can take years for these cell changes detected at the time of a cervical smear test to become cancer. Luckily some changes have been known to go away by themselves.

Women who waited in anticipation for their cancer results said they found it more of an ordeal coping with the wait than that of receiving the actual prognosis (cervical cancer).

Suffering in silence is not healthy, not all abnormal test results indicate that cervical cancer is present. It is through early diagnosis and treatment of pre-cancerous changes that development of actual cancer can be prevented. Early detection is most profound to help fight the disease.

There are two types of this cancer; the squamous cell cancer and aden-ocarcinoma. Cervical smear tests detect the early changes of squamous cell cancer. Early stage growths of certain cancers can be treated with surgery or radiotherapy thus resulting in a cure.

Regular questions asked about cervical cancer are what the causes are; well there is no definite single cause, however study points the finger at a viral infection of the cervix or cancer sticks (cigarettes). Fags are a major health hazard relating to lung cancer, smoking is said to also increase the risk of developing cervical cancer and even the number of partners in youth trial runs of intercourse have also been linked to being connected to the cause. In the UK cervical tests are routinely performed every three years, lives are being saved because of this.

Females face a silent but deadly situation because; pre-cancerous changes of the cervix that show up on cervical smear tests unfortunately do not give symptoms. Undergoing a biopsy of the cervix is the way cervical cancer is diagnosed. The process is normally done with an internal examination called a colposcopy.

Treating cancer of the cervix will purely depend upon the severity of the disuse, meaning, has it spread to the pelvis. A radical hysterectomy or Wertheim's hysterectomy may be suggested as treatment. It is at this stage that a specialist gynaecologist will conduct surgery. Radiotherapy destroys tumour cells that the gynaecologist cannot see.

Remember "out of sight out of mind", is not a healthy approach for a cure; a healthy approach is to keep it in mind and any cervical cancer symptoms must be kept in sight.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Ovarian Cysts Bleeding

Ovarian cyst bleeding is not a common symptom for all the types of such cysts. Bleeding usually occurs when the sacs found on the lining or in the ovary rupture. The pain that is felt when this happens depends on the size of the cysts and on their nature. Ruptured cysts cause as much pain as cysts that get twisted, but only if they are infected or bleeding. Ovarian cyst bleeding may cause inflammation of the abdominal tissues. More than that, this process may also lead to a torsion (twisting) that prevents the blood from circulating to the cyst.

If the ovarian cysts occur after menstruation, then they may contain small amounts of blood in them. If the cysts rupture, then bleeding is likely to occur in this situation. Ovarian cyst bleeding, however, is the main symptom of a particular type of cysts called haemorrhagic (associated with or resulting from blood loss) cysts. If women experience such a hemorrhage and feel a severe sensation of pain, then they must ask for medical advice as soon as possible, in order to prevent complications. If the doctor decides not to remove the cyst, then it can be cauterized (to destroy tissues by direct application of a heated instrument), in order to stop the hemorrhage.

Women with ovarian cyst bleeding must not fear having cancer of the ovaries, as cancerous cysts do not cause hemorrhage. Bleeding is a characteristic that is featured only by benign ovarian cysts. When more cysts appear on the lining of the ovaries, then the medical condition is named polycystic ovarian syndrome (POS). Women who have this health problem are usually infertile, feature an unusual bleeding, and typically experience miscarriages. This medical condition occurs often and is believed to be experienced by 4 to 7 percent of the women who are in their reproductive years. Ultrasound tests are not effective enough for performing the diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome, so additional examinations must be done.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Cervical Cancer - Signs, Symptoms and Treatments


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Despite the fact that cervical cancer has been identified as the second most common cancer among women worldwide as research has consistently shown that it kills more than 300,000 women yearly. Though it can be medically prevented, even in women at high risk, but due to the ignorance and non-challant attitude of our women and the so called health worker, the reverse is the case. However, the good news is that with modern science, a small inexpensive screening could potentially save lives. Its on record that screening in United Kingdom saves over 100,000 lives every year, with premalignant diseases detected and treated in several women.

Some of the signs and symptoms to look out for. But before i proceed, i must warn that symptoms do not usually appear until abnormal cervical cells become cancerous and invade nearby tissue and when this happens the most common symptom is abnormal bleeding which starts and stop between regular menstrual bleeding periods or may occur after sexual intercourse, douching, menstrual bleeding that last longer and heavier than usual, also to note when there is increase in vaginal discharge, bleeding after menopause may also be a symptom of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer starts as abnormality of cells on cervix and if not detected early or treated, it gradually invade normal cells of the cervix and surrounding tissues or lymph nodes which eventually spreads to other parts of the body. If these lesions have not invaded normal cells of the cervix, treatment is very simple and straightforward. Pre-cancerous changes of the cervix usually do not cause pain and are not detected unless a woman takes a pelvic examination and Pap test.

Treatments - There are many ways to treat cervical cancer.

(1) Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure {LEEP} which can be performed in the doctors office under local anesthetic, where electrically charged wire loop is used to remove the outer portion of the cervix that contains the abnormal tissue.

(2) Cryosurgery can also be performed in the doctors office and this does not require an anesthetic. This procedure freezes and kills the abnormal cells of the cervix when a silver probe is placed against the cervix.

(3)Cryosurgery Hysterectomy is another treatment that I would want to mention. Here the uterus is removed through the abdomen or vagina. This is a major surgery that requires the patient staying overnight in the hospital. It is usually performed on pre- invasive lesions and sometimes for women who have had more than one relapse and no longer have enough tissue to perform another LEEP.

Treatment of invasive cancer - The extent of tumor growth always determine the treatment required and if the tumor is small and confined to the cervix tissues, then radical hysterectomy or radiation therapy may be applied. When tumors are large or extends to adjacent tissues or lymph nodes more intensive therapy is required.

Radical Hysterectomy - This is the surgical removal of the uterus, the ligaments and connective tissues that hold the uterus in place. You can also remove lymph nodes in the pelvic area with this method, if microscopic cancer cells have spread to lymph nodes and ligaments that hold the uterus. After a radical hysterectomy operation has been carried out, a woman may no longer have menstrual periods and may not be able to bear children. However, she will continue to have the female hormone estrogen in her body and with this method the cure rate of the cervical cancer is about 90%.

Radiation Therapy - Here high energy rays are used to damaged cancer cells and stop them from growing. It is a localized treatment that means it attack cancer cells at a particular area of the body. Usually the radiation is performed externally from a large machine or radioactive materials placed directly into the cervix known as implant radiation

. Chemotherapy - This involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Chemotherapy may be given by injection into a vein or by mouth,so that the drugs flow easily through the body into the bloodstream

. Biological Therapy - is usually used to treat cancer that has spread from cervix to other parts of the body. Here we use substance to strengthen a woman s immune system to better fight her cancer. Interferon is the most common form of biological therapy used to treat cervical cancer.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

The signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer often do not appear until more advanced stages of the disease. And even then most of the typical symptoms are not extreme enough to suspect a condition of such magnitude, unless a woman has a genetic predisposition for it. Yet, women should still be knowledge of ovarian cancer. Perhaps if they go to the doctor right as they are noticing their bodies going awry, they could increase their chances of survival, even if such an increase is very slight.

So, what are the most common signs of ovarian cancer? Ironically, most of them will be in the abdominal area. In fact, one of the most infamous signs involves swelling of the abdominal region. This is swelling is due to the increased fluid production that occurs in response to the ovarian tumors that are developing; it is not fat. However, since abdominal swelling is associated more with gaining weight than a sign of ovarian cancer, many women won't think anything of it. But if the swelling is accompanied by other abdominal symptoms, such as indigestion, bowel changes or abdominal pain, a woman should get herself screened for the condition.

Then there are the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer involving the reproductive region. For example, a woman could have painful intercourse despite being adequately aroused and lubricated. Women who have undergone menopause may get unexplained post-menopausal bleeding. And if a woman is not menopausal, she may have bleeding in between periods. Of course, menopausal women may be more alarmed at vaginal bleeding, so they would be more prompted to go to the doctor. Yet, pre-menopausal women may think their bleeding is from wild hormones rather than a sign of cancer.

If a woman has any of the above-mentioned ovarian cancer symptoms, she should discuss them with her doctor. If the doctor suspects ovarian cancer, he or she will perform a variety of tests. The most common is called a transvaginal ultrasound, where doctors can get a visual picture of what is going on in the ovaries. There are also blood tests that may be taken, to determine if the body is producing some of the proteins that are created by cancer cells.

In conclusion, the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer are not excessive, but are still vital indicators of whether or not a person has the disease. Don't overlook them. Remember, that each of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer are still abnormal, even if the cause is something less serious. You will still want to go to the doctor to make sure that everything is functioning properly. Either way, scheduling the doctor's appointment and getting yourself seen will put a world of pressure off of you, because you will know officially what is going on. So, don't delay; go on and discuss these symptoms with your doctor.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

HPV Symptoms - Exploding the Myths

Perhaps the most important point to note about HPV symptoms is that in many cases there are none!

Both men and women can carry one of the strains of HPV that results in genital warts, or worse still, cervical cancer, yet show no signs or symptoms whatsoever. Yet they can be pursuing an active sex life and unwittingly passing on the virus to one sexual partner after another.

In fact, the most prevalent strains of HPV that have been linked to cervical cancer are the least likely to show any symptoms for many years. Between 3000 and 4000 women die every year from cervical cancer, which is often treatable if caught in its early stages. Medical researchers believe that this number is so high because most women have no idea they have cervical cancer until it's too late.

Remember that every time you have sex with a new partner, you are having sex with all the partners they had before you and all the partners those partners had...ad infinitum.

So before you swear off sex for the rest of your life, let's look at some of the misunderstandings and myths surrounding HPV.

The Truth About HPV

* Around 250 individual strains of HPV have been identified, but only a few of them lead to the most problematic medical conditions - genital warts in both males and females and cervical cancer in females.

* Genital HPV is only transmitted by sexual contact, or in a very small number of cases, by oral sex with a partner who is already infected. You CAN'T catch HPV from a toilet seat or from sitting where someone else who has HPV has been sitting.

* If you discover you have genital warts, it doesn't necessarily follow that your current sexual partner is the one who gave it to you. In most cases, the strains of HPV that cause genital warts can lie dormant in your system for many years before a breakout occurs.

A more realistic scenario is that you are the one who has unknowingly been passing on genital warts to your sexual partners while you've been blissfully unaware of its existence and at some future time they are going to blame their current partner for passing on the virus when, in fact, it was you.

* Contracting HPV does not mean you are promiscuous. You only need to have one sexual encounter to become infected with the virus. Obviously, the more you engage in frequent and unsafe sexual practices, the more likely you are to eventually come into contact with HPV or any one of a number of other sexually transmitted diseases.

So the logical solution is to always practice safe sex, particularly when you have a new sexual partner. Not only will a latex condom prevent you from the symptoms of HPV and other sexually transmitted diseases, it will help avoid unwanted pregnancy.

* Undergoing HPV treatment for genital warts is NOT a cure. Even if the warts have disappeared, you still carry the virus which means you can infect your sexual partner at any stage now or in the future.

* The HPV vaccine is believed to prevent all the recognized strains of HPV that can lead to cervical cancer in women. However, it doesn't guarantee to prevent cervical cancer in girls or women who have been sexually active prior to being vaccinated.

* The jury is still out on whether uncircumcised men are more likely to carry the virus. While a number of studies have produced statistics which suggest the partners of uncircumcised men are at greater risk of contracting the strains of HPV which lead to cervical cancer, many medical researchers believe the statistics are flawed.

Every individual is at risk of being exposed to HPV and displaying HPV symptoms. The most effective ways to protect yourself are by practicing safe sex and by knowing and understanding as much as possible about HPV, HPV symptoms and HPV treatments.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Options For Cervical Cancer Treatment

The cervix is the lower and narrow part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Cervical cancer or cancer of the cervix is a reality for hundreds and thousands of women all over the world. Cancer of cervix is a slow progressing disease and takes a few years to develop.

Before the cells in the cervix turn malignant, they first undergo a change known as dysphasia. This means that the cells change and lose their normal appearance. After this stage, cancer sets in and starts spreading through the cervix and the surrounding tissue.

For women, who are of childbearing age, it is important for them know about the different treatment options available to them.

Usually when a woman has cancer of the cervix, hysterectomy is the solution. Here the entire uterus as well as a part of the vagina is removed through a surgical procedure. In case the cancer has advanced and affected the lymph nodes, even they are removed. However, many women do not want to lose their uterus as they want to remain fertile. For women like these, there are other treatment options like the loop electrosurgical excision or the LEEP procedure.

If a woman undergoes LEEP, then she will gain many benefits. The procedure is not very expensive, it is performed under local anesthesia and the success rate is quite high.

Another procedure that women can opt for is the cone biopsy. Here a cone-shaped sample of the affected tissue is removed. Thereafter, the woman is given radiation therapy externally which is limited to the pelvic region. And, she is also given a kind of radiation internally known as brachytherapy.

Thus, it can be said that today women have many options to treat cervical cancer other an opting for a hysterectomy.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Understanding Cervical Cancer and Its Deadly Consequences

Besides breast cancer, cervical cancer can be considered the next most prominent type of cancer. Most cancers are malignant, which means deadly. This particular one too, is malignant. Ever heard of pap smear tests? They have a lot to do with cervical cancer. But there is more on that later on.

Understanding the cancer is quite a quest. It is a kind of abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the cervix (near your hips area). The cervix is more accurately described as the lower portion of the uterus that connects the upper vagina to the uterus. 'Human papillomavirus' or 'HPV' is the virus responsible for this whole cervical issue. It is a common virus that infects about half of the population at some point of their lives. If the immune system does not clear up the infection, normal cells can begin to grow abnormally and turn into 'pre' cancerous lesions. This is how the cancer begins and works.

There are many causes and risk factors. 'HPV' can be sexually transmitted during intercourse. There are different strains of 'HPV' and some strains cause genital warts. While these genital warts do not lead to cervical cancer, other strains are considered "high risk" for cervical cancer by causing changes in the cells covering the cervix. However, it is worth nothing that not all women infected by 'HPV' will develop the cancer, as other factors will come into play such as smoking, medical illnesses that reduces immunity, early sexual activity in life (increases risk of sexually transmitted diseases), women who have multiple sex partners and lack of awareness of regular pap or cervical smart test. These other factors will cause cervical cancer too, not only 'HPV'.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is a cancer that forms in the endometrium, which is the fine inner lining of the uterus, or the womb. The uterus is located in the pelvic area and resembles the shape of a papaya or a pear. 90% of all uterine cancers are formed in the endometrium.

This cancer mainly affects women who have already gone through menopause. The majority of cases are in women aged 55-70.

Medical professionals do not know what exactly causes Endometrial cancer, but it has been linked to too much estrogen, which is a female hormone. It is the ovaries which produce the estrogen, but they also produce another hormone called progesterone which helps to balance the estrogen. These two hormones need to be in balance, but if too much estrogen is produced it will cause the endometrium to grow, thus increasing the risk of endometrial cancer.

There are other factors which increase the levels of estrogen and one of them is obesity. Fatty tissues in the body also produce the hormone estrogen. A diet with a high intake of animal fats including meat, dairy, and poultry, along with processed foods and refined sugars is the number one cause of obesity. These foods should be avoided especially by those who are at risk.

Those at risk are women who have gone through menopause, have had no children, have diabetes, have had breast cancer, or are on a high fat diet.

The first sign of endometrial cancer is bleeding or spotting. Bleeding or spotting may not always be the result of cancer, but it is good idea to have it checked out just in case.

Other symptoms of endometrial cancer are weight loss, fatigue, pelvic pain, trouble urinating and pain during intercourse.

If caught in its early stages, endometrial cancer is treatable, either by conventional medicine or natural healing.

Conventional treatment requires surgery, which is known as a hysterectomy. A partial hysterectomy is where only the uterus is removed, and a total hysterectomy is where the ovaries and tubes are removed as well.

Natural treatments which have proven to be very effective are Botanical and Chinese medicines. Both of these medicines use herbs and plant extracts. Together these will help to build the immune system so that it can fight the cancer, and be healed.

Diet is also very important, by eating a raw diet and drinking freshly squeezed fruits and vegetable juices, one can help to restore the well being of the body.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Cancer of the Cervix - Precancerous Stage

PRECANCEROUS STATE - PAP SMEAR

We will discuss the precancerous stage of cervix cancer.

What is the Cervix?

The cervix is the part of the uterus that connects the upper part of the uterus (the womb) and vagina.

What is Cancer?

Cancer develops when cells in an area of the body grows abnormally. The body cells growth is normally controlled and limited to particular area. Cancer cell growth, if not controlled, spreads to other areas of body and causes damage.

What is Pre-cancer?

These are cell abnormalities that have potential to progress to cancer. Pre-cancerous lesions are not cancer. Pre-cancerous lesions can return to normal but can progress to cancer. The cancer can develop after 10-20 years or as short as 2 years.

What causes pre-cancer and cancer of the cervix?

The main cause of cervical cancer is a virus called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

What is Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)?

HPV are a large group of viruses that are linked to abnormal cell growth in humans. There are over 100 types of HPV but type 16 & 18 are identified as main cause of cervical cancer in 99.7% of cases.

HPV is transmitted skin to skin genital contact. Penetrative intercourse is not necessary to become infected. Up to 80% of sexually active women will be infected with HPV at some point in their lifetime. Fortunately most of HPV infections clear up naturally and are effectively destroyed by body own defences (immune system). Persistent infection with cancer causing HPV types is the necessary cause of cancer of the cervix.

What are the pre-disposing factors?

-HPV type 16 & 18 are common with
-Early sexual intercourse
-Multiple sexual partners.
-Recurrent sexually transmitted diseases.
-Hereditary/Immune status
-Folic acid deficiency

What are symptoms of pre-cancer?

There rarely any symptoms directly due to pre-cancer stages and that make it dangerous.

Checking for pre-cancer

Cervical screening programmes target the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of HPV associated precancerous lesions that may develop into cancer. Various methods are available.

1) Pap Test (Cervical Smear)

This is a collection of cells taken from the surface of cervix and tested in laboratory for presence of abnormalities. When abnormal cells are detected the Pap smear may be repeated, also HPV DNA testing, colposcopy (examination of the cervix through magnify devices) or possible biopsy (obtaining a tissue or analysis in the lab) are steps taken by a gynecologist. Abnormal biopsy may be reported as cervical intraepethelial neoplasia CIN. Neoplagia means an abnormal growth of cells.

2) Visual inspection with Acetic acid/venegar (via).

3) Visual inspection with Lugoli iodine (VILI)

Preventing HPV infection

Prevention of infection with HPV reduces rate of precancerous by 90%. Prophylactic vaccination is available for optimal prevention of HPV infection; vaccination should be given prior to sexual contact. Young girls and women will benefit.

Treatment of Pre-Cancer

Most abnormal cells of the cervix will eventually go away. Therefore mild ones are closely monitored. However, severe abnormal cells are removed to avoid cervical cancer developing by tumour methods.

1) Cone Biopsy - removal of small conical section of cervical tissues for analysis.
2) Loop Electrosurgical Ection Procedure (LEEP) - electrical current passed through a wire loop is used to remove suspect tumour.
3) Laser Carbon Dioxide laser uses a tiny beam of light to vaporize (turn into steam) the abnormal cells.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Ovarian Cancer - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Cancer of the ovaries is known as ovarian cancer. A personal or family history of cancer, age over 55, older women with no history of pregnancy, and a history of prolonged estrogen treatment, are risk factors for ovarian cancer. Common symptoms include a swollen or bloated abdomen; pressure or pain in the abdomen, pelvis, back or legs; nausea, indigestion, gas, constipation or diarrhea; and feeling very tired all the time. Surgery and chemotherapy, and rarely radiation therapy, are the standard line of treatment for this condition.

The Ayurvedic treatment of ovarian cancer is aimed at treating the cancer, preventing its spread and prolonging survival. Medicines like Triphala-Guggulu, Kanchnar-Guggulu, Punarnavadi-Guggulu, Mahamanjishthadi-Qadha, Chandraprabha-Vati, Ashokarishta, Dashmoolarishta, Kuber-Vati, Ashoka (Saraca indica), Deodar (Cedrus deodara), Varun (Crataeva nurvala) and Latakaranj (Caesalpinia crista) are used in this condition.

Medicines which act on the 'Rakta' dhatu (tissue) are useful in this condition. These medicines include Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Patha ( Cissampelos pareira) , and Musta (Cyperus rotundus). Medicines like Kanchnaar-Guggulu and Mahamanjishthadi-Qadha are used in high doses to prevent the spread of the disease locally or to other parts of the body.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Suvarna-Sutshekhar-Ras, Suvarna-Parpati, Suvarna-Raj-Vangeshwar-Ras, Suvarna-Malini-Vasant, Trivanga-Bhasma, Suvarna-Bhasma and Heerak-Bhasma are used to improve the immune status of the body. To prevent or reduce side effects from conventional therapy, medicines like Laxmi-Vilas-Ras, Shrung-Bhasma, Ashwagandha, Shankh-Vati and Laghu-Sutshekhar-Ras are used.

Thus, Ayurvedic medicines can be used as additional therapy to modern, conventional treatment; to bring about a faster response, to prevent recurrence, and improve quality of life and overall survival of the patient. It is important to note that all such patients should be under the regular care and supervision of an Oncology team.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

How Human Papilloma Virus Can Cause Cervical Cancer


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If you study broadly and deeply you will come to know that Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) is very dangerous virus and it is a combined form of over 100 different types of HPVs. These viruses are also called papillomaviruses because these viruses can enhance the occurrence of genital warts or papillomas which are considered to be benign or non cancerous tumors. However according to the health consultants, HPVs which boost up the occurrence of the common type warts are totally different from the warts that are found in the genitals.

The high risk cancer is also called Oncogenic cancer. Mainly it is seen that HPV attacks the body via sexual intercourse. The HPV infected patients will infect you if you have the physical attachment with her. So far as the Human Papilloma Virus Cervical Cancer is concerned, it is found that HPV has the major role to play to cause the Human Papilloma Virus Cervical Cancer.

In 2007, it was calculated that approximately 11,000 female partners in America alone were diagnosed with the Human Papilloma Virus Cervical Cancer and it was also estimated that 4000 would face the death due to the severest form of Human Papilloma Virus Cervical Cancer. According to the healthcare consultants, the HPV also enhances the chance of the occurrence of the cancer in the certain areas of vulva, anus, vagina and penis.

HPV infection will speed up the occurrence of oropharyngeal cancer which attacks the oropharynx which is located in the center or middle portion of throat and soft palate. HPV will surely instigates the possibility of the spread of the cervical cancer and if you are female, you need to take the special measures to safeguard your body from the cervical cancer.

It will be better for you to go to the doctors for the complete checkup. The doctors will prescribe the good medication and apply other treatment procedures for the betterment of the health of the body. If there is massive cell change, you will run through the high risk zone and you must opt for the good protection from Human Papilloma Virus Cervical Cancer.

There are other causes which develop the causes of the cervical cancer like excessive smoking and the tendency to have many kids within short span of time. if you have more than couple of partners, you will expect the fear of being attacked by HPV disease. Therefore please take appropriate measures for the good protection of your body from the HPV virus attack.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

The Truth Behind Ovarian Cancer

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality in this world.  It is being feared by most people.  Once an individual has it, it will stay with him till his last breath.  It is hard to accept that your family member, your friend or even you have cancer.  The pain and the sadness are hard to bear especially when no one is there to support and comfort you.  A cancer patient needs to remain strong, determined to stay healthy and fight for the dreaded disease and this can all be possible if he has a strong support group.

There are so many types of cancer that we need to know about the same as knowing the different tazer guns for sale in the market if you want to give yourself extra protection.  It can either be acquired genetically or from living a sedentary lifestyle.  Being a chain smoker leads to the development of lung cancer. Drinking too much alcoholic beverages leads to liver cancer.  Intake of carcinogenic foods such as barbeque may cause colon cancer.  Stress is even one major cause of cancer.  If you will not become vigilant particularly to your health, there is a great chance that you will develop cancer.

Both men and women have distinct types of cancer due to the differences of the reproductive organs.  Men can develop prostate cancer while women can develop ovarian cancer and breast cancer.  It is important that men and women pay attention to their health, do early detection to prevent cancer the same as having a phone stun gun for your protection against the wrong intentions of criminals.  Cancer still has no treatment and if you do not want to suffer, make sure that you live a healthy lifestyle.

Talking about the types of cancer in women, ovarian cancer has been the most common deadly type of gynecologic cancer.  It is the fifth most frequent cause of cancer death in women.  This type of cancer is rarely diagnosed early because of its insidious growth and relative inaccessibility and thus, most patients present with an advanced stage of the disease.  The incidence of ovarian cancer is increased in older women.  Factors which lead to the higher incidence of this disease include nulliparity, infertility, marked dysmenorrhea, early menopause and irradiation of pelvic organs.

Ovarian cancer may produce some early clinical findings that if recognized, should lead your physician to a relatively early diagnosis.  The early presenting symptoms are those that physicians vaguely associate with gastrointestinal disorders such as dyspepsia, early satiety and bloating.  Patients having an advanced stage of ovarian cancer may complain about pelvic pressure and fullness accompanied by urinary frequency and constipation. 

There is increased in abdominal girth due to weight gain but is usually due to ascites or a mass rising out of the pelvis. A complete physical examination is done with emphasis on abnormal changes in the breasts, abdomen and the pelvic area.  Careful bimanual and rectovaginal examinations are performed.

Treatment of this type of cancer is based on the clinical evaluation, the stage of the disease and the overall condition of the cancer patient.  Combination therapy is compromised of surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy.  It is important for the patient to strictly comply to all of these therapies in order to properly manage the disease.

The management of any types of cancer does not necessarily mean that it will sure the disease but rather they are intended to alleviate the pain and the other symptoms that the cancer victim is experiencing.  We all should be very vigilant and pay attention to health because seriously, health is a very precious wealth.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms - Silent Symptoms You Must Know

Ovarian cancer symptoms are very unlikely to be detected unless you have knowledge of the early signs and symptoms. The cancer holds its reputation as "The Silent Killer" because of the lack of obvious symptoms in its early stage when its still curable. In three out of four patients, the cancer has already spread from the lower abdomen to other organs before it was discovered in its later stages. And though, 95% of women do experience early signs prior to diagnosis, but sadly the majority of these women do not recognize it as symptoms of ovarian cancer. Therefore, it is crucially important to understand the hidden signs that may pass by swiftly in which it becomes too late to cure. Read thoroughly to learn some of the early signs and symptoms.

Signs & Symptoms

The following can also be from varies other health issues but be cautious if you experience one or more of the symptoms below for one to three weeks and contact your doctor immediately for a pelvic examination test, and a recto-vaginal component, which will show the best prediction of a timely diagnosis.

Symptoms include lower abdominal pressure or discomfort, increased frequent gas, lack of appetite, unusual weight change, abnormality in your menstrual cycles, sense of heaviness in the pelvic, increased frequency and urgency to urinate and/or burning or spasms while urinating, abdomen swelling, feeling full, constant bloating, indigestion, changes in bowel movements, unusual tiredness or fatigue, nausea and vomiting, vaginal bleeding or discharge especially when your not in your menstrual period, lower back pain that worsens over time, difficulty breathing, onset of acne, pain during or after intercourse, sharp pain in or around the ovaries or the pelvic area, and fever.

The link between ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer

Although it is not a fact, studies did find that those who have constant onsets of ovarian cysts or had polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) showed a much increased risk to developing ovarian cancer. Ovarian cysts effects a high majority of women worldwide. Statistics has shown that almost 80% of all women will develop an ovarian cyst at some point in their life, but not all women will experience symptoms. It is vital to learn how to treat cysts or PCOS and reduce your risks of developing cancer.

Treating ovarian cysts and decreasing your cancer risks

You can decrease your cancer risks simply by treating your ovarian cysts or PCOS before they start to get dangerous. Taken birth control or hormonal pills will not take away cysts or PCOS because prescription medication may only cover some symptoms but do not actually prevent the cysts from reoccurring. However, changing to the right diet, exercise, and alternating to natural treatments such as herbal remedies, were found to dramatically shrink and even prevent cysts and PCOS from reoccurring and lowering risks to developing cancer. It is surely something your doctor never mentions to you, but many women actually found great success using natural treatment options that eliminated their cysts within a very short period of only two month.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Risk Factors of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is formed in one or both ovaries which are located on either side of the uterus. The ovaries are only about the size of an almond, and are responsible for producing the eggs and releasing them into the fallopian tubes.

The ovaries also produce estrogen and progesterone, which are two female hormones. If these levels are too high before and during ovulation, they may cause ovarian tumors to form.

There are basically two types of ovarian tumors, one is type is non-cancerous, and the other is cancerous. If the tumors are cancerous they will spread to the outside of the ovaries, and eventually spread to other parts of the body.

Only about 20 percent of the tumors are discovered before they have begun to spread past the ovaries. This is mainly because the early symptoms of ovarian cancer are often misdiagnosed because they are similar to the symptoms of many common ailments such as indigestion, gas, nausea, bloating, constipation and bladder disorders. The only difference between the symptoms is that the symptoms of ovarian cancer will not disappear after a few days, but rather they will gradually become worse and the cancer continues to spread.

So who is at risk?

Those who are overweight, and obese. Obesity is linked to more severe ovarian cancers, and increases the risk by 80%. The fat cells help to produce higher levels of estrogen which is linked to causing ovarian cancer.

It usually only develops after menopause, but can also occur before menopause. As one ages, the risk increases.

Women who have had no children, or had their first child after the age of 30 are at a greater risk.

Women who began menstruating at an early age (before 12), and had a late menopause (after 50), are also at an increased risk.

Those who have trouble conceiving, but researchers do not know whether this is because of infertility, or because of infertility drugs which are administered to the patients.

Hormone replacement therapy also plays a major role.

A drug called danazol, has also been linked to ovarian cancer. It is a male hormone (androgen) which is used to treat endometriosis.

A high fat diet also largely increases the risk.

Those who have had breast cancer are also at a higher risk.

Family history, if someone in the family has had it, the risk increases by 10-15 percent.

Gene mutations (or so they say).

To eliminate some of the risks of getting ovarian cancer, one can stick to a healthy plant-based diet to help maintain a healthy weight, and to keep the inside of the body clean, and free of toxins.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Alternative Cervical Cancer Treatment

The new discoveries scientists are making every day are amazing. Breakthroughs seem to come all the time but still we have regular folk still suffering from diseases such as cervical cancer and along with are the pains suffered both mental and physical. Like most people searching for answers, I know you have come here looking for an alternative cervical cancer treatment. What I would like to present to you is an alternative treatment for your mind while you are being treated for cervical cancer and also give you a warning regarding 'charlatans' on the Internet selling all kinds of 'cures'.

The anguish and pain suffered by people even when they just find out that they have cancer is one that people who have not experienced cannot compare. You have terrible thoughts and visions of you dying and suffering during the process. To beat your dis-ease, you are truly going to need to find within you more strength then you have ever had before. Chemo can cause a lot of pain and nausea and just your mental thoughts will be enough to drive you to dispair. To beat this, you need a strong mind and will, and you need it now.

Doctors and scientists are still baffled as to why one person survives and why one doesn't even though you could say they have identical symptoms and are at identical stages when diagnosed. Scientists are baffled still as to exactly why one person feels more pain then another, even though the pain should be really the same. They do know though it has something to do with the mind. If you're having thoughts that you are going to die, and not win this battle then I am sorry to say you probably will not win.

Hypnosis can give you an incredible instant change of mindset. It can give you the positivity you need right now. While your doctors work hard on your physical body, you really need to work hard on your mind, its thoughts and be ridding it of all negativity to give yourself every chance of survival. If you truly believe that you create everything that comes into your life, then you will truly know the power of your mind and how your mind can have a major influence in the recovery of your dis-ease.

I know you have probably heard of cases of people deciding that they are not going to under go chemo or their doctors prescribed treatments and that they have sought out alternatives and have successfully healed themselves. I want to tell you right now that the cases of these are very few and far between and personally, I like to take a bet on my life both ways. Letting my doctor treat my physical body, while I seek out the best for my mind is going to give me a fighting chance. Alternatives such as acupuncture are also great to seek out while under going chemo to assist in clearing the toxins that chemo puts into your body.

Earlier in this article I mentioned that you create everything that comes into your life. I know that is a very difficult concept for a lot of people to comprehend and it took me a long time to come to the conclusion that it is true. We do know now how powerful our minds are. The thoughts we create can be toxic or they can be positive for our well being. One of the best methods of helping your mind is with hypnosis. It is definitely an alternative cure. There are mp3 hypnosis downloads which you can use in the privacy of your own home which have been specially created for cancer patients. These downloads can assist with staying positive, nausea and controlling the pain created by cancer and its treatments. Take action today and help yourself and your doctor give your body its best chance for its physical fight by treating your mind today.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Endometriosis Compared to Cancer


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Even though Endometriosis is a condition that affects 1 out of 7 women all over the world, there is not a lot that is known about this disease. It is a problem that occurs when the tissue found inside of the uterus develops in other parts of the body. Endometriosis causes are still unknown, however, there are several theories.

This condition has often times been compared to cancer, which is defined as an invasion of the cells that's growth is unrestrained. There are other similarities between these two diseases which include a decrease in the amount of cells that undergo apoptosis and a development of new blood vessels. Many doctors have been debating the idea that endometriosis will transform into cancer since 1925, and yet still no conclusions have been made.

Recent research has shown that there may be a connection between cancer and endometriosis. It has been seen that women who have endometriosis are more prone to other forms of cancer including, endocrine, breast, brain, and ovarian. Even though these doctors agree that there is a risk, there is still further research that needs to be done in order to conclusively link endometriosis to cancer.

The research that has been done up to this point has found that women with endometriosis only have a slightly higher risk of developing cancer than women who are not suffering from this condition. Additionally, women who have had a hysterectomy during or before they developed endometriosis are not shown to have a higher risk of developing cancer.

The primary difference between cancer and endometriosis is the fact that endometriosis is not deadly like cancer is. While this condition can be extremely painful, and is associated with other various conditions like issues with the pelvic area, it is not cancerous by itself. Endometriosis treatments include laparoscopic surgery, pain management, and the treatment of hormone imbalances.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer often has no symptoms (or only very mild ones) until it begins to spread beyond the ovaries. Unfortunately, there is no effective way of screening for ovarian cancer at this time. The effective treatment of ovarian cancer will be significantly increased if researchers can develop a screening test that helps doctors identify ovarian cancer at its early stages. Several large studies are currently underway, but the results will not be available for several years.

Some physical symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

- abdominal discomfort or pelvic pain
- bloating
- difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- frequent urination
- fatigue
- backache
- nausea, indigestion, loss of appetite
- weight loss
- change in bowel habits
- gas
- pain during intercourse
- abnormal vaginal bleeding (rare)

If you find that these symptoms last longer than three weeks or consistently are increasing in intensity, contact your doctor. One other thing to remember is that these symptoms can also be caused by other health issues, not necessarily cancer.

Some other causes could be bladder infections or digestive disorders. The best way to be sure is to get tested. In fact it is not uncommon for a woman to with ovarian cancer to be diagnosed with another condition before finally learning she has cancer.

Doctors can usually diagnose ovarian cancer within three months of women first noticing symptoms, but sometimes it may take six months or longer before a diagnosis can be made. I hope I've made the symptoms pretty clear and now you have some great info to go by.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

What Are the Early Warning Signs of Ovarian Cancer?


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Am I suffering from the silent killer?"This is a very scary question that all women need to ask themselves at one point in their lives. The reason why this is called the silent killer is because you do not get to know that the cancerous cells have multiplied abnormally in your ovaries to spread to the rest of the body. It is only in the later stages that you get to know that you have become a victim, frightening isn't it. Nevertheless, you do not have to get dismayed; there are number of symptoms you can identify to help prevent it from advancing to the later, more deadly stages. This cancer of the ovaries is curable, when it is caught in the 1st stage. So, if you are one of the 55 women in the USA, showing these particular ovarian cancer symptoms, make an appointment with the doctor immediately.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer

First of all you have to remember that these early symptoms are silent, You must be aware of your body and these signs because they are not going to manifest themselves in any overt displays of pain. So it is extremely necessary that you keep "in touch" with what your body is telling you.

· Have you noticed a particular heaviness in the solar plexus and pelvic region?

· Have you found a bloody discharge and vaginal bleeding appearing at odd times, apart from the normal bleeding of your menstrual cycle?

· Do you feel nauseous or feel bloated?

· Are you suffering from a lack of appetite and a sense of lethargy?

· Have you gained or lost weight drastically?

· Does your back ache for absolutely no justifiable reason or cause?

· Has your abdomen swollen up, and is there a change in the bowel movements?

· Do you find that intercourse is painful?

· Are you finding difficulty in breathing?

These are some of the questions that you can ask yourself when you are wondering if there have been any changes to your body that might indicate an early signs of ovarian cancer. It is extremely essential that you go and see a doctor as soon as one or more of these symptoms manifest themselves. In fact, ovarian cancer has a better chance (70 -- 80% chance) of being cured by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, if it is caught early. The metastasis or spread of the disease can make the percentage chances of curing ovarian cancer to lower down to about 30%. So it is necessary that you know about the symptoms of possible ovarian cancer and get a doctor's opinion immediately.

Here are some of the risk factors which you may want to look for, which makes you more vulnerable to ovarian cancer.

· Have you had a long history of ovarian cysts?

· Is there a history of ovarian cancer in the family?

· Are you postmenopausal and still getting ovarian cysts?

These are some of the risk factors, which are going to contribute to your chances of getting ovarian cancer. So it is absolutely necessary to listen to what your body is conveying to you, silently. Recognize the early ovarian cancer signs and symptoms and get a complete check and ovarian biopsy done. It is only then, you can be effectively treated by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, if necessary.

Monday, November 22, 2010

The Stages of Endometriosis

Endometriosis symptoms can vary greatly from one person to the next. Symptoms can be severe while the endometriosis itself is mild. Mild symptoms can be present or even undetectable and endometriosis can be very advanced. The endometriosis symptoms you experience could have no correlation at all to the extent or severity of the endometriosis itself.

Endometriosis tissue is much like the lining of your uterus. It reacts hormonally the same as the uterine lining. It grows and sheds along with your menstrual cycle. It is widely believed that in some cases, when the uterine lining is shed, it does not leave the body as it is supposed to. Instead, it travels up the fallopian tubes and into the abdominal cavity. Here, it infests the reproductive organs, surrounding tissues and even the nearby organs.

Endometriosis is a progressive disease and can get worse over time. It can spread to the lower back, bowels, kidneys, lungs and other organs, inhibiting organ function. This is why it is particularly important to treat endometriosis even if you do not have infertility concerns.

Symptoms can be mild or severe. They include heavy, painful or irregular periods. Lower back pain and kidney problems are also not uncommon. Many women are not diagnosed with endometriosis until they experience infertility. Endometriosis is usually discovered during a diagnostic laparoscopic surgery while an infertility specialist is looking for infertility causes. A laparoscopic endometriosis treatment may be necessary to restore fertility. Laparoscopy is the only way to definitively diagnose endometriosis.

Endometriosis severity is measured in stages. Stage 1 is referred to as minimal endometriosis and may or may not have an effect on fertility. Stage 1 endometriosis is usually treated with medications unless you are trying to conceive. If you are having trouble conceiving, then even minimal amounts of endometrial implants and lesions may need to be surgically removed. Another reason to treat stage 1 endometriosis is because it is progressive and can lead to dangerous organ damage down the line.

Stage 2 endometriosis is mild, but more than just the occasional lesion or implant is visible. Stage 2 endometriosis usually means that at least one of the ovaries has endometriosis present. This can lead to your fallopian tubes being blocked by scar tissues or the ovaries themselves being compromised by the present implants.

Stage 3 endometriosis is considered moderate. Stage 3 is used to describe endometriosis, usually on both ovaries as well as the uterus. Implants and lesions may be deeper and take up more area than stage 2 implants and lesions. Surgical treatment of stage 3 and stage 4 endometriosis historically has had the greatest impact on fertility associated with endometriosis.

Stage 4 is the most severe. Stage 4 is used to describe endometriosis that is prominent in the abdominal cavity. Stage 4 endometriosis can affect many surrounding organs and be very dangerous. This is the stage most commonly associated with infertility.

If you are experiencing any endometriosis symptoms and are having trouble conceiving, then you could have an advanced level of endometriosis. You should never ignore endometriosis symptoms or prolong treatment.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Discover Your Options For Cervical Cancer Treatment

Cervical cancer, that is cancer of the cervix, is a type of cancer that is slow to develop, and targets, as you would expect, the cervix. Since this is an important part of the female anatomy, it is best to know what your options are when trying to design a cervical cancer treatment plan.

The first option that should naturally come to mind is surgery. The type of surgery that is most often used is what is called a hysterectomy. In this procedure, the uterus and part of the vagina are removed. The lymph nodes made need to be removed as well, if it is discovered that the cancer has spread to them. Although effective, this is a highly invasive procedure and precludes bearing children.

A possible alternative is known as loop electro-surgical excision procedure also known in its shorter form as LEEP. This procedure is far gentler than the one described above and once it has been done, becoming pregnant is still possible. In addition to being a gentle alternative it is also a cheaper alternative.

Another option that you may want to explore is what is called a trachelectomy. In this type of procedure, the doctors will try to remove only the cancer while keeping the uterus and ovaries intact. This option is used when the cancer has not spread to other areas of the uterus.

Other options include radiation therapy, as well as complementary treatments and alternative treatments. It is important to speak no only with you doctor but also with your family. That way you can come up with a plan that includes those nearest to you. You are NOT alone.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

3 Possible Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

Ovarian cancer is a disease that affects the female reproductive organs. It starts when the process of cell division goes wrong in the ovaries and they start to multiply in a rapid and out of control way. This leads to a cancerous growth which then causes a tumour to form. It is not known exactly what causes this type of cancer but age, ovulation and family history are all thought to have an influence. If a tumour does form it often starts to press on the surrounding cells causing pain, discomfort and other undesirable symptoms in these areas. In this article I will be discussing three of these ovarian cancer symptoms in greater detail.

1) BLOATING OF THE STOMACH:- If you contract ovary cancer and the tumour grows large enough it may cause the stomach to physically bloat. Whilst bloating is not necessarily a sign of ovarian cancer it is a cause for concern if it cannot be explained. Therefore, if you notice that your stomach has become bloated and can think of no logical reason why go see your doctor straight away. They will be able to perform some tests and let you know what is causing your stomach to swell.

2) IRREGULAR PERIODS:- Normally the ovaries release an egg once a month. If this egg is not fertilised it passes out of the body during a woman's monthly period. However, if a cancerous tumour has developed it may block the ovaries making it difficult for eggs to be released. This may then have an impact on your periods. Therefore, if your periods seem to change for no apparent reason go see your doctor right away. Again there are many factors that can cause your periods to be irregular but your doctor will be able to let you know if it is related to ovarian cancer.

3) PAIN IN YOUR LOWER ABDOMEN OR SIDES:- If the tumour gets big enough it can start to place pressure on the ovaries. This can lead to pain in your lower abdomen or sides. Many women confuse these symptoms with PMS pains. However, if you start to experience them when you are not currently on your period you should go see your doctor immediately. The pains may not be related to ovarian cancer but your doctor will be able to perform the tests and let you know for sure.

I hope this article has given you a better insight in to some of the potential warning signs for ovarian cancer. Whilst your first instinct may be to brush these symptoms of as the result PMS, you should step back and think for a second before doing this. If there is no logical reason behind these symptoms then the chances are something is not right. They may be nothing to do with ovary cancer but it is far better to see your doctor and get a conclusive, professional opinion on the matter.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Ovarian cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

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