Cervical Cancer Prognosis - What You Should Know

Your cervical cancer prognosis depends on various things. You may be feeling pretty powerless right now and concerned for your future. You can get yourself informed and take control of your treatment and your prognosis.

Chemotherapy, surgery, hormone therapy and radiotherapy are not the only available treatments for ovarian cancer. Your oncologist will likely not know much about them for a few reasons.

These days, all mainstream cancer treatment is directed by drug company money and investment. It is well documented that competition is contained by various organizations with financial and professional interests in the cancer industry. You are free to research this further.

The average cancer patient generates tens of thousands of dollars for cancer drug and treatment providers before they die.

Few oncologists tell their patients that there are dozens of inexpensive and effective substances around that offset the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Why? Medical training focuses on surgery and FDA-approved drugs, so many doctors simply aren't exposed to the alternatives. Despite this, a survey of 64 staff oncologists at Canada's McGill Cancer Therapy Center found that 91% would not take chemotherapy themselves nor allow their family members to take it for cancer treatment because of its high toxicity and low effectiveness. Ironically, 75% of cancer patients are given chemotherapy as standard cancer treatment.

There are, in fact, over 350 non-toxic and effective treatments that have enable thousands to beat cancer, but because many of these substances and approaches are not patentable by drug companies, we don't get to hear about them.

The long-term survival of cancer patients with metastatic cancer treated with chemotherapy is just 3%. Known alternative treatments offer long-term survival rates of 50-70% when used on their own, and combinations of alternative substances have been demonstrated to lift survival rates to more than 90%. No kidding.

Cancer patients owe it to themselves and their families to explore all the treatment options. Thousands of people have overcome cancer without subjecting themselves to toxic and often ineffective treatments. They just don't have the advertising budget to tell everyone. Instead, their stories are on the Internet, posted by both survivors and their practitioners. You can make up your own mind about your treatment without handing over your future to someone else.

3 Terrible Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

Ovarian cancer has a very dismal prognosis. However, if you are able to recognize the top 3 terrible ovarian cancer symptoms early on, you might have a better chance of surviving. But don't get completely mislead, as the top 3 terrible ovarian cancer symptoms are not necessarily 'terrible'. Yes, they denote that you have a horrifying disease, but in and of themselves they are not much worse than symptoms associated with less serious diseases. Yet, they definitely should not be overlooked, especially if they persist over a long period of time. This article will discuss the top 3 terrible ovarian cancer symptoms including: abdominal problems, incontinence and dyspareunia.

The first symptom of the top 3 ovarian cancer symptoms we are going to talk about involves problems within the abdominal region. This usually starts off with abdominal swelling. The swelling gets so bad that a woman may have trouble zipping up her jeans. She may think the underlying issue is weight gain, but many times it isn't, especially if the woman has been eating normally. Additionally, a woman may have digestive problems to accompany her swollen belly. These digestive problems could include nausea, indigestion or abnormal bowel habits.

The next symptom on the list is incontinence. This is when a woman is not able to urinate normally. She may have the psychological urge to urinate too much, even if she can't do so physically. She may also leak urine. Granted, a urinary tract infection could also cause incontinence, but a woman won't know for sure unless she goes to the doctor. If the incontinence is caused by a urinary tract infection, the problem should clear up after the woman is given antibiotics. If it isn't, and age isn't a factor, she could definitely have ovarian cancer.

The final symptom we are going to talk about is dyspareunia. What is dyspareunia? In layman's terms it is defined as painful sexual intercourse. This is one of the few early symptoms of ovarian cancer that actually affects the reproductive region. However, some women have painful intercourse and are healthy. They may attribute their sexual dysfunction due to not being in the mood, or maybe not being lubricated enough. Yet, if the problem occurs over time and a woman has experienced the other symptoms featured in this article, she should get herself checked out.

In conclusion, the 3 main ovarian cancer symptoms are: abdominal problems, incontinence and dyspareunia. All of these symptoms can easily be mistaken for other conditions, even by medical professionals, but hopefully if a woman goes to the doctor enough, they should be able to pinpoint the true cause. And if this cause is ovarian cancer, at least the woman had the advantage of getting it noticed early. This doesn't mean she won't have to struggle for her life, but at least she has a greater chance in that struggle. Ultimately, if any of the 3 terrible ovarian cancer symptoms apply to you, don't hope they'll go away. Get a medical exam as soon as possible.

What Cervical Cancer Entails

Cervical cancer, also known as invasive endometrial adenocarcinoma, is one of a woman's worst nightmares. It is a Cancer that forms in tissues of the cervix (organ connecting the uterus and vagina). It is usually a slow-growing disease that may not have symptoms but can be found with regular Pap tests (a procedure in which cells are scraped from the cervix and looked at under a microscope). The mere thought of it sends shivers down the spine all the way to the smallest toe!

The first stage of this disease may not be exhibiting or causing any symptoms. Moderate pain during intercourse and vaginal may be slightly experienced in this stage. In advanced cervical cancer one may one may go through appetite loss, weight loss, fatigue, pelvic pain, legs and back aches, swelling of legs, heavy vaginal bleeding and leaking of urine or feces from the vaginal.

These cancer work its approach through a different phase, or exist in areas that are measured in stages: in phase I, the cancer raids the cervix under the top stratum of cells. In phase II, it extends past the cervix into close by tissues, to the upper part of the vagina, to the pelvic wall. In phase III, the extending continues to the lower part of the vagina, and may be spreading into the pelvic wall and nearby lymph nodes. And in phase IV, the cancer has extended to the least secluded or secures parts of the body such as the bladder, liver, rectum, lungs and additional organs of the body.

There are a variety of treatments for the cervical cancer; there is surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, vaccine therapy. Cancer can be detected by screening, testing, tumor markers and biopsy procedures. With new technologies as this the rate of deaths has drastically decreased.

Cervical Cancer Vaccinations Not Only for Teens

A few years ago it was believed that cervical cancer vaccinations are more needed by teens and younger generations who are more actively involved with sex. But, nowadays the HPV vaccine is being used for women who are 24 to 45 for those who are not infected by human papillomavirus causing cervical cancer or other cervical diseases. This can be attributed to late marriage for women and increase divorce rates which have led to the increase of women having sexual relationships in middle age with other partners.

The study as conducted on 3,200 women, between 24 and 45. They have no history of cervical cancer or genital warts. Women were given the quadrivalent HPV vaccine or placebo. After about 2.2 years, researchers found that there were four infected cases among those who are vaccinated and 41 cases in the placebo group. This concludes that the vaccine was almost fully effective against the virus strains mainly 6, 11, 16, 18.

When the HPV types of 16 and 18 were considered, researchers came up with four cases in the vaccinated group and twenty three in placebo. This suggests that success rate was 83 percent against those 2 HPV types.

The result was as lower as thirty percent for the mixed group, i.e. the women who have HPV infection or related disease. Nonetheless, cervical cancer vaccination is an effective way for treatment of women younger and older to eliminate the cancerous cells from the body. For further complications, go to the nearest health provider and consult doctor. Doctor may suggest you about consequences of HPV vaccinations for aged women.

What You Should Know About Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is the second most common malignancy in women worldwide, and it remains a leading cause of cancer-related death for women in developing countries.The condition usually affects women of middle age or older, but it may be diagnosed in any reproductive-aged woman. Cervical tumors are classified as either preinvasive where the lower third of the epithelium contains abnormal cells, or invasive in which the full thickness of the epithelium contains abnormally proliferating cells.

Cervical cancer develops in the lining of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus (womb) that enters the vagina. These cancers don't always spread, but those that do most often spread to the lungs, the liver, the bladder, the vagina, and/or the rectum.

Cause

Cervical cancer almost always develops from cell changes caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is spread through genital skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. It also seems more prevalent in women who smoke. Sexual activity that increases the risk for infection with HPV and HIV and for cervical cancer includes the following: Having multiple sexual partners or having sex with a promiscuous partner, a history of sexually transmitted disease, sexual intercourse at a young age.

Signs and Symptoms

The early stages may be completely asymptomatic. Symptoms of advanced cancer may include: loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, pelvic pain, back pain, leg pain, a single swollen leg, heavy bleeding from the vagina, leaking of urine or feces from the vagina and bone fractures.

Diagnosis

The Papanicolaou (Pap) smear test has been used to screen for pre-cancerous lesions in asymptomatic women for the past 50 years. While the pap smear is an effective screening test, confirmation of the diagnosis of cervical cancer or pre-cancer requires a biopsy of the cervix. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, the precursor to cervical cancer, is often diagnosed on examination of cervical biopsies by a pathologist.

Other Risk Factors

Women with diets low in fruits and vegetables may be at increased risk. Research suggests that the risk of cervical cancer goes up the longer a woman takes oral contraceptives, but the risk goes back down again after the OCs are stopped. Women who have had many full term pregnancies have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer.

Prevention

Cervical cancer is the easiest female cancer to prevent, because there is a vaccine and a screening test available. The vaccine known as Gardasil offers protection from the most dangerous types of HPV and recently published results indicate that new cervical tumors may eventually be reduced by as much as 97% in those areas where vaccination is introduced and maintained.

Treatment

Treatment of cervical cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, the size and shape of the tumor, the age and general health of the woman, and her desire to have children in the future. Appropriate treatment also depends on accurate clinical staging. Preinvasive stages may be treated total excisional biopsy, cryosurgery or laser destruction. Invasive squamous cell carcinoma therapy may include hysterectomy and radiation therapy.

Internal radiation therapy uses a device filled with radioactive material, which is placed inside the woman's vagina next to the cervical cancer. Some of the drugs used for chemotherapy for cervical cancer include 5-FU, Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Ifosfamide, Paclitaxel, and Cyclophosphamide.

Thirty-five percent of patients with invasive cervical cancer have persistent or recurrent disease after treatment. Recurrent cervical cancer detected at its earliest stages might be successfully treated with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of the three. Interestingly a number of patients have reported considerable benefit from using Lifewave acupuncture patches for pain relief and general health.

Survival

The chance of being alive in 5 years for cancer that has spread to the inside of the cervix walls but not outside the cervix area is 92%. However, the 5-year survival rate falls steadily as the cancer spreads into other areas. Recently, the combined use of cisplatin and topotecan was shown to significantly improve survival compared with single-agent cisplatin. If you combine all the stages together, the five-year survival rate is about 73%.

As the cancer metastasizes to other parts of the body, prognosis drops dramatically because treatment of local lesions is generally more effective than whole body treatments such as chemotherapy.

Cervical Cancer, the Symptoms

The lower part of the uterus is known as cervix. Most incidents of cervical cancer are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is passed during anal or vaginal sexual intercourse. Having multiple partners increases your risk. Also those who smoke, have many children, have HIV infection or have been using birth control pills for a long time have a higher chance of getting the disease.

However, a pap smear test can detect the cells that are changing abnormally to form cancerous cells. Treatment can be sought at this stage and curing cancer can be achieved. There is a vaccine that you can get if aged between 6 and 26 years. This usually works best if you have not had sex. The vaccine is given in a span of six months in three doses. It's effect can last for up to five years.

The symptoms of cervical cancer could be pain in the pelvic or unusual bleeding through the vagina. However, the symptoms could be detected during the final stage. This is because it takes even years for the normal cells to turn into cancerous ones.

It is therefore advisable to have one sex partner. This is not only to stay clear of cervical cancer but also other sexually transmitted disease and especially HIV and AIDS. Use of condoms for casual sex cannot be over emphasized. Have a pap smear screening test done at least twice a year. This could indeed save your life. Like the saying goes, a stitch in time saves nine.

Peritoneal Cancer

There are a variety of diseases in the world today. People are suffering from uncountable diseases and getting no cures for most of the cancer. Peritoneal cancer is one form of these cancer. It is a very rare cancer which takes place in peritoneum. This is a thin sheet which lines up the walls of the abdomen. The women who suffer from ovary cancer, and get this it diagnosed with proper medications, are the ones who are attacked by peritoneal cancer after the ovary cancer. This disease is mostly found in women.

Symptoms for this cancer are very unclear at the earlier stages of peritoneal cancer. They are very difficult to figure out the symptoms for this disease. It does not show any signs in its earlier stages and when it start to develop, and reaches it upper level, then we can figure out about this dangerous disease. This is big disadvantage, that in this modern science world, it is difficult to find the symptoms of a disease. The symptoms of this disease are very much similar to the symptoms of the disease known as ovarian cancer.

Below are some of the symptoms listed for peritoneal cancer:

1: too much blood flow from vagina

2: feeling as you are stuffed, although you had a very light meal

3: continuous vomiting

4: loss of appetite

5: nausea

6: continuous and abnormal weight gain

Peritoneal cancer can be diagnosed in multiple ways. It is firstly diagnosed through X Rays or the alternative CT scans. One more method for diagnosing this disease is peritoneoscopy. This is the analysis of peritoneum, which lets you know about the disease and that you are or not a victim of this disease.

These are the major symptoms of peritoneal cancer and they can only be seen when this disease develops at the higher stage. Slowly in your body when this disease matures, the symptoms would be even clearer than before and they would be even more severe.

The treatments for peritoneal cancer are available. There are many treatments for this dangerous disease, although the success rate of these treatments are very low but still, as we say something is better than nothing. The treatments available for this disease include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. These are the mostly used treatments for this disease and patients to get cured with these treatments but the ratio of surviving patients is low.

Cervical Cancer - The Early Symptoms

Nearly 13,000 women in the United States will experience symptoms of cervical cancer during its earliest stages every year. This disease is the second leading cancer among women throughout the world.
It is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted virus. The vast majority of these infections will not cause cancer. However, this virus can cause abnormalities in the cells in the cervix.

This results in lesions that can lead to the initial symptoms of cervical cancer, if they are left untreated.
A woman has a much greater chance for survival if her cancer is detected early. Some of the early symptoms that a woman will experience include pelvic pain, unusual vaginal discharge, bleeding after sexual intercourse, and heavy bleeding during the menstrual cycle. Other symptoms are increased frequency in urination, and pain during sexual intercourse.

If a doctor suspects that a woman is experiencing the early symptoms, the protocol is to do a pap smear. This is the best way to evaluate a woman's cells in the region of her cervix to detect abnormalities. This test is for the early stages of cervical cancer and it can reveal the presence of cancerous or pre-cancerous cells. The results from pap smears fall into different classifications.

They are generally classified from I through V. Class I means the cells fall into the normal range. Class II means that there is some inflammation and irritation. Class III means that there are some abnormalities. They can be from mild to severe. Class V means that the woman has cervical cancer.

Although pap smears can be useful, the results they yield are not always accurate. Sometimes the tests give a false normal reading. That is why if a woman believes that she is experiencing the early symptoms
and her test results come back normal, she should get a second opinion from another lab and consult another physician.

Another method that is used to detect early symptoms is through the use of a small fiber optic. This is a newer procedure and it may offer more accurate results, reduce the need for unneeded biopsies, and help doctors detect the disease in its earliest stages.

Women can experience the early stages of this disease without even knowing it. This is partially due to the fact that the disease progresses very slowly. As a result, women often don't find out that they have this cancer until it is in the advanced stages, when the prognosis is not good.

Women Who Have Been Active Early in Sexual Activity Can Have Cervical Cancer

Studies reveal that cancer of the cervix occurs more often in women who become sexually active in early life. Cervix cancers may cause by a human papilloma virus (HPV). This virus is spread through sex and it can cause infection in the cervix or any part of woman sex organ. However, this virus never last long because the body can fight this virus (HPV), unlike the HIV. But if the body can't fight the virus it will affect the cervix and turns into pre- cancer cells.

As of now most cervix cancers can be prevented and can be cured if diagnosed earlier through the use of Pap smear test. During the test, if the doctor can detect the abnormal cells she will recommend directly a medication so that the women can recover easily or if the cancer its already in full bloom operation would be a good option.

Cervix cancer may not cause any symptom or symptom unless in its early stage. But in time, it too usually cause abnormal bleeding or increased vaginal discharge. Women who have cervical cancer can feel moderate pain during sexual intercourse. The years of greatest risk for cancer of the cervix are when women reach the age of forty to forty- nine years old.

To avoid the risk of cancer of the cervix , physicians advise the women to have a pap smear once every two years. Pap smear is done by using the metal instrument speculum to open the vagina and examine the cervix. A cotton wool is used to rub off in the surface of the cervix to get the sample cells to be used in laboratory. The sample cells will be examine under the microscope to determine the presence of pre-cancers cells that may develop into cervix cancers.

Women who have cervix cancer may experience a loss of appetite, fatigue, pelvic and back pain. They also have a heavy bleeding during their monthly period.

The causes of cervix cancer may either from chlamydia infection, dietary factors, hormonal contraception, multiple pregnancies, uses the hormonal drugs diethylstilbestrol (DES). It also happen to a woman who have had many sexual partners, or whose partner with many sexual contacts. More cases of cervical cancer occur among women who use oral contraceptive than among those who rely on diaphragm.

Today Papanicolau test or pap smear for cervical cancer screening has been credited to increase the awareness of women about cervical cancer and it also reduce the incidence rate of this kind of cancer in some developed countries. Collopscope is also used to detect the cancer cells presents in the cervix. It is the magnifying instrument to examine the cervix if it shows inflammatory changes or any abnormal cells.

Complex Ovarian Cysts and Cancer - Understanding Complex Ovarian Cysts

Complex ovarian cysts are characterized by their fluid and solid components of which at least 50 percent are solid. The solid components can be a cause for concern.

The only way you and your physician can be sure that a cyst is benign or malignant is by obtaining cells from the cyst and conducting a biopsy. Your physician, through such testing, can determine if cancer is present.

The good news is that among complex ovarian cysts, 85 percent are benign.

If you have a cancerous cyst, your doctor will confer with you to determine the most effective and preferred course of action. In such cases, you'll have a number of treatment choices. There is no single treatment method to alleviate complex ovarian cysts or cysts of other kinds. Each person and the cyst causing the problem are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

The three most common types of cysts are

o Dermoid cysts, which, while not cancerous, can cause pain if the cyst twists upon itself and the ovary

o Endometrioma cysts that form outside the uterus and can result in ovary-damaging complications

o Cystadenomas which contain liquid and mucus. They can cause severe pain because they grow quite large and may twist upon themselves

You and your physician must consider a cyst's size as one of the key factors determining treatment.

You doctor may suggest immediate surgery to remove certain types of cysts. Perhaps other cysts can be treated over time with medications -- for example -- to see if the cyst will shrink and become less painful.

Other factors that influence treatment decisions include the patient's age, accompanying symptoms, current health and health history.

The majority of complex ovarian cysts prove to be benign, but all cysts have the potential to cause pain, create complications and lead to other health problems.

Most frequently, ovarian cysts go unnoticed. But if any of the following conditions exist, you should learn the cause.

Typical cyst symptoms

o Pain during menstruation or abnormal bleeding

o Upset stomach

o Appetite loss

o Breast tenderness

o Difficulty urinating

o Weight gain

o Lower back pain

o Frequent need to urinate

o Pain during sexual intercourse

o Bloating or abdominal pain

More severe symptoms

o Acute abdominal pain

o Vomiting

o Dizziness

o Fatigue

o Shortness of breath and/or rapid breathing

o Fever

No symptom alone or combined with others can confirm the presence of cancer. Specific tests are necessary to make such a determination. That's why you should not be alarmed if you have complex ovarian cysts or if you experience one or more symptoms of such cysts.

If surgery is necessary, a surgeon may use laparoscopic or "keyhole" surgical techniques to remove a cyst. Some woman may require an ovary to be removed or, in extreme cases, a hysterectomy.

Natural treatments enable you to avoid surgery

If you're currently experiencing ovarian cysts or have suffered from them previously, you may want to consider natural measures that will enable you to shrink cysts and prevent them from returning. Such measures, when successful, would also enable you to avoid the prospect of surgery.

Certain dietary supplements, herbs and vitamins can help balance your hormones and improve your general health while boosting your body's immune system and liver functions.

Rather than seeking relief via surgery, drugs, hormones, pain medication or other medical treatments, you can benefit from natural methods to gain relief from pain and complications caused by complex ovarian cysts. Natural methods can also prevent cysts from forming initially or from coming back after surgery or medical treatments.

Additionally, natural methods are completely safe for you and -- if you're pregnant -- your baby.

The method you choose to treat a complex ovarian cyst or a cancerous cyst is a decision you should make with your physician.

The Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer for a long time was known as a silent killer, simply because by the time the cancer was diagnosed it was too late for effective treatments to be given. Only about 20% of ovarian cancers are found before the cancer has begun to spread past the ovaries. This is mainly because many of the symptoms associated with ovarian cancer are almost the same as those associated with a lot of other common ailments.

The cancer begins in one or both of the ovaries which are located on the sides of the uterus. Each side of the uterus has one small, almond-sized ovary which is responsible for the production of the eggs and releasing them into the fallopian tubes. The ovaries are also responsible for producing estrogen and progesterone, which are two female hormones which tend to increase before and during ovulation. This increase in hormones may actually be what causes the tumors to form.

There are two types of tumors: cancerous, and non-cancerous.

The cancerous cells begin on the inside of the ovaries and spreading to the outside, and eventually if not treated will make their way towards the organs located in the pelvic area. They can also spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream, or lymph nodes.

The non-cancerous cells do not spread, and are normally not considered a health threat, but they can contribute to the production of estrogen, which can cause cancerous cells to form.

It is critical that ovarian cancer is detected in its early stages in order to be able to better heal from the disease. But because the symptoms are similar to symptoms of other ailments it is often hard to distinguish between them. However, the symptoms associated with common ailments usually tend to go away within a day or two, but when the symptoms are associated with ovarian cancer they do not go away, but instead they gradually become worse as the cancer spreads.

Some of the symptoms are digestive disorders such as indigestion, gas, nausea, and constipation; bladder disorders where one urgently, or frequently needs to urinate; and trouble eating, as well as abdominal bloating or swelling. Pelvic pain, inconsistent menstrual cycles, pain during intercourse, lower back pain, and chronic fatigue or lack of energy are also symptoms of ovarian cancer.

If these symptoms occur for more than a week they should be checked out by a medical professional.

Changing to a raw food diet at the first signs of any symptoms may help to get rid of the symptoms, and even reverse the cancer if it has begun to form.

If the Symptoms of Genital Warts Are Not Treated Early, it Could Lead to Cervical Cancer

Symptoms of genital warts - If spotted early enough and treated, can reduce the chances of developing cancer of the cervix.

Symptoms of genital warts can be many and varied and can even be mistaken for another disease. This is especially true HPV genital condition hasn't manifested itself in the form of physical warts. It must be noted that even though HPV is not curable as of yet, it is easy to find a cure for genital warts.

What Are The Symptoms of Genital Warts? Like many other STDs, HPV infection often does not cause symptoms. One study sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) reported that nearly half of all women with HPV had no noticeable symptoms. However, in many cases, small, hard spots (easily visible to the eye) can develop within three weeks to three months after exposure.

In women, these warts can occur on the lips of the vagina, inside the vagina or even around the anus. Anogenital warts may cause itching. Women also develop cervical warts, which are flat lesions unseen in their early stages.

Some other symptoms may include:

Cauliflower-like appearing growths around the anus or genitals
Increased dampness or moisture in the area of the growths
Itching of the penis, scrotum, anal area, or a vulvar itch
Increased vaginal discharge
Abnormal vaginal bleeding (not associated with a menstrual period) after sexual intercourse

You may have all the symptoms of genital warts but still not have any physically on your genitals. One possible reason that symptoms of genital warts are mistaken for something else is that the warts can be almost invisible to the naked eye.

In these circumstances, your physician will take your symptoms into account and use a number of methods to determine whether you have genital warts. One of the most common is to dab a small amount of acetic acid (vinegar) on the suspected area infected with warts.

The symptoms of genital warts may also be missed if they occur within the vaginal walls. In this case, the symptoms could be of another disorder called yeast infection. That's why it's a good idea to seek immediate professional help when the signs of genital warts are detected.

Getting the most accurate diagnosis for the symptoms you are displaying is vital, the last thing you want is self diagnosing yourself, and the likelihood of you being wrong is high, and then treating yourself for a completely different condition. This can have further repercussions, in that using the wrong medication to treat a disorder can let your body become used that medication, rendering it useless when you will need it the most.

The flipside would be to ignore the symptoms of genital warts and leaving the condition untreated, leading to even more serious conditions such as cancer of the cervix. An even more worrying possibility is that if you have recurring genital warts symptoms, it could be a sign of cervical cancer or even HIV- AIDS.

Therefore the seriousness and the urgency of a proper checkup when you display any of these symptoms is paramount. You will then be able to receive the correct treatment needed to help you get rid of genital warts.

It must be noted that even though you can find a cure for genital warts with the right treatment ad fight off the symptoms, the underlying virus, the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) cannot be cured. You will have to rely on your immune system to help fight the HPV virus.

Ovarian Cancer - Early Symptoms?

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women. It has been known for a long time as the "silent killer". It earned this name because of the supposed lack of symptoms when cancer of the ovary is in early stages, when it is still highly curable. Recent evidence suggests that early symptoms are often present but overlooked.

There are approximately 22,000 new cases, and over 15,000 deaths from ovarian cancer yearly. Most, but not all, cases of ovarian cancer occur in the post-menopausal years. In three out of four patients, cancer of the ovary is usually discovered during late stages when it has spread inside the abdomen to other organs. At that point, the cure rates are low. Symptoms may include abdominal bloating or pain, feeling full early, or pelvic pressure.

Unfortunately, early stage cancer may not cause many symptoms, or they may be vague and overlooked. Over the past five years, research has shown that some of these symptoms may actually occur earlier and are simply ignored by either the patient or the physician. The trouble is that these general symptoms are most often not related to cancer and are simply intestinal disturbances due to something you ate or a viral infection. If you have abdominal or pelvic symptoms that are new, seem unusual, persist for several weeks, or are worsening, tell your doctor. This is especially important if you have a family history of cancer, especially breast or ovarian cancer.

What happens after you talk with and are examined by your doctor depends upon what is found and your age. It may be necessary to undergo ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT) or other imaging studies as well as the CA-125 blood test.

Unfortunately good screening tools are lacking, but the next best thing is early diagnosis. Knowing your body and answering its call to action is very important. Equally important is to insist that your symptoms are explained fully by appropriate examination and testing. If not, it may be time for a second opinion with a gynecologist or gynecologic oncologist.

Cervical Cancer - Symptoms and Causes of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer: malignant cancer of the cervix uteri or cervical area. It may present with vaginal bleeding but symptoms may be absent until the cancer is in its advanced stages, which has made cervical cancer the focus of intense screening efforts using the Pap smear. In developed countries, the widespread use of cervical screening programs has reduced the incidence of invasive cervical cancer by 50% or more.

The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb). It is sometimes called the uterine cervix. The body (upper part) of the uterus, is where a fetus grows. The cervix connects the body of the uterus to the vagina (birth canal). The part of the cervix closest to the body of the uterus is called the endocervix. The part next to the vagina is the exocervix (or ectocervix). The place where these 2 parts meet is called the transformation zone. Most cervical cancers start in the transformation zone.

About 85% of cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which develop in the scaly, flat, skinlike cells covering the cervix. Most other cervical cancers are adenocarcinomas, which develop from gland cells, or adenosquamous carcinomas, which develop from a combination of cell types.

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Symptoms usually don't appear until abnormal cervical cells become cancerous and invade nearby tissue. When this happens, the most common symptom is abnormal bleeding, which may start and stop between regular menstrual periods or may occur after sexual intercourse.

Bleeding from the vagina that is not normal,or a change in your menstrual cycle that you can't explain.

Menstrual periods that last longer and are heavier than before. Bleeding after sexual intercourse, douching, or a pelvic exam.

Pain during urination: Bladder pain or pain during urination can be a symptom of advanced cervical cancer. This cervical cancer symptom usually occurs when cancer has spread to the bladder.

Causes of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer most commonly begins in the thin, flat cells that line the bottom of the cervix (squamous cells). Squamous cell carcinomas account for about 80 percent of cervical cancers. Cervical cancer can also occur in the glandular cells that line the upper portion of the cervix.

Genetic material that comes from certain forms of HPV has been found in cervical tissues that show cancerous or precancerous changes.

Most cervical cancer is caused by a virus called human papillomavirus, or HPV. You get HPV by having sex with someone who has it. There are many types of the HPV virus. Not all types of HPV cause cervical cancer. Some of them cause genital warts, but other types may not cause any symptoms.

The virus is a sexually transmitted disease. There are more than 50 types of human papilloma virus (HPV) that infect humans. Types 6 and 11 usually cause warts, while types 16, 18, 31 and 33 usually result in high-grade cervical dysplasia (CIN-2 and CIN-3) and carcinomas.

More than 90 percent of all cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, and researchers believe that this cancer may be a sexually transmitted disease. There is much evidence that cervical carcinoma is related to sexually transmitted organisms.

Chemical exposure: Women who work on farms or in the manufacturing industry may be exposed to chemicals that can increase their risk of cervical cancer.

Women who have HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, often take drugs that weaken the body's natural immunity or its ability to fight off disease. These women also have an increased risk for cervical cancer and should be closely monitored by their gynecologist for the development of precancerous changes to the cervix.

Ovarian Cyst - Cancer Symptoms Or Not?

If you have an ovarian cyst, you may be wondering if it means you have cancer. The good news for the majority of women is that an ovarian cyst does not mean cancer. However, there are a few symptoms that make ovarian cancer slightly more likely.

The problem with ovarian cancer is that it is almost never detected until it is widespread. There are very few symptoms of ovarian cancer; those that do occur mimic other diseases. The first symptom in most cases is an irregular menstrual period. As the disease progresses, you develop abdominal pain, bloating, and sometimes a mass you can feel.

That is why, when doctors discover a cyst that has certain characteristics, they almost always recommend surgery. These types of cysts include any cyst that is a solid or partially solid mass instead of fluid filled, or a cyst that is septated, or divided into different compartments. A surgical biopsy of the cyst is the only way to be absolutely sure that there is ovarian cancer. When a biopsy is done, only 1 out of a 1000 cases end up being cancer. However, there are a few tests that can indicate a higher chance of cancer, including a brand new blood test.

You should always ask your doctor to do these additional tests before you agree to surgery. You can get a test for CA-125. Higher levels of this chemical indicates a greater likelihood of ovarian cancer. You can also ask for an ultrasound using doppler technology, which allows a doctor to better see a cyst's makeup. There is also CT imaging, which allows the doctor to see if the cyst is spreading to other organs.

Just approved in September 2009, the OVA1 test measures five different proteins that change because of ovarian cancer. The blood test combines the results of all five into a score that indicates the likelihood of ovarian cancer. It's definitely a test you should ask for if you think your doctor thinks your cyst may be cancerous.

About Ovarian Cyst Symptoms

Ovaries are the female reproductive organs in the body that produce and store eggs. An ovary cyst is a sac that gets formed on or in the ovaries and is filled with fluid. This cyst gets formed in a woman's body when the ovaries are preparing eggs for release into the fallopian tubes. Most of the cysts are not harmful but some cysts may be connected to cancer.

An ovary cyst develops because of a number of reasons and can be of different types from benign to life threatening. Different types of cysts are Cystadenomas, Functional cyst, Polycystic ovaries, Dermoid cysts or Endometriomas.

Ovarian cyst symptoms

Every type of ovararian cyst gives very different symptoms that a woman experiences. Some of the cysts that develop are asymptomatic, meaning that they do not give any symptoms to the body. Some of the symptoms that develop include:

• Painful legs
• Softness in the breasts
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Pressure on the bladder
• Increase in body weight
• Problems in passing urine
• Painful intercourse
• Continuous pain in the abdomen

Some ovarian cysts are harmful to the body. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should get your cysts treated immediately:

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Severe stomach pain
• Tiredness
• Shortness of breath

Diagnosis of an ovarian cyst

Ovarian cysts are diagnosed by a test called the pep smear test. The tests are done by a gynecologist by feeling the ovaries to detect for any kind of swelling or lesion in the ovaries. If a cyst is suspected by the gynecologist, she will refer an ultrasound and with the report of the ultrasound, you will get to know the location of the cyst, its size, its shape and the consistency of the cyst.

When an ovarian cyst is detected, then blood tests are referred by the doctors to check the risk of ovarian cancer. In the blood tests done, if the amounts of protein CA-125 are very high, then the risk of ovarian cancer is also very high.

Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer - A Happy-Ending Story

Ovarian cancer most often presents in stage III, comprising more than 50% of all cases. Briefly, a stage 3 diagnosis means that cancer is found in one or both ovaries and has spread to other parts of the abdomen. This is a serious challenge for anyone to endure, but although it may seem initially overwhelming, I am writing this article as a measure of hope for those who are going through this right now.

Ten years ago a woman I knew, let's call her "Lisa," was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. She had no risk factors of the disease, was diligent about going for her annual gynecological exams and checkups, and she never missed her yearly mammogram. Unfortunately, she was not aware of the early warning signs she was experiencing including indigestion, bloating, pelvic discomfort and pain, and a change in her menstrual periods. Had she realized these were signs and symptoms she should be on the lookout for, she would have seen a doctor earlier and it might have been the difference in stage 1 and stage 3. But she didn't know the symptoms to look for.

Once finally diagnosed, she underwent surgery with removal of a large tumor, and then 6 sessions of chemotherapy over a period of 15 weeks. During this time she listened to her doctor's prognosis (not great) and researched the disease, discovering the 5-year survival rate was somewhere around 20%. But she was a strong woman and she was determined to watch her 3 children grow up, finish college, have careers, and raise a family themselves. She was determined to beat this disease. She changed a few things in her life, exercising at least once a day, drinking more water, and eating healthier. Of course she had to go for checkups every few months for the first couple of years, and then every 6 months thereafter.

Just a few months ago, Lisa had the most amazing news. She went for her regular checkup at her oncologist's office and she was told that since she has been with no evidence of disease (known as NED) for 10 years she is now considered cured and she was discharged from the oncologist's care.

If you have been diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer, don't even read the statistics because you are not a number. Especially in this day and time, it is so easy to find negative information on the Internet. I will tell you that I believe the reason for this is people go on the 'net with their problems and rarely go to talk about things that are going great in their life. This is why I wanted to share this with everyone. Take heart from Lisa's story and know that a cure is possible for anyone, regardless of what the numbers say.

The Uterine Cancer Symptoms You Need to Know

Uterine cancer is more common to women who have undergone or is undergoing menopause. That is because, although the cause of this disease is still not identified at present, it is found out that the inability of the progesterone hormone to offset the estrogen hormone contributes to the possibility of its development; which is the case at this stage. There is too much estrogen being produced and the progesterone isn't enough to balance.

Although this type of cancer more often targets middle-aged and elderly women, it can also affect the younger ones. That is why, all women must be aware of uterine cancer symptoms so that we will know when we need to see the doctor.

One of the most common symptoms is vaginal bleeding. Almost all that have been diagnosed with this have experienced bleeding or vaginal discharge. For young women, you must be very observant. If you experience spotting in between periods, unusual heavy periods and bleeding after intercourse, you must not disregard the signs. For those that have undergone menopause, if you start bleeding 6 months later, go and see your doctor. There are also certain pains that could be felt although not everyone experiences them just like for those with uterine sarcoma, a certain type of uterine cancer, just a few experience pain during urination, during intercourse and pain in the area of the pelvis.

There are conditions that may make a woman at greater risk of this cancer such as obesity, a history of infertility, those that suffer from diabetes and high blood pressure and those who take Tamoxifen, a drug used to treat breast cancer.

Getting to know the uterine cancer symptoms will really help a lot in being able to seek early professional help. So remember these symptoms and if you have any of them be sure to see your doctor. It could save your life!

Recognizing the Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

With so many different forms out there, both rare and common, cancer can be a difficult subject to think about, but it is certainly not a subject that should be ignored. Cervical cancer is a particular type of cancer that has affected women for a long time. Luckily, more and more treatments have recently been developed to treat the disease. However, it is important for women to know the symptoms of cervical cancer in order to be able to treat it as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, this does not have many symptoms in its early stages. Most signs do not appear until the cancer is in its more advanced stages. Even then, many women can easily confuse these symptoms with PMS. The best method of early detection is to get a regular Pap smear.

Abnormal vaginal fluids can likely be a sign of cervical cancer. Bleeding after sex, douching, or a pelvic exam can be a sign that the cervix is irritated and unhealthy. Menstrual periods can suddenly become heavier and more prolonged. Uncommon discharge that is either foul smelling, watery, thick, or mucus like can sometimes appear as well.

Irregular pains are often associated with this disease. Pelvic pains, aside from the usual cramps, which can vary from mild to severe, can be a sign of cervical cancer. Extreme pain during regular activities, like urination and sexual intercourse, should also be a cause for concern.

Cervical cancer is a serious medical issue, but not one which is impossible to address. Though a Pap smear is the best way to detect it, anyone experiencing possible symptoms, should contact their gynecologist immediately to be tested. Being well informed about the signs of this particular cancer is helpful to ensure that the proper treatment will be received and the best outcome is possible.

Cervical Cancer and Infertility

Cervical cancer does not necessarily mean that you will become infertile but the odds are extremely high. This is not an easy concept to come to terms with, even for women who have gone through menopause or who have made up their minds to never have children. The enforced, involuntary removal of the womb is a very final act beyond which there is no going back. The ability to decide for oneself is taken away. It may even feel as though one's womanhood is being stolen, especially if one's identity is bound more in one's physicality than one's spiritual and psychological being. Many women find that if they allow themselves to grieve, as for the death of a loved one, it helps them to make sense of the loss and to integrate the experience into their sense of self.

Some pre-cancer treatments can adversely affect your fertility, the cone biopsy for example. There is a small chance that the cervix can close very tightly after a cone biopsy procedure, so tightly that sperm isn't able to enter it. This condition is known as cervical stenosis. If you are still able to menstruate after the cone biopsy then you don't have complete cervical stenosis, if the womb lining can get out, sperm can get in. Women who have had cone biopsies are also more likely to give birth before 37 weeks, their babies are more likely to have a low birth weight and they are more likely to give birth by caesarian section. The increased risk of early birth is because the cone biopsy weakens the cervix, which is really a muscle that keeps the entrance to the womb closed. If the cervix has been weakened, the weight of the baby pressing down on the cervix may cause it to open too soon and induce labour. This can be prevented by your doctor giving you a "running stitch" to hold it shut. Your doctor may be more technical and call it a purse string suture; the suture is cut before you go into labour, at around 37 weeks.

LLETZ stands for large loop excision of the transformation zone, and has roughly the same effects as cone biopsies i.e. early birth, low birth weight and increased caesarian sections. It is also more likely to rupture membranes. In a review it was revealed that the amount of cervical tissue removed had an impact on the risk of early birth etc. If the excision was more than 10mm deep then the risk for early birth increased. Laser therapy, cryotherapy and diathermy are unlikely to affect your fertility.

If you are already pregnant when the abnormal cells are discovered your doctor will not recommend a cone biopsy unless he or she suspects that there is cervical cancer. The biopsy could weaken the cervix and result in a miscarriage. You may, however, undergo a colposcopy. It's perfectly safe and won't affect your delivery, or your chances of falling pregnant again. Usually treatment for pre-cancerous cells is scheduled for after you've given birth, when you and the baby are out of danger.

When you actually have cancer and have to go for treatment your chances of infertility are increased as the treatment becomes more aggressive and invasive. Chemotherapy causes infertility although for some people the effects are only temporary. The permanence of chemo's infertility depends on the drugs used, the dosages, whether a combination of drugs is used as a combination is more likely to result in infertility, the age of the patient and the general health of the patient. If you are still young and have your heart set on having children it may be possible to choose a chemotherapy that will least affect your fertility, but it also depends on the circumstances.

Radiotherapy is given directly to the affected area, so it would be aimed directly at the pelvic area and cervix. This can obviously lead to infertility and is more likely to be permanent. The risk is increased with the strength of the dose and the increased age of the patient. Total body irradiation will usually cause permanent infertility and only a very rare few will go on to have children afterwards.

Surgery to remove cancer does not generally affect fertility, however in the case of cervical cancer where it might be necessary to have the womb or ovaries removed, infertility is an inevitable consequence. Some types of surgery to the cervix, vagina and vulva also result in infertility.

Cervical cancer is not a death sentence; in fact it is one of the most curable cancers around. It is ironic, however, in that for many women it does mean the end of life, or at least the end of the continuation of life, the end of progeny. For many women this in itself is a death sentence. They need support and love to help them through this very difficult time and to enable them to see that they still have so much to offer the world. A woman can be a whole woman on her own terms and she can decide those terms for herself. Sometimes all she needs is a little help to be able to see that.

Ovarian Cancer and Hysterectomies - Becoming Informed About Your Options

A hysterectomy is not often a procedure that needs to be performed urgently, except in the case of cancer. Therefore, a woman considering the procedure should take time to investigate all her options, including other possible treatments. There are now new treatments for conditions that previously would have required a hysterectomy. Women advised to have a hysterectomy for a non-cancerous condition before being offered more conservative treatments may find it beneficial to seek a second opinion.

Deciding whether to have a hysterectomy can be a difficult and emotional process. By becoming informed about the procedure, women can confidently discuss available options, concerns and wishes with their doctor, and make a decision that is right for them.

If you, too, have been questioning the necessity of a surgery for fibroids, prolapse, incontinence or any "cele" repairs, you will be reassured to know you have every right in doing so. The decision to undergo surgery of any kind is often difficult, so it is often useful to explore other alternatives before moving forward. Women, especially around the time of menopause, are too often advised to have major gynecological surgery for minor conditions that can be significantly improved with natural alternatives

Every 10 minutes, 12 hysterectomies are performed in the United States. That is over 600,000 per year, of which only 10% are due to cancer. This surgery most often does not correct the diagnosed problem and instead results in new afflictions. And, argues Dr. Stanley West, author of The Hysterectomy Hoax, nine out of ten hysterectomies are unnecessary.

We need to ask "How have these surgeries impacted the quality of life for women?" Nowhere in the gynecological literature did the study address the number of women for whom sex had become painful or impossible. Nowhere were there studies to track the number of marriages that failed or were severely compromised as a result of these post-surgical complications or alcoholism or drug addiction resulting from debilitating chronic pain.

Women who have been hysterectomized experience a myriad of negative side effects, including chronic pain and fatigue, depression, and pain during sex. These are only a fraction of the long list of unwanted symptoms reported by women after surgery.

So, if you decide, or have already decided, that surgery is not an option, you are probably asking yourself, "Now what?" I have asked myself this same question. But, I will tell you, there is no quick fix. As women we must understand our bodies to care for them in a positive way.

The more I review this subject the stronger I feel about informing women before they make this important decision. Prevention is the key and hormone balance is the answer.

For the most part those who are encouraged to have their uterus's removed are likely suffering from estrogen excess which is explained well by Dr. John Lee.

Balancing hormones involves working on a few fronts using simple strategies.

1. Evaluate your hormones using a saliva test - determine what is happening in your body - ask your self the question - are you estrogen dominant? Use a saliva test to find the answer.

2. Optimize your diet by lowering your insulin levels. Over 2/3 of North Americans are overweight. This extra weight increases insulin levels causing estrogen dominance to increase. EAT 40/30/30

3. If the saliva test shows the need, use a natural progesterone cream in the process of rebalancing your hormonal system

4. Exercise to reduce excess estrogen and to eliminate toxins

5. Drink more water

6. Supplement with wisdom using our hormone balancing program of fiber, indoles, efa, multi - fruit & veggi essence, calcium

This Article Is Copywright 2006 Jackie L. Harvey & Saliva Testing com

Cervical Cancer Signs That You Need to Be Aware Of!

Cervical cancer has been established as the second most common cancer that usually occurs in women and is second to breast cancer. Every year, there is an estimate of over 20,000 women in the world experiences some early symptoms. This type of cancer is malignant neoplasm of the cervix uteri or the cervical area. It may be present with vaginal bleeding but the symptoms may not be visible until the cancer is diagnosed in its advanced stages.

The cervix is a part of female reproductive system. It is the lower, narrow portion of the uterus where it joins with the top end of the vagina. During pregnancy of women the cervical os closes to help keep the fetus in the uterus until birth. Another important role of the cervix takes place during labor when the cervix dilates, or widens, to allow the passage of the fetus from the uterus to the vagina.

The development of early signs of cancer usually takes place in a gradual manner over a period of years. During this process, the cells on the cervix change from normal to abnormal. The abnormality change is the primary sign and indication of cervical cancer.

There could be so many cancer signs and one of the common causes is related to a sexually transmitted virus called the human papilloma virus or 'HPV'. Although this infection will not lead to cancer early symptoms and cancer but then again these viral types may lead to abnormal changes and may progress eventually to early symptoms of cancer. Never disregard these infections and treat it immediately to prevent it from becoming a cancer.

Here are the common cervical cancer signs and symptoms:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding - This is the most common symptom. Women should be aware of their menstruation, bleeding after intercourse, spotting between periods. An abnormal and sudden vaginal bleeding without any reason should be brought up to your physician to have you examine.

• Pelvic pain - Lasting pelvic pain not related to other conditions, menstruation, or physical exertion can be a symptom of a cervical cancer

• Vaginal discharge - When you observed that you have unusual and frequent vaginal discharge, it may be one symptom of cancer. This is a common symptom related to any condition of women. A vaginal discharge may have or may not have a bad odor.

• Increased urinary frequency - When you urinate frequently, especially if you are not pregnant then there may be a possibility that you have cervical cancer.

• Difficulty in urinating - When there is pain or difficulty during urination, it's time to see your doctor and have you check up. This may also be a symptom of UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) but to make sure, seek advice from your physician to be treated earlier.

• Pain during intercourse - When you feel unwanted pain during intercourse, you may have cervical cancer.

• Digestive disorders - When you are experiencing chronic constipation and feeling a lump even if you had a bowel movement

• Loss of appetite - Sudden loss of appetite may also be a sign of cervical cancer.

• Weight loss - Weight loss is associated with loss of appetite. With loss of appetite, the tendency is you get to lose weight as well because you don't feel like eating.

• Over - fatigue - Even when you are rested but you still feel stressed and feeling tired all the time, there might be a problem.

In order to diagnose this problem, the most common and effective method is the Pap smear test. But in order to confirm the diagnosis of cervical cancer or pre-cervical cancer, it should require a biopsy. Patients suffering this disease in an early stage can be treated with conservative surgery for women who want to maintain their fertility. Now for others, they are usually advised to remove the entire uterus and cervix to prevent the disease to spread out. Infections or other health related problems may also cause these symptoms. To make sure if you really have cervical cancer, it is advisable that you see your doctor and undergo examinations. Only a professional physician can say whether you have cervical cancer or not. The early you inform your doctor about these cervical cancer signs and symptoms, that problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible as well.

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer has been known as a silent killer, simply because the early symptoms of this cancer are often misdiagnosed. Because of this, only 20% of ovarian cancers are found before they have spread past the ovaries. The cancer begins in the ovaries which are only about the size of an almond, and are located on each side of the uterus. The ovaries are responsible for producing the eggs and releasing them into the fallopian tubes. They also produce two female hormones known as estrogen and progesterone. High levels of these hormones is linked to the cause of ovarian cancer.

Tumors which form in the ovaries can be cancerous, or non-cancerous. The non-cancerous tumors do not spread, but they do cause the body to create more estrogen, which in turn can cause cancer. Tumors that are cancerous eventually spread to the outside of the ovaries and spread through the bloodstream or lymph nodes to other parts of the body. The tumors can affect one or both ovaries.

If the cancer is diagnosed early, one has a better chance of surviving. But the early symptoms are difficult to diagnose because they are similar to many other common ailments. The main difference between the symptoms of ovarian cancer, and those of common ailments is that the symptoms of ovarian cancer do not fluctuate, or disappear, but rather they gradually become worse as the cancer cells grow. Most symptoms of common ailments will disappear within a day or two.

Some of the symptoms are digestive disorders, bladder disorders, bloating, constipation, fatigue, and lower back pain. If these symptoms occur and do not go away after a week then it may be a good idea to have it checked out by a medical doctor.

Knowing whether or not one is at risk may also help to determine whether the symptoms are something to worry about or not. As one ages the risk of ovarian cancer increases, and usually the cancer occurs in women who have gone through menopause. Hormone replacement therapy also plays a major role.

Obesity is linked to more severe cancers, and increases the risk by 80%. A drug called danazol, has also been known to increase the risk. It is a male hormone (androgen) which is used to treat endometriosis. A high fat diet also largely increases the risk.

The best defense is to eat a raw food diet, with lots of leafy green vegetables, fruits, nuts, and herbs. Avoiding animal proteins, refined sugars, as well as processed foods will help to maintain a healthy weight, thus eliminating one of the greatest risk factors.

Herbal Medicines for Cervical Cancer

Description

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women. Women between the ages of 30 and 55 have the highest incidence of cervical cancer. Women who have had sexually transmitted disease, and those who have had many pregnancies beginning at a young age, are at greater risk. If you smoke, quit. Cigarette smoking is a suspected risk factor for cervical cancer. Getting an annual pelvic examination and Pap test is the only way to screen for cervical cancer. A Pap test can detect malignant cells before symptoms are present.

Fortunately, cervical cancer is slow to develop. If diagnosed at an early stage, when the cancer is still confined to the outermost layers of cervical tissue, cervical cancer has a cure rate of almost 100 percent. Even in more advanced cases, when the cancer spreads deeper into the cervical wall, the chances of recovery are good. On the other hand, if the cancer is allowed to spread to other organs, the prognosis is not as good.

Signs and Symptoms

Cervical cancer in its early stages usually does not produce symptoms. Later, the most common symptoms are:

Bleeding from the vagina after intercourse, between periods, or after menopause

Bloody vaginal discharge

Conventional Medical Treatment

If you notice any type of unexplained bleeding or discharge, see your gynecologist immediately, who performs a pelvic examination and Pap smear. If the Pap smear reveals abnormalities, your doctor examines your cervix closely (using a device called a colposcope) and takes a tissue sample to check for malignant cells. If cancer is confirmed, your doctor may take X-rays to determine if the cancer has spread to any of the surrounding organs.

Treatment for cervical cancer depends on what stage it is in. If it is caught early, laser surgery, freezing, or cauterization may be used to remove the malignant cells from the outer layer of tissue. If the cancer has advanced into the cervical wall, radiation may be performed. (See "Conventional Medical Treatment" in the "Bladder Cancer" entry for more information on radiation therapy.) Your doctor also may recommend a hysterectomy, an operation in which the cervix and uterus are removed.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture Acupuncture may be used as an adjunct treatment during the early stages of cervical cancer to boost the body's immune system and improve the flow of chi to diseased cells.

Acupressure Acupressure may be useful in alleviating the pain of cervical cancer and the stomach upset caused by conventional treatments.

Chinese Herbal Therapy Garlic has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cell while promoting the production of healthy cells, which may account for this herb's popularity in the prevention and treatment of all types of cancer, including cervical. Ginseng also is known for its immunity-boosting, anti-cancer properties.

Cervical Cancer - Symptoms and Treatment Options

Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases all over the world. There are almost 100 different types of this disease. Cancer is caused by abnormal multiplication of cells. Any kind of abnormal growth or lump in any part of the body must be screened for cancerous properties. The success of treatment for cancer depends on how early it is detected.

Generally, cancer symptoms show up only when the cancer is almost in the advanced stage. Each kind of cancer has its own symptoms but some of the most widely noticed symptoms are:

o Chronic fatigue
o Abrupt weight loss
o Pain
o Continuous mild or high fever
o Abnormal bowel movements
o Persistent coughing
o Sores that don't heal
o Unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding between regular menstrual periods (for women)

These symptoms are generally noticed but not much attention is paid because these are usually linked to non cancerous health problems also. Treatment for cancer depends on how advanced it is and what kind of cancer it is.

Breast cancer and cervical cancer are the two top killers cancers found in women the world over. Cervical cancer attacks the cervix, which is the lower portion of the uterus connecting the uterus to the vagina. It is usually caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is a kind of virus that gets transmitted sexually and infects the cervix. If the patient's immune system is not strong enough to flush it out, normal cells in the cervix start growing in an uncontrollable fashion to form lesions. These are called genital warts and all warts might not be cancerous. Other factors like smoking, multiple sex partners, and low immunity may also add to the HPV to cause cancer. In its very early stages, the cancer is barely discernible.

PAP smear screening can help check for cervical cancer. The symptoms of cervical cancer become obvious only in later stages. The patient may have back pain, pelvic pain, loss of appetite and vaginal bleeding including contact bleeding. This is a sexually transmitted disease and so women who are sexually active from a very young age form the high risk group. Cervical cancer spreads slowly and is not detectable for some years.

Dysphasia is the stage when cancerous cells turn malignant. After this the cancer spreads out to all surrounding tissues.

The first treatment is surgery where the uterus and the cervix are removed through the abdomen or vagina. In advanced cases, infected lymph nodes, ovaries and fallopian tubes are also removed. LEEP or Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure is less expensive and quite successful also. Cone biopsy followed by radiation therapy is also a treatment option.

Nowadays vaccines for cervical cancer are available. In the early stages, radiation is used to treat cervical cancer while chemotherapy is used in the later stages. Diagnostic tests, if carried out early help determine the best treatment and chances of survival are greatly improved. The medical history of a person can also be a factor in causing cancer. A gynecological oncologist should be consulted for cervical cancer treatment.

Complex Ovarian Cyst

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It is not a common thing for women to have complex ovarian cyst. However, when this happens, the symptoms and the complications that may appear are very serious. Unlike the usual sacs filled with fluid that are found in the ovaries or on their lining, a complex ovarian cyst is characterized by simultaneous presence of both solid and liquid components. These abnormal cysts are divided into three categories.

First of all, there are the epithelial cysts that are produced by the cells that are contained by the human eggs. These cells are capable of forming any tissue in the human body, so dermoid cysts frequently include tissues like teeth, skin or hair. This particular type of cysts does not frequently develop into a cancer. The dimensions of dermoid cysts tend to increase and the sensation of pain that is provoked by them is very acute.

Endometrioma represents the name of the second type of complex ovarian cyst. These appear as the outcome of a process named endometriosis. During this process, the uterine cells start developing in the exterior of the uterus. As uterine tissue may lead to a growth on the surface of the ovaries, there is a chance to form a complex ovarian cyst.

The last category gets formed from ovarian tissue. These cysts are called cystadenomas and are known for frequently containing a fluid or mucous. The dimensions of these ovarian cysts may exceed 12 inches in diameter. As a result, they cause extreme sensations of pain in the abdominal area.

The only chance to get rid of such a cyst is to undergo a surgical intervention called laparotomy. This procedure involves a large incision in the abdomen through which the complex ovarian cyst is removed. Pain may be felt in the area for 7 to 10 days after the operation.