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What is chemotherapy treatment for cancer?

What is chemotherapy Treatment for cancer?

Introduction

Cancers can show up in any site. Most common among these sites are lungs, breasts, oral organs, skin, cervix, prostate, etc. Benign cancers do not progress to other parts or organs of your body. However, malignant or harmful tumours are known to multiply to other neighbouring tissues. 
 
Causes of cancers can be genetic, environmental and a few others. Research is actively underway to detect the other likely causes of such autoimmune conditions. There are a few typical signs of cancers; these are loss of appetite levels, formation of wounds that never heal or take time to go away, a marked decrease in blood cells, etc.  
 
Drop of white cells in blood signifies a drop in efficiency of your immunity level. This means a compromised immune system may lead to more infections. It is highly recommended to move away from people who are infected by conditions like flu, common cold and other such contagious conditions.  
 
Cancers are treated with multiple options – and a combination of several approaches. Most widely used options include radiation therapies, surgeries and chemotherapy. Radiation involves halting cancer cells from growing by destroying them with powerful rays. Surgeries involve excision of a tumour through surgical means. This approach help eliminate cancerous cells from the affected site. It is often performed before cancers spread to nearby sites or tissues

In this milieu, what is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is one of the trusted approaches to treat cancers. This approach is carried over by administering powerful anti-tumor medications. Scores of meds have the needful clearances by the US-based food & drug administration for this purpose. These meds can do one of these two things: they can either extend your life by more years or can offer remedies to the underlying autoimmune condition. 
 
As many of the approved meds – cleared for chemotherapy – can easily get absorbed into your system, they gain access to almost all organs and tissues. This attribute makes chemotherapy qualify as one of the systemic therapies offered for cancers. Therapies qualifying as systemic treatments differ from localized therapies – these focus only on a site and not the whole system

Types of Chemotherapy Treatment for Cancer

The drugs used as part of chemotherapy tend to vary across types as well as stages of cancers. Your caregiver decides the kind of drugs that best suits the underlying clinical condition. Which chemo drug needs to be used also varies based on your age, phase of your autoimmune condition, other ailments and existing treatment plans, if any. 
 
In some instances, chemotherapy is combined with therapies like radiations, hormonal treatments and surgeries. Your doctor assesses various options of drugs available that suit the ailment. Caregiving teams choose from categories like anti–tumor antibiotic meds, alkaloids, antagonists of metabolites, etc.

Anti-tumor antibiotic meds 

These antibiotics differ from meds administered for infectious conditions. Like the regular antibiotics, sourced from microbes, these meds are also sourced from them. Key ingredients are primed to kill cancerous agents that grow rapidly. Essentially anti-tumor antibiotic meds unwind DNAs of cancer cells. This unwinding action prevents them from spreading as well as growing. Anti-tumor antibiotic meds are widely used for different types of cancerous conditions. These include breast cancers , lung cancers, prostate cancers, as well as cancers in the large intestines.  
 
Beware of a few adverse reactions anti-tumor antibiotic meds can cause. Most commonly encountered adverse effects include oral-sores or wounds on tongue / throat, drop in red blood cells, a marked decrease in appetite, etc. If these adverse signs persist, consult with your medical oncologist without delay. Your caregiver may reduce dosages or administered safer alternatives to reduce such discomforts. 
 
Alkylating medications 
Medications under this genre damage structures of cancer cells there rapidly grow and spread. Demolishing structures of these cells will make them defunct, and also render them fully inactive – incapable of further growth. Your medical oncologist decides on the dosage strength of alkylating medications with added caution. This precaution is needed as there is a risk of impairment of your marrow. 
 
Apart from an impaired marrow, side effects can range from significant loss of hair from all parts of your body, a severe drop in white blood cells, formation of ulcers or such other ailments in your gastric tract.

Antagonists of metabolites 
Drugs belonging to this category are widely patronized by medical oncologists. Essential chemicals in these agonists rupture cells of cancer–causing agents and thus stall their growth. Users of such agonists complain of several undesired reactions such as tremors, inflammation of liver or cirrhosis of liver, signs of infections like cold, fever or a runny nose. Agonists of metabolites can treat cancers in your intestines, breast as well as ovaries.  
 
Alkaloids 
Topoisomerase inhibiting drugs are a salient offering for treating tumors. Alkaloids taken from vegetation can halt cell-level functions of cancer agents. These drugs are grouped as category I and category II. Each category has a unique approach to work on disrupting cancer cells.  
 
Alkaloids are known to trigger some unwanted reactions and adverse outcomes. A few such outcomes are dyspepsia, a sizable decrease in platelet counts, etc. Alkaloids are used for treating cancers in pancreas, lungs, small & large intestines, and for leukaemia. 

Chemotherapy Process

This process works through anti-tumor medications to impair cancer–causing cells. Most drugs used under chemotherapy work in stages or in cycles. Each drug works in a unique manner on people living with cancers. However, your team of physicians stand aware of how each med works, and in what cycles they are at their optimal best. Understanding the cell-cycles, their stages as well as their phases is essential to treat your auto immune condition.  
 
Most drugs administered under chemotherapy cannot identify cancerous agents from normal / healthy cells. As a result, healthy cells too may get damaged by most drugs. Your treating physicians / medical oncologists focus on minimising the harm caused onto healthy cells, and also to maximise damages inflicted onto rapidly growing cancer cells. Your doctor will advise you to not to get perturbed with likely damages of your normal cells. Healthy cells will find a way to get back to their normal way of functioning.  
 
Chemo drugs seldom cause normal and active cells to permanently lose their ability to function. You also need to remember cancerous agents – once killed – can never reclaim their regular way of growing and spreading. Thus, meds used under chemotherapy cause irreparable damages to harmful cells, and bring about needful remedies for cancerous conditions.

Chemotherapy side effects

Similar to other approaches used for cancer treatments, chemotherapy also causes adverse effects. However, no two people taking anti-tumor drugs may develop the same kind of adverse effects. There are some outcomes that remain common among patients. Common effects are a reduction in efficiency of immune system, risks of internal bleeding, painful nerves, bones and tissues, hair loss, turning more vulnerable to infections, etc.  
 
Some of the meds listed above may cause skin conditions like rashes, infections, blisters or sores. If these skin problems continue for long or are becoming worse, seek help from your medical oncologist. It is a safe practice to ask your dietitian of foods you can eat during chemotherapy. She / he will tell you to refrain from drinking alcohol and to avoid spicy / hot foods.  
 
Some meds used for chemotherapy may also trigger bodily pains. In fact, types of pains inflicted vary from one med to another. Some drugs may give you a splitting headache while others can lead to neuralgia i.e., pain in your nerves. When rate of growth of cancerous cells is on a high, most of these pains tend to aggravate. It is an unsafe thing to stop chemo sittings when you encounter pains. Instead, you are advised to pursue with your chemotherapy sessions in spite of the aforesaid bodily pains.  
 
Almost all meds used as part of chemotherapy are prescription drugs. Attempts made to take such drugs through self-medication mode can cause fatal outcomes. You are strictly advised to use all chemo meds under the watchful supervision of a certified medical oncologist. It is a standard practice to let a caregiving team to decide on the type of drugs needed, their dosage strength and frequency of chemo sittings.  
 
Lastly, stay away of possible combinations of chemotherapy treatment for cancer. It is quite likely that your oncological team may use 2 or more approaches like surgery combined with chemotherapy and radiations; hormonal therapy along with surgery and chemotherapy, etc. This multi-disciplinary approach to treat cancer is widely followed all over the world. In order to have more details, talk to your treating physician. 

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At what stage is chemotherapy treatments used?

At what stage is chemotherapy treatments used?

Introduction

Cancer is a condition characterised by faster multiplication of a few colonies of cells. These can spread to other tissues that are closer to the original site or may remain at a single location. Based on the nature of cancers, chemotherapy treatments for cancers are grouped as either benign or malignant. In general, benign forms of cancers do not spread over.  
 
Malignant cancers are known to spread to any part of your body. The typical signs of cancers are sores that remain unhealed for long, drop in blood cells – red cell or white cells, turning more vulnerable to infections, etc.  
 
Cancers are best detected by a test called biopsy. It is done by taking a sample of a tissue from your body. It is then seen through a microscope to infer changes in cell count or other such mutations. Apart from biopsies, your treating doctor may also order blood tests and a few scans.  
 
Treatment of cancers is done through several modes; these include a surgical intervention, radiations or chemotherapy. Surgeries are done to remove tissues or organs that are affected by cancerous cells. In case of radiation therapy, high-energy radiations are focused on the cancer site to kill harmful cells

So, what is chemotherapy?

Of the several ways to treat cancers, chemotherapy fares as a time-tested and proven approach. It involves the use of drugs of the anti-cancer genre to treat cancer. Medical research has identified several kinds of meds which are administered as part of chemotherapy treatments. Drugs used for this cancer treatment have two broad and overarching intent – 1. Prolong the duration of your life and 2. Cure the underlying autoimmune condition. 
 
Once a chemo-medication is administered, its key ingredients enter all parts of your system. Owing to it, drugs used under chemo qualify as offering systemic treatment of cancer. This approach is quite different from localised treatment plans involving radiations or surgery.

What are the types of chemotherapy treatments?

Chemotherapy treatments vary from one patient to another. Type of chemo treatment varies based on what drugs are used in the process. Regardless of the type of meds used, almost all of them aim to destroy cancer-causing cells or colonies of such cells. 
 
Chemotherapy remains one of the earliest forms of treating cancers. Depending on your condition, chemo drugs may also be offered along with radiations as well as a surgery. In all, more than 135 meds have the clearance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use, as part of chemotherapy. You need to know FDA is a federal drug clearing body based in the US.  
 
Treating physicians choose meds that are more suitable to your medical condition. They consider the stage at which the cancer is in, cancer type, age, extent to which your condition has spread – to name a few. Chemo drugs are classified according to their way of working. Of the various kinds of chemotherapy meds, widely used drugs are anti-metabolites, anti-cancer antibiotics, alkylating meds, etc. 

Anti-metabolites 
These drugs function on cancer-causing cells’ DNAs and alter the internal growth mechanisms. These meds are used for treating cancers in ovaries, intestines as well as breasts. You are likely to witness adverse reactions including signs of an infection – like a fever, runny nose or chills, drop in white blood cells, liver problems like inflammation or cirrhosis, ulcers, hair loss, etc. 

Anti-cancer antibiotics 
These drugs are not the same as those administered for treating infections. These drugs – derived off microorganisms – enable destroying of cancer-causing agents. These drugs especially uncoil the cell-level DNA of harmful cells, and help block them from growing as well as multiplying. These are widely prescribed for the treatment of colorectal cancer, prostate and lung cancer. Caveat: side effects may show up; these include a severe drop in appetite level, wounds or sores on oral parts, anemia and a few other blood-related ailments. 

Alkylating drugs 
These agents impair structures of harmful cells which cause cancers. If such cells are impaired, they do not divide and spread anymore. These drugs are widely administered for the treatment of multiple myeloma, lung cancers and breast cancer. 

Beware of an overdose of alkylating agents; this is because these drugs may lead to impairment to the bone marrow. Other adverse effects include damage of gastric organs, hair loss, drop in red / white cells of blood, incidence of anaemia and other blood-specific conditions. 

Plant-based alkaloid meds 
Such drugs are known to have anti-tumour properties. Topoisomerase inhibiting meds are more popular in this genre and can aid in blocking cells from dividing. These are derived off plants and are widely taken for the treatment of intestinal cancer, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer and leukemia.  

Topoisomerase-based drugs are sub-classified as type I as well as type II. These sub-classes are done with the way these meds work on cell-level enzymes of cancerous cells. Like other anti-tumor meds, plant-based alkaloid drugs may also cause a few discomforts and side effects. Key among them is decrease in platelet levels, indigestion, nausea and vomiting. 

Chemotherapy treatments process

Chemotherapy process makes drugs to work on cells that trigger autoimmune conditions. These meds engage in cycles or phases. No two meds used as part of chemotherapy function at the same cell-level cells or phases. The treating team of doctors know the way chemo–meds function. They use this knowledge to avoid further multiplication of harmful cells. 
 
Meds administered for treating cancers cannot isolate fast-growth cellular colonies from the rest. Owing to this, healthier cells may also get impaired during chemo sittings. The main objective of each treatment cycle is to strike a fine balance between killing cancer cells and not-harming healthy cells. 
 
You need not be too very worried about damages inflicted onto healthier cells; these cells will anyway come back to life. These cells are also known to recover from undesired outcomes of chemo meds. An equally encouraging thing is – cancer cells upon being impaired cannot come back to life. Once they are dead, there is no more room for cell-level division or spreading to other tissues / organs.

At what stage is chemotherapy used?

Chemotherapy is used at all major stages of cancers. At an earlier stage, chemo drugs are administered for a firm, curative purpose. However, if cancers have spread over to other parts / tissues, chemotherapy performs a palliative role. 

At stage 1, chemotherapy is administered on a trial-mode after a surgery. At stage 2, chemotherapy either precedes or follows surgical interventions. In case of 3A – wherein tumours can be surgically removed – chemotherapy is combined with other modalities like surgeries and radiation therapies.  

In case of stage 3A – which cannot be surgically removed – chemo-meds are administered either with radiation on a stand-alone mode or succeeded by immunotherapies. In stages 3B as well as 3C chemotherapy is done with an added dose of high-energy radiations. In some cases, this combination is succeeded by radio-sensitization therapies. In case of stage 4, chemotherapy is clubbed with targeted therapies. In case of a relapse, chemo-meds are followed-up with added chemo-sittings.  

You also need to know of a few other situations when chemotherapy is recommended. Concurrent chemo – this involves chemo-drugs offered with one or more treatments like radiations. Such combined-treatment of radiations and chemotherapy is known as chemo-radiation.  

In case of palliative chemo, drugs are administered to suppress typical signs and to extend your lifespan. This mode of chemo is considered when cancers have spread over to remote parts of your body and are not healable. Adjuvant chemo is rendered soon after first-line treatments. It helps eliminate cancerous-cells left untreated by such first-lines. Lastly, neoadjuvant chemo is offered to shrink cells causing cancers; it makes it easy to treat them

Chemotherapy side effects

Chemotherapy is likely to cause a few adverse effects in your system. The counterproductive outcomes change on a case-to-case basis; depending on the underlying med. Most common among chemo side effects include risks of bruising and bleeding, reduced immune strength, nerve pains, loss of hair, etc.  
 
Most meds used as part of chemotherapy alter your immune cells. Such alterations cause skin problems like itchiness, infections on skins, rashes, etc. Oral sores are another side effect of chemo drugs. If these wounds become acute ones, you tend to bleed profusely. You are advised to stay away from a spicy diet, and never drink alcohol. Consult with a dentist to have a softer toothpaste and also gentler toothbrushes. 
 
Chemo meds – not all of them though – can cause pain. These are of many kinds namely headache, bruising-based pains and nerve pains i.e., neuralgia. These discomforts tend to get worse when the underlying cancer cells start growing at a rapid rate. Your caregiving team will tell to continue with your chemotherapy sessions despite such discomforts.

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What is chemotherapy?

What is chemotherapy?

Introduction

Autoimmune conditions like cancers show up via rapid reproduction of cells in select sites. Such cells may spread over to other organs or may spread locally but deeper into a tissue. Medical research categorizes cancers as malignant and benign types. 
 
Of these aforesaid types, benign ones do not spread to nearby tissues. But you tend to witness a sudden loss of body weight, nighttime sweats, excessive levels of fatigue or an increase in body temperature. 
 
On the other hand, malignant tumour’s show up with a few signs; these include altered texture of skin, wounds that fail to heal or take too long to get cured, blood conditions that can turn you anemic, and chronic hoarseness of voice. To diagnose cancers, physicians order a panel of test. These include scans and tests, done on your blood and tissue samples. 
 
Samples of bodily fluids like saliva, blood or urine are assessed through a microscope. Similarly, samples of tissues are examined to detect likely incidence of cancers. Upon detecting no signs, it is essential to consult your caregivers on a periodic basis.  
 
Cancers are treated through radiation procedures wherein powerful, high-focused rays are used to destroy cancer cells. Another approach is chemotherapy – offered through anti–cancer meditations either taken orally or administered intravenously. Surgical procedures are performed to eliminate cancerous tissues from growing further or from spreading to other nearby organs / tissues

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a procedure of treating cancer through medications. This approach is considered one of the effective routes; it however has a few undesired outcomes.  
 
Different types of drugs are used to offer chemotherapy. Each medicine works in a unique manner. Purpose is either to bring about a cure or to extend your lifespan. Drugs used for chemotherapy gain access to your blood, and thus treat – either in full or in part – cancers developing at even remote parts of your body.  
 
Due to this, chemotherapy falls under a mode of cancer treatment called systemic therapy. This is against local therapy that aims to manage a single site: local therapies include modalities like surgery, radiation, to name a few.

Types of chemotherapy

There are several types of chemotherapy treatments. All types focus on killing cancerous cells. In most cases, chemotherapy is administered as a foremost form of treatment. In some instances, it is offered prior to a surgical procedure or radiation-based treatment. 

US based-drug approving agency Food and Drug Administration has cleared 140 drugs to treat cancers. Your caregiver will select an appropriate drug based on several factors. These include age, type of cancers, if the condition has spread or not, your wellbeing, etc. 

Chemo medications are categorized depending on how they work. Salient types of chemotherapy drugs are anti-cancer antibiotics, alkylating meds, anti-metabolites, steroidal drugs, etc. 

Alkylating medications 
These drugs impair the structures of cancerous cells. With impaired cells, there is no more divisions of cells or growth of cancers. Alkylating meds are used for treating lung cancers, multiple myeloma, ovarian cancers, etc. 

Caveat: Excessive dosing of alkylating meds can cause irreparable damages to your bone marrow. A few side effects this type of chemotherapy: loss of scalp hair, damage of intestinal tissues, decrease in blood cells, onset of blood-related diseases like anaemia, etc. 

Plant-derived alkaloids 
These meds have proven anti-cancer capabilities. Of these, inhibitors of topoisomerase help block cancerous cells from growing further. These alkaloids – extracted from plants – help to treat gastric cancers, leukemia, lung and pancreatic cancers. These meds are further divided into category I and category II based on enzymes they work upon. Likely undesired outcomes of plant-derived alkaloids are a drop in platelets, abdominal discomforts like dyspepsia coupled with nausea, etc. 

Anti-metabolites 
These meds work at a DNA-level of cancerous cells and change the way enzymes work with such cells. These are administered for cancers in your gastric tract, ovaries and breasts. You may experience adverse effects like infections, decrease in white cells, hepatic dysfunction, loss of hair, formation of peptic ulcers, etc. 

Anti-cancer antibiotics 
These are dissimilar to antibiotics taken for infectious conditions. Meds are sourced from microorganisms which aid in killing cancerous cells. These meds uncoil DNAs of cancerous cells and thus prevent their further growth. These are used for treating prostate cancers, colorectal cancers, lung cancers, etc. Beware of potential, counterproductive effects like decreased appetite, formation of oral sores, drop in white and blood cells. 

Apart from the above types of chemotherapy, a few drugs used in a targeted fashion to destroy harmful and rapidly growing cells. Targeted therapies aim at cell-level proteins as well as receptors.

Chemotherapy process

Chemotherapy acts at cellular level to treat cancers. Most specifically, it engages through phases known as cell cycles. Drugs used under chemotherapy work at varying phases of cells cycles. Your caregiver has the knowhow to predict the way meds work and stop further growth of cancers. Physicians also know about frequency of dosages of chosen drugs to go lockstep with cell cycles.  
 
Drugs administered for treatment can identify such rapid-growth cells only to some extent. Hence, normal tissues may get damaged as part of treatment. Every cycle of chemotherapy strives to achieve a balance between sparing of non-cancerous cells and destroying cancerous cells. 
 
The good thing however is most of your normal cells will bounce back to life, fully recovering from the adverse effects of chemotherapy drugs. Another good thing is once cancerous cells are damaged, they do not bounce back and cannot replicate themselves.

Chemotherapy side effects

Side effects caused by chemotherapy varies from one drug to another. Commonly encountered adverse effects are difficulties to pass stools, added risks of internal bleeding, a compromised immunity, and damage of nerve cells. Though the above said are quite common, not all patients may experience the entire list of side effects. As chemo meds may also kill normal cells, you may turn vulnerable to infectious conditions. This is mainly because of drugs damaging your immunity cells as well. It is highly recommended to come closer to people with flu, common cold or fever. On sensing symptoms of infections, seek clinical help immediately. 
 
Another side effect of chemotherapy is bruising and bleeding. You are advised to stay careful while working with sharp tools and beware of risks like falling or cutting yourself. If your bruises or wounds are not healing soon, consult your caregiver on an urgent basis.  
 
One other side effect of chemotherapy is loss of hair. This occurs when your follicles are damaged, making your hair weak or brittle. These eventually lead to falling–out of hair. Loss of hair is likely to continue till your treatment is over; hair you lost will grow back once chemotherapy sittings come to an end. 
 
Nerve pain is another side effect of chemotherapy. This is triggered by damages caused to your nerves. It chiefly affects your limbs i.e., legs and arms – it shows up as a tingling sensation. In a few patients, nerve pain has also caused numbness and a pins-and-needles feeling.  
 
Chemo meds are known to change the way your immunity system works. These changes can trigger rashes on your skin or severe levels of itchiness. A few people keep scratching their skin until its bleeds, and this causes added risks of infection. In such cases, you are advised to consult with a certified caregiver who may prescribe anti-itching ointments or lotions. 
 
Chemo meds may lead to formation of sores inside your mouth. At times, these sores can turn severe and can start bleeding. Keep away from harsh mouthwashes, spicy / hot foods, intake of alcohol or such other beverages. Your dentist may recommend a non-aggressive paste and a soft–bristled toothbrush. It is helpful to rinse your mouth with salty water.  
 
Chemo meds can alter the way your lung’s function and thus make it tough to gain access to oxygen. Owing to this, your breathing suffers. Dial 911 if your breathing difficulties continue or if you are having problems in speaking. Call a local clinic or hospital if your skin, nail beds or mouth develop a bluish colour.  
 
A few chemo drugs may also trigger pains. Pains can be of many types – such as migraines, nerve pains, or painful oral parts due to bruises. Your pains tend to increase when cancerous conditions grow further. It is good practice to never stop chemotherapy treatment even when you encounter pains. 
 
In general, seek clinical help on an emergency mode if you sense any of the below side effects after a chemotherapy session: acute headache, traces of blood in stools, darkened urine, non-stop tremors, acute episodes of chills or increase in temperature above 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

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How does Chemotherapy work?

How does Chemotherapy work?

Introduction

Cancer is an autoimmune condition. It is triggered by an abnormal growth of cells. Such growth has the potential to either spread or gain access to several other organs of your body. In general, cancers are classified as two (2) distinctive types – namely, benign and malignant cancers. 
 
Of these two, benign cancers are unlike to spread to other parts. Symptoms and signs of cancers are an inexplicable loss of body weight, altered bowel movements, non-stop coughing spells, profuse internal bleeding, formation of lumps, etc. These signs are only indicative of cancers; all these may show up due to other reasons as well. In all, more than 90 different kinds of cancers are known to affect human beings. 
 
Use of tobacco products is a leading cause for cancer-linked mortality. Research indicates more than 1/5th of deaths is due to use of tobacco products. Nearly 1/10th of deaths is triggered by excessive use of alcohol, intake of unhealthy foods or processed food products, being overweight and leading a sedentary lifestyle. 
 
Other risk factors are exposure to pollutants and to a few types of ionized radiations. These risk factors tend to mutate cell-level genes. Nearly 7% of cancers occur owing to genetic factors inherited from your parents. 
 
Treatment options include radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery. Other modes of treatment include palliative care, targeted therapies and hormonal therapies. Mode of treatment is chosen depending on stage of this disease, its location, type and your overall wellbeing. Not all treatments are offered for a curative purpose; some are pursued to extend life expectancy of patients.

What is chemotherapy?

Treatment of cancers through medications having anti-cancer properties is called chemotherapy. Most drugs used in this realm destroy cancer cells that multiply on a fast-track mode. Targeted therapies are also one of the sub-types of chemotherapy: here, the focus is on targeting molecule-level changes between healthy cells and cancerous cells. 
 
Efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs changes from one type to another type of cancer. Often, chemotherapy is combined with surgical interventions. Such a combined approach is found useful for treating ovarian cancers, breast cancers, pancreatic cancers, testicular cancers, etc. Oncologists administer chemotherapeutic meds for a few types of leukemia. Treatment plan is influenced by rate of growth of cancer–cells as well as the extent of growth to nearby tissues.

What is chemotherapy process?

Drugs are usually administered via intravenous mode. However, some meds are also given orally. Meds that are given through the oral route are melphalan, busulfan and the likes. If your caregiver opts for the intravenous route, meds are administered via infusion–devices or through catheters. 
 
You need to know catheters come in different forms viz., peripheral venous catheters, central–venous types, mid–line catheters as well as peripheral insertion catheters. 
 
Intensity of treatment through chemotherapy is chosen based on stage your cancers are in, age of patients, site(s) affected and mode of treatment i.e., offered as inpatients or outpatients. An intrathecal mode is taken for treatment of cancers pertaining to the central nervous system i.e., CNS. In such cases, drug is offered as an injection through your spinal cord. One of the foremost concerns of caregivers is to administer meds in a manner that an overdosed situation is not triggered.

Is chemotherapy painful?

The fact is chemotherapy is not a very uncomfortable procedure. But pain becomes an undesired outcome in several sittings. Drugs delivered through intravenous mode take only 2 – 3 minutes’ time. Here, a medical oncologist delivers your drug via a needle inserted into a vein. Often, veins in your wrist or hand are opted for this purpose. Your oncologist uses a thin–tube known as catheter; it lets medications to enter into your body blood. 
 
You are likely to experience a mild, painful feeling at the location where meds are administered. Such pains may go–off soon after your oncologist takes away the needle. Catheters are removed when the treatment session gets over. There are instances wherein it was secured for more than 2 days’ time.  
 
Catheters called as ports can be secured to your body for a longer time–span. This approach reduces the requirement of a needle, and also helps administer several meds during each treatment cycle. 
 
When your oncologist uses a port, it is done by offering an anaesthetic drug. The port usually does not trigger pains. But you are likely to experience milder episodes of pain once anaesthetic drugs’ effects go off. There are also instances wherein chemotherapeutic meds are administered through injections. Here, pain experienced from an injection is similar to other forms of injections – say, while getting a shot of a vaccine.  
 
Some drugs are also delivered in the form of tablets or pills. These are delivered through the oral route. There are no apparent pains recorded while swallowing these pills.

Before chemotherapy

Prior to every chemotherapy session, you need to understand more about the drugs used. You will know that among the drugs–administered, there is a mixture of cancer-cells killing meds and drugs that mitigate your pains. Some infusion sessions may consume only a few minutes; but there are also sessions that take several hours to get over. Overall, a course of treatment may need a few weeks’ time.  
 
It is helpful to be accompanied by a chemo-friend / chemo-pal during each of your sessions. Some medications are prescribed for use before chemotherapy. So, you will need a friend to take you for the treatment session. As the drugs taken before chemotherapy can make you tired, chemo-friends are of great help. Chemo-friends can also help passing time whenever a sitting takes a longer timespan. Your chemo-friend can also look–out for adverse outcomes like flushing or rashes on skin and take quicker support from your caregiving team.  
 
Before chemotherapy, it is important to take ample amounts of fluids like water. This is because drugs administered for cancer may dry–up your tissues. Taking more liquids / fluids can decrease likely onset of migraines, tiredness and fatigue. It is highly recommended to take at least 7 ounces of water per hour after each this session. It also becomes essential to keep away from caffeine-based beverages like coffee or tea; such drinks can deplete water levels in your body.  
 
Moreover – before chemotherapy, it is a good thing to eat high-fibre, light snacks. Drugs used for chemotherapy are known to slowdown motility of foods in your gastric tract. As a result, foods you consume remain in your body for a longer period. Your caregiver will recommend eating foods that help maintain your weight or help gain body weight. In general, foods rich in calories and proteins are highly recommended. 
 
You are also advised to stay prepared of likely side effects of chemotherapy. It is essential to be ready for undesired effects like vomiting, nausea, sleeplessness, loss of hair, bodily pains, drop in number of blood cells, decrease in appetite level, etc. Some of these adverse outcomes can also affect your nervous systems. Inform your physicians if you notice any loss of coordination, tremors, stiffening of neck or muscular aches.  
 
Before chemotherapy, your doctor may order a complete blood count i.e., CBC. This test is ordered to know the number of cells you bone marrow makes – prior to start of treatment. It also helps to serve as a baseline to know the extent of impact chemotherapy causes on the count of blood cells

After chemotherapy

Pain is one of the likely outcomes of this mode of cancer treatment. People who took chemotherapy sessions describe pains as either numbing, burning or tingling. In some remote cases, patients have also complained of a sharp or acute sensation of pain. These pains are experienced mostly in your limbs i.e., feet and hands.

On a broader note, such pains are grouped as neuropathic pains. These show-up due to damages inflicted on your nerves either by drugs-used or by the underlying cancerous condition. A few other forms of pains can also show-up after chemotherapy sessions. These include migraines, stomach pain and joint or muscular ache. The good news is pains experienced after chemotherapy can be treated. Your caregiver may administer drugs like painkillers to ease away these pains. You are advised to use such meds as per the advice of your medical oncologist.

In essence, it is possible to experience different levels of pains during chemotherapy. Your physician may recommend you maintain a journal to note-down the intensity of pains all through your treatment plan. You are advised to consult with your caregiver whenever pains disturb your daily lifestyle.

When the pain levels are literally high, your medical team may recommend a few complementary approaches to decrease them. This includes acupressure, deep respiration, physical therapies, bio feedback and hypnosis. You are advised to talk to your doctor to know more.

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Squamous cell carcinoma treatment

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Squamous cell carcinoma treatment

Introduction

Squamous cells are cells that protect your organs. Cells found on the external layers of your skin are squamous cells. Such cells also offer linings to arteries and body cavities. The cells you find on linings of your gastric tract and respiratory tract are also squamous cells. Squamous cell carcinoma is also called epidermoid carcinoma.   
Squamous cell carcinoma varies from one site to another. Each affected site may differ in terms of signs, diagnosis and how the condition responds to treatment. Research indicates nearly 88% of head–and–neck cancers belong to the genre called squamous cell carcinoma. This includes cancers in nasal cavities, oral parts like throat, etc. 
 
On human skin, squamous cell carcinoma fares among top 3 types of skin–cancers; skin–based squamous cell carcinoma accounts for nearly 900,000 cases in US per annum. Cancers of food pipe i.e., esophagus – is either adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Cancerous conditions occurring nearer to your mouth represent SCC. On the other hand, conditions nearer to your tummy are due to adenocarcinoma. The former makes it difficult to swallow the foods you eat. This condition is known as dysphagia.  
 
SCC on lungs shows–up among people who smoke tobacco–products. In the prostate region, SCC is quite aggressive. It makes it a tough–thing to detect it at an early–stage. This is because, an enhancement in antigen–levels remains elusive at large. This is one of the reasons for diagnosing prostate-specific SCC at an advanced stage.

Stages of squamous cell carcinoma

Regardless of the condition being moderately–differentiated SCC or well–differentiated SCC, physicians bucket this autoimmune condition into 5 stages – from 0 through 4. 
 
Stage 0 of SCC: At this stage, abnormal cell growth is observed on the top–most surface of the affected tissue or skin. Two aspects hold–good here: 1. Carcinoma has not yet spread–out and 2. it has not turned into a cancerous condition yet. Physicians call stage 0 as carcinoma in situ; it is also referred to as Bowen’s disease. 
 
In most cases, stage 0 of SCC is seldom palpable. If it does become visible, it manifests as dis–coloured patches on skin, changes in texture of nails, red or white–coloured patches in your mouth, a burning feeling inside your eyes and / or itchy eyes. Another stage–0 condition is called actinic keratosis. This is triggered by frequent exposure to UV radiations of sunlight. This forms as scaly and roughened patches on skin. It can cause brown or red–colored spots on skin.

Stage 1 of SCC

At this stage, tumors are of a very–small size but have not yet spread to lymph–nodes. Signs can become palpable either as a lump or lesion. On your oral parts, lump or lesion is likely to below 2 centimetres (2 cm) in width. You may witness profuse bleeding from the site. You need to know that lymph–nodes are very much part of your lymphatic network. If SCC spreads to lymph–nodes, it soon moves to other parts of your body

Stage 2 of SCC

This stage is when carcinoma gets deeper into your skin. However, it is unlikely to spread to adjoining lymph–nodes. On your oral parts, size of tumors may reach ~3 cm. You tend to experience pains and allied discomforts than what you felt in stage–1.

Stage 3 of SCC

At this stage, tumors get bigger and can spread to neighboring lymph–nodes. This stage also makes cells to multiply further and deeper on tissues. The condition may grow to nearer muscles and bones. In terms of signs, tumors may grow larger than ~ 4 centimeters. In your mouth, your ability to swallow suffers if tumors develop at the root of your tongue or throat. Often times, you may feel a bump or a lump inside your throat.

Stage 4 of SCC

At this stage, SCC can manifest in any physical dimension or size. The condition may spread to more than one lymph–node, to your bone–marrow or bones, and to vital–organs like brain or lungs. Your pains may worsen and are often accompanied by an inexplicable loss of body weight; being tired, respiratory difficulties like gasping, difficulties while swallowing and changes in the functioning of your brain are other signs.

Treatments for SCC

Treatments vary for moderately differentiated SCC and for well-differentiated SCC. In case of moderately differentiated condition, an aggressive approach of removing pre-cancerous growth of cells is recommended. Such an approach halts SCC from spreading any further.  

Treatment plans include surgical interventions for cutaneous SCC. Your surgical team removes 1 or 2 layers of your skin along with adjoining tissues. The team then assesses the site underneath a microscope to find if residual cells exist. This surgical process is repeated till all cancerous cells are completely removed. 

In some cases, cancerous cells are scrapped-off with the help of a curette. It sears your skin and destroys cancer-causing cells. This procedure too is repeated until surgical teams are satisfied with their scrape-off. 

If SCC spreads to other organs and lymph-nodes, a combinatorial approach is taken. Such an approach includes intake of drugs, exposure to radiations and photo-dynamic therapies. US-based FDA has cleared some drugs for both moderately-differentiated SCC and for well-differentiated SCC. Typical drugs include pembrolizumab, cemiplimab, etc.; such drugs form part of immunotherapies. 

For radiation treatment, high-energy x-rays are used to destroy cancerous cells; exposure to such high-energy radiations is planned several times each week. These sittings last for a few weeks’ time.  

In case of photo-dynamic therapies, substances that are sensitive to ultraviolet light-sources are used. These are applied onto the affected-sites and are then exposed to intensive light-rays. This helps burning of cells that cause SCC. Aforesaid combinatorial approaches are planned to those who cannot undergo a surgery. 

It is unlikely for SCC to become a fatal condition. This is chiefly due to the ability to detect the changes and start needful treatments at an early stage. Odds of SCC to spread to other parts are also quite low. Such spreading is however more likely among people with a severely compromised immunity. This is one of the reasons this type of carcinoma has a very-slim chance – of < 2.2% – to turn into a metastasized condition.  

All these do not indicate that SCC is not a dangerous condition. The more delayed its diagnosis is, the higher are the chances for it to spread to other organs. You also need to remember that this type of carcinoma develops deep inside your body, it is difficult to diagnose and treat it. It is a good practice to consult with a qualified caregiver about inexplicable changes seen on your skin.  

In order to simplify things further, watch out for hardened bumps on your skin or when you see wounds / sores, scaly or roughened patches on the lips of such sores, and for raised, wart-like open sores. So, when do you need to you see your physician? You are advised to seek an appointment with a certified clinical practitioner if a scab is not getting cured for > 8 weeks. It may be necessary to see a doctor when a scaly patch on your skin does not go-off on its own. 

SCC on skin is not uncommon among those who have lesser level of melanin in skin. Melanin is a chemical which gives color to your skin. It is this chemical that protects your skin from harmful UV rays of sun. In general, those with brown or black-colored skin are known to have more amount of melanin than those with white-skin. Studies done on SCC indicates higher risks to those who sunburn with relative ease.  

You are advised to limit your outdoor time, especially when the sun is out. You can wear protective clothing or use sunscreen to lessen risk-levels. On the same note, stay away from using suntan booths. As a child, if you had frequent spells of sunburns or blisters, odds are high for SCC to set-in. If you find sores or scars developing on your skin, and if they do not get cured soon, these can be an onset of SCC. 

It is highly recommended to opt for periodic medical check-ups. These check-ups can shed light on changes in birthmarks, freckles or moles. You may use mirrors to detect newer growth of bumps or lumps on neck, scalp and face. As a precautionary measure, do a physical examination of your armpits, tongue and legs and feet – including bottom areas of your feet and spaces in between your toes. If you want to know more about SCC, talk to your physician or a certified oncologist.

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What is cell carcinoma?

What is carcinoma?

Introduction

Carcinomas are one of the common kinds of cancers. It starts in the tissues of your skin or on the outer linings of organs like kidneys or liver. It manifests as two (2) distinctive sub-types – 1. Squamous cell carcinoma and 2. Adenocarcinoma. Of these, cell carcinoma shows up on cell-linings of arteries, veins as well as body cavities. Adenocarcinoma occurs on mucus of your internal organs or glands. 
 
If carcinoma spreads to other organs and tissues, it is called metastatic carcinoma. This is not to be mistaken with metastatic cancers, as not all carcinomas are cancers. Carcinomas are known to occur in several parts of your body. Of the many types, basal cell carcinoma is the most prevalent type. Here, cancer cells show–up on basal cell layers of your skin. This basal zone is often dubbed as the lower-most layer of your skin. Such cancers grow, and seldom spread over to other organs or adjoining lymph–nodes. 
 
The second-most commonly occurring skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. This form of cancer also grows in a gradual manner, and rarely spreads to other sites. However, this type of cancer is more-likely to attack fatty-tissues underneath your skin.  
 
Renal cell carcinoma is a common form of cancer that occurs in kidneys. It forms on the linings of tubules – the finer tubes present in your kidneys. It can occur either in one of your kidneys or on both. If left untreated, renal cell carcinoma can multiply as a mass and cause blockages in your renal system.  
 
Ductal carcinoma in situ – this is one of the common forms of cancer affecting the breast region. This cancer forms on the linings of milk ducts. Cells however may not reach nearby tissues by breaching the walls of these ducts.

Cell Carcinoma in situ

Carcinoma in situ is also labelled as cancer at stage 0. This condition refers to the presence of cancerous cells at the site where it had started. In other words, carcinoma in situ is the earliest / foremost stage of cancer growth.  
 
In medical parlance, it is also called as the non-invasive stage. In other words, stages 1 through 4 are invasive by nature; in all these stages, cells breach the base-membrane of affected tissues. Cancers detected at stage 0 are theoretically 100% healable. You also need to remember that not all forms of cancer have a stage called carcinoma in situ.  
 
The common forms of cancers pass through a stage called carcinoma in situ are lung cancers, cervical cancer, skin cancers, breast cancer and cancers in your bladder. A few physicians prefer labelling carcinoma in situ as the pre-cancer stage. It is rather difficult to predict if carcinoma in situ will eventually turn into an invasive condition.  
 
Carcinoma in situ is typically treated via surgical interventions. Nature of your surgical procedures depends upon the affected site, age of the patient – amid other things. Other forms of treatments – apart from surgeries – are also used to treat carcinoma in situ. For instance, pre-cancer stage of certain kinds of skin cancers are treated through topical chemotherapy

Causes of Cell Carcinoma

Most forms of carcinoma develop due to a mutation in cellular-level DNA. Causes for basal cell carcinoma include excessive exposure to sun’s rays- especially, on your neck and head regions. However, there are instances wherein this form of carcinoma has developed on organs that are not exposed to sun’s rays. People who underwent radiation treatment for treating skin conditions like acne are at an added risk of developing basal cell carcinoma. People who take medicines to suppress their immunity cells – these drugs are called as immunosuppressants, may also witness this type of carcinoma. 

Causes of squamous cell carcinoma: The likely causes for squamous cell carcinoma are prior history of skin problems as well as skin cancers among close family members and having an excessively fair skin or being exposed to sunlight more often. This form of carcinoma takes several decades to show-up. So, those aged above 60 years are at an enhanced level of risk to get squamous cell carcinoma. 

Causes of renal cell carcinoma – Here, the causes are living with an elevated level of blood pressure, leading a sedentary lifestyle and a prior history of kidney-based cancers. At times, being exposed to toxic and inorganic chemicals can also trigger risks of this autoimmune condition.  

Causes of ductal carcinoma: Those with a denser breast, premature start of menstrual cycles and women who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 27 are more vulnerable. You are advised to pursue a regulated diet and workout daily to keep obesity at bay.  

Causes of invasive ductal carcinoma: The causes for this condition are the same as those listed under ductal carcinoma. This condition can be treated with surgical procedures like mastectomy, radiation treatment and chemotherapy. 

Causes of adenocarcinoma include excessive intake of alcohol, taking an unbalanced diet, being overweight or obese, smoking of tobacco-based products like cigars, pipes and presence of family record of such carcinoma, etc.

Cell Carcinoma Symptoms

Symptoms of carcinoma vary from one type to another. In case of basal cell carcinoma, the most common symptoms are: wounds that take time to heal or sores that simply do not get cured at all, formation of darkened patches on your skin, shiny lumps or small-sized bumps, etc. 
 
Risk factors of basal cell carcinoma are: a compromised immunity system, excessive exposure to sun’s rays, prior incidence of cancers on skin among family members / blood–relatives, etc.  
 
Squamous cell carcinoma: Symptoms of this type of carcinoma are scaly patches on skin, wounds with elevated borders, formation of warts, scars, etc. Risk factors of squamous cell carcinoma include aging especially, those above 50 years, onset of Human Papilloma Virus, those with a fair skin and a weakened immunity.  
 
Renal cell Carcinoma (RCC): Symptoms of RCC are an inexplicable loss of body weight, formation of lumps in your abdominal tract, traces of blood in your urine, a marked drop in appetite level, blood–based disorders like anemia and body pain. 
 
Risk factors linked to incidence of RCC are: being obese or overweight, chronic spells of high blood pressure, incessant smoking of tobacco products, prior incidents of renal cancers among family members, etc. In some cases, being exposed to degreasing solvents like trichloroethylene – in short, TCE, may also trigger it.  
 
Ductal carcinoma: One of the earliest stages of breast cancers is ductal carcinoma in situ. This condition shows up on the cell-linings of milk-ducts. Symptoms include formation of small-sized lumps on breasts coupled with an uncommon discharge.  
 
In most cases, ductal carcinoma occurs without any palpable signs. Owing to this, physicians rely on mammographic procedures to diagnose its incidence. Risk factors of ductal carcinoma: People who were obese, genetic factors and early start of menstruation are the typical risk factors.  
 
These signs vary from invasive ductal carcinoma to a large extent. Typical signs of invasive ductal carcinoma are darkening of your skin, formation of lumps in armpits, inflammation of skin, lumps on breasts, etc. 
 
Symptoms of adenocarcinoma: Symptoms vary based on the category of adenocarcinoma. In case of lung cancers, you tend to cough a lot, experience pains in your chest, and respiratory disorders like gasping or wheezing. 
 
In case of pancreatic cancers, you are likely to witness lower back ache, pain in your tummy, discharge of dark-colored urine, a sudden lose of weight and incidence of jaundice. For colon cancers, you may experience traces of blood in your stools, altered movements of bowel and pain in your stomach.  
 
Carcinoma is diagnosed by employing different types of diagnostic techniques. Most common among them is lab testing. Here, samples of blood or urine are collected. These are checked for the presence of tumor-markers. In most cases, lab testing alone cannot reveal the incidence of cancers; your caregiving team may need an added number of tests to confirm your medical condition. 
 
Imaging scans and radiology-based tests are widely used. Your doctor may order X-ray, CT scan or an MRI scan to ascertain the presence of a tumor. Imaging sciences have a few limitations; though they can confirm the presence of a tumor, they cannot tell if the tumor is benign one or malignant. 
 
Biopsies are often ordered to know if a lump is a tumor, is it benign or a malignant one. This test involves taking a sample of your tissue. This test can also be done with a sample of fluids from a swollen lymph node. In some cases, a portion of skin – off from a mole – is removed for such tests.  
 
Your medical team will conduct several tests on the tissue. These tests help conclude the presence of carcinoma and / or cancer cells in the tissue sample collected from your system

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Growth of Cancer

Growth of Cancer

Introduction: Growth of Cancer

Cancer is an autoimmune condition that causes cells to grow beyond control and also to spread to other organs. The growth of cancer is a condition may start at any site in your body. You also need to know that your system is made of hundreds of billions of cells. In general, your cells multiply and make way for more new cells; as per the needs of your system. For instance, older cells give way by dying and enable newer cells to show up. 
 
There are instances wherein this process gets disturbed and hence more-rapid rate of growth of cells occur. In some cases, cells that are about to die may start multiplying. Such cells can develop into tumors; these are essentially lumps of a tissue. But not all tumors are cancer-causing. There are also non-cancerous tumors. 
 
Cancerous cells can invade and thus spread to other healthier tissues. These cells may also reach out to other organs and may create tumors. This is known as metastasis. In medical parlance, cancer-causing tumors are also known as malignant-tumors. Most types of tumors show up as solid lumps. However, cancers forming in your blood – like leukemia – do not take a solidified form. 

Cancer cells growth

Benign or non-malignant tumors neither invade or spread to other organs or tissues. Also, when surgically removed or cut off, they do not grow again. In case of cancer-causing tumors, some forms may come back after being eliminated surgically. Cells causing benign tumors generally lead to a large-sized lumps. 
 
Cancer cells are capable of growing and spreading without receiving messages to activate their growth. On the other hand, non-cancer cells need external signals to grow. Cancer cells are capable of ignoring the messages that tell them to stop spreading and growing. But normal ones do not grow or spread beyond a point; for example, when non-cancer cells “run into” another cell, they do not grow further. Also, non-cancer cells are not known to move to other parts of your body. 
 
Cancer cells also have an uncanny capability to “inform” arteries to assist the growth of tumors. Once directed, blood vessels tend to provide nutrients and oxygen for tumors to grow. These vessels also enable removal of waste to enable tumors to grow with ease. Cancer cells also know how to deceive tumors from your body’s immune cells. As a result, growth of cancer cells continues despite the vigil of your immunity cells. 

Cancer growth time

Growth rates of cancer vary from one type to another. For instance, cancers forming in breasts are slow to grow. Similarly, rectal as well as colon cancers and prostate-related cancers grow at a slow but a steady rate. This is the reason why doctor suggest a wait and watch methodology to treat slow growing cancers – like say, prostate-based cancer. 

On the other hand, cancers like those forming in lungs, myeloid cancers, etc. are known to grow at a faster pace. Most cancers of the fast-growth genre can also be treated with ease. 

Cancer growth is staged based on the size of tumors and the extent of their spread. The various growth phases are: in situ, localised, regional, distant and unknown. Of these, in situ denotes the presence of precancerous colony of cells; however, these colonies have not spread to other / nearby tissues or organs. Localised stage represents the detection of cancer cells but they still have not started to spread out. 

Regional stage means the cells have reached a tissue or lymph-node nearby. Distant stage denotes that cancer cells are detected in distant tissues and / or organs. The stage called ‘unknown’ represents inadequate availability of information; this makes it tough to label which stage the condition is in. 

Numbering the various stages is also another practice of tracking growth of cancer cells. Stage # zero (0) denotes a few cells of abnormal nature have been detected. But these have not spread out. This can also be labelled as a precancer stage. Stage # 1, 2 & 3 – these numbers indicate the size of the tumor as well as the extent of growth of cancer cells. Stage # 4 indicates onset of metastasis at distant organs of your body.  

Your pathological report is likely to use the TNM approach to stage the growth of cancer cells. Here, T represents the size of tumors. TX means tumors is not big enough and hence measuring it is a challenge. T0 refers to inability to locate the tumor. T1, T2 and T3 indicate the size and extent of spread.  

In this light, N stands for number of lymph-nodes that stand afflicted by cancer cells. NX label is accorded when nodes cannot be computed. N0 means cancers are not observed in nearby nodes. N1, N2 and N3 denote numbers and site of nodes that are afflicted by cancerous cells.  

M shows if cancer is metastasised or it is yet to go through that state. MX – is not measurable. M0 – not yet spread to other sites / organs. M1 – means the condition has spread out. 

Skin cancer growth

Skin cancers occur when there is an abnormal and rapid growth of cells of your skin. These cancers may show up on skin that is exposed to sun’s rays. However, there are cases wherein such cancers have shown up on skin that is not usually exposed to sunlight. Skin cancers are categorized under three broad buckets namely, melanoma, carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. 

Cancer growth on skin

You are advised to check skin if there are any changes; this activity helps in detecting likely onset of cancers at a fairly earlier stage. Squamous cell carcinoma shows up on skin exposed to sunlight. The most common sites include ears, hands and facial skin. In case people with darker skin-tone, squamous cell carcinoma may show up on skin which is not exposed to sun’s rays. You can detect likely incidence of this condition when a lesion – often a flat one – with crusted / scaly top shows up. You may also see a red and firmer nodule on afflicted skin. 
 
Melanoma may show up at any part but is more likely on trunk and face of males. Among females, lower part of their legs is more vulnerable. Melanoma may show up on all types of skin tones. But those with a darker tone, it may occur on soles as well as palms; in some cases, it may show up underneath toenails and / or fingernails. 
 
Sign of skin cancers like melanoma include a color-changing mole or a bleeding mole, brown-colored spots, painful lesions that can either burn or itch. It becomes an essential thing to see a physician when you observe any abnormal changes on skin or any of the abovementioned signs. 

Mouth cancer growth

Mouth cancer denotes cancerous growth on any part of your mouth like your lips, tongue, gums, roof of mouth, inner part of cheeks or on the floor of mouth i.e., underneath your tongue. These cancers may also be referred as oral cavity cancers or simply oral cancers. In fact, mouth cancers are grouped under a broader genre called head and neck cancer. This is because the treatment modality for oral cancers is similar to cancers detected in head and neck regions. 

Cancer growth in mouth

Cancer growth in the mouth can be detected by a few distinctive symptoms such as loosening of a tooth or teeth, an oral sore that never heals, red-colored or whitish patches inside your mouth, growth of a lump on an oral organ, pain inside your ears as well as problems faced while swallowing foods. 
 
It is essential to see a qualified caregiving team when any of these signs stay on for long. Your doctor will likely order a battery of tests including biopsy of a tissue. The causes can be many for the incidence of cancer growth in your mouth; most commonly, changes / mutations in the DNA of cells inside your mouth are claimed as a common cause. 
In most cases, cancer growth in mouth starts on thin and flat cells. Cells that line the inner parts of your mouth as well as lips are more likely to see growth of cancer. But, what eludes medical research is the underlying reason behind cell-level mutations inside your mouth. Commonly observed and documented risk factors include excessive use of alcohol, smoking of tobacco products, exposing your lips to the sun excessively, several sexually transmitted vial conditions as well as a weaker immunity system.  
 
You can prevent cancer growth in mouth by stopping the use of tobacco-based products like several chewable forms, cigars, cigarettes, pipes as well as snuff. In order to obtain more inputs about mouth cancers, you are advised to consult a qualified medical professional. 

Disclaimer 

Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting that intake of a drug(s) or a treatment modality is safe or appropriate. You are urged to consult with a qualified clinical professional and get a treatment plan from her / him for the underlying medical condition(s). 

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Genetic Testing For Cancer Risk

Genetic Testing For Cancer Risk

Cancer genetic testing

A few types of cancers, genetic testing can be done to understand the underlying risks. Genetic Testing For Cancer Risk involves ways to assess mutations or alterations in your genes. There are many kinds of testing available now, and as you are reading this, more and more are under development.
Predictive genetic tests are done by looking into mutations of inherited genes. Such mutations may lead to a few types of cancers. Not all people are tested using this method. It is recommended to those with a family track-record of certain kinds of cancers and also to those who are already diagnosed with cancers.

If you are living with an inherited-mutation of genes, using this test – cancer risks can be detected at a much earlier stage. Once detected in a timely manner, you can take needful remedial steps to prevent its spread. For instance, if members of your family have had breast cancers, mutations in genes like BRCA – 1 as well as BRCA – 2 can indicate likely risks you face
.
Among those who are already diagnosed of cancers, genetic tests can show the possibilities of incidence of other forms of cancers.

Genetic counseling 

Genetic counseling is offered to people who have a pattern of incidence of cancers among their kin. You are advised to consult with a genetic counselor on genetic testing if you have one or more 1st-degree blood relatives like your father, mother, siblings or a child has cancer(s). Genetic counseling can also help when several relatives of one side of your family develop a similar kind of cancer.

This support also helps those who have a relative living with several types of cancers. Incidence of cancers at a fairly younger age group to get that kind of cancer(s). You may also to check out for incidence of a rare form of cancer among blood relatives; conditions such as breast cancers in a male. In some cases, a lab test may reveal an inherited gene-mutation; checking with a genetic counselor can help in such situations as well.

In sum, genetic counselor provides you with needful information to take a decision on testing. These counselors are specially trained and are certified by a board or may have a license – based on the state they reside. In fact, a few doctors, oncology nursing professionals as well as social-workers may offer such counseling.

Through genetic counselling you can infer the risks of getting a specific type of cancers, how to respond to the risks identified, which genetic testing suits your condition best as well as of the significance of the results of such tests. The counselor also ensures utmost privacy of information and data pertaining to your genetic make-up.

How is genetic testing for cancer done 

Genetic testing is done either with a sample of your saliva or blood. Often, it is performed in a lab wherein needful samples are taken. In some cases, saliva test is sent to your place; when you complete the test, you can send it to the lab. You need to know salvia has your blood and skin-related cells in it. So, when you spit inside a tube and send it your lab, they can use it to sequence your DNA. 

Pros and cons of genetic testing for cancer 

Pros of genetic testing for cancer risks: Foremost of all, genetic testing for cancer risk can eliminate needless fears and anxieties form your system. The treatment plan can be made more specific and customised, depending on the results of genetic tests. Your family members – who have a similar mutated gene(s) – can take needful precautions to prevent likely incidence of cancers. Last but not least, if you are diagnosed of a mutated gene of the hereditary type, you can take all the necessary steps to stop the gene being passed to your biological offsprings. 

Cons of genetic testing for cancer risks: Test results may often cause guilt and associated distress; at times, this may even affect relationships among family members. Those who have the results confirming the incidence of cancers may fear that their employer(s), associates, friends and insurance service providers may come to know of your condition. Worries about costs of treatment and follow-up testing can emerge among those diagnosed of cancer risks. 

In general, a variant of a gene is present in your family, an entire gene may be tested for possible mutations. In some cases, testing panel may only focus on a focused variant, which is identified in your relatives. 

Also, the genetic structure is unlikely to change with time. Hence, it is not advised to repeat the panel of tests. But, in a few instances further testing is recommended. These include repeat test on another tissue for confirmation.  

In this backdrop, it is highly recommended to talk to your genetic counselor and / or treating doctor to know more on the pros and cons of genetic testing.

Who can do Genetic testing? 

It is your genetic counselor who decides what kind of testing you need. Your genetic counselor will assess your family’s medical history and make a note of the types of cancers your family members have had. Once the pattern is clear, it is your genetic counselor who does the testing.

Genetic counselors will add BRCA-related alterations / mutations if ovarian and breast cancers are evidenced in your family tree. For example, if uterine and / or colon cancers are observed among close family members, mutations related to Lynch syndrome are tested. Often times, it is either a saliva or a blood test.

What happens at the genetic testing clinic? 

At the clinic, based on your family’s clinical track record, your test panel is finalised. As a next step, ample of DNA i.e., blood or saliva sample is taken. At times, the blood sample is posted for another day at the lab. In case of salvia, you can help get the sample by spitting inside a container. Results of your test may take about 14 to 21 days’ time.

The most standard test is a multi-gene / panel testing. This is done when there is no known mutation of gene(s) in your family. Information your share about your family’s clinical history is a key input for the panel testing. In case such information is not available, your counselor or doctor may order a broadened testing panel; such broad-based panels look for potential mutations in genes that are associated with most common types of cancers

How do I decide whether to have a genetic test? 

Nearly 6 – 9% of cancers are believed to be triggered by harmful changes in your genes; these mutations are often inherited from your parent. Several genes wherein harmful changes may show up have been evidenced. Genetic testing shows the odds of getting cancers due to genetic triggers.

One of the advantages of having a genetic counselor to do your genetic testing is they can make you prepared for the likely outcomes. In all, three (3) outcomes are more likely. These include negative results, positive and unknown.

In case of a negative outcome – which is quite common among many tests, your genetic counselor concludes that the condition is not genetic. Possibilities of hereditary cancers are hence ruled out. This however does not rule out the scope of risks, especially if your close family members had cancers. Negative results also denote that cancer may have been caused by environmental or lifestyle-related causes. They may also reveal that genetic causes are not fully ascertained.

A positive outcome refers to presence of a genetic change / mutation; this can enhance the risk of cancers in your system. The outcome may indicate either a mild or a sizable chance of getting cancers.

An unknown significance means that a unique mutation has been identified but cannot be associated with cancer risks. Such results are usually treated as negative till additional data is available to confirm the underlying risks.

Best place to do genetic testing in Chennai?

here are several labs offering genetic testing for cancer risks. You can check out Lifecode in Chennai. This service provider offers preventive healthcare and wellness packages by detecting autoimmune conditions like cancers at an early stage. This provider also has a personalised diet as well as nutrition program for those living with potential risks. The team is capable of offering case management services to hundreds of diseases. Above all, Lifecode has a dedicated team of geneticists and nutritionists who develop bespoke genetic testing suite, nutrition and diet advisory and risk management program for every member. 

Lifecode operates out of No. 18, 2nd floor, Gopalapuram 1st street, Gopalapuram, Chennai – 600086. You can either dial +91 98844 55488 or write to contactus@lifecode.life for more details about their genetic testing packages to detect and manage cancer risks.

Disclaimer

Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting that intake of a drug(s) or a treatment modality is safe or appropriate. You are urged to consult with a qualified clinical professional and get a treatment plan from her / him for the underlying medical condition(s).

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Is Cancer Hereditary? Here’s How A Gene Test Can Help In Prevention And Timely Treatment

Is Cancer Hereditary? Here’s How A Gene Test Can Help In Prevention And Timely Treatment

Introduction

Cancer, a complex and multifaceted disease, has long been a subject of scientific inquiry and public concern. While lifestyle factors and environmental exposures play significant roles in cancer development, the question of whether cancer can be hereditary has garnered considerable attention. Understanding the role of genetic testing to identify the cancer gene, as it’s often referred to, is crucial in unravelling its mysteries and devising targeted prevention and treatment strategies.

Exploring the Genetic Basis of Cancer

At its core, cancer is a disease of uncontrolled cell growth resulting from genetic mutations. These mutations can occur spontaneously or be inherited from parents. While the majority of cancers are thought to be sporadic, arising from a combination of environmental factors and random genetic changes, a subset has a clear hereditary component.

Key Genetic Players

Several genes have been identified as potential culprits in hereditary cancer syndromes. Perhaps the most well-known are the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are associated with an increased risk of breast, ovarian, and other cancers. Mutations in these genes can significantly elevate an individual’s likelihood of developing cancer over their lifetime.

Similarly, mutations in genes such as TP53 (associated with Li-Fraumeni syndrome), APC (linked to familial adenomatous polyposis), and RET (associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia) can predispose individuals to specific types of cancer. These genetic aberrations disrupt normal cellular processes, tipping the balance toward malignant transformation.

Advances in genetic testing have revolutionized our ability to detect hereditary cancer predispositions. Genetic screening can identify mutations in susceptible genes, allowing individuals to take proactive measures to manage their cancer risk. For example, carriers of BRCA mutations may opt for preventive surgeries or enhanced surveillance to detect cancer at its earliest stages.

Genetic testing also enables personalized treatment approaches. Identifying specific mutations in cancer cells can guide the selection of targeted therapies, improving treatment outcomes and minimizing side effects. Additionally, genetic counselling provides invaluable support to individuals and families navigating the complexities of hereditary cancer risk.

Environmental Influences and Gene-Environment Interactions

While genetic predispositions play a significant role in cancer development, environmental factors cannot be overlooked. Interactions between genetic susceptibility and environmental exposures can profoundly influence cancer risk. For instance, individuals with inherited mutations may be more vulnerable to the carcinogenic effects of tobacco smoke, ultraviolet radiation, or certain chemicals.

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

Lifestyle choices such as diet, physical activity, and exposure to pollutants can modulate gene expression and influence cancer susceptibility. Understanding the interplay between genetics and the environment is crucial in devising comprehensive cancer prevention strategies.

Ethical Considerations and Genetic Privacy

The widespread adoption of genetic testing raises important ethical considerations, particularly regarding privacy and confidentiality. While genetic information can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health, it also poses risks of discrimination and stigmatization. At Lifecode for example, safeguarding a patient’s genetic privacy is paramount to ensure trust and confidence in genetic testing programs.

Furthermore, equitable access to genetic services is essential to mitigate disparities in cancer care. Efforts to increase affordability and accessibility of genetic testing must be prioritized to ensure that all individuals, regardless of socioeconomic status, can benefit from advances in precision medicine.

What Lies Ahead?

As our understanding of the genetic basis of cancer continues to evolve, so too do the opportunities for prevention and treatment. Emerging technologies such as next-generation sequencing and CRISPR gene editing hold promise in elucidating novel cancer susceptibility genes and developing targeted interventions.

Moreover, initiatives such as large-scale genomic sequencing projects and collaborative research consortia are accelerating the pace of discovery, paving the way for more personalized and effective cancer care. By harnessing the power of genetics, we can unlock new insights into cancer biology and ultimately transform the landscape of cancer prevention and treatment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while cancer is a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors, the hereditary component cannot be overlooked. Genetic testing plays a pivotal role in identifying individuals at heightened risk of hereditary cancers, enabling proactive measures to mitigate risk and improve outcomes. By unravelling the genetic mysteries of cancer, we can usher in a new era of precision medicine, where targeted interventions are tailored to each individual’s unique genetic makeup.

FAQs

  1. How can genetic testing help in the prevention and treatment of cancer?

Genetic testing can identify mutations in genes associated with a higher risk of developing certain cancers. Knowing these genetic predispositions allows individuals to take preventive measures such as increased surveillance, lifestyle changes, or even preventive surgeries. Additionally, genetic testing consultancy services like Lifecode can guide personalized treatment approaches by identifying specific mutations in cancer cells, which helps in selecting targeted therapies that improve treatment outcomes and minimize side effects.

  1. Which genes are commonly associated with hereditary cancer syndromes?

Several genes are linked to hereditary cancer syndromes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are associated with a higher risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Other significant genes include TP53 (related to Li-Fraumeni syndrome), APC (linked to familial adenomatous polyposis), and RET (associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia). Mutations in these genes disrupt normal cellular processes, increasing the risk of malignant transformation.

  1. What role do environmental factors play in cancer development for individuals with genetic predispositions?

Environmental factors, such as tobacco smoke, ultraviolet radiation, and certain chemicals, can interact with genetic predispositions to influence cancer risk. Individuals with inherited mutations may be more susceptible to these carcinogenic effects. Lifestyle choices, including diet and physical activity, can also modulate gene expression and impact cancer susceptibility, highlighting the importance of understanding gene-environment interactions in comprehensive cancer prevention strategies.

  1. What are the ethical considerations associated with genetic testing for cancer predisposition?

The ethical considerations of genetic testing include concerns about privacy and confidentiality. Genetic information can help individuals make informed health decisions but also poses risks of discrimination and stigmatization.

Medically Reviewed by 

Dr R RATHNADEVI ONCOLOGIST

Dr. Rathna Devi has 22 years of experience in radiation oncology. She has received special training in radiation oncology with expertise in branchytherapy procedures. Dr. Rathna is also specialized in female cancers, cancer screening and Cyber knife, which is the only system in the world to treat tumors in the body with sub-millimeter accuracy.

Other than radiation oncology practices, she acts as a member of many organizations like Association of Radiation Oncologists of India ESTRO, Cyber Knife Society, Association of Medical Physicist of India etc

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