THYROID CANCER

Thyroid cancer arises mainly in four different areas of the thyroid gland. The areas include papilla, medulla, follicles and anaplastic region. The cancers occurring in papilla and follicles of the thyroid gland is no more fatal among the people under 50 years of age. Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common among all the thyroid cancers. The anaplastic thyroid cancer is fast growing and it is fatal in most thyroid cancer cases. This cancer is diagnosed using “fine needle biopsy”. A small portion of the affected area is directly taken by injecting a fine needle into the throat and then it is sent for biopsy where it is clinically examined for identifying the nature of the tumor. TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) carries these cancer cells through the blood stream and with the help of proper blood testing, this cancer can be diagnosed. Radioactive iodine finds its application in thyroid cancer diagnosis. Iodine (I-123) scan accompanied with TSH measurement can clearly detect the presence of cancerous cells.

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BLADDER CANCER

Bladder cancer refers to the malignant growth that occurs in the urinary bladder. The cells that are present in the bladder divide uncontrollably. The symptoms of this type of cancer are clearly visible. This cancer can be predicted in the early stage itself due its vigorous symptoms. The major symptom of this cancer is the appearance of blood in the urine. The other symptoms are pain in urination and frequent urination. Globally, smoking is the major reason for bladder cancer. Heredity is also an important risk factor for developing this disease. The bladder cancer is detected with the help of urine cytology. Immunotherapy and chemotherapy are the best known treatments available for curing this disease. Nowadays, treatment to this invasive disease is done by combining both radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This type of cancer is common among men than women due to the presence of highly active androgen receptors which are present only in men.

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PANCREATIC CANCER

Pancreatic cancer is characterized by malignancy in pancreatic cells. This cancer holds the name of “silent killer”, primarily because of the fact that it has no characteristic symptoms. Survival rate is very low in the case of pancreatic cancer as the symptoms are seen only on the mature stages. Loss of appetite, unusual weight loss and jaundice are some of common symptoms of this cancer. All the above mentioned symptoms can have varied causes. The risk factors include aging, diabetes, smoking, alcohol consumption and pylori infection. Abdominal CT scan and endoscopic ultrasound can detect the presence of pancreatic cancer. The cancers occurring in the head of the pancreas are treated using Whipple’s procedure involving direct surgery. This type of cancer has only a palliative cure. Red meat intake increases the risk of getting pancreatic cancer. Increase of fiber content in the food reduces the risk of becoming a pancreatic cancer victim.

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LIVER CANCER

Heptocellular carcinoma is the medical term given to liver cancer. Liver cancer arises due to the growth of hepatic malignant cells in the liver. It is the fifth most common cancer across the globe. There are different types of liver cancer. This cancer is basically caused by the spreading of other cancers present in alimentary canal (metastases). Cholangiocarcinoma is one of the rare forms of primary liver cancer. Hepatoblastoma is also a rare type of liver cancer usually affecting children. Liver cancer affected person have a very low survival rate because of the fact that it can vigourously spread to all parts of the digestive system. The major symptoms of this kind of cancer include jaundice and abdominal pain. These symptoms are not highly specific to this disease. Till today there is no accurate blood test screening method available to diagnose liver cancer. Liver transplantation done at the early stages of cancer improves the life expectancy of the victim.

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STOMACH CANCER

Stomach cancer is caused due to the uncontrollable proliferation of malignant cells inside the stomach region. This cancer is also termed as gastric cancer. Stomach cancer is highly fatal and holds a highest death rate. The survival rate of this type of cancer is around six months. Increased amount of salt intake increases the risk of becoming a victim to this cancer. Majority of the stomach cancer is due to an infection known as pyroli infection. 
Stomach cancer is more prominent among men rather than women. Burning sensation in stomach is the major symptom of this cancer. This can be a symptom even for stomach ulcer. The symptoms of this cancer are not really specific because of its poor prognosis. But immediate diagnosis can improve life expectancy. Various endoscopic techniques and gastro-intestinal roentgenogram are some of the diagnostic methods. 
 

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BREAST CANCER

Brest cancer is a malignancy that occurs in the breast cells. Almost 99 % of this cancer occurs in women. Mutation of cells may occur either in the breast ducts or in the breast itself. This is almost curable, if detected in its early stages. The symptoms of breast cancer are somewhat specific. Appearance of lumps and inflammation in the breasts are some of the major symptoms of this cancer. Dimpling of breast skin is a rare symptom. Estrogen factor is the key hereditary factor which can cause mutations in breast cells. X-ray radiography and MRI scanning are two well known methods available for breast cancer diagnosis. Tamoxifen is one of the common drugs used in the treatment of breast cancer. Surgery done at the early stages to remove the affected areas can improve survival rate. Laser thermotherapy is latest treatment method available, which can be a better alternative for direct surgery.

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