Though there are over 100 types of Cancers, the following
are amenable to quick Complementary Therapy Treatment
in terms of quality of life and symptomatic relief resulting
even in regression of cancer. Some of the important
types of cancers are discussed below. However, this
is not an exhaustive list and will be updated from time
to time.
1. Bone Cancers
The cancer that begins in the bone is called primary
bone cancer sarcoma. Most often sarcomas affect the
bones in the arms and legs.
Osteosarcoma is the most common bone cancer and usually
is found in young people between the ages of 10 and
25. Osteosarcoma starts at the end of bone when new
bone is forming. Ewing's sarcoma also is found in young
patients between the ages of 10 and 25. This type of
bone cancer begins in the shaft or middle part of the
long bone.
Chondrosarcoma is primarily an adult form of bone cancer.
It begins in cartilage around the joints. Other types
of bone cancer are rare and usually affect those older
than 30. These cancers can also involve the bone but
unless they begin in the bone they are not considered
primary bone cancers.
The most common symptom of bone cancer is pain. In
many instances bone cancer interferes with normal movement
of the extremity and can also cause bones to break.
Bone cancers can be diagnosed through bone scans. In
a bone scan radioactive material is injected into the
blood stream, collects in abnormal areas of the bone,
and is detected under a special scanner. CT scans and
MRI scans also are used to detect sarcoma. Biopsy is
the only way to obtain a definitive diagnosis of bone
cancer. Biopsy involves sampling a piece of tissue and
examining it closely under a microscope. A pathologist
can determine the type of sarcoma and the rate of growth.
These factors are important in determining the treatment
of sarcoma. Treatment of sarcomas may involve surgery,
radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy. Surgery is always
(almost) a part of sarcoma treatment due to the risk
of recurrence at the site of origin. Unless the tumor
is very large, amputation is avoided and the limbs bearing
procedures are adopted. In the limbs bearing procedure
artificial bone is used to replace bone affected by
the cancer.
Chemotherapy is another treatment for sarcoma. It may
be used prior to surgery to decrease the tumor size
or after surgery to kill any remaining tumor cells.
Chemotherapy may also be used to control growth of sarcoma
that has spread to other parts of the body. Radiation
is also used to treat bone cancer locally. It may be
used before or after surgery and sometimes it is used
instead of surgery. Yoga Therapy helps in reducing pain
and Improve Quality of life in fact of all kinds patients.
2. Leukemia
Leukemias are bone marrow-or lymph tissue-derived cancers.
They are cancers that affect the immature white blood
cells, red blood cells, and platelets (blood clotting
cells). Leukemia represents about 3% of the cancer incidence
in the U.S.
The majority of our blood cells are produced in the
"spongy" center of our bones. Therefore, leukemia
is said to be a cancer of the bone marrow. A small amount
of cell production occurs in our lymph nodes. Dysfunctional
cell production within this tissue can lead to lymphocytic
leukemia. The word "leukemia" originated from
the Greek and means, "white blood." The uncontrolled,
overgrowth of abnormal white blood cells crowds the
healthy cells in the bone marrow. When this occurs,
the abnormal cells spill into the bloodstream. This
causes an unhealthy balance of the three blood cell
types. Anemia, infection, and bleeding can occur from
this abnormal cell balance.
Anemia results from a low number of red blood cells
and causes the patient to experience fatigue, shortness
of breath, and/or dizziness. Infection occurs because
the abnormal white blood cells no longer effectively
kill bacteria and viruses. Bleeding such as nose bleeds,
easy bruising, bleeding gums, and/or vaginal bleeding
occur due to a low number of platelets-cells that function
to clot the blood.
There are two major types of leukemia. Lymphocytic
leukemia affects the lymphoid white blood cells. Myelocytic
(or non-lymphocytic) affects the myeloid line of cells.
Leukemia's can also occur as acute or chronic. Acute
leukemias have quicker onset and disease course (1-5
months). Chronic leukemias have slower onset and progression
(2-5 years). The most common leukemia in children is
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). The two most prevalent
leukemias in adults are Acute Myelogenous (AML) and
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).
The treatment for leukemia is chemotherapy. If the
patient is a candidate, high dose chemotherapy and bone
marrow transplant are also possible treatment options.
3. Brain Tumors
Anatomy of the brain
The brain is composed of: The cerebrum, the largest
part of the brain, contains two cerebral hemispheres
and is divided into four lobes where discrete functions
occur:
- The frontal lobe, which controls reasoning, emotions,
problem-solving, and parts of speech and movement
- The parietal lobe, which controls the sensations of
touch, pressure, pain, and temperature
- The temporal lobe, which controls memory and the sense
of hearing
- The occipital lobe, which controls vision.
- The cerebellum, or "little brain," is located
beneath the cerebrum. The cerebellum controls coordination
and balance.
The brain stem, which is the lowest portion of the
brain and connects to the spinal cord, controls involuntary
functions essential for life, such as the beating of
the heart and breathing.
The meninges are the membranes that surround and protect
the brain and spinal cord. There are three meningeal
layers, called the dura matter, arachnoid, and pia arachnoid.
The brain and spinal column make up the central nervous
system (CNS), where all vital functions of the body
are controlled. When tumors arise in the central nervous
system, they are especially problematic because a person's
thought processes and movements can be affected. These
tumors can also be difficult to treat because the tissues
surrounding the tumor may be vital to functioning.
Brain cancers are the second most common form of childhood
cancer and the eighth most common cancer in adults.
Gliomas: A glioma is a tumor that grows from a glial
cell, which is a supportive cell in the brain. There
are two types of supportive cells: astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.
Therefore, most gliomas are called either astrocytoma
or oligodendroglioma, or a mixture of both. Gliomas
are graded (how much the tumor appears like normal brain
tissue) from I to IV based on their degree of aggressiveness.
A grade I glioma is a benign tumor, while grade II through
IV are tumors with an increasing degree of aggressiveness
and are therefore considered increasingly malignant
in potential.
Brain tumors represent the third and fourth most common
cause of cancer related death for 15-34-year-old males
and females respectively, with over 17,000 new cases
being diagnosed. The incidence increases with age, averaging
from 17.9 to 18.7 per 100,000 individuals between the
ages of 65 and 79. There are few genetic and environmental
links to developing brain tumors. Exceptions to this
include genetic abnormality, which can result in optic
nerve gliomas and other brain tumors. Individuals with
occupational exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and
fertilizers, and workers in petrochemical industries
and some health professions seem to have a higher than
expected increase in the incidence of brain tumors.
Viral causes of brain tumors have only been implicated
in laboratory animals.
Types of gliomas (Brain Tumours):
There are over 100 different types of primary brain
tumors. For practical purposes, this review is divided
into glioma and non-glioma types of tumors.
- Astrocytoma is the most common type of glioma, making
up about 11% of all brain tumors. Astrocytomas begin
in cells called astrocytes in the cerebrum or cerebellum.
Glioblastoma multiforme (also called grade IV astrocytoma)
is a very aggressive form of astrocytoma.
- Oligodendroglioma is a tumor that develops from cells
called oligodendrocytes. These cells are responsible
for producing the myelin that surrounds nerves. Oligodendrogliomas
make up about 4% of all brain tumors.
- Brain stem gliomas begin in the glial cells in the
brain stem.
- Ependymomas, which begin in the ependyma (the cells
that line the passageways in the brain where cerebrospinal
fluid is made and stored), make up about 2% of all brain
tumors.
- Mixed tumors, which are composed of more than one
of the glial cell types, make up about 1% of all brain
tumors.
- Non-glioma tumors. Non-glioma tumors begin in other
types of cells in the central nervous system, and are
described as either benign or malignant.
- Meningioma is the most common primary brain tumor,
making up about 27% of all brain tumors. It begins in
the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal column,
and is most often benign. Meningioma can cause significant
symptoms as it grows and presses on the brain or spinal
cord.
- Acoustic schwannoma is a rare tumor that begins in
the vestibular nerve, and is normally benign.
- Craniopharyngioma is a benign tumor that begins near
the pituitary gland. These tumors are rare, making up
less than 1% of all brain tumors.
- Medulloblastoma, which begins in granular cells in
the cerebellum, is most common in children and is most
often malignant. Medulloblastomas make up about 2% of
all brain tumors.
- Primary CNS lymphoma is a form of lymphoma (cancer
that begins in the lymphatic system) that starts in
the brain, and makes up about 2% of all brain tumors.
- The pineal and pituitary glands, located near the
base of the brain, are the location of about 7% of all
brain tumors.
About 5% of all brain tumors cannot be assigned an
exact type.
Diagnosis of brain tumors is made when a patient presents
with a new or unusual neurological symptom. Symptomatology
for the brain tumor varies, and is depend upon the areas
of the brain affected, as well as the size and degree
of malignancy. Symptoms of a brain tumor may include
- Seizures (occurring in 20%-50% of patients);
- Headache with or without nausea and vomiting (occurring
in approximately one-third of all patients);
- one-sided weakness or paralysis;
- changes in taste, vision or smell;
- dizziness;
- loss of appetite;
- changes in personality, mood, mental capacity, and/or
concentration;
- changes in sleep patterns; and/or slowing or psychomotor
activity. Because some of these symptoms may be confused
with depression or other psychological problems.
Diagnosis of a brain tumor is often delayed. Diagnostic
testing for brain tumors includes Computerized Tomography
(CT) Scans and more often Magnetic Resonance Imaging
(MRI) Scanning. Once a brain tumor is discovered a patient
may undergo more extensive full-body evaluation to rule
out the possibility that the tumor has metastasized
(spread) from elsewhere in the body. If metastases are
ruled out, the patient is usually sent for a neurosurgical
procedure to make a definitive diagnosis.
Prognosis of patients with brain tumors varies depending
upon the size, location, and degree of malignancy of
the tumor.
Grades I and II tumors may have a median survival of
five to seven years.
Grade III disease usually have a much poorer prognosis,
with a median survival of only 18 to 24 months.
Grade IV brain tumors, also known as Glioblastoma multiforme,
have the poorest prognosis; with the patient's life
expectancy averaging only 8-10 months after diagnosis.
Treatment or lack of it may alter all of these figures.
Treatment for brain tumours depends upon the size,
location, and degree of malignancy of the lesion. Patients
with brain tumors are usually initially treated with
oral glucocorticoid therapy to reduce the swelling around
the tumor and improve symptoms and function. Surgical
treatment of brain tumors is often an option with the
goal being to resect the tumor completely and provide
cure. This is often not possible in patients with multiple
tumors, large sized tumors, tumors of the brain stem,
and tumors with higher grade.
In those patients, palliative radiation therapy may
be combined with chemotherapy to enhance the effectiveness
of the treatment. New research studies are underway
to determine the best scheduling of radiation therapy
and to determine the optimum timing and dose of the
chemotherapy to bring about the best patient outcome.
The brain and spinal column make up the central nervous
system (CNS), where all vital functions of the body
are controlled. When tumors arise in the central nervous
system, they are especially problematic because a person's
thought processes and movements can be affected. These
tumors can also be difficult to treat because the tissues
surrounding the tumor may be vital to functioning.
4.Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a term applied to any cancer that develops
in lymphoid tissue. Lymphoid tissues make up the body's
lymphatic system and play an important role in the body's
defense against infection. There are two major types
of lymphomas: Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin.
Hodgkin's lymphoma can occur at any age; however, it
is seen most frequently in young adults and is more
common in males. A painless enlarged node in the neck
is the most common presenting symptom. Other symptoms
include fever, drenching night sweats, and weight loss.
Treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma includes radiation
therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of the two.
Treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma depends on the
extent of the disease. Radiation therapy may be used
for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma confined to lymph nodes.
When the stomach, small intestine, spleen, bone marrow,
liver, or skin is affected, chemotherapy is often initiated.
Sometimes, both methods of treatment are used.
5.Breast cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer occurring in
women (excluding cancers of the skin) and the second
most common cause of death from cancer in women, after
lung cancer. Men can also develop breast cancer, but
male breast cancer is rare, accounting for less than
1% of all breast cancer cases. If diagnosed at an early
stage, breast cancer has a hopeful cure rate - up to
approximately 97% of women diagnosed with localized
breast cancer will be alive five years after their diagnosis.
Even if the cancer is found at a more advanced stage,
new therapies have enabled many people with breast cancer
to live with their disease and enjoy a good quality
of life.
The breast is comprised mainly of fatty tissue. Within
this tissue is a network of lobes, which are made up
of many tiny lobules that contain milk glands. Tiny
ducts connect the glands, lobules, and lobes and carry
the milk from the lobes to the nipple, located in the
middle of the areola. Blood and lymph vessels run throughout
the breast; the blood nourishes the cells, and the lymph
drains the waste products.
About 90% of all breast cancers occur in the ducts
or lobes, with almost 75% of all breast cancers beginning
in the cells lining the milk ducts. These cancers are
called ductal carcinomas. Cancers that begin in the
lobes are called lobular carcinoma and are more likely
to be found in both breasts.
If the disease has spread away from its place of origin,
it is called invasive or infiltrating ductal or lobular
carcinoma. Disease that has not spread is called in
situ, meaning "in place." The course of in
situ disease, as well as its treatment, varies, depending
on its place of origin. Currently, oncologists recommend
that ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which accounts
for the majority of in situ breast cancers, be surgically
removed to prevent progression to invasive disease.
Other, less common cancers of the breast include medullary
(making up about 5% of all breast cancers), mucinous,
tubular, papillary, or inflammatory. Paget's disease
is a type of cancer that can begin in the nipple.
Breast cancers grow at different rates, but some oncologists
estimate the average tumor doubles in size every 100
days. Since cancers start with one irregular cell, even
with this doubling time, they may not be palpable (able
to be felt) for years. Mammography can find tumors that
are too small to be felt, but even so, the tumors have
probably been growing for years before they are large
enough to be visible on a mammogram.
Breast cancer cells migrate to the lymph nodes under
the arm (axillary), in the neck (cervical), or those
just below the collarbone (supra-clavicular). The most
common sites of metastasis, or spread, of breast cancer
are skin, distant lymph nodes, bone, lung, and liver.
6.Lung Cancer
Cigarette smoking is the main cause of Lung cancer.
Anyone can develop lung cancer. Lung cancer is always
treatable, no matter the size, location, or if the cancer
has spread.
The lungs absorb oxygen from the air and bring it into
the bloodstream for delivery to the rest of the body.
As the body's cells use oxygen, they release carbon
dioxide. The bloodstream carries carbon dioxide back
to the lungs where it leaves the body when we exhale.
The lungs contain many different types of cells. Most
cells in the lung are epithelial cells. These cells
line the airways and produce mucus, which lubricates
and protects the lung. The lung also contains nerve
cells, hormone-producing cells, blood cells, and structural
or supporting cells.
There are two major types of lung cancer. Non-small
cell lung cancer (the most common) is believed to arise
from epithelial cells. Small cell lung cancer is believed
to arise from nerve cells or hormone-producing cells.
The term "small cell" refers to the size and
shape of the cancer cells seen under the microscope.
Lung cancer begins when cells in the lung grow out
of control, and form a tumor. A lung tumor can begin
anywhere in the lung. Once a lung tumor begins to grow,
it may or may not shed cancer cells. These cells can
travel through tiny tubes in the lung called lymphatic
vessels, which drain into collecting stations called
lymph nodes located in the lungs and the center of the
chest. Cancer cells can also travel through blood vessels
to distant sites in the body, where they can form other
tumors. This process is known as metastasis.
Not all lung tumors metastasize. In general, small
cell lung cancers are more likely to metastasize than
non-small cell lung cancers, so the two types of lung
cancer are treated in different ways.
The location and size of the initial lung tumor, and
whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant
sites, determines the stage of lung cancer. The type
of lung cancer (non-small cell versus small cell) and
the stage of disease determine what type of treatment
is required.
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