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    Women and Lung Cancer: Researchers Look For Gender Connection. Female


    2011 - 01.27

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    Posted in Medical Pharmacology | No Comments »

    Women and Lung Cancer: Researchers Look For Gender Connection. Female Cancer Patients Sought For Large-Scale Clinical Trial

    According to a recent survey on health concerns, women fear breast cancer most. Despite the fears expressed in the survey, conducted by the International Communications Research of Media for the Society of Women’s Health Research in 2005, lung cancer is actually the leading cancer killer of women. Lung cancer takes the lives of approximately 68,000 women each year.

    While smoking is the biggest risk factor for lung cancer, there is growing evidence that points to gender differences in the risk of developing lung cancer and the implications for treating the disease in men and women.

    For example, while the number of men diagnosed with lung cancer has been going down, the number of women has risen 60 percent since 1990. In addition, women who are nonsmokers are 2.5 times more likely to develop lung cancer than men who are nonsmokers.

    Scientific evidence points to estrogen as a factor in the difference between how lung cancer acts in men versus women. That biological difference promises to have important implications for lung cancer treatments.

    It is believed that the estrogen in women may influence lung tumor growth by causing the synthesis of tumor-promoting proteins. Since women have higher levels of estrogen than men, and younger women have higher levels of estrogen than older women, this may in part be responsible for their higher risk for nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

    Developing therapies that are favorably influenced by estrogen may provide a gender-targeted therapeutic approach to the treatment of the disease.

    Researchers are currently studying a novel approach to targeting lung cancer in women that relies on a chemotherapy agent that exploits the presence of estrogen in women and its effect on the metabolism of proteins in the cancer cell. Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (CTI) developed XYOTAX (paclitaxel poliglumex) initially as a lung cancer drug for all patients-regardless of gender. Retrospective analysis of two Phase III clinical trials found the drug, as compared to standard chemotherapy treatments, had a significant survival advantage in women while having equivalent survival in men.

    New clinical trial

    Now, Cell Therapeutics is embarking on another clinical study exclusively in women to see if the theory proves true in a larger population of women. The trial, known as PIONEER, is the first approval trial for lung cancer exclusively targeting women and is expected to enroll 600 patients with advanced lung cancer.

    Why is Parkinson’s disease difficult to diagnose?


    2011 - 01.21

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    Posted in Medical Pharmacology | No Comments »

    While Parkinson’s disease has very distinctive features, it is rather a difficult disease to identify, particularly while it is in its early stages. Unfortunately there are no precise tests, which doctors can do to establish an exact diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and regrettably especially in its early stages it might be mistaken for other diseases. If and when this happens, it delays or prevents the appropriate action being administered in the quickest feasible time.

    The trouble with diagnosing Parkinson’s disease accurately is just that the symptoms are not always as clear as doctors would like them to be, Actually there are suggestions that up to 25% of those people presently being treated for Parkinson’s disease might have been wrongly diagnosed and are thus getting inappropriate treatment.

    Generally patients that are suspected of suffering from Parkinson’s disease are given tests to guarantee they are certainly not suffering from an illness that can be diagnosed using common methods such as CT scanning, urine sampling X-ray and blood tests etc. However just because these tests may have an inconclusive answer, it doesn’t always mean the person is definitely suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Regrettably some doctors think this is the case, and will automatically offer a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.

    Tests that can be carried out to test for Parkinson’s disease involve systematic neurological assessments that comprise testing the person’s reflexes, balance, muscle strength walk and common movement. Because there are a range of neurological disorders that have similar characteristics to Parkinson’s disease, it’s not very surprising that Parkinson’s disease is so regularly misdiagnosed. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, it doesn’t always hurt to ask your doctor for a second opinion or even better to request to be referred to a physician who specialises in this kind of disease.

    An early accurate diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is normally the key to the sufferer being able to preserve their independence and a decent quality of life for fairly a long time.

    Some neurological conditions that are regularly confused with Parkinson’s disease include: -

    Multiple system atrophy

    Supranuclear palsy

    Benign Essential Tremor
    Multiple Sclerosis

    Huntington’s disease

    Striato-Nigral Degeneration

    Brain tumour

    Remaining as independent as feasible is vital to the wellbeing of most sufferers of Parkinson’s disease, and ensuring the symptoms are kept to a minimum by both an accurate diagnosis and treatment is the key to achieving this.

    Roger Overanout

    What is Sleep Apnea and do I Have it?


    2011 - 01.17

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    Posted in Medical Pharmacology | No Comments »

    Sleep apnea, also referred to as sleep apnoea, is a common sleep disorder. It’s characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. These episodes, called apneas, last 10 seconds or more and occur repeatedly throughout the night. People with sleep apnea partially awaken as they struggle to breathe, but in the morning they may not be aware of the disturbances in their sleep.

    The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), caused by relaxation of soft tissue in the back of the throat that blocks the passage of air. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is caused by irregularities in the brains normal signals to breathe. Some people with sleep apnea have a combination of both types.

    OSA is more common in men than women and in people who are overweight or obese. Here are some symptoms to look for if you suspect you are suffering from this disorder.

    * Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
    * Restless Sleep
    * Loud Snoring (With Periods Of Silence Followed By Gasps)
    * Falling Asleep During The Day
    * Morning Headaches
    * Trouble Concentrating
    * Irritability
    * Forgetfulness
    * Mood or Behavior Changes
    * Weight Gain
    * Increased Heart Rate
    * Anxiety
    * Depression

    Most people with sleep apnea have obstructive apnea “OSA”, in which the person stops breathing during sleep due to airway blockage. Breathing is resumed within a few seconds, but periods of as long as sixty seconds are not uncommon in serious cases.

    OSA is more common amongst people who snore, who are obese, who consume alcohol, or who have anatomical abnormalities of the jaw or soft palate. However, atypical cases do occur, and the condition should not be ruled out unilaterally merely because the patient does not fit the profile.

    “OSA” is caused by the relaxation of the muscles in the airway during sleep. Whilst the vast majority of people successfully maintain an open upper airway and breathe normally during sleep, a significant number of individuals are prone to severe narrowing or occlusion of the pharynx, such that breathing is impeded or even completely obstructed. As the brain senses a build-up of carbon dioxide, airway muscles are activated which open the airway, allowing breathing to resume but interrupting deep sleep.

    The prognosis is that sleep apnea left untreated can be life threatening. Excessive daytime sleepiness can cause people to fall asleep at inappropriate times, such as while driving. Sleep apnea appears to put individuals at risk for stroke. Successful treatment can also reduce the risk of heart and blood pressure problems.

    What is mesothelioma


    2011 - 01.12

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    Posted in Medical Pharmacology | No Comments »

    “Mesothelioma” is the term used to describe a cancerous tumor that involves the mesothelial cells of an organ. Mesothelial cells are cells that form a protective lining over the lungs, heart and abdominal organs. The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma. The pleura is a thin membrane found between the lungs and the chest cavity. It provides a lubricated surface so that the lungs do not rub and chafe against the chest walls.
    What causes it?
    Virtually all cases of mesothelioma are related to inhaling of asbestos fibers. There are about 3,000 cases per year (mostly men over the age of 40) and there will be about 300,000 cases before 2030. Mesothelioma usually spreads rapidly through the mesothelial cells to the heart and abdominal organs. The life span is typically 24 months after diagnosis, but it depends on what stage the cancer is detected, the health of the patient and other factors.
    Although asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma, it has a latency period after exposure that could last 15 to 50 years. This means that someone who worked in a factory with asbestos 40 years ago could be developing mesothelioma now. Anyone who knows they were exposed to loose asbestos fibers should be tested regularly for mesothelioma.

    Diagnosis
    The onset of mesothelioma is usually very slow. The first symptom is a constant pain in the chest. This pain is later accompanies by difficulty breathing due to an accumulation of fluid in the chest. Other symptoms include coughing, fever and weight loss. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed by your doctor with a chest CT-scan.

    Prognosis (the outcome)
    Mesothelioma advances in 4 stages:
    Stage I – the tumor is limited to the area of the lining of the lung and usually limited to only one side of the chest.
    Stage II – the tumor extends to other organs within the chest cavity, such as the heart or lymph nodes in the chest.
    Stage III – the tumor expands to the other side of the chest or it spreads into the abdominal organs. The lymph nodes outside the chest are affected.
    Stage IV -the cancer spreads to different parts of the body far outside the chest area (liver, brain, bone, etc…).

    Mesothelioma is an extremely deadly disease. The average survival time is about one year from date of diagnosis. About 20% of patients who find their cancer early and treat it aggressively will reach the five-year mark.
    for more information and articles about mesothelioma go to http://www.mesothelioma-health.net

    All Rights Reserved. 2004-2005. http://www.Mesothelioma-health.net

    Understanding The Cost Of Prescription Drugs


    2011 - 01.07

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    Posted in Medical Pharmacology | No Comments »

    The Internet has revolutionized a consumer’s ability to research personal health issues and independently discover the available options of finding more affordable ways of obtaining his or her medications.

    For the millions of Americans who have prescription drug plans as part of their health insurance, the actual cost of medications is somewhat obscured by the co-payment–usually a nominal fee compared to the actual cost of the drug.

    But for the millions of Americans who don’t have access to prescription coverage, who must pay for their medications out of pocket, there is a crucial piece of knowledge that can save them a lot of money: The cost of prescription drugs varies from pharmacy to pharmacy. And in many cases, Internet-based pharmacies can offer even lower costs. For example, a recent survey showed that Walgreens was selling Plavix (75 mg, 90 tablets) for $405.09. SmartChoiceDrugstore.com sold the exact same drug and quantity for $353.49.

    According to data collected by SmartChoice, Americans pay more for their prescription drugs than people in other countries. The reason is that pharmaceutical manufacturers sell at much higher prices to U.S. wholesale companies because they have no restrictions on pricing. Higher costs are also attributed to pharmaceutical companies spending hundreds of millions of dollars each year in sales and marketing people to push their medications on the U.S. public and doctors who prescribe the medications.

    Just like online retailers from whom you’d buy books, appliances or even a car, Internet pharmacies are able to offer lower prices because of lower overhead. With no storefront (and accordant costs) to maintain, there’s less of a markup on the merchandise. The medication you receive from Internet pharmacies such as SmartChoice is identical to the medicines found at a neighborhood or chain drugstore. The only difference is what you pay. And if you take several different medications, the savings can be substantial.

    At SmartChoiceDrugstore.com, each and every order is filled by a registered and licensed pharmacist. Like any U.S. pharmacy, SmartChoiceDrugstore.com undergoes rigorous governmental inspections regularly. The site is a full-service pharmacy that has access to all medications that any other pharmacy would have. And like traditional pharmacies, there are policies and procedures in place to validate prescriptions.

    Typical Rashes


    2010 - 12.29

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    Posted in Medical Pharmacology | No Comments »

    Rash in short: is an acute and widespread temporary reddish eruption on the skin. A rash can develop in individuals that are sensitive to a particular drug, prescription or nonprescription. The rashes are characterized by itching of an intensity that can interfere with sleep or normal activities. The rash results from the entire body reacting to the drug itself and usually develops early in treatment rather than after the drug has been taken for a period of time.

    Rash is a change in the skin which affects its appearance and or texture. Most often a rash is localised to one part of the body, but other times it can have an affect on the entire body. Rashes can cause the skin to change color, become bumpy, dry, itchy, swell among other things that can result in alot of pain. Because of the wide array of rash symptoms treatments also vary widely. A proper diagnosis should look at all of the visual and physical symptoms of the rash, and also what the possible cause of the rash was. Often times the area in which the rash exists can tell alot about it’s condition, and where it is going. Rashes are often times associated and a result of diseases. For example, measles with cause a rash, that begins a few days after the fever begins.

    The most common causes of rashes today are: allergies, (ex. allerfic reaction to: foods, animeals, dyes, medicines, insect stings,etc), skin contact with an irritant, infection or reaction to a vaccine, skin diseases such as eczema or acne, autoimmune disorders such as psoriasis, cancer or other disease, pregnancy and, exposure to sun or heat.

    Treatment Options For People With Lung Cancer


    2010 - 12.21

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    Posted in Medical Pharmacology | No Comments »

    Several lung cancer treatments are currently available and the determination as to which one is prescribed depends on the lung cancer stage that has been diagnosed, the location of the cancer, and the patients health. The most common treatments for lung cancer include Surgery, Radiation, Chemotherapy, and Targeted Therapy.

    Surgery

    Surgery involves cutting away a cancerous tumor and a portion of the tissue that has surrounded the tumor. Sometimes the surgical treatment involves removal of the entire affected lung. Surgery is often effective, but recovery time can be long. Because the surgeon will have to cut through the rib cage to get to the lungs, there will be pain and bed rest for one to two months after the procedure.

    In addition to traditional surgical methods, other types of surgical procedures can be used depending on the location of the tumor and also the patients physical condition. A craniotomy, which is basically surgery performed through a hole made to the skull can be prescribed to tumors located in the brain. For small tumors, a procedure whereby a video camera is inserted into a tiny incision helps the surgeon zero in on a tumor. Because the incision is small, pain is generally reduced.

    Radiation

    Radiation can either be used by itself or in conjunction with a surgical procedure. Radiation can be beamed directly at the cancerous tumor from the outside of the body using a laser, or radiation can be delivered directly to the tumor via a small pellet. When a patients overall state of health is poor, radiation is a better alternative than undergoing a surgical procedure. In cases where surgery has been performed, radiation might also be prescribed as a way to remove the cancerous cells that for whatever reason could not be surgically removed. Radiation to remove brain tumors can result in changing the brains functionality later on, but may be the only option.

    Chemotherapy

    Chemotherapy is actually a drug that works to remove cancer by way of the bloodstream. Chemotherapy drugs can be taken either orally or administered via an injection into a vein. Because the bloodstream can carry the drug throughout the body, Chemotherapy is often the preferred treatment when lung cancer has spread well beyond the lungs. One problem associated with chemotherapy is that it can also cause damage to healthy cells and the cells that produce blood that reside within the bone marrow. Low blood counts can lead to a number of different problems so Chemotherapy treatment must be closely monitored.

    Targeted Therapy

    Targeted Therapy is a relatively new treatment option that does show promise. Instead of focusing on destroying damaged cells (which can also damage healthy cells), these drugs instead are designed to interfere with a cancerous cells ability to grow. Right now, Targeted Therapy drugs are given to patients only after other treatment options have been attempted. And unfortunately, Targeted Therapy has not been effective for all patients.

    Each lung cancer treatment option has benefits, risks and frequently, side effects. Deciding which option is best is something that only a doctor and patient can determine.

    Treatment And Causes Of Gynecomastia


    2010 - 12.13

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    What is Gynecomastia?

    The word Gynecomastia comes from two Greek words, Gyne meaning Woman and Mastos which means breast. A loose translation would be woman like breasts. They are also know as steroid breasts or bitch tits as some people unkindly call them.

    Gynecomastia actually describes a condition whereby breast tissue builds up in a males chest creating what appear to be female breasts. These breasts can be quite tender and sensitive.

    The condition Gynecomastia is very common in adolescent boys, however, in about 90% of these cases, the condition disappears naturally as their adolescence follows its course.

    For the remaining 10% though, it remains and can be quite a social handicap causing significant psychological damage to the patient. The feelings that this condition can generate can be shame, embarrassment and humiliation commonly. A lot of this can be brought about from teasing and jokes made about their breasts by their peers.

    Other than the tenderness in the chest which is associated with Gynecomastia, there are no other medical problems with this condition other than the psychological problems that it causes.

    For some men and boys who appear to have Gynecomastia, may actually have a condition called pseudogynecomastia. This describes the fatty build up on their chests. This is not the same thing as Gynecomastia.

    Interestingly, it is possible that this condition may affect only one breast or both.

    What causes Gynecomastia?

    For most cases of Gynecomastia, there are no identifiable causes for this problem. However, this list contains a lot of what is commonly accepted to cause Gynecomastia.

    - puberty
    - steroid abuse
    - obesity
    - tumors
    - genetic disorders
    - chronic liver disease
    - side effects of medication
    - castration
    - Klinefelter Syndrome
    - Gilberts Syndrome
    - ageing

    Gynecomastia can also be caused by changes in the balance of the hormones estrogen and testosterone. This commonly occurs during puberty although can probably happen during other stages of a mans life.

    From that list, it is believed that the main causes are obesity, steroid abuse and an imbalance in hormones.

    How is Gynecomastia Diagnosed?

    The doctor will probably make a physical examination of the breasts and then ask a number of questions regarding your breasts in order to ascertain how long youve had them and also what degree of tenderness do you experience.

    In order to work out what is causing your Gynecomastia, the doctor will enquire about your medical history as well as any medication that you are taking.

    The examination itself should be relatively minor with just a bit of prodding and poking.

    It should be noted as well that while male breast cancer is more common than a lot of people think, these lumps in a mans breast are not cancerous, however, as usual, if in doubt, contact your doctor as soon as possible in order to eliminate the possibility.

    How is Gynecomastia Treated?

    In many cases Gynecomastia requires no treatment whatsoever and will disappear quietly on its own.

    In other cases, the treatment may depend upon the cause. For example, if the cause is the medicine that youre taking, then hopefully there is a suitable alternative which will be just as effective but without the side of effect of Gynecomastia. As Gynecomastia is usually less of a problem than the condition that the medicine is treating, this other condition will take priority in your care.

    In a lot of cases, the reason for Gynecomastia is obesity. In this case, if the patient loses a degree of their weight through diet and exercise, then this will usually cure the Gynecomastia without the need for any kind of surgery.

    In a small number of cases, surgery is deemed to be the best option. Usually in these cases, the Gynecomastia is causing the patient a significant degree of psychological problems.

    This surgery removes the glandular tissue and/or fat behind the breast in order to create a more masculine looking chest.

    The surgery for Gynecomastia can often be conducted under a local anesthetic with some sedation and the patient be treated as an out-patient. However, as with all surgery, whether it is low risk like this or high risk, there is always an element of risk of excessive bleeding, fluid loss and problems associated with the anesthesia. As such, the patient should be healthy and emotionally stable otherwise the risk of surgery is increased. There can also be a degree of scarring with the surgery which should be known before the operation takes place.

    As this surgery is usually considered cosmetic, it is often quite difficult to get financing or for the public health bodies to accept you as a patient. However, patients do sometimes get the funding required often after proving the psychological problems that this condition causes.

    Summary

    Gynecomastia affects many people in varying degrees. The main problem from it, is the psychological problems associated with the humiliation of having woman like breasts. For most, the solution is to lose weight or to wait for the body to develop further, however for some, the only way to cure this problem is by having breast reduction surgery.

    Treating Crohn’s Disease With Surgery


    2010 - 12.04

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    Unfortunately, surgery is necessary in approximately 75% of people with Crohns Disease. This may be done for a variety of reasons, including excessive bleeding, perforation of the bowel, intestinal obstruction, formation of an abscess, or when other medical treatments fail. However, surgery is almost always used as a last resort and is typically avoided if possible. For this reason, many people suffer for years with symptoms that could be relieved if surgery were utilized.

    There are various options available, including procedures to remove affected areas of the intestine as well as procedures to redirect stool to an opening where it is passed out of the body. However, the latter requires life changes that are difficult for some to deal with.

    Strictureplasty is the most common surgical procedure performed for Crohns Disease. This is a procedure in which a narrowed area of the intestine is widened. Patchy, diseased areas narrow and are known as strictures. Because these areas of diseased bowel alternate with portions of normal bowel, cramps occur as the normal bowel tries to compensate for blockages that arise. It is not suggested to remove large segments of bowel as nutritional deficiencies may occur. Therefore, strictureplasty is performed to avoid removing any of the intestinal tract but still improve conditions.

    However, removing diseased sections of intestine is sometimes necessary and is known as resection. There are various forms of resection, depending on which area of the bowel is being removed. However, after any portion is taken out, the two ends of healthy bowel are reconnected to restore intestinal function. This is known as anastomosis.

    Other surgical procedures include the treatment of abscesses and fistulas. This may include draining pus or repairing damaged areas. These areas are of particular concern as they may lead to severe infection, leading to death if not properly treated. Special care must be taken in removing abscesses from the rectal area, as damage to those muscles may lead to incontinence.

    It is necessary to understand that there is no cure for Crohns Disease; therefore, surgery may only temporarily relieve symptoms. Negative side effects usually return with time, often at the same location of the surgery. Almost half of those that need surgery will also require a second procedure.

    Research is being done to determine if microinvasive or laparoscopic surgery may be utilized to decrease the intrusive nature of surgical procedures. While this may greatly improve the process, it is still being explored.

    Treating Crohn’s Disease With Nutritional Change


    2010 - 11.30

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    Posted in Medical Pharmacology | No Comments »

    It should be understood that Crohns Disease can not be cured or treated with nutritional change. Food intake or allergies also do not cause Crohns Disease. However, after the disease is present, certain foods may aggravate the effects of Crohns and may be eliminated to reduce side effects.

    There is no special diet Crohns sufferers should follow. For the most part, you should monitor your diet and the results of such on your body. One way of doing this is by utilizing a food diary in which you log such information. This way, you can keep track of any negative effects certain foods may have. Furthermore, the part of your intestine that is affected by Crohns may determine how your body reacts to certain foods and these results may change as time goes by.

    Certain diets are being advertised as being effective in treating Crohns disease, such as The Specific Carbohydrate Diet. However, diets that make such claims are only supported by testimonials and have no scientific support. This should be considered in the validity of the diet. However, certain claims of the diet may be accurate, such as reducing gas and bloating by eliminating hard to digest foods. It should be understood that while certain side effects of the disease may be reduced, it does not actually lessen inflammation or cure the disease.

    However, there are certain factors that should be kept in mind in regards to Crohns Disease and nutrition. One of which is malnutrition. Due to inadequate food intake, poor absorption, and a combination of diarrhea and vomiting, sufferers often do not have proper nutrient levels in their body. Therefore, special care should be taken to either take supplements or to maintain a proper diet. Also, dehydration is a very serious concern. Excessive diarrhea, as a result of the emptying of the intestines and inadequate absorption of liquids in the large intestines, may lead to dehydration which, in turn, can cause dysfunction of the kidneys or excessive weakness.

    A possible treatment to aid in proper vitamin and mineral intake, nutritional support may be utilized. This is the use of a feeding tube through the stomach or small bowel to assure adequate nutrition.

    New research is being done in the area of nutritional therapy. The use of fish or flaxseed oils has been shown to decrease inflammation in the digestive tract. The use of probiotics, or good bacteria, has also shown promise in restoring balance to the intestine.

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