Archive for October, 2009

Skin Cancer Warning Signs

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

If you have fair skin and develop freckles easily, or red or blond hair or green or blue eyes then you are at the greatest chance of catching skin cancer although any person can catch the disease.

If there is a new lump or spot that you find on your skin or a sore that does not seem to heel or a change in the appearance of a mole, these could all be the early skin cancer warning signs.

Though the above signs do not guarantee the presence of skin cancer it is very important to consult a doctor if you witness any of the above worrisome growths so that it can be established if you are suffering from skin cancer in any of its forms.

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3 Types of Skin Cancer

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

There are 3 types of skin cancer:

  1. Squamous Cell Carcinoma – Found on body parts that are exposed to the sun like ears, face, mouth. A bump that becomes an open sore is the most common symptom. It can spread to other body parts like the lymphatic system if not treated properly and on time.
  2. Basal Cell Carcinoma – More than 75% of skin cancers diagnosed are Basal Cell Carcinoma. Found commonly on the face, neck hands and rarely spreads to other body parts. Symptoms are a sore that oozes or bleeds, a pink pearl bump, etc. It is easily treatable.
  3. Melanoma – The most dangerous and deadly form of skin cancer. Can develop anywhere on the body, arms, legs and trunks being most common areas. If detected early it can be treated easily. The symptoms are a mole, freckle, or new/existing spot that changes in size, shape and color.

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Lung Cancer Life Expectancy Stages

Sunday, October 11th, 2009

The life expectancy for lung cancer depends on the stage at which it is diagnosed. Thus, below is listed the life expectancy with respect to the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed:

  1. Stage I – This stage is divided into A and B. The chances of surviving 5 years when diagnosed with stage IA is 67% while for IB it is 57%.
  2. Stage II – This stage is also divided into A and B.  For IIA the chances of survival are 55% while for IIB they are 38%.
  3. Stage III – Here as well there are A and B divisions. At stage IIIA the chances of survival are 23% and at stage IIIB it is only 5%.
  4. Stage IV – Here the survival rate is the poorest. A measly 1%. The life expectancy at this stage is roughly about a year.

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Lung Cancer Chemotherapy Treatment Guidelines

Saturday, October 3rd, 2009

The most common agents used to treat lung cancer through chemotherapy are Platinol (Cisplatin), Taxol (Paclitexel), Oncovin (Vincristine sulfate), Navelbine (Vinorelbine tartare), Paraplatin (Carboplatin), VP – 16 (Etoposide), Taxotere (Docetaxel), Ifex (Ifosfamide), Gemzar (Gemcitabine hydrochloride) and Adriamycin (Doxorubicin).

Lung cancer chemotherapy usually consists of two or more of the above chemotherapy agents. These combination therapies have showed a good overall response in patients to treatment. The most popular combinations of the above treatment include Paclitaxel plus Carboplatin, Cisplatin plus Vinorelbine Tartare, Cisplatin plus VP-16 and Carboplatin plus VP-16.

Radiotherapy is very often used to in combination with Cisplatin plus VP-16 and Carboplatin plus VP-16. Doctors are now researching the effects of radiotherapy with a combination of paclitaxel and carboplatin.

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