Archive for the ‘colon’ tag
Pancreas Cancer: Warning Signs
Pancreas Cancer: Warning Signs
Pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. It is due to the fact that symptoms of pancreatic cancer are vague and are often misunderstood for other illnesses.
Pancreas is a major organ of the digestive system that lies behind the stomach. It plays an important role in the metabolism of the body. It is divided into two parts – exocrine and endocrine.
The exocrine pancreas secretes pancreatic juice that aids in digestion of food in the small intestine, whereas the endocrine pancreas produces an insulin hormone that regulates the glucose metabolism in the body.
Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor in the tissues of the pancreas. It is also called exocrine cancer. Pancreatic cancer is more common among males and in elderly people. Certain factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, diet, gingivitis, chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreatic tissues) and diabetes increases the risk of pancreatic cancer. It is observed that about 6-10% of the pancreatic cancer patients have a family history of pancreatic cancer.
Pancreas Cancer: Warning Signs
An early stage of pancreatic cancer either doesn’t cause symptoms or it causes symptoms that are often misunderstood for other diseases. Symptoms appear when the tumor grows to such a size that it disturbs the normal functioning of the stomach, liver and other adjacent organs. Hence, timely diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is very rare. Pancreatic cancer is usually diagnosed in its final stages, when it is too late to cure. Thus, it is sometimes referred to as silent killer. Let’s look into some of the warning signs that will help in diagnosing pancreatic cancer at the right time.
- Pancreatic cancer causes a mild pain in the abdomen. People may suffer from back pain or sometimes both. Pain is caused due to the spread of tumors to the nearby nerve tissues surrounding the affected tissues. Pain is either continuous or it occurs intermittently.
- One of the notable signs of pancreatic cancer is jaundice (yellowing of skin and sclera), which is characterized by high levels of bilirubin in the blood. Pancreatic cancer patients whose tumors are located in the head of pancreas suffer from jaundice symptoms. It is caused due to the obstruction of the bile duct that results in the abnormal synthesis of bilirubin (bile pigment).
- The pancreatic tumors block normal circulation of the digestive enzymes, hence disturbing digestion of foods in the small intestine. Thus, patients of pancreatic cancer have a problem in digesting fatty foods, proteins and carbohydrates and often suffer from digestive problems.
- Loss of weight is observed on the onset of pancreatic cancer. It is caused due to less consumption of food because of loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Weight loss is associated with other symptoms such as bloating and diarrhea.
- It is often observed that a patient of pancreatic tumor suffers from increased fatigue and depression.
Other remarkable signs of pancreatic cancer are enlargement of liver and spleen, muscle spasms, chills and blood clots. If an individual has experienced any of the symptoms listed above, then he/she should consult and seek advice from a physician. Whatever the result may be; it is always better to diagnose diseases in their early stages and take further precautions.
Treatment of pancreatic cancer (in its early stages) is done with medications, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and biological therapy. In order to reduce risks of pancreatic cancer, one should follow healthy eating habits with proper diets, control body weight and go for regular exercise.
| By Ningthoujam Sandhyarani Published: 1/19/2009 |
Here are more articles on the pancreas and pancreatic cancer cures, remedies and treatments.
Health Benefits of Raw & Fermented Foods | Eating an enzyme-rich diet decreases the load on your pancreas, preserving your body’s own natural enzyme potential, thereby reducing your risk of chronic diseases.
Symptoms Of Pancreas Problems Natural Remedy Many conditions can occur in the of the pancreas and should always be discussed with your health care. If you have pancreas cancer, it’s natural to worry.
Homeopathy Extracts of plants and of animal organs, particularly endocrine glands such as the adrenal cortex, thyroid, thymus, pancreas, and spleen, are commonly used.
HOMEOPATHY: Diabetes and homeopathy. Useful in diabetes and pancreatic diseases, especially in those of a tuberculous or gouty diathesis. The pancreatic involvement will call attention to Phosphorus.
HOMEOPATHY For Sugar Regulation In Body and Diabetes Melitus It helps to strengthen the pancreas and regenerate the dead pancreas cells and auto better produce the amount of insulin needed by the body.
Homeopathy Approach in Stomach Cancer and Its Managment Smokers are also more likely than nonsmokers to develop several other types of cancer (such as oral cancer and cancers of the larynx, esophagus, pancreas, bladder, kidney, and cervix).
Natural Treatments for Pancreas Cancer
Treatment for Pancreas Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is the common type of gastrointestinal cancer. If diagnosed in the early stage, it can be treated with various treatment options. Read on to know about the treatment for pancreas cancer.
Pancreas is one of the important organs of the digestive system, which is located adjacent to the small intestine behind the stomach in the upper part of the abdomen.
The main function of pancreas is to produce certain enzymes, required for the digestion process. It produces the hormone insulin that controls blood glucose levels. Pancreatic cancer results from uncontrolled growth of malignant cells.
There are two types of pancreatic cancer; exocrine pancreatic cancer or adenocarcinoma and islet cell pancreatic cancer or endocrine cancer. Pancreatic cancer usually spreads very rapidly through the lymphatic system to other organs such as lungs, liver, bones etc. It is rarely detected in its early stage. That’s why it is one of the leading causes of cancer death. It is reported that approximately 30,000 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the United States.
Certain factors such as obesity, smoking, chronic pancreatitis, long-term diabetes, age, gender, family history and certain hereditary disorders such as hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer, hereditary pancreatitis and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 syndrome can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer usually appear in the advanced stage of the disease.
No symptoms appear in the early stage of cancer and hence, pancreatic cancer is referred to as a silent disease. Some common symptoms of pancreatic cancer are pain in the upper abdomen and in the back, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss and weakness. Pancreatic cancer can also cause jaundice, digestive problems and muscle spasms, dizziness and diarrhea due to excessive production of insulin.
How Is Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosed?
An accurate diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in the early stage is very essential in order to seek immediate medical treatment. Certain tests and investigations are carried out to diagnose pancreas cancer including blood tests such as determination of levels of serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and certain imaging tests such as ultrasound, MRI scan, CT scan, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS).
Stages of Pancreas Cancer
Once pancreatic cancer is diagnosed, staging of the cancer is done with the help of X-ray, CT scan, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and bone scan. Pancreatic cancer can be staged in three broad categories such as respectable, locally advanced and metastatic. Staging of pancreatic cancer can be done in a different way such as stage 0, stage I to stage IV. In stage 0, abnormal cells can be found in the pancreatic lining. This condition is also known as carcinoma in situ. In stage I, cancer is developed and found in the pancreas only. In stage II, cancer may spread to nearby organs and lymph nodes. In stage III, cancer may spread to major blood vessels and nearby lymph nodes. In stage IV, cancer may spread to other distant organs such as lungs, liver and peritoneal cavity.
Treatment for Pancreas Cancer
Treatment for pancreas cancer is decided depending upon the location and stage of the cancer. The treatment option is selected on the basis of age and overall health of the patient and patient’s personal preference. Cancer treatment is aimed at removing the cancer when possible or preventing further growth of the cancer causing more harm. If pancreatic cancer is diagnosed in its advanced stage and any treatment option to remove the cancer is not possible, then treatment is given to reduce the symptoms and increase the comfort level of the patient. Various treatment options for pancreatic cancer include medications, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and targeted drug therapy. Locally advanced pancreatic cancer can be treated with a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy or with chemotherapy only. Chemotherapy is the fundamental treatment for locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Surgery: Complete removal of cancer with surgery is the only way to cure pancreatic cancer. The localized pancreatic cancer can be removed with surgery and hence considered as resectable cancer. If cancer has spread to other organs, blood vessels or lymph nodes, then surgery cannot be a treatment option. In case of resectable cancer, surgery is carried out to remove tumors in the pancreatic head or tumors in the pancreatic body and tail.
When pancreatic cancer is developed in the pancreatic head, a Whipple procedure or pancreatoduodenectomy is recommended. This surgery involves removal of pancreatic head, duodenum (a portion of small intestine) as well as gallbladder and part of bile duct. It may involve removal of a part of the stomach as well. There may be a risk of bleeding and infection. Some people with Whipple surgery may experience vomiting, nausea and temporary diabetes. Distal pancreatectomy is performed to remove the tail or the tail and a small portion of body of the pancreas. There may also be the removal of the spleen.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of various drugs to kill the malignant cells. In this therapy, drugs can be taken orally or injected intravenously. Chemotherapy can be combined with radiation therapy, known as chemoradiation. It can be used to treat pancreatic cancer, which has spread only to nearby organs, but not involving distant organs. In case of advanced pancreas cancer, chemotherapy can be used in combination with targeted drug therapy.
Targeted Drug Therapy: This therapy involves the use of drugs that target certain abnormalities in the cancer cells. Erlotinib is one of the targeted drugs, which prevents the chemicals that promote growth and division of cancer cells.
Medications: Certain chemotherapy drugs can be used as a part of pancreatic cancer treatment. Gemcitabine is used to treat metastatic pancreatic cancer, which directly targets malignant cells. Fluorouracil is given intravenously in combination with radiation therapy. Capecitabine is taken orally and generally used with radiation therapy. Some drugs such as cetuximab ,bevacizumab and vatalanib are used in combination with gemcitabine. Pancrelipase is recommended to improve pancreatic function after the surgical removal of the affected portion of pancreas. A variety of pain relievers can be used to control pain and discomfort.
Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy focuses on killing the cancer cells to minimize the risk of returning or spreading of cancer and treating the tumors that are not surgically removed. Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy beams in order to destroy malignant cells. Radiation therapy can be given in combination with chemotherapy before or after surgery. Radiation therapy is typically given 5 days a week for about 6 weeks. Some side effects of this therapy are diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue and skin irritation.
Biological Therapy: It is also called as Biological Response Modifier (BRM) therapy or immunotherapy. It involves the use of a patient’s immune system to fight cancer. Body’s natural defenses are restored or promoted by using the substances that are made in the laboratory or made by the body.
Clinical Trial: Clinical trial involves the study of new drugs, new radiation treatments or new approaches to surgery. Some advanced treatments that are currently under investigation in clinical trials include the use of drugs called angiogenesis inhibitors to stop cancer growth by preventing the cancer cells to use new blood vessels. Pancreatic cancer vaccines can be used to enhance the immune system and promote it to attack a specific protein secreted by cancer cells.
Although, these treatment options are helpful in reducing the symptoms of pancreatic cancer, it is better to adopt some preventive measures. You can minimize the risk of pancreatic cancer by maintaining a healthy body weight, having a nutritious, healthy diet and regular exercises and by stopping unhealthy habits like smoking. After all, prevention is always better than cure, isn’t it?
| By Reshma Jirage Published: 1/17/2009 |
Here are more articles on the pancreas and pancreatic cancer.
"How To REVERSE DIABETES NOW!" Within your pancreas there are these cells called Beta Cells (β-cells). These are the cells that produce insulin.
Insomnia – How Can Natural Insomnnia Cures Help White sugar may cause a peak in the blood sugar levels and put stress on the pancreas. The sugar level then drops causing a release of adrenalin, glucagon and cortisone which causes wakefulness.
Natural Cure for Pancreatitis: Biogetica Pancreatitis Optimal Kit The sarcodes help in providing support to your pancreas while the digestive enzymes ensure that this natural cure for pancreatitis enhances your digestive system and helps you to digest.
Why Herbal Colon Cleansing Is A Must The liver, small intestines, kidneys, pancreas, gallbladder, lymph nodes, spleen and colon all function together to get rid of these toxins.
Popular Herbal Supplement Hinders The Growth Of Pancreatic Cancer A new study from University Pittsburgh Cancer Institute suggests commonly used herbal supplement, triphala, has cancer-fighting properties prevent or slow growth pancreatic cancer tumor.
Herbal Infusions For Woman Steroidal saponins nourish the pancreas and liver, improve the digestion and stabilize moods. And is a good source of B Vitamins. C. Red Clover.
Detox Liver Cleanse
Detox Guide On Liver Cleanse And Its Positive Effects On Our Health
The liver is the primary detoxifying organ in the human body and so it is essential that it always remains working to the best of its ability.
Unfortunately the toxins that the liver helps to rid from the body also attack the liver, causing it to become congested and incapable of fully clearing large amounts of harmful toxins from the blood stream.
A liver cleanse, or a liver flush, helps to wash small stones and crystals out of the liver and the associated gall bladder so that they retain their invaluable ability to detoxify. It is always beneficial to perform a colon-cleanse and a kidney cleanse before flushing the liver.
This is because the colon stores rotting food matter which releases self-produced toxins in to the body, thus this harmful food matter needs to be excreted before anything else is done. Also the kidneys should be cleansed so that they don’t in turn become congested when the waste from the liver passes through them.
It is imperative to cleanse the liver regularly, especially if you live on a diet of processed and fast foods or you consume moderate amounts of alcohol. By leaving the liver in a congested state it means that it no longer has the capability to remove toxins from the blood. These toxins continue to circulate around the body until they settle in one spot and cause illness and disease, which can sometimes turn out to be quite serious.
So what do you need to cleanse the liver?
Apple juice and lots of it – this should be drunk in large quantities for up to 5 days before you flush your liver. It contains malic acid which helps to loosen stones and other bits of debris that are attached to the walls of the liver tubules.
Epsom salts dissolved in either water or fruit juice (not citric fruit) – these help to relax the smooth muscle in the bile duct so that large particles which could cause pain flow through smoothly.
Virgin olive oil – this helps the gall bladder and the bile duct (through which the liver waste runs) to contract with force, thus pushing out big particles that could get trapped.
One big grapefruit or 3 lemons – the juice from these fruits is mixed with the olive oil to help it travel through the stomach, thus reducing the risk of nausea. When the oil reaches the small intestine it helps to carry away the stones and debris from the liver.
A liver cleanse has to be performed to a schedule for it to work properly and so more detailed instructions should be sought before you try it yourself.
By: Leroy Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Find out more about Liver Detox. Copyright 2006, Leroy Fong and Detox-Guide.com. Reprinting this article is allowed provided all references and acknowledgement to the author, the website, and the URL remain intact. Detox Guide | Liver Detox | Colon Cleanse
Here are more articles to detox your liver with a detoxifying liver cleanse.
Liver Flush (Liver Cleanse, Gallbladder Flush) There are alternative cures that work as well or better than modern medicine in certain cases. The liver flush is an amazing tool, used correctly. I encourage you to try it.
The Single Liver Flush The liver is the largest organ in the body and is vital to the digestive process and metabolism of many of the major food groups such as carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins.
One Day Detox Diet Antioxidants are elements that can flush out free radicals from the body. When undergoing a detox diet toxins are cleaned out through the skin kidneys and liver.
Fat Flush Plan: Discovering Your Homemade Natural Remedy For Gout Alkaline-rich foods since alkaline neutralizes acids. A good source of alkaline is grapes and baking soda. Add these to your diet as a natural remedy for gout. Fiber absorbs bile acids.
124 Ways Sugar Can Ruin Your Life Sugar can increase the size of the liver by making the liver cells divide 63. Sugar can increase the amount of liver fat 64. Sugar can increase kidney size.
Liver Cancer – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Use of radiofrequency waves or injection of toxic substances may also be used to kill tumors.
Improving Liver Detox May Help Prevent Alzheimer’s Improving liver detox could help detox the toxic protein A-beta that is linked to Alzheimer’s Disease. Problems in liver detox pathways have been found in Alzheimer’s.
Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding the content in this website, about the products that are mentioned, or just any questions at all don’t hesitate to contact me at the following address. I’d also love to hear any feedback on the site if you’ve found it helpful or have some ideas about how I can improve the site in some way.
Please contact me at christin@netclickheremarketing.com
I will reply to all messages as soon as possible.
Christine
About Us
Liver Cleansing Foods.net is dedicated to providing quality information on the subject of your health and in particular, on the products for the liver, colon and bowel.
Here you will find helpful reviews, informative information and tips and much more. This site is in the format of a ‘weblog’ so that each time I post new information, it will come to the top of the front page. This means that you can check back here frequently to see new updates to the information found here.
You can navigate through the site by using the menus on the sides of the page. Also don’t hesitate to follow the links you see in bold throughout each post to learn more about the product being spoken about.
I hope you find the information I provide valuable and helpful.
All the best,
Christine McVeigh
