Tag: cancer detection

Germ cell ovarian cancer: what is it ?

Posted on by Julie Scott, DNP

Germ-cell ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the germ cell of the ovary, which is the egg in the ovary. This is a rare type of ovarian cancer, as most ovarian cancers form in the cells lining the ovaries.

This type of ovarian cancer is most likely found in younger women or teenagers. Most often, only one ovary is affected.

Symptoms

Symptoms of germ cell ovarian cancer can vary for each person, but some of the common symptoms of this cancer include:

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Pain in the abdomen
  • Feeling full quickly after eating

Diagnosis

The ultimate diagnosis of ovarian cancer will be made once a biopsy is obtained. A pelvic exam may be done if there is a suspected issue with the female reproductive system. During a pelvic exam, the practitioner can feel for any abnormalities.

When a diagnosis of ovarian cancer is suspected or confirmed, imaging studies such as CT scans or ultrasounds may be ordered to evaluate for the presence of a mass or any other area of concern. A biopsy may be ordered once a suspicious mass is identified.

Lab tests, such as beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) or alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), can serve as tumor markers. These tests can be elevated if germ cell ovarian cancer is present.

Further imaging can be ordered once a diagnosis is made to establish where the cancer is located. Once a diagnosis is made, the additional imaging allows the oncologist to determine the stage of cancer, which is how extensive cancer has grown.

Treatment

The exact treatment for ovarian cancer will be determined once the diagnosis is made and the cancer stage is known.

Surgery may be recommended to treat cancer and can include the removal of the ovary and fallopian tube. Still, it can also possibly include removing both ovaries and the uterus as well. Surgery may even be recommended to debulk the tumor even if it can’t all be removed.

Some people will need to be treated with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a medication that is given to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy, where high beams of energy are directed at cancer cells, may also be given.

If you’ve been diagnosed with germ-cell ovarian cancer, be sure to talk to your cancer team about the specifics of your cancer. They can help you understand your diagnosis and how best to treat it.

Germ cell ovarian cancer (GCOC) is one of the most common types of cancer in women. Early detection and treatment of GCOC are essential for successful outcomes.

The facts about floor of mouth cancer-what causes it, symptom, and treatment

Posted on by Julie Scott, DNP

Floor-of-mouth cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells that line the floor of the mouth, under the tongue. This cancer most often starts in the squamous cells that cover the oral cavity.

Factors that can make someone at higher risk of developing floor of the mouth cancer include:

  • Heavy alcohol use
  • Tobacco use
  • Poor dental hygiene
  • Being of the male sex
  • History of HPV infection

Symptoms

Symptoms of the floor of mouth cancer can vary for each person, but some common symptoms can include:

  • Non-healing sore or ulcer under the tongue
  • Bleeding from the sore or ulcer area
  • Pain in the mouth
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Swelling of lymph nodes in the neck
  • Ear pain

Diagnosis

The ultimate diagnosis of floor-of-mouth cancer will be made once a biopsy is obtained. When someone is suspected of having the floor of mouth cancer, they will likely have a thorough exam done, in which the tongue and oral cavity will be inspected. A biopsy may be taken for an official diagnosis if a suspicious lesion is seen.

When cancer is confirmed, imaging tests will likely be ordered. Standard imaging tests can include CT scans, X-rays, MRIs, and PET scans. These tests can look to see if cancer cells have spread to other body areas.

Once a diagnosis is made and imaging studies are done, the cancer is given a stage to describe how advanced the cancer is.

Treatment

The exact treatment for floor-of-mouth cancer will be determined once the diagnosis is made and the cancer stage is known.

Surgery may be recommended for this cancer. The exact surgery that will be required is based on the tumor size and if any lymph nodes have cancer. Surgery may require a large amount of the floor of the mouth to be removed, which may result in reconstructive surgery.

Radiation therapy is a treatment that may be used as well. During radiation, high-energy beams are directed at the cancer cells to kill them.

Chemotherapy is another treatment that may be recommended as well. Chemotherapy is a medication that is given to kill cancer cells. Sometimes chemotherapy and radiation therapy are used at the same time.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a floor of mouth cancer, be sure to talk to your cancer team about the specifics of your cancer. They can help you understand your diagnosis and how best to treat it.

Cancer of the floor of the mouth is relatively rare.  Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for successful outcomes. If you have any symptoms that concern you, please see your doctor as soon as possible. Cancer can be scary, but knowledge is power. The more we understand this disease, the better our chances of beating it.

What are the early warning signs of esophageal cancer?

Posted on by Julie Scott, DNP

Esophageal cancer is a type of cancer that grows in the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Factors that can make someone at higher risk of developing esophageal cancer include:

  • Increasing age
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • History of Barrett esophagus
  • Tobacco use

Symptoms

Symptoms of esophageal cancer can vary for each person, but some common symptoms can include:

  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Pain with swallowing
  • Chest pain
  • Decreased appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Hoarse voice
  • Indigestion

Diagnosis

The ultimate diagnosis of esophageal cancer will be made once a biopsy is obtained. Imaging tests will likely be ordered when someone is suspected of having esophageal cancer. Standard imaging tests can include X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans.

Another imaging test that will likely be needed is an upper endoscopy. During this exam, a gastroenterologist inserts an extended, flexible scope with a camera into the mouth, esophagus, and stomach. This camera allows them to visualize any suspicious areas for cancer. During an endoscopy, a biopsy of a suspicious lesion can be taken to be tested for cancer cells.

A specialized ultrasound may also be done, which can help look at how large the cancerous lesion is and evaluate the lymph nodes around the esophagus to see if they look suspicious for cancer.

Once a diagnosis is made and imaging studies are done, the cancer is given a stage to describe how advanced the cancer is.

Treatment

The exact treatment for esophageal cancer will be determined once the diagnosis is made and the cancer stage is known.

Surgery may be recommended for esophageal cancer. This surgery can include removing the part of the esophagus containing the tumor and pulling up the stomach to connect to the end of the esophagus. Surgery may also remove lymph nodes around the esophagus to check for the spread of cancer to those areas.

Radiation therapy is a treatment that may be used as well. During radiation, high-energy beams are directed at the cancer cells to kill them.

Chemotherapy is another treatment that may be recommended. Chemotherapy is a medication that is given to kill cancer cells. Sometimes chemotherapy is used before surgery to help shrink the tumor and allow the surgeon to perform less aggressive surgery.

Immunotherapy may be given for esophageal cancer that has spread into other areas of the body (metastasized). Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that helps the immune system see and attack cancer cells.

If you’ve been diagnosed with esophageal cancer, be sure to talk to your cancer team about the specifics of your cancer. They can help you understand your diagnosis and how best to treat it.

In conclusion, esophageal cancer is a serious disease that can be difficult to detect and treat. However, understanding the risk factors and symptoms can improve your chances of early detection and treatment. If you are concerned about your risk for esophageal cancer, talk to your doctor. And remember, the best way to prevent any cancer is to live a healthy lifestyle.

 

The Importance of Early Detection for Cardiac Sarcoma

Posted on by Julie Scott, DNP

Cardiac sarcoma is an incredibly rare type of cancer. This cancer originates inside the tissues of the heart. It’s often a type of cancer called angiosarcoma. Angiosarcoma is cancer that develops in the cells that line the blood vessels and lymphatic vessels.

This cancer can be aggressive and may spread quickly to other areas of the body.

Symptoms

Symptoms of cardiac sarcoma can vary for each person, but some of the common symptoms of this cancer include:

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Cough
  • Swelling to the lower extremities
  • Palpitations
  • Coughing up blood
  • Abnormal heart rhythm

Diagnosis

The ultimate diagnosis of cardiac sarcoma will be made once a biopsy is obtained.

When someone presents to their healthcare provider with their concerning symptoms, imaging studies such as CT scans or ultrasounds may be ordered to evaluate for the presence of a mass or any other area of concern. A biopsy may be ordered once a suspicious mass is identified.

Further imaging can be ordered once a diagnosis is made to establish where the cancer is located. Once a diagnosis is made, the additional imaging allows the oncologist to determine the stage of cancer, which is how extensive cancer has grown.

Treatment

The exact treatment for cardiac sarcoma will be determined once the diagnosis is made and the cancer stage is known.

Surgery may be recommended to treat cancer and to remove as much of the cancerous tumor as possible.

Some people will need to be treated with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a medication that is given to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy, where high beams of energy are directed at cancer cells, may also be given.

If you’ve been diagnosed with cardiac sarcoma, be sure to talk to your cancer team about the specifics of your cancer. They can help you understand your diagnosis and how best to treat it.

Cardiac sarcoma is a very rare type of cancer. Awareness of this disease’s symptoms and risk factors is essential, as early detection is vital for successful treatment. If you or someone you know has any signs or symptoms of cardiac sarcoma, please consult a doctor immediately. While this disease is rare, it is still essential to be informed and take action if necessary.

Gastric cancer: types, symptoms, and treatments

Posted on by Julie Scott, DNP

Gastric cancer is a type of cancer that grows in the stomach, in the cells lining the stomach wall. Factors that can make someone at higher risk of developing gastric cancer include:

  • Increasing age
  • Chronic inflammation of the stomach
  • History of H. pylori infections
  • History of Epstein Barr viral infection
  • Family history of gastric cancer
  • Tobacco use
  • Diets containing high amounts of smoked foods

Symptoms

Symptoms of gastric cancer can vary for each person, but some common symptoms can include:

  • Stomach pain
  • Feeling bloated, especially after eating
  • Indigestion
  • Nausea
  • Weight loss
  • Decreased appetite

Diagnosis

The ultimate diagnosis of gastric cancer will be made once a biopsy is obtained. Imaging tests will likely be ordered when someone is suspected of having gastric cancer. Standard imaging tests can include CT scans, X-rays, MRIs, and PET scans.

Another imaging test that will likely be needed is an upper endoscopy. During this exam, a gastroenterologist inserts a long flexible scope with a camera into the mouth and the stomach. This camera allows them to visualize any suspicious areas for cancer. During an endoscopy, a biopsy of a suspicious lesion can be taken to be tested for cancer cells.

In addition to imaging, blood tests to evaluate blood cell counts, as well as kidney and liver function, are often done as well.

Once a diagnosis is made and imaging studies are done, the cancer is given a stage to describe how advanced the cancer is.

Treatment

The exact treatment for gastric cancer will be determined once the diagnosis is made and the cancer stage is known.

Surgery may be recommended for gastric cancer. This surgery can include removing the part of the stomach containing the tumor or the entire stomach. Surgery may also remove lymph nodes around the stomach to check for the spread of cancer to those areas.

Radiation therapy is a treatment that may be used as well. During radiation, high-energy beams are directed at the cancer cells to kill them.

Chemotherapy is another treatment that may be recommended as well. Chemotherapy is a medication that is given to kill cancer cells. Sometimes chemotherapy is used before surgery to help shrink the tumor and allow the surgeon to perform less aggressive surgery.

For gastric cancer that has spread into other areas of the body (metastasized), targeted therapies, which target specific proteins on the cancer cells, might be useful. Immunotherapy is another treatment that helps the immune system see and attack cancer cells.

If you’ve been diagnosed with gastric cancer, talk to your cancer team about the specifics of your cancer. They can help you understand your diagnosis and how best to treat it.

Understanding gastric cancer and its various treatments ensures that you or your loved ones receive the best care.

The Benefits of Glioblastoma Screening

Posted on by Julie Scott, DNP

What is Glioblastoma?

Glioblastoma is a type of cancer that develops in the brain. When normal healthy cells become abnormal, they grow abnormally and out of control. One of these types of cancers in the brain is glioblastoma.

Screening for cancer means looking for cancer before it causes any symptoms. Currently, there is no screening test for glioblastoma, and it is found when evaluating the source of symptoms experienced.

Who’s at risk for glioblastoma?

There are some things that can put people at a higher risk for developing glioblastoma. These can include:

● History of radiation exposure

● Family history of brain tumors

● Family history of tuberous sclerosis, neurofibromatosis type 1 and 2, von-Hippel Lindau syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome

● Weak immune system

Symptoms of Glioblastoma.

The symptoms that may be experienced with glioblastoma can include the following:

● Headache

● Nausea and vomiting

● Blurred vision or other vision changes

● Seizures

● Significant fatigue

● Personality changes

● Balance problems

● Difficulty speaking

● Hearing loss

● Weakness

● Numbness in some areas of the body

● Trouble swallowing

Evaluation for glioblastoma

If someone is experiencing symptoms as above, they should present to their healthcare provider for evaluation. Some of the tests that may be ordered to evaluate the symptoms can include:

● Blood tests to check blood counts, electrolytes, kidney, and liver function

● CT (computed tomography) scan of the brain

● MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the brain

If any abnormalities are seen on imaging suspicious for cancer, a biopsy may be done to check for the presence of cancer cells. In some instances, surgery to remove the tumor may be necessary for an official diagnosis of glioblastoma.

Early detection is crucial for the treatment of glioblastoma. Even though there is no certain cure for this cancer, with early diagnosis and treatment, patients have a higher chance of survival.

The most important thing is to be aware of the symptoms and to see a doctor if any changes are noticed.

Early detection of head and neck cancer

Posted on by Julie Scott, DNP

What are head and neck cancers?

Cancer develops when the DNA in a normal healthy cell mutates or changes and becomes abnormal. This abnormal cell grows uncontrollably and doesn’t follow the normal processes of cell division and death. Head and neck cancer is diagnosed when these cancerous cells grow in the head and neck areas.

Screening tests look for cancers before they cause any symptoms. The screening process for head and neck cancer is generally done for those at high risk of getting these types of cancers.

Who’s at risk for head and neck cancer?

One of the biggest risk factors for developing head and neck cancer is the use of tobacco products. These can include cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco. Secondhand smoke can increase the risk of cancer as well.

Heavy alcohol intake has also been associated with an increased risk of head and neck cancers. Other risk factors include:

● Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection

● Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection

● Male sex

● Poor dental hygiene

● History of radiation exposure

● Workplace exposures to chemicals, fumes, asbestos

● Increasing age

Symptoms of head and neck cancer

Some of the symptoms of head and neck cancer include:

● Sore throat that is not improving

● Sores in the mouth or on the lip that aren’t healing

● Hoarse voice

● Jaw pain

● Ear pain

● Lumps on the neck

● Difficulty swallowing

Evaluating for head and neck cancer

People at high risk for developing head and neck cancer should have an exam by their healthcare provider at least once a year. During this exam, the mouth and throat should be evaluated. This should include the inside of the cheeks and under the tongue. The neck should be checked for the presence of any lumps or masses.

If someone has any abnormalities on the screening exam or presents with any of the above symptoms, further studies may need to be done to find the source of the changes.

An endoscopy can be done with a special camera inserted into the mouth and moved down the throat to get a good look at all of the structures in the mouth and throat. It can also be placed in through the nose to look from that direction as well. Other imaging tests can include:

● CT (computed tomography) scan

● MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

● Ultrasound

● PET (positron emission tomography) testing

Any abnormal areas seen can be biopsied and tested for the presence of cancer cells.

Screening for head and neck cancer can be done in several ways, including a physical exam, x-rays, scans, and biopsies. Be sure to ask your doctor about which screenings are right for you.

 

The earlier head and neck cancer is caught, the better the chances are for successful treatment. So don’t wait – get screened today.

What you need to know about thyroid cancer screening

Posted on by Julie Scott, DNP

What is Thyroid Cancer?

The thyroid is a gland in the front of the neck responsible for hormone production. When cells of the thyroid become abnormal, cancer develops. There are no screening tests to evaluate thyroid cancer cells’ presence. A diagnosis is typically made when someone is being evaluated for the cause of symptoms they may be experiencing.

Risk factors for thyroid cancer

When evaluating symptoms, someone’s risk of developing thyroid cancer may be considered. Some of the risk factors of thyroid cancer include:

● Family history of thyroid cancer

● History of radiation exposure

● Being overweight or obese

● Diet too high or low in iodine

● Inherited syndromes such as multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN), familial adenomatous polyposis, and Cowden disease

● White or Asian race

● Ages 20 to 55 years old

● Female sex

Symptoms of thyroid cancer

The symptoms of thyroid cancer can include:

● A lump in the throat

● Hoarse voice

● Difficulty swallowing

● Swelling to the neck

● Trouble breathing

Tests for thyroid cancer

If thyroid cancer is suspected, there can be a variety of tests that can be done.

One of these tests is an ultrasound, where sound waves are used to get a picture of the thyroid gland. It will be looking for nodules that look suspicious for cancer. Ultrasound can also look at lymph nodes near the thyroid to see if they also look suspicious for cancer. Ultrasound is often used to assist during a biopsy, where a needle is inserted into a nodule to test for cancer cells.

An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can also be done to get a detailed look at the thyroid. It is often done if ultrasound images are inconclusive.

A radioiodine thyroid scan is a test that can be done after thyroid cancer has been diagnosed. During this test, a pill containing radioactive iodine is swallowed. The iodine is taken up by the thyroid and other thyroid cancer cells in the body. Images are then taken to see if there are thyroid cancer cells outside the thyroid.

In conclusion, thyroid cancer screening is essential to detect the disease early. The American Thyroid Association recommends that people at high risk for thyroid cancer should get screened annually.

Talk to your doctor about getting screened if you think you might be at risk. Remember, early detection is key!

 

About liver cancer and how to know if you’re at risk

Posted on by Julie Scott, DNP

What is Liver Cancer?

The liver is an organ in the abdomen with many important bodily functions. From filtering blood, and activating enzymes to helping to metabolize nutrients, the liver has a large job in keeping the body functioning well. When liver cells become abnormal, they begin to grow out of control. This is when liver cancer develops.

Screening for cancer is done to find it early before it causes any symptoms.

Screening for liver cancer is not recommended for everyone but maybe for a high-risk group of people. Talk with your healthcare team to find out if you’re at high risk.

Who’s at high risk for liver cancer?

One of the highest risk factors for developing liver cancer is cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is a liver disease in which the liver becomes scarred and doesn’t work as well as it used to. This most often occurs due to long-term liver damage, such as alcohol abuse or hepatitis infection.

Other risk factors for developing liver cancer include:

● Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

● Obesity

● Male sex

● Increasing age

● History of viral hepatitis

 

Screening for liver cancer

One of the tests that can be used to look for liver cancer is a blood test called an AFP. This stands for alpha-fetoprotein and is produced by some liver cancers. Overall, liver function can be checked by a blood test as well.

Imaging tests for liver cancer can include ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to produce images of the liver and can evaluate for the presence of a mass in the liver.

Another test is CT (computed tomography) scan. A CT scan can find abnormal areas on the liver that may need further investigation. Some types of liver cancer have a very specific appearance on imaging. If the AFP level is elevated and certain changes are seen on imaging, this can be diagnostic of liver cancer, even without a biopsy.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can also evaluate the liver. This test may be more sensitive in better evaluating any abnormalities seen on ultrasound or CT.

A biopsy may need to be done on abnormalities seen on imaging to provide a diagnosis if it’s not very clear based on imaging and lab tests as above.

 

Speak with your doctor if you are at risk for liver cancer so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to be screened.

Screening for liver cancer is not routine, but it is important for high-risk individuals to be aware of the symptoms and get screened.

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