Tag: cancer detection

Early detection of pancreatic cancer through screening

Posted on by Julie Scott, DNP

What is Pancreatic Cancer?

The pancreas is a gland in the abdomen that secretes pancreatic enzymes that help digestion. In addition, the pancreas also produces insulin, which helps control blood sugar levels in the body. When pancreas cells become abnormal, they grow irregularly and out of control. This abnormal cell growth is pancreatic cancer.

Screening tests are meant to find cancer early before it causes any symptoms. This could be important for pancreatic cancer, as it is often not found until it is advanced. However, no standard screening for pancreatic cancer exists. People at high risk for developing pancreatic cancer may be suggested to have surveillance testing.

Who’s at high risk for pancreatic cancer?

People with a family history of pancreatic cancer can be at a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Some gene mutations are inherited, making it more likely for cancer development. Some of these gene mutations include:

● BRCA1 and BRCA2

● PALB2

● CDKN2A

● ATM

Other familial cancer syndromes can be associated with a higher risk of pancreatic cancer include:

● Lynch syndrome

● Li-Fraumeni syndrome

● Familial adenomatous polyposis

● Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome

If you’re considered to be in a high-risk category for developing pancreatic cancer, surveillance imaging may be recommended. It’s important to know that this is an area in which there is no consensus on the best imaging tests or frequency and that all decisions should be made between you and your healthcare team.

Imaging Tests

Multiple tests exist that can help look for pancreatic cancer. CT (computed tomography) scans can be done, often with contrast, to see if anything looks suspicious on the pancreas. The scan can also be done with a pancreatic protocol, which is timed to get a better look at this organ.

Another test option is the ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography). This is done by a gastroenterologist, who uses a flexible camera to move from the stomach into the small intestine, and into the pancreatic ducts to see if there are any abnormalities.

Similarly to the ERCP above, an ultrasound can be guided through the stomach, small intestines, and near the pancreas to get ultrasound imaging. This is called a EUS (endoscopic ultrasound).

Other imaging tests can include standard ultrasound, MRI, and PET scan.

Screening for pancreatic cancer is important for earlier detection and treatment. Although there are currently no screening guidelines in the United States, that does not mean you cannot get screened. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and whether or not pancreatic cancer screening makes sense.

If you are 50 years or older and have a family history of pancreatic cancer, you should discuss screening options with your physician. By increasing awareness and speaking with our doctors, we can make strides in the fight against pancreatic cancer.

The Importance of regular Kidney Cancer Screenings

Posted on by Julie Scott, DNP

What is Kidney Cancer?

Kidney cancer develops when the cells inside the kidneys become abnormal and start to grow out of control. There are multiple types of kidney cancer that can grow, each starting from a different type of cell in the kidney. Some cancers have screening tests available to help find cancer early before it starts causing any symptoms. Unfortunately, kidney cancer does not currently have a screening test available and is usually diagnosed when being evaluated for some symptoms it is causing.

Risk factors for kidney cancer

The following factors can increase someone’s risk of developing kidney cancer.

● Smoking cigarettes

● Being obese

● Family history of kidney cancer

● Male sex

● Advanced chronic kidney disease

● Genetic conditions of von Hippel-Lindau, Cowden syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis

Symptoms of kidney cancer

Some of the signs and symptoms of kidney cancer can include:

● Blood in the urine

● Pain in one side or on one side of the back

● High blood pressure

● Unintentional weight loss

● Severe fatigue

● Low red blood cells

● Swelling to the legs or feet

Imaging tests for kidney cancer

Imaging tests may be done to evaluate the cause of symptoms experienced. These imaging tests can include the following:

● X-ray

● CT scan

● MRI

● Ultrasound

If any suspicious areas in the kidney are found on these tests, a biopsy may be done. During a biopsy, tissue from the tumor is removed and tested for the presence of cancer cells. Sometimes, imaging is very suspicious for kidney cancer, and there is no evidence that it has spread anywhere else in the body. Surgery may be done for a biopsy to get a diagnosis with the tumor removed.

Kidney cancer is one of the most common cancers. However, it is also one of the most treatable if caught early. This makes kidney cancer screening very important for those who are at risk.

While there are no guarantees, increasing awareness and regular check-ups can help catch kidney cancer early, when treatment is most effective.

What are the symptoms of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma?

Posted on by Julie Scott, DNP

What is Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer of the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell of the body’s immune system. When these cells become abnormal, they grow uncontrollably and become cancerous. The growth of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can start anywhere these lymphocytes are, including the lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow.

Some cancers have screening tests available to help look for cancer development early before cancer starts causing any symptoms. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma has no screening tests available and is discovered when evaluating the cause of symptoms.

Risk factors for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Some of the risk factors for developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can include:

● Increasing age

● Family history of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

● Exposure to chemicals such as benzine or pesticides

● History of radiation exposure

● Having a history of autoimmune disorders

● History of HIV infection

 

Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can include:

● Fevers, chills, night sweats

● Unintentional weight loss

● Appetite changes

● Enlarged lymph nodes

● Bleeding or easy bruising

● Frequent infections

● Abdominal pain

● Difficulty breathing

Tests for Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

If you present to your healthcare provider for any of the above symptoms, they will likely start with a physical examination and evaluation of your history. They will pay particular attention to any lymph nodes that can be felt and examine the abdomen to see if the spleen is enlarged. Blood work may also be done to evaluate the blood count and see how many white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets are present. Other blood tests may also be done to check for infection, inflammation, or other disorders.

Imaging studies such as a CT scan, ultrasound, or PET scan may be ordered to get a better picture of any enlarged lymph nodes in the body and to see if they look suspicious for lymphoma involvement.

The ultimate diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is made after a biopsy. If a lymph node is felt from the outside or a lymph node found on imaging studies that are easy to access for a biopsy, this will likely be done.

Either a sample of tissue from the lymph node can be removed through a needle aspiration, or the entire lymph node can be removed and tested for the presence of lymphoma.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the seventh most common cancer in the United States. The best way to screen for this type of cancer is through a physical examination and blood tests. However, there are other ways to screen for this type of cancer, including imaging tests and biopsies. If you have any symptoms that concern you, please see your doctor immediately. Early detection is key to the successful treatment of this disease.

Increasing awareness of the importance of screening for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can save lives.

What you need to know about colon cancer screenings

Posted on by Julie Scott, DNP

What is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer is a disease of abnormal cells developing in the digestive organs of the intestines or rectum. When abnormal cells develop in either the colon or rectum, cancer starts. Colorectal cancer most often starts growing in polyps, which can be precancerous lesions in the colon.

Screening tests for colorectal cancer are meant to catch the cancer (if present) at an early stage before it’s causing any symptoms. Per the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, colon cancer screening is recommended for those aged 45 to 75. Those who are aged 76 to 85 should have a conversation with their healthcare provider about the need to continue screening.

Multiple screening options exist for colorectal cancer.

These include:

● Stool tests

● Flexible sigmoidoscopy

● Colonoscopy

● CT colonography

 

Stool tests

There are tests that can be run on samples of stool. The sample is generally collected at home and returned to a lab for testing. One test, called a fecal occult blood test, looks for the presence of blood in the stool that isn’t visible to the naked eye.

Another stool test is called a FIT-DNA test. FIT stands for fecal immunochemical test, which looks for blood in the stool. It is combined with a DNA test that looks for the presence of any DNA changes which might suggest the presence of cancer.

Flexible sigmoidoscopy

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a test in which a flexible camera is inserted into the rectum. This looks for the presence of cancer cells in the rectum and lower third of the colon. This test does not evaluate the entire colon.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a test which looks at the rectum and the entire colon. It can be done as a screening test itself or is done if any of the other screening tests are positive and there is a need for further evaluation. In the day or two before a colonoscopy, laxative medications will be taken to help induce frequent bowel movements to clean out the colon so the gastroenterologist will be able to see the colon well. The procedure is done with sedation so you’re not awake during the procedure.

If there are any suspicious areas in the colon, such as polyps, they can be removed during the colonoscopy and tested to see if cancer cells are present.

CT colonography

This exam, sometimes referred to as a virtual colonoscopy, it is performed using a CT (computed tomography) scan. Using a CT machine, pictures are taken of the colon and images are reconstructed to look for any suspicious areas. This type of test may be best for people who are at risk for complications of anesthesia needed for standard colonoscopy.

 

Early detection is key in colon cancer, and screening is the best way to achieve that. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps so they can be removed before becoming cancer. They can also find colon cancer early when it is easier to treat. The bottom line is this: if you are 50 years old or older, you should get screened for colon cancer.

Speak with your doctor about which test is right for you, and get screened regularly. It could save your life.

Importance of Prostate Cancer Screenings

Posted on by Julie Scott, DNP

What is a Prostate gland?

The prostate is a gland which is part of the male reproductive system. Its job is to produce fluid that is part of the semen. When cells in the prostate begin to grow out of control, cancer develops. The risk for developing prostate cancer increases as men age. To screen for prostate cancer, a blood test called a PSA (prostate specific antigen), and a digital rectal examination may be done.

 

Who should be screened?

According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), the group who provides guidelines for health screening services in the U.S., suggest the following for prostate cancer screening:

● Men aged 55-69 years old should make an individual decision about getting PSA screening. They should have this conversation with their healthcare team about the risks and benefits of screening

● Men over the age of 70 should not be routinely screened

 

The potential risks of screening include getting a false-positive result, which would then lead to unnecessary tests such as imaging studies and biopsies. For some men, screening will find prostate cancer that would otherwise not have caused them any significant health problems. This could then lead to treatment of their cancer that puts them at risk of developing side effects.

Screening Guidelines.

The American Cancer Society suggests a variation to the USPSTF guidelines above. They suggest that the discussion of screening should be held at the following times:

● Age 40 for those at highest risk, meaning men with more than one first-degree relative with prostate cancer diagnosed at an early age (younger than age 65)

● Age 45 for men at high risk, those who are African American men, and those with a first degree relative who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer younger than age 65

● Age 50 for men at average risk and who are expected to live at least 10 more

 

In conclusion, prostate cancer is a serious disease that affects many men. However, there are ways to reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer, including getting screened regularly. You should talk to your doctor about whether or not you should be getting screened for prostate cancer based on your personal risk factors.

Increasing awareness of the importance of early detection and screening can help save the lives of those affected by prostate cancer.

What are the benefits of lung cancer screening?

Posted on by Julie Scott, DNP

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that affects the lungs. Cancer most often starts in the cells of the lining of the airways in the lungs. When these cells become abnormal, they grow uncontrollably, and cancer develops. There are two main types of lung cancer- non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Lung cancer screening

Screening tests are done when someone does not have any symptoms of the disease but are looking for it before it becomes symptomatic. There is currently only one screening test in use for lung cancer screening, which is the low dose computed tomography (CT) scan.

Who should be screened?

Lung cancer screening is not recommended for everyone. Those who are at highest risk of developing lung cancer are recommended for screening. This group includes adults aged 50 to 80 years old, who have a 20 pack-year smoking history, and who currently smoke or have quit smoking in the last 15 years.

A pack-year history is a measure of how much someone has smoked over a specific time period. It is calculated by multiplying the number of years someone has smoked by the average number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day.

Screening is recommended to be done once a year. Once someone has quit smoking for at least 15 years or has developed another health condition that is limiting their life expectancy, screening can be discontinued.

Low-dose CT scan

The screening test used for lung cancer is the low-dose CT scan. There is no pain with this exam, and it only takes a few minutes. During this test, you lie on a table of a CT machine, which is an open, donut-shaped x-ray machine. The table will move you through the machine while low amounts of radiation are used to take pictures of your lungs.

The radiologist will then evaluate the scan, looking for any nodules or areas that look suspicious for lung cancer. Based on the results of the CT, further instructions will be given.

Despite the high rates of lung cancer incidence and mortality, many people are unaware of the symptoms of lung cancer or that it is possible to detect the disease early through screening.  It is important to raise awareness of both the risks and benefits of screening so that people can make informed decisions about whether or not to be screened.

Are you aware of your risk factors for lung cancer?  Have you discussed Screening with your doctor?

The future of early detection- Liquid biopsy

Posted on by Vino Cherian

Cancer is a frightening disease that impacts many people worldwide, a molecular disorder characterized by the corruption of genetic information at the cellular level, with consequences resulting in changes to critical proteins and molecular circuits. While many treatment options are available, early detection is key to successful treatment; liquid biopsies are a new way to detect cancer.

Let us explore liquid biopsy, how it works, and the benefits of using this approach to detect cancer

A liquid biopsy is a new, non-invasive way to detect and screen for cancer, predict a person’s risk of developing cancer, and guide treatment decisions.

Types of liquid biopsies:

There are several types of liquid biopsies currently available or under development. The most common type uses blood or other body fluids to look for DNA changes that may be associated with cancer. Liquid biopsies consist of isolating tumor-derived entities like circulating tumor cells, circulating tumor DNA, and tumor extracellular vesicles present in the body fluids of patients with cancer, followed by an analysis of genomic and proteomic data contained within them.

Other liquid biopsies look for proteins or molecules released by cancer cells into the bloodstream. It involves using a simple blood test to look for cancerous cells or DNA. This method is less invasive than traditional biopsies and can screen for multiple types of cancer at once. It could also monitor cancer patients for recurrent cancer or assess their effectiveness.

Advantages of Liquid biopsy over traditional biopsy:

There is a significant advantage of liquid biopsy over traditional tissue biopsy. Liquid biopsies are minimally invasive, have a shorter turnaround time, lower sample isolation costs, provide real-time drug response monitoring, and reveal spatial and temporal tumor heterogeneities.

As the specificity of the technology continues to progress, cancer screening and prevention will improve and save countless lives by finding cancer early so that routine surgery may only be for a definitive cure.

While far less expensive and accessible than traditional biopsy methods, it is a promising option for patients worldwide. With continued research and development, a liquid biopsy may soon become the gold standard for cancer screening, holding great promise for the future of cancer detection and treatment.

What you need to know about thyroid cancer screening – cancergo3

Posted on by admin

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

  • 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

Numercial list

  1. Family history of thyroid cancer
  2. History of radiation exposure
  3. Being overweight or obese
  4. Diet too high or low in iodine

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.

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.
Image with description

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.

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