Tag: cancer early detection

What is Uveal melanoma?

Posted on by Julie Scott, DNP

Uveal melanoma is a type of cancer that grows in the part of the eye that provides the pigment called melanin. Although it’s not a common form of cancer, it is the most common type affecting the eye.

Factors that can make someone at higher risk of developing uveal melanoma include:

  • Increasing age
  • Fair skin complexion
  • Having blue or light green eyes

Symptoms

Symptoms of uveal melanoma can vary for each person, but some common symptoms can include:

  • Blurry vision
  • Other visual changes
  • Spots in the vision, called floaters
  • Change in the size or shape of the pupil
  • Dark spot on the eye

Diagnosis

When uveal melanoma is suspected, a thorough eye examination will need to be done to help determine the cause of the symptoms. During an eye exam, specialized tests can be done to evaluate the eye and its structures to look for abnormalities. This cancer is often diagnosed without a biopsy, as sometimes a biopsy can be risky. However, a biopsy may be recommended. The stage or extent of cancer needs to be determined as well to help determine the exact treatment that will be best.

Imaging tests used to help determine the extent of melanoma can include CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans. Blood tests to evaluate blood cell counts, as well as kidney and liver function, is often done as well.

Treatment

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

Surgery may be recommended for uveal melanoma. This surgery can include removing the tumor and healthy tissue surrounding it or removing the entire eye.

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. Sometimes small radiation plaques are implanted directly into the tumor to kill it.

For some, a type of treatment called watchful waiting is used. During this, no specific treatment is given. Exams are performed regularly to assess the melanoma and determine how quickly it is growing. It may not need treatment unless it grows to a certain size or is causing more significant visual problems.

If you’ve been diagnosed with uveal melanoma, 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.

This disease affects adults more commonly than children and can be life-threatening if not treated effectively. Because early detection is crucial for treatment success, it is essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of this condition. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with uveal melanoma, there are treatments available that can improve prognosis and quality of life.

Cancer of the tongue: causes, symptoms and treatment

Posted on by Julie Scott, DNP

Tongue cancer is a type of cancer that grows in the tongue. It is often named based on the part of the tongue that is affected, either on the front of the tongue, back of the tongue, or base of the tongue.

Factors that can make someone at higher risk of developing tongue cancer include:

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

Symptoms

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

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

Diagnosis

The ultimate diagnosis of tongue cancer will be made once a biopsy is obtained. When someone is suspected of having tongue cancer, they will likely have a thorough exam, 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 tongue cancer will be determined once the diagnosis is made and the cancer stage is known.

Surgery may be recommended for tongue cancer. The surgery that will be required is based on the tumor size and if any lymph nodes have cancer. Surgery can include removing part of the tongue or can include removal of the entire tongue.

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 tongue 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.

Early detection is essential for the successful treatment of tongue cancer. If you experience any symptoms, be sure to see your doctor immediately. And remember, knowledge is power: arm yourself with information about this disease to best protect your health.

An overview of testicular cancer

Posted on by Julie Scott, DNP

Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the testicles, part of the male reproductive system. Cancer cells can develop from different cells of the testicles and most often develop in germ cells. Germ cells are the cells that will eventually become sperm.

Germ cell testicular cancer can be further divided into nonseminoma or seminoma types.

Symptoms

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

  • A mass or lump in one testicle
  • Pain in the testicle
  • A feeling of heaviness in the testicles
  • Aching in the testicles
  • Pain or aching in the abdomen or pelvis

Symptoms of testicular cancer that has spread to other areas of the body can include:

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Back pain
  • Swelling to the legs

Diagnosis

The ultimate diagnosis of testicular cancer will be made once a biopsy is obtained. Often, when someone presents with testicular pain or swelling, an ultrasound of the testicles can be done to look for any suspicious areas in the testicle. If testicular cancer is suspected, they may be referred for surgery to have the affected testicle removed.

Once the surgery is done, the mass will be tested for cancer.

When a diagnosis of testicular cancer is suspected or confirmed, imaging studies such as CT scans, MRI, or PET scans may be ordered to see if the cancer has spread to other body areas, including solid organs.

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

Treatment

The exact treatment for testicular cancer will be determined once the diagnosis is made and the cancer stage is known. Surgery is commonly done as part of the diagnostic process. Some lymph nodes may also be removed during surgery to see if any cancer cells are present.

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 testicular 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.

While it is a serious disease, testicular cancer is highly treatable, especially when caught early.

Endometrial cancer: everything about screening you need to know

Posted on by Julie Scott, DNP

What is Endometrial Cancer?

Endometrial cancer is a cancer of the lining of the uterus. Cancer starts when cells become abnormal and start growing out of control in this lining. Currently, no test is used to screen for endometrial cancer. Screening tests look for cancer when it is at an early stage and isn’t causing any symptoms. Endometrial cancer is usually diagnosed when being evaluated for a symptom that it’s causing.

 

Risk factors for endometrial cancer

The risk factors associated with developing endometrial cancer include:

● Being post-menopausal

● Taking tamoxifen to treat breast cancer

● High-fat diet

● Starting menstruation at an early age

● Taking estrogen supplements

● Late age for menopause

● Never giving birth

 

Side effects of endometrial cancer

The most common symptom of endometrial cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Bleeding can range from light spotting to heavy bleeding. This can include bleeding between menstrual cycles or bleeding after menopause after menstrual cycles have stopped. Other symptoms of endometrial cancer include:

● Pelvic pain

● Unintentional weight loss

● Pelvic mass

Endometrial cancer imaging tests

If you present to your healthcare provider with the symptoms above, they will likely perform tests to help figure out what is going on. One of the first things they may do is a physical exam, and likely a pelvic exam to evaluate for any changes.

Imaging tests such as ultrasound may be ordered. Ultrasound is an effective imaging tool to evaluate the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. This test can be done in various ways. One way is a transvaginal ultrasound, where the ultrasound wand is placed into the vagina to obtain imaging. A pelvic ultrasound is obtained by the ultrasound wand taking images from the external lower part of the abdomen.

If any areas of abnormality are seen on imaging, a biopsy will be ordered. A biopsy removes tissue from the suspicious area to be tested for cancer cells. There are a few ways that a biopsy can be taken, depending on where the lesion is located in the uterus.

Once a diagnosis of endometrial cancer is obtained, imaging may be done to look at other areas of the body to see if the cancer has spread.

Screening can save lives, so if you are experiencing any abnormal bleeding or symptoms, please see your doctor immediately.

It is important to be aware of the risks and symptoms of endometrial cancer. Many women are unaware of this type of cancer or how to screen for it, so education and awareness are key.

Remember that you are not alone in this fight; many resources are available to help you through every step of your journey.

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