Epstein Barr Virus Antibodies - IgA Tips

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma - Know Treatment Of It!

Dr. Umesh Das 91% (25 ratings)
DM - Oncology, ESMO Certified Medical Oncologist, Resident Fellow
Oncologist, Guwahati
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma - Know Treatment Of It!

Non Hodgkin Lymphoma is when the cells in your lymphatic system become cancerous. The lymphatic system is responsible for fighting off diseases which may attack your body. Initially, tumors develop from the lymphocytes in your body. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is much more common than the other type of lymphoma which is Hodgkin lymphoma. There are various types of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma; the most common of which are diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma. Here is everything you need to know about Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Symptoms

1. Swollen lymph nodes
A swollen lymph node in the neck, underarm and armpit which comes about without any pain is a very common symptom of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
2. Fever
When you have a sudden unexplained fever, it may be due to Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
3. Night sweats
Night sweats are simply when you sweat excessively in the night.
4. Fatigue
Feeling extremely tired can be due to Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
5. Weight loss
A sudden unexplained loss of weight is a very common symptom of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
6. Itchiness
An itchy skin is a rather serious indicator of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Causes

Just like other forms of cancer, it is not known what causes Non-Hodgkin lymphoma but there are factors which put you more at risk compared to others.

Risk factors

1. Immunosuppressive drugs
You are more likely to develop Non-Hodgkin lymphoma especially after taking immunosuppressive drugs after a major organ transplant.
2. Bacteria and viruses
Certain bacterial and viral infections cause Non-Hodgkin lymphoma including the HIV and Epstein-Barr virus as well as the Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
3. Pesticides
Research suggests that overexposure to the pesticides which kill weeds increases your likelihood of developing Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
4. Age
Elder people are also more likely to suffer from Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Treatment

1. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy comprises of administering drugs to kill the cancerous cells, either through injection or orally which kill cancer.
2. Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy deals with radiation which is directed at the parts of your body affected by cancer.
3. Medications to enhance the immune system

There are many medications which fight off cancer by boosting the immune system.

3042 people found this helpful

Stomach Cancer - Know The Symptoms & Causes Of It!

Dr. Rajeev Kumar Bansal 90% (28 ratings)
DNB(Gastroenterology), Gujarat University
Gastroenterologist, Ahmedabad
Stomach Cancer - Know The Symptoms & Causes Of It!

Cancer is one of the most fatal diseases in the world. Stomach cancer is also known as 'Gastric cancer'. Like other diseases, it is crucial that it gets identified in the early stages and gets treated before it reaches the incurable stage. Like other forms of cancer, the exact cause of stomach cancer is still not yet known. However, certain things make stomach cancer more likely to happen.

The possible causes of stomach cancer are given below:

Some of these causes apply to nearly all forms of cancer. However, some of them only apply to stomach cancer.

  1. Smoking
  2. Obesity
  3. Bad diet
  4. Stomach surgery for an ulcer
  5. Type-A blood
  6. Epstein-Barr virus infection
  7. Genetics
  8. Asbestos
  9. Exposure to certain materials in certain industries
  10. Helicobacter pylori bacteria
  11. Gastritis
  12. Anemia
  13. Polyps 

Some of the symptoms of stomach cancer are:

Stomach cancer like all other forms of cancer has various stages and it is crucial that it is diagnosed in the early stages so that the progression of it is stymied. At first, the symptoms of stomach cancer include indigestionloss of appetite, slight nausea, heartburn and the feeling of being bloated after a meal.

However, indigestion and heartburn, doesn't always mean that you have stomach cancer, but if these conditions persist, you should visit a doctor to rule out the possibility of stomach cancer.

The growth of the tumor in your stomach can lead to various serious symptoms too, such as:

  1. Stomach pain
  2. Heartburn
  3. Blood in your stool
  4. Weakness or exhaustion
  5. Vomiting
  6. Diarrhea and constipation
  7. Weight loss for no apparent reason
  8. Swelling in your stomach
  9. Trouble in swallowing
  10. Eyes and skin turn yellowish
1905 people found this helpful

Stomach Cancer - Know The Causes & Symptoms Of It!

Dr. Jaikish Jayaraj 88% (46 ratings)
M.Ch - Surgical Gastroenterology/G.I. Surgery, MS (General Surgery), MBBS Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, MRCPS
Gastroenterologist, Calicut
Stomach Cancer - Know The Causes & Symptoms Of It!

Cancer is one of the most fatal diseases in the world. Stomach cancer is also known as 'Gastric cancer'. Like other diseases, it is crucial that it gets identified in the early stages and gets treated before it reaches the incurable stage. Like other forms of cancer, the exact cause of stomach cancer is still not yet known. However, certain things make stomach cancer more likely to happen.

The possible causes of stomach cancer are given below:

Some of these causes apply to nearly all forms of cancer. However, some of them only apply to stomach cancer.

  1. Smoking
  2. Obesity
  3. Bad diet
  4. Stomach surgery for an ulcer
  5. Type-A blood
  6. Epstein-Barr virus infection
  7. Genetics
  8. Asbestos
  9. Exposure to certain materials in certain industries
  10. Helicobacter pylori bacteria
  11. Gastritis
  12. Anemia
  13. Polyps 

Some of the symptoms of stomach cancer are:

Stomach cancer like all other forms of cancer has various stages and it is crucial that it is diagnosed in the early stages so that the progression of it is stymied. At first, the symptoms of stomach cancer include indigestionloss of appetite, slight nausea, heartburn and the feeling of being bloated after a meal.

However, indigestion and heartburn, doesn't always mean that you have stomach cancer, but if these conditions persist, you should visit a doctor to rule out the possibility of stomach cancer.

The growth of the tumor in your stomach can lead to various serious symptoms too, such as:

  1. Stomach pain
  2. Heartburn
  3. Blood in your stool
  4. Weakness or exhaustion
  5. Vomiting
  6. Diarrhea and constipation
  7. Weight loss for no apparent reason
  8. Swelling in your stomach
  9. Trouble in swallowing
  10. Eyes and skin turn yellowish
2199 people found this helpful

HIV - Can It Be Checked Through Oral Test?

Dentist, Mumbai
HIV - Can It Be Checked Through Oral Test?

HIV is a systemic disease which affects all parts of the body. The oral cavity also has some tell-tale symptoms which indicate HIV / AIDS. A careful examination and detailed history of symptoms is essential. In some cases, the oral manifestations could be the area where HIV is suspected. This can help in reducing morbidity and improves prognosis. The oral lesions that occur in HIV patients can vary and differ significantly in children and adults. While there are a variety of oral lesions in HIV-infected individuals, listed below are some common infections seen in HIV patients. These are a combination of fungal, viral and bacterial infections.

  1. Candidiasis: Candida is an opportunistic fungus that is normally present in the oral cavity and with reduced immunity of HIV, recurrent bouts of the infection begins to show up. It can be in the form of regular thrush which is whitish and cannot be scraped off (pseudomembranous candidiasis), hyperplastic candidiasis (white patches which can be scraped off) or erythematous (reddish patches). Candida can involve any part of the oral mucosa including the pharynx and the palate.
  2. Herpes Simplex: This is the most common viral infection seen in patients with HIV/AIDS. There could be primary or secondary infection of herpes virus, especially inside the mouth and the vermillion border of the lips.
  3. Herpes zoster: This virus, when already present in the body, can be reactivated with HIV/AIDS and with oral herpes. The distinction with herpes simplex is from their distribution. These are unilateral, along the distribution of the maxillary or mandibular nerve. The lesions appear both on the facial skin and the oral mucosa. While the facial ones break open and form crusts, the mucosal ones coalesce to form larger lesions.
  4. Hairy Leukoplakia: This is present in about 20% of asymptomatic HIV patients. Onset of hairy leukoplakia is an indication of rapid progression of HIV with increased CD4 counts. The typical lesion is a non-movable, hairy lesion along the side of the tongue and can spread to the top and the undersurface of the tongue. There are large amounts of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) identified from biopsies of hairy leukoplakia.
  5. Cytomegalovirus: If the ulcers have a necrotic base with a halo surrounding it, it is CMV infection, usually seen on any oral mucosal surface.
  6. Periodontal disease: This is one of the bacterial infections that manifests itself in HIV patients. It can take two forms such as Linear Gingival Erythema (LGE) which can subsequently lead to Necrotizing Ulcerative Periodontitis (NUP). The oral hygiene is generally good with minimal plaque and there is rapid bone loss and soft tissue reddening and swelling. The, mouth, therefore is certainly a window to one’s health.

Diagnosing HIV with Western Blot Test-

It is a series of blood screenings are performed to test for HIV. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), also known as an enzyme immunoassay (EIA), is the first test that your healthcare provider will order to screen for HIV. ELISA, like the Western blot test, detects HIV antibodies in your blood. Antibodies are proteins your immune system produces in response to the presence of foreign substances, such as viruses. If you test positive for HIV on the ELISA test, your provider will order the Western blot test to confirm HIV infection. 

5910 people found this helpful

The 4 Major Causes Of Throat Cancer One Must Be Aware Of!

Dr. Arun Kumar Goel 87% (145 ratings)
MBBS, MS - General Surgery, FICS (Surgical Oncology), Fellowship of Association of Indian Surgeons(FAIS), Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery(FMAS) & Reproductive Medicine, Fellowship of Indian Association of Gastrointestinal Endo Surgeons (FIAGES)
Oncologist, Ghaziabad
The 4 Major Causes Of Throat Cancer One Must Be Aware Of!

Cancer is a disease characterized by abnormal multiplication of cells in a particular part of the body. After starting in one body part, cancer cells spread to other body parts and lead to the formation of tumours (metastases) in other parts of the body. Throat cancer refers to the development of tumours in the different parts of the throat. Various parts of the throat include oropharynx (tonsil, soft palate, base of tongue), nasopharynx (part behind the nose), hypopharynx and larynx (voice box). Throat cancers are a common type of cancer in India. The most common causes of throat cancer are - 

  1. Tobacco is the most important cause of throat cancer. Smoking in any form increases the risk of pharyngeal and laryngeal cancer greatly. Chewing tobacco can also increase the risk of pharyngeal cancers. No amount of tobacco exposure is safe. 
  2. Alcohol: Alcohol is an important contributor to risk of pharyngeal cancer. Alcohol intake multiplies the risk of cancer that is due to tobacco exposure. 
  3. Human Papilloma Virus: Human papilloma virus or HPV is famous as the cause of cancer of uterine cervix. However, in recent years it has been found to be an important cause of throat cancer. HPV infection is transmitted through sexual contact. 
  4. Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) infection: EBV infection is responsible cancer of the nasopharynx or part of pharynx behind the nasal cavity. 

The risk of throat cancer can be reduced by avoided tobacco and alcohol. HPV infection can be avoided through safe sexual practices. These practices can prevent large majority of throat cancers. Other that prevention, timely testing for early diagnosis and immediate treatment when cancer is diagnosed will lead to successful outcomes.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

3059 people found this helpful

Causes and Symptoms of Tonsillitis

MBBS, MS-ENT, DNB (ENT) -, DOHNS(LONDON) -
ENT Specialist, Gurgaon
Causes and Symptoms of Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is a disorder of the tonsils present on the back of your throat. The tonsils acts as a defensive mechanism in the body as they prevent the body from infections. This is a contagious condition and can occur at any age. It is widely prevalent among school going kids.

Tonsillitis may be classified into two types:

  1. Chronic tonsillitis: This type of tonsillitis tends to last for an extended duration with symptoms of bad breath and tenderness in the lymph nodes.
  2. Recurrent tonsillitis: This is a form of acute tonsillitis which repeats itself over a year.

Causes: Tonsils prevent various virus and bacteria from entering the body through the mouth by producing antibodies. The tonsils, however, may become vulnerable to these infections. A virus that causes common cold or the bacteria that causes strep throat may result in tonsillitis. The most common cause of this disorder is the strep bacteria. School going children are especially vulnerable to this disorder because they are most prone to various infections.

The various viruses that may cause tonsillitis are:

  1. Enterovirus
  2. Herpes simplex virus
  3. Epstein-Barr virus
  4. Influenza virus
  5. Adenovirus
  6. Parainfluenza virus

Common symptoms: 
The various symptoms of tonsillitis are

  1. Swallowing difficulties
  2. A sore throat
  3. The sore throat may result in bad breath
  4. You may experience fever and chills
  5. Pain in the head, ear and stomach
  6. You may experience stiffness in the neck and the jaw
  7. Swollen tonsils with possible redness
  8. Changes in voice
  9. Symptoms of cold

Treatment: The treatment for tonsillitis is usually antibiotics and in some cases, tonsillectomy. The antibiotics help in getting rid of the bacterial infection. Surgery is only done in cases where tonsillitis is chronic in nature. It is important that you drink fluids and restrict smoking to prevent tonsillitis.

4361 people found this helpful

Lymphoma - Can Age Increase Your Risk?

MBBS Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, MD - Medicine, DNB - Medical Oncology, MRCP - Medical Oncology, ECMO - Medical Oncology
Oncologist, Delhi
Lymphoma - Can Age Increase Your Risk?

Non Hodgkin Lymphoma is when the cells in your lymphatic system become cancerous. The lymphatic system is responsible for fighting off diseases which may attack your body. Initially, tumors develop from the lymphocytes in your body. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is much more common than the other type of lymphoma which is Hodgkin lymphoma. There are various types of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma; the most common of which are diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma. Here is everything you need to know about Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Symptoms
1. Swollen lymph nodes
A swollen lymph node in the neck, underarm and armpit which comes about without any pain is a very common symptom of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
2. Fever
When you have a sudden unexplained fever, it may be due to Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
3. Night sweats
Night sweats are simply when you sweat excessively in the night.
4. Fatigue
Feeling extremely tired can be due to Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
5. Weight loss
A sudden unexplained loss of weight is a very common symptom of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

6. Itchiness
An itchy skin is a rather serious indicator of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Causes -
Just like other forms of cancer, it is not known what causes Non-Hodgkin lymphoma but there are factors which put you more at risk compared to others.

Risk factors -
1. Immunosuppressive drugs
You are more likely to develop Non-Hodgkin lymphoma especially after taking immunosuppressive drugs after a major organ transplant.
2. Bacteria and viruses
Certain bacterial and viral infections cause Non-Hodgkin lymphoma including the HIV and Epstein-Barr virus as well as the Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
3. Pesticides
Research suggests that overexposure to the pesticides which kill weeds increases your likelihood of developing Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
4. Age
Elder people are also more likely to suffer from Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Treatment -
1. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy comprises of administering drugs to kill the cancerous cells, either through injection or orally which kill cancer.
2. Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy deals with radiation which is directed at the parts of your body affected by cancer.
3. Medications to enhance the immune system
There are many medications which fight off cancer by boosting the immune system.

2803 people found this helpful

Alice In Wonderland Syndrome - 6 Signs You Are Suffering From It

Mrs. Swapna M Nadgauda 91% (14 ratings)
M A Psychology, Integrated Clinical Hypnotherapy, Post Graduate Diploma in Child Guidance
Psychologist, Navi Mumbai
Alice In Wonderland Syndrome - 6 Signs You Are Suffering From It

Alice in Wonderland Syndrome is referred to as AIWS syndrome and is often called micropsia, is a rare neurological disorder which is often manifested in the form of alterations and/or distortions in body shapes and sizes, including their own, in the mind of the affected. Though this condition is mostly observed in children, a number of adults have also been diagnosed with AIWS.

Causes:
The most common form of AIWS is found among those suffering from an acute form of epilepsy, especially temporal lobe epilepsy.
Another main cause for Alice in Wonderland Syndrome is the presence of the Epstein-Barr virus in the body and mononucleosis (called 'mono' or the 'kissing disease').

Symptoms:

  1. Body image alteration: The most common symptom of Alice in Wonderland syndrome is an untoward alteration in the shape and size of the body images that is perceived by the affected individual. Most reported cases indicate that the individual often sees a distorted size of the hands and the head, usually enlarged from normal size, which is called as 'metamorphosis'.
  2. Untoward alteration in visual perception: The sufferer misconceives the size and shapes of objects in front of them, due to incorrect perception of the things around them. Not only people, even mundane everyday objects such as cars, houses etc. may appear larger or smaller than reality.
  3. Distorted time perception: For several people, reports have suggested time distortions that is time moving slower or quicker than what reality.
  4. Distorted perception of touch: In people who reported this abnormality, familiar objects seemed to have a different feeling or sensation in response to touch, which may be unrecognized or incorrect.
  5. Distorted sound perception: Unfamiliarity to familiar sounds and non-recognition has also been reported in several cases.
  6. Headaches: The diseases often manifests itself through an excessively high number of migraines.
4423 people found this helpful

Stomach Cancer - Know Its Symptoms and Causes!

Dr. Chalapathi Rao Achanta 90% (93 ratings)
MBBS, MD-General Medicine, DM-Gastroenterology, Advanced endoscopy fellowship
Gastroenterologist, Visakhapatnam
Stomach Cancer - Know Its Symptoms and Causes!

Cancer is one of the most fatal diseases in the world. Stomach cancer is also known as Gastric cancer, and this cancer starts in the stomach. Like other diseases, it is crucial that it gets identified in the early stages and gets treated well in advance of the incurable stages. Like other forms of cancer, the exact cause of stomach cancer is still not yet known. However, certain things make stomach cancer more likely to happen. The possible causes of stomach cancer are given below:

Some of these causes apply to nearly all forms of cancer. However some of them only apply to stomach cancer. Here are all the possible causes of stomach cancer:

  • Smoking
  • Being fat
  • Bad diet
  • Stomach surgery for an ulcer
  • Fried smoked food
  • Type-A blood
  • Epstein-Barr virus infection
  • Genetics
  • Asbestos
  • Exposure to certain materials in certain materials in certain industries
  • H.pylori bacteria
  • Gastritis
  • Anemia
  • Polyps

Symptoms

Stomach cancer like all other forms of cancer has various stages and it is crucial that it is diagnosed in the early stages so that the progression of it is stymied.  At first, the symptoms of stomach cancer include indigestion, loss of appetite, unexplained anemia, slight nausea, heartburn and the feeling of being bloated after a meal. However, indigestion and heartburn doesn't always mean that you have stomach cancer, but if these conditions persist, you should visit a doctor to rule out the possibility of stomach cancer. 

 

The growth of tumors in your stomach can lead to many serious symptoms too, such as:

  1. Stomach pain
  2. Heartburn
  3. Blood in your stool
  4. Weakness or exhaustion
  5. Vomiting
  6. Diarrhea and constipation
  7. Weight loss for no apparent reason
  8. Swelling in your stomach
  9. Trouble in swallowing
  10. Eyes and skin turn yellowish

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

3549 people found this helpful

Stomach Cancer - How To Detect It?

Dr. Sanjoy Basu 85% (10 ratings)
MBBS, Post Graduate Diploma in Gastroenterology, FRCP
Gastroenterologist, Kolkata
Stomach Cancer - How To Detect It?

Cancer is one of the most fatal diseases in the world. Stomach cancer is also known as Gastric cancer, and this cancer starts in the stomach. Like other diseases, it is crucial that it gets identified in the early stages and gets treated well in advance of the incurable stages. Like other forms of cancer, the exact cause of stomach cancer is still not yet known. However, certain things make stomach cancer more likely to happen. The possible causes of stomach cancer are given below:

Causes

Some of these causes apply to nearly all forms of cancer. However, some of them only apply to stomach cancer. Here are all the possible causes of stomach cancer.

1. Smoking
2. Being fat
3. Bad diet
4. Stomach surgery for an ulcer
5. Type-A blood
6. Epstein-Barr virus infection
7. Genetics
8. Asbestos
9. Exposure to certain materials in certain materials in certain industries
10. H.pylori bacteria
11. Gastritis
12. Anemia
13. Polyps

Symptoms

Stomach cancer like all other forms of cancer has various stages and it is crucial that it is diagnosed in the early stages so that the progression of it is stymied.  At first, the symptoms of stomach cancer include ingestion, loss of appetite, slight nausea, heartburn and the feeling of being bloated after a meal. However, ingestion and heartburn doesn't always mean that you have stomach cancer, but if these conditions persist, you should visit a doctor to rule out the possibility of stomach cancer. 

Growth of tumors in your stomach can lead to many serious symptoms too, such as:

1. Stomach pain
2. Heartburn
3. Blood in your stool
4. Weakness or exhaustion
5. Vomiting
6. Diarrhea and constipation
7. Weight loss for no apparent reason
8. Swelling in your stomach
9.  Trouble in swallowing
10. Eyes and skin turn yellowish
 

1472 people found this helpful