Conventional wisdom makes us believe that the only type of cancer caused due to smoking is lung cancer. However, recent studies have greatly detailed the fact that smoking or the consumption of tobacco products can cause esophagus, pancreas, liver, kidney, stomach, among other types of cancer.
The Various Chemical Carcinogens Present In Tobacco
Thus, smoking is by far the largest preventable cause of cancer. The solution is simple: stop smoking. Tobacco products contain certain elements that are widely believed to cause cancer. These elements also referred to as carcinogens are either naturally part of the tobacco producing plant or are added to it by the tobacco manufacturer. The latter carcinogens include benzene, certain tobacco-specific nitrosamines, and formaldehyde. The quantity and the specificity of carcinogens differ from manufacturer to manufacturer and country to country.
Continuous consumption of products which contain carcinogens will inevitably result in the formation of cancer. The IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) has already designated certain chemicals found in tobacco and tobacco-related products as human carcinogens.
The Effects of the Chemical Carcinogens -
It must be emphasized that there is no safe way to consume tobacco. From cigarettes and pipes to smokeless tobacco and cigars – all of them lead to the same result. Chemicals found in tobacco reduce the ability of our immune system, making it harder for it to kill cancerous cells. This ensures that cancerous cells simply multiply without it being stopped or killed. Moreover, the same chemicals also alter the “DNA structure” and the instructions of the DNA which leads to cells growing out of control and abetting the cancerous tumor.
How do the carcinogens enter our bloodstream?
These chemicals are delivered into our bloodstream by virtue of us breathing in the smoke. Once the chemicals enter our bloodstream, it travels to all parts of our body – carrying this carcinogenic chemical. Non-smokers who stand beside individuals who are smoking (secondhand smoking) become passive smokers, also inhale the harmful smoke. The World Health Organization estimates that 10% of all smoking-related deaths are due to passive or secondhand smoking.
How long does it take for cancer to develop?
While there is no specific time-frame linking consumption of tobacco to development of cancer, it is estimated that it takes many years or even decades for the cancer to develop. Our body’s immune system is vested with the power to cope up with limited damage, however, persistent smoking tendencies and the chemical carcinogens entering our bloodstreams – irreversibly damage the DNA in many lung cells.
Thus, in conclusion, it is highly advisable to quit smoking sooner rather than later. Tobacco causes long-term and irreparable damage to our bodily organs. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!
The pituitary gland is a pea-sized organ located in the brain. This gland plays a very important role in the body – it regulates the balance of other hormones in the body. This is why it is called a master gland. Therefore, by its function, the pituitary gland is responsible for important processes such as growth, reproduction, and development.
What are pituitary adenomas?
A pituitary adenoma is a tumour on the pituitary. Usually, these tumours are benign – they are not cancerous. But when they increase in size, they can put pressure on nerves located nearby and cause problems. Usually, it’s the nerves that connect the brain to the eyes.
A large adenoma can also crush healthy pituitary cells and prevent them from working properly. This can lead to fatigue, low libido, and low blood pressure.
Of all the tumours in the skull, pituitary adenomas make up 10% - 15% of them.
Causes of pituitary adenoma
The exact cause of this condition has not yet been identified. But there are studies that have linked DNA changes to it. A change in the DNA can cause the cells to multiply abnormally, resulting in a tumour. This DNA change can be hereditary or develop on its own during your lifetime.
Symptoms
The symptoms depend on the effect the tumour has on nearby nerves or the hormone the tumour releases.
Some symptoms of this condition are
Fatigue
Early-onset of menopause
You lose weight without any reason
Problems in vision
This surgery is a treatment procedure for pituitary adenomas. it is performed through the nose. It is a minimally invasive surgery where the surgeon inserts an endoscope and light through the nose and removes the tumour with surgical instruments.
Once the surgery is complete, your vital signs will be monitored regularly. Post-surgery you may notice symptoms like nausea, headache, and congestion. Hormone replacement medication may be prescribed if the pituitary gland doesn’t function properly. You will be discharged 1-2 days after the surgery.
You will need to follow up with your doctor after the surgery. There is a tendency of crusts forming in the nose, which can lead to congestion. An ENT specialist can remove them from the nasal cavities.
While some couples conceive with ease, conceiving a child can be extremely difficult for others. In cases where a woman is not able to get pregnant despite having regular intercourse in tune with her biological cycle, infertility tests may be suggested to investigate the reason behind this. In most cases, these tests are suggested if a year has gone by without intercourse resulting in a pregnancy. Women may also be said to be infertile, if they cannot carry a foetus to full term.
Infertility can affect both men and women and can be triggered by a number of different reasons. In some cases, it is treatable while in others, alternative ways of having a family may need to be discussed. Hence, it is very important to understand the different types and triggers for infertility and to undergo complete infertility investigations. Some of the common types of infertility investigations are as given below.
Infertility treatment depends on the cause identified by the above tests and hence it is important for both partners to undergo complete testing. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a gynaecologist.
Today, prenatal testing can help pinpoint your unborn child’s risk to a number of genetic conditions. NIPT or non-invasive prenatal testing is a modern form of prenatal testing that does not harm the mother or child. NIPT involves a simple blood test that can be performed as an outpatient procedure in any doctor’s office. Blood for this test is collected from a vein in the mother’s arm. The DNA from this blood sample is then studied in a laboratory to look for signs of abnormalities. These results are them compared to your first trimester ultrasound results to determine if further testing is required.
There are a number of advantages to this form of testing
However, you should remember that NIPT cannot be used to replace diagnostic tests such as amniocentesis. Also, it does not detect all chromosomal abnormalities. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult an IVF Specialist.
With the evolution of medical technology, we have made inroads when it comes to evolved methods of treating a variety of ailments and conditions. The use of lasers is now commonplace for a number of surgeries and non-invasive procedures that can help in treating many conditions. From hair removal to surgeries, there are a number of places where lasers enjoy medical and cosmetic use. There is a common misnomer that lasers have detrimental effects and may even be carcinogenic or cancer causing in nature.
Let us find out why lasers cannot cause cancer.
Before trying out laser treatment, it is important to try it on a small portion of your skin so that you can be sure that it does not affect you and cause a reaction. Further, for laser related surgeries, it is important to turn to a well known clinic, hospital or doctor so that the right level of energy is used during the surgery. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Dermatologist.
There are over 100 different types of cancer. Cancer is a widespread disease that is characterized by abnormal cell division. In the most basic terms, cancer refers to cells that grow out-of-control and invade other tissues. Cells become cancerous because of the build-up of defects, or mutations, in their DNA. Certain:
Mostly, cells are able to detect and repair the defects in DNA. However, if a cell is severely damaged and cannot repair on its own, it undergoes apoptosis or say programmed cell death. Cancer develops when damaged cells grow, divide, and spread abnormally instead of self-destructing as they should.
It typically originates in one organ and if left untreated, can spread to other parts of the body as well. Some types of cancer can be prevented by lifestyle changes. For example, quitting smoking can reduce the chances of lung cancer. Similarly avoiding excessive sunlight can reduce the risk of skin cancer. However, lifestyle changes have no effect on the risk of cancer posed by factors such as aging and family history. Thankfully, this is where homeopathy can help.
How Homeopathy Can Help?
Homeopathy is a holistic form of alternative medication that aims at healing a person mentally, spiritually and physically. Homeopathic medicines are created from minerals, insects, and plants. These medicines have no side effects and can be safely prescribed to children and adults of all ages. However, self-medication is not advised. This is because the same homeopathic remedy may not be equally effective for two patients. When prescribing a homeopathic remedy, the doctor will take into account not only the patient’s physical complaints but also his or her mental and emotional state.
When it comes to cancer, homeopathy can be a very effective form of treatment and can help prevent cancer when a patient is in the precancerous stage. Homeopathy works in many ways to reduce the risk of cancer. Firstly, it helps the body detox. This helps the body in getting rid of harmful elements in the form of perspiration, urine, and bowel movements. This, in turn, strengthens the body, helps it fight against the tumor and speeds up the time taken to shrink the tumor.
Homeopathy is also known as a constitutional remedy as it takes into account the patient’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Using the right remedy can improve their energy levels and vitality and help the cancer cells shrink while keeping them from spreading any further. It also improves their quality of life, reduces pain, anxiety, stress and other such mental side effects. If the patient is simultaneously undergoing allopathic treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation, homeopathy can help relieve their side effects as well.
As with any other form of medication, homeopathy is most helpful in preventing cancer if it is prescribed early. Thus, it is important to watch out for the early signs of cancer. These include changes in bladder habits, unusual bleeding to discharge, sores that do not seem to heal, indigestion, changes in moles or the appearance of new irregular moles, a nagging cough, and thickening of the skin.
There are over 100 different types of cancer. Cancer is a widespread disease that is characterized by abnormal cell division. In the most basic terms, cancer refers to cells that grow out-of-control and invade other tissues. Cells become cancerous because of the build-up of defects, or mutations, in their DNA. Certain:
Mostly, cells are able to detect and repair the defects in DNA. However, if a cell is severely damaged and cannot repair on its own, it undergoes apoptosis or say programmed cell death. Cancer develops when damaged cells grow, divide, and spread abnormally instead of self-destructing as they should.
It typically originates in one organ and if left untreated, can spread to other parts of the body as well. Some types of cancer can be prevented by lifestyle changes. For example, quitting smoking can reduce the chances of lung cancer. Similarly avoiding excessive sunlight can reduce the risk of skin cancer. However, lifestyle changes have no effect on the risk of cancer posed by factors such as aging and family history. Thankfully, this is where homeopathy can help.
How Homeopathy Can Help?
Homeopathy is a holistic form of alternative medication that aims at healing a person mentally, spiritually and physically. Homeopathic medicines are created from minerals, insects, and plants. These medicines have no side effects and can be safely prescribed to children and adults of all ages. However, self-medication is not advised. This is because the same homeopathic remedy may not be equally effective for two patients. When prescribing a homeopathic remedy, the doctor will take into account not only the patient’s physical complaints but also his or her mental and emotional state.
When it comes to cancer, homeopathy can be a very effective form of treatment and can help prevent cancer when a patient is in the precancerous stage. Homeopathy works in many ways to reduce the risk of cancer. Firstly, it helps the body detox. This helps the body in getting rid of harmful elements in the form of perspiration, urine, and bowel movements. This, in turn, strengthens the body, helps it fight against the tumor and speeds up the time taken to shrink the tumor.
Homeopathy is also known as a constitutional remedy as it takes into account the patient’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Using the right remedy can improve their energy levels and vitality and help the cancer cells shrink while keeping them from spreading any further. It also improves their quality of life, reduces pain, anxiety, stress and other such mental side effects. If the patient is simultaneously undergoing allopathic treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation, homeopathy can help relieve their side effects as well.
As with any other form of medication, homeopathy is most helpful in preventing cancer if it is prescribed early. Thus, it is important to watch out for the early signs of cancer. These include changes in bladder habits, unusual bleeding to discharge, sores that do not seem to heal, indigestion, changes in moles or the appearance of new irregular moles, a nagging cough, and thickening of the skin.
Persistent infection of the uterine cervix with high risk human papilloma virus (HPV) leads to development of cervical cancer. Infection with HPV is common especially in sexually active young women, most infections are transient and spontaneously clear within 1 to 2 years without causing cancer. These transient infections may cause temporary changes in cervical cells. If a cervical infection with high risk HPV type persists the cellular changes can eventually develop into more severe precancerous lesions. If pre cancerous lesions are not treated, they can progress to cancer. Thus, an HPV DNA test is recommended to identify the high risk types of HPV.
Why is Pap Smear done?
An HPV test is done to:
Check for high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) in women who had a Pap test that showed abnormal cervical cells called atypical squamous cells (ASCUS). An HPV test can help look for one or more high-risk types of HPV.
Check for HPV in women older than age 30 as part of screening for abnormal cervical cells.
Help check for abnormal cervical cells after treatment of a high-risk HPV infection.
When should one get screened for cervical cancer?
American Cancer Society does not recommend using HPV DNA test to screen for cervical cancer in females under 30. This is because females in their twenties who are sexually active are much more likely (than older females) to have a HPV infection that goes away on its own. For these young females, results of this test are not as significant and may be confusing.
For females age 30 and older, Pap & HPV co testing is less likely to miss an abnormality (i.e. lower false negative rate than pap testing alone. It also lengthens the screening interval to 5 years and still allows abnormalities to be detected in time to treat them.
Women of age >65 yrs who have had adequate screening history or those who have had total hysterectomy do not need any further screening.
HPV TEST
Is HPV test as safe and effective as Pap Smear?
The advantage of the HPV test is that the Pap test misses a fair number of carcinomas as it has a lower sensitivity. Studies have also shown that a negative HPV test is better at predicting that a woman will be free of lesions for the next three years than a negative Pap test.
And while the experience for the patient is the same for both tests, the HPV test requires less material from the cervix to detect an infection so there's less concern that a sample will be inadequate.
How is the HPV test performed?
Before an HPV test, do not douche, use tampons, or use vaginal medicines for at least 48 hours.
In the HPV test, a doctor takes a swab of cells from the cervix, just as for the Pap test. The cells are then analyzed in a laboratory. The genetic material (DNA) of the HPV virus is studied. This test can identify 13 or 14 of the high-risk HPV types associated with cervical cancer. HPV test results are generally available in 1 to 2 weeks.
You may have a small amount of vaginal bleeding or gray-green discharge after this test.
By far smoking is considered the most common and predictable cause of cancer. Years of study and research has established a link between the two, but what exactly gets smoking to cause cancer, still remains unknown to many people. This article talks about why and how smoking is associated with lung cancer.
How does smoking lead to lung cancer?
Cigarettes contain as many as 60 harmful chemicals such as Benzene, Polonium 210, Nicotine, Hydrogen cyanide, Carbon monoxide, Ammonia, Arsenic etc. which cause damage to the DNA cells including the genes that keep us protected against cancer. These chemicals adversely affect your lungs. The initial symptoms include wheezing and coughing, and can lead to further complications if not paid attention at an early stage.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an inflammatory disease of the lungs which obstructs airflow resulting in respiratory troubles like emphysema and chronic bronchitis. People with COPD find it difficult to breath because of narrowed airways and damaged lung tissues.
How long does it take for smoking to cause lung cancer?
Although the initial symptoms such as a ‘smoker’s cough’ can be dismissed in the early stage, it usually takes a decade or many years of smoking to get your DNA cells damaged. Even though the human body is designed to cope with certain health problems and damage, it becomes difficult for your system to fight the harmful chemicals present in cigarettes and tobacco. Studies show that for every 15 cigarettes you smoke, your DNA undergoes change which can cause a cell to become cancerous.
According to a study by the American Lung Association, almost 80% of lung cancers result from smoking. It is most common among people over 50 years of age who have been smoking for a prolonged time. Further research studies show that life expectancy among current smokers drop by 10 years or more, while those who quit smoking at an early stage manage to survive few more years.
How to prevent lung cancer?
Now that we’ve established the link between smoking and lung cancer, the next big thing would be to prevent the risk of getting affected by it. The most effective way of preventing lung cancer is to stop smoking. Even if you have been smoking for a long time, it is never too late to quit. You may find it hard to resist smoking initially, but do not give up. Consult your doctor, ask for help. He will most likely prescribe you anti-smoking drugs like Zyban and Chantix. One alternative to anti-smoking medication is the Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). NRT helps reduce the urge for nicotine in your body by giving you a controlled amount of nicotine that is free from any of the harmful chemicals present in cigarettes.
Awareness is the key to prevention. Even if you find it hard to quit smoking, remind yourself why you made a decision to quit, of the long-term effects smoking has on your health, and how it can lead to a life-threatening condition.
In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!
The human body requires the basic nutrients for its normal functioning which are carbohydrates, fats and proteins. However, there are certain vital vitamins and minerals too, that are equally important because these help in maintaining the proper health of a human body in various ways. One such vitamin is Vitamin B complex of which, there is a crucial vitamin known as Vitamin B12 or scientifically called as Cobalamin.
Functions of Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 plays a major role by controlling several factors of the human body. These are necessary for the body to run well and stay healthy. Some of the key functions of Vitamin B12 are listed below:
In fact, Vitamin B12 has also been found to regulate mood and emotions of humans. Above all, Vitamin B12 is vital for keeping an individual happy and healthy by revitalising the body cells and making him or her feel youthful and vibrant all the time. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!
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