What is Cervical Cancer?

May 18, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Cervical cancer is the development of abnormal cells that originates in the cervix. The cervix is found below the uterus and bridges it to the upper vagina. This condition is very common among underdeveloped countries, where it ranks second among the leading causes of death related to cancer.

What Causes Cervical Cancer?

In most cases, cervical cancer is caused by HPV (human papillomavirus) infection. Various types of this virus are also known to cause genital warts, skin warts, and other skin disorders. HPV may be acquired through sexual contact, particularly having several sexual partners.

There are also evidences that cigarette smoking could increase the chances of developing cervical cancer. Chemicals found in cigarettes may interact with cervix cells, which, in turn, create changes that could lead to the development of cancer cells.

Women who have used oral contraceptives for at least five years may also have higher risks of developing cervical cancer.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

Individuals may experience different conditions that may lead to cervical cancer. This will greatly be dependent on various factors, which include the patient’s medical history, fertility, and age. For women who’ve already reached their menopausal, vaginal bleeding is not normal. In case this happens, the affected person should immediately seek a doctor. It is also important to have a check up in case bleeding occurs in between periods or after having sexual intercourse, as well as bleeding associated with feeling light-headed or weakness.

How is Cervical Cancer Diagnosed?

Early stages of cervical cancer are most commonly detected through Pap smear (Papanicolaou test). This is a quick and painless procedure where the cells on the cervix’s surface are collected to be checked for any abnormalities.

Cervical cancer diagnosis may also require a cervical biopsy (cervical tissue extraction), where the tissue sample is then evaluated by a specialist through a microscope to check for cancer.

Colposcopy is another procedure used for cervical cancer detection. Similar to a pelvic exam, this is where a colposcope is used for examining the cervix, while a dye is applied to the cervix area to easily identify the presence of abnormal cells.

In the case of invasive cervical cancer, larger biopsies may be required. The LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure) technique, which may be done in the OB/GYN clinic, takes a cervix tissue sample through using an electrified wire loop. Another procedure is the cone biopsy, which is done in the operating room with the patient under anesthesia. This is where a tiny sample of cervix tissue in cone-shape is taken out for evaluation. Results from a cone biopsy will help determine the exact areas affected by the condition.

What are the Treatments for Cervical Cancer?

If the innermost cells taken out through the biopsy are normal, treatment may not be necessary. However, once there are cancerous cells detected farther than what the biopsy’s scope, the doctor may require chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery.

Chemotherapy. This is more commonly used to improve the efficiency of radiation therapy. Drugs are administered to help eliminate cancer cells and prevent them from spreading. The medications used in the process may vary from factors such as the type of cancer and the condition’s stage.

Radiation Therapy. In this treatment, high radiation levels are used to decrease the tumor size or eliminate cancer cells. The procedure is done externally through a radiation therapy apparatus or internally using radioactive materials set in the patient’s uterus. Radiation therapy may be used alone, or preceding or following chemotherapy.

Surgery. Surgery is usually done in combination with other treatments. The patient will undergo a surgical method depending on factors like the stage of the condition.

  • Radical Trachelectomy. This process involves removing the cervix and the tissue around it while keeping the uterus unscathed.
  • Radical Hysterectomy. In this surgical method, part of the vagina, the cervix, and the uterus are removed. In worse conditions, the fallopian tubes, lymph nodes, and ovaries are taken out.
  • Lymphadenectomy. A common method for treating cervical cancer, this is where the lymph nodes are surgically removed.
  • Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy. The ovaries and fallopian tubes are both surgically removed in this procedure.
Filed Under: Cancer, Cervical Cancer Tagged With:

A One-Stop Shop for Elders

May 18, 2013 By Leave a Comment


Taking care of elderly relatives is stressful and can take its toll on your health. So you need all the help you can get. Parentgiving.com is a website that provides caregivers all the detail and information they need to make taking care of their elders easier. It has a library that is full of articles on elderly care and other medical related articles. People who want to ask questions can ask the site’s resident 28 senior health experts knowledgeable in elderly care, medicine, and health. The website also has a list of home care providers by state that people can check out. Parentgiving also has an online store which sells a lot of products categorized into: Alzheimers, Bath Safety, Bedding, Daily Living Aids, Diabetic Supplies, Incontinence, Medical Supplies, Mobility Devices, Skin Care, and Gift Shop.

Parentgiving is an authorized dealer of all Medline products. For those who do not know, Medline is the largest privately held national manufacturer and distributor of medical products and health care supplies in America. They do not sell products directly to consumers or small businesses but instead do it through Parentgiving which in turn offer these products in competitive prices. All products are delivered right at your doorstep. The Product Catalog
of Medline items is quite extensive. Customers will find products like Antibacterial Skin Cleansers, Bandages and Tape, Cervical Collars and Neck Braces, Compression and Support Socks, Disinfectant Wipes and Surface Cleaners, Edema Pumps and Sleeves, First Aid, Foot Care, General Skin Care, Ointments and Cleansers, Pain Medication and a lot more.

Filed Under: Guest Post, Health Care Products Tagged With: ,

Top Tips for a Healthy Looking Skin

May 13, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Aside from protecting you, the skin has a myriad of functions. It is also the first thing that people see. A healthy looking skin is more preferred by most individuals because it indicates that you know how to take care of yourself. That is why people go through great lengths to improve their skin, especially the face. Some go to the derma, while others use herbs that they see on the garden. To improve the skins integrity and aesthetics, here are the tips you can follow.

1. Let Your Skin Rest

How you present yourself to other people is essential. For this reason, a lot of women put tons of makeup on. Aside from the usual powder and lipstick, they will apply concealers, foundations, and any other cream that you can think of. While it is pleasing to the eyes, the face suffers a lot. Because of these products, the pores enlarge, becomes clogged, and a skin breakout happens. To prevent this from occurring, let your face rest from makeup. A pore minimizer will also do the trick since it can take care of your skin dilemma and rejuvenate it to its naturally beautiful state.

2. Your Daily Ritual

Your skin is subjected to the harsh environment every time you go out. Dust, dirt, and pollution are always there, ready to give you problems. You can counter their effects by cleansing, exfoliating, toning, and moisturizing. This process can be done at day or night; it depends on the product and the choice of the person. Aside from that, a pore minimizer can help you achieve the flawless complexion you always wanted, so do not forget to include it in your beauty regimen.

3. Sleep and Water

Water is free, energizes you, and rehydrates your skin. On the other hand, having enough rest for the day will restore not only your body, but your soul too. Seeing that both are important for your skin, not to mention they are completely free, you should catch up on rest and drink up lots of water.

There you have it, the things you can do to have a beautiful skin that others will envy. By doing all the tips above, you are assured of a healthy looking face that is worthy of a magazine. So start doing them today to reap their benefits.

Filed Under: Beauty & Care, Skin Care Tagged With:

Carbohydrates and Temptations Be Gone

May 11, 2013 By Leave a Comment

For most individuals, reducing carb intake takes a Herculean effort. After all, those delectable treats that you love, and even the ones you eat for lunch and dinner such as pasta and rice are full of carbohydrates. It takes great discipline, dedication, and a lifestyle overhaul to make the right food choices. If you are having a hard time with the whole process, do not fret, because by reading the tips below, you will learn how to turn your back away from those fattening carbs.

Bring Your Own Food

Imagine this; you spent the first hours of the day in front of your computer to hit that deadline. With all the information and documents that you have to do, it is not a surprise that you are hungry come lunch time. Most people would immediately grab anything they see in this situation, and you are not an exemption. The only problem is the food in the cafeteria or restaurants are mostly rich in carbs. That is why bringing your own food in the first place is recommended. You are not forced to eat something that you do not like.

Do Not Expose Yourself to Temptation

There is a reason why you crave carbohydrates, and it is not just the natural process of your brain or the add-ons some fast food put in your meal. No, you often crave carbs because you usually look at one. Those magazines, blogs, and web pages advertise those types of food a lot, and you become more susceptible to eating them once you see how well they are presented. Aside from that, stop following your friends to cake and bakery stores. If you do not have a business there then just use your extra time to catch up on your favorite novel, or even sleep.

Picky Eating

There are many low carb diet choices that you can go for. Contrary to popular belief, they are not bland and unappealing. Most of them are actually yummier and healthier. Of course the taste will largely depend on your preparation. A vegetable will always taste like one, and it is up to you to combine them with something equally scrumptious. In the end, you just have to be more selective of the things you put in your mouth.

Temptations and carbohydrate-rich foods are always around the corner, so you have to be strong-willed to avoid them. A good advice is to stick with like-minded people who are also into healthy living. They will be able to help and guide you through the process, and you will meet a lot of great individuals because of them.

Filed Under: Diet Tips, Eat Well, Weight Loss

What is Cancer?

May 6, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Cancer results from abnormal or malignant cells developing in any part of the body. The type of cancer is determined by the origin of the cancer tissue. When its progression continues, the cancer cells could break away and reach other parts of the system through lymph systems and the blood. This then elevates the condition to metastatic cancer.

Major Types of Cancer

While over 200 kinds of cancers have been identified, most of them fall under one of the following categories.

Leukemia. This type of cancer develops from blood-forming tissue. Abnormal blood cells then develop as a result and spread throughout the blood (i.e. myelogenous, T-cell, lymphoblastic leukemia).

Carcinoma. This develops from the tissues covering the internal organs or inside the skin (i.e. colon, lung, ovarian, pancreatic cancers).

Myeloma and Lymphoma. These types of cancers develop from the cells found within the immune system (i.e. B-cell, T-cell lymphoma).

Sarcoma. Its development begins in the bone, cartilage, fat, blood vessels, and other connective or supporting tissues (i.e. soft tissue, bone cancers).

Central nervous system (CNS) cancers. Cancers falling under this category develop from brain and nervous tissues (i.e. spinal cord, brain tumors).

Symptoms of Cancer

Symptoms depend on the type of cancer, specifically its location. While they are easy to detect in some people, these symptoms may not manifest in others until the cancer reaches a certain stage. Symptoms may include one of more of the following:

  • Abnormal changes in the skin such as discoloration, wart, and sores not healing naturally.
  • Abnormal bladder or bowel functions
  • Persistent cough
  • Discharge pr unusual bleeding of the vagina, mouth, or bladder
  • Fatigue that doesn’t go away with resting
  • Abnormal weight loss
  • Tissue masses
  • Constant or recurrent fever without a clear infection origin

When one or more of these symptoms are experienced, immediately consulting a doctor is recommended.

Treatment

Cancer treatment will be given by the oncologist or a group of doctors depending on the type and stage of the cancer. There may also be a case where the diagnosis and the treatment are determined if cancer is surgically removed upon tissue extraction for biopsy.

The type of treatment is dependent on each individual’s case, and it may include chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, or all of these three components. For patients whose cancer cannot be removed completely through surgery, they are given a combination therapy, which composition is dependent on the stage and type of cancer.

For cancers that are incurable, palliative therapy is administered. This is done to alleviate the symptoms that come with the disease. While it includes the treatments mentioned above, its main purpose is to extend the patient’s life. Medications for treating pain and nausea may also be included as part of this treatment.

Prevention

Experts believe that there is a significant chance of reducing the risks of cancers or preventing the disease from developing. The most basic way to prevent cancer is by avoiding the disease’s likely causes, such as tobacco smoking, which is the first among the researchers’ list of causes.

It is also advised to avoid too much exposure from sunlight and wear sunscreen. Keeping away from certain pathogens and viruses is believed to reduce cancer risks. For people whose work involves exposure to agents thought to cause cancer, such as x-ray and chemicals, they must minimize their exposure and follow every precaution to avoid cancer development.

Although cancer could develop from excessive exposure to ionizing radiation, pathogens, or toxic compounds, genetics could also be a factor. Around 10 percent of the patients are said to have greater risks due to possible inheritance of the disease. There are, however, genetic testing facilities that help to determine such cancer at an early stage to easily identify the best treatment options to prevent it from reaching advanced stages.

Filed Under: Cancer Tagged With: , , , , , , ,