Some conditions that occur in the body, while not necessarily cancerous, may be considered precancerous, or early stages of changes in the tissues that might eventually lead to cancer. Thus, women should be examined after childbirth to determine the presence of injuries of the tissues, and the proper repair of damage may prevent subsequent irritations that lead to cancer. Erosions, which are rubbed spots on the surface of the organ, need to be given proper care. Ulcers of the stomach occasionally develop cancerous manifestations. Continued irritation of the gall bladder by gallstones may in some instances bring about the kind of irritation that results in excessive and wild growth of cells. Bear in mind that none of these conditions is the cause of cancer. They are contributing factors which have to be studied. In the absence of the stimulus that leads to cancer the contributing factors alone do not result in cancer, but the combination may be deadly.
Cancers of the lung, the intestines, or the stomach usually come on insidiously, and the person affected may not be aware for some time of the nature of his condition. Often people are reluctant to let the doctor know when the symptoms first appear; sometimes they fail to pay attention because of fear or ignorance. Doctors believe that many more cases could be saved if only people would come to the doctor sooner.
From a British clinic comes the report that 55 per cent of patients with cancer of the breast waited for more than three months after noticing a lump before consulting the doctor. Over 16 per cent waited longer than a year. Similarly, great numbers of women disregarded irregular bleeding from the organs of childbirth. Some people have opposed campaigns of education about cancer because of the fear that they might create phobias and develop neurotics.
The Papanicolaou test involves removal of a scraping from the organ concerned – cervix of the uterus, stomach lining or bronchial tubes – and examining this under the microscope for cancer cells. Every woman past 30 years of age should have such an examination of the cervix of the uterus at least once annually.
Cancer of the skin, breast cancer, and cancer of the uterus give indications of their presence early, and a high percentage of these patients can be cured if the condition is diagnosed early and properly treated.
Much has been printed lately about the definite increase in cases of cancer of the lung, which a few relate to smoking. The relationship is not definitely proved. Early diagnosis in such cancers depends chiefly on paying attention to symptoms affecting the lung and getting promptly a good X-ray study. The mass X-ray studies for presence of tuberculosis have helped to locate many cases of cancer.
*4/318/5*
CANCER: DIAGNOSING DISEASESome conditions that occur in the body, while not necessarily cancerous, may be considered precancerous, or early stages of changes in the tissues that might eventually lead to cancer. Thus, women should be examined after childbirth to determine the presence of injuries of the tissues, and the proper repair of damage may prevent subsequent irritations that lead to cancer. Erosions, which are rubbed spots on the surface of the organ, need to be given proper care. Ulcers of the stomach occasionally develop cancerous manifestations. Continued irritation of the gall bladder by gallstones may in some instances bring about the kind of irritation that results in excessive and wild growth of cells. Bear in mind that none of these conditions is the cause of cancer. They are contributing factors which have to be studied. In the absence of the stimulus that leads to cancer the contributing factors alone do not result in cancer, but the combination may be deadly.Cancers of the lung, the intestines, or the stomach usually come on insidiously, and the person affected may not be aware for some time of the nature of his condition. Often people are reluctant to let the doctor know when the symptoms first appear; sometimes they fail to pay attention because of fear or ignorance. Doctors believe that many more cases could be saved if only people would come to the doctor sooner.From a British clinic comes the report that 55 per cent of patients with cancer of the breast waited for more than three months after noticing a lump before consulting the doctor. Over 16 per cent waited longer than a year. Similarly, great numbers of women disregarded irregular bleeding from the organs of childbirth. Some people have opposed campaigns of education about cancer because of the fear that they might create phobias and develop neurotics.The Papanicolaou test involves removal of a scraping from the organ concerned – cervix of the uterus, stomach lining or bronchial tubes – and examining this under the microscope for cancer cells. Every woman past 30 years of age should have such an examination of the cervix of the uterus at least once annually.Cancer of the skin, breast cancer, and cancer of the uterus give indications of their presence early, and a high percentage of these patients can be cured if the condition is diagnosed early and properly treated.Much has been printed lately about the definite increase in cases of cancer of the lung, which a few relate to smoking. The relationship is not definitely proved. Early diagnosis in such cancers depends chiefly on paying attention to symptoms affecting the lung and getting promptly a good X-ray study. The mass X-ray studies for presence of tuberculosis have helped to locate many cases of cancer.*4/318/5*
Tagged: · Thursday, January 27, 2011 · No Comments »
What happens to my hips?
The hips can certainly be affected by RA but not early on. Initially, the only symptom affecting the hips might be an inability to put on socks, stockings, or shoes. Later in the disease, the hip can be very inflamed and severely affected.
How might the knees be affected?
The knee is often the site of inflammation and joint destruction in RA. In many cases, the patient cannot bear weight on the knee. Since the knee is such a big joint, it fills with fluid and becomes hot and even noisy when it is bent or flexed.
Treatment usually involves removing fluid from the knee in order to help make a diagnosis and later to make the patient comfortable.
What is a Baker’s cyst, and how is it related to RA?
A Baker s cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can develop behind the knee in those with rheumatoid arthritis.
How might my feet and ankles be affected?
The foot is a real nest of problems when the patient has RA. These joints bear a lot of weight, which means that they are particularly prone to complications. Many patients say they feel like they are walking on marbles early in the morning. Many experience a burning sensation on the soles of the feet. It is also common for patients to have difficulty keeping their feet straight or to be unable to wear shoes because the toes flex upward. The knuckles where the toes join the foot are particularly prone to inflammation and deformity. Consequently, the gait of some RA patients is grossly affected.
Can I get nerve entrapment syndromes in my feet?
Yes, the foot also has various nerves and tendons that can be affected by swelling and inflammation. This “crunching” of nerves causes the common burning sensation on the bottom of the foot when you walk or stand in one place for a long time.
*13/141/5*
EFFECTS OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: HIPS, KNEES, FEET AND ANKLES What happens to my hips?The hips can certainly be affected by RA but not early on. Initially, the only symptom affecting the hips might be an inability to put on socks, stockings, or shoes. Later in the disease, the hip can be very inflamed and severely affected.
How might the knees be affected?The knee is often the site of inflammation and joint destruction in RA. In many cases, the patient cannot bear weight on the knee. Since the knee is such a big joint, it fills with fluid and becomes hot and even noisy when it is bent or flexed.Treatment usually involves removing fluid from the knee in order to help make a diagnosis and later to make the patient comfortable.
What is a Baker’s cyst, and how is it related to RA?A Baker s cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can develop behind the knee in those with rheumatoid arthritis.
How might my feet and ankles be affected?The foot is a real nest of problems when the patient has RA. These joints bear a lot of weight, which means that they are particularly prone to complications. Many patients say they feel like they are walking on marbles early in the morning. Many experience a burning sensation on the soles of the feet. It is also common for patients to have difficulty keeping their feet straight or to be unable to wear shoes because the toes flex upward. The knuckles where the toes join the foot are particularly prone to inflammation and deformity. Consequently, the gait of some RA patients is grossly affected.
Can I get nerve entrapment syndromes in my feet?Yes, the foot also has various nerves and tendons that can be affected by swelling and inflammation. This “crunching” of nerves causes the common burning sensation on the bottom of the foot when you walk or stand in one place for a long time.*13/141/5*
Tagged: · Tuesday, January 18, 2011 · No Comments »
No one really knows just how prevalent the disorder is among children and adults. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), in a special report on ADHD, confirms the 3 to 5 percent figure. The Washington Post says the number of ADHD cases has skyrocketed from slightly more than 900,000 in 1990 to more than 2 million in 1995. However, there is ongoing debate within the medical community as to whether it’s really that high—or even whether ADHD really exists.
Recent media coverage suggests that many cases of so-called ADHD are just normally active, enthusiastic, and energetic children and that the dramatic increase in Ritalin use is merely a panacea for parents and teachers who don’t know how or don’t have the time to manage these children.
As a child psychiatrist, I believe that ADHD is a useful medical diagnosis to describe a group of symptoms that coexist in and cause a great deal of trouble for a significant number of children. There’s no question that some children diagnosed with ADHD probably don’t have the disorder and really don’t need to be on Ritalin. But this shouldn’t detract from the hundreds of thousands of youngsters and adults who do have ADHD and do benefit from the use of Ritalin and other therapies. It is clear that an ADHD diagnosis should not be made lightly and that other conditions that may explain the symptoms should be ruled out first.
This may be a silly question, but are there any advantages to having ADHD?
That’s not a silly question at all. Hallowell and Ratey, in their book Answers to Distraction (Bantam), note that people with ADHD tend to have a high energy level, are extremely creative and resourceful, have a strong intuitive sense, and are tenacious, hardworking, warmhearted, and forgiving. They also tend to have a strong sense of loyalty and a great sense of humor.
*5\173\2*
HOW MANY CHILDREN HAVE ADHD (ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER)?No one really knows just how prevalent the disorder is among children and adults. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), in a special report on ADHD, confirms the 3 to 5 percent figure. The Washington Post says the number of ADHD cases has skyrocketed from slightly more than 900,000 in 1990 to more than 2 million in 1995. However, there is ongoing debate within the medical community as to whether it’s really that high—or even whether ADHD really exists.Recent media coverage suggests that many cases of so-called ADHD are just normally active, enthusiastic, and energetic children and that the dramatic increase in Ritalin use is merely a panacea for parents and teachers who don’t know how or don’t have the time to manage these children.As a child psychiatrist, I believe that ADHD is a useful medical diagnosis to describe a group of symptoms that coexist in and cause a great deal of trouble for a significant number of children. There’s no question that some children diagnosed with ADHD probably don’t have the disorder and really don’t need to be on Ritalin. But this shouldn’t detract from the hundreds of thousands of youngsters and adults who do have ADHD and do benefit from the use of Ritalin and other therapies. It is clear that an ADHD diagnosis should not be made lightly and that other conditions that may explain the symptoms should be ruled out first.This may be a silly question, but are there any advantages to having ADHD?That’s not a silly question at all. Hallowell and Ratey, in their book Answers to Distraction (Bantam), note that people with ADHD tend to have a high energy level, are extremely creative and resourceful, have a strong intuitive sense, and are tenacious, hardworking, warmhearted, and forgiving. They also tend to have a strong sense of loyalty and a great sense of humor.*5\173\2*
Tagged: · Monday, January 10, 2011 · No Comments »
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