Cancer Education
You can educate yourself in this section with general and cancer-specific information obtained from the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society. But first, a word of caution . . .
There are seven general warning signs of cancer.
To help remember them, keep in mind the word CAUTION!
To help remember them, keep in mind the word CAUTION!
C hange in bowel or bladder habits
A sore that does not heal
U nusual bleeding or discharge
T hickening or lump in any part of the body
I ndigestion or difficulty swallowing
O bvious change in any skin condition
N agging cough or hoarseness.
A sore that does not heal
U nusual bleeding or discharge
T hickening or lump in any part of the body
I ndigestion or difficulty swallowing
O bvious change in any skin condition
N agging cough or hoarseness.
** These symptoms can also represent infections or other problems. They do not necessarily mean you have cancer.
But, don’t assume! Check with your medical healthcare team to be sure.
But, don’t assume! Check with your medical healthcare team to be sure.
What is cancer?
The Big C
The Big C is Cancer! Cancer happens when good cells go bad! When rebellious cells no longer follow the rules. When cells go berserk and grow uncontrollably. That’s Cancer!
Cancer cells are basically bullies, using “muscle” (mass) to get their way. Like most bullies, they are weak and intimidate healthy cells by crowding them out. Cancer cells are greedy in nature and function below normal cell level. They exist to eat and reproduce, and need larger and larger amounts of cell nutrients (food) to keep going. They are unruly cells that laugh in the face of normal cell “personal space” - they have no respect for cell boundaries!
Cancer cells are mutinous and have the ability to invade normal tissues and to spread to other areas of the body. There are special criteria cells have to meet in order to be eligible for cancer duty. A cell must be capable of:
The Big C is Cancer! Cancer happens when good cells go bad! When rebellious cells no longer follow the rules. When cells go berserk and grow uncontrollably. That’s Cancer!
Cancer cells are basically bullies, using “muscle” (mass) to get their way. Like most bullies, they are weak and intimidate healthy cells by crowding them out. Cancer cells are greedy in nature and function below normal cell level. They exist to eat and reproduce, and need larger and larger amounts of cell nutrients (food) to keep going. They are unruly cells that laugh in the face of normal cell “personal space” - they have no respect for cell boundaries!
Cancer cells are mutinous and have the ability to invade normal tissues and to spread to other areas of the body. There are special criteria cells have to meet in order to be eligible for cancer duty. A cell must be capable of:
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The primary site is the place where the cancer cells begin to be contrary. It is the original site of the cancer. Here, these defiant cells grow and multiply in an uncontrolled manner to form a mass, called a primary tumor. A secondary tumor is when the cancer spreads from the primary site. Even though it is a secondary tumor, it is the same make-up as the primary tumor. In other words, if the cancer begins in the breast and metastasizes to the lung, the tumors in the lung are breast cancer secondary tumors and will behave like breast cancer, not like lung cancer. In some cases, secondary tumors grow faster than primary tumors, and may actually be noticed first.
Metastasis is when cancer spreads. When cancer cells metastasize, they can: (1) travel throughout the body in the liquid portion of the blood, (2) travel in clumps, (3) arrive at a distant site and form a tumor, and (4) establish a blood supply to obtain their own nutrients. Developing a blood supply (angiogenesis) is extremely important for the tumor - without it the tumor would not be able to grow. Cancer cells can also metastasize by entering the bloodstream (lymphatic system), thereby traveling to other parts of the body, forming tumors and infiltrating organs.
Cancer cells form masses (lumps) called tumors, which can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign tumors are generally slow growing, do not spread to other parts of the body, can be removed by surgery, and rarely grow back. Malignant tumors can spread and invade and/or destroy nearby tissue, and are generally fast growing.
Tumors are classified by tissue type, cell type and site of origin. Tissue types are: carcinoma (epithelial cells that line organs and cover body surfaces - about 90% of all cancers), sarcoma (connective tissue, muscle and bone - about 2% of all cancers), leukemia and lymphoma (circulatory or lymphatic systems - about 8% of all cancers), blastoma (embryonic tissue), teratoma (tissue derived from ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm embryonic germ layers), and neoplasm (named after the founding physician - Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma).
Cell types are: adenomatous (ductal or glandular cells), squamous (flat cells), myeloid (blood cells), and lymphoid (lymphocytes or macrophages). The site of the tumor’s origin is where the cancer first originated and may indicate the founder’s name and/or type of tissue and/or cell type. For example: bone cancer - osteosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma; eye cancer - retinoblastoma; or breast cancer - breast carcinoma of ductal cells.
Cancer is a group of over 100 diseases. It is a life-threatening disease, but it is not always fatal!
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Symptoms & Diagnosis
Symptoms - The list below can also represent infections or other illnesses.
If you are having problems, please check with your medical healthcare team for consultation, testing and treatment.
If you are having problems, please check with your medical healthcare team for consultation, testing and treatment.
Diagnosis - Your doctor will go over your medical history and give you a complete physical examination.
General tests may include routine blood work, urine and stool samples.
Depending on the circumstances, your doctor may run several diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your problems.
General tests may include routine blood work, urine and stool samples.
Depending on the circumstances, your doctor may run several diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your problems.
Cancers are listed in alphabetical order.
Bladder Cancer
Symptoms - blood in the urine, pain during urination, frequent urination, or feeling the need to urinate without results.
Diagnosis - rectal exam, (pelvic exam for women), urine tests, cystoscopy, IVP (kidney and ureters x-ray), CT scan, ultrasound or MRI of the abdomen and pelvis.
Brain Cancer
Symptoms - headaches (that are worse in the morning), convulsions, nausea (vomiting), weakness or loss of feeling in arms or legs, lack of coordination in walking, abnormal eye movements, changes in vision, drowsiness, personality or memory, changes in speech.
Diagnosis - neurological exam, CT scan and/or MRI, skull x-ray, EEG, brain scan, angiogram, myelogram (spinal x-ray), biopsy.
Breast Cancer
Symptoms - lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area, a change in the size or shape of the breast; a discharge from the nipple, or a change in the color or feel of the skin of the breast, areola or nipple.
Diagnosis - clinical breast exam (palpation), mammography, ultrasound, needle biopsy (aspiration), surgical biopsy, various scans, x-rays, blood (marker) tests.
Cervical Cancer
Symptoms - abnormal bleeding (bleeding between regular periods, after sexual intercourse, douching or a pelvic exam), menstrual bleeding that is heavier than usual or lasts longer than usual; bleeding after menopause, and/or increased vaginal discharge.
Diagnosis - pelvic exam, Pap test, colposcopy, biopsy, ECC (cervical tissue sample), cone biopsy, D&C (cervical and uterine tissue sample).
Colon Cancer
Symptoms - diarrhea or constipation, blood in or on the stool, stools that are narrower than usual, general stomach discomfort (bloating, fullness, cramps), frequent gas pains, a feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty completely, loss of weight for no reason, constant tiredness.
Diagnosis - rectal exam, (possible pelvic exam for women); routine, occult and CEA (tumor marker) blood tests, sigmoidoscopy and/or colonoscopy, barium enema, CT and liver scan.
Eye Cancer
Symptoms - (Retinoblastoma) - white pupils, poorly aligned eyes, red and painful eye, poor vision, inflammation of surrounding eye tissue, an enlarged pupil, different colored irises.
Diagnosis - retina exam, ultrasound exam, CT scan and MRI, blood tests, spinal tap, possible bone marrow biopsy.
Hodgkin's Disease
Symptoms - painless swelling in lymph nodes in groin, neck or underarm area; fevers, night sweats, tiredness, weight loss, itching skin.
Diagnosis - blood tests, x-rays of chest, bones, liver and spleen; biopsy (looking for Reed-Sternberg cells). To determine staging: biopsies of lymph nodes, liver, bone marrow; lymphangiograms, CAT scan, various x-rays.
Kidney Cancer
Symptoms - blood in the urine, mild discomfort or dull ache and/or lump in the side or back, swelling of the ankles and legs, high blood pressure, low red blood cell count (anemia), fatigue, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, recurring fever (not from an infection, cold or flu).
Diagnosis - urine tests, IVP (kidney and ureters x-ray), ultrasound and CT scan of abdomen and pelvis, other kidney tests.
Larynx Cancer
Symptoms - a persistent cough, a feeling of a lump in the throat, hoarseness or changes in the voice, trouble swallowing. In the area above the vocal cords: a lump on the neck, a sore throat, or earache. In the area below the vocal cords: difficulty breathing or noisy breathing.
Diagnosis - neck exam, indirect laryngoscopy, direct laryngoscopy, biopsy, x-rays and scans.
Leukemia
Symptoms - anemia, lethargy, pale complexion, shortness of breath, bruising, bleeding, body itching, enlarged lymph nodes, pain in the breastbone, discomfort in groin, neck or armpit, fatigue, feeling of fullness in abdomen after eating (even a small meal), weight loss without loss of appetite, mild fever, night sweats, increased number or severity of infections.
Diagnosis - blood tests, bone marrow sample, CT scan of abdomen, various x-rays and scans. For CML, special tests for the Philadelphia chromosome.
Liver Cancer
Symptoms - mild loss of appetite, some weight loss, mild nausea, jaundice, drowsiness and confusion. Also, in early stages, mild ache/discomfort in upper right of abdomen; and in later stages, severe ache/pain in upper right side of abdomen, center of abdomen or the back.
Diagnosis - ultrasound or CT scan of the liver, AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) blood tests and other blood tests, liver biopsy.
Lung Cancer
Symptoms - a persistent or worsening cough, constant chest pain, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, wheezing or hoarseness; repeated problems with pneumonia or bronchitis, swelling of the neck and face, loss of appetite or weight loss, fatigue.
Diagnosis - chest x-ray, sputum cytology (mucus test), biopsy, bronchoscopy (or mediastinoscopy), needle aspiration, thoracentesis (fluid sample), thoracotomy (surgery), CT scan, liver ultrasound and/or bone scan, various blood tests.
Lymphoma
Symptoms - enlarged lymph nodes in neck, armpit or groin, loss of energy, loss of appetite, weight loss, excessive sweating at night, general overall feeling of not feeling well.
Diagnosis - lymph node biopsy, staging tests to determine type of lymphoma, chest x-ray, liver ultrasound, bone marrow sample, CT scan or MRI, lymphogram.
Multiple Myeloma
Symptoms - Early stage - bone pain in the back or ribs, broken bones, weakness, fatigue, weight loss or repeated infections. Advanced stage - nausea, vomiting, problems urinating, constipation, and weakness or numbness in the legs.
Other symptoms: anemia (low red blood cell count), hypercalcemia (calcium in the blood), excess M protein (may lead to kidney damage or failure), blood clots (including: bruising, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, low platelet count).
Diagnosis - blood and urine tests for M bands, bone marrow aspiration, bone marrow biopsy, x-rays.
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Symptoms - painless swelling of lymph nodes in groin, neck or underarm area; unexplained fever, night sweats, constant fatigue, itchy skin, weight loss, reddened skin patches.
Diagnosis - physical exam checking lymph nodes in the groin, neck or underarm area, blood tests, x-rays, CAT scan, MRI, lymphangiogram, biopsy.
Ovarian Cancer
Symptoms - ongoing fatigue, abdominal swelling and/or pain; bloating and/or feeling of fullness, pressure; vague but persistent gastrointestinal complaints (gas, nausea, indigestion); frequency and/or urgency of urination in the absence of an infection, constipation and diarrhea, back aches, vaginal discharge, pain during intercourse, and menstrual disorders (abnormal bleeding, postmenopausal bleeding).
Diagnosis - pelvic exam, ultrasound scan, CT scan, barium enema, IVP (kidney and ureters x-ray); blood tests, especially the CA-125 (tumor marker); laparoscopy, laparotomy, further surgery (possible oophorectomy, removal of the ovary).
Note: A Pap test does not detect ovarian cancer. There is NO test for ovarian cancer. You should not rely totally on the CA-125, it can give false positives. Every woman should have a vaginal-rectal exam. If anything is unusual, a transvaginal ultrasound and CA-125 should be performed in CONJUNCTION with each other. You should request these 3 diagnostic tests, if you have several symptoms for more than 3 - 4 weeks.
Pancreatic Cancer
Symptoms - pain in the upper abdomen (spreading to the back), nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, weakness. If common bile duct is blocked by tumor, the skin and whites of the eyes may become yellow, and urine may become dark.
Diagnosis - blood, urine and stool tests, upper GI series, CT scan, ultrasound, and/or MRI, ERCP (pancreatic duct x-ray), PTC (liver x-ray), angiography (x-rays of blood vessels after dye injection), biopsy, laparascopy, laparotomy.
Prostate Cancer
Symptoms - a need to urinate frequently (especially at night), difficulty starting urination or holding back urine; inability to urinate, weak or interrupted flow, painful or burning urination, painful ejaculation, blood in urine or semen, frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs.
Diagnosis - rectal exam, urine tests, biopsy, bone scan, CT scan of abdomen and pelvis, ultrasound scan; blood tests, especially the PSA (prostate-specific antigen), IVP (kidney and ureters x-ray), TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate).
Skin Cancer
Symptoms - a change on the skin, especially a new growth or a sore that does not heal; signs of scaliness, oozing, bleeding or a change in the appearance of a bump or nodule.
Signs of melanoma: one half of a mole does not match the other half (asymmetry); the edges are ragged, notched or blurred (border irregularity); the pigmentation is not uniform; shades of tan, brown and black are present (color); the diameter is greater than 6 millimeters.
Diagnosis - excisional biopsy, blood tests, x-rays, scans, sentinel node sampling (melanoma).
Stomach Cancer
Symptoms - heartburn, pain in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, bloating, loss of appetite, weakness and fatigue, vomiting blood or having blood in the stool.
Diagnosis - fecal occult and routine blood tests, upper GI series, endoscopy, biopsy, scans.
Testicular Cancer
Symptoms - lump in either testicle or any enlargement of a testicle, a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, dull ache in lower abdomen or groin, sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum, pain in testicle or scrotum, enlargement or tenderness of breasts, lump in the neck, pain in the back, shortness of breath (due to lung metastasis).
Diagnosis - testicular-specific blood tests (AFP and Beta HCG), chest x-ray, urine tests, CT scans of abdomen or chest, lymphogram, ultrasound scan of the liver, IVP (kidney and ureters x-ray), inguinal orchiectomy (removal of testicle through the groin).
Thyroid Cancer
Symptoms - signs of a lump in the middle part of the neck
Diagnosis - thyroid scan and/or ultrasound test, biopsy (needle aspiration), surgical biopsy, CT scan of the neck.
Uterine Cancer
Symptoms - abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, difficult or painful urination, pain during intercourse, pain in the pelvic area.
Diagnosis - pelvic exam (with rectal), Pap test, biopsy, D&C (uterine tissue sample), various scans and x-rays.
Symptoms - blood in the urine, pain during urination, frequent urination, or feeling the need to urinate without results.
Diagnosis - rectal exam, (pelvic exam for women), urine tests, cystoscopy, IVP (kidney and ureters x-ray), CT scan, ultrasound or MRI of the abdomen and pelvis.
Brain Cancer
Symptoms - headaches (that are worse in the morning), convulsions, nausea (vomiting), weakness or loss of feeling in arms or legs, lack of coordination in walking, abnormal eye movements, changes in vision, drowsiness, personality or memory, changes in speech.
Diagnosis - neurological exam, CT scan and/or MRI, skull x-ray, EEG, brain scan, angiogram, myelogram (spinal x-ray), biopsy.
Breast Cancer
Symptoms - lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area, a change in the size or shape of the breast; a discharge from the nipple, or a change in the color or feel of the skin of the breast, areola or nipple.
Diagnosis - clinical breast exam (palpation), mammography, ultrasound, needle biopsy (aspiration), surgical biopsy, various scans, x-rays, blood (marker) tests.
Cervical Cancer
Symptoms - abnormal bleeding (bleeding between regular periods, after sexual intercourse, douching or a pelvic exam), menstrual bleeding that is heavier than usual or lasts longer than usual; bleeding after menopause, and/or increased vaginal discharge.
Diagnosis - pelvic exam, Pap test, colposcopy, biopsy, ECC (cervical tissue sample), cone biopsy, D&C (cervical and uterine tissue sample).
Colon Cancer
Symptoms - diarrhea or constipation, blood in or on the stool, stools that are narrower than usual, general stomach discomfort (bloating, fullness, cramps), frequent gas pains, a feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty completely, loss of weight for no reason, constant tiredness.
Diagnosis - rectal exam, (possible pelvic exam for women); routine, occult and CEA (tumor marker) blood tests, sigmoidoscopy and/or colonoscopy, barium enema, CT and liver scan.
Eye Cancer
Symptoms - (Retinoblastoma) - white pupils, poorly aligned eyes, red and painful eye, poor vision, inflammation of surrounding eye tissue, an enlarged pupil, different colored irises.
Diagnosis - retina exam, ultrasound exam, CT scan and MRI, blood tests, spinal tap, possible bone marrow biopsy.
Hodgkin's Disease
Symptoms - painless swelling in lymph nodes in groin, neck or underarm area; fevers, night sweats, tiredness, weight loss, itching skin.
Diagnosis - blood tests, x-rays of chest, bones, liver and spleen; biopsy (looking for Reed-Sternberg cells). To determine staging: biopsies of lymph nodes, liver, bone marrow; lymphangiograms, CAT scan, various x-rays.
Kidney Cancer
Symptoms - blood in the urine, mild discomfort or dull ache and/or lump in the side or back, swelling of the ankles and legs, high blood pressure, low red blood cell count (anemia), fatigue, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, recurring fever (not from an infection, cold or flu).
Diagnosis - urine tests, IVP (kidney and ureters x-ray), ultrasound and CT scan of abdomen and pelvis, other kidney tests.
Larynx Cancer
Symptoms - a persistent cough, a feeling of a lump in the throat, hoarseness or changes in the voice, trouble swallowing. In the area above the vocal cords: a lump on the neck, a sore throat, or earache. In the area below the vocal cords: difficulty breathing or noisy breathing.
Diagnosis - neck exam, indirect laryngoscopy, direct laryngoscopy, biopsy, x-rays and scans.
Leukemia
Symptoms - anemia, lethargy, pale complexion, shortness of breath, bruising, bleeding, body itching, enlarged lymph nodes, pain in the breastbone, discomfort in groin, neck or armpit, fatigue, feeling of fullness in abdomen after eating (even a small meal), weight loss without loss of appetite, mild fever, night sweats, increased number or severity of infections.
Diagnosis - blood tests, bone marrow sample, CT scan of abdomen, various x-rays and scans. For CML, special tests for the Philadelphia chromosome.
Liver Cancer
Symptoms - mild loss of appetite, some weight loss, mild nausea, jaundice, drowsiness and confusion. Also, in early stages, mild ache/discomfort in upper right of abdomen; and in later stages, severe ache/pain in upper right side of abdomen, center of abdomen or the back.
Diagnosis - ultrasound or CT scan of the liver, AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) blood tests and other blood tests, liver biopsy.
Lung Cancer
Symptoms - a persistent or worsening cough, constant chest pain, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, wheezing or hoarseness; repeated problems with pneumonia or bronchitis, swelling of the neck and face, loss of appetite or weight loss, fatigue.
Diagnosis - chest x-ray, sputum cytology (mucus test), biopsy, bronchoscopy (or mediastinoscopy), needle aspiration, thoracentesis (fluid sample), thoracotomy (surgery), CT scan, liver ultrasound and/or bone scan, various blood tests.
Lymphoma
Symptoms - enlarged lymph nodes in neck, armpit or groin, loss of energy, loss of appetite, weight loss, excessive sweating at night, general overall feeling of not feeling well.
Diagnosis - lymph node biopsy, staging tests to determine type of lymphoma, chest x-ray, liver ultrasound, bone marrow sample, CT scan or MRI, lymphogram.
Multiple Myeloma
Symptoms - Early stage - bone pain in the back or ribs, broken bones, weakness, fatigue, weight loss or repeated infections. Advanced stage - nausea, vomiting, problems urinating, constipation, and weakness or numbness in the legs.
Other symptoms: anemia (low red blood cell count), hypercalcemia (calcium in the blood), excess M protein (may lead to kidney damage or failure), blood clots (including: bruising, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, low platelet count).
Diagnosis - blood and urine tests for M bands, bone marrow aspiration, bone marrow biopsy, x-rays.
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Symptoms - painless swelling of lymph nodes in groin, neck or underarm area; unexplained fever, night sweats, constant fatigue, itchy skin, weight loss, reddened skin patches.
Diagnosis - physical exam checking lymph nodes in the groin, neck or underarm area, blood tests, x-rays, CAT scan, MRI, lymphangiogram, biopsy.
Ovarian Cancer
Symptoms - ongoing fatigue, abdominal swelling and/or pain; bloating and/or feeling of fullness, pressure; vague but persistent gastrointestinal complaints (gas, nausea, indigestion); frequency and/or urgency of urination in the absence of an infection, constipation and diarrhea, back aches, vaginal discharge, pain during intercourse, and menstrual disorders (abnormal bleeding, postmenopausal bleeding).
Diagnosis - pelvic exam, ultrasound scan, CT scan, barium enema, IVP (kidney and ureters x-ray); blood tests, especially the CA-125 (tumor marker); laparoscopy, laparotomy, further surgery (possible oophorectomy, removal of the ovary).
Note: A Pap test does not detect ovarian cancer. There is NO test for ovarian cancer. You should not rely totally on the CA-125, it can give false positives. Every woman should have a vaginal-rectal exam. If anything is unusual, a transvaginal ultrasound and CA-125 should be performed in CONJUNCTION with each other. You should request these 3 diagnostic tests, if you have several symptoms for more than 3 - 4 weeks.
Pancreatic Cancer
Symptoms - pain in the upper abdomen (spreading to the back), nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, weakness. If common bile duct is blocked by tumor, the skin and whites of the eyes may become yellow, and urine may become dark.
Diagnosis - blood, urine and stool tests, upper GI series, CT scan, ultrasound, and/or MRI, ERCP (pancreatic duct x-ray), PTC (liver x-ray), angiography (x-rays of blood vessels after dye injection), biopsy, laparascopy, laparotomy.
Prostate Cancer
Symptoms - a need to urinate frequently (especially at night), difficulty starting urination or holding back urine; inability to urinate, weak or interrupted flow, painful or burning urination, painful ejaculation, blood in urine or semen, frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs.
Diagnosis - rectal exam, urine tests, biopsy, bone scan, CT scan of abdomen and pelvis, ultrasound scan; blood tests, especially the PSA (prostate-specific antigen), IVP (kidney and ureters x-ray), TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate).
Skin Cancer
Symptoms - a change on the skin, especially a new growth or a sore that does not heal; signs of scaliness, oozing, bleeding or a change in the appearance of a bump or nodule.
Signs of melanoma: one half of a mole does not match the other half (asymmetry); the edges are ragged, notched or blurred (border irregularity); the pigmentation is not uniform; shades of tan, brown and black are present (color); the diameter is greater than 6 millimeters.
Diagnosis - excisional biopsy, blood tests, x-rays, scans, sentinel node sampling (melanoma).
Stomach Cancer
Symptoms - heartburn, pain in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, bloating, loss of appetite, weakness and fatigue, vomiting blood or having blood in the stool.
Diagnosis - fecal occult and routine blood tests, upper GI series, endoscopy, biopsy, scans.
Testicular Cancer
Symptoms - lump in either testicle or any enlargement of a testicle, a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, dull ache in lower abdomen or groin, sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum, pain in testicle or scrotum, enlargement or tenderness of breasts, lump in the neck, pain in the back, shortness of breath (due to lung metastasis).
Diagnosis - testicular-specific blood tests (AFP and Beta HCG), chest x-ray, urine tests, CT scans of abdomen or chest, lymphogram, ultrasound scan of the liver, IVP (kidney and ureters x-ray), inguinal orchiectomy (removal of testicle through the groin).
Thyroid Cancer
Symptoms - signs of a lump in the middle part of the neck
Diagnosis - thyroid scan and/or ultrasound test, biopsy (needle aspiration), surgical biopsy, CT scan of the neck.
Uterine Cancer
Symptoms - abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, difficult or painful urination, pain during intercourse, pain in the pelvic area.
Diagnosis - pelvic exam (with rectal), Pap test, biopsy, D&C (uterine tissue sample), various scans and x-rays.
Staging and Grading
Once cancer is diagnosed, and before treatment, it is broken down into stages and grades so your doctor can learn more about it and treat it effectively.
Staging involves learning how extensive the cancer is:
The numbers after the letters indicate “how much” the cancer has spread.
For instance, T2 N1 M0 would mean the tumor is about 1 to 2 inches in diameter, involving one or more lymph nodes, with no known metastasis.
Stages range from 0 to IV.
Grading involves learning how aggressive the cancer is.
Grading ranges from least to most aggressive. The higher the grade, the more aggressive (faster growing) the cancer.
Grades range from I to IV. Cancers that look more aggressive require different treatment.
The stage and grade of the cancer is very important to your choice of treatment options.
Staging involves learning how extensive the cancer is:
- how large the tumor (T) is;
- if it has spread to the lymph nodes (N);
- if there is any metastasis (M).
The numbers after the letters indicate “how much” the cancer has spread.
For instance, T2 N1 M0 would mean the tumor is about 1 to 2 inches in diameter, involving one or more lymph nodes, with no known metastasis.
Stages range from 0 to IV.
- Stage 0 - the tumor has not spread to nearby tissue.
- Stage I - a small invasive cancer without known metastasis.
- Stages II & III - more advanced, usually with lymph node involvement.
- Stage IV - progressive, typically with metastasis.
Grading involves learning how aggressive the cancer is.
Grading ranges from least to most aggressive. The higher the grade, the more aggressive (faster growing) the cancer.
Grades range from I to IV. Cancers that look more aggressive require different treatment.
The stage and grade of the cancer is very important to your choice of treatment options.
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Treatment Options
Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are the three most common and conventional treatment options for cancer. However, other treatment options - immunotherapy (biological therapy), targeted therapy, hormone or hormonal therapy (endocrine therapy), stem cell transplantation and precision or personalized medicine - are also available, as well as clinical trials.
Surgery is the most “popular” treatment option and usually the first choice in treating cancer. It is the easiest and most effective method used to treat certain types of cancer. Surgery is used quite frequently for doing biopsies, removing growths that may become cancerous, determining the extent of the cancer, and removing malignant tumors. It can also be used to relieve pain or to remove secondary tumors.
Radiation therapy is used to destroy or shrink tumors by directing high-energy rays to cancer cells to stop them from dividing and growing. It can be delivered externally or internally. External radiation is when the body receives high-dose radiation directed at the tumor from a machine outside the body. Internal radiation, called brachytherapy, is when radioactive material is placed within the body in or near the tumor. This allows a higher dose of radiation to a smaller area than external radiation. Radiation can be used in conjunction with surgery and/or chemotherapy, or by itself. It is not usually used on cancer that has already spread to other parts of the body. Radiation therapy is also known as radiotherapy, cobalt therapy, electron beam therapy, x-ray therapy, and irradiation.
Chemotherapy is using drugs to kill cancer. Chemotherapy (anticancer) drugs can be used singly or as a combination of several drugs (combination chemotherapy). Chemotherapy drugs are administered intravenously or IV (into a vein), orally or PO (by mouth, in pill form), intramuscularly or IM (into a muscle), subcutaneously or SQ or SC (under the skin), intralesionally or IL (directly into the cancerous area), or topically (applied to the skin). Because chemotherapy circulates in the blood, it can reach parts of the body where cancer may spread and is capable of killing cancer cells far away from the original site. This is called systemic treatment. Chemotherapy is used to keep cancer from spreading, to slow cancer growth, to kill cancer cells that may spread from the primary site, and to relieve symptoms caused by cancer. It can be received alone or in combination with surgery and/or radiation, called adjuvant therapy.
Immunotherapy, also known as biological therapy, uses materials engineered from living organisms to help your immune system fight infections and other diseases, including cancer.
Targeted Therapy is designed to specifically block the effects of cancer by targeting or marking cancer cells for the sole purpose of changing the way these cells divide, grow and spread.
Hormone Therapy is used on cancers that use hormones to grow, i.e., breast cancer, prostate cancer, by slowing or stopping the growth of these particular hormones.
Stem Cell Transplantation is a procedure that restores damaged, impaired or subnormal cells in people whose healthy blood cells have been ravaged by cancer treatments, such as high dose radiation or chemotherapy.
Precision Medicine allows your doctor to use molecular profiling to tailor treatments based on understanding the genetics of your particular cancer.
Surgery is the most “popular” treatment option and usually the first choice in treating cancer. It is the easiest and most effective method used to treat certain types of cancer. Surgery is used quite frequently for doing biopsies, removing growths that may become cancerous, determining the extent of the cancer, and removing malignant tumors. It can also be used to relieve pain or to remove secondary tumors.
Radiation therapy is used to destroy or shrink tumors by directing high-energy rays to cancer cells to stop them from dividing and growing. It can be delivered externally or internally. External radiation is when the body receives high-dose radiation directed at the tumor from a machine outside the body. Internal radiation, called brachytherapy, is when radioactive material is placed within the body in or near the tumor. This allows a higher dose of radiation to a smaller area than external radiation. Radiation can be used in conjunction with surgery and/or chemotherapy, or by itself. It is not usually used on cancer that has already spread to other parts of the body. Radiation therapy is also known as radiotherapy, cobalt therapy, electron beam therapy, x-ray therapy, and irradiation.
Chemotherapy is using drugs to kill cancer. Chemotherapy (anticancer) drugs can be used singly or as a combination of several drugs (combination chemotherapy). Chemotherapy drugs are administered intravenously or IV (into a vein), orally or PO (by mouth, in pill form), intramuscularly or IM (into a muscle), subcutaneously or SQ or SC (under the skin), intralesionally or IL (directly into the cancerous area), or topically (applied to the skin). Because chemotherapy circulates in the blood, it can reach parts of the body where cancer may spread and is capable of killing cancer cells far away from the original site. This is called systemic treatment. Chemotherapy is used to keep cancer from spreading, to slow cancer growth, to kill cancer cells that may spread from the primary site, and to relieve symptoms caused by cancer. It can be received alone or in combination with surgery and/or radiation, called adjuvant therapy.
Immunotherapy, also known as biological therapy, uses materials engineered from living organisms to help your immune system fight infections and other diseases, including cancer.
Targeted Therapy is designed to specifically block the effects of cancer by targeting or marking cancer cells for the sole purpose of changing the way these cells divide, grow and spread.
Hormone Therapy is used on cancers that use hormones to grow, i.e., breast cancer, prostate cancer, by slowing or stopping the growth of these particular hormones.
Stem Cell Transplantation is a procedure that restores damaged, impaired or subnormal cells in people whose healthy blood cells have been ravaged by cancer treatments, such as high dose radiation or chemotherapy.
Precision Medicine allows your doctor to use molecular profiling to tailor treatments based on understanding the genetics of your particular cancer.
Integrative Medicine (also known as Holistic, Alternative and/or Complementary Medicine) puts the patient first, rather than the disease. It uses non-conventional therapies (listed below) to improve and elevate the immune system of the patient to a healthy (less acidic, more alkaline) balance, whereby the body can heal itself - either alone or with the help of conventional medicine.
Traditional Alternative Medicine
Acupressure, Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Body
Body Movement Therapies (Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais, Pilates, Trager), Chiropractic/Osteopathic Medicine,
Deep Breathing Exercises, Massage Therapy, Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Reflexology, Rolfing, Tai Chi, Yoga.
Diet
Dietary and Nutritional Supplements, Herbal Medicine, Nutrition/Diet - Healthy Eating.
External Energy
Electro-magnetic Therapy, Qigong, Reiki.
Mind
Biofeedback, Hypnosis, Meditation.
Senses
Aromatherapy, Art, Dance, Music, Guided Imagery, Visualization.
Traditional Alternative Medicine
Acupressure, Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Body
Body Movement Therapies (Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais, Pilates, Trager), Chiropractic/Osteopathic Medicine,
Deep Breathing Exercises, Massage Therapy, Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Reflexology, Rolfing, Tai Chi, Yoga.
Diet
Dietary and Nutritional Supplements, Herbal Medicine, Nutrition/Diet - Healthy Eating.
External Energy
Electro-magnetic Therapy, Qigong, Reiki.
Mind
Biofeedback, Hypnosis, Meditation.
Senses
Aromatherapy, Art, Dance, Music, Guided Imagery, Visualization.
"It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light." - Aristotle
For an appointment, please call or text: (561) 529-4488
Office: 7711 N. Military Trail, Suite 216, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Office: 7711 N. Military Trail, Suite 216, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
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2018 - 2024
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2018 - 2024
All rights reserved worldwide.