Archive for July, 2010

Adrenal Gland Cancer – Symptoms

Adrenal cancer is a very rare cancer in the adrenal glands. It is a malignant cancer and occurs in an aggressive kind. Adrenal cancer causes overproduction of adrenal hormones. The cause of this cancer is often unknown but in most cases it is hereditary. The tumor that may be responsible can be functioning or non functioning in nature. Functioning tumor produces excessive hormones and the non functioning type does not produce any hormones. The symptoms will vary depending on which hormones are produced excessively.
Adrenalin and non adrenalin hormones are secreted in the central part of the gland which is the medulla and other hormones like corticosteroids, ldosterone, and androgenic steroids are made in the outer part of the gland that is the cortex. The symptoms for adrenal cancer vary depending on which hormones are secreted at high levels.

Symptoms – Corticosteroids
Since the symptoms vary depending upon the hormones produced excessively, the symptoms are different for each hormone. The symptoms for excessive production of corticosteroid are:
a) Excessive fat on the top of your back
b) Loss of hair on scalp
c) Increase in body hair
d) Increase in facial hair
e) Your face may become larger
f) You may put on weight in the torso
g) You may loose your muscularity
f) You may experience muscle weakness
g) Your skin may start thinning
f) Skin tends to get bruised easily as well
g) Wounds will take longer to heal
h) Osteoporosis
i) You will be prone to infection more easily
j) you could contract Diabetes
k) There is a high chance of kidney stones
l) Mental disturbance
m) Hallucinations
n) Depression
o) Irregularities in menstrual cycle
p) Poor growth
q) Short Stature

Symptoms – androgenic steroids
a) Nervous system dysfunction
b) you may feel excessively thirsty
c) You may urinate more often
d) You may undergo certain personality changes
e) You may encounter a low potassium level
f) You may feel weak
g) You may experience a tingling sensation in the body
h) You may experience muscle spasms
i) You may also experience paralysis
j) Water retention is common
k) Increase in facial hair
l) You may become bald
m) Increase in body hair
n) Your voice may become deep
o) Muscle bulk may increase
p) Virilization
q) The size of your uterus may become small
r) Females may experience a reduction in breast size
s) Menstrual irregularities

These are the symptoms that are caused due to the excessive production of androgenic steroids and corticosteroids. However there are a few other symptoms that are characteristic of adrenal cancer too. They are:

a) You may become Obese
b) You may experience an increase of androgen level in the blood
c) The level of adrenalin will increase
d) The level of nonadrenalin will increase
e) You may suffer from high blood pressure
f) You may experience sever headaches
g) You may experience heart palpitations
h) You may have a flushed face
i) You may experience nausea
j) You may experience frequent vomiting
l) Tachycardia
m) You may encounter rapid breathing
n) Tremor
o) You may sweat more than normal
p) Emesis
q) you may get tired very quickly
r) Chest pains
s) Weight loss may occur
t) Pallor
u) Gastrointestinal motility may decrease

Mentioned above are the symptoms of adrenal cancer. It is advisable that you see a doctor if your symptoms suggest that you may have adrenal cancer. Getting help at the right time can help you get rid of the illness. If you wait too long, the cancer will spread and reduce chances of survival.

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Adrenal Cancer – Treatment – Some information and details

Adrenal cancer is a rare form of cancer that occurs in the adrenal gland. It is a malignant tumor and can cause a variety of symptoms that differ depending upon the hormone that is being secreted in large quantities. When one is diagnosed with adrenal cancer it is essential that one taken on treatments that can help alleviate the stress the disease tends to cause.

Once the symptoms surface it is imperative that the patient seeks the help of an expert in the domain and carries out tests to check whether the cancer can be treated. There are a number of surgical and non surgical methods to treat this cancer and a few methods are highlighted below:

Surgical methods:
Surgery is one of the most common ways to treat the condition. It is essential that you seek the support of only the best surgeons to treat this condition as a number of pre operative measures need to be taken before one can proceed for surgery. Management of electrolyte levels and blood pressure levels need to be considered before one can be operated.

Non surgical methods:
a) Mitotane can be used to treat adrenal cancer as it helps in inhibiting the production of excessive hormones in the cortex of the adrenal gland
b) Metyrapone is also used widely to treat certain types of adrenal cancer
c) Aminoglutethamide
d) Radionuclide MIBG is used to treat medullary tumors
e) Ketaconalzole is also used to non surgically treat the condition of adrenal cancer
f) Radiotherapy – is often used for bony metasteses
g) Chemotherapy – Not may doctors are confident about the effects of chemotherapy, however it can be used to treat medullary tumors
Alternative treatments:
For those who are at the early stages of adrenal cancer there are a number of alternative treatments that you can make a part of your lifestyle to experience relief from the pain the condition may cause you. However it is always advisable to carry out these treatments under the consultation of an expert.

a) Exercise: Physical exercise is always essential, even when you are not ill. However if you have been diagnosed with adrenal cancer you should take on an exercise routine that helps your body become strong to fight the disease.

b) Stress Management: When one is diagnosed with adrenal cancer, one can get very stressed because the symptoms can be painful and stress you out. However it is essential that you stay calm during the process. You can help control your stress by following a stress management program.

c) Acupuncture: This method involves the insertion of tiny needles into one’s body. However if you do decide to experiment, ensure that you are undergoing this treatment with a trained expert.

d) Acupressure: Much like acupuncture, this technique uses pressure through massage on the same locations as in acupuncture. It is essential however that one consults an expert in the domain.

e) Massage therapy: Massage therapy can help relax the body and mind and help deal with the stress that the illness may bring.

f) Diet: In order to keep the condition contained it is essential that you follow a strict diet. Blueberries, strawberries, cranberries, broccoli, green tea, black tea, apricots, celery, artichokes, cherries, cauliflowers, corn, ground flaxseed, grape juice, watermelon, oats, olive oil, onions, peas, patatos and brown rice are a few items that should be a part of your diet.

A diet rich in the following minerals can help you gain energy and become strong as well: magnesium, calcium and zinc. Vitamins like Vitamin E, C and B Complex are advisable for good health. It is essential that one does not intake alcohol, reduce the intake of refined sugar and also follow a high fibre and low fat diet.

The health benefits of Turmeric

Natural treatments are always preferred as compared to chemically treated drugs. Ask your grandmother and she will provide you with a list of natural home remedies that will cure you of most of your illnesses. Turmeric for ages has been one of the most powerful healers. The health benefits are countless and the amazing amber coloured spice is known to treat a number of health conditions from Alzheimer’s Disease to some cancers as well.

In ancient times the spice was used as a dye alone, but with time, the medicinal properties have made it one of the most powerful healers in the spice kingdom. A few health benefits are listed below. However you can use the spice to treat burns and cuts at home, but you must consult your physician if you are using the spice for treatment for other illnesses.

Antiseptic: Turmeric is known to be a natural antibacterial agent and antiseptic. It is most commonly used in homes as a disinfectant for cuts and burns.

Prostate Cancer: Turmeric when consumed with cauliflower is known to prevent prostate cancer. The combination helps stop the growth of cancer in the prostate.

Breast Caner: It is also know to stop the spread of breast cancer by preventing it from spreading into the lungs.

Melanoma: It plays an important role in killing melanoma cells and prevents the disease from taking over your system.

Leukaemia: Turmeric is known to help children fight childhood leukaemia.

Liver: Turmeric serves as a detoxifier for the lever.

Alzheimer’s Disease: It helps stop the build up of Amyloid plaque in the brain and therefore helps slowing down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Cancer: The spice prevents metastases in a variety of cancer.

Natural anti-inflammatory: Its natural anti-inflammatory properties make it s preferred treatment compared to OTC anti-inflammatory drugs, primarily because it has no side effects.

Multiple Sclerosis: A test done on mice shows that it has the power to slow the progression of multiple sclerosis.

Painkiller: It is known to be a cox 2 inhibitor and natural painkiller.

Metabolism: Regular consumption of turmeric can help in elevating metabolism levels and therefore helping you in managing weight.

Depression: The Chinese have been known to use this spice to treat depression.

Joint Pains: The anti inflammatory properties make it a desired treatment for illnesses like arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Chemo drugs: Turmeric is known to boost the effect of chemo drugs like paclitaxel and is also known to reduce its side effects.

Pancreatic cancer: It is believed to be useful in the treatment of pancreatic cancer as well. However the research in the area is not conclusive.

Multiple Myeloma: Research is also being carried on to test the effects of turmeric in the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Tumors: It is known to treat tumors by stopping the growth of blood vessels.

Skin: Its natural medicinal properties help in hastening the process of healing wounds and it also helps in remodelling damaged portions of the skin.

Psoriasis: It is known to be very helpful in treat various inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis.

A number of households today use turmeric as a part of their daily diet in a number of lip smacking recipes. However turmeric can also be consumed in a pill form and is easily available at health food stores.

Although one can use turmeric to treat common cuts and burns without permission or supervision from a physician, it is imperative that one does not follow this as the only treatment for other health conditions. The health benefits of turmeric are only limited to slowing down the process of many conditions. Alternate medication has to be combined with the usage of turmeric to see results that are positive.