Insect or spider bites or stings or contact with caterpillars
- Move away from the stinging or biting insect. Bees will alert other bees, making them more likely to sting.
- Remain as calm and quiet as possible. Movement increases the spread of venom in the bloodstream.
- If you have been stung by a bee and the stinger is still in the skin, remove the stinger as quickly as possible.

If you have been stung on the arm or leg, do the following:
- Lower the limb at the time of the sting to slow the spread of venom.
- You can elevate the limb to help reduce swelling.
- Remove broken-off spines by placing cellophane tape or commercial facial peel over the area of the contact.
- Then pull it off.

Relieve pain, itching, and swelling
- Apply an ice pack to a bite or sting for 15 to 20 minutes once an hour for the first 6 hours.
- When not using ice, keep a cool, wet cloth on the bite or sting for up to 6 hours.
- Always keep a cloth between your skin and the ice pack.
- Do not apply ice for longer than 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
- Do not fall asleep with the ice on your skin.
- Elevate the area of the bite or sting to decrease swelling.
- Try a nonprescription medicine for the relief of itching, redness, and swelling.

Be sure to follow the nonprescription medicine precautions like:
- An antihistamine taken by mouth, such as Benadryl or Chlor-Trimeton, may help relieve itching, redness, and swelling.
- Don’t give antihistamines to your child.
- A spray of local anesthetic containing benzocaine, such as Solarcaine, may help relieve pain.
- If your skin reacts to the spray, stop using it.
- Hydrocortisone 1% cream or calamine lotion applied to the skin may help relieve itching and redness.

Other precautions :
- Remove the stinger with tweezers.
- Scrape out the stinger, moving parallel to the skin surface.
- This will help to reduce the chance of pumping more venom.
- Bathe the stung area with a solution of baking soda and water.
- Immediately apply ice packs to reduce swelling (lining the pack with cloth or a thin towel).
- Do this frequently for 5 minutes at a time.
- A swollen muzzle often indicates a bee sting.
- Stings and bites can cause severe reactions.

Symptoms: Bladder cancer can be very painful and if one experiences the following symptoms, you should get it checked immediately:

- Hematuria – blood in the urine
- Burning sensation or pain while urinating when you are not suffering from any kind of urinary tract infection.
- A radical change in bladder habits. Often you may want to use the toilet because of a strong urge to urinate but you may not produce too much urine.

These symptoms do not necessarily suggest that you may be suffering from bladder cancer. They are non specific and could be an indication of something else altogether. However if you are suffering from any of the above mentioned symptoms, you should consult a doctor right away.

Old men who experience blood in the urine and are heavy smokers should consult a medical professional immediately as smokers are at high risk of getting bladder cancer. Blood in the urine is the first warning sign and it should not be ignored.
However it is also important to note that the blood in the urine is often not visible to the naked eye. A simple urine test can prove the presence of microscopic hematuria. You can also know for a fact that there is blood in your urine, if it changes color. If your urine takes on a pinkish or orange color, it’s a sign of hematuria.
Like many other cancers, even bladder cancer is difficult to detect and causes little or no symptoms till it has reached an advanced stage. At an advanced stage it is difficult to cure and can be very painful. People who are smokers are usually at a higher risk and as they age they should speak to their doctors and consider going in for regular cancer screening to check whether they are alright.
These are just a few symptoms of bladder cancer. The condition can be very painful if left undetected. However it is difficult for an individual to understand that he or she is suffering from bladder cancer as the symptoms take too long to surface.
However it is essential that every individual as they age should keep a track on their lifestyle, avoid smoking and drinking and also follow a good diet and exercise regimen if they want to stay healthy. A sedentary lifestyle will only make the condition worse. People who are smokers should keep an eye out for the signs and should not waste any time if any of the symptoms surface. Tests and trips to the doctor may cost you some money but it is worth it if the cancer is detected at an early stage. Treating the cancer at a later stage is difficult and can cause a lot of pain to the entire family, therefore staying precautious is the only way of staying safe and healthy.

Imiquimod: The abnormality detected can be treated with a topical agent called imiquimod. However this may have limited effect as it tends to rub off easily.
Onyx-015: This procedure is still under clinical trials, however it is said that this recombinant adenovirus has the power to kill the cells in the anal cavity that are infected with HPV.
Therapeutic Vaccines: Your physician will only recommend this route to treat the abnormality if you have a strong immune system.
These are just a few treatments that your physician may advise if some abnormality is detected. However you should ensure that you undergo an anal PAP once every three years if you want to stay healthy for a longer period of time by early detection and treatment of a condition that can take away precious years from your life.

So go in for regular examinations and checks and stay careful at all times. Make sure the physician you consult is the best and can offer you only the best advise and treatments.

Blood tests: Most doctors will ask you to get blood tests done to check the circulation of hormones in the body. Excessive production of certain hormones like cortisol, estrogen, aldosterone, testosterone are characteristic to the cancer and therefore blood tests serve as a good starting point.

However both malignant and benign tumors cause the over production of hormones and are not indicators of whether the tumor is malignant or benign. Therefore the tests are non conclusive and would need to be complimented with other tests to check the tumors
There are four X-Ray tests that are primarily used for the detection of a tumor in the adrenal gland:

Ultrasound: The ultrasound is most commonly used to examine one’s adrenal gland and kidneys. The ultrasound test however may not be as accurate as the CT Scan and therefore is not preferred as the best method to detect tumors. The test however can be used to detect any kind of adrenal tumor.

CT Scan: The CT Scan also known as the CAT Scan is another common way of examining whether a patient is suffering from adrenal cancer. It can be used to detect any type of adrenal tumor and is painless. The procedure is not long and only takes about 30 minutes. It is one of the most accurate ways of examining the adrenal glands for tumors. The pictures generated help in sizing up the tumors well that help in planning the treatments that should be taken up.
The scan identifies the following:
Left adrenal gland
Left Kidney
Pancreas
Spleen outline

MRI Scan: The MRI Scan is similar to the CAT Scan. It is also known as the MR Scan or the NMR Scan. The MRI scan takes about an hour to complete and deploys magnetic fields to produce pictures unlike x-ray like images that the CAT scan generates or sound waves that you get from an ultra sound.
Pheochromocytomas light up on an MRI Scan making it one of the most accurate ways of detecting adrenal tumors of any type.

MIBG Scan: The MIBG scan is used to detect the location and presence of adrenal pheochromocytomas. The test is ineffective in detecting other types of adrenal tumors.

Most doctors will utilize the above mentioned tests to examine your body for adrenal tumors. However it is essential that you seek the guidance of an expert when it comes to adrenal gland cancer as you need to ensure that the proper treatment is adhered to after the tumor is detected be it malignant or benign.
When you consult a doctor who is recognized you can be sure that you will receive the best treatment. Over and above medication and surgeries you need to pay attention to your diet and make efforts to stay healthy by indulging in physical exercise. The medication can lead you to feeling tired and lethargic and therefore you should try and fight the illness itself with your mind and try and keep a brave front. If you are willing to fight the disease it can be defeated.

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.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test

A test that measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a substance made by the prostate that may be found in an increased amount in the blood of men who have prostate cancer. PSA levels may also be high in men who have an infection or inflammation of the prostate or BPH.

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)

During this exam, the physician inserts a lubricated, gloved finger (digit) into the rectum. Because of the prostate’s location just in front of the rectum, the physician is able to feel the edge of the prostate where the majority of cancers begin. Abnormalities such as bumps or hardness of the prostate can be detected in this way.

MRI Scan

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is a computerized picture made by magnetic fields that can show detailed, cross-sectional images of the inner body. MRI scans can create a clear picture of the prostate gland.

Ultrasound

The prostate can be examined through a type of ultrasound called transrectal ultrasonography. In this exam, a tube is inserted into the rectum that carries the sound waves to the nearby prostate, producing a better image.

CT Scan

A CT (computed tomography) scan is a sophisticated x-ray producedure that uses a computer and rotating x-ray beams to produce images of soft tissue, bone, and blood vessels.

Prostate Biopsy

If an abnormality is found on the DRE or the PSA test, the physician will typically order a biopsy of the prostate.
A biopsy involves taking a very small sample of tissue from the prostate. This is done using a thin needle that is placed into the prostate. A tiny amount of tissue is trapped in the needle while it is in the prostate and then the needle is pulled out. This procedure is usually done by an urologist or other surgeon. The pathologist will examine the biopsy sample to check for cancer cells and determine the Gleason score. The Gleason score ranges from 2-10 and describes how likely it is that a tumor will spread. The lower the number, the less likely the tumor is to spread.
There are 2 types of biopsy procedures used to diagnose prostate cancer:
- Transrectal biopsy : The removal of tissue from the prostate by inserting a thin needle through the rectum and into the prostate.
- Transperineal biopsy: The removal of tissue from the prostate by inserting a thin needle through the skin between the scrotum and rectum and into the prostate.

Signs & Symptoms :
- Excessive thirst that is difficult to satisfy.
- Passage of large amounts (up to 15 quarts a day) of diluted, colorless urine.
- Dehydration, leading to rapid heart rate, low blood pressure and shock.
- Constipation.
- Mild cases may present with unremitting enuresis (bed-wetting).

Risk Factors :
- Brain tumor or pituitary gland tumor.
- Head Injury
- Infections such as meningitis, encephalitis, tuberculosis.
- Sarcoidosis
- Family history of diabetes insipidus.
- Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

Diabetes Insipidus is not the same as diabetes mellitus (“sugar” diabetes). Diabetes Insipidus resembles diabetes mellitus because the symptoms of both diseases are increased urination and thirst. However, in every other respect, including the causes and treatment of the disorders, the diseases are completely unrelated.

There are four (4) fundamentally different types of Diabetes Insipidus(DI). Each has a different cause and must be treated in a different way. These four forms are:
- Neurogenic, also known as central, hypothalamic, pituitary or neurohypophyseal, is caused by a deficiency of the antidiuretic hormone, vasopressin.
- Nephrogenic, also known as vasopressin-resistant is caused by insensitivity of the kidneys to the effect of the antidiuretic hormone, vasopressin.
- Gestagenic, also known as gestational is also caused by a deficiency of the antidiuretic hormone, vasopressin, that occurs only during pregnancy.
- Dipsogenic, a form of primary polydipsia is caused by abnormal thirst and the excessive intake of water or other liquids.

How do you test for diabetes insipidus?
Usually your doctor will check your urine to see how much water is in it. He or she may also check your blood. Your doctor may give you a “water deprivation” test. During this test, you aren’t allowed to drink any liquids. The staff will weigh you, check your urine and blood every hour for several hours. If the results of the test show that you have diabetes insipidus, you will probably also have pictures taken of your brain with a CT (computed tomographic) scan or an MRI (magnetic resonance image).

Medications:
- Vasopressin or desmopressin acetate, modified synthetic forms of antidiuretic hormone, may be taken as a nasal spray several times a day, to maintain a normal urine output. However, taking too much of this medication can cause fluid retention and swelling and other problems.
- Sometimes diabetes insipidus can be controlled with drugs that stimulate production of antidiuretic hormone such as chlorpropamide, carbamazepine, clofibrate.

Diet: No special diet. Drink as much water as you feel you need.

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The Official Patient’s Sourcebook on Diabetes Insipidus: Directory for the Internet Age (Paperback)