Leukemia
All of the different “types” of cancer can be deadly, that’s a given. Even though survival rates tend to be much higher nowadays than they were perhaps twenty years ago, the fact is that a diagnosis of cancer can still be a death sentence and this is especially so when it affects the most vital components of the body.
One such type of cancer that falls into this category is cancer of the blood, more commonly known as leukemia. Many people may not think of it this way, but, in simple terms, blood is the most important tissue of the body.
It is effectively the conduit that connects all the other organs and tissues of the body together, carrying and supplying oxygen and other vital elements to even the remotest parts of the body. Bloods importance to the body cannot be over estimated.
So, the most dangerous feature of leukemia is that is attacks the blood which then has access to all of the bodies other organs, including the all brain, heart, kidneys and liver. Thus, the cancerous cells are spread throughout the body by the very blood that is normally the key to good health, in a leukemia sufferer.
To take this analogy one stage further, blood cancer specifically targets the leukocytes or the “white blood corpuscles” of the blood, which are the very ones that usually protect the body from external infections. Thus, the body’s immunity from, or resistance to, external infections is dramatically reduced in a leukemia sufferer. Such blood cancer causes the body to produce infected and abnormal cells that hinder the function of blood (i.e. the transport of oxygen around the body) rather than helping it.
It is common for a leukemia sufferer to become anemic, and to lose weight, because the cancerous cells are unable to adequately the hemoglobin, the body’s chief source of iron.
As a consequence, the blood cancer patient tends to lose all vitality and energy, and becomes especially vulnerable, because the infected blood tends to cause the brain to start to malfunction to some extent.
Exposure to raised levels of radiation is a prime proven cause of leukemia. Likewise, children born with Downs Syndrome have a raised probability of suffering blood cancer, and benzene (an industrial hydro-carbon) is also cited as a cause.
However, the slightly better news is that the abnormal cells are easily detected under the microscope, and a timely bone marrow examination should confirm these microscopic tests.
Chemotherapy, whilst it can be extremely painful, is nevertheless still the most effective method of killing the cancerous cells, although any patient undergoing such treatment should be prepared to have to ingest an unholy alliance of chemicals that he (or she) needs to take.
Similarly, radiotherapy can be effective also, with various unpleasant side effects, such as hair loss and poor skin quality whilst undergoing treatment.
Although it is undoubtedly one of the most deadly forms of cancer, leukemia is nevertheless treatable and indeed curable, and extensive research into more effective treatment is a constantly ongoing fact.
Methods like a bone marrow transplant, which may be required at a later stage, are also effective in treating the patient.
About the Author:
Steve Cowan is an Asia based businessman and writer. Get two free reports dealing with Self Help and Natural Treatments Cancer at http://webbiz99.com/cancer/free_report.html
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Yeast Infection Treatment
By: Juliet Cohen
Yeast is a fungus scientifically referred to as Candida. There is no direct evidence that it is passed. Yeast infections are likely to affect three out of four women at least once in their lifetime. These fungi live on all surfaces of our bodies. Under certain conditions, they can become so numerous they cause infections, particularly in warm and moist areas. Examples of such infections are Yeast infections, thrush, skin and diaper rash, and nailbed infections. A yeast infection is irritation of the and the area around called the vulva. It is caused by an overgrowth of the fungus or yeast Candida. Yeast normally live in the in small numbers, but when the bacteria in the become out of balance, too many yeast grow and cause an infection. Yeast infections are very common. About 75 percent of women have a yeast infection during their lives. And almost half of women have two or more yeast infections. These infections enter into the bloodstream through breakdowns or cuts in the skin or mucous membranes.
Yeast infections that return may be a sign of more serious diseases such as diabetes, leukemia, or AIDS. Yeast infections can also occur as a result of injury, such as after chemotherapy. Antibiotics are probably the leading cause of Yeast infections in american wimmin. Candidiasis is not considered a transmitted disease. However, 12% to 15% of men will develop symptoms such as itching and penile rash following contact with an infected partner. Condoms can promote yeast infections in two different ways. first, a lot of condoms come packaged with a lubricant that contains nonoxynol-9, a spermicide that may kill the HIV virus. Condoms can also cause yeast infections if you are allergic to latex, although this is less common. The use of douches or perfumed hygiene sprays may also increase a woman’s risk of developing a yeast infection. A yeast infection (yeast vaginitis) is not considered to be a typical transmitted infection (STD), since Candida may be present in the normal and the condition does occur in celibate women.
Mant treatment available for yeast infections. It is usually treated with a antifungal cream, tablet, or suppository for several days. Various topical creams may be used to relieve itching or irritation of the vulva. Yogurt has long been used to battle yeast infections, either as a yeast cream or by adding it to the diet. Oral medications may be necessary, but these can be obtained only by prescription from a physician. Cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass) is known to stimulate cell regeneration and to soothe and treat intestinal infections. Nonprescription medications are available for treating yeast infection; boric acid capsules are another option. Treatment can last anywhere from one to 14 days. You will usually feel relief from the symptoms within a few days of beginning your treatment. While treatment for a yeast infection is underway. Any other activity which might result in excessive exertion or sweating should be avoided as well, until the condition is relieved.
Yeast is a fungus scientifically referred to as Candida. There is no direct evidence that it is passed. Yeast infections are likely to affect three out of four women at least once in their lifetime.
Juliet Cohen writes articles for homemade recipes and eye stye. She also writes articles on women health care.
Article Source: http://www.eArticlesOnline.com
Symptoms of Chronic and Acute Leukemia
By Groshan Fabiola
Discovering leukemia while it is still in an early phase is crucial in its treatment because when the disease advances it starts to spread in the whole body and it's much harder to be treated.
Therefore it's important to learn the symptoms of leukemia so that you can can detect its signs and take the appropriate measures. Symptoms however may vary from one person to another and they also depend on what type of leukemia the patient has. Leukemia can be divided into two major types: acute leukemia and chronic leukemia, each having its specific symptoms.
Leukemia symptoms result from the fact that the blood cells of someone suffering from leukemia are diseased and they can't fulfill their role anymore.
Patients with acute leukemia have too little red blood cells in their bodies which leads to a general feeling of weakness and to a pale color.
On the other hand, a person with too many abnormal white blood cells can develop fever, is very easily bruised, will suddenly start bleeding out his/her nose or gums and sometimes they will feel pain in the joints.
Other common symptoms of leukemia are pain in the abdomen, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, sweating, and if the disease spreads to the brain headaches, disorientation, balance problems and confusion appears.
Acute leukemia develops much faster that chronic leukemia, but it's easier to be discovered because people come at the doctor because they feel sick. Chronic leukemia develops much slower but it's harder to detect it because very often it shows no specific symptoms and it's discovered when it has already advanced a lot. Always feeling weakend and getting infections often can be a sign so visit your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
If someone reports a few of these symptoms to the doctor then some special tests must be performed to determine whether the person has leukemia or not and if he/she has it then some other tests need to be done to determine what kind of treatment gives the best results. The lymph and blood marrow must be examined and blood samples must also be processed in order to establish an accurate diagnosis. Once the leukemia diagnose is established chemotherapy usually begins. The survival rate gets higher and higher each year.
For more resources on different leukemia related issues like leukemia symptoms, leukemia causes and many more visit http://www.leukemia-guide.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
