Lung Cancer: Types and Treatments

Lung cancer can be of two types: Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is more common, but spreads slowly to other parts of the body as compared to Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), which is not very common but spreads aggressively to other parts of the body. The treatment depends upon the type of lung cancer, stage of the disease and the health and fitness of the patient. Surgery involves removal of the tumor and can be used only when the malignant growth is relatively localized and if the patient is fit enough to undergo surgery. The tumor can also be destroyed by focusing x-rays on it. This procedure is called radiation and it affects the genetic material, i.e. DNA of the tumor cells halting their rapid division and growth. However, radiation can also affect the normal cells that it encounters during treatment. Radiation is used in patients who cannot undergo surgery due to medical complications.

In chemotherapy, anti-tumor drugs are administered either through an injection into a vein or by placing a catheter inside a large vein. Chemotherapy is used for all stages of the disorder and can increase the effectiveness of radiation treatment by weakening cancer cells.

For NSCLC that is localized, surgery is generally used. Chemotherapy, with or without radiation, and radiation alone is used for treating SCLC. However, a combination of therapies is most effective and is the rule when the cancer has spread to areas near the lung. Radiation is used for decreasing the tumor size before surgery and eliminating remnant abnormal cells after surgery. It can also be used to treat lung cancer that has spread to the brain. Residual tumor cells can also be eliminated by chemotherapy. Recent research suggests that a combination of chemotherapy and radiation is more effective than radiation alone. When the disease has become incurable, medication, chemotherapy and radiation are used to treat the symptoms without eliminating the tumor.

Types of Skin Cancer - Melanoma Skin Cancer

Types of Skin Cancer - Melanoma Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is caused due to the malfunctioning and uncontrolled growth of a cell on the lining of skin. Change in color/appearance of skin or development of sores (which do not heal) is a clear indication of possible skin cancer.

Melanoma Skin Cancer: This is the most severe type of skin cancer. It starts from the skin cells named melanocytes, which are responsible for production of melanin (Melanin is a substance that gives our skin its color and also protects our skin cells from ultraviolet rays). Once we come into direct contact with ultra-violet rays, our skin cells (melanocytes) start producing more melanin, this causes tanning of our skin. If we stay in contact with ultra-violet rays for longer time, the melanocytes may start malfunctioning and grow abnormally. This growth can lead to cancer and is called melanoma.

Who is at risk of developing melanoma?

People who come into direct contact of too much of ultra-violet radiation, people having problem with the melanin production, and those who are fair-skinned and have light colored eyes (it has been recorded that melatocytes in fair-skinned people fail to produce sufficient quantity of melanin pigments, hence less protection against harmful UV rays), people with skin problems and those who have hereditary skin problems are at high risk of developing melanoma. Also people who have large number of moles on skin, people with weakened immune system and those who have blistering sunburns on their skin etc. are at high risk of developing melanoma.

What are symptoms of melanoma?

You should consult your doctor if you witness any of the following symptoms:

1) Spots on the skin those grow in size and never heal, multicoloured in nature

2) Moles those keep on growing and start itching and change in color or texture (such unusual moles are also known as dysplastic nevi)

3) Bleeding sores those grow and last for longer time (about a month or more) and re-appear after getting healed.

4) For men, generally moles, spots and sores develop on the outer skin such as face, hands etc. whereas for women they grow underneath their palms or fingernails & toenails.

Alternative Cancer Treatment

Alternative Cancer Treatment

Being diagnosed with any type of cancer whether it is breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer or colon cancer among other is not pleasant, but most people cringe at the thought of having to undergo traditional cancer treatments like radiology and chemotherapy. But there are other solutions in the form of alternative cancer treatment. There has been much dispute and debate over which treatment works the best, but it is thought that combining the more severe traditional treatments with an alternative cancer treatment. This can obviously depending on the severity of the cancer, the type of cancer and on other influencing factors. It is advised that before undergoing any alternative cancer treatment, that a medical practitioner is consulted.

Some cancer treatments that are considered alternative could also just be vitamin and mineral supplements to help boost the effectiveness of the traditional treatments. Other types of an alternative cancer treatment can include massages, acupuncture, aromatherapy, and meditation. There are many natural methods that people are beginning to use as an effective alternative cancer treatment in fighting cancer. Some of these include a substance called laetrile which is found in some fruits. Many of these have not been proven and clinically tested but people do find relief from some of their cancer symptoms and even from the after effects of radiology and chemotherapy.

Another alternative cancer treatment is the recent discovery of the positive effects of shark cartilage and also hyperbaric oxygen therapy which is using high pressure oxygen which is found in atmosphere’s higher than sea level. If a certain alternative cancer treatment is not proven, in order to access the side effects and how well it works, you might be asked to volunteer in one of the many clinical trials that are taking place. This can be a difficult decision as you might feel worse, but could also feel great. However the decision is ultimately up to you. Of course, you will need to consult with your medical practitioner first.

With so many options nowadays, you do not have to feel distraught about the ordeal you have to face if you are diagnosed with cancer. Be sure to research all your options thoroughly and choose an alternative cancer treatment that is best suited to you and the type of cancer you have. One of them is sure to provide at least a bit of relief physically and knowing that you have explored every option.