Nov
24
Myelodysplastic Syndromes – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods
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The Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is an abnormality of the bone marrow, which gradually affects the producton of healthy blood cells. The most common sign is anemia, which means there are too few mature red blood cells to carry oxygen. The immature blood cells, called blasts, do not function normally and either die in the bone marrow or soon after they enter the blood. In myelodysplastic syndromes, the stem cells do not mature into healthy red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. Myelodysplastic syndromes can be classified as primary (no known exposure) or secondary as a complication of aggressive treatment of other cancers with exposure to radiation, alkylating agents, or topoisomerase II inhibitors and heavily pretreated patients with autologous bone marrow transplants. Many of the blood cells formed are defective. These abnormal blood cells are usually destroyed before they leave the bone marrow or shortly after entering the bloodstream. Each year between 15,000 and 20,000 new cases of MDS are diagnosed in the United States. The original classification of MDS was developed more than 20 years ago at an international conference attended mostly by doctors from France, the United States, and Great Britain. No truly effective treatment exists for most people with myelodysplastic syndromes, and therapy for myelodysplastic syndromes usually focuses on reducing or preventing complications of the disease and of treatments.
A myelodysplastic syndrome may develop following treatment with drugs or radiation therapy for other diseases, or it may develop without any known cause. The disease is often not diagnosed until the patient is seen by a hematologist, and cannot be definitively diagnosed until a bone marrow sample taken from the patient is examined by an expert hematologist or hematopathologist. Many patients with myelodysplastic syndromes suffer from a variety of symptoms caused by low blood counts. Other patients have no symptoms at all. MDS is classified into groups according to findings on peripheral blood smear, bone marrow histology, and clinical findings. The bone marrow in myelodysplastic syndrome is typically more active than normal and yet the numbers of blood cells in th
e circulation are reduced. This is because most of the cells being produced in the bone marrow are defective and are destroyed before they leave the bone marrow to enter the blood stream. Myelodysplastic syndromes occur most often in older people, but they can occur in younger people. Some younger people with myelodysplastic syndromes who are in otherwise good health may be candidates for a bone marrow transplant, which may help prolong life.
Causes of Myelodysplastic syndromes
The common causes and risk factor’s of Myelodysplastic syndromes include the following:
The exact cause of Myelodysplastic syndromes is not known.
Viral infections.
Past treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Compounds such as benzene.
Smoking.
Certain congenital diseases.
Previous topoisomerase inhibitor (rare) administration may be a factor.
Symptoms of Myelodysplastic syndromes
Some sign and symptoms related to Myelodysplastic syndromes are as follows:
Anemia.
Shortness of breath.
Bleeding or bruising.
Fever or frequent infections.
Fever.
Susceptibility to infections.
Malaise, and a general feeling of tiredness.
Abnormal granules in cells, abnormal nuclear shape and size.
Chest pain.
Treatment of Myelodysplastic syndromes
Here is list of the methods for treating Myelodysplastic syndromes:
People with high risk myelodysplasia may only need supportive treatment to help improve any symptoms caused by low blood counts.
Central line access is often needed for chemotherapy and transfusion.
Transfusion therapy: People with anemia induced by myelodysplastic syndromes are likely to receive transfusions of red blood cells, which help relieve anemia and fatigue.
Bone marrow transplantation provides a curative option for some patients.
Drips (transfusions) of blood or platelets can be given to help improve symptoms.
Antibiotics may also be needed to treat or prevent infection. This is often known as supportive treatment.
Nov
24
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the myocardium, the thick muscular layer of the heart wall. It is an uncommon disorder that is usually caused by viral infections such as coxsackie virus, adenovirus, and echovirus. It may also occur during or after various viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections. It can occur in people of all ages and is diagnosed more often in men than in women. Patients with acute myocarditis and chronic myocarditis experience different symptoms. In many cases the cause is not found. ( It is usually caused by a viral infection, particularly adenovirus and enterovirus infections (eg, coxsackievirus), although many infectious organisms commonly seen in infants and children have been implicated. It may present with chest pain, rapid signs of heart failure, or sudden death. It may be associated with dilation (enlargement due to weakness of the heart muscle) or with hypertrophy (overgrowth of the muscle tissue). When myocarditis is severe enough, the pumping action of your heart weakens and your heart is unable to supply the rest of your body with enough oxygen-rich blood.
Myocarditis is defined as inflammatory changes in the heart muscle and is characterized by myocyte necrosis. The signs and symptoms associated with myocardits are varied, and relate either to the actual inflammation of the myocardium, or the weakness of the heart muscle that is secondary to the inflammation. Myocarditis can be difficult to diagnose because it resembles many other diseases. Viral Myocarditis is relatively common and most cases are very mild and therefore never come to the attention of the doctor or are never detected clinically. Many types of virus infection can affect several parts of the body, including the heart muscle. So, myocarditis may develop at the same time as, or just after, a viral throat or chest infection, or when you have flu. The heart muscle may be damaged even more if your body’s immune system sends antibodies to try to fight whatever started the inflammation. Certain strains of female mice had a reduced inflammatory process when treated with estradiol. Treatment of myocarditis depends on the underlying cause.
Causes of Myocarditis
The common causes and risk factor’s of Myocarditis include the following:
Infection of the heart muscle by a virus.
Rheumatic fever.
Many viruses, such as those of polio, rubella and influenza.
A rare complication of bacterial infections, including diphtheria, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, and tetanus.
Other infectious organisms, such as rickettsiae and parasites.
Sarcoidosis, and immune diseases (such as systemic lupus, etc.).
A rare side-effect of some medicines.
Acohol, radiation, chemicals (hydrocarbons and arsenic).
Drugs, including doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, emetine, chloroquine (Aralen) and sulfonamides.
Symptoms of Myocarditis
Some sign and symptoms related to Myocarditis are as follows:
Vague chest pains.
Breathlessness.
Rapid pulse.
Sore throat or diarrhea.
Fatigue.
Heart arrhythmias.
Chest pain.
Headache.
Fluid retention, with swelling of your legs, ankles and feet.
Malaise.
Tiredness.
Fever.
Myalgias and arthralgias.
Treatment of Myocarditis
Here is list of the methods for treating Myocarditis:
If bacteria are causing the infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics.
If you have rapid or irregular heartbeats as a symptom, your doctor may advise hospitalization.
If a blood clot is present in the heart chamber, blood thinning medicine is given as well.
In such cases, medications to stabilize heart function may be necessary. These may include vasodilators, digitalis, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and other drugs. In certain severe types of myocarditis, steroids may be prescribed.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as enalapril (Vasotec), captopril (Capoten), lisinopril (Zestril, Prinivil) and ramipril (Altace).
Oxygen.
Digoxin (Digitek, Lanoxin), which increases the strength of your heart muscle contractions and tends to slow the heartbeat.
Steroid medication if the cause is giant-cell myocarditis.
Nov
24
In order to decide what treatment is best for the patient the doctor will stage the cancer after it has been diagnosed to see how much it has affected the inner layers of the colon and if it has spread to other organs.
In order to stage a cancer the doctor will make some tests. He can use the CT scan which shows detailed images of what it is inside the body, using x-rays.
The lymph node biopsy means that one lymph node is removed and then taken to the laboratory to see if it contains cancerous cells.
The complete blood count is also done, checking out the number or red and white blood cells, long with the number of platelets. Also, the amount of hemoglobin is being checked, along with the portion of red blood cells.
Another test of the blood will be performed to measure the level of the carcinoembryonic antigen which is considered to be released by cancerous cells along with normal cells. If its level is higher than normal it means that somewhere in the body a cancer has installed.
The MRI test can also be used as it is not dangerous for the body because it uses a magnet, radio waves to show detailed images from inside the colon.
The last procedure used is surgery for removing the tumor and finding out how much the cancer has spread in the local areas of the colon.
For colon cancer there are IV stages which describe best the evolution of the disease.
Stage 0 also known as carcinoma in situ, means that the cancer has only affected the innermost lining of the colon.
In Stage I the cancer has reached the middle layers of the colon. It is also known as Dukes’ A colon cancer.
Stage IIA refers to the fact that the cancer has spread beyond the middle layers of the colon and might have also affected the nearby tissues of the colon.
Stage IIB means that the cancer has spread to other nearby organs and reached the peritoneum.
Stage III is divided in three and is also known as Dukes’ C colon cancer.
In Stage IIIA the cancer reached the middle layers of the colon and also affected 1 to 3 lymph nodes.
In Stage IIIB 1 to 3 lymph nodes are affected along with nearby tissues of the colon or even nearby organs.
In Stage IIIC the cancer has affected more than 3 lymph nodes and reached nearby tissues of the colon or even nearby organs.
Stage IV refers to the fact that the cancer might have spread to distant parts of the body including other organs. This stage is also known as Dukes’ D colon cancer.
Nov
24
Sinusitis infections are a common condition which many people suffer from each year. There are many factors which contribute to a sinusitis infection. Frequently, the sinusitis will begin because of a cold or allergy though it can also develop because of fungal infections, reflux disease, and many other diseases such as cystic fibrosis. The sinusitis itself begins when the sinus cavity lining becomes swollen, usually because of a cold or allergy. When bacteria enter the sinus cavities and attack the swollen lining, greater inflammation occurs which causes the cilia, which usually flushes out mucus and bacteria that pollute the sinus cavities, to not function properly and therefore the bacteria and mucus become trapped which then causes the sinusitis infection.
There are many types of symptoms that may be experienced with a sinusitis infection. Some of the most common symptoms which may appear as cold like symptoms are cough, congestion, postnasal drip, green nasal discharge, and facial pain and pressure. A person may also experience a headache or even tooth pain due to the pressure of the inflammation pushing on the nerves in face. When the sinusitis infection lasts for twelve or more weeks it is then considered chronic sinusitis. With chronic sinusitis a person may also experience loss of sense of taste and smell and they also may become fatigued. Depending on which sinus cavity that the infection lies, there may also be other symptoms experienced.
There are several treatments which are used to treat a sinusitis infection. One common treatment which is used is over the counter or prescribed nasal sprays. Nasal sprays work by distributing saline solution or medication up into the sinuses. The nasal sprays however have a large particle size that cannot make it past the inflammation at the opening of the sinus cavities and up to where the infection lies. The nasal sprays may only offer relief to the lower part
of the sinuses. Oral antibiotics are also a commonly prescribed medication by physicians. Oral antibiotics work on many types of infections by flowing through the blood stream to the area of infection. The sinus cavities only contain a small amount of blood vessels therefore it is difficult for an efficient amount of antibiotic to arrive at the sinusitis infection. Oral antibiotics also can cause problems throughout the rest of the body, such as abdominal pain. Another newer form of treatment is aerosolized medications. Aerosolized medications work great because they are directly distributed into the sinus cavities so that they can cure the problem where it started.
Home remedies are also frequently used. Some people may breathe in hot steam. The steam is meant to help moisturize the sinuses and help thin the mucus. Though the steam may offer temporary relief and help some symptoms, in there is in fact an infection, only antibiotics may help cure it. Irrigation is also another common home remedy. Irrigation is used by inserting saline solution in to the sinus cavities to also help moisten them. Just like steam, this may only offer temporary relief and medication will need to be used.
Another option in treating a sinusitis infection when all other treatments have failed is sinus surgery. Sinus surgery is painful, can leave scar tissue which can lead to future problems, and usually only offers temporary relief since only a portion of the inflammation and infection is removed and so the sinusitis infection often returns.
Just like in any medical condition, different treatments work for different people. In sinusitis it all depends on what stage the sinusitis is in along with other factors. What is important is finding the treatment form that works best for you and treating the sinusitis before it gets to a chronic stage that may create more problems and involve more extreme treatment options.
Nov
24
Q: I just found out I am suffering from high cholesterol symptoms. The doctor said I’m at high risk from heart attack if I don’t do something to lower cholesterol. He said I might need a stent or bypass surgery. I’m scheduled for an angiogram tomorrow. I feel like I’m in shock. I have a history of heart disease in my family, but I’m too young for this to be happening. Of course, I’ll do what the doctor tells me. I’ve filled my prescription for a statin drug to lower cholesterol. But if I have a stent or bypass surgery, will these improve my chances?
A: Bypass surgery and stents are most helpful in lengthening life in severely ill heart patients. For moderate or mild heart disease, these procedures are not shown to statistically improve life span. Certain nutritional supplements and medications can also lower cholesterol and improve life span. Yet medications for the treatment of high cholesterol symptoms often have certain unpleasant side effects. In addition, they don’t address the root causes of high cholesterol and other risk factors of heart disease.
Q: What else can I do? Is there a cure for heart disease?
A: The word “cure” is not in most heart specialists’ vocabulary. However, there is good news about high cholesterol treatment and treating the causes of heart disease.
There are two new books, written by respected doctors, that describe cutting-edge research and incredible breakthroughs that demonstrate how to prevent and reverse heart disease by reducing high cholesterol symptoms naturally, using techniques that the patient controls, such as diet, exercise, stress management, and nutritional supplements.
One is called “Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease,” by Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr., M.D. His approach is a plant-based diet that has no dairy, meat, oil, refined flour, or excess sugar. He is conducting a 22-year study of 17 patients who initially had severe heart disease. Incredibly, since beginning this diet, compliant patients in the study have had no heart attacks or other heart disease symptoms and all are still living.
Dr. Esselstyn’s book describes his study and techniques to lower cholesterol and reverse plaque build-up, with photographs showing plaque reversal. The book includes heart-healthy recipes and meals designed to lower cholesterol. Dr. Esselstyn and his wife follow this diet as well. Though retired from practice of medicine, he recently said, in a speech on the 50-year anniversary of his winning an Olympic gold medal in rowing, that cardiologists who have just found out they have heart disease themselves contact him for help.
The second groundbreaking book is called, “Reverse Heart Disease Now: Stop Deadly Cardiovascular Plaque Before It’s Too Late,” by Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D., James C. Roberts, M.D., and Martin Zucker. It discusses the “four pillars of healing,” for the treatment of high cholesterol(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/High-Cholesterol.html) symptoms and heart disease in general:
Healthy diet
Supplements and medications
Exercise
Stress management
The book also discusses the simultaneous use of prescription medications and nutritional supplements to lower cholesterol(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/High-Cholesterol.html). It is described as a comprehensive book that focuses on both Western and alternative ways to treat high cholesterol symptoms. Dr. Mehmet Oz, the Oprah Winfrey Show’s frequent guest M.D., said that this book is a “guide to stop the rusting of our arteries so we can live longer and better.”
While rightly not called a “cure” for heart disease, natural high cholesterol treatments(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/High-Cholesterol.html), such as a healthy diet, addresses the cause of heart disease. Talk to your doctor about these measures.
Nov
24
Sexual relationship is a pleasurable give and take relationship with one’s partner. If anything goes wrong in this give and take process, it is enough to derail the relationship. But any thing can happen and that is unpredictable. Moreover, able to keep a healthy sexual relationship means keeping oneself physically healthy. So any kind of sexual disfunction should be treated with utmost care. One such health hazard is erectile dysfunction commonly found in men. Unable to keep a proper and prolonged penile erection leads to erectile dysfunction. This is infact a serious problem for maintaining a healthy sexual relationship. So when there arises such a problem it’s wise to treat it rather than sitting quiet.
The choice between the various available treatment options involve treatment with a proper medicine. Response to an oral agent such as Levitra can be very effective in this context. Studies show that erectile dysfunction is mainly due to insufficient flow of blood to the penis’ veins and lack of stimulation as well. Practising oral therapy of Levitra increases the rate of blood flow that gradually stimulates the penis resulting in a hard erection, adequate for an intercourse.
Levitra is one such drug which is found to be very effective. Clinically it has been proved that it even works on patients who suffer from various health problems like high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes. A lot of men, who took Levitra for the first time, responded positively for gaining high rate of success. Besides, it has been also found that it can be also taken with other medicines used to treat other medical conditions.
But, it is always advisable to discuss your medical problems with a doctor, before its usage. Though it carries a proven track record for treating Erectile Dysfunction, but it often shows some side effects like headache, flushing stuffy or runny nose. However, these side effects are found to be temporary and subside within a few days of its usage. One thing more, the erection should disappear after having sex. If the erection persist for more than 4 hours consult a physician.
Levitra helps men to enjoy his sexual encounters and keep his sexual relationship with his partner alive. It’s infact a boon for people suffering from erectile dysfunction.
Nov
23
What is peptic ulcer?
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The damage of your stomach or of the part of your digestive system which is nest after the stomach, the duodenum is called a peptic ulcer. This particular type of ulcer can have indigestion as a symptom. Another way to detect an ulcer is severe pain in the stomach area. Peptic ulcer is not a life threatening condition and with proper medication ulcer can be cured. However, if peptic ulcer is left untreated it can lead to serious complications.
The ulcer that one has in his/ her stomach is called, in medical terms gastric ulcer and if it is in your duodenum it is also known as duodenal ulcer. The peptic ulcer that we are talking about means that you only have patches that are one or two centimeters in diameter. This ulcer can be viewed by your doctor with the help of a gastroscope. Almost one out of ten people, esspecialy the young, can are affected by duodenal ulcer. Men are more at risk to develop this type of ulcer than women. The gastric ulcer is a less common type of ulcer and it usually affects the middle age people. Elderly people are also the most common target of the stomach ulcer.
Like almost all illnesses, the peptic ulcer can be of
two kinds: acute or chronic ulcer. In acute ulcer the symptoms appear quickly, but they improve the same way. The chronic ulcer can last for a long time. There are cases when acute ulcers can take place at the same time, thus no symptoms may appear. If treated, acute ulcers heals very quickly and has no consequences. On the other hand, the chronic ulcer causes symptoms and heals in more time. Chronic ulcer also leaves scars after it has healed.
Peptic ulcer is the result of a problem in your stomach. Either the acid that the digestive system produces is in bigger quantities than normal, or the mucus that protects you from the acid is insufficient. There are many factors that can result in a peptic ulcer risk. Some of them are:
- infection with a bacteria- this condition is found in many people that suffer from ulcer;
- using certain drugs, like aspirin on a regular basis is another risk factor of ulcer;
- smoking is highly related with ulcer;
- drinking alcohol in large quantities;
Peptic ulcer does not cause symptoms in many people, but there are cases when somebody can feel pain in the abdomen area because of an ulcer.
Nov
23
HIV Home Testing – What It Really Means to Test Positive or Negative for HIV?
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Making the decision to get tested for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is a big choice to make. Taking the option of getting tested at home is a relief to many. Today, there are HIV home testing kits available for you to insure confidentiality of your results.
Many people ask the question, Why should you get tested for HIV?
There are a lot of reasons that people get tested for HIV. Maybe you’re sexually active and have engaged in behaviors that put you at risk of HIV infection. Maybe you’re starting a new relationship and have decided to get tested together. Whatever the case, there are many reasons why you should consider getting tested for HIV. If youve had sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral, or anal) without a condom or youve learned that a partner was not monogamous, or you have been sexually assaulted. Sometimes condoms are not reliable and they break.
If you have been sharing needles or syringes to inject drugs (including steroids) or for body piercing, tattooing, or any other reasons. If you have had multiple sexual partners, found out that a partner has shared needles, learned that a past or current partner is HIV-positive, discovered that a partner has been exposed to HIV, had a recent diagnosis of another sexually transmitted disease (STD) or if you are pregnant.
HIV home tests can tell if you have been infected with HIV. When HIV infection occurs, the body develops antibodies to the virus. The HIV test checks to see if your body is making these antibodies. However, it doesn’t test for AIDS.
There are three different ways to be tested for HIV: a blood sample, saliva or a urine sample. HIV home testing kits require a blood sample, which can be easily obtained by pricking your finger. HIV home test kits come with a detailed instruction booklet with illustrations which will take you through pre-test registration a
nd counseling; collecting your blood sample; shipping that sample to an accredited laboratory then calling back for test results. You have the option of post-test counseling and referrals. Your results will then be available anywhere from 3-7 days, depending on which HIV home testing kit you purchase.
A positive test result means that your body is making HIV antibodies. If the test finds antibodies, that means you are infected with HIV. However, it doesn’t mean you have AIDS or will develop AIDS soon.
A negative test result means no HIV antibodies were found in your body. But, you could still be infected if you have been exposed to HIV in the last six months. Your body may not have produced enough HIV antibodies to show up yet. Consider getting tested again in a few months.
If you test positive, find a health-care professional who has experience with HIV treatment. The earlier you begin treatment, the more likely the virus will develop slowly, so you can stay healthy longer. Many HIV positive people live for many years without developing AIDS, but the odds are better the earlier you start treatment.
If you test negative, practice abstinence or practice safer sex. Use a latex condom during each act of vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse. Don’t share needles or syringes to inject drugs or for any other reason. Remember, if you had unprotected sex or any other risky behavior that can transmit HIV in the last six months prior to getting tested, you will need to get a follow-up test in six months to be sure you are not infected.
HIV home testing kits offer anonymity because they use code numbers or names to identify your test. Your name is never used. You use the code to get your results. You are the only person who knows your results. With anonymous testing, you get to decide who to tell and when.
Nov
23
Hottest scents with least prices
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If you are the one who is very passionate about fragrances and perfumes, then you won’t face again the problem of getting confused by the dainty flacon. There is a very easy way to get the best without breaking your bank balance .The wholesale perfumes offers you with really cost efficient perfumes and colognes.
A wide range of quality assured wholesale perfumes are available as wholesale designer perfume, wholesale womens perfume and wholesale perfume. Apart from being affordable, the perfume has enchanting scents to enhance your personalities.
Wholesale women’s perfume are introduced by many brands with guaranteed lowest prices. Few of the brands which I prefer are Alfred Sung Perfume, Cosco, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci and Elizabeth Arden.
Dolce Gabbana fragrance was introduced by the design house of Dolce & Gabbana in 1992.They are characterized for their unique floral, gentle and luxurious fragrance. The various designer perfumes offered by them include Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana for Women, Dolce Gabbana one perfume,Light Blue Perfume by Dolce & Gabbana, Light Blue Cologne by Dolce & Gabbana for men etc.
Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana for Women is a stunning perfume. This pure famine scent is composed of intensity of jasmine, the fre
shness of bamboo, the calmness of white rose with deepness of cedar wood, the fullness of amber, the embrace of musk whereas Light Blue Cologne by Dolce & Gabbana, for men has sicilian mandarin combined with frozen grapefruit peel, bergamot and juniper. It has heart notes of rosemary, szechuan pepper and rosewood, and the mix is rounded out with base notes of musk wood, incense and oak moss.
Among various others mens cologne, discount mens cologne, Dolce Gabbana cologne is one of the most liked and demanded designer perfume. Launched in 1994, it is classified as a sharp, oriental, woody fragrance with spicy notes and blends of lavender, patchouli, amber and leather.
Like this based on cost, men and women can select their discount perfume and feel like fresh, cool, attractive, impressive and sexy. One can easily go for an authentic kind of the cologne and perfume, based on perceive ness of the ingredients, as the elements certify the hallmark of the scents and the duration of its stay, from wide range of discount and whole sale perfumes. Perfume are meant to be selected only at which time that flavor suits the skin, taste, preferences, climate, occasions and weather condition.
Now treat yourself to the luxury of a designer fragrance by buying wholesale and discount perfumes and plunge to wear the fragrance you desire with no constraints of money because the best is available at least price.
Nov
22
Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods
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Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a rare tumor arising from the epithelium of the nasopharynx. The nasopharynx is the upper portion of the pharynx — a 5-inch tube that extends from behind the nose to the top of the windpipe and esophagus in your neck. It is a poorly differentiated carcinoma that may appear at any site in the upper respiratory tract, but most commonly, in the lateral wall of the nasopharynx around the ostium of the Eustachian tube – the fossa of Rosenmuller. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma may occur at any age and as presented above, occurs much more frequently in the Chinese population. The incidence of second primary malignancy in patients with NPC appears to be less than that of other head and neck cancers, which are usually related to smoking. The nasopharynx has a cuboidal shape. The lateral walls are formed by the eustachian tube and the fossa of Rosenmuller. Men are more likely than women to develop nasopharyngeal carcinoma. It’s most commonly diagnosed in people from age 30 to age 60, though nasopharyngeal carcinoma can also occur in older adults and in children. In Taiwan, nasopharyngeal carcinoma accounts for about 5% of all cancers and 56% of all head and neck cancers.
In the pediatric population, most nasopharyngeal malignancies are rhabdomyosarcomas or lymphomas. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma rarely comes to medical attention before it has spread to regional lymph nodes. It may be associated with the Epstein-Barr virus, with exposure to smoke or to chemical pollutants, and in California and Malaysia, to the ingestion of salted fish. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma causes signs and symptoms that may suggest a variety of diseases and conditions. That fact, combined with the hidden location of the nasopharynx, means most people aren’t diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma until the cancer has spread. All NPCs are associated with EBV-latent gene products, unlike other head and ne
ck carcinomas. About 80% of NPCs overexpress the BCL2 product. These findings are consistent and may contribute to the development of NPC by inhibiting apoptosis. Symptoms and signs at presentation include painless, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, nasal obstruction, epistaxis, diminished hearing, tinnitus, recurrent otitis media, cranial nerve dysfunction, sore throat, and headache. Unlike other cancers of the head and neck region where surgery is preferred, early stage NPC is mainly treated with radiotherapy.
Causes of Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
The common causes and risk factor’s of Nasopharyngeal carcinoma include the following:
Epstein-Barr virus.
Preserved meats.
Chinese or Asian ancestry.
Contact with moisture from the mouth and throat of a person who is infected with the virus.
Smoking.
High alcohol consumption.
Salt-cured foods.
Having a family member with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Symptoms of Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Some sign and symptoms related to Nasopharyngeal carcinoma are as follows:
Neck swelling.
Hearing loss in one ear.
Headaches.
Nasal symptoms, including bleeding, obstruction, and discharge.
A sore throat.
Deafness and tinnitus.
Double vision.
A lump in the neck caused by a swollen lymph node.
Treatment of Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Here is list of the methods for treating Nasopharyngeal carcinoma:
Radiotherapy is the primary treatment modality for carcinoma of the nasopharynx.
Chemotherapy may be used to treat nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Surgery is usually reserved for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Surgery to remove cancerous lymph nodes in the neck is the most common surgery for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.