| cancer, multiple myeloma | A bone marrow cancer involving a type of white blood cell called a plasma (or myeloma) cell. The tumour cells can form a single collection (a plasmacytoma) or many tumours (multiple myeloma). Plasma cells are part of the immune system and make antibodies. Because patients have an excess of identical plasma cells, they have too much of one type of antibody. As myeloma cells increase in number, they damage and weaken the bones, causing pain and often fractures. When bones are damaged, calcium is released into the blood leading to hypercalcaemia (excess calcium in the blood) and that causes loss of appetite, nausea, thirst, fatigue, muscle weakness, restlessness, and confusion. Myeloma cells prevent the bone marrow from forming normal plasma cells and other white blood cells important to the immune system so patients may not be able to fight infections. The cancer cells can also prevent the growth of new red blood cells, causing anaemia. Excess antibody proteins and calcium may prevent the kidneys from filtering and cleaning the blood properly Cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: A lymphoma is a cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. The most common symptom of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas is a painless swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin. Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are diagnosed with a biopsy of an enlarged lymph node. Follow-up examinations are important after lymphoma treatment. Most relapses occur in the first 2 years after therapy. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| cancer, myeloma | A bone marrow cancer involving a type of white blood cell called a plasma (or myeloma) cell. The tumour cells can form a single collection (a plasmacytoma) or many tumours (multiple myeloma). Plasma cells are part of the immune system and make antibodies. Because patients have an excess of identical plasma cells, they have too much of one type of antibody. As myeloma cells increase in number, they damage and weaken the bones, causing pain and often fractures. When bones are damaged, calcium is released into the blood leading to hypercalcaemia (too much calcium in the blood) and that causes loss of appetite, nausea, thirst, fatigue, muscle weakness, restlessness, and confusion. Myeloma cells prevent the bone marrow from forming normal plasma cells and other white blood cells important to the immune system so patients may not be able to fight infections. The cancer cells can also prevent the growth of new red blood cells, causing anaemia. Excess antibody proteins and calcium may prevent the kidneys from filtering and cleaning the blood properly. (12 Dec 1998) |
| cancer, oesophagus | Cancer of the swallowing tube that passes from the throat to the stomach. The risk of cancer of the oesophagus is increased by long-term irritation of the oesophagus, such as with smoking, heavy alcohol intake, and Barrett's oesophagitis. Cancer of the oesophagus can cause difficulty and pain with swallowing solid food. Diagnosis of oesophageal cancer can be made by barium X-ray of the oesophagus, and confirmed by endoscopy with biopsy of the cancer tissue. (12 Dec 1998) |
| cancer, oral | Cancer of the mouth area. A sore in the mouth that does not heal can be a warning sign of oral cancer. A biopsy is the only to know whether as abnormal area in the oral cavity is cancer. Oral cancer is caused by tobacco (smoking and chewing) and alcohol use. Surgery to remove the tumour in the mouth is the usual treatment for patients with oral cancer. (12 Dec 1998) |
| cancer, ovarian | Cancer of the egg sac of females (ovary). In women under age 30, most ovarian growths are benign, fluid-filled sacs called cysts. There are several types of ovarian cancer. Symptoms of ovarian cancer can be vague. Detection of ovarian cancer involves physical examination (including pelvic exam), ultrasound, X-ray tests, CA-125 blood test and biopsy of the ovary. (12 Dec 1998) |
| cancer, ovary | Cancer of the egg sac of females. most ovarian growths in women under age 30 are benign, fluid-filled cysts. There are several types of ovarian cancer. Symptoms of ovarian cancer can be vague. Detection of ovarian cancer involves physical examination (including pelvic exam), ultrasound, X-ray tests, CA-125 blood test and biopsy of the ovary. (12 Dec 1998) |
| cancer, pancreas | Cancer of the organ which produces many juices that are important for digesting food as well as hormones, such as insulin and glucagon. Pancreatic cancer has been called a silent disease because early pancreatic cancer usually does not cause symptoms. If the tumour blocks the common bile duct and bile cannot pass into the digestive system, the skin and whites of the eyes may become yellow, and the urine darker as a result of accumulated bile pigment called bilirubin. This condition is referred to as jaundice. (12 Dec 1998) |
| cancer, pancreatic | Cancer of the organ which produces many juices that are important for digesting food as well as hormones, such as insulin and glucagon. Pancreatic cancer has been called a silent disease because early pancreatic cancer usually does not cause symptoms. If the tumour blocks the common bile duct and bile cannot pass into the digestive system, the skin and whites of the eyes may become yellow, and the urine darker as a result of accumulated bile pigment called bilirubin. This condition is referred to as jaundice. (12 Dec 1998) |
| cancer, prostate | Cancer of the gland that produces some of the components of semen fluid. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death of males in the U.S. Prostate cancer is often first detected as a hard nodule during a routine rectal examination. The PSA blood test is a screening test for prostate cancer. Diagnosis of prostate cancer is established when cancer cells are identified in prostate tissue obtained by a biopsy. In some patients, prostate cancer is life threatening. In many others, prostate cancer can exist for years without causing any health problems. Treatment options for prostate cancer include observation, radiation therapy, surgery, hormonal therapy, and chemotherapy. (12 Dec 1998) |
| cancer, prostatic | Cancer of the gland (prostate) that produces some of the components of semen fluid. The second leading cause of death of males in the U.S. Prostate cancer is often first detected as a hard nodule during a routine rectal examination. The PSA blood test is a screening test for prostate cancer. Diagnosis of prostate cancer is established when cancer cells are identified in prostate tissue obtained by a biopsy. In some patients, prostate cancer is life threatening. In many others, prostate cancer can exist for years without causing any health problems. Treatment options for prostate cancer include observation, radiation therapy, surgery, hormonal therapy, and chemotherapy. (12 Dec 1998) |
| cancer, rectal | A malignant tumour arising from the inner wall of the end (rectum) of the large intestine. The third leading cause of cancer in males, fourth in females in the U.S. Risk factors for cancer of the colon and rectum (colorectal cancer) include heredity, colon polyps, and long standing ulcerative colitis. most colorectal cancers develop from polyps. Removal of colon polyps can prevent colorectal cancer. Colon polyps and early cancer can have no symptoms. Therefore, regular screening is important. Diagnosis can be made by barium enema or by colonoscopy with biopsy confirmation of cancer tissue. Surgery is the most common treatment for colorectal cancer. (12 Dec 1998) |
| cancer, skin | Cancer of the outer surface of the body. The most common cancer in the U.S. There are many types of skin cancer. Ultraviolet light from sunlight is the main cause of skin cancer. Unexplained changes in the appearance of the skin, lasting longer than 2 weeks, should be evaluated by a doctor. The cure rate for skin cancer could be 100% if all skin cancers were brought to a doctor's attention before they had a chance to spread. (12 Dec 1998) |
| cancer, stomach | Cancer of the major organ that holds food for digestion. Stomach cancer (gastric cancer) can develop in any part of the stomach and spread to other organs. Stomach ulcers do not appear to increase a person's risk of developing stomach cancer. Symptoms of stomach cancer are often vague, such as loss of appetite or weight. The cancer is diagnosed with a biopsy of stomach tissue during a procedure called an endoscopy. (12 Dec 1998) |
| cancer susceptibility gene | tumour suppressor gene |
| cancer symptoms | Abnormal sensations or conditions that persons can notice that are a result of a cancer. It is important to see your doctor for regular checkups and not wait for problems to occur. But you should also know that the following symptoms may be associated with cancer: changes in bowel or bladder habits, a sore that does not heal, unusual bleeding or discharge, thickening or lump in the breast or any other part of the body, indigestion or difficulty swallowing, obvious change in a wart or mole, or nagging cough or hoarseness. These symptoms are not always a sign of cancer. They can also be caused by less serious conditions. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis. It is important to see a doctor if you have any of these symptoms. Don't wait to feel pain. Early cancer often does not cause pain. (12 Dec 1998) |