In primary lymph node cancer or lymphoma, the cells of the lymph nodes (lymphocytes) become cancerous resulting in abnormal and excessive proliferation or growth of the tissues and cells of the lymph nodes. This causes enlargement of lymph nodes in various parts of the body and these swollen lymph nodes are most often detected in the armpit, neck or groin as painless, hard swellings.

Lymphomas are usually restricted within the lymph nodes or other lymphatic tissue but may sometimes spread to other types of tissues in the body, where it is known as extranodal disease.

There are two types of lymphomas – Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphomas. The latter, non-Hodgkin lymphomas, includes all other lymphomas which are not Hodgkin’s lymphoma. These are further divided into five subtypes of Hodgkin’s lymphoma and about 30 subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma based upon their microscopic appearance, genetic arrangement or extent of the disease process.

continue reading Primary Lymph Node Cancer (Lymphoma)

There are two types of lymph node cancer – primary and secondary. When the cancer starts in a lymph node or spreads to it from adjacent lymph nodes it is known as primary lymph node cancer or a lymphoma. If the cancer originates in some other organ or tissue and then spreads to the lymph nodes it is known as secondary or metastatic lymph node cancer. Malignant lymph nodes may be felt as firm or hard, immobile (fixed) swollen lumps which are most often painless and may sometimes be matted together.

Primary lymph node cancer or lymphoma can be divided into two types – Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. These lymphomas may be further divided into various sub-types.

The importance of secondary lymph node involvement in various types of cancer lies in the fact that it indicates spread of cancer away from the primary site as well as helping to determine the prognosis of the disease, chances of recurrence and the treatment plan.

continue reading Lymph Node Cancer

What is a tumor?

The word tumor is a broad term to identify any growth within the body but has become synonymous with a benign or malignant growth. At times the word neoplasm is used which is essentially a new growth of tissue that has no purpose or function in the body.

A tumor arises from uncontrolled or an abnormal growth of cells that has no physiological function in the body, occupies space or destroys surrounding tissue to fit in the specific area and can affect the function or health of the organ it affects.

Tumors should not be confused with other growth phenomenon in the body like hyperplasia or hypertrophy. These terms are used when an organ enlarges or when there is an increase in the organ’s cells or layers of tissue than would be considered the norm leading to an increase in size of the affected organ. This enlargement is not a tumor.

continue reading Characteristics of Benign and Malignant Tumors

Nipple discharge affects many women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding and the presence of breast secretions do not always indicate any serious problem. While breast milk is expected in pregnancy and after child birth, other secretions from the breast may also occur in women of any age. Young women may experience nipple discharge without any cause for concern but persistent discharge in older women may be a sign of an underlying condition.

continue reading Causes of Breast Secretion, Nipple Discharge

Cancers Causing Diarrhea

The following cancers can (rarely) cause diarrhea:

• Spread of any tumor (metastasis) into abdominal organs
• Hormone-producing tumors causing carcinoid syndrome (read below) and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
• Colorectal cancer
• Lymphoma
• Medullar cancer of the thyroid
• Pancreatic cancer
• Cancer of the gallbladder and biliary duct
• Hepatocellular cancer

continue reading Can Cancer Cause Diarrhea? Carcinoid Tumor, Carcinoid Syndrome

A swollen lymph node or gland is a term commonly used to describe lymphadenopathy, a condition associated with enlarged lymph nodes in a specific area of the body (localized) or throughout the entire body (generalized lymphadenopathy). Lymphadenopathy is an indicator of a disorder affecting a certain area of the body or a generalized condition throughout the body.

continue reading Swollen Lymph Nodes, Glands – Lymphedema, Lymphadenopathy

Introduction

Skin cancer prevention includes avoiding the sun and other causes of skin cancer, protection against these causes, regular self-examination, and checking suspicious skin changes by a dermatologist.

Avoiding Causes of Skin Cancer

Avoiding Sun

• Avoid direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., especially in summer, in regions close to equator (± 30 degrees latitude), and in high altitudes.
• Not only long term exposure, but also short non-regular exposures (minutes) to intense sunlight may increase the risk of a skin cancer. A person with fair skin may get burns in 15 minutes, so avoid getting burns.

continue reading Skin Cancer Prevention: Avoiding Sun, Self-Examination

Causes of Skin Cancers

The most common cause of skin cancers are ultraviolet (UV) rays, either from the sun, or from UV-emitting lamps, like those in tanning saloons. Both UV-A and UV-B rays may cause skin cancer.

Other possible causes of skin cancers include:

• A high dose or repeated X-ray exposure (1,2)
• Exposure to arsenic (pesticides, wood preservatives, miners, sheep shearers, farmers) (1), pitch (from distillation of wood or coal tar), creosote, or radium (5)
• Therapy that destroys immune cells – chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunosuppression in organ or bone marrow transplantation (2)
• Smoking – increases risk of squamous cell carcinoma (4)

continue reading Skin Cancer – Causes and Risk Factors

General Rules

Treatment of skin cancer depends on cancer type, stage, location, patient’s age, and his/her general health state. It is a dermatologist – a specialist for skin diseases - who treats cancer. Methods of skin cancer treatment include:

1. Surgery
2. Radiotherapy
3. Chemotherapy
4. Medications and other

continue reading Skin Cancer Treatment: Surgery, Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy

What Are Hot Flashes?

Hot flashes (flushes) are episodes of intense warm feeling on the face and upper trunk that last from few seconds to few minutes. They are not the same as the low-grade fever, which usually lasts at least for several hours, and can be detected by the thermometer, while hot flashes cannot be.

Hot flashes may appear in menopausal women, in healthy middle aged men, in psychological stress and in some diseases.

continue reading Causes of Hot Flashes in Menopause, Males; Symptoms, Treatment