What is lung consolidation?

Consolidation of the lung is simply a “solidification” of the lung tissue due to accumulation of solid and liquid material in the air spaces that would have normally been filled by gas. It is also known as pulmonary consolidation. The most common cause of consolidation is pneumonia – inflammation of the lung – as cellular debris, blood cells and exudate collects in the alveoli (air sacs) of the lung.

Consolidation may be patchy in distribution and involve only certain lobules of the lung although it can be widespread and affect entire lobes of the lung. It may be complete or incomplete. Although the term ‘consolidation’ is often used loosely and associated with pneumonia, it can also occur for various other reasons. Accumulation of pus, edema and even collapse of the lung (atelectasis) may also result in consolidation. The collection of solids and fluid is not isolated to the air spaces and the surrounding lung parenchyma may also be edematous. This affects the lung’s capacity to expand and allow for gas exchange between the air spaces and blood vessels in the lung tissue.

continue reading Consolidation of Lung – Signs, Symptoms and Causes

Treatment of Uterine Cancer

Various treatment options are available for uterine cancer, such as :

• Surgery.
• Radiation therapy.
• Chemotherapy.
• Hormone therapy.
• A combination of therapies, such as surgery and radiation.

Although there are broad guidelines for treatment options of endometrial cancer, each case has to be evaluated on an individual basis. There are a host of variables that have to be taken into consideration before choosing any one option or a combination of therapies.

Some of the factors that need to be taken into consideration before deciding on the type of treatment are :

• Age of the patient
• Health status of the patient at the time of cancer detection
• Extent and spread of cancer to distant sites
• Types of uterine cancer
• Desire for future pregnancy
• Women at high risk of endometrial cancer
• Whether the cancer is hormone dependent

continue reading Uterine Cancer Surgery, Radiation, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy

The prognosis of prostate cancer or the probability of relapse following primary therapy depends on the clinical stage of the tumor, Gleason score (histologic grade) and the PSA level before the primary treatment. The other important independent prognostic factors include the pathologic stage of the tumor, invasion of capsule, seminal vesicle involvement, positive surgical margins and lymph node metastases. The prognosis in prostate cancer is poor in :

• clinical stage above T2
• high PSA level at diagnosis
• biopsy Gleason score of 8 to 10
• PSA velocity of more than 2 ng/mL/year

continue reading Prostate Cancer Prognosis and Survival Rate

A woman presenting with abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially postmenopausal bleeding, requires a thorough investigation to confirm or rule out the diagnosis of uterine cancer. Early detection of endometrial cancer improves the chances of successful treatment of the disease. If detected early enough, complete cure is possible with appropriate treatment.

continue reading Diagnosing Uterine Cancer – Tests, Scans and Biopsy

What is Vaginitis?

Inflammation of the vagina is known as vaginitis. It is one of the most common conditions that affect women of all ages. Sometimes, vaginitis is accompanied by inflammation of the vulva, when it is then known as vulvovaginitis.

Infection of the vagina due to various organisms (usually yeast or bacteria) is the most common causes of vaginitis, but there are many non-infectious causes like trauma or allergic reactions which may be responsible. Excessive vaginal discharge, with a change in color and odor, associated with redness, swelling, irritation, and itching of the vagina are the usual symptoms. Treatment is determined by the cause of vaginitis as well as the accompanying symptoms.

continue reading Inflamed Vagina and Causes of Vaginitis