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Esophageal cancer – Signs and management options

Esophageal cancer – Signs and management options

Esophageal cancer affects the esophagus, a long hollow tube that is present from the throat to the stomach. The esophagus helps move the food from the back of the throat to the stomach and helps start the digestive process. Cancer develops inside the lining of the esophagus and can spread anywhere along the tube, compromising the function of the esophagus. This type of cancer is usually seen in men than in women.

Signs and symptoms
The signs and symptoms of this type of cancer are usually well observed and identified. They make it easy for cancer to be diagnosed at an early stage. However, in some cases, the symptoms are missed, and the cancer is only accidentally found during health checkups and tests. So, it is always advised to stay mindful of the body’s signs to stay on top of health. Here are some of those signs to look out for:

  • Trouble swallowing
    This can happen not just with solids but with liquids as well. There can be some inflammation which can lead to pain and swallowing problems.
  • Chest pain
    Inflammation can cause chest pain which originates from the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach.
  • Increase in BMI
    This can be unexpected and without any effort. It is important to be vigilant about a healthy body mass; sudden gain or loss can give rise to some health concerns.
  • Hoarseness
    This can easily be identified and often, at times, leads to permanent damage to the vocal cord. Getting immediate attention to this and starting treatment as necessary is important.
  • Chronic cough
    A persistent cough also leads to chest and throat pain due to the constant energy utilized in the contraction of muscles. This symptom may overlap with some other illnesses and may go unnoticed. Therefore, it is important to get it checked by a doctor to rule out any signs of the condition.
  • Vomiting
    This can be due to any inflammation developed in the esophagus or chronic coughing, which pushes the food out of the hollow tube. If one experiences frequent vomiting, it is best advised to see a doctor immediately.
  • Bone pain
    If this is experienced, due to no other obvious reasons, it is possible that cancer has spread to the other parts of the body, including the bones, which is causing pain.
  • Bleeding in the esophagus
    This bleeding can pass through the digestive tract into the stool, leading to a blackish stool color. This blood loss can also lead to anemia if not treated in time.

It is possible that these symptoms may be due to some other illnesses. Still, it is always advised to keep a thorough check on these and understand that these need immediate attention from a healthcare professional who can diagnose and start treatment immediately.

Treatment options
Various treatment types include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, stem cell or bone marrow transplant, or even hormone therapy. Depending on the diagnosis and the condition of the patient, the doctor can suggest one or more types of treatments to manage the disease or treat it completely. Also, some clinical trials are available that may help in case traditional treatments fail to work as successfully as imagined.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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6 warning signs of prostate cancer to be aware of

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer affecting men, especially those over 50. Like most health issues, early detection is critical in treating the disease; the same goes for prostate cancer. However, there are some early warning signs which can help in identifying the disease. If you notice any of these, you must speak to a health professional immediately and get the necessary tests done immediately. Change in urinary habits Men with prostate cancer can experience some changes in their urinary habits. This can be the need to urinate more frequently, especially at night, leading to sleep discomfort. It is also possible that they may have trouble starting or stopping the urine stream. This could be due to weak urine flow, and it can also make the bladder feel like it has not been appropriately emptied, leading to discomfort. Pain or discomfort Prostate cancer can cause pain in the pelvic region, which can also extend to the lower back and upper thighs. It is also possible that during ejaculation, some men may experience intense pain. These are all signs that a health professional should make a proper diagnosis to check the prostate. Blood in the urine This is an alarming sign of prostate cancer and can even be painful. A highly severe UTI can be excruciatingly agonizing and may have blood in the urine. There can also be blood in the semen, so one must be observant. While this symptom may overlap with other health illnesses, it is always recommended to consult a doctor immediately and get the necessary tests done. Erectile dysfunction This is a condition in which a man cannot achieve or maintain an erection. Erectile dysfunction is not just a symptom of prostate cancer; it could also indicate other health issues. However, it is an alarming sign and needs immediate attention. Speak to the right doctor to understand the causes behind the symptom. Bone pain Another warning sign of prostate cancer involves pain that spreads to the bones. It can cause back pain and hurt the hips or even the ribs. Usually, when the pain is experienced in different parts of the body, it is a sign that cancer may have spread and is in the advanced stage. But getting the proper tests done in time will give accurate results. Fatigue There could be many reasons for fatigue, but if the other symptoms are accompanied by fatigue, it is possibly an early sign of prostate cancer. Fatigue will not just be temporary or just after any heavy activity; it is a feeling of extreme tiredness or weakness which continues to linger through the day, even after adequate sleep and rest. It is not sure that all men must show the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer. Many times, prostate cancer does not show any signs at all, so it is essential to get regular health checkups. However, especially after age 50, it should be a yearly routine to get a prostate checked by a healthcare professional.

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Everything you need to know about chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness and fatigue that does not go away even after resting. The causes of the condition are yet to be known. However, there are some theories indicate several factors which include: Viral infection Stress Or several factors in unison Once the symptoms are identified and the condition is diagnosed, treatment can be taken to get relief from symptoms. Understanding all aspects of the condition, including its stages, diagnosis, symptoms, and prevention can help in managing it effectively. Different stages and phases of chronic fatigue syndrome The patients of chronic fatigue syndrome undergo four phases of the condition. Their response towards the treatment can also vary greatly depending on the phase that they are going through. These phases are: Phase I: Crisis or trauma Phase II: Stabilization Phase III: Resolution Phase IV: Integration During all the phases, a chronic fatigue syndrome patient undergoes some physical, psychological, and social changes that are easily noticeable. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome No one test can diagnose a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome resemble several other health conditions. Therefore, a lot of patience is required for the diagnosis of the condition.
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What you should know about depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that results in bouts of continuous sadness. A clinical mood disorder can lead to physical and emotional suffering, and can also change one’s behavior. Frustration, anger outbursts, lack of energy, sleep issues, anxiety, disinterest in eating, concentration issues, and suicidal thoughts are also common symptoms of this disease. Depending on its severity, the illness can challenge one to lead a normal life, too. Diagnosis There are many different methods a medical professional can use to determine if one is affected by depression. Psychiatric evaluation is the most common way to determine if one is suffering from the disease. The mental health doctor will interview the affected person to understand their thought process, mood, and other symptoms. Some doctors may compare symptoms with the ones listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This makes it easier for them to understand the condition. A physical exam is also performed to determine if any physical health issue is caused due to this mental condition. Stages of depression Depending on the level of sadness, the stages of depression can be divided into five stages: Stage 1 Even though the signs of mental disease are hard to miss, for most people, it starts with denial.
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Important things you should know about diabetes

The pancreas is an important organ in our body that produces insulin. It is required to help the glucose pass to our cells from the blood. That is how energy is created, which is the fuel we require to function. When the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, the glucose level in one’s blood increases. This can result in diabetes, which can lead to organ damage. Types of diabetes There are mainly three kinds of this disease. Type 1 diabetes It can be most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Having said that, it can occur at any age. The insulin production of one’s body decreases with this condition, and they require daily injections to control their glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes Around 90% of people who have diabetes suffer from this type. It is most commonly seen in adults and results in one’s body failing to properly use the insulin that is produced. It can be kept under control by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but one may also require medicine in the advanced stages. Gestational diabetes This can be seen during pregnancy if the glucose level in one’s blood increases. It can affect both the child and the mother.
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Gout – Diagnosis, stages, and prevention

Gout or gouty arthritis is a form of arthritis that commonly occurs in the joint located at the base of one’s big toe. It can also be seen in other joints and results in swelling, sudden pain, and tenderness. It can happen to anyone and occur at any moment, even suddenly in the middle of the night. The good news is that it can be prevented and treated. Diagnosis of gout Multiple medical tests can be used to determine if one has this form of arthritis. Below is a list of the most common tests. Joint fluid test The doctor uses a needle to collect fluid from one’s joint and test the same under a microscope. If urate crystals are found in the fluid then they have the condition. Blood test For gout detection, the doctor may suggest a blood test. The amount of creatinine and uric acid present in one’s blood indicates if they have it or not. However, the result of the blood test may not always be conclusive. X-ray imaging If one has joint inflammation, the doctor can use X-ray imaging to determine if it is caused by any other reason or gouty arthritis. Ultrasound A musculoskeletal ultrasound test is used to determine if one has gout or any other form of arthritis.

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