What You Need To Know About Tongue Cancer

The oral tongue and the base of the tongue make up the whole of your tongue. The oral tongue is about two thirds of the tongue, visible easily when you stick out your tongue. The base of the tongue is the remaining one third which is close to the throat or pharynx.  Cancer can affect any of these two parts. Those cancers which develop on the oral tongue are called oral cancers or mouth cancers while those developing on the base are called oropharyngeal cancers.

 

Types of tongue cancers

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common tongue cancer. this cancer starts in the squamous cells which are flat and thin cells, look just like skin and cover the entire area comprising of the lining of your mouth, the nose, larynx, thyroid as well as throat.

 

There are some other types of tongue cancers also and they are named after the structure or tissue of their origin.

 

 

Symptoms of tongue cancer

If you notice a stubborn red or whitish patch on your tongue or gum or tonsil, which refuses to go, it could be a symptom of cancer. A sore throat or pain while swallowing for a prolonged period of time is also a symptom of tongue cancer. An ulcer on the tongue or bleeding from the tongue for no apparent reason is also symptom of tongue cancer. Continuous pain in the tongue or jaw could also signify tongue cancer.

 

A lump on the side of your tongue which touches your teeth which bleeds at the slightest touch could also be a symptom of oral cancer. A thickening or lump in the inside of the mouth is also a symptom.  If you feel your mouth constantly devoid of any sensation or numbness which does not go, this could also be a symptom of tongue cancer.

 

The cancer of the base of the tongue usually goes undetected for a long time because it is not visible in the early stages. The symptoms are also few in the early stage. With time, this tumor causes pain, difficulty in swallowing, change in voice or the feeling of having a lump in the throat. A rare symptom is ear pain.

 

Though these symptoms don’t necessarily signify tongue cancer, it is better to consult a doctor and rule out the possibility of cancer.

 

 

Risk factors for tongue cancer

Cancer of the tongue is found more commonly in people above 40 years of age. It is also found that it is more common in men than women, probably because more men smoke and drink than women.

 

Smoking too much tobacco in the form of cigarettes, cigars or pipes is a major risk factor for tongue cancer. Excessive alcohol consumption along with tobacco can be the killer combination which leads to tongue cancer.

 

Another risk factor is the HPV virus which can get transmitted only through sexual contact.

 

 

Diagnosis of tongue cancer

Along with medical history and physical examination, you may need X-rays, CAT scan, PET scan or biopsy to determine if you have cancer.

 

 

Treatment for tongue cancer

Similar to other cancers, tongue cancer can also be treated better if detected at an early stage. Depending on the size of the cancer as well as the extent to which it has spread, your doctor may decide about the appropriate treatment.

 

Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and targeted drug therapy are the common treatments for tongue cancer. You may need one or more of the treatments. Surgery may be done to remove your tongue in part or completely. This will affect your speech and swallowing ability. Your doctors can give you detailed information about how you can adapt with these changes which are very uncomfortable but necessary to save your life.

 

 

Side effects of treatment for tongue cancer

All treatments for tongue cancers have their share of side effects. In case of surgery, your speech, eating and drinking gets affected severely. Radiation can give you a dry and sore mouth and your sense of taste will also get affected. Chemotherapy drugs have their own side effects.

 

 

Author Bio:

Sameer Gupta is a medical writer who writes well-researched, in-depth cancer articles which provide relevant information to help patients combat the deadly disease.

Categories: cancer, cancer nbsp, early stage, nbsp nbsp, oral tongue, risk factor, signify tongue, tongue, tongue cancer, tongue cancers, types

Wellness in a Year: Try Our List of 52 Superfoods

With everything from acai berries to whole wheat English muffins, we’ve assembled the top 52 super-foods to help you pick the ones that might benefit your wellness. Add a new super-food to your diet every week, and soon you’ll have a whole arsenal to help you protect your wellbeing.

 

1. Acai Juice: Rich in anthocyanin, acai boosts the antioxidants that fight diseases in your blood stream.

 

2. Apples: The content of the antioxidant Quercetin in apples reduce your risk of lung cancer.

 

3. Avocados: The healthy fat in avocados helps your body to absorb nutrients and promote weight loss.

 

4. Asparagus: This natural diuretic is rich in bone-building vitamin K.

 

5. Blueberries: These are great for preventing memory loss.

 

6. Brazil nuts: One Brazil nut contains an entire days’ worth of selenium, which protects you against heart disease and cancer and boosts your immune system.

 

7. Blackberries: These are packed with disease-fighting antioxidants.

 

8. Baked potatoes: The potassium content in baked potatoes helps to lower blood pressure.

 

9. Barley: This lowers cholesterol and helps the regulate your blood pressure due to fibre and beta-glucan.

 

10. Bananas: The potassium and resistance-starch fibre in bananas promote weight loss.

 

11. Broccoli sprouts: These contain 10% more cancer preventing glucoraphanin than regular broccoli.

 

12. Bran flakes: This cereal promotes heart health and weight loss.

 

13. Black beans: To promote artery health, you need the protein, fibre and antioxidants found in black beans.

 

14. Brown rice: Being a great source of magnesium means that brown rice helps in energy production and the strengthening of bones.

 

15. Brussels sprouts: The glucosinolates in Brussels sprouts fight cancer.

 

16. Bok choy: This is rich in calcium.

 

17. Cauliflower: Cancer-fighting glucosinolates are also found in Cauliflower.

 

18. Collard greens: These are loaded with vitamins and nutrients.

 

19. Canned pumpkin: This helps you fight cancer with beta-carotene and alpha-carotene.

 

20. Canola oil: This heart-healthy oil contains alpha-linolenic acid and vitamin E.

 

21. Dried tart cherries: Anthocyanins work to lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar.

 

22. Edamame: The immature soy beans in Edamame lower cholesterol.

 

23. Eggs: These are high in protein and low in calories.

 

24. Fat-free milk: You need fat-free milk for your bones, muscles and energy levels.

 

25. Flaxseed: Flaxseed helps prevent certain types of cancers.

 

26. Grapes: Thanks to antioxidant resveratrol, grapes work hard to fight diseases.

 

27. Greek yoghurt: This contains twice as much protein as regular yoghurt.

 

28: Kiwi: Vitamin C-rich Kiwi reduces asthma symptoms.

 

29. Lentils: This meat-free protein source is packed with fibre and B vitamins.

 

30. Mustard greens: Rich in vitamin K, mustard greens bolster healthy bones.

 

31. Oranges: As well as vitamin C, oranges are rich in calcium.

 

32. Olives: Heart-healthy monounsaturated fat is found in olives.

 

33. Oysters: Full of iron, zinc and selenium, oysters help keep the immune system strong.

 

34. Prunes: These are loaded with bone-strengthening polyphenols.

 

35. Peanut butter: For blood vessel health, peanut butter provides the amino acid, arginine.

 

36. Salmon: This is rich in omega-3s.

 

37. Steel-cut oats: These less-processed oats contain fibre and aid weight loss.

 

38. Spinach: The vitamin K in spinach promotes strong bones and blooding clotting ability.

 

39. Strawberries: Loaded with ellagitannins, strawberries prevent certain types of cancer.

 

40. Sardines: These provide omega-3 fats and vitamin D.

 

41. Scallops: These are a low calorie source of protein.

 

42. Shitake mushrooms: Shitake mushrooms are rich in vitamin D.

 

43. Sweet potatoes: These protect your immune system and vision.

 

44. Soy milk: A plant protein source with as much calcium and vitamin D as cow’s milk.

 

45. Sunflower seeds: These have a high vitamin E content.

 

46. Tea: Black and green tea prevent hardening in your arteries.

 

47. Tomato sauce: This actually contains more lycopene than fresh tomatoes.

 

48. Turkey breast: Turkey is a low-calorie source of protein.

 

49. Wheat germ: This contains vitamin E and selenium.

 

50. Walnuts: The omega-3 fatty acid found in walnuts – alpha-linolenic acid – improves memory and coordination.

 

51. Watercress: This packs a huge punch against cancer with it’s cancer-fighting phytochemicals.

 

52. Whole wheat English muffins: These provide a low-calorie source of fibre.

Categories: Acai, baked potatoes, Brown Rice, calcium nbsp, calorie source, cancer nbsp, loss nbsp, mustard greens, protein nbsp, superfoods, Weight Loss, Wheat Germ

Life-Saving Education: How to Prevent Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is threatening to become a major health concern around the world, as the disease is often transmitted through sexual contact. Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection causes your healthy cervical cells to develop abnormal precancerous changes over a period of time, which can potentially develop into cancer. So is your wellbeing at risk to cervical cancer?

 

The major risk factor for this kind of cancer is exposure to HPV, although only a few of the 100 varieties have been associated with cervical cancer. Only a small percentage of women exposed to the virus actually go on to develop the disease, but exposure to other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia and HIV, can increase your risk of cervical cancer. Other associated risk factors include:

 

• Having sexual intercourse at an early age


• Having multiple sexual partners


• Giving birth multiple times


• Having a lower socio-economic status


• Smoking


• Taking oral contraceptives

 

If you cancer is limited to the lining of the uterus, it is known as carcinoma in situ and has a 100% cure rate. However, your wellness is more at risk if the cancer is not treated in this early stage, as it can go on to invade your cervical tissue. This is known as invasive cervical cancer, and can infiltrate your adjacent pelvic tissues and distant organs in later stages. On average, it takes eight to 10 years for precancerous lesions to progress to carcinoma in situ, and another eight to 10 years to develop into invasive cervical cancer. However, as the five-year survival rates dwindle as invasive cancer progresses, early detection and treatment is all-important.

 

Half of cervical cancer patients are diagnosed between the ages of 35 and 55, as cancer of the cervix tends to occur during midlife. It’s very unlikely that cervical cancer will affect you before the age of 20, but as women with pre-cancer or early cervical cancer usually have no signs or symptoms, it’s important to get pap smears every three years once you turn 25. When the cancer becomes invasive and spreads, symptoms are more likely to appear. If you’re worried that your wellness has been affected by cervical cancer, ask yourself the following questions:

 

1. Do you bleed after sex?

2. Have you had irregular bleeding in between your periods?

3. Have you experienced bleeding even after menopause?

4. Do you have foul-smelling vaginal discharge?

5. Does your cervix feel hard to touch?

6. Is there an ulcer or cauliflower-like growth on your cervix? (This occurs with certain types of cancer).

 

While answering yes to any of these questions could indicate that you have cervical cancer, it is important to note that these symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Still, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should immediately contact you doctor. It is likely that you will need a pap smear, so you should avoid sexual intercourse, vaginal douching, medications, tampons, birth control jellies and foams for 48 hours before the test, as this affects the accuracy of the results.

 

Before it gets to that stage, there are things you can do to prevent HPV infection and, as a result, cervical cancer. Start by limiting the number of sexual partners you have, as well as having sex with any men who have had multiple partners. You should also use condoms every time you have sex, and get yourself vaccinated against the HPV virus. This protects you against four strains of HPV: HPV-16 and HPV-18 – which cause 70% of cervical cancer cases – and HPV-6 and HPV-11, which cause 90% of genital warts.

Categories: cancer, cancer nbsp, cervical, cervical cancer, Cevical Cancer, hpv infection, hpv virus, invasive cervical, nbsp, prevention, sexual intercourse, sexual partners

Warning: Plastic Could Put You at Risk of Getting Cancer

The environmental health risks associated with plastic are not new, but there is a lot of confusion surrounding them. Many people are unsure about whether or not plastic genuinely poses a risk to their health, but the latest reports seem to indicate that there could actually be quite a strong link between plastic bottles and cancer.

 

According to many toxicology experts, water bottles that are made from the hard and clear kind of plastic contain a chemical called Bisphenol A, otherwise called BPA, which may be a danger to human health. Studies have been carried out on animals, showing that BPA can be absorbed into living tissues and can then increase the rate of growth of the prostate, leading to prostate cancer. In addition to this, some studies have shown an apparent link between BPA and the onset of early puberty and the development of breasts in girls. This is thought to be a risk factor in the development of breast cancer.

 

The FDA, Canadian government and UK government have all now banned the use of BPA in baby bottles. The National Toxicology Program has been less clear in its recommendations, first expressing concern about the use of BPA in bottles and other packaging and then later redrafting the report and changing the terminology to express ‘minimal’ concern. Some sceptics believe this is because the plastic industry is huge and that big grocery chains have also been instrumental in defending BPA as they stand to lose personal profits if it is banned.

 

Other studies carried out recently have also linked BPA to a plethora of other serious health problems, including to abnormalities with liver enzymes, and to a link between poor cardiovascular health and BPA.

 

BPA water bottles are now available, and the general recommendation is to replace all your bottles with the new versions.

Categories: Bottles, cancer, cancer nbsp, Environmental, health, nbsp, plastic, water bottles

Gene Responsible for Ageing is also Linked to Blood Cancer

A recent study has established a link between the gene which is responsible for ageing and a higher risk of blood cancer. The study provides a glimpse into the relationship between the genes and their effects on cancer risk, thus making it possible to develop better treatment options. Blood cancer, especially myeloma, is a condition that cannot be cured. So scientists are looking into the possibility of identifying the threat of blood cancer, so that preventive measures may be taken in time, by studying the genetic makeup of a high-risk patient.

What is Blood Cancer?

Blood cancer begins in the bone marrow where production of blood takes place. In most blood cancers, the normal development of the blood cell is interrupted by their abnormal and rapid growth. These abnormal cells do not let the blood perform its normal functions, such as preventing bleeding or fighting infections. Because of this, the body loses its resistance, thus leading to a weak immune system.

 

Myeloma, a common type of blood cancer, affects the plasma cells. These plasma cells are nothing but the white blood cells which are responsible for producing antibodies that fight diseases and infections in the body. Myeloma causes a weakened immune system that is susceptible to infections.

 

According to statistics, nearly 4,700 patients are affected by myeloma every year due to genetic mutations. 4 out of 10 patients live through the disease for more than 5 years whereas 3 in 10 die within a year.

 

 

 

New Findings

Scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research London found that the gene which is responsible for ageing has links with blood cancer development as well. Researchers concluded that the gene that is responsible for the internal clock of the cell is also 50% responsible for one of the most common types of blood cancer known as myeloma. However, researchers also suggested that it does not mean that the cancer is inevitable for those with this gene. This major study helps shed light on the genetic causes of blood cancer.

 

Scientists had previously identified 3 genetic variants responsible for myeloma. The new study identified some more, thus bringing the total to 7 genetic variants. The study not only helps to understand the genetic reasons of blood cancer, but will also help researchers develop appropriate treatments for the disease. Identifying the genetic makeup of blood cancer will also help physicians assess the risk and formulate treatment plans accordingly.

 

Cancer is nothing but the abnormal division of cells. To control this abnormal growth, our body has an innate system that keeps a check on cell division. But as human beings age, the body loses its ability to keep those checks up, thus making it more susceptible to developing cancer. Those with a specific genetic makeup may become more easy targets of cancer.

 

Myeloma is incurable and has devastating effects on the body; the new study helps identify people who are at high risk of inheriting myeloma, thus significantly reducing the chances of someone developing this cancer. However, researchers also warn that before undergoing genetic testing, patients should be given counseling so that they are able to able to cope with the results of the test.

The new study has truly been a breakthrough in the medical community because it gives a glimmer of hope in the treatment of myeloma which is otherwise incurable.

 

 

 

Author Bio:

Sameer Gupta is a medical writer who writes well-researched, in-depth cancer articles which provide relevant information to help patients combat the deadly disease.

Categories: ageing, Blood Cancer, body loses, cancer nbsp, gene, genetic makeup, high risk, nbsp myeloma, nbsp nbsp, plasma cells, study helps

Is Your Microwave Killing You? Not According to the Evidence

Though it has completely revolutionised cooking convenience, many people believe microwaving to be a major health concern. Let’s be honest; the idea of cooking by using an oven that passes electromagnetic waves over food doesn’t exactly smack of wellness! These waves excite water molecules, causing heat-generating friction which cooks your food. But does that radiation really hamper your wellbeing?

 

There are several reasons why people are afraid of the microwave effect:

 

1. Potential carcinogenic toxins (or, in other words, cancer)

 

2. Zapping all the valuable nutrients from food

 

3. Long-term brain damage

 

4. Unknown by-products in microwaved food that the human body is unable to metabolise

 

5. Alteration of male and female sexual hormones

 

6. Weakened immune system

 

7. Mental health problems, such as memory loss, lack of focus and emotional instability

 

However, even though these are commonly asserted fears, finding evidence for these claims amongst distinguished, highly researched and peer-reviewed journals is pretty much impossible. On a technical level, microwaves emit radiation. However, these radiations are not damaging to DNA by any means. The radiation emitted from microwaves – as well as radio and mobile phone towers – is known as non-ionising radiation and researchers are still struggling to show that there’s a definitive link between this kind of radiation and cancer.

 

Seeing as a few studies have managed to show a correlation between cancer and non-ionising radiation, let’s take a micro second to dissect the possibility that microwaves cause cancer. Even if the radiation is nuking your food, this does not instantly mean that these radiations then become passed on to your body or the environment. The microwave has been gracing kitchen counters every since 1954, so if it really was doing that much damage to everyone’s wellbeing, we’d all be walking round with severe cancer, radiation poisoning, retardation and malnutrition. Ok, maybe we wouldn’t be walking around, but you get the point.

 

Finally, if you’re concerned about the nutritional content of the food that has been microwaved, don’t forget that chemical reactions happen to any food which is cooked. Whether you steam it, bake it or sauté it, you will lose the vitamin B and other water soluble nutrients from your veg. One study has even found that exposing food to electromagnetic rays can actually kill bacteria, making it much safer to eat! So, as long as you use your microwave responsibly and make sure it’s in a good, working condition, I wouldn’t worry about it.

Categories: cancer, cancer nbsp, Food, ionising radiation, Microwaves, nbsp, radiation