Lymphosarcoma is one of the most common types of cancers seen. It is also referred to as lymphoma or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In dogs, many different species develop Lymphosarcoma. Like any other cancer, this one can “metastasize”, which means it can spread and affect other organs and tissues.
Most dogs get a type of Lymphosarcoma that originates the lymph nodes and usually the nodes under the jaw get swollen. Sometimes this is the only symptom your dog will have. But the jaw is not the only place where this disease can begin. Some forms of Lymphosarcoma begin in the bone marrow, the chest, abdomen, or even the skin.
DIAGNOSIS
It is difficult to detect the Lymphosarcoma because it can spread to many places in the body. So full analysis is essential to determine this disease and also establish the stage of disease. It is very important to determine the stage of the disease and decide the kind of treatment and the right dosage. Vets usually do the following tests in order to detect the stages:
* Cytology – checking the lymph node cells
* Blood work
* Abdominal radiographs
* Abdominal ultrasound
* Bone marrow analysis
Most of the times, the vets do just a few of the tests listed above. Even a few of the tests alone can determine the stage and if the dog can be submitted to the treatment.
DISEASE STAGES OF EVOLUTION
Lymphosarcoma has 4 stages.
In state I the cancer exists in just one lymph node. This stage is rarely diagnosed in pets.
In stage II the disease has spread to more than one node and has occupied a body region.
In stage III the cancer is in the nodes but has spread in the body.
In stage IV the Lymphosarcoma has reached the liver or the spleen.
There is also a stage V and it refers to all the stages above but with cancer spread to the bone marrow or the blood or any other organ.
The main stages have sub stages: “A” and “B”.
“A” means the patient doesn’t have the illness. “B” means the patient displays clinical symptoms like fluid in the lungs, vomiting or diarrhea.
Stage IIIA is the earliest detected and it can be treated.
MEANS OF TREATMENT
Many people have heard of chemotherapy. This means treatment with chemicals. The dog anti-cancer drugs, orally, intravenously, or subcutaneously. The good fact is that animals have a high tolerance to anti-cancer drugs, far better than humans. Also, side effects because of the treatment appear only in 5 cases out of 100.
Some of the most common questions a dog owner has are:
Is the dog going to lose the hair? Usually, they don’t. But poodles and old English Sheepdogs are predisposed to lose their hair after chemotherapy. But don’t worry. It will grow back. Keep in mind that Lymphosarcoma treatable but not curable.
Will the disease come back and how long will it last? This depends on the type of Lymphosarcoma the dog has. But with the latest medical advances, approximately 90% of dogs achieve a complete remission. The average remission is between 8 and 12 months.
What happens after the dog comes out of remission? It can be treated just like the first time. Also, the second and third remissions are treatable.
The whole cost of the treatment begins at about $500 and can go up to $2,000 in case of a large pet.
Archive for the ‘Cancer’ Category
Dog's Health: Lymphosarcoma Cancer
January 31st, 2010 
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All about Benign Breast Cancer
January 31st, 2010 admin There are many causes of benign breast cancer. These are the changes in the breast tissue, any breast infection or injury, and any medicine that are taken that have caused the lumps or the breast pain. Changes in the tissues of a woman’s breasts occur with the fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle.
Types of Benign Breast Conditions
There are many types of lumps and conditions in the breast that are benign and it is very important to know them so that you will not have to be unnecessarily alarmed when you find a lump in one or both of your breasts.
   * Fibrocystic changes. This increases the size and tenderness in the breast before the menstrual period. These lumps are just milk ducts and surrounding tissues that have grown and dilated to form cysts. The lumps that are formed may be hard or rubbery. Fibrocystic changes are often noticeable among women in their 40s.
   * Simple cysts. These are just fluid filled cysts that change in size with the woman’s menstrual cycles.
   * Fibroademonas. These are considered the most common benign tumors in a female breast. They are solid, round, and rubbery, and they can move freely in the breast once they are pushed upon and it is usually painless. This type of benign breast condition is due to the excessive formation of the milk producing glands and the surrounding breast tissue. This condition will most likely occur in women between the age of 20 and 30.
   * Intraductal papillomas. This condition is characterized by small, wart-like growths in the lining of the mammary duct near the nipple area and women between the age of 45 and 50 are the most likely to be affected.
   * Traumatic fatnecrosis. This condition will occur if a trauma like an injury occurs in the breast and the characteristics of the lumps are round, firm, hard, single, and usually painless.
What You Should Do If You Find A Lump
Once you discover a lump in your breast you should immediately see a physician because it might be a benign breast cancer condition. It is recommended to see a doctor right away if you find the following in your breasts:
   * An area that is distinctly different from another area in either breasts
   * A lump or a thickening near the breast or the underarm that is persistent
   * A change in the size, shape, and contour of the breast
   * A mass or lump in your breast
   * Changes in the feel or appearance of the skin on the breast or the nipple.
   * They are dimpled, puckered, and appear scaly or even inflamed.
   * A bloody or clear fluid discharge from the nipples
   * Redness in the skin on the nipple area or anywhere on the breast
A monthly examination of the breast is recommended to detect any abnormalities that are found in the breast and to prevent any development of benign breast lumps.
Golf – Mickelson Steps out of PGA Tour as Wife is Diagnosed with Cancer
January 31st, 2010 admin By Audrey Nolan The World No. 2 golf player Phil Mickelson announced on Wednesday that he is stepping out from the PGA tour schedule indefinitely since his wife, Amy Mickelson, was diagnosed with breast cancer. According to his management office, his wife will have to be submitted to some more tests but she will start the treatment as soon as possible, and she will be submitted to surgery as well, while Phil will stay beside her to help her overcome this hard situation.
Mickelson was scheduled to participate in the Byron Nelson Championship that is being held this week and he was supposed to defend his Crowne Plaza Invitational title at Colonial next week as well, but that is still uncertain due to the new announcement. In addition, his participation on this year’s US Open would be on hold while he waits for the results from Amy’s surgery and treatment. Many people involved with the PGA Tour have already expressed their sympathy with Mickelson and his wife. “We see Amy as this vibrant, bubbly mother of three who is tremendously devoted to her husband and family,” veteran golfer Jack Nicklaus said. “No one, especially Amy, deserves to have to face the battle that accompanies cancer. But we know that Amy has this amazing inner strength and spirit, and with Phil’s unwavering love and support, they will fight and overcome this.” Amy and Phil have always been very close to each other; she is always giving support to Phil in all the competitions that he participates in. She is also a very committed mother and wife; she can be seen in the tournaments with their three kids showing love and a positive spirit to her husband who is very committed to her too.
Scott Verplank, who knows Mickelson well and has played with him in two Ryder Cup teams and two President Cup teams, said that he felt really bad when he found out of Amy’s condition, since for him she is a very neat person who always has a smile on her face and that he hopes they can treat this situation successfully since they discovered the illness in a early stage.
Breast cancer survivor Sarah Strange, who is the wife of former Ryder Cup captain Curtis Strange, also said that she knows that Amy is going to overcome this difficult situation and that she will move forward with confidence because of the upbeat personality that she has; she also expressed that she could share all of her experiences with Amy since she has already gone through the same and that she would give her all her support because she deserves it as she was always supportive to her when her husband was the captain of the team. Amy and Phil Mickelson met each other in 1992 and got married in 1996.
They have three kids together: Amanda, Sophia and Evan of 9, 7 and 6 years. When is Phil going to be back in the Tour is still very uncertain. All of this occurs when Mickelson rival, Tiger Woods, is back from and eight months leave due to a knee surgery; however, his priorities have obviously changed completely now. We hope the best for this great player, his wife and his entire family.
How to Perform Breast Self-Examination
January 31st, 2010 admin Breast cancer is one of the top diseases causing death among women. The problem of breast cancer haunts every woman. The cancer is dreaded not only for what it stands, but because of the string of complications it carries along its wake. In such a situation, detecting the onset of breast cancer is of prime consideration because in most cases, by the time the cancer is detected, the disease has spread so much that it may be too late to cure it. Nonetheless, with proper education and better treatment procedures, women have a far better chance combating the disease.
Because breast cancer is a widely dreaded disease, efforts are put in place to help women detect early signs of breast cancer and other forms of breast diseases. One such method used in detecting breast abnormalities is the breast self-examination (BSE). BSE is the process of finding abnormalities in the breast. It involves looking and feeling at both breasts for possible swellings that may be the telltale signs of breast cancer development.Â
How to Conduct Breast Self-Examination
BSE is performed in front of a mirror with the torso exposed so as to view better the procedure being done. The process involves doing the so-called 7Ps, which are the guide toward a successful breast examination and early detection of breast cancer. The 7 procedures are the following:
1. Position. This involves inspecting both breasts and palpate in the mirror with the arms at various positions to give the woman leverage on the examination at various angles. The examination is first performed lying down with a pillow under one shoulder and then followed by a pillow on the opposite shoulder and then finally lying flat.
2. Perimeter. This means the width with which the examination is done. First, the entire breast is examined, including the nipple and then followed by examining the area extending into the armpit and the nearby lymph nodes.
3. Palpation. This is done by palpating with the pads of the fingers without lifting the fingers as they move across the breast.
4. Pressure. This means the amount of pressure exerted on the breast during BSE. The process involves employing light pressure first, then moderate, and finally heavy pressure.
5. Pattern. There are three patterns available to a woman, whichever she feels most comfortable with. The first pattern is the so-called vertical strip, which involves moving the fingers up and down over the breast. The second pattern is the pie-wedge pattern, which starts at the nipple and then moves outwards. The third pattern is the circular pattern, which involves moving the fingers in circles outward from the nipple.
6. Practice. With the continued practice of conducting BSE, one will get a feel of the breast tissue and enable a woman to detect breast tissue changes.
7. Plan. This means knowing what to do in case changes in breast tissues are detected.
Although 80 percent of growth detected through BSE are non-malignant in nature and may not lead to breast cancer, it is nonetheless wise to report any changes to the doctor to conduct a mammogram.
Mammogram
January 31st, 2010 admin What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. There are two types of mammograms. A screening mammogram is used to detect breast changes in women who have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer. It usually involves two x-rays of each breast. Mammograms make it possible to detect tumors.
A diagnostic mammogram is an x-ray of the breast used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other sign or symptom of breast cancer has been found. Signs of breast cancer may include pain, skin thickening, nipple discahrge or a change in breast size or shape. A diagnostic mammogram may also be used to evaluate changes found during a screening mammogram, or to view breast tissue when it is difficult to obtain a screening mammogram because of special circumstances, such as the presence of breast implants.
When should women begin to have mammograms?
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recommends that women age 40 and older have mammograms every 1 to 2 years.
Women at higher than average risk of breast cancer should talk with their physicians about whether to have mammograms before age 40 and how often to have them.
What are the risk factors?
As a woman gets older, her risk of having breast cancer becomes greater.
The following factors increase a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer:
Personal History.
Women who have had breast cancer are more likely to develop a second breast cancer.
Family History.
A woman’s chance of developing breast cancer is increased if her mother, sister and/or daughter have a history of breast cancer, particularly if diagnosed before age 50.
Changes seen with breast biopsy.
Women who have had two or more breast biopsies for other benign conditions also have an increased chance of developing breast cancer. This increased risk is due to the condition that led to the biopsy itself.
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Genetic Alterations/Changes
Specific alterations in certain genes increase the risk of breast cancer. These alterations are rare; they are estimated to account for no more than 10% of all breast cancers.
Reproductive and Menstrual History
Women who began having periods before age 12 or who went through menopause after age 55 are at an increased risk. Women who have their first child after age 30 or who never have a child are at an increased risk.
Long-term Use of Menopausal Hormone Therapy Women who use combination estrogen-progestin menopausal hormone therapy fr more than 5 years have an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
Breast Density
Breasts appear dense on a mammogram if they contain many glands and ligaments and do not have a lot of fatty tissue. Because breast cancers tend to develop in the dense breast tissue of the breast, older women whose mammograms show more dense tissue are at an increased risk.
Radiation Therapy
Women who had radiation therapy to the chest (including the breasts) before age 30 are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer throughout their lives.
DES (Diethylstilbesterol)
The drug DES was given to some pregnant women in the US between 1941 and 1971. Those who took DES during pregnancy may have a slightly higher risk.
Body Weight
Studies have found that the chances of getting breast cancer after menopause is higher in women who are overweight.
Physical Activity Levels
Women who are physically inactive throughout life may have an increased risk of breast cancer.
Alcohol
Studies suggest that the more alcohol a woman drinks, the greater her chances of developing breast cancer.
What are the chances that a woman in the United States might get breast cancer?
Age is the most important risk factor for breast cancer. The older a woman is, the greater her chance of developing breast cancer. Current rates suggest that 13.2 percent of
women (or one in eight) born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time in their lives. This statistic is based on population averages.
How Much Does A Mammogram Cost?
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Screening mammograms usually cost between $50 and $150. Most insurance companies now have laws requiring health insurance companies to reimburse all or part of the cost of screening.
Remember to check your breasts every month!
Ovarian Cancer – You Need to Cure It
January 31st, 2010 admin If your doctor tells you that you have a complex ovarian mass, this means you have a growth on your ovary that has both cystic (fluid filled) and solid components on ultrasound. In most cases, this is an uncomfortable, but harmless condition. Rarely, this mass is cancerous. Of women who are tested for ovarian cancer, less than 1 in 1000 actually has cancer.
Most cervical cases of cancer develop after a woman has been diagnosed with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Cervical and breast cancer is better detected during its early stages of development to avoid severe complications that especially arise if cancerous cells have already spread up to the heart or vagina’s surface. Too much delay before treatment allows the cancer cells to spread to the entire body. If they do, then nothing much can really be done to save a patient’s life because at this stage the cancer is said to be in the terminal phase.
Some woman do not have normal ovaries, instead they have developed polycystic ovaries which are ovaries where the follicles do not disintegrate after ovulation. Instead these follicles gather and form in clumps inside the ovaries. Generally speaking, polycystic ovaries are not bothersome and do not effect the chances of a woman becoming pregnant, however they can cause problems.
Most women that are interested in natural ovarian cures want them cured permanently, not just a quick fix. This is why surgery is not the best option for those that want long term relief. Surgery will not stop future cyst from coming back. Medications will not cure your cyst either. Your family doctor might prescribe birth control pills for women that have ovarian cysts, but this is not a good a good solution for the long term. These pills contain both female and male hormones, and these pills will stop an egg from being released.
Should a patient experience a fever or vomiting along with very severe pelvic pain…that is cause for alarm and should be considered an emergency! Another warning sign of problematic ovarian cysts is a rapid heartbeat, which is accompanied by dizziness, weakness or faintness. A woman’s doctor needs to be contacted without delay if any of the aforementioned symptoms are present. An additional concern for a woman is abnormal bleeding…or bleeding in between periods.
The main problem with traditional medicine is that it only treats what is going on right now with your body, not dealing with what can happen in the future. Another thing is that, many of the treatments and drugs that your doctor will give you can be almost as painful and damaging as the cysts themselves. Cyst Symptom will keep on happening until you can find a way to prevent them. The best thing that you can do is find a natural cure for your cyst symptom.
Even if your ovaries were removed, there is a chance that some ovarian tissue was left behind. If you had cysts before, especially large cysts, the cells from the ovaries may have migrated to the surrounding tissue, such as the small intestine. This remainder can still produce follicles, which can grow into cysts.