Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreas lies deep within the abdomen and secrete enzymes that are vital to digestion. Hormones secreted by the pancreas aid in maintaining sugar levels in the body. Pancreatic cancer is a condition where there is a malignant tumor, mostly found in the exocrine portion of the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer is not easily detectable in the early stages. Besides, it spreads rapidly and can metastasize to other organs such as bile duct, duodenum (small intestine), spleen, colon, adrenal gland, kidney, or vertebra.

Typical symptoms associated with pancreatic cancer are loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and weight loss. The patient is likely to suffer from back pain and complain of tiredness and fatigue. Pancreatic cancer may result in blood clots and liver dysfunction. The abdominal pain associated with pancreatic cancer is likely to radiate to the upper and middle back. There may be yellowing of the skin since most persons suffering from cancer of the pancreas tend to develop jaundice. In advanced stages of pancreatic cancer, there is considerable accummulation of bile acids in the skin leading to severe itching.

Some peope have a heriditary genetic predisposition to cancer while there are certain factors that increase the likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer.

Colorectal Cancer

The colon and rectum are continuous and cancers affecting them are referred to as colorectal cancers. Rectal cancer causes nearly 50,000 deaths a year in the U.S alone. Nearly 2/3 of colorectal cancers occur in the colon while about 1/2 occur in the rectum. In fact, colorectal cancers are the third-leading cause for cancer deaths in the U.S. after lung cancer and breast cancer. Typically colon cancer starts as small adenomatous polyps that later turn cancerous. Incidence of colorectal cancer is higher in Western nations as compared to Asian and African countries. More men tend to get affected by this form of cancer than women. Often heriditary syndromes cause multiple polyps in the digestive tract. Environmental and genetic factors play a large role in the occurence of colorectal cancers. Those suffering from inflammatory bowel disease or ulcerative colitis have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancers.

Rectal cancers do not produce symptoms in the initial stages. They can be detected only by digital or proctoscopic screening tests. If you notice blood in your stools or change in the shape of the stools or cramping pain in the lower abdomen, visit a doctor to check for signs of colorectal cancer. Patients may notice change in bowel habits and urinary symptoms. Stools may be narrower and often black and tarry. A feeling of bloating or colic pain may be experienced on account of obstruction due to tumor. Sometimes there is bowel perforation accompanied by fever and pain. Weight loss, fatigue and anemia may result.

A digital rectal examination helps in detecting abnormal lesions. Any tumor can be assesed for size and ulceration. Laboratory tests and screening procedures such as x-rays and endoscopy aid in visualizing the lining of the colon. Since the risk of colorectal cancer increases with age, the American Cancer Society recommends yearly digital examination of the rectum for those above 50 years. Any abnormal lesions in the rectum are examined and a biopsy is performed. If a diagnosis of rectal cancer is established, staging has to be establshed to determine the depth of tumor penetration. Staging aids the physician in determining the treatment options. Rectal cancers are divided into 4 stages. In the first 2 stages and suspected stage 3 state, surgery is used to remove the affected part of the rectum along with its vascular and lymph. Radiation and chemotherapy are also resorted to. Radiation therapy helps in shrinking the tumor prior to srugery. Rectal cancer is often linked to diets rich in fat and calories and low in fiber. Colon cancers can be prevented with the right diet and lifestyle. Diets rich in unsaturated animal fats and highly saturated vegetable oils are known to cause colorectal cancers. High-fiber food helps in the formation of soft and bulky stools, diluting carcinogens and decreasing colonic transit time. This allows lesser chance for polyps to develop. Other dietary elements such as calcium, selenium, carotenoids and vitamins A, C and E help in detroying dangerous free radicals in the colon.

CA 125 blood test

CA 125 blood test measures the level of blood antigens that are considered tumor markers. Typically the CA 125 blood test is used monitor the progress of ovarian cancer. But the CA 125 blood test is not considered a very accurate diagnostic tool. This test is used in combination with transvaginal ultrasound and pelvic examination. CA 125 blood tests often return false positive results. Besides hardly about 50% of women with ovarian cancer have elevated levels of CA 125. CA 125 levels can be elevated due to menstruation, endometriosis, fibroids and pregnancy. The newer CA 125 blood test is said to be more accurate. This test is called CA 125 - II. Readings of above 35 U/ml are considered abnormal. CA 125 blood test is used to check the effect of treatment on women suffering from ovarian cancer. It is not used to check otherwise healthy women for ovarian cancer.