Oncology

Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma (HLRCC)

Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma (HLRCC) is a rare condition causing the growth of benign skin tumors and increasing the risk of a specific kidney cancer.HLRCC is an inherited condition. People with HLRCC develop multiple harmless skin tumors called leiomyomas, which can also develop in the uterus as fibroids. These individuals also have an increased risk of developing renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a serious and aggressive type of kidney cancer.

Choroid plexus tumor: Symptoms, treatment, and outlook

Choroid plexus tumors are growths in the area of the brain that produces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). They may be cancerous or noncancerous. Choroid plexus tumors are rare. They develop in the choroid plexus, a network of cells lining the brain’s ventricles. Tumors in this area can disrupt the flow and production of CSF, leading to various neurological symptoms. Although these tumors can affect individuals of all ages, the benign type most commonly develops during childhood.

Prostate cancer surgery vs radiation: Benefits and risks

For prostate cancer that has not spread, surgery and radiation therapy have similar success rates. When choosing between the two, doctors may consider the cancer type and stage as well as a person’s overall health and preferences. Surgery involves removing the prostate gland, while radiation therapy uses high-energy waves to destroy prostate cancer cells. Doctors may use one of these treatments alone or use the two treatments together.

Oligodendroglioma: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

Oligodendroglioma is a rare type of slow-growing tumor of the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord. Treatment includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Oligodendroglioma may arise in cells in the brain known as oligodendrocytes. These cells produce the protective sheath that surrounds nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Though uncommon, oligodendrogliomas can significantly affect a person’s neurological function and overall health.

Do pituitary tumors affect the optic nerves?

Pituitary tumors can compress the optic nerve, leading to visual symptoms. Pituitary tumors are mostly benign (noncancerous), but due to their location, they can have significant effects on surrounding structures within the brain and produce excess hormones. The optic nerve is responsible for vision. It is above the pituitary gland, and a pituitary tumor can place pressure on the nerve, leading to visual disturbances or loss of vision.

Lymphocyte-rich Hodgkin's lymphoma: Signs, treatment, and more

Lymphocyte-rich Hodgkin’s lymphoma (LRHL) is a subtype of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system. Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) is a cancer affecting the lymphatic system. This crucial part of the body’s immune system helps maintain health and protect against disease. HL causes B-lymphocytes to multiply abnormally. As a result, these white blood cells collect in the lymph nodes, causing them to swell.

Understanding mixed cellularity Hodgkin's lymphoma

Mixed cellularity Hodgkin’s lymphoma (MCHL) is a subtype of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer originating in the lymphatic system. Hodgkin’s lymphoma includes the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, an atypical cell that does not occur in other forms of lymphoma. Doctors further subdivide it into subtypes, including MCHL. In MCHL, the affected lymph nodes contain a mixture of atypical cancer cells and various other cell types, hence “mixed cellularity.”

Lymphocyte-depleted Hodgkin's lymphoma: Symptoms, causes, and more

Lymphocyte-depleted Hodgkin’s lymphoma (LDHL) is a rare subtype of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) is an uncommon cancer of the lymphatic system. This network of vessels and glands is part of the body’s immune system. In HL, B lymphocytes, an infection-fighting white blood cell, multiply atypically and collect in the lymph nodes. Because the cells do not work as they should, a person is more vulnerable to infection.

HPV-positive cancer: Symptoms, treatment, and more

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive cancers occur due to the HPV. These diseases include cervical, throat, anal, penile, vulvar, and vaginal cancers. HPV-positive cancers stem from infection with HPV, which encompasses a group of related viruses. Medical professionals identify certain HPV strains as high risk because they significantly increase the risk of cervical, oropharyngeal (throat), anal, penile, vulvar, and vaginal cancers.

Medulloblastoma: Subtypes, symptoms, treatment, and more

Medulloblastoma is a brain tumor predominantly affecting children. It is aggressive and challenging to treat, but outcomes are often optimistic. Medulloblastoma is a central nervous system tumor. It originates in the cerebellum, which is at the lower back part of the brain. The cerebellum is crucial for motor control. The challenge with medulloblastoma lies in its aggressive growth and potential to metastasize, or spread, to the spinal cord.

Active surveillance of prostate cancer: Indications, tests, and risks

Active surveillance of prostate cancer is an alternative to immediate treatment. It may be an option for those with low-risk cancers. Prostate cancer is a common cancer affecting individuals designated male at birth. It begins in the prostate gland, which produces seminal fluid. Compared with other cancers, most prostate cancers and are relatively low risk with limited aggressiveness. Due to this, many doctors now prefer the active surveillance approach to managing low-risk cases.

How fast does vulvar cancer spread? Types and outlook

Vulvar cancer is typically slow-growing and may take several years to progress without treatment. However, some types can spread more rapidly. How fast vulvar cancer spreads depends on several factors, such as the type a person has, how soon they receive a diagnosis and the body’s response to the disease. This article looks at how fast vulvar cancer spreads in more detail, including the types, how aggressive they are, symptom progression, and survival rates.

Can a FibroScan detect liver cancer, and is it accurate?

FibroScan is a diagnostic test that uses ultrasound to visualize the liver. Detecting cancer is not its main use. However, because the scan evaluates overall liver health, it may provide an indication. FibroScan allows doctors to assess the liver without using invasive procedures. The test bounces sound waves off the liver tissue to gauge its characteristics. The scan can show signs of liver damage, such as fat buildup or scarring. These findings can indicate a person is at a higher risk of live

Can you lower PSA levels naturally?

Maintaining a healthy prostate gland is essential as people age. The gland plays a vital role in the reproductive system and produces a significant portion of the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Additionally, a healthy prostate is crucial for urinary function. The prostate is a small gland in biological males that appears below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein that the cells of the prostate gland produce. It is a marker for p

Dermatomyositis and small cell lung cancer (SCLC): The link

Dermatomyositis is an autoimmune disease primarily affecting the muscles and skin. It can cause complications, including an increased risk of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and other cancers. Dermatomyositis can lead to muscle weakness and movement difficulties that gradually worsen. In contrast, SCLC is a highly aggressive type of lung cancer that grows quickly and can potentially spread to other body parts. Interestingly, dermatomyositis and SCLC share a connection. Sometimes individuals with d

Dermatomyositis and small cell lung cancer (SCLC): The link

Dermatomyositis is an autoimmune disease primarily affecting the muscles and skin. It can cause complications, including an increased risk of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and other cancers. Dermatomyositis can lead to muscle weakness and movement difficulties that gradually worsen. In contrast, SCLC is a highly aggressive type of lung cancer that grows quickly and can potentially spread to other body parts. Interestingly, dermatomyositis and SCLC share a connection. Sometimes individuals with d

Pelvic bone cancer

Pelvic bone cancer is a rare form of cancer. Primary bone cancers that start in the bones are uncommon. Usually, when someone has bone cancer, it begins elsewhere and then spreads to the bones. Various types of cancer can cause pelvic bone cancer. Osteosarcoma is the primary bone cancer, usually affecting people between ages 10 and 30. Ewing sarcoma is the second most common type of primary bone cancer. It is rare in people older than 30 years. Although bone cancer can develop in any bone, bone

Colorectal cancer vs. colon cancer: A comparison

Colorectal cancer and colon cancer are distinct but closely related conditions. Both arise from the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the large intestine. However, differences in their risk of spread and other factors set them apart. Colorectal cancer is a broader term encompassing both colon and rectal cancer. Conversely, colon cancer refers explicitly to cancerous growths that develop in the colon, not the rectum. These cancers share similar risk factors, symptoms, and treatment approac

Treating cancer with antineoplaston therapy: What to know

Antineoplastons are a group of naturally occurring peptides and amino acid derivatives that may have potent anticancer properties. It is a unique and controversial therapy that emerged in the 1970s. This alternative treatment attracted attention as it could selectively target cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells. Therefore, it could potentially offer a more personalized and targeted approach to cancer therapy. However, insufficient evidence proves it is an effective cancer treat

Radiation for liver cancer: How it works, side effects, success rate

Radiation for liver cancer plays a crucial role in treating the disease. It delivers precise, controlled radiation doses to the tumor site. While treatment options for liver cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies, radiation therapy has emerged as a valuable tool in managing this disease. The aim is to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors, alleviating symptoms and improving survival rates. Although the outlook can vary, 3D conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) is one of the mos

How long can you have cancer without knowing?

Cancer can develop silently over many years within the body, sometimes without any noticeable symptoms. It may only be at an advanced stage when a person notices symptoms. However, doctors can diagnose many cancers early, even before symptoms develop. This article explores how long a person can have cancer without knowing and the types of cancer that may have the potential to go undetected. Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to s

What is metastatic testicular cancer?

Testicular cancer originates in the testicles. Metastatic testicular cancer is an advanced stage of the disease. It occurs when cancer cells in the original sites travel through the lymphatic system or bloodstream to distant sites. As a result, the cancer can affect the lymph nodes and organs such as the lungs, liver, or brain. It is critical to detect and treat testicular cancer at an early stage. Doctors find it more challenging to treat and cure metastatic testicular cancer than localized tes
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