A Simple Guide to Hepatitis B
------------------------------------
What is Hepatitis B?-
-------------------------
Hepatitis B is a serious chronic inflammatory liver disease caused by a virus which is called hepatitis B virus (HBV).
What are the Symptoms of Hepatitis B?
----------------------------------------------
Most of the time a person with HBV infection has no symptoms at all.
Older people are more likely to have symptoms.
If you have symptoms, they might include :
1.jaundice (yellowing of the skin and white of eye)
2.dark coloured urine
3.pale stools
4.prolonged tiredness
5.nausea and vomiting.
6.loss of appetite
7.abdominal pain
8.fever and joint pains
How is the diagnosis of Hepatitis made?
-----------------------------------------------
A blood test is the only way to diagnose hepatitis B.
You may be infected with HBV and may even spread it to others without knowing it.
HBV can be spread from an infected mother to her infant during birth.
To prevent spread of HBV from infected mothers to their infants, every woman should have her blood tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) during each pregnancy.
What is the treatment of Hepatitis B?
-------------------------------------------
There are no medications available for recently acquired (acute) HBV infection. There are antiviral drugs eg interferon which may be able to treat chronic HBV infection.
Who is at risk of getting Hepatitis B?
-------------------------------------------
For those who has never been immunised or do not have antibodies from having a previous Hepatitis B infection, you are at risk of Hepatitis B infection.
The Hepatitis B virus is is not spread through food or water, sharing eating utensils, breastfeeding, hugging, coughing, sneezing, or skin contact.
HBV is spread by exposure to infected blood from skin puncture or contact with mucous membranes.
It is spread by:
1.sexual contact with an infected person
2.an infected mother to her newborn during childbirth
3.a Hepatitis B infected person's blood during blood transfusion
4.sharing of injection needles among drug abusers
5.accidental cuts to the skin by a nail clipper, shaving blade or other instruments that are contaminated with a Hepatitis B infected person's blood
6.contact with an infected person's saliva or blood through cuts or sores in the mouth or skin. Kissing by itself do not spread HBV unless there is a cut in the lips.
7.during acupuncture, body or ear piercing and tattooing if the needles used are contaminated with Hepatitis B infected person's blood
8.have a job that involves contact with human blood or body fluids
What is the best prevention for Hepatitis B?
----------------------------------------------------
Hepatitis B vaccine is the best prevention against hepatitis B.
If you do not have antibodies from a previous infection and if you are not a Hepatitis B carrier, you can get vaccinated against Hepatitis B and protect yourself from its complications.
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all infants, for children and adolescents who were not vaccinated as infants, and for all unvaccinated adults who are at risk for HBV infection as well as any adult who wants to be protected against HBV infection.
The vaccine is safe.
It is also extremely effective provided you complete all 3 doses:
1st dose - at the appointed date
2nd dose - 1 month after the 1st dose
3rd dose - 5 months after the 2nd dose
A booster vaccination may be necessary after 5 years if the blood test showed a drop in immunity.
Infants born to infected mothers need to get hepatitis B vaccine and another shot call HBIG (hepatitis B immune globulin) soon after birth to prevent infection.
Besides vaccination, other ways to prevent transmission of HBV are:
1.avoid multiple sexual partners; keep to one sexual partner
2.Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, may reduce the risk of sexually transmitted HBV transmission.
3.Do not inject illegal drugs. Never share needles, syringes or drugs.
4.Do not share personal items like razors, toothbrushes or any other instruments that may cause tears to the skin and hence spread of any blood borne infection.
5.seek reliable operators for ear or body piercing, tattooing or acupuncture.
What happens if I am a Hepatitis B carrier?
--------------------------------------------------
A simple blood test can tell if you are a carrier, are immune or need immunisation.
If you are found to be a carrier, then:
1.you will need to see your doctor every 6 months to a year for tests to check your liver function and blood alpha-foetoprotein which is a cancer marker for liver cancer
2.your immediate family members should go for blood tests.
They should get immunised if they are not immune.
If they are carriers too, they should go for regular follow up with the doctor.
3.you should take precautions to prevent the spread of hepatitis B to your family and loved ones
4.you should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol as they may further increase the risk of damage to your liver
5.inform your doctor and dentist that you are a carrier
6.do not donate blood, organs or sperm
7.know the symptoms and signs of the various complications and see your doctor at once if you experience any of them.
What are the Complications of Hepatitis B ?
---------------------------------------------------
Hepatitis B can lead to complications like:
1.acute hepatitis (episode of liver inflammation)
2.chronic hepatitis (permanent liver inflammation)
3.liver cirrhosis (permanent scarring and hardening of the liver)
4.liver failure (liver is unable to function,
resulting in toxins accumulating in body)
5.liver cancer
Those who recover completely from Hepatitis B infection become immune to the disease.
1 in 10 people who get infected with the virus become carriers who then carries the Hepatitis B virus permanently in his body.
Hepatitis B carriers seldom show any symptoms but they can:
1.spread the disease to others
2.develop serious liver complications such as those mentioned above.
About 15%-25% of people with chronic HBV infection die prematurely from these complications.
Showing posts with label stool blood test. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stool blood test. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Sunday, September 2, 2007
A Simple Guide to Colorectal Cancer
A Simple Guide to Colorectal Cancer
--------------------------------------------
What is Colorectal Cancer?
--------------------------------
is one of the commonest cancer among males and females in the world. Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). Colorectal cancer can be effectively treated if detected early.
What is the cause of Colorectal Cancer?
-----------------------------------------------
Colorectal cancer occurs when cells from the intestinal wall grow and spread uncontrollably.
It may begin as polyps (growths) in the large intestine and rectum. Polyps should be monitored regularly and removed upon detection to prevent them from developing into cancer.
Who are at risk of Colorectal Cancer?
--------------------------------------------
As with most cancers, the risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age.
People at high risk include those with:
1. family history ofpersonal history of endometrial, ovarian or breast cancer
3. personal history or family history of gastrointestinal polyps
4. history of inflammatory bowel disease such as chronic ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
5. Cancer elsewhere in the body
6. Certain genetic syndromes also increase the risk of developing colon cancer.
What you eat may play a role in your risk of colon cancer.
Colon cancer may be associated with a high-fat, low-fiber diet and red meat.
However, some studies found that the risk does not drop if you switch to a high-fiber diet, so the cause of the link is not yet clear.
What are the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?
------------------------------------------------------------------
In its early stages, the cancer usually has no symptoms, which is why regular screening is important to see if it could be present.
The most common symptom of colorectal cancer, especially if it is located in the lower part of the large intestine, is changes in bowel habits. For some, it may be an increase in the number of bowel visits to the toilet, and for others, it may be constipation. Still others may complain of constipation with overflow diarrhoea, i.e., difficulty in passing motion but stools flow out without any control.
Other symptoms include
bloody or black stools from bleeding of the tumour (blood appears black on digestion in the intestines),
fatigue, appetite and weight loss of unknown cause,
Unexplained anemia
abdominal pains, cramps or bloating in the lower abdomen
Intestinal obstruction
Narrow stools
With proper screening, colon cancer can be detected BEFORE the development of symptoms, when it is most curable.
What are the signs of Colorectal Cancer?
-----------------------------------------------
The physical exam rarely shows any problems, although an abdominal mass may be felt in late cases.
A rectal exam may reveal a mass in patients with rectal cancer, but not colon cancer.
How do you Screen for Colorectal Cancer?
--------------------------------------------------
People over the age of 50 years are advised to screen for colorectal cancer, even if they have no symptoms.
A Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT>) is recommended once every year.
If the results are positive, other tests like a sigmoidoscopy, barium enema and colonoscopy may be required.
A complete blood count may reveal show signs of anemia with low iron levels.
What is the treatment of Colorectal Cancer?
-----------------------------------------------------
Surgery:
is the main treatment.
In surgery, the part of the large intestine containing the cancer is removed.
In some cases, the two ends of the colon can be rejoined.
Sometimes an opening called a stoma has to be left in the abdominal for the removal of waste. This opening may be temporary or permanent.
Radiation Therapy:
destroy the cancer cells with minimal damage to surrounding tissue. It is used to prevent recurrence of the cancer and for pain relief. Side effects include skin irritation,nausea,vomiting and lethargy.
Chemotherapy:
is used to kill the cancer cells in the colon and rectum as well as to prevent a recurrence.
Side effects may be quite severe with loss of hair, weight, appetite, nausea, vomiting, rashes.
Which treatment is used depends on the staging of the cancer using additional tests.
Staging of the Cancer:
---------------------------
Stage 0: Very early cancer on the innermost layer of the intestine
Stage I: Cancer is in the inner layers of the colon
Stage II: Cancer has spread through the muscle wall of the colon
Stage III: Cancer has spread to the lymph nodes
Stage IV: Cancer that has spread to other organs
Stage 0 colon cancer may be treated by removing the cancer cells, often during a colonoscopy.
For stages I, II, and III cancer, more extensive surgery is needed to remove the part of the colon that is cancerous.
There is some debate as to whether patients with stage II colorectal cancer should receive chemotherapy after surgery. You should discuss this with your oncologist.
Almost all patients with stage III colorectal cancer should receive chemotherapy after surgery for approximately 6 - 8 months. The chemotherapy drug 5-fluorouracil given has been shown to increase the chance of a cure in certain patients.
Chemotherapy is also used to treat patients with stage IV colon cancer.
--------------------------------------------
What is Colorectal Cancer?
--------------------------------
What is the cause of Colorectal Cancer?
-----------------------------------------------
Colorectal cancer occurs when cells from the intestinal wall grow and spread uncontrollably.
It may begin as polyps (growths) in the large intestine and rectum. Polyps should be monitored regularly and removed upon detection to prevent them from developing into cancer.
Who are at risk of Colorectal Cancer?
--------------------------------------------
As with most cancers, the risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age.
People at high risk include those with:
1. family history of
3. personal history or family history of gastrointestinal polyps
4. history of inflammatory bowel disease such as chronic ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
5. Cancer elsewhere in the body
6. Certain genetic syndromes also increase the risk of developing colon cancer.
What you eat may play a role in your risk of colon cancer.
Colon cancer may be associated with a high-fat, low-fiber diet and red meat.
However, some studies found that the risk does not drop if you switch to a high-fiber diet, so the cause of the link is not yet clear.
What are the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?
------------------------------------------------------------------
In its early stages, the cancer usually has no symptoms, which is why regular screening is important to see if it could be present.
The most common symptom of colorectal cancer, especially if it is located in the lower part of the large intestine, is changes in bowel habits. For some, it may be an increase in the number of bowel visits to the toilet, and for others, it may be constipation. Still others may complain of constipation with overflow diarrhoea, i.e., difficulty in passing motion but stools flow out without any control.
Other symptoms include
bloody or black stools from bleeding of the tumour (blood appears black on digestion in the intestines),
fatigue, appetite and weight loss of unknown cause,
Unexplained anemia
abdominal pains, cramps or bloating in the lower abdomen
Intestinal obstruction
Narrow stools
With proper screening, colon cancer can be detected BEFORE the development of symptoms, when it is most curable.
What are the signs of Colorectal Cancer?
-----------------------------------------------
The physical exam rarely shows any problems, although an abdominal mass may be felt in late cases.
A rectal exam may reveal a mass in patients with rectal cancer, but not colon cancer.
How do you Screen for Colorectal Cancer?
--------------------------------------------------
People over the age of 50 years are advised to screen for colorectal cancer, even if they have no symptoms.
A Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT>) is recommended once every year.
If the results are positive, other tests like a sigmoidoscopy, barium enema and colonoscopy may be required.
A complete blood count may reveal show signs of anemia with low iron levels.
What is the treatment of Colorectal Cancer?
-----------------------------------------------------
Surgery:
is the main treatment.
In surgery, the part of the large intestine containing the cancer is removed.
In some cases, the two ends of the colon can be rejoined.
Sometimes an opening called a stoma has to be left in the abdominal for the removal of waste. This opening may be temporary or permanent.
Radiation Therapy:
destroy the cancer cells with minimal damage to surrounding tissue. It is used to prevent recurrence of the cancer and for pain relief. Side effects include skin irritation,nausea,vomiting and lethargy.
Chemotherapy:
is used to kill the cancer cells in the colon and rectum as well as to prevent a recurrence.
Side effects may be quite severe with loss of hair, weight, appetite, nausea, vomiting, rashes.
Which treatment is used depends on the staging of the cancer using additional tests.
Staging of the Cancer:
---------------------------
Stage 0: Very early cancer on the innermost layer of the intestine
Stage I: Cancer is in the inner layers of the colon
Stage II: Cancer has spread through the muscle wall of the colon
Stage III: Cancer has spread to the lymph nodes
Stage IV: Cancer that has spread to other organs
Stage 0 colon cancer may be treated by removing the cancer cells, often during a colonoscopy.
For stages I, II, and III cancer, more extensive surgery is needed to remove the part of the colon that is cancerous.
There is some debate as to whether patients with stage II colorectal cancer should receive chemotherapy after surgery. You should discuss this with your oncologist.
Almost all patients with stage III colorectal cancer should receive chemotherapy after surgery for approximately 6 - 8 months. The chemotherapy drug 5-fluorouracil given has been shown to increase the chance of a cure in certain patients.
Chemotherapy is also used to treat patients with stage IV colon cancer.
Irinotecan, oxaliplatin, and 5-fluorouracil are commonly used drugs. You may receive just one type, or a combination of the drugs. Capecitabine is a chemotherapy drug taken by mouth, and is similar to 5-fluroruracil.
For patients with stage IV disease that has spread to the liver, various treatments directed specifically at the liver can be used. This may include cutting out the cancer, burning it (ablation), or freezing it (cryotherapy). Chemotherapy or radiation can sometimes be delivered directly into the liver.
While radiation therapy is occasionally used in patients with colon cancer, it is usually used in combination with chemotherapy for patients with stage III rectal cancer.
What is the Prognosis(outcome) of Colorectal Cancer?
----------------------------------------------------------------
How well a patient does depends on many things, including the stage of the cancer.
In general, when treated at an early stage, more than 90% of patients survive at least 5 years after their diagnosis.
However, only about 40% of colorectal cancer is found at an early stage.
The 5-year survival rate drops considerably once the cancer has spread.
If the patient's colon cancer does not come back (recur) within 5 years, it is considered as cured.
Stage I, II, and III cancers are considered potentially curable.
Stage IV cancer is not curable in most cases.
How to prevent Colorectal Cancer?
-----------------------------------------
Prevention of Colorectal Cancer involve:
1. early and regular screening,
2. lifestyle changes:
Maintain a balanced diet low in animal or saturated fat such as butter, coconut oil, ghee and lard.
Diets high in total fat, protein, calories and meat, and low in calcium are associated with an increased incidence of colorectal cancer.
Increase your intake to at least 2 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Studies have shown that very low intake of fruits and vegetables is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Quit smoking. Cigarette smoke contains many chemicals that promote the development of many types of cancers.
Increase physical activity. Physical activity promotes general health and reduces your risk of colorectal cancer.
Maintain your BMI within the healthy range of 18.5 to 22.9 (kg/m2).
The death rate for colorectal cancer has dropped in the last 15 years.
This may be due to increased awareness and screening by colonoscopy.
Colorectal cancer can almost always be caught in its earliest and most curable stages by colonoscopy.
Almost all men and women age 50 and older should have a colonoscopy.
Other types of colorectal cancer such as lymphoma, carcinoid tumors, melanoma, and sarcomas are rare. The colorectal cancer referred to in this article refers to Colorectal carcinoma.
While radiation therapy is occasionally used in patients with colon cancer, it is usually used in combination with chemotherapy for patients with stage III rectal cancer.
What is the Prognosis(outcome) of Colorectal Cancer?
----------------------------------------------------------------
How well a patient does depends on many things, including the stage of the cancer.
In general, when treated at an early stage, more than 90% of patients survive at least 5 years after their diagnosis.
However, only about 40% of colorectal cancer is found at an early stage.
The 5-year survival rate drops considerably once the cancer has spread.
If the patient's colon cancer does not come back (recur) within 5 years, it is considered as cured.
Stage I, II, and III cancers are considered potentially curable.
Stage IV cancer is not curable in most cases.
How to prevent Colorectal Cancer?
-----------------------------------------
Prevention of Colorectal Cancer involve:
1. early and regular screening,
2. lifestyle changes:
Maintain a balanced diet low in animal or saturated fat such as butter, coconut oil, ghee and lard.
Diets high in total fat, protein, calories and meat, and low in calcium are associated with an increased incidence of colorectal cancer.
Increase your intake to at least 2 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Studies have shown that very low intake of fruits and vegetables is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Quit smoking. Cigarette smoke contains many chemicals that promote the development of many types of cancers.
Increase physical activity. Physical activity promotes general health and reduces your risk of colorectal cancer.
Maintain your BMI within the healthy range of 18.5 to 22.9 (kg/m2).
The death rate for colorectal cancer has dropped in the last 15 years.
This may be due to increased awareness and screening by colonoscopy.
Colorectal cancer can almost always be caught in its earliest and most curable stages by colonoscopy.
Almost all men and women age 50 and older should have a colonoscopy.
Other types of colorectal cancer such as lymphoma, carcinoid tumors, melanoma, and sarcomas are rare. The colorectal cancer referred to in this article refers to Colorectal carcinoma.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Subscribe Now: Feed Icon
Click and bookmark these Social Networking Bookmarks
