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Sunday, July 10, 2011

Glioblastoma Multiforme - No Longer an Instant Death Sentence - A Personal Journey

Unless your life has been touched by it, you most likely do not know what it is. One of the most deadly forms of cancer, is Brain Cancer, and of those, Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) has been known as The Terminator. With an average historical survival rate of roughly a year, with the 3 year survival rate at roughly 7%, it is no small wonder it was tagged with that nickname. Recent medical breakthroughs are beginning to catch up with many more "common" strains of Cancer. Caught early enough, once feared cancers are responding to treatment, and with the combination of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, people have had reasons to be optimistic, that they can actually look forward to a cure. Better diagnostic methods, treatment, and understanding the value of nutrition to boost the body's immune system to not only prevent, but help fight the disease. These promising advances, along with celebrities who come forward with their experiences of survival, and have gone on with their lives, gives people the hope and courage to face the issues involved with treatment and recovery.

With virtually no advances for 30 or so years, Brain Cancer treatment, including GBM, which been treated as a chronic illness, has seen some remarkable progress recently. The use of surgery, where possible, certain chemotherapeutic drugs, along with radiostatic treatments, has resulted in a steady increase in the median survival rate, and better quality of life during treatment.

I was diagnosed with GBM in June of 2007. It was surgically resected (removed) almost immediately. After a wait of about 6 weeks (during which time I was encouraged by my Neurosurgeon to take a previously scheduled vacation with my wife), I began a series of focused Radiostatic treatments 5 days a week, for 42 treatments. This focused treatment was preceeded by a computer mapping and simulation program. Concurrent with the treatments I was prescribed Temodar, an oral chemotherapeutic. Once that treatment was over, I continued on Temodar 5 days a month for a year. Two and a half years later, there are no signs of the tumor. Attitude, my faith in God, the Good fortune of being blessed with a capable medical team, and a support system of friends and family, are all part of the reason I am able to update this article today.

The latest advances have been in the area of a specific treatment based on the chemical and material make-up of each individual tumor. The good news is that progress is indeed being made, and it appears we may be able to find a cure for this horrible disease in our lifetimes.

By Tony Kudalis
Jack of Many Trades, Master of Quite a Few, including:
Business Analyst and consultant for Information, Marketing, Systems, Databases, Custom Solutions Innovative and inventive solutions to critical Business situations and problems to k3ynot@gmail.com


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Saturday, July 9, 2011

How to Know If You Have Brain Cancer, What Questions Should You Ask Your Doctor?


When trying to find out how to know if you have brain cancer, you should keep in mind that the doctor(s) you work with may be highly trained professional with years of experience but their opinions on your condition are just that... opinions. Two different doctors often have two different opinions when evaluating your symptoms and your test results. They also might have very different suggestions on treatment choices that would best suit you.
The following are questions you should be sure and ask of your doctor:
What symptoms data makes you think I need testing for brain cancer?What else could be the cause of these symptoms?What tests are you recommending?Describe each of the recommended procedures.What do I need to do to prepare for each test procedure?What is the name of the person performing the test?What is the recovery time after each test procedure?When will test results be available?Who will explain the results of my tests to me?What other testing options are available?When the results are available, would it lead to additional testing?If so, what does that consist of?Who are the members of the medical team that will be involved with my case?How do I contact them (phone numbers)?
Two different doctors will give two different sets of answers to the above questions. It is important to have a doctor that you trust and that you are comfortable with. If you don't feel you can be completely open and honest with your doctor, then find another doctor. Remember, you are putting your life in this doctor's hands.

I am a father of five and a grandfather of one. I am at an age where health issues have become relevant as cancer, Alzheimer's, and a host of others have started affecting family and lifelong friends.

I am educated in journalism and computers and I have extensive background as an executive in the computer and telecomm industries. I have spent a career researching and data gathering for business purposes. I now apply those same skills in a search for effective solutions to health issues affecting my loved ones.

I am sharing my discoveries.

The following is a MUST SEE link for anyone interested in treatment choices and cures for brain cancer:

[http://howtoknowifyouhavebraincancer.blogspot.com/]


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Brain Cancer Symptoms - Discover the Signs That Could Save Your Life!

Brain cancer symptoms don't usually start out as something easily noticed. In fact most people don't get diagnosed because they relate these to stress and poor eating habits. However, headaches, dilated pupils and vomiting are some of the earliest signs that will show up. In young children, a brain tumor can cause the skull to grow in diameter, and make the fontanelles bulge. Increased intercrainal pressure is the biggest thing to watch out for because it can cause displacement amongst certain parts of the brain and very lethal brain stem compression.

If there's one thing really frightening about this disease is the fact that it targets the young. In the US alone, around 2000 children and adolescents falling below the age of 20 are diagnosed with malignant tumors each year. Brain cancer is an abnormal growth that is caused by uncontrollable, abnormal cell division that can stem from either the brain, the cranial nerves or the brain envelopes. Of course, the cancer can also be caused by a tumor that has metastasized from another part of the body, so a full routine check-up is required when symptoms start developing.

The effects of these symptoms are based on two factors, first is the size of the tumor, then how large it can get. The time it takes for symptoms to show also depends on the type of tumor that you're dealing with. Benign tumors are slow growing, meaning that the symptoms aren't severe until it reaches the advanced stages. Malignant brain tumors, on the other hand, spread rapidly, showing an early onset of symptoms.

Some signs, however, can be quite severe in comparison. An altered state of consciousness, for example, like somnolence or a coma can happen. If the tumor has done enough damaged, cognitive and behavioral changes can show, as well as eye site problems and facial paralysis.

Of course, some of these brain cancer symptoms can be nonspecific, and can also be caused by other conditions like a stroke or traumatic brain injuries. Whatever the case it is always good to have things checked out by your doctor as soon as possible - it could save your life!

Melissa McKyler is a firm believer in natural cancer treatments. Her website focuses on all different types of cancer symptoms and alternative natural cancer treatments. For more information about brain cancer symptoms be sure to visit http://www.naturalcancertreatmentsecrets.com/


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Friday, July 8, 2011

How to Know If You Have Brain Cancer - Is it Possible to Resume a Meaningful Life After Treatment?

In researching about how to know if you have brain cancer, certain current event information comes up that is worth reporting on. President Obama is encouraging Congress to craft a bill that would spell out how the federal government could increase the role it plays in making health insurance and insurance benefits available to more Americans. Two Democratic Senators are spearheading efforts to remake the nation's health care system with sweeping health care legislation.  

Senator Max Baucus, a Montana Democrat and chairman of the Finance Committee, is crafting a bill that is aimed at health care reform of private providers to create meaningful, affordable coverage for all Americans. That is in contrast to fellow Democratic Senator Edward M Kennedy of Massachusetts, chairman of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, who favors a comprehensive public health care plan by creating a government sponsored entity that would compete with private insurers. Senator Kennedy is recovering after months of treatment for brain cancer. President Obama favors a public plan choice for the American people in order to "keep the private insurance companies honest."  

Democratic Senator Charles E. Schumer of New York has stated it is unlikely either Senator would support the other's bill but feels they might both support the compromise plan he is developing whereby any public plan would have to comply with the same rules, regulations and standards that apply to private insurance companies. Such a public plan would also have to be self-sustaining without access to federal funds to sustain it.  

The fact that Mr. Kennedy is back in the pressure cooker of holding the job of a Senator with its debates and disagreements as a way of life is an inspiration to other victims of brain cancer. He has resumed a very public life, engaging other high powered individuals on a daily basis, resuming what for him is a "normal life" with those around him fully aware of his brain cancer condition and his struggles with undergoing treatment.

I am a father of five and a grandfather of one. I am at an age where health issues have become relevant as cancer, Alzheimer's, and a host of others have started affecting family and lifelong friends. I am educated in journalism and computers and I have extensive background as an executive in the computer and telecomm industries. I have spent a career researching and data gathering for business purposes. I now apply those same skills in a search for effective solutions to health issues affecting my loved ones. I am sharing my discoveries. A must see link for those interested in treatment choices and cures for brain cancer is:

[http://howtoknowifyouhavebraincancer.blogspot.com/]


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How to Know If You Have Brain Cancer, What is the Brain?

When trying to find out how to know if you have brain cancer, it helps to have a basic understanding of what the brain is and what role it plays in the body. The brain is described in many different ways, defined as having 5 sections by some resources and having 21 sections in other resources. The depth of the description need not be very complex for a general understanding.
The brain is considered the senior organ in the body and the central computer for all body functions in animals. It is composed of soft tissue, is more than 60% fat, and is located just underneath the skull. It is attached above the spinal cord and is the control point for the central nervous system in the body.
The brain is linked to all parts of the body by a network of nerves carrying messages back and forth whereby the brain can monitor and control all body activity. Much study of the brain has been conducted by scientists to conclude the brain controls the things we choose to have the body do (like walking and talking) as well as the things the body does automatically that we don't have to think about doing (like breathing.) The brain is also in charge of the senses of the body which are sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell. The brain is usually considered to play an important role in a person's memory, emotions and personality.
The brain is known to have billions of connections between it and the various parts of the body. These are the connections which pass information and instructions back and forth. The brain is the most complex part of the body. So while much is known about its function and relationship with the rest of the body, much still remains a mystery.
It is easy to see, therefore,  that when trying to find out if you have brain cancer how an abnormality in the brain can show up as any one of many different symptoms elsewhere in the body, depending on what part of the brain has the imperfection.

I am a father of five and a grandfather of one. I am at an age where health issues have become relevant such as cancer, Alzheimer's, and a host of others have started affecting family and lifelong friends. I am educated in journalism and computers and I have extensive background as an executive in the computer and telecommunication industries. I have spent a career researching and data gathering for business purposes. I now apply those same skills in a search for effective solutions to health issues affecting my loved ones. I am sharing my discoveries.

A must see link for those interested in treatment choices and cures for brain cancer is:[http://howtoknowifyouhavebraincancer.blogspot.com/]


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Thursday, July 7, 2011

How to Know If You Have Brain Cancer - After Diagnosis Who Can I Talk To?

When looking into how to know if you have brain cancer, if one receives the bad news that cancer exists, that person's life has instantly and severely changed for the worse. The questions flow in a non-stop stream; what now, who should I tell, how will I survive, can I beat this, what will happen to those who depend on me, can I continue to work, and many more.
The first thing to establish is what are the choices for communication about the issue. Where can one find answers to the incessant questions? The medical practitioner who gave the diagnosis is the first point of contact for answers. The doctor will have the most business-like and analytical point of view. He/she is formally educated in the area and no doubt has heard all of the most common questions and concerns from many different patients. The doctor will have considerable experience with the patient's emotions about the news and should be able to provide much information and hopefully a much needed compassion to the effects caused by the diagnosis.
It is repeatedly reported that apprising family of the situation has much more benefit than not. There can be a thought to not want to burden others. If the person with the diagnosis doesn't want cancer to be constantly a topic of conversation and doesn't want constant sympathy, it is still better to discussed the situation with loved ones than to leave them uninformed. You would want to know if the roles were reversed.
The individuals emotions seem to run the gamut from anger, to resentment, to disbelief, to grief, to denial, to apathy. These are ways different people react to the news but can also be a series of emotions all within the same person.
The attitude of the individual with the diagnosis seems to an overriding factor in one's chances for recovery and one's quality and length of life. Some people are helped profoundly by talking to others who have cancer. The American Cancer Society keeps lists of such groups for every local area.

I am a father of five and a grandfather of one. I am at an age where health issues have become relevant as cancer, Alzheimer, and a host of others have started affecting family and lifelong friends.

I am educated in journalism and computers and I have extensive background as an executive in the computer and telecomm industries. I have spent a career researching and data gathering for business purposes. I now apply those same skills in a search for effective solutions to health issues affecting my loved ones.

I am sharing my discoveries.

An important link for those interested in treatment choices and cures is:

[http://howtoknowifyouhavebraincancer.blogspot.com/]


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Brain Tumor - There is A Cure

To a layman, brain tumor is basically cancer of the brain. Medulloblastoma, ependymoma, glioma, teratoma, atypical teratoid rhadoid tumor, etc, are names associated with different types of brain tumor.

In simple terms, brain tumor is no more than uncontrolled growth of cells forming a lump in the brain. Just like any other form of cancers, brain tumor can spread and proliferate to any other parts of the body. Even before the brain tumor proliferates, or metastasize as a medical doctor or an oncologist would say it, the tumor could wreak havoc in the brain. Our brain, as we know it, controls the rest of the body. Any disturbance up there will affect our normal functioning of the various faculties. Therefore, symptoms of brain tumor really depends on where and how big the tumor is.

This article brings to light a relatively new form of treatment that could bring hope to those afflicted with brain tumor.

The ideal objective of any treatment for brain tumor is total removal of the tumor, without any recurrence and proliferation. The most common treatment is surgical removal of the tumor. Surgery posts the high risks of damaging even a tiny bit of the surrounding structure, tissues or nerves.  Apart from conventional surgery, the newer types of surgery include what is known as stereotactic radiosurgery and gamma knife radiosurgery.  These two forms of surgery are specific, but are still considered ionizing and invasive, respectively. This article shares with the reader a non-surgical, non-ionizing, and non-invasive form of treatment for cancer.

This technology is commercially known as CYTOTRON, or scientifically known as RFQMR or Rotational Field Quantum Magnetic Resonance. Cytotron came into the world in 2006 after more than a decade of research and fine-tuning. It is invented by Dr. Rajah Vijay Kumar from Bangalore, India. Dr Kumar is a tissue reengineering scientist. He works with medical doctors and specialist in inventing the Cytotron. This technology was first successfully applied to the treatment of osteoarthritis. For details on this aspect, please refer to my upcoming article 'Osteoarthritis - There Is cure!'.

The layman explanation of Cytotron in cancer treatment is simplified here. The Cytotron uses radio and near radio frequency to beam specifically on the tumor or cancerous area. What Cytotron tries to accomplish is to induce the self-death of the cancer cells. This is known as apoptosis in medical term. In cancer cells, the process of natural death is missing due to some missing process in the cell cycle. With Cytotron, that process of natural death is restored without affecting the neighboring normal cells. With the many cases that had been treated, the MRI results showed objective evidence of the arrest of cancer growth and also the disappearance of the cancer cells.

One of the most amazing successful cases of Cytotron treatment on cancer was a 7 year-old girl from Ipoh of Perak state, Malaysia. This girl, Ying, was detected with brain tumor when her parents noticed she was not able to behave normally and knocked into things around the house. Her brain tumor led to her loss of vision and, if untreated, she was on the brink of death. About one year after the tumor was detected, it had grown from 3 to 4 centimeters, and then, increased by another centimeter in just another 4 months. Then, she was put on a 28 consecutive, 1 hour per day treatment with the Cytotron. During the Cytotron treatment, her condition had already begun to show improvement. 3 months after the treatment, her MRI clearly showed that the brain tumor growth had been successfully arrested. Half a year later, the tumor totally collapsed. Today, at the age of 9 years old, she has gone back to school like other kids.

To those who are living with the agony of cancer, CYTOTRON, or RFQMR, may bring new light to their lives.

If you find the above article helpful, please visit http://www.care-nexus.com/.

Jonas Lee


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Brain Cancer Prognosis - Treatment Review

Can your brain cancer prognosis be improved? Oncologists consider brain cancer to be one of the deadliest cancers, but Karon Beattie, a cancer survivor, has compiled a reference book containing in excess of 350 alternative cancer treatments that thousands of cancer patients have used to overcome their condition, including brain cancer.

Beattie gives accounts of people surviving brain cancer by natural treatments. She states that these treatments are not within the FDA's jurisdiction, resulting in low awareness among doctors.

In one example, Beattie reports that some physicians have used a nutritional supplement to achieve complete remission of aggressive, stage IV cancers that had metastasized.

Specifically in regard to brain cancer, her book, "Natural Cancer Treatments That Work", describes how a British doctor successfully treated a Grade 4 brain tumor with a herbal mixture. The patient is alive two years later, long after oncologists had predicted.

Beattie also details a patient whose brain tumor vanished completely after taking a combination of nutritional supplements known to stop the spread of cancer cells, preventing metastasis. This seems an astonishing outcome for a cancer given a poor prognosis by oncologists.

Further, Beattie gives 131 first-hand accounts of people who beat brain and spinal cord cancers using alternative and natural treatments. If stories like these are factual, why are the treatments not used more widely for brain and other cancers?

According to Beattie, even though the creators of the treatments listed in her book are respected health scientists, few of the treatments have been formally assessed in human clinical trials. Why? There is little financial incentive for drug companies in natural treatments that they cannot patent, yet thousands have successfully used the treatments. Beattie also suggests that many doctors may not know of these treatments because they are only familiar with treatments regulated by the FDA. Many of the alternative treatments she lists involve herbs and vitamins that are beyond the FDA's jurisdiction.

These intriguing accounts will be hard to ignore for cancer sufferers and their loved ones in their efforts to survive cancer and retake their lives.

Natural Cancer Treatments That Work is available from Alternative Medicine for Cancer Also available is a free guide on where to get treatment and support as well as free articles on cancer treatment options.

Brain Cancer Prognosis


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Wednesday, July 6, 2011

How to Prevent Brain Cancer - A Simple Guide That Will Change Your Way of Life For the Better

Cancer is a degenerative disease that figuratively speaking eats at your organs, being diagnosed with cancer can be the most devastating news you will ever hear; today were going to review over how to prevent brain cancer.

Just like a car's engine, our brains are the core of our existence. Without the usage of your brain, you would be a vegetable, having no movement, thoughts, or impulses. When a cancerous tumor is present in your brain it impairs many body functions controlled by electric impulses that are sent from the brain. Many people, lose their mobility, speech, and are subject to multiple uncontrollable body movements.

There are preventive measures that you can take to prevent this devastating disease from claiming residency in your brain.

Step 1- Explore your family history, find out what diseases run in your family. If cancer is prominent, be sure to let a doctor know about your cause for concern. Be sure to visit your doctor at least every 4-6 months for brain scans, if anyone in your family passed away over a problem in the brain.Step 2-Get healthy, healthier living promotes longer happier lives. Do not partake of any impurities such as smoking, or drinking alcohol. Exercise frequently and stay informed about any medical issues pertaining to brain cancer. Talk with a certified physician to obtain a full list on things you can do to prevent the cancerous tumors associated with brain cancer.Step 3- Use your cell phone with care. Studies have shown that people who regularly use their cell phones chances of getting a brain tumor, which can later on evolve into cancer is 240% higher then someone who stays off the phone. Cell phones give off radioactive waves which attack brain cells.Step 4-Educate yourself on brain cancer, know the causes and the symptoms, so if you feel that you may be suffering from a cancerous tumor you know the warning signs.

To get more help to prevent brain cancer just click here.


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Brain Cancer

We all know the function of brain. It is the main control center of our body that monitors/instructs everything thing in our body. Any disease that affects this central control system is really a big problem. And the worst thing to happen is brain cancer. Brain cancer is the development of brain tumors i.e. tumors in the brain. These could either be benign or malignant; the latter being the really harmful one.

Types of brain cancer

As most other types of cancer, brain cancer is also classified as primary brain cancer and secondary brain cancer. Primary brain cancer is the one that originates from the brain itself i.e. that originates in the brain cells. Secondary brain cancers is the one that doesn't originate from the brain cells but is instead passed on from another organ/ part of the body

Causes of brain cancer

As is the case with many other types of cancer, the causes of brain cancer is a big topic for researchers. However, certain genetic conditions and exposure of head to radiation (as received during radiotherapy as part of treatment of other conditions) are known to be causes of cancer. There are a number of other theories that keep coming up time and again, each suggesting different possible causes of brain tumor (one famous one is about mobile phones causing brain cancer). However, there really isn't a very convincing theory about what causes brain cancer.

Symptoms of brain cancer

Some very common symptoms of brain cancer are headaches and nausea; but these can really be caused by something else. So, headache and nausea shouldn't really be taken as brain cancer. Some other symptoms of brain cancer are related to incorrect working of some of the basic senses (that are mainly governed by brain) e.g. speech, vision and smell etc. Again, there is no point in getting worried all by yourself; you should, in any case, consult a qualified doctor and let them know clearly about the various symptoms that you have observed. The doctor can then diagnose whether it is brain cancer. You might be referred to a neurologist for further examination (if brain cancer is suspected).

Diagnosis and treatment of brain cancer

The diagnosis of brain cancer will include tests that are based on the working of the nervous system. So, testing of basic human senses like vision, speech, hearing, mental capability, reflexes is taken up for diagnosis of brain cancer. The treatment of brain cancer is done through surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy (and the combination of these).

Warren and Karen have been involved in the internet for a number of years and run several websites. They are most interested in providing opportunities for people to connect with information relating to business, health and creativity. Check out their Brain Cancer blog for more information.


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Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Different Types of Primary Brain Tumors

When it comes to brain tumors, the medical profession does not have a standard system to describe the spread of cancer. Primary brain tumors are usually formed in the central nervous system and invariably they do not spread to other parts of the body. In order to treat these tumors, doctors classify they based on the type of cell in which the tumor began, the location of the tumor in the brain and what grade the tumor is.

Here is a list of some of the different types of primary brain tumors that occur in adults:

o Brain Stem Gliomas: This is a type of tumor that forms in the brain stem, which the part that connects the brain to the spinal cord. The tumor is usually high grade, meaning it spreads very quickly and is difficult to cure.
o Pineal Astrocytic Tumor: This type of tumor occurs in or near the pineal gland. This gland is responsible for producing melatonin hormone which governs our sleeping and waking patterns. This tumor can be of any grade.
o Pilocytic Astrocytoma: This tumor is a grade I tumor and develops in brain cells called astrocytes. The tumor grows slowly and very rarely does it spread to neighboring tissues of the brain. The tumor can be cured and is seen more often in children and young adults.
o Diffuse Astrocytoma: This is another tumor that develops in astrocytes. It grows slowly and has the tendency to spread to the neighboring brain cells. This is a grade II tumor seen mostly in young adults.
o Anaplastic Astrocytoma: This tumor is also called malignant astrocytomas and grows very fast and spreads to the adjacent brain cells. The cancer cells look different from normal cells and is develops mostly by the time a person reaches 40 years of age. This is a grade III brain tumor.
o Glioblastoma: This is one of the most aggressive brain tumors and is categorized as grade IV brain tumor. It is more commonly referred to as glioblastoma multiforme and is usually fatal. It is very difficult to treat and occurs mostly in adults ranging from 45 years to 70 years.

About Author:
Pauline Go is an online leading expert in health care industry. She also offers top quality articles like:

Effects of Brain Cancer, Nadir and Chemotherapy


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Cell Phone Use Associated With Increased Risk of Brain Tumors

I haven't got a brilliant memory, but sometimes something somebody lets me know does somehow stick in my mind. One such memory I have concerns a patient I saw some years back. He had had a brain swelling (I forget what sort) removed, and had an interest in supporting his recovery and general health through nourishment. During our consultation he remarked he had a boy that also had had a brain tumor. I questioned if his doctors believed there was any genetic link.

He responded in the negative, and told me it was his opinion that mobile telephones were the cause. This person went on to tell me that both he and his child were early adopters of this technology, and by their own admission were heavy users too. He went on to inform me a tale about an experience he had after he had had his operation. He was sitting in a packed waiting room full of post-surgical patients. Nearly all of the patients in the room had had brain growths removed and the scarring to prove it.

A chat about mobile telephones started in the waiting room, so my patients made a decision to take a straw poll then and there. All of the patients who had had brain growths turned out to be mobile telephone users. Now, there's nothing especially telling here I suspect, because mobile telephone use is so common.

However, my patients went one better in his poll by then asking each individual which ear they habitually held their mobile telephone to. He reported to me the side they indicated matched the side of their growth in each case. This is all only anecdotal observation and all that, and does not prove a thing, but this memory came back to me this morning after reading about some research which was published lately at the Royal Society in a meeting held by the Radiation Research Trust.

The study was conducted by a team controlled by Professor Lennart Hardell of the University Hospice in Orebro in Sweden. It hasn't been officially broadcast yet, though from what I am able to make out, the data has come from a formerly released piece of analysis from Professor Hardell.

The analysis targeted on the likelihood of precise cancers in people who started to use mobile telephones before the age of twenty. Younger folks were the target for this research because they are said to be more subject to the electronic radiation that emanates from mobile telephones, mainly because their skulls are thinner and may permit the radiation to penetrate more deeply into the brain. The analysis discovered that people who started mobile telephone use before the age of 20 were at terribly noticeably increased (more than 5-fold) likelihood of brain growths known as 'gliomas' as well as benign (non-cancerous) swellings on the main nerve in charge of hearing known as 'acoustic neuromas'.

According to reports, use of cordless home telephones were at seriously raised likelihood of glioma too. People who started to use mobile handsets in their 20s were also at increased likelihood of glioma and acoustic neuroma, though the boosted risk was smaller than that seen in the earlier users: possibility of glioma and acoustic neuroma was up about fifty and a hundred p.c. respectively.

Professor Hardell is quoted as asserting: This is a caution sign. It is extremely troubling. We deserve to be taking precautions. It is maybe fascinating to notice Professor Hardell's previous work in this area, particularly a meta-analysis of studies taking a look at the link between mobile telephone use and brain swelling risk.

People using mobile telephones in the long run (ten or more years) were revealed to be at an increased chance of glioma and acoustic neuroma on the side of telephone use (risk was increased by two hundred and 240 per cent respectively. Mobile telephone use wasn't related to increased risk of these cancers on the other side of the head to the one that the telephone is habitually held. The proof as it hands supports the assumption long term mobile telephone use is indeed related to an increased risk of brain cancers, just like my patient thought it was years back.

Paul Fitzgerald, EMF expert, graduated from NJIT in Newark, NJ. He has been studying EMF's for over 15 years. He has done over 100 radio shows in 2006 and promotes promotes cell phone radiation reduction airtube headsets to the public for protection from cell phone radiation, go to Airtube Headsets To educate yourself go to http://www.emfnews.org/ Also, Qlink Pendants for Cell tower Protection and in home radiation protection


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Monday, July 4, 2011

Herbal Medicines for Brain Cancer

Description

Brain cancer is a tumor or tumors that form on the brain itself. Most brain tumors have spread to the brain from other affected parts of the body (such as the breast or the lung) via the blood-stream. Only a small percentage of brain cancer cases originate in the brain.

In its early stages, brain cancer often produces no symptoms, or it displays symptoms that are mistaken for everyday headaches. As a result, the condition is often quite advanced before it is detected. Brain cancer is a very serious condition that can cause extensive neurological damage or death.

The exact cause of brain cancer is unknown, but heredity is suspected to play a role in its development.

Signs and Symptoms

Brain cancer is usually asymptomatic until the tumor reaches a certain size. At that point, symptoms include:

Persistent headaches

Vomiting

General weakness, or localized weakness in the arms or legs

Loss of coordination

Dizziness

Change in personality

Loss of mental abilities, including memory

Double vision, or loss of vision

Seizures

Conventional Medical Treatment

If you suspect you have a brain tumor, see a physician immediately. A CAT scan or MRI of the head can usually confirm the presence of a tumor and pinpoint its location. If a tumor is found, the physician may take a CAT scan of the chest and abdomen to make sure the cancer has not affected other areas of the body. If the tumor is localized and is situated in an area where removal is possible (on the outer surface of the brain, for example), surgery may be performed. However, some tumors-particularly those located deep within the brain tissue-cannot be operated on. In these cases, radiation and chemotherapy will be used to destroy cancerous cells. (See "Conventional Medical Treatment" in the "Bladder Cancer" entry for more information on radiation and chemotherapy.)

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupressure By pressing on certain acupressure points along the body's meridians, a practitioner may be able to reduce cancer-related pain and headaches.

Chinese Herbal Therapy Traditional Chinese Medicine considers any type of tumor formation the result of stagnant blood, so a practitioner may recommend formulas that energize blood flow and strengthen the immune system, such as Ginseng and Astragals Formula. In cases of brain cancer, an herbalist may prescribe the Chinese formula called Three Yellows.


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How to Know If You Have Brain Cancer - Statistics

When researching how to know if you have brain cancer, the question of likelihood gets asked. What are the odds? Just how common is it?
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 18,500 people are diagnosed with brain cancer each year and the average age for being diagnosed is 55 years of age. The average age at death of the nearly 13,000 who will die from brain cancer is 64 years of age. That would indicate that an individual will typically live for 9 years once he/she becomes diagnosed and that it is of concern for those advanced in age.
However, the data for being diagnosed by age groups is as follows:
13.8 percent under age 2010.0 percent between 20 and 3411.7 percent between 35 and 4414.4 percent between 45 and 5415.4 percent between 55 and 6417.1 percent between 65 and 7414.2 percent between 75 and 843.6 percent 85+ years of age.

The statistics show that the odds are not all that different by age, meaning anyone from any age should pay attention to symptoms (see the first article in this series).
Statistics on the mortality rate of brain cancer are as follows:
0.3 percent deaths under age 204.2 percent between 20 and 348.3 percent between 35 and 4415.2 percent between 45 and 5419.2 percent between 55 and 6423.9 percent between 65 and 7419.5 percent between 75 and 845.5 percent 85+ years of age.

Those in the younger age groups will survive longer with the disease according to the statistics.
Death rates by race and sex are listed as follows:
All races                                   Men, 6.3 per 100,000              Women, 3.2 per 100,000Caucasian                                 Men, 5.6 per 100,000              Women, 2.8 per 100,000African American                      Men, 12.8 per 100,000            Women, 6.3 per 100,000Asian/Pac Islander                    Men, 11.2 per 100,000            Women, 6.8 per 100,000Amer Indian/Alaska Native       Men, 7.3 per 100,000              Women, 4.1 per 100,000Hispanic                                   Men, 9.5 per 100,000              Women, 5.3 per 100,000

For one seeking how to know if you have brain cancer the statistical information assists in the process. It all relates to the likelihood of having it. If cancer is diagnosed, the question then becomes how can you survive the diagnosis, what treatments are effective, how can you beat it.
We will examine the quality of life of those living with brain cancer in an upcoming report in this series.

I am a father of five and a grandfather of one. I am at an age where health issues have become relevant as cancer, Alzheimers, and a host of others have started affecting family and lifelong friends.

I am educated in journalism and computers and I have extensive background as an executive in the computer and telecomm industries. I have spent a career researching and data gathering for business purposes. I now apply those same skills in a search for effective solutions to health issues affecting my loved ones.

I am sharing my discoveries. An important link for those interested in treatment choices and cures is:

[http://howtoknowifyouhavebraincancer.blogspot.com/]


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Sunday, July 3, 2011

I've Got A What? - A Brain Tumor!

Being diagnosed with a brain tumor is a nightmare and it turns your world upside down.

I luckily had very little time between being diagnosed with my benign meningioma and it being surgically removed but the time I did have was spent frantically trawling the internet trying to find some answers to my questions of why, how and what do I do next. I managed to find medical papers on the subject but as I don't have a degree in medicine was at a loss to understand them. I found plenty of Brain Tumor Forums where I managed to scare myself stupid because I could not find any stories with a positive outcome to offer me some encouragement and believe me, I needed it. It would appear that the survivors out there must be so happy to be alive after their ordeals that they are too busy living life to put pen to paper and tell their stories.

My very happy world was hit by a thunderbolt on the 14th July when I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I had a brain tumor; I had it surgically removed on 19th July.

I was probably luckier than most with regard to the position of my meningioma tumor, I had a fabulous doctor with insight and I had a top rate neurosurgeon on my side. I also had the will and determination to overcome this hiccup in my life.

I have had very little sickness in my life and have never been in hospital for any reason. You have it right, I have my tonsils and my appendix and I have never broken a bone in my body or had a baby. Remarkable isn't it that I escape a hospital visit for 48 years? But, boy, when I do it, I do it big style!

After waking up one morning in Mid June, I stretched and my lower leg started to kick involuntarily at about one second intervals. Just to make sure you have the picture correct, I don't mean a kick that would score a winning goal, more of a gentle flick as if trying to get the sand out of your toes. I grabbed my leg, pulled it back to try and stop it, got up out of bed and stood on it but that didn't work either. It was a little scary - who likes to be out of control? Certainly not me!

I thought I may have trapped a nerve in my back. Why I thought that, I don't know. I have no medical training. It just seemed like a plausible explanation to me at the time. Because of this self diagnosis, I decided to put the incident on hold and see if it happened again. Well, guess what? It took a few weeks, but yes, it did happen again. Just as before and I am ashamed to say that I let it happen twice more before visiting the doctor.

The whole point of this tale is that brain tumor symptoms come in all guises depending on their position and what part of the brain they are affecting. My brain tumor was positioned on the top of my head on the right hand side and due to its growth was fighting for space and restricting the nerves on the left hand side of my body, namely my leg.

Listen to your own body because if something out of the ordinary is happening there is a reason.

I am happy to report that I came through this ordeal with flying colours feeling no pain whatsoever. I now have a very good tale to tell at parties, my scar is completely hidden and when people around me are whining about small details I can usually bring about a sense of proportion by asking them on a scale of 1-10 how it compares to brain surgery.
A meningioma is a tumor of the meninges, which are the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord. Malignant meningiomas are extremely rare. Most meningiomas are found to be benign, make up nearly 1 in 5 of all primary brain tumors and are more common in women than men. As with most brain tumors, the cause of a meningioma is unknown and research is being carried out into possible causes.

If you would like to read more about Lynda Carter's fascinating and uplifting story and discover how she coped with her brain tumor from diagnosis through to recuperation, you can obtain her E-book here: http://www.mybraintumour.com/


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What You Need to Know About Brain Cancer

Malignant brain tumors occur in about 4.5 people per 100,000 population, they may occur at any age but brain cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in patients younger than age 35. In adults, incidence is generally highest between ages 40 to 60.

There are two main types of brain cancer. Primary cancers start in the brain. Metastatic cancers start somewhere else in the body and moves to the brain. The most common tumor types in adults are gliomas and meningiomas. In children, incidence is generally highest before age 1 and again between ages 2 and 12. The most common types of brain tumour in children are astrocytomas, medulloblastomas, ependymomas and brain stem gliomas.

CAUSES
What causes brain carcinomas is not exactly known but there has recently been a great deal of speculation on the role of cell phone radiation in the development of cancer. In fact, while studies generally have shown no link between cell phones and brain cancer, there is some conflicting scientific evidence that may be worth additional study, according to the FDA.

More accepted risk factors include; exposure to vinyl chloride and individuals with risk factors such as having a job in an oil refinery, as a chemist, embalmer, or rubber industry worker show higher rates of brain cancer. Other risk factors such as smoking, radiation exposure, and viral infection (HIV) have been suggested but not proven to cause tumors. Patients with a history of melanoma, lung, breast, colon, or kidney cancer are at risk for secondary brain cancer.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Onset of symptoms is usually insidious and brain tumors are often misdiagnosed. The Cancers cause central nervous system changes by invading and destroying tissues and by secondary effects such as pressure on the brain. Symptoms vary but in general, symptoms include: Abnormal pulse and breathing rates, deep, dull headaches that recur often and persist without relief for long periods of time, difficulty walking or speaking, dizziness, eyesight problems including double vision, seizures, vomiting and at the late stages of the disorder dramatic changes in blood pressure may occur. Although headaches are often a symptom, it is important to remember that most headaches are due to less serious conditions such as migraine or tension, not cancer.

DIAGNOSIS
In most cases a definitive diagnosis is made by a tissue biopsy. Other diagnostic tools include; patient history, a neurologic assessment, skull x-rays, a brain scan, CT scan, MRI, a lumbar puncture and cerebral angiography. Meningiomas, arising from the covering around the brain or spinal cord, account for about 20% of brain cancers and are generally more benign.

TREATMENT
How to treat brain tumors depends on the age of the patient, the stage of the disease, the type and location of the tumor, and whether the cancer is a primary tumor or metastases. Brain cancer are somewhat unique because of the blood brain barrier, which severely restricts the types of substances in the bloodstream that are allowed by the body into the brain and makes drug treatment extremely difficult. Because of this more and more research is being undertaken in delivering medication by means of nanoparticles, amongst the properties of nanoparticles that make them ideal candidates for recognizing and treating tumors, their ability to deliver a wide variety of payloads across the blood-brain barrier is perhaps the most important.

The cancer's location and ability to spread quickly makes treatment with surgery or radiation like fighting an enemy hiding out among minefields and caves, and explains why the term brain cancer is all too often associated with the word inoperable.

Brain cancer survival statistics for the deadliest of tumors such as gliomas have not improved significantly over the past two decades and the clinical armamentarium is, to a large extent, still dependent on surgery and radiation therapy, treatments known to leave survivors with devastating cognitive deficits. Gamma knife surgery is a radiosurgery technique used to treat people with brain cancer and other neurological disorders

The most deadly forms may be treatable with a vaccine that uses proteins. Unlike measles or mumps vaccines, which are meant to prevent disease, the vaccine turns on the patient's own immune system so it will help kill the tumor. When the vaccine is injected, it stimulates the immune system to kill off brain cancer cells and prevent the regrowth of tumors that have already been treated.

PROGNOSIS
The chances of surviving for a person with a brain tumor: Prognosis greatly depends on all of the following: type of tumor extent of the disease size and location of the tumor presence or absence of metastasis the tumor's response to therapy, age, overall health, and medical history, tolerance of specific medications, procedures, or therapies. Metastatic brain cancer indicates advanced disease and has a poor prognosis. Unfortunately, the most common form of primary brain cancer, glioblastoma, is also the most aggressive and lethal but teratomas and other germ cell tumors although they have the capacity to grow very large may have a more favorable prognosis.

Dick Aronson has a background of over 35 years in various facets of the Healthcare industry. He now runs health sites, including http://www.life-wave-patches.com/: http://www.healthinnovationsonline.com/


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Saturday, July 2, 2011

Brain Cancer Symptoms

Brain cancer accounts for about 1.4% of all cancer cases and about 2.4% of all cancer deaths. This may not seems like a lot but don't let the numbers fool you on the severity of brain cancer. Once the cancer turns malignant, the tumors grow aggressively and overpower the healthy cells taking up their space, blood and nutrients. This is an area of grave concern because the brain is the most important part of your body and controls everything. Whenever there is something wrong with your brain, it affects the entire body. Knowing what the brain cancer symptoms are and able to recognize these symptoms is incredibly important for our prognosis and survival from this deadly disease.

The biggest problem with brain cancer and brain tumors is that their symptoms are often nonspecific making it is very difficult to know if you have it or not, unless you are seriously looking for it. The most common symptoms of brain cancer are headaches, general weaknesses, difficulty in walking, clumsiness and seizures. Other more serious symptoms include difficulty with speech, abnormal vision, nausea, vomiting, quick emotional changes, and an altered mental state. An altered mental state can include changes in concentration, memory, intellectual capacity, attention and alertness.

Several different factors can cause these symptoms. Some of these symptoms are caused by the tumor pressing on different parts of the brain and impairing them from functioning properly. The symptoms can also be caused by the swelling of the brain, the tumor or the area around the tumor. Unfortunately, these brain cancer symptoms usually develop very slowly and gradually over time and this makes it really difficult for anyone to confirm the existence of this deadly disease. For instance, people often think that a headache is just a headache or that the dizziness felt is due to any other reasons except cancer. If these symptoms occur frequently and very rapidly, you should definitely visit your doctor to see what the problem is.

The doctors will often make you take a CT scan if they feel you have brain cancer. A CT scan is like an x-ray except in shows the brain in three-dimensions. A harmless dye is usually injected into your bloodstream to make abnormalities more visible in the CT scan. Other tests include blood tests, liver tests, urine tests and blood coagulation profiles. MRI scans are sometimes used instead of CT scans. The reason for this is because MRI has a better ability to assess the changes in a tumor.

Brain cancer is an incredibly serious form of cancer and it is important for us to know what these brain cancer symptoms are so that we can take necessary action to arrest the situation early. If you suspect you are suffering or are suffering from these symptoms, please consult your doctor early to ascertain your actual medical condition. If brain cancer is confirmed, discuss with your doctor for an appropriate course of treatment best suited for you. An early intervention increases your chances for an early recovery and a prolonged survival.

Lester Lee is the webmaster of http://www.cancer-tumor.info/, an informative website that provides the latest advice, info and updates on Brain Cancer Symptoms. Visit our site today for more helpful info on Brain Cancer Symptoms and other similar topics.


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Friday, July 1, 2011

How to Know If You Have Brain Cancer

The most likely reason for asking about how to know if you have brain cancer is that the person or a loved one has experienced some symptoms that are suspected could (but hopefully not) be caused by brain cancer. There are many related questions that follow and this series is a result of research into the various aspects of the issue of brain cancer, including treatments and outcomes.

Research shows that there are areas of agreement as well as areas of disagreement amongst those that provide care and advice. Additionally, there are conflicting reports from brain cancer patients and family members of patients as to the value and effectiveness of both methods of diagnosis as well as treatment choices.

The most common symptoms are:

o headaches,
o weakness,
o nausea,
o clumsiness,
o difficulty walking,
o changes in speech,
o vision or hearing difficulties,
o twitching or seizures, and
o numbness or tingling in the arms or legs.

None of the symptoms are unique to brain cancer so they must be taken as indicators only. Also, symptom onset can be quite gradual and is often overlooked.

It is quite common for different medical organizations or practitioners to provide differing lists of the most common brain cancer symptoms. This appears, in part, to be due to the various parts of the brain that could be cancerous and thereby affecting the different parts of the body that are associated with the affected part of the brain.

The following are regarded as less common but possible symptoms:

o altered mental status,
o changes in concentration,
o impaired judgment, memory, attention, or alertness,
o gradual changes in intellectual or emotional capacity,
o impaired sense of smell,
o paralysis of one side of the face or body,
o drooping eyelid or crossed eyes,
o prolonged drowsiness,
o swelling,
o discontinuation of menstruation,
o excess secretion of milk in women, and
o impotence in men.

All research sources were quick to point out that symptoms are not a sure sign of cancer. When asking how to know if you have brain cancer it is important to know that other conditions could also cause these symptoms.

Addition articles in the series soon to be released include statistics, diagnostic choices, treatment choices, what questions should you ask your doctor, is it possible for a cancer patient to ever be cancer free, and patient testimonials (including miracle results).

I am a father of five and a grandfather of one. I am at an age where health issues have become relevant as cancer, Alzheimer, and a host of others have started affecting family and lifelong friends.

An important link for those interested in answers is:

[http://howtoknowifyouhavebraincancer.blogspot.com/]

I am educated in journalism and computers and I have extensive background as an executive in the computer and telecomm industries. I have spent a career researching and data gathering for business purposes. I now apply those same skills in a search for effective solutions to health issues affecting my loved ones.

I am sharing my discoveries.

For the most interesting information I have found about cures/treatment, go to the following:

[http://howtoknowifyouhavebraincancer.blogspot.com/]


View the original article here

What Causes Brain Cancer?

There is no known cause of brain cancer. Extensive research has been conducted to pinpoint a cause to help prevent the cancer from occurring. Although there has not been very much conclusive evidence leading to a cause of brain cancer, the one thing that doctors do know is that brain cancer is not contagious and it does not occur due to head injury. There are known instances where cancer has spread to the brain from other parts of the body.(Lung cancer,Breast cancer,Liver cancer and so on.)

Brain cancer can occur at any age. Studies have shown that two major age groups are affected. From ages 3 to 12 and 40 to 70 are the age groups when brain cancer is formed. Since researchers have been able to gather this data, it has led to the discovery of some risk factors. Workers in certain industries are at a higher risk for brain cancer than workers in other industries. These include, rubber manufacturing, drug manufacturing, and oil refining. Since brain cancer often occurs with members of the same family, heredity is believed to be another cause of brain cancer.

There are many different kinds of cells in the brain, each with a different function. Sometimes the cells inside the brain begin to grow uncontrollably leading to a tumor. A tumor in the brain may or may not be malignant.If benign a tumor stays where it starts, although it can grow very large and put pressure on crucial areas. In the case of a malignant brain tumor however this has the ability to spread and brain cancer occurs. Brain cancer is dangerous and life-threatening as the cancerous cells can interrupt vital brain functions. When brain cancer occurs, the cells continue to grow at a rapid pace. The cells and tissue around these cancerous cells become crowded out and invaded.

Symptoms of brain cancer include headaches that are worse in the morning, changes in personality, abnormal eye movements, and weakness in the arms and legs. Seizures, nausea, and drowsiness are other symptoms of brain cancer.

Surgery is the treatment of choice for primary brain tumors radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are the treatments that are used when cancer has spread to the brain. The doctor will use one or a combination of these treatments depending on the needs of the patient.

Lloyd Perry is the founder of Infoservice.us An Online Health & Fitness Resource [http://infoservice.us]. Where you'll find all your Health Info and Resources all in One Place.


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A Detailed Overview of Brain Cancer

Brain cancer tumors may originate in the brain (primary site) or they may metastasize to the brain from another site. Prostate cancer, for example, may metastasize to the liver, the lung, the hip, and then to the brain. Metastasized brain tumors have a poor prognosis because of the already advanced state of the cancer.

The human brain anatomy is complex system responsible for many body functions. Injury that causes damage, traumatic experiences, or brain tumors can greatly alter one's life.

Cancerous tumors that form in the brain (primary) tend to stay within the brain and not branch out to other organs. Their growth can take up the space needed by the healthy brain and cause many conditions, including hearing loss and stroke. The ratio is about 50/50 regarding the occurrence of metastasized and primary brain tumors. The leading cause cancer related death in people in people younger than 35.

The most dangerous chemical in terms of causing this type of cancer is Vinyl Chloride. This is used 'all over' in plumbing, furniture, and house wares. This is presumed to be safe to use unless it is heated as in a microwave oven, which evaporates and drives the substance into the food being heated.

For this reason, always use glass or other microwave safe containers in the microwave oven. Don't burn plastic such as plastic wrapping and containers in a bon fire or fireplace. The smoke can be 'hazardous to your health'.

Typical Symptoms: Any impairment in hearing, sight, judgment, speech, cognitive skills such as reasoning or remembering, or stroke symptoms such as paralysis of one side of the body, inability to walk properly, can be symptomatic of a tumor in the brain.

The treatments are generally the same for other kinds of cancer and tumors. One innovative treatment is the use of the GLIADEL WAFER. These are packed into the space formerly occupied by the tumor and slowly release chemotherapy agents in order to destroy any cancer cells that may have not been removed. This has increased life expectancy for some kinds of brain tumors by fifty percent.

See how the antioxidants in acai berry can improve your health by drinking acai juice as a part of your diet.


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