Thyroid Cancer – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnostic Options, and More

Thyroid Cancer – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnostic Options, and More

Thyroid cancer is an abnormal mutation of cancer-causing cells in the thyroid gland that triggers the destruction of healthy cells in the gland. Women above a certain age are at a higher risk of developing this complication than men. While cancer can be diagnosed at a young age, advanced symptoms develop slowly and gradually, making it difficult for doctors to finalize a treatment plan. Here is an overview of the possible causes, known symptoms, and available treatments. Causes and risk factors Thyroid cancer risk increases due to exposure, inherent syndromes, or even certain nutritional deficiencies. Exposure to radiation Any form of radiation therapy recommended for treating head cancer, neck cancer, or other underlying progressive disorders also increases exposure to radioactive elements. The healthy cells of the thyroid gland become malignant with repeated exposure. Even residing in areas with nuclear or radioactive fallouts while working in nuclear power plants may be a significant risk factor. Underlying causes Existing genetic mutations that result in endocrine diseases, a family history of thyroid disease, unusual gland enlargement, inflammation, and even an unhealthy increase in body mass index (BMI) affects the metabolism. Additionally, any imbalance in hormone levels increases the risk of the healthy cells becoming cancerous.
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Top 10 Common Myths About AMD Debunked

Top 10 Common Myths About AMD Debunked

A chronic eye condition, macular degeneration (AMD), is commonly seen in people aged 50 years or more. The condition affects patients’ central vision and their ability to see straight. However, their peripheral vision remains unaffected. People often believe that an AMD diagnosis is a road to total blindness. There are, however, treatments that help slow down the progression of the condition. Therefore, it is crucial to raise awareness and bust common myths surrounding this condition. Nothing can be done to prevent AMD Certain factors have been associated with an increased risk of AMD. However, the exact cause of the condition is not yet known. These risk factors include age, family history, light-colored eyes, gender, and light skin tone. High blood pressure and cholesterol levels also contribute to this condition. People that go in for regular checkups have a higher possibility of early detection and treatment. Switching to healthy food and lifestyle habits and maintaining healthy levels of blood pressure and cholesterol levels is an excellent start to preventing AMD. Everyone with AMD eventually goes cAMD’stely blind AMD’s primary target is the center of the retina. This is called the macula, which makes up approximately 5% of the total retina and 35% of the field of vision.
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Macular Degeneration – Causes, Symptoms, Management Options, and More

Macular Degeneration – Causes, Symptoms, Management Options, and More

Human bodies evolve at every stage of life, and as people age, their bodies begin to weaken, and various organs begin to slow down. One specific change with age is deterioration or loss of vision. Macular degeneration is an eye condition that worsens with advancing age and contributes to vision loss in those aged 50 and older. Here is all one should know about its causes, symptoms, treatments, and more. Age-related macular degeneration This is the most frequent cause of significant vision loss in people 50 years and older. The illness only affects the central vision. However, it is uncommon for people to go blind due to this damage. AMD impedes the ability to see tiny details and the center of the vision. The macula, a portion of the retina, is damaged in this condition. People in advanced stages lose their ability to drive, see faces, and read smaller print. Types of AMD The two main kinds of age-related macular degeneration are of two types: The most prevalent form of AMD, accounting for about 80% of cases, is dry AMD. The specific cause of this is yet unknown; however, genetic and environmental factors may play a role in how it develops.
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Lung Cancer Symptoms, Causes, and Remedies

Lung Cancer Symptoms, Causes, and Remedies

Lung cancer is caused by the development of malignant cells in a person’s lungs. The cancerous cells can also spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body. The condition is common across the country, and results in approximately 130,180 fatalities every year. There are two primary types of lung cancer, known as small cell cancer and non-small cell cancer. Here are some more key details about the condition: Lung cancer symptoms Lung cancer can be addressed more efficiently if it is diagnosed in its early stages. Various symptoms may indicate the presence of this condition in patients, such as: Chronic cough If a person has a cough that does not reduce or go away after 2 to 3 weeks and just keeps getting worse, it may be a sign of lung cancer. However, apart from chronic cough, people with this condition can also develop recurrent pneumonia, bronchitis, and similar other lung conditions. Chest pain The aggressive growth of cells in and around the lungs results in a series of blockages in that area. As the tumor develops, it causes tightness in a person’s chest and puts pressure on their nerves. This results in prolonged chest pain, especially during coughing, breathing deeply, or laughing.
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Lung Cancer – Risk Factors, Complications, and Prevention Tips

Lung Cancer – Risk Factors, Complications, and Prevention Tips

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. It typically starts in the cells lining the bronchi or specific lung areas, such as the bronchioles or alveoli. There are two main types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), also called oat cell cancer. The common symptoms include persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, voice hoarseness, bone pain, and headaches. Key risk factors for lung cancer Many factors can increase the risk of developing lung cancer. These include: Radon exposure According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is one of the country’s leading causes of lung cancer. This naturally occurring radioactive gas results from the breakdown of uranium in rocks and soil. While radon does not pose a significant threat outdoors, it can be more concentrated indoors, and breathing it in can expose the lungs to radiation, increasing cancer risk. Asbestos exposure People who work in areas with a high concentration of asbestos, such as mines, mills, textile plants, and places where insulation is used, are more likely to develop mesothelioma. This cancer starts in the lining surrounding the lungs, also known as the pleura. Due to government resolutions, the use of asbestos in industrial and commercial goods has reduced over the years.
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9 Simple Headache Relief Hacks to Try at Home

9 Simple Headache Relief Hacks to Try at Home

Experiencing headaches is a common phenomenon for everyone. Some headaches develop gradually and fade out without needing intervention, prescription, or otherwise. Other headaches are triggered due to poor nutrition and lifestyle choices that affect the body’s regular functions. The severity of headaches also varies drastically from mild discomfort to severe pain that disrupts one’s daily routine. So, here are some simple relief ideas to better manage the pain and discomfort caused by headaches. Sip a cup of tea Sounds a little basic but tea is rich in antioxidants and pain-relieving nutrients that can definitely curb mild to moderate headache pain. Tea also naturally helps lower inflammation, hydrate the body, provides stress relief, relaxes the muscles, blocks certain pain signals, and boasts aromatherapy benefits as well for long-term relief. Chamomile, peppermint, ginger, willow bark, feverfew, lime tree, and Sichuan lovage are some of the best ingredients used to make teas for tension headaches relief. Each herb boasts medicinal properties that improve blood circulation, fight inflammation, eliminate toxins from the bloodstream, and induce better sleep for rest and recuperation. Explore these flavors and see the one that works best for daily consumption. Changes in daily nutrition Certain foods and beverages that contain caffeine, monosodium glutamate, nitrates, and tyramine can trigger a variety of headaches.
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Lung Cancer – Warning Signs, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Management

Lung Cancer – Warning Signs, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Management

Lung cancer is a condition where cancer cells originate in the respiratory organ. This disorder is one of the leading causes of cancer death across the globe. It is also the second most diagnosed cancer in the country. People who are overly exposed to smoke are at high risk of developing lung cancer. Read further to learn more about lung cancer, its symptoms, causes and risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options. Warning signs and symptoms Many types of cancer, including lung cancer, do not show signs and symptoms in the early stages of the condition. Many individuals with lung cancer can only see signs during the advanced stages. Some common symptoms associated with lung cancer include persistent cough ,  coughing up blood, shortness of breath, breathing difficulty, chest pain, unexplained loss of body mass, bone pain, and headaches. One must consult a healthcare professional immediately if one notices any of these signs and symptoms. They will guide the future course of action. Individuals may also feel excessively tired or experience wheezing, along with other signs. However, in some instances, lung cancer can also lead to changes such as frequent bouts of pneumonia, enlarged lymph nodes, and more. But it is important to note that these symptoms may also occur with other diseases.
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Managing IBS – Vitamin D Sources and Other Options

Managing IBS – Vitamin D Sources and Other Options

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a disorder that affects the stomach, gastrointestinal tract, and intestines. Common symptoms of the condition are bloating, abdominal pain, gas, and cramps. People with IBS may also experience sensitivity in the digestive tract and changes in bowel movement, but the symptoms can be managed by lifestyle changes and better food choices. As IBS is a chronic condition, doctors can also recommend treatment to relieve flare-ups. Symptoms In most cases, patients with IBS may notice common symptoms like mucus in the stool, bloating, excessive gas, changes in bowel movements, constipation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, cramping, changes in the frequency of bowel movement, and a sensation of incomplete bowel movement. While these may not be persistent symptoms for all patients, some can experience constant discomfort. In addition, women may also experience a flareup during their periods. Vitamin D and IBS In addition to following a treatment plan prescribed by a doctor, research suggests that vitamin D intake may help one manage IBS and associated symptoms. It has been found that vitamin D is an important nutrient that plays a role in maintaining the health of multiple systems in the body, in particular, the immune system, gut, and musculoskeletal system, Further, it has also been suggested that the nutrient plays a major role in managing colon conditions, IBS, and colorectal cancer.
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Understanding Metastatic Lung Cancer

Understanding Metastatic Lung Cancer

Most times, lung cancer starts in the lungs as a small tumor. But, it can spread to other body parts and is known as stage 4 or metastatic lung cancer. The spread occurs via the bloodstream and the lymph nodes. Treatment options for metastatic lung cancer differ from that of cancer in its initial stages. It can also cause fluid retention in and around the lungs. This fluid often shows the presence of cancer cells. What are the stages of lung cancer? Lung cancer can be divided into 6 stages. Occult Stage:  This is also called hidden cancer, as the cancer cells are only present in mucus and cannot be seen on imaging tests. Stage 0:  At this stage, the tumor is small and hasn’t managed to invade the deeper layers of lung tissue. Stage 1:  Cancer is present in lung tissues. Stage 2:  Cancer spreads to the lymph nodes surrounding the lungs. Stage 3:  Cancer cells have further invaded the lymph nodes and the chest. Stage 4:  Stage 4, or metastatic lung cancer, is when the cancer cells spread to different body parts. Common organs to be affected by metastatic lung cancer include the liver, bones, and brain. What are the symptoms of metastatic lung cancer?
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Multiple Myeloma – Uncommon Signs and Key Facts

Multiple Myeloma – Uncommon Signs and Key Facts

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that develops in the plasma cells. Healthy plasma helps the body fight infections by making antibodies, but for those affected with multiple myeloma, this plasma in the bone marrow is crowded out by cancerous cells. These cells produce abnormal proteins that can lead to complications. About 100,000 people in the country seem to be affected by this rare form of blood cancer. Uncommon signs The progress of multiple myeloma leads to the development of other conditions like amyloidosis, hypercalcemia, and anemia. This can lead to the following lesser-known multiple myeloma signs: Amyloidosis: This causes a buildup of proteins in the body that can injure organs and interfere with their functioning. In addition to the common symptoms of myeloma, amyloidosis also includes p urple spots on the skin, s wollen tongue and other issues with swelling, n umbness or tingling sensation in the limbs, p ainful joints, d iarrhea, clay-colored stools, or other digestive problems. Hypercalcemia: Damage to the bone structure from myeloma can lead to the release of excessive amounts of calcium in the blood, also known as hypercalcemia. This can exhibit signs like n ausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, c onstipation and other digestive issues, t witching of muscles, or restlessness.
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