Diagnosis

When planning to get treatment for bladder cancer, it is important to get the proper diagnosis for the disease. Visit your doctor so he or she can give you some tests and analyze if bladder cancer is present and what stage it is. Your doctor will use a variety of diagnostic tools including cystoscopy, radiology, and pathology. The best way to diagnose bladder cancer is by analyzing bladder tissue. Treatment will really depend on the stage of the cancer, its type, the patients age, and health.

Bladder Cancer And Treatment

Treatment for bladder cancer includes radiation, surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Treatments are either stand-alone treatments or a combination of treatments.

With radiation, high-energy x-rays destroy cancer cells. Either external beam radiation or radioactive seeds are used to treat bladder cancer.

Surgery is performed usually on early bladder cancer, where the tumor is removed. Segmental cystectomy is the partial removal of the bladder. The procedure is sometimes performed before radiation therapy.

Urinary tract diversion may also be performed on a patient with bladder cancer. In this case, an artificial opening and external bag may be created to aid in urinary function. The continent urinary reservoir is a procedure where a pouch is formed from a part of the colon to hold urine. Similar procedures include the neobladder procedure and ileal conduit.

Chemotherapy utilizes drugs to eliminate cancer cells and can be taken orally or through the vein. Common drugs used in the treatment of bladder cancer are thiotepa, doxorubicin, valrubicin, and mitomycin.

Immunotherapy is another treatment option for bladder cancer patients. This treatment acts to strengthen the immune system and aid in the destruction of cancerous cells.

Preventive Treatment

Since individuals who’ve just had treatment for bladder cancer have a high risk of developing the disease again, preventive treatment is a must. A urine cystoscopy and cytolofy should be undergone every 3 months for 2 years initially until a yearly performance is recommended.

Other preventive measures that can be taken to lower your risk for bladder cancer include avoiding exposure to industrial chemicals, quitting smoking, and immediately treating bladder infections and/or inflammation.

Bladder cancer, like other types of cancer, can spread (later stages of cancer) if not detected early or treated accordingly. This is why it is important to practice healthy habits, have health checks regularly, and treat malignant growths immediately. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice on bladder cancer and treatment.

It is safe to assume that there may be some people who may have survived well without support groups. Some people though, only belatedly realize that there is much to gain from support group membership.

Unless one has a benign tumor that has been sufficiently cured through surgery, brain tumors are not static conditions. In time, a patient may feel weaker, wearier and may even be unable to perform traditional work and family roles.

It is not just the brain tumor patient that suffers though. There is also considerable strain on the family members and close friends who have elected to stand by the patient no matter what. The emotional and physical changes in a patient and the uncertainty of what might still come can take a toll on the loved ones of a brain tumor patient. Brain tumor support groups help patients and their families deal and cope with the changes and trials that brain tumors bring.

What Participants Can Get

The most basic benefit that a member can get from support groups is emotional and psychological support. Somehow it makes a difference that you are talking to people who really understand what it feels like to have symptoms and treatment side effects. Somehow it makes a difference that people listen to what you have been through. It also makes a difference when patients hear inspiring stories from survivors who have lived beyond expectation. For others, it is the mere act of doing simple things with people they have something in common with that helps.

Aside from the crucial emotional factor, support groups are also great sources of both basic tumor information and updates on treatment options. Some also offer practical assistance on financial matters, legal aspects and daily coping strategies. Procedures and opportunities for advocacy are also part of what support groups can offer.

How to Find One

Looking for an appropriate support group may not always be so easy. There are numerous online and offline listings of support groups. Even if you narrow it down to the groups in your area, there may still be quite a lot to choose from.

A logical first step would be to ask your self why you would like to join a support group and what it is you really need. Of course, there are some who join groups without the original desire to do so or without any specific reason. Some however may specifically need such things as concrete brain tumor information, access to specialists, financial support, assistance with insurance or legal matters and so on. Knowing what you need can help you look for groups that can help you in specific areas.

Of course, it would also help if you joined a group based on your assessment of its structure. Well organized groups with clear programs, schedules and activities can help determine what it is exactly that you can expect from a group.

It is a good idea to look for local group listings from reputable and well-established brain tumor organizations and institutes.

The Center

The Duke Brain Tumor Center was among the first clinical and research programs for brain tumors to be established in the United States in 1937. Today, the center is not just dedicated to treating brain tumors but to finding a cure through extensive research and clinical studies. The center has already been awarded a Specialized Program of Research Excellence in 2004.

The neuro-oncology programs of the center for adults, adolescents and teenagers are considered among the best. At the center you can find consultation and treatment options, basic information and research updates, patient and family support services and opportunities to help other brain tumor patients.

Tisch Family

Today, the center bears the name Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke. This is in recognition of the Tisch family’s outstanding support for the center. The family gave $10 million to help fund brain tumor research. Half of the donation will fund efforts to look for researchers with great potential to join Duke. The other half of the Tisch donation will be used to help finance clinical trials and research that will help accelerate new drug treatments as fully valid treatment options.

The Gift of Education

One of the most basic benefits that patients and families can hope for from Duke is accurate brain tumor information. Patients can expect both general and specific information about their conditions. This includes detailed information about specific treatments and what patients can expect and should do after treatment.

Research

Research programs remain one of the most vital aspects of the center’s work. Center researchers are not only dedicated to looking for treatments but they are set on finding treatments that can really cure cancer some of which in a non-invasive manner. Past and present research studies include the use of gene therapy and radiotherapy in pediatric cases, the use of immunotoxins for cancer cells that cannot be surgically removed, the use of antibodies to help in tumor treatment, and defining genes that contribute to treatment difficulties. The actual list of research breakthroughs and currents studies is long and cannot be adequately represented here. It is sufficient to say that the center is at the forefront with novel and breakthrough brain tumor research.

The center also provides patients with the opportunity to voluntarily participate in clinical trials and studies. This will provide patients with access to new and promising treatments. Study participation is also a great chance for patients to help with efforts to look for better treatments for future patients.

Support

One of the best things about the center is the level of support it gives to patients and their families. Assistance may range from emotional counseling to the more practical issues such as legal considerations, understanding insurance coverage and transportation and accommodation. The support programs and resources of the center are comprehensive. The center can help families from the initial stages of diagnosis until the transition period following the death of a loved one.

Primary and Secondary

Before looking into the possible causes of brain tumors, it is important to first take a look at the categories of brain tumors. Brain tumors are either secondary or primary. Secondary tumors are those that begin when cancer cells from another part of the body metastasize or spread to the brain. Cancer cells that originate from the breast, lungs, skin, kidney and colon are more likely to spread to the brain than cancer cells from other body parts or organs. This therefore explains the causes behind secondary brain tumors. Primary brain tumor causes are a little harder to explain.

Primary Causes

Brain tumors develop when the genes that regulate cell growth suddenly malfunction or become abnormal. If these genes are not fully functional, cells in the brain may begin to grow and divide at a fast and uncontrolled rate. It is the exact cause or triggers of these mutations that cannot be determined at present.

Studies have shown though that several factors make some people more prone to brain tumors than others. These are what are known as risk factors. It is important to note though that these factors are not absolute determiners. Some people who have some risk factors do not always develop brain tumor and vice versa. Here are some possible brain tumor risk factors:

• Men are more commonly afflicted with brain tumor than women. There are also more cases of brain tumors among white-skinned people.

• People who are 65 years old or more have higher chances of developing brain tumor than younger people. Among children however, those below eight years old are at higher risk than older kids.

• Certain genetic disorders, inherited conditions and some diseases increase a person’s risk of brain tumor. Some of these conditions are: retinoblastoma, tuberous sclerosis, neurofibromatosis, pituitary adenoma, von Hippel-Landau disease and Li-Fraumeni syndrome.

• It is generally suspected that frequent radiation exposure among those working in high radiation environments may put a person at risk of brain tumor development.

• Aside from radiation, exposure to certain chemicals is also commonly seen as a possible cancer risk factor. Some possibly harmful chemicals include vinyl chloride, formaldehyde and acrylonitrile. People in work environments with these chemicals may be at risk although further studies are necessary to strengthen the link between brain tumors and chemicals.

Controversy

In recent years, there has been some controversy over cellphone and aspartame (artificial sweetener) use as possible cancer risk factors. At present, no research generated data points to the fact that cellphones and aspartame really do cause brain tumors. There is perhaps a need to conduct more in-depth and comprehensive studies on these possible risk factors.

Prognosis

Each brain tumor patient is unique. It is also a fact though that scientific research has been able to come up with objective prognostic possibilities. Here is what is known so far about brain tumor and a patient’s chances of survival:

• Several factors may influence a patient’s chances of survival. These factors include: type of brain tumor (benign or malignant), category of brain cancer (primary or secondary), age of patient, location of tumor, health of patient, size or extent of the tumor, grade of tumor and response to treatment.

• Glioblastoma multiforme is one of the most common kinds of tumor and is also quite malignant. Some patients with this kind of brain tumor may live for only a few months. There are also a couple of patients though who may survive for 3-5 years after diagnosis with palliative treatment.

• Statistics say that the younger a patient is, the longer his chances of surviving for a number of years even with a primary malignant brain tumor.

• A lot of patients with benign brain tumors that can easily be accessed through surgery live on without further tumor recurrences. There are also some though whose benign brain tumors may recur. The benign type may also become malignant.

• Even seemingly benign brain tumors or those that do not have cells that spread may be deadly if it is located in a critical and inaccessible part of the brain.

• Good doctors and specialists look at both the general averages of survival and a patient’s own unique condition. Even so, some prognoses are not accurate in predicting the very last day of survival. Some support groups and brain tumor survivors suggest that a patient’s attitude and will power should be taken into account as contributory factors to individual chances of survival.

What You Should Do If Diagnosed

Each person is unique and may have his own way of dealing with the reality of brain tumor. Here are some practical suggestions for people who may find coping difficult.

• Acceptance of the situation and the changes that will come with it is important, but this is really easier said than done. This is crucial though because a patient may not be able to transition quickly from mourning into action.

• You should get the best possible team of specialists to work on your condition. This will at least give you the assurance that everything is being done for you. At the same time, always remember that brain tumor treatment is never simple, risk-free and easy. Consider asking for a second opinion.

• Read on your condition yourself so that you can ask your doctors appropriate questions.

• Prepare for any eventualities. Although you may decide to fight the disease, you should have provisions for financially providing for your loved ones and emotionally preparing them. Consider joining family support groups and drafting a will and medical directives.

Glioblastoma Multiforme

Astrocytomas are glial tumors that affect brain cells known as astorcytes. They can range from grade 1 benign to grade 4 malignant. Glioblastomas are grade 4 astrocytomas. It is also the most common of all astrocytomas. It can be either a primary or secondary tumor. More than 50% of primary brain tumor patients have this type of aggressive tumor.

It is possible for glioblastomas to develop from benign tumors but most often, they develop on their own. These tumors usually form in the cerebral hemisphere with the temporal lobe as the most common site. Sometimes though, they may also affect the brain stem or spine. Glioblastomas are difficult to treat because the affected cells are poorly differentiated with no clear boundaries.

Symptoms

The symptoms produced by a glioblastoma tumor usually depend on the location affected and the growth rate of the tumor. In general, patients may expect to suffer from headaches, nausea and new onset seizures. Since the lobes are commonly affected, glioblastomas are characteristically marked by gradual memory problems, changes in behavior, mood changes and concentration problems. Depending on the areas affected, a patient could also suffer from sensory motor problems, vision loss and language impairment.

Causes

At present, there is no conclusive study that can say for certain why glioblastomas develop. It has been determined though that those who have it are usually over 50. More males also seem to have them than females. There is some evidence that a person with certain genetic disorders like Turcot’s syndrome and neurofibromatosis may be at risk of developing glioblastoma multiforme.

Diagnosis

Before a patient is made to undergo any diagnostic test, a specialist would have to conduct the customary physical exam and preliminary patient interview. Certain imaging techniques may then be used to determine the presence of a glioblastoma. The specialist picks the appropriate imaging test depending on the symptoms and results of previously conducted imaging tests. Tests used may include a computerized tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging scan and positron emission tomography scan.

Treatment

There is no cure yet for glioblastoma multiforme. Treatment options for this type of tumor are therefore only palliative in nature. Treatment may relieve pressure and some symptoms. It is therefore generally accepted that undergoing treatment may improve a patient’s quality of life. Those who opt for full treatment may also extend their lives to the maximum of five years after being diagnosed with glioblastoma. Some patients may die in less than two years. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Since the causes of glioblastoma are poorly understood, there is no obvious way to prevent it.

The NBTF is non-profit and operates nationwide to helping people with brain tumors. It was founded in 1981 by people who truly understand brain tumor conditions— brain tumor patients, their families and experts in the field.

In the beginning, the organization focused on looking for ways to help fund research. In time the organization also began to provide help in the area of improving the quality of life of brain tumor patients through various resources. Today not only does NBTF continue to raise research funds but it is also a valuable source of quality and accurate information as well as meaningful support. It also provides avenues for patients, health care experts and families to keep in touch and keep updated. Let’s take a look at how NBTF is helping change lives and how you can help change lives through NBTF.

Research

This year, NBTF granted $1 million for brain tumor research. That makes the overall amount granted to researchers since 1983 $5 million. The organization is dedicated to supporting innovative new studies on treatments and brain tumor causes. Given equal importance too are studies that will help improve the quality of life of brain tumor patients.

Some of the more recently funded research studies include those that looked into genes and antihistamines and their link to brain tumors and stem cells as therapeutic targets.

Information

The NBTF is a valuable source of correct information that can help patients and families understand brain tumor conditions better. By logging on to the organization’s website one can get to know more about types of tumors, treatments and treatment updates and news. NBTF also has its own newsletter, bulletin boards and chat rooms.

Support

Aside from raw information, NBTF also helps patients look for the emotional and psychological support that they need. You can draw inspiration and courage from stories of survivors. You can even interact with members of the community through online messaging. The organization also has listings of local support groups in different areas.

How Others Can Help

NBTF does not operate for profit and does not receive government funding. NBTF operates solely through fund raising and donations from individuals and corporations. Anyone can make a donation online or offline.

Others may also help through fund raising activities such as the Angel Adventure Walk which is a fund raising walk. Currently the areas where these walks are held include Denver, Dallas Fort Worth, San Francisco, San Diego, Portland, Washington DC, Orange County and Phoenix.

NBTF is also open to other fund raising ideas provided by people who wish to sponsor and help.

If a willing person cannot help financially, he can also become an NBTF volunteer. This is the perfect chance to become part of the dedicated teams of men and women who operate NBTF offices, organize activities and touch lives of countless brain tumor patients and survivors.

Benign Brain Tumors

In Latin, the term “benign” means “of a good type.” Benign brain tumors however are not really beneficial or helpful to a person but they are generally called such because they are not as harmful as malignant brain tumors.

Some of us simply understand benign brain tumors as those without cells that can spread, invade and destroy other healthy cells in the central nervous system. Benign tumors have obvious limits that allow many of them to be easily removed through surgery. Many of these surgically removed benign tumors do not grow back.

Patients should understand though that just because some tumors have boundaries and do not spread, does not mean that they do not cause complications or are not harmful. If a benign brain tumor is located in a very sensitive or critical part of the brain, it can be life threatening. These tumors might also grow in deep areas where they cannot be easily accessed through surgery without the risk of harming other tissues and cells of the brain. In some cases, benign tumors may eventually become malignant. Although they very rarely grow back after removal, some of them may.

Being diagnosed with a benign brain tumor may therefore give a patient great relief but it is not a reason to be complacent.

Diagnosis

Even experts cannot conclude if a tumor is benign or malignant just by analyzing a patient’s symptoms. A patient may have to undergo a series of lab and imaging tests before a conclusion can be formed. One of the most basic ways to determine the classification of a tumor is by surgically taking a portion of it so that it can be analyzed in a lab to see if it has cancer cells. The results will help specialists determine what treatment should be used.

Kinds of Benign Brain Tumors

Here are some common kinds of brain tumors that are most likely benign:

• A tumor on the 8th cranial nerve is commonly called an acoustic neuroma. This can lead to ringing in the ears and hearing problems. If left untreated a person may eventually become deaf.

• A meningioma is a tumor that affects the meninges or membranes that are layered over the spine and brain. In rare instances, this kind of tumor can also be malignant.

• High grade astrocytomas are malignant but a couple of low grade ones are often benign such as the juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma, a condition that affects children. Astrocytomas are called such because they affect star shaped astrocyte cells.

There are many other types of benign brain tumors. As mentioned though, making distinctions between truly benign and potentially dangerous benign growths can be difficult. Even with benign brain tumors, you should always have certified experts handling your case.

Colon polyps can have some symptoms but there are times when they do not have any. A person who does have symptoms may notice blood in the stool and may have constipation or diarrhea. He may also have stomach pains and rectal bleeding. These symptoms may especially occur with large polyps.

One particular hard to detect symptom is small amounts of blood in the stool that is not obvious to the naked eye. These blood traces can only be detected through a lab test of the stool which is one way to determine the possible presence of polyps.

Myth #2: Benign polyps do not cause cancer.

Technically speaking, polyps that are benign upon discovery do not cause cancer at the moment. A person could also have numerous polyps with no symptoms and could be safe from cancer. You should always remember though that colon polyps known as adenomas could eventually develop from benign to cancerous. Cancerous colon polyps usually take a decade to become harmful. In the intervening years, you may not have any symptoms at all.

As a general rule, polyps that are 2cm or more in size should give cause for some concern. Bigger polyps have a higher possibility of causing cancer.

Myth #3: I have had a polyp removed so I am safe from cancer.

Even if you have a polyp removed, new polyps may grow in the colon. Again, there is a chance that they will not show symptoms. This is why regular check ups are important even after a polyp has been successfully removed.

Myth #4: Since there may be no symptoms, there is no way that I can predict the possibility of developing polyps and colon cancer.

Even experts are not entirely sure of the real causes behind colon polyps. However, there are several risk factors that may give you a clue if you have a high risk of developing colon polyps. It is possible that colon polyps run in the family so check your relatives for anyone who has had colon polyps or colon cancer. Individuals over 40 or 50 are also already at risk of having polyps and should consider having regular colon check ups. People who smoke and drink excessively and eat foods rich in fat are also at risk.

It is better not to wait for symptoms to show before taking action. If you know that you are in the risk group especially if you are over 50, you should already consult a doctor about screening.

Myth #5: There is no way to prevent colon polyps and cancer.

You can help yourself by avoiding smoking, excessive drinking and eating fatty foods. You should also make it a point to increase your daily intake of fiber-rich foods. There is also some evidence that foods containing calcium may help decrease the risk of polyps.

What You Should Know

There is no single combination of treatments that will work for every brain tumor patient. Treatment options should depend on a careful assessment of a patient’s specific condition. This involves having to carefully evaluate the type of tumor, its location, the rate of its growth, the general health of the patient and his age.

It is not just the pre treatment assessment that is complicated. The procedures leading to and during treatment are also quite complex. Diagnostic techniques and equipment for example require expert knowledge and precise operation. The same can be said about different surgical procedures used to remove specific tumors. It therefore follows that every brain tumor patient should always have not one but a number of doctors and specialists working as a team.

It is the role of this team of experts to carefully explain to the patient and his loved ones why certain treatments are being considered and what can be expected after treatment. Side effects and general expectations for recovery should also be tackled.

Since diagnosis and treatment can be a little complicated and emotionally and physically taxing on a patient, asking for second opinions should always be considered. This eliminates the possibility of being prescribed with treatments that may not be appropriate or necessary. Knowing that more than two doctors or teams agree about the mode of treatment can keep a patient and his family at ease.

Available Treatments

Patients should note that brain tumor treatment often involves a combination of treatments as determined by specialists. Here are some of the most common ways to treat brain tumors:

• Surgery is often a part of treatment options for brain tumor. Depending on a patient’s condition, the tumor may either be removed entirely or only partially. Most surgeries on a tumor are conducted only when the tumor is clearly visible or can be accessed. Tumors that are located in deeper areas may result in tremendous brain damage if removed surgically. The same can be said for cancer cells that have spread considerably to wide areas or different locations.

• Chemotherapy involves the use of a variety of drugs to destroy cancer cells. It is a form of treatment that may be used to support other modes of treatment or as a follow up support to other treatments to kill remaining cancer cells or recurrent cells.

• Radiation therapy involves aiming protons, x-rays or gamma rays at the tumor area or brain to destroy cancer cells. Newer versions of this treatment method may involve injecting or implanting radioactive material or substances that can destroy cancer cells within the body. This type of treatment may be used to kill remaining cancer cells or as an alternative for people who can’t undergo surgery.