April 13th – 19th is National Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Week

April 13th – 19th  is National Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Week

Oral Cancer– Also called Oral Cavity Cancer, is cancer that starts in the mouth.

Head & Neck Cancer– Cancer that starts in the head or neck region ( nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, mouth salivary glands, throat or larynx).

Here is an article about improving the quality of life for people diagnosed with head or neck cancers: EdBookAM201333e230

I have included a small video that shows the treament course of a patient diagnosed with base-of- tongue cancer: John’s Story

Here is a brief summary of facts about Oral Cancer:

• Some risk factors are smoking, drinking heavily, HPV ( Human Papillomavirus)and prolonged sun exposure.
• Almost all Oral cancer begins in the flat cells that cover the surfaces of the mouth.

Here is a brief summary of facts about Head and Neck Cancer:

• Cancer usually begins in the squamous cells that line the moist mucosal surfaces inside the head and neck ( Inside mouth, nose, throat).
• Risk factors include smoking, heavy drinking, and HPV ( Human Papillomavirus).

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer:

• Patches inside mouth or on lips
• A sore in your mouth or on your lips that doesn’t heal
• Loose teeth
• Bleeding in your mouth
• Difficulty or pain when swallowing
• Difficulty wearing dentures
• A lump in your neck
• An earache that doesn’t go away
• Numbness of the lower lip and chin

Signs and Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer:

• A lump or sore throat that doesn’t heal
• A sore throat that doesn’t go away
• Difficulty swallowing
• Frequent Headaches
• Ringing or pain in ears
• Sinuses that are blocked and do not clear
• Chronic sinus infections that do not respond to antibiotics
• Nosebleeds
• Numbness or paralysis of the muscles in the face

Prevention- Early Detection:

Early detection is key

Doctors recommend self oral exams monthly to help prevent Oral cancer

Doctors recommend a yearly physical examination of the head and neck to help prevent Head & Neck Cancer

Helpful Links for more information:

http://oralcancerfoundation.org/

http://www.spohnc.org/

Also if you haven’t already read the previous posts please take the time out to go read!

World Cancer Day.. My Mom’s other vision brought to light

A Promise Kept- My Mother’s Story

April: Testicular Cancer Awareness Month

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month

Testicular Cancer– When normal cells in one or both testicles change and grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor.

Facts about Testicular Cancer:

• Most tumors develop in germ cells which make sperm. Hence they are called germ cell tumors
• Testicular cancer is divided in to two types seminomas and non-seminomas.  Non-seminomas grow more quickly and are more likely to spread.
• Both types require immediate treatment.
• It is the most common form of cancer in men ages 15-35 years old.
• It is one of the most curable cancers if it is detected early.

Improving Treatments for germ cell tumors: http://am.asco.org/improving-treatment-germ-cell-tumors

Risk Factors:

• Undescended testicles (cryptochordism)
• Urological birth defects
• Family History
• Being a Caucasian male

Signs and Symptoms:

Most common:

• Lumps, swelling and or pain in scrotum.
• Usually lumps are painless or mildly uncomfortable so do not wait until it becomes more serious to seek medical attention.
•  Swelling can happen without a lump being present.
• Dull ache or pressure in lower abdomen or back.
• Change of size in testicles.
• Feeling of heaviness or fullness in the scrotum.
• Enlargement or tenderness in breasts.

Advanced symptoms:

• Significant weight loss and/or enlarged abdominal lymph nodes. (Due to growth of tumors)
• Back pain
• Chest pain, coughing and difficultly breathing.
• Coughing up blood ( Due to tumors in the lungs)
• Enlargement of lymph nodes in abdomen and/or neck.

Prevention:  A monthly self exam for all men over the age of 14. The exam is best performed after a bath or shower as it relaxes the scrotum making it easier to spot abnormalities.

Helpful Links:

http://www.testicularcancersociety.org/

http://tcrc.acor.org/

http://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/

http://testicularcancer.org/

Also if you haven’t already read the previous posts please take the time out to go read!

World Cancer Day.. My Mom’s other vision brought to light

A Promise Kept- My Mother’s Story