All you need to know about melanoma treatments
Health

All you need to know about melanoma treatments

What is melanoma? Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. This condition occurs in the melanocytes, the cells on the skin that produce melanin, the pigment which gives the skin its color. It commonly occurs on the back, arms, legs, and face. Melanoma can even form in the eyes or in the intestine. Usually, people under the age of 40 are likely to develop this condition. Its malignant form can lead to complications and be fatal if not detected early. Symptoms and causes of melanoma Melanoma is caused due to harsh exposure to UV light. However, it is sometimes seen even in areas that are not exposed to sunlight. Common symptoms of melanoma include changes in the appearance of a mole, leading to an irregular shape and growth. Sometimes melanoma is hidden, especially in those with darker skin colors. It can develop on the eyes, under a nail, in the urinary tract, or the intestine. Treatment for melanoma The treatment for melanoma is carried out after understanding the stage of cancer. Before starting the treatment, the doctor will carry out a study to understand which stage the cancer is at. Based on the stage of cancer, the treatment process will start.
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Multiple myeloma and its natural treatments
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Multiple myeloma and its natural treatments

Multiple myeloma requires multiple types of treatments. One can manage the symptoms of the condition through diet and other natural methods as well. What is multiple myeloma? Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer. It happens when the plasma cells in the blood form a tumor. This usually occurs inside the bones. Multiple myeloma refers to multiple instances of myeloma. This results in the breakdown of the bone, making the affected person prone to fractures and other bone conditions. It can further lead to anemia and also affects the functioning of the kidney. How is it treated? Like in the case of other cancers, multiple myeloma is also treated through chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, or bone marrow transplants. Apart from the traditional methods, many people also adopt natural treatments. Alternative and natural treatments are available to treat multiple myeloma. This involves diets, acupuncture, massage, and other relaxation techniques. While they do not completely cure the condition, they help the patient relax and improve general immunity. The role of a diet A person’s diet plays a key role in their recovery and multiple myeloma is no different. Diets can be useful to provide nutrition to the body that helps improve immunity.
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Different types of multiple sclerosis treatments
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Different types of multiple sclerosis treatments

Multiple sclerosis is a condition of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information exchange within the brain and also between the brain and the body. Patients suffering from multiple sclerosis may exhibit symptoms different from one another. Some common symptoms include muscle weakness and spasms, trouble with walking, blurry vision, tiredness, numbness, poor bladder control, pain, and even depression. Moreover, there are cases where the symptoms are so mild that one may not need to undergo any rigorous multiple sclerosis treatment. Those who experience severe symptoms may face difficulties in moving around and performing basic tasks. Treatment options for multiple sclerosis There is no known cure for multiple sclerosis but certain lifestyle changes and proper medications will ensure that one can manage this condition. Medications for inflammation: In these situations, corticosteroids like intravenous methylprednisolone and oral prednisone are given for reducing inflammation in the nerves. However, these may have side effects like increased blood pressure, fluid retention, and insomnia. The treatment for modifying the progression of this condition include ocrelizumab, which is meant for primary-progressive multiple sclerosis and is the only therapy approved by the FDA. Plasma exchange or plasmapheresis: This is a multiple sclerosis treatment where the liquid part of the blood or plasma is separated from blood cells.
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Natural treatment methods for depression
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Natural treatment methods for depression

Depression is a serious medical condition wherein an individual suffers from persistent mood disorders and is unable to muster interest in activities that they are usually fond of. Severe cases can disrupt one’s daily life as they tend to make one unable to control their moods and thoughts. Depression leads to one having trouble sleeping, eating, and socializing too. How can one treat depression naturally? Therapy is a huge part of treating depression but aside from that, one can also opt for natural treatments which can make handling each day easier. It is best for one to talk to their therapist/doctor before going ahead with any treatment method as part of their lifestyle. These natural depression treatments are essentially lifestyle changes that can help one set more positive patterns of physical and mental behavior. It is best to keep in mind that the efficacy of such lifestyle changes differs from person to person. Set a routine: It is important for one to get life into a routine because depression tends to disrupt their regular lifestyle. If there is no routine to follow, each day will simply melt into the next, and the condition could deteriorate before anyone even notices it.
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Healthy diet for psoriatic arthritis patients
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Healthy diet for psoriatic arthritis patients

Psoriatic arthritis tends to affect individuals suffering from a condition called psoriasis where the skin develops red patches covered with scaly rashes. Psoriasis arthritis occurs typically after a patient has already been diagnosed with psoriasis, but joint issues may start even before the appearance of skin lesions. Joint pains and swelling are characteristic of this type of arthritis and they may affect any body part, like the spine or fingertips. How can natural foods help control psoriatic arthritis? There is no known cure for psoriatic arthritis to date. However, it is possible to control the symptoms and stop the joints from getting damaged. Dietary habits and foods which can benefit patients suffering from psoriatic arthritis are usually similar to the ones which may alleviate the risks of metabolic diseases. Natural foods for Psoriatic arthritis Anti-inflammatory Omega-3 rich foods These can reduce the chances of inflammatory flare-ups. Omega-3 fatty acids are PUFA or polyunsaturated fatty acids and these are known to help in disease management because of their anti-inflammatory properties. Alpha Linoleic acid or ALA is a variety of omega-3 which is considered to be essential since your body cannot produce this by itself. ALA is capable of converting EPA and DHA, the other key omega-3 acids.
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All about natural treatments for gout
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All about natural treatments for gout

What is gout? Gout is a form of arthritis that is caused due to the formation of uric acid crystals in joints. It causes extreme pain and inflammation. Natural treatments for the condition aim at reducing the potential formation of uric acid in the bloodstream. What are the natural treatments for gout? Staying well hydrated Drinking enough water and staying hydrated at all times helps in keeping one’s kidneys in good health, which in turn helps the kidneys eliminate uric acid. So, staying well hydrated is one of the most practical natural treatments for gout. Eating cherries Cherries have been found to have a beneficial effect on gout. Eating cherries or consuming cherry juice prevents the chances of gout attacks. It is advised to at least consume three servings of cherries every two days. Adding celery into your diet Consuming celery in its raw form or having its juice or extract has been used as a home remedy for gout. Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar is recommended as one of the natural treatments for gout. It is said to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Consuming magnesium and magnesium-rich foods Magnesium is said to reduce conditions of inflammation in the body, thereby having a beneficial effect on gout inflammation.
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Top natural treatments for lymphoma
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Top natural treatments for lymphoma

Lymphocytes are cells in the lymph nodes, thymus gland, bone marrow, and other parts of the body. These cells work to fight off infections. The type of cancer that targets the lymphocytes is called lymphoma, wherein these cells they begin changing and multiplying uncontrollably. Cancerous cells are born from this and they begin to encroach on healthy human body tissue. Lymphoma plays major havoc on the body. One will only face damage from cancer but also from the aggressive medical treatments. There are chemical procedures that weaken and uproot the disease. But when it comes to natural treatments, lymphoma can only be treated for its symptoms and not its cause. Even so, it’s important to have some natural, non-chemical ways to help the situation. Lymphoma can be treated in four different ways. One is chemotherapy, which relies on medications to attack cancerous cells. Another is radiation, where one is exposed to powerful gamma rays to kill cancer cells. Immunotherapy is another treatment option that equips the body’s immune system to fight cancer. Finally, targeted therapy is carried out on parts of the lymphatic cells to stop them from spreading. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) CAM refers to methods of treating ailments without the use of chemical therapies and radiation.
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Treatment options for non-small cell lung cancer
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Treatment options for non-small cell lung cancer

There are two main types of lung cancer—Non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for 80-85% of all lung cancer cases and includes subtypes like squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. The primary symptoms of non-small cell lung cancer are shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, and coughing up blood. Read on to know more about the treatment options for this type of lung cancer. What factors do doctors consider while recommending treatment for non-small cell lung cancer? The treatment recommended for non-small cell lung cancer usually depends upon various factors like: The type of lung cancer The stage of lung cancer The presence of tumors in the lung Changes in the genetic structure of non-small cell lung cancer cells The overall health of the patient Age of the patient What are the treatment options available for non-small cell lung cancer? Usually, people diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer have to undergo more than one type of treatment. The various types of treatment options available for non-small cell lung cancer are: External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) In EBRT, high energy rays are used to kill cancer cells. The treatment is similar to getting an X-ray, but the dosage of radiation is much higher.
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Top treatment options for ovarian cancer
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Top treatment options for ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer occurs when ovary cells start to grow abnormally and multiply uncontrollably to form a tumor. In 2017, as many as 22,000 women in the country were diagnosed with this ovarian cancer. If you do not undergo treatment for this condition, the tumor is likely to spread outside the ovary and into other body parts when it becomes metastatic ovarian cancer. Types of ovarian cancer Ovaries are composed of three cell types and each type can grow into a tumor. The epithelial tumors will be formed inside the tissue layer, outside the ovaries; nearly 90% of ovarian cancers belong to this category. Stromal tumors will develop in hormone-producing cells; about 7% of ovarian cancers belong to this type. Finally, germ cell tumors are found in egg-producing cells, and this type is very rare. Treatment of ovarian cancer An ovarian cancer treatment plan is determined by many factors, such as the overall health of the patient, whether she wants to conceive eventually, and the patient’s personal preferences. You must discuss all ovarian cancer treatment options properly with your doctor and be informed about their side-effects too. This can help your doctor decide on the best course of treatment for you.
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Ovarian cancer—Risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment
Health

Ovarian cancer—Risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment

Ovarian cancer is a form of cancer that begins in the ovaries. The ovaries are a part of the female reproductive system responsible for the production of ova or eggs. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 22,530 women in the country will be diagnosed with this condition in 2019. The exact cause for ovarian cancer is not yet clear, but some factors increase a person’s risk of developing this condition: Old age Family history Hormone therapy Early or late menopause Diagnosis of ovarian cancer It is essential to get an accurate diagnosis of ovarian cancer to get timely treatment. Some diagnostic procedures used by doctors to detect ovarian cancer are: Blood tests MRI, sonography, or CT scan Laparoscopy Colonoscopy Abdominal fluid aspiration (in case of abdominal swelling) Biopsy to remove a small part of the cancerous cyst or tumor Treatments for ovarian cancer Surgery This treatment for ovarian cancer can be classified as local therapy. It involves the removal of the cancerous cyst from the affected area. If cancer has spread to other parts of the reproductive system, then the surgery might involve the removal of the affected organs. If the need arises, doctors may remove the lymph nodes from the pelvis and the aorta as well.
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