health care information

It is an unfortunate fact that many men, and a surprisingly high number of women, will suffer from some form of hair loss during their lives and often that hair loss will be permanent. Since hair has been falling out of heads, medical science has been attempting to find the true cause of hair loss.To understand fully hair loss we need to look at how hair grows and what factors can interfere with this natural process.Hair growth occurs in two distinct phases, the growth phase known as the Anagen phase and the resting phase known as the Telogen phase. The vast majority of hair on our head (as much as 90%) at any one time is in a 2-7 year growth phase. The remaining hairs are in a resting phase that can last anywhere between two to four months.A normal rate of hair loss is between 50 to 150 hairs a day. Once a hair has been shed that particular follicle begins a growth phase, as the lost hair now needs to be replaced.If everything goes according to plan this cycle of growth and rest continues through many cycles during our life.Hair loss problems can result when this natural cycle is disrupted and the natural fallout rate exceeds that natural re-growth rate. Additionally, certain factors can lead to hair re-growth that is much weaker and thinner than the previous hair that is being replaced.Here the problem can go unnoticed for many years. Since each hair is being replaced there does not appear to be a problem. However, over the years each re-growth of shed hair is getting progressively weaker and thinner. In this case baldness and hair loss can appear to be a very sudden onset, but it is something that has been active for several years.Fortunately from the point of view of being able to treat and prevent the problem, science has found the true cause of hair loss.It is now believed that the cause of hair loss is an increased level of testosterone (that begins in puberty) that eventually leads to an excessive imbalance in another hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone).If there are large amounts of DHT present, blood supply to the hair follicle is reduced and over time the actual blood vessels that feed each hair follicle begin to shrink, making blood flow to the hair follicles even more difficult.A deficient blood supply leads to weak, thin hair re-growth, which gets progressively worse over time. The eventual outcome is a growth that is little more than wispy short hair that is barely visible.At this stage the person is suffering from a condition known as androgenic allopecia, more commonly known as male pattern baldness.Specifically why and how these levels of DHT get to the level where they create a problem with hair loss is not known. At this point in time the cause is largely attributed to genetic factors.Apart from our understanding of the causes of hair loss that is more or less permanent, there are several factors affecting men and women that can cause temporary hair loss.Some of the more common cause of temporary hair loss are; scalp infections; improper use of hair care products; side affects of some medications and medical procedures (surgery and chemotherapy for example) and inadequate nutrition for healthy hair growth.Usually once the cause of hair loss is established and the appropriate treatment given, hair growth can return to normal.The most important factor in successfully treating any kind of hair loss is to determine quickly the correct cause of the hair loss and then immediately begin with the appropriate treatment.For someone experiencing hair loss now or someone who could reasonably expect hair loss in the future based on past family medical history, preventive measures should be taken sooner rather than later.At the very least an appropriate hair care regime should be in place. As part of this regime adequate nutrition should be stressed, including nutrients that have a known hair growth function such as Biotin, Zinc and the herb Saw Pallmeto.Today there are many hair loss treatment options available. There is a range of natural over the counter preparations that have undergone some clinical trials and have had some success in stopping hair loss and promoting re-growth of normal healthy hair.And if the natural way does not deliver the desired results, there are always hair restoration techniques such as hair extensions, hair transplants and wigs that offer even more options to treat hair loss.

While many illnesses and diseases are well understood, prostate cancer is one of the remaining cancerous conditions that is shrouded in misunderstanding. There are several main reasons for this, not the least of which is that men as a group, simply do not want to deal with this very common no cancerous condition.

For many men, prostate cancer affects the very core of how they define their own manhood. The prostate is a key component in the sexual performance and ability of men. Prostate cancer than strikes at the very heart of how many men view themselves. In any event here are a few of the most common questions concerning prostate cancer.

1. What really is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is any abnormal and malignant growth of cells in the tissues of the prostate gland and possibly all over and beyond the prostate.

2. What is advanced prostate cancer?

This is one of the stages of prostate cancer where the cancerous cells have spread outside the prostate into other parts of the victim’s body, causing damage along the way. There are four basic stages of prostate cancer.

3. What are the stages of prostate cancer?

Stage I of prostate cancer is when the cancer is only in the prostate area and hasn’t spread outside the prostate.

Stage II of prostate cancer is when the cancer is still within the prostate, but is advancing.

Stage III of prostate cancer is when the cancer has now spread beyond the outer layer of the prostate into nearby tissues.

Stage IV is the stage that all men dread. In this stage of the cancer, it has spread to other parts of the body also known as metastatic prostate cancer

4. What is metastatic prostate cancer?

It is another name for advanced prostate cancer where the cancerous cells have grown outside the prostate and is growing into other parts of the body. Metastatic prostate cancer is extremely serious.

5. What causes prostate cancer?

There is no singular factor that causes prostate cancer. Heredity is suspected to play a large role in prostate cancer as is the race of the patient. Black men are much more likely to have prostate cancer than other groups.

6. What can I do about Prostate Cancer?

If you have a prostate and are over 50 years of age, you should really consider getting a yearly prostate exam and having a simple PSA blood test done. This information will provide a baseline for future reference.

Remember that the earlier you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, the more you have to fight this deadly disease and win.

To begin with, each year, about 67,000 new cases of bladder cancer are expected, and about 13,000 people will die of the disease in the U.S. Bladder cancer affects three times as many men as women. Women, however, often have more advanced tumors than men at the time of diagnosis.
Bladder cancer can occur at any age, but it is most common in people older than 50 years of age. The average age at the time of diagnosis is in the 60s. However, it clearly appears to be a disease of aging, with people in their 80s and 90s developing bladder cancer as well.
Firstly, the bladder is a hollow organ in the lower abdomen (pelvis). It collects and stores urine produced by the kidneys. Cancer occurs when normal cells undergo a transformation whereby they grow and multiply without normal controls.
As the cells multiply, they form an area of abnormal cells. Medical professionals call this a tumor. As more and more cells are produced, the tumor increases in size. Tumors overwhelm surrounding tissues by invading their space and taking the oxygen and nutrients they need to survive and function.
Of all types of cancer, bladder cancer has an unusually high propensity for recurring after treatment. Bladder cancer has a recurrence rate of 50%-80%. The recurring cancer is usually, but not always, of the same type as the first (primary) cancer. It may be in the bladder or in another part of the urinary tract (kidneys or ureters).
Bladder cancer is most common in industrialized countries. It is the fifth most common type of cancer in the United States the fourth most common in men and the ninth in women.
Important to mention, Tumors are cancerous only if they are malignant. This means that, because of their uncontrolled growth, they encroach on and invade neighboring tissues. Malignant tumors may also travel to remote organs via the bloodstream or the lymphatic system.
This process of invading and spreading to other organs is called metastasis. Bladder cancers are most likely to spread to neighboring organs and lymph nodes prior to spreading through the blood stream to the lungs, liver, bones, or other organs.
Bladder cancers are classified (staged) by how deeply they invade into the bladder wall, which has several layers. Many physicians subdivide bladder cancer into superficial and invasive disease. Superficial bladder cancer is limited to the innermost linings of the bladder (known as the mucosa and lamina propria). Invasive bladder cancer has at least penetrated the muscular layer of the bladder wall.
Nearly all adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas are invasive. Thus, by the time these cancers are detected, they have usually already invaded the bladder wall.
Many urothelial cell carcinomas are not invasive. This means that they go no deeper than the superficial layer (mucosa) of the bladder.
Of the different types of cells that form the bladder, the cells lining the inside of the bladder wall are most likely to develop cancer. Any of three different cell types can become cancerous. The resulting cancers are named after the cell types.
In the United States, urothelial carcinomas account for more than 90% of all bladder cancers. Squamous cell carcinomas make up 3%-8%, and adenocarcinomas make up 1%-2%.
Urothelial carcinoma (transitional cell carcinoma) is by far the most common type of bladder cancer in the United States. The so-called transitional cells are normal cells that form the innermost lining of the bladder wall.
In transitional cell carcinoma, these normal lining cells undergo changes that lead to the uncontrolled cell growth characteristic of cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma originate from the thin, flat cells that typically form as a result of bladder inflammation or irritation that has taken place for many months or years.
Adenocarcinoma cancers form from cells that make up glands. Glands are specialized structures that produce and release fluids such as mucus.
These three types of cancer can develop anywhere in the urinary tract. If abnormal cells are found anywhere in the urinary tract, a search for other areas of abnormal cells is warranted. For example, if cancerous cells are found in the bladder, an evaluation of the kidneys and ureters is essential.
Furthermore, a tumor grade is based on the degree of abnormality observed in a microscopic evaluation of the tumor. Cells from a high-grade cancer have more changes in form and have a greater degree of abnormality when viewed microscopically than do cells from a low-grade tumor.
This information is provided by the pathologist, a physician trained in the science of tissue diagnosis. Low-grade tumors are less aggressive, whereas high-grade tumors are more dangerous and have a propensity to become invasive.
Papillary tumors are urothelial carcinomas that grow narrow, finger-like projections. Benign (noncancerous) papillary tumors (papillomas) grow projections out into the hollow part of the bladder. These can be easily removed, but they sometimes grow back.
These tumors vary greatly in their potential to come back (recur). Some types rarely recur after treatment; other types are very likely to do so. Papillary tumors also vary greatly in their potential to be malignant (invasive). A small percentage (15%) do invade the bladder wall. Some invasive papillary tumors grow projections both into the bladder wall and into the hollow part of the bladder.
In addition, bladder cancer can develop in the form of a flat, red (erythematous) patch on the mucosal surface. This is called carcinoma-in-situ (CIS).
Although these tumors are superficial, they are high-grade and have a high risk for becoming invasive.
Interesting fact about bladder cancer is that, white men and women, develop bladder cancers twice as often as other ethnic groups. In the United States, African Americans and Hispanics have similar rates of this cancer. Rates are lowest in Asians.
Lastly, because of its high recurrence rate and the need for lifelong surveillance, bladder cancer is the most expensive cancer to treat on a per patient basis.