Ovarian cysts and infertility:
Because ovarian cysts are commonly found in young women, many infertile women will also be noted to have ovarian cysts . These are often detected on routine ultrasound scans, and cause considerable confusion and anxiety in the minds of patients.
An ovarian cyst is just a fluid-filled sac in the ovary. They can vary in size and contain liquid that is thin and watery, or thicker and paste-like. Cysts are very common in the ovary as a result of the ovulation cycle. Even normally, the follicle ( in which the egg grows) contains fluid. If the follicle doesn’t rupture at the time of ovulation ( when the egg is released) , the follicle gets bigger as it swells with fluid. This follicular cyst is also called a functional cyst, because it is a result of ovarian function. The other type of functional cyst is a corpus luteum cyst which develops when the corpus luteum fills with fluid or blood.When bleeding occurs within a functional cyst, this is called a hemorrhagic cyst.
Many women with endometriosis also have ovarian cysts. These are called chocolate cysts, because of the colour of their contents ( old dark blood). Cysts are also found in women with PCOD.
Occasionally a dermoid cyst or a may develop (sometimes called a benign mature cystic teratoma). This type of cyst can contain a range of tissues, such as hair, skin or teeth, because it forms from cells that make eggs in the ovaries. Dermoid cysts are more common in younger women and may need to be surgically removed.
A cystadenoma is a cyst that develops from the cells that cover the outer part of the ovary. There are different types – some are filled with a watery liquid ( serous cystadenoma) , and others with a thicker, mucous substance ( mucinous cystadenoma) . They’re not normally cancerous, but may need to be surgically removed.
Most ovarian cysts do not cause symptoms, and are usually first noted on ultrasound scanning. Partly because of the quality and resolution of the new ultrasound scanners, even small cysts ( which are of no clinical importance) are diagnosed and reported routinely. Many patients then start worrying about the effect of these cysts on their fertility. Unfortunately , sometimes instead of reassuring them, their doctors advise them to get these cysts removed. This often causes more harm than good !
Most cysts do not cause symptoms, and are best left alone. Occasionally, some cysts may cause irregular menstrual bleeding, if the cyst is hormonally active; or pelvic pain . While often the cyst is not the cause of the pain, once the patient knows she has a cyst, everytime she perceives pain, she feels it is the cyst which is causing it ! Cysts can cause pain only if:
· They are large and exert direct pressure on the ovaries and surrounding structures. This causes chronic pelvic fullness or a dull ache.
· Bleeding from a cyst into and around the ovary. This causes more intense, sharp pain.
In rare cases, an ovarian cyst may become twisted and cut off its own blood supply. It is called torsion This can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever. This requires immediate medical attention. In other cases, the cyst may burst, causing sudden severe pain in the lower abdomen. The pain you feel depends on what the cyst contained, whether it is infected and whether there is any bleeding. This usually needs treatment in hospital as well.
The key tool for making a diagnosis of an ovarian cyst is an ultrasound scan. If the cyst is very large, an abdominal scan will need to be done to measure its size. Otherwise, the location and size of a cyst is best determined by a vaginal ultrasound scan. Ultrasound scanning allows us to assess the contents of the cyst; and cysts are classified into 3 types, depending upon their ultrasound appearance:
1. cystic . This is the commonest type. This cyst has a wall and contains only fluid.
2. solid. This type has multiple echoes within it, because it is full of solid tissue.
3. complex. This has a combination of both fluid and solid tissue within it. Many of these cysts have walls of tissue within them – these are called septae.
Simple cysts are usually functional cysts, and will resolve on their own. Complex cysts are more worrisome, and may need additional testing , including: MRI scanning; or a blood test to measure the level of CA-125. If there is a tumour, the level of this protein is usually higher than normal.
Treatment of Ovarian Cyst
Wait and See – This approach involves waiting a few months to see if the cyst goes away on its own. In some cases, observation may be all that’s necessary. This is common in pre-menopausal women who have a small, functional cyst. You’ll need to have another ultrasound scan after a month or so to check on the cyst, but most disappear after a few weeks without treatment.
Birth Control Pills – If you have a functional cyst, your doctor may prescribe birth control pills to help make it smaller. If you get ovarian cyst often, birth control pills decrease the chance of new ones forming.
A simple cyst can also be treated by vaginal ultrasound guided aspiration. This will allow the doctor to empty its fluid contents, and maybe useful as a temporizing and diagnostic measure.
Laparoscopic Surgery – Pelvic laparoscopy may be recommended to remove a cyst if it:
· Grows larger or reaches a size greater than 5 cm
· Has some solid material in it
· Causes persistent or worsening symptoms
· Lasts longer than two or three menstrual cycles
If the cyst is not cancerous, often just the cyst can be removed. However, in some cases, your whole ovary may need to be removed.
Most cysts can be removed with laparoscopic surgery by a skilled surgeon, irrespective of their size. ( No matter the size of the cyst, it can be decompressed laparoscopically, causing it to collapse, so that the cyst wall can be removed through a keyhole incision, saving the patient unnecessary major surgery. ) This is usually the preferred mode of treatment in infertile women, because it allows the doctor to save ( conserve) the normal ovarian tissue, thus preserving normal ovarian function.
Rarely, laparotomy ( open surgery) may be needed if the cyst is solid or complex; and if the doctor suspects a malignancy.
Ironically, in many infertile women, the major risk posed by ovarian cysts is not because of the cyst itself, but because of the overenthusiastic zeal of a misguided surgeon, who wants to remove the cyst. This is often much more dangerous, because many trigger-happy surgeons remove the entire ovary, thus compromising ovarian function; and because the surgery can result in scarring ( adhesions) which will then impair tubal function.
Showing posts with label and. Show all posts
Showing posts with label and. Show all posts
Ovarian Cysts, Polycystic Ovary syndrome and ovarian cancer
Ovarian cysts:
Ovarian cysts are very common and often exist without symptoms. In a normal cycle, every month several follicles, each containing an egg, develop. A surge of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone helps release the egg, and progesterone increases. If the egg is not fertilized, the cycle starts all over again. Sometimes, however, no egg is released. Then no progesterone is secreted and more estrogen is released, thus maturing the follicles into fluid-filled sacs or cysts that will grow larger every month until progesterone is secreted.
Cysts can appear in a very short time and disappear just as quickly. Cysts can be alone or in groups, small or large (even as big as a lemon!). Often when cysts are a few centimeters in size, doctors will recommend surgery. However, if a diet and supplementation program is followed, those cysts will usually reduce and disappear. The risk of cancer increases when cysts become solid. Ovarian cancer is rare, but it is difficult to diagnose and remission rates with conventional medicine are poor.
Sometimes a follicle is able to grow tissue or skin cells within the cyst. These types of cysts will not dissipate and must be surgically removed.
Symptoms:
Often ovarian cysts are not noticed until a pelvic examination is performed by the doctor or by an ultrasound scan. This is why it is so important to go for your annual PAP test because doctors perform a pelvic exam at the same time. For those with symptoms, the most obvious symptom is pain, either tenderness to the touch or a constant sore or burning sensation in the abdomen, located in the lower abdomen off to the right or left. Pain may occur during ovulation or intercourse. If a cyst erupts in the pelvic cavity, blood and fluid will discharge, possibly causing pain.
Causes:
Ovarian cysts occur when there is a hormone imbalance. Estrogen dominance brought on by poor elimination of waste by the lymphatic system, colon, liver and kidneys is a factor. Emotional or physical trauma, prolonged stress, and even heavy exercise can cause increased estrogen. A diet rich in meat and dairy products is also responsible for elevating estrogen. Cysts that occur after menopause should be looked at by a physician, as there is a greater risk of them being cancerous. The risk of ovarian cancer is increased with the use of fertility drugs or birth control pills, or if you have never been pregnant.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome:
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder where many fluid-filled cysts are present and male hormones are excessively high. In this disorder, excess luteinizing hormone increases the production of male hormones that can cause acne and coarse hair growth.
Affecting up to 10 percent of the U.S. population, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is the most common hormone dysfunction among women in their reproductive years. Because eggs are frequently not released, fertility is a problem. If pregnancy does occur, it often ends with first trimester miscarriage or is associated with gestational diabetes. The condition seems to run in families, with 20 percent of mothers and 40 percent of sisters of those with PCOS also demonstrating varying degrees of the syndrome.
With the approach of menopause, androgen production declines, and there is a more normal pattern of menstruation. If left untreated, PCOS can lead to cancer of the uterine lining. Women with PCOS also are at increased risk for development of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
Symptoms:PCOS usually shows with coarse hair growth on the face and chest, and higher levels of male androgenic hormones, caused when the pituitary gland releases an excess of luteinizing hormone. Acne and oily skin are also evident. Ovaries are typically enlarged and contain multiple cysts. Symptoms often become apparent in puberty when menstruation is to begin: irregular menstrual periods with copious bleeding may occur, or PCOS can cause a lack of periods altogether. Infertility is a major concern of women with PCOS.
Causes:
Although historically considered a gynecological problem, research now shows that PCOS is associated with hyperinsulinemia (production of too much of the insulin hormone) and impaired glucose metabolism. Perhaps not surprisingly, more than 65 percent of women who suffer from PCOS are obese. Reports indicate that early pubarche (breast budding and pubic hair growth) is linked to ovarian hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance, suggesting another hormonal trigger. Doctors typically try to determine if a tumor is responsible for the production of male hormones. Thyroid and prolactin abnormalities should also be investigated as possible causes of amenorrhea (lack of period).
Since the extra weight seems to be an important issue, those with PCOS should work toward losing excess weight gradually, using proper nutrition and exercise. Doing so will also lessen risks for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Ovarian Cancer:
Ovarian cancer is the fifth most diagnosed cancer, accounting for almost 5 percent of all cancer deaths. In fact, about one in 70 women will eventually develop ovarian cancer. Known as the silent killer, vague symptoms make this cancer difficult to detect and allow it to invade other tissues. Ovarian cancer normally strikes between the ages of 50 and 70, and with an almost 60 percent death rate, women need to understand the symptoms so that they can seek treatment early.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of ovarian cancer can mimic common illness and are often vague. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, symptoms of early stage ovarian cancer include a mild discomfort in the lower part of the abdomen, a sense of incomplete evacuation of stool, gas, a frequent need to urinate, indigestion, feeling full after a light meal, low back pain and vaginal discharge. More advanced symptoms include painful intercourse, abnormal bleeding, diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. A build-up of fluid in the abdomen makes clothes feel tight. At this point, a woman may lose weight or become anemic.
Tests to diagnose ovarian cancer are simple and include a transvaginal ultrasound, a CA-125 blood test and a pelvic exam. Many doctors believe that the CA-125 blood test is not reliable, but the National Ovarian Cancer Association recommends it be done on women with above-noted symptoms. A 1983 Harvard University study found elevated levels in 80 percent of women with stages three and four ovarian cancer. The test was not as reliable with stage one and two cancer, and test results can also be high in women with uterine fibroids and endometriosis. Despite its imperfections, it is the best test that we have when combined with a transvaginal ultrasound. Fortunately, in Canada the CA-125 is covered under provincial health plans. Surgery is the only definitive method of detecting ovarian cancer.
PRESCRIPTION FOR WOMEN'S HEALTH:
Nutrients:
Dosage
Action
Multivitamins with minerals; (contains no iron)
FemmEssentials or MultiEssentials for women
As directed. See Appendix A for the complete listing of recommended nutrients and their actions.
Provides all the nutrients a woman needs every day to support all functions
EstroSense:
Take four capsules. Two at breakfast, two at dinner containing:
Milk Thistle 100 mg
Supports liver health, which is important for metabolism of hormones
D-glucarate 300 mg
Important for healthy metabolism of estrogen; supports normal cell growth
Turmeric 100 mg
95% curcumin)
Prevents abnormal cell growth, detoxifies cancer-causing form of estrogen
Indole-3-carbinol 300 mg
Stops healthy estrogen from converting into the cancer-causing form. Has been shown to reverse abnormal PAP tests within 3 menstrual cycles
Green tea extract 200 mg Protects against abnormal cell growth, detoxifies excess estrogens
Rosemary extract 50 mg
Reduces tumor formation; is antioxidant
Lycopene 10 mg
Antioxidant; reduces risk of cancer
Sulforaphane 400 mcg daily
Reduces risk of cancer; stops abnormal cell growth
Natural progesterone cream:
In Canada, progesterone cream is a prescription drug. Use 6% natural progesterone 1/4to 1/2 tsp morning and night between day 5-28 (or whenever your normal cycle ends). In the U.S., ProgestaCare by Life Flo is niceas it delivers 20 mg in a pre-measured pump dose.
Limits abnormal cell growth caused by too much estrogen. Aids ovulation
Evening Primrose Oil or Borage Oil:
3000 mg per day of Evening Primrose or 2000 mg per day of Borage oil
Anti-inflammatory; controls negative prostaglandins involved in pain and inflammation
Chaste Tree (Vitex) berry:
100-175 mg daily
Balances estrogen-to-progesterone ratio, important for proper cell function Normalizes ovulation and prolactin
HEALTH TIPS TO ENHANCE HEALING:
See health tips for Endometriosis.
Weight loss is essential in those with polycystic ovarian syndrome. See Diabetes for tips on normalizing insulin and improving insulin resistance, which aids PCOS
Ovarian cysts are very common and often exist without symptoms. In a normal cycle, every month several follicles, each containing an egg, develop. A surge of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone helps release the egg, and progesterone increases. If the egg is not fertilized, the cycle starts all over again. Sometimes, however, no egg is released. Then no progesterone is secreted and more estrogen is released, thus maturing the follicles into fluid-filled sacs or cysts that will grow larger every month until progesterone is secreted.
Cysts can appear in a very short time and disappear just as quickly. Cysts can be alone or in groups, small or large (even as big as a lemon!). Often when cysts are a few centimeters in size, doctors will recommend surgery. However, if a diet and supplementation program is followed, those cysts will usually reduce and disappear. The risk of cancer increases when cysts become solid. Ovarian cancer is rare, but it is difficult to diagnose and remission rates with conventional medicine are poor.
Sometimes a follicle is able to grow tissue or skin cells within the cyst. These types of cysts will not dissipate and must be surgically removed.
Symptoms:
Often ovarian cysts are not noticed until a pelvic examination is performed by the doctor or by an ultrasound scan. This is why it is so important to go for your annual PAP test because doctors perform a pelvic exam at the same time. For those with symptoms, the most obvious symptom is pain, either tenderness to the touch or a constant sore or burning sensation in the abdomen, located in the lower abdomen off to the right or left. Pain may occur during ovulation or intercourse. If a cyst erupts in the pelvic cavity, blood and fluid will discharge, possibly causing pain.
Causes:
Ovarian cysts occur when there is a hormone imbalance. Estrogen dominance brought on by poor elimination of waste by the lymphatic system, colon, liver and kidneys is a factor. Emotional or physical trauma, prolonged stress, and even heavy exercise can cause increased estrogen. A diet rich in meat and dairy products is also responsible for elevating estrogen. Cysts that occur after menopause should be looked at by a physician, as there is a greater risk of them being cancerous. The risk of ovarian cancer is increased with the use of fertility drugs or birth control pills, or if you have never been pregnant.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome:
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder where many fluid-filled cysts are present and male hormones are excessively high. In this disorder, excess luteinizing hormone increases the production of male hormones that can cause acne and coarse hair growth.
Affecting up to 10 percent of the U.S. population, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is the most common hormone dysfunction among women in their reproductive years. Because eggs are frequently not released, fertility is a problem. If pregnancy does occur, it often ends with first trimester miscarriage or is associated with gestational diabetes. The condition seems to run in families, with 20 percent of mothers and 40 percent of sisters of those with PCOS also demonstrating varying degrees of the syndrome.
With the approach of menopause, androgen production declines, and there is a more normal pattern of menstruation. If left untreated, PCOS can lead to cancer of the uterine lining. Women with PCOS also are at increased risk for development of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
Symptoms:PCOS usually shows with coarse hair growth on the face and chest, and higher levels of male androgenic hormones, caused when the pituitary gland releases an excess of luteinizing hormone. Acne and oily skin are also evident. Ovaries are typically enlarged and contain multiple cysts. Symptoms often become apparent in puberty when menstruation is to begin: irregular menstrual periods with copious bleeding may occur, or PCOS can cause a lack of periods altogether. Infertility is a major concern of women with PCOS.
Causes:
Although historically considered a gynecological problem, research now shows that PCOS is associated with hyperinsulinemia (production of too much of the insulin hormone) and impaired glucose metabolism. Perhaps not surprisingly, more than 65 percent of women who suffer from PCOS are obese. Reports indicate that early pubarche (breast budding and pubic hair growth) is linked to ovarian hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance, suggesting another hormonal trigger. Doctors typically try to determine if a tumor is responsible for the production of male hormones. Thyroid and prolactin abnormalities should also be investigated as possible causes of amenorrhea (lack of period).
Since the extra weight seems to be an important issue, those with PCOS should work toward losing excess weight gradually, using proper nutrition and exercise. Doing so will also lessen risks for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Ovarian Cancer:
Ovarian cancer is the fifth most diagnosed cancer, accounting for almost 5 percent of all cancer deaths. In fact, about one in 70 women will eventually develop ovarian cancer. Known as the silent killer, vague symptoms make this cancer difficult to detect and allow it to invade other tissues. Ovarian cancer normally strikes between the ages of 50 and 70, and with an almost 60 percent death rate, women need to understand the symptoms so that they can seek treatment early.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of ovarian cancer can mimic common illness and are often vague. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, symptoms of early stage ovarian cancer include a mild discomfort in the lower part of the abdomen, a sense of incomplete evacuation of stool, gas, a frequent need to urinate, indigestion, feeling full after a light meal, low back pain and vaginal discharge. More advanced symptoms include painful intercourse, abnormal bleeding, diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. A build-up of fluid in the abdomen makes clothes feel tight. At this point, a woman may lose weight or become anemic.
Tests to diagnose ovarian cancer are simple and include a transvaginal ultrasound, a CA-125 blood test and a pelvic exam. Many doctors believe that the CA-125 blood test is not reliable, but the National Ovarian Cancer Association recommends it be done on women with above-noted symptoms. A 1983 Harvard University study found elevated levels in 80 percent of women with stages three and four ovarian cancer. The test was not as reliable with stage one and two cancer, and test results can also be high in women with uterine fibroids and endometriosis. Despite its imperfections, it is the best test that we have when combined with a transvaginal ultrasound. Fortunately, in Canada the CA-125 is covered under provincial health plans. Surgery is the only definitive method of detecting ovarian cancer.
PRESCRIPTION FOR WOMEN'S HEALTH:
Nutrients:
Dosage
Action
Multivitamins with minerals; (contains no iron)
FemmEssentials or MultiEssentials for women
As directed. See Appendix A for the complete listing of recommended nutrients and their actions.
Provides all the nutrients a woman needs every day to support all functions
EstroSense:
Take four capsules. Two at breakfast, two at dinner containing:
Milk Thistle 100 mg
Supports liver health, which is important for metabolism of hormones
D-glucarate 300 mg
Important for healthy metabolism of estrogen; supports normal cell growth
Turmeric 100 mg
95% curcumin)
Prevents abnormal cell growth, detoxifies cancer-causing form of estrogen
Indole-3-carbinol 300 mg
Stops healthy estrogen from converting into the cancer-causing form. Has been shown to reverse abnormal PAP tests within 3 menstrual cycles
Green tea extract 200 mg Protects against abnormal cell growth, detoxifies excess estrogens
Rosemary extract 50 mg
Reduces tumor formation; is antioxidant
Lycopene 10 mg
Antioxidant; reduces risk of cancer
Sulforaphane 400 mcg daily
Reduces risk of cancer; stops abnormal cell growth
Natural progesterone cream:
In Canada, progesterone cream is a prescription drug. Use 6% natural progesterone 1/4to 1/2 tsp morning and night between day 5-28 (or whenever your normal cycle ends). In the U.S., ProgestaCare by Life Flo is niceas it delivers 20 mg in a pre-measured pump dose.
Limits abnormal cell growth caused by too much estrogen. Aids ovulation
Evening Primrose Oil or Borage Oil:
3000 mg per day of Evening Primrose or 2000 mg per day of Borage oil
Anti-inflammatory; controls negative prostaglandins involved in pain and inflammation
Chaste Tree (Vitex) berry:
100-175 mg daily
Balances estrogen-to-progesterone ratio, important for proper cell function Normalizes ovulation and prolactin
HEALTH TIPS TO ENHANCE HEALING:
See health tips for Endometriosis.
Weight loss is essential in those with polycystic ovarian syndrome. See Diabetes for tips on normalizing insulin and improving insulin resistance, which aids PCOS
ovarian cysts:causes and factors
Whilst the occurence of an ovary cyst or the development of ovary cyst symptoms are several, we have concentrated on they key factors.
1. Genetic predisposition is often considered to be the primary cause of ovarian cyst as research has shown that the genetic pattern of women who suffer from this chronic condition is different as compared to women who never get ovarian cysts or PCOS. However, this should not be a death warrant as many times the genetic characteristics can be modified with the help of environmental factors and proper lifestyle related changes.
2. As with many illnesses, a weak immune system can contribue to the inability to prevent ovary cysts forming. When your body is unable to generate the properties needed to fight disease and infection, the likelihood of suffering from ovarian cysts is increased.
3. Poor Diet: Scientific research also tells us that certain dietary choices may lead to the formation of ovarian cysts, including those that are rich with carbohydrates, or processed foods, or those that are high in preservatives. These foods may trigger a hormone imbalance, weaken the body's natural immune system and leave you susceptible to cysts on the ovaries.
4. Serum sex-hormone binding globulin or SHGB can worsen the condition of ovarian cysts. This will result from a resistance to insulin which the leads to the ovaries producing an abnormal amount of the male hormone androgen.
5. An ovarian cyst can result from a hormonal imbalance, when there is a lack of ovulation. If the egg is not released as normal one month, progesterone may not be produced, which impacts the imbalance.
Although one of these causes or risk factors on their own may not mean that ovarian cysts are inevitable, a few of them together may definitely heighten one's risk. Besides these known causes, other factors such as toxins within the environment may also be to blame for the formation of ovarian cysts, leaving modern medicine unarmed to combat this often painful condition.
Besides the above primary factors, toxins in liver and even environmental toxins can aggravate ovarian cysts. Hence, ovarian cyst condition is not a simple one to understand or treat. Conventional wisdom blinded by hackneyed forms of treatment cannot treat and cure ovarian cysts. To treat this complex disease, a multidimensional view adopted by the holistic approach is needed. Holistic approach is also effective as it deals with a variety of factors and manages to find out the root cause of the disease. Then, systematically with a comprehensive method, the practitioner can help you bring about many lifestyle changes, which can aid in treatment. Hence, when it comes to curing ovarian cyst, a holistic approach is required to understand the causes of ovarian cysts and to treat this condition in a scientific and holistic manner.
1. Genetic predisposition is often considered to be the primary cause of ovarian cyst as research has shown that the genetic pattern of women who suffer from this chronic condition is different as compared to women who never get ovarian cysts or PCOS. However, this should not be a death warrant as many times the genetic characteristics can be modified with the help of environmental factors and proper lifestyle related changes.
2. As with many illnesses, a weak immune system can contribue to the inability to prevent ovary cysts forming. When your body is unable to generate the properties needed to fight disease and infection, the likelihood of suffering from ovarian cysts is increased.
3. Poor Diet: Scientific research also tells us that certain dietary choices may lead to the formation of ovarian cysts, including those that are rich with carbohydrates, or processed foods, or those that are high in preservatives. These foods may trigger a hormone imbalance, weaken the body's natural immune system and leave you susceptible to cysts on the ovaries.
4. Serum sex-hormone binding globulin or SHGB can worsen the condition of ovarian cysts. This will result from a resistance to insulin which the leads to the ovaries producing an abnormal amount of the male hormone androgen.
5. An ovarian cyst can result from a hormonal imbalance, when there is a lack of ovulation. If the egg is not released as normal one month, progesterone may not be produced, which impacts the imbalance.
Although one of these causes or risk factors on their own may not mean that ovarian cysts are inevitable, a few of them together may definitely heighten one's risk. Besides these known causes, other factors such as toxins within the environment may also be to blame for the formation of ovarian cysts, leaving modern medicine unarmed to combat this often painful condition.
Besides the above primary factors, toxins in liver and even environmental toxins can aggravate ovarian cysts. Hence, ovarian cyst condition is not a simple one to understand or treat. Conventional wisdom blinded by hackneyed forms of treatment cannot treat and cure ovarian cysts. To treat this complex disease, a multidimensional view adopted by the holistic approach is needed. Holistic approach is also effective as it deals with a variety of factors and manages to find out the root cause of the disease. Then, systematically with a comprehensive method, the practitioner can help you bring about many lifestyle changes, which can aid in treatment. Hence, when it comes to curing ovarian cyst, a holistic approach is required to understand the causes of ovarian cysts and to treat this condition in a scientific and holistic manner.
pancreatic cancer:stages and treatment
If the doctor finds pancreatic cancer, the patient will have more tests to find out if the cancer has spread from the pancreas to the tissues around it or to other parts of the body. This process of testing is called staging, and it helps the doctor plan the patient’s treatment. The following stages are used to describe exocrine cancer of the pancreas:
Stage I: Cancer is found only in the pancreas itself and not in other organs.
Stage II: Cancer has spread to nearby organs, such as the duodenum or bile duct, but has not entered the lymph nodes.
Stage III: Cancer has spread to lymph nodes near the pancreas. The cancer may or may not have spread to nearby organs.
Stage IVA: Cancer has spread to organs, such as the stomach, spleen, and colon, that are near the pancreas, but it has not spread to distant organs, such as the liver or lungs.
Stage IVB: Cancer has spread to organs, such as the stomach, spleen, or colon, that are near the pancreas or to places far away from the pancreas, such as the liver or lungs.
Recurrent: The cancer has come back (recurred) after it has been treated. It may come back in the pancreas or in another part of the body.
Islet cell cancers of the pancreas are usually grouped into three stages: those occurring in one site within the pancreas; those occurring in several sites within the pancreas; and those that have spread to lymph nodes near the pancreas or to distant sites.
Surgery may be used to take out the tumor. A doctor may take out the cancer using one of the following operations:
Whipple Procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy): In this procedure, the surgeon removes the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine, and some of the nearby tissues. Enough of the pancreas is left to continue making digestive juices and insulin. This is the most common procedure used for removing cancer of the exocrine pancreas
Pancreatectomy: The surgeon removes the whole pancreas, part of the small intestine, part of the stomach, the bile duct, the gallbladder, the spleen, and most of the lymph nodes in the area.
Distal Pancreatectomy: The body and tail of the pancreas are removed. This procedure is most commonly used for islet cell (endocrine) cancer of the pancreas and is rarely used for cancer of the exocrine pancreas.
If the cancer has spread and it cannot be removed, the doctor may do surgery to relieve symptoms. If the cancer is blocking the small intestine and bile builds up in the gallbladder, the doctor may do surgery to go around (bypass) all or part of the small intestine. During this operation, the doctor will cut the gallbladder or bile duct and sew it to the small intestine. This is called biliary bypass.
Surgery or X-ray procedures may also be done to put in a tube (catheter) to drain bile that has built up in the area. The catheter may drain through a tube to the outside of the body or it may go around the blocked area and drain the bile to the small intestine. In addition, if the cancer is blocking the flow of food from the stomach, the stomach may be sewn directly to the small intestine so the patient can continue to eat normally.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external radiation therapy) or from putting materials that produce radiation (radioisotopes) through thin plastic tubes in the area where the cancer cells are found (internal radiation therapy).
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Most anticancer drugs are injected into a vein (IV) or a muscle; some are given by mouth. Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment, meaning that the drugs flow through the bloodstream to nearly every part of the body to kill cancerous cells. It is generally given in cycles: A treatment period is followed by a recovery period, then another treatment period, and so on.
The use of biological therapy (using the body’s immune system to fight cancer) is being tested for pancreatic cancer. Biological therapy searches for ways that the cancer tissue is different from normal pancreas tissue, and tries to get the body to fight the cancer. It uses materials made by the body or made in a laboratory to boost, direct, or restore the body’s natural defenses against disease. Biological therapies are sometimes called biological response modifier (BRM) therapy or immunotherapy
Stage I: Cancer is found only in the pancreas itself and not in other organs.
Stage II: Cancer has spread to nearby organs, such as the duodenum or bile duct, but has not entered the lymph nodes.
Stage III: Cancer has spread to lymph nodes near the pancreas. The cancer may or may not have spread to nearby organs.
Stage IVA: Cancer has spread to organs, such as the stomach, spleen, and colon, that are near the pancreas, but it has not spread to distant organs, such as the liver or lungs.
Stage IVB: Cancer has spread to organs, such as the stomach, spleen, or colon, that are near the pancreas or to places far away from the pancreas, such as the liver or lungs.
Recurrent: The cancer has come back (recurred) after it has been treated. It may come back in the pancreas or in another part of the body.
Islet cell cancers of the pancreas are usually grouped into three stages: those occurring in one site within the pancreas; those occurring in several sites within the pancreas; and those that have spread to lymph nodes near the pancreas or to distant sites.
Surgery may be used to take out the tumor. A doctor may take out the cancer using one of the following operations:
Whipple Procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy): In this procedure, the surgeon removes the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine, and some of the nearby tissues. Enough of the pancreas is left to continue making digestive juices and insulin. This is the most common procedure used for removing cancer of the exocrine pancreas
Pancreatectomy: The surgeon removes the whole pancreas, part of the small intestine, part of the stomach, the bile duct, the gallbladder, the spleen, and most of the lymph nodes in the area.
Distal Pancreatectomy: The body and tail of the pancreas are removed. This procedure is most commonly used for islet cell (endocrine) cancer of the pancreas and is rarely used for cancer of the exocrine pancreas.
If the cancer has spread and it cannot be removed, the doctor may do surgery to relieve symptoms. If the cancer is blocking the small intestine and bile builds up in the gallbladder, the doctor may do surgery to go around (bypass) all or part of the small intestine. During this operation, the doctor will cut the gallbladder or bile duct and sew it to the small intestine. This is called biliary bypass.
Surgery or X-ray procedures may also be done to put in a tube (catheter) to drain bile that has built up in the area. The catheter may drain through a tube to the outside of the body or it may go around the blocked area and drain the bile to the small intestine. In addition, if the cancer is blocking the flow of food from the stomach, the stomach may be sewn directly to the small intestine so the patient can continue to eat normally.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external radiation therapy) or from putting materials that produce radiation (radioisotopes) through thin plastic tubes in the area where the cancer cells are found (internal radiation therapy).
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Most anticancer drugs are injected into a vein (IV) or a muscle; some are given by mouth. Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment, meaning that the drugs flow through the bloodstream to nearly every part of the body to kill cancerous cells. It is generally given in cycles: A treatment period is followed by a recovery period, then another treatment period, and so on.
The use of biological therapy (using the body’s immune system to fight cancer) is being tested for pancreatic cancer. Biological therapy searches for ways that the cancer tissue is different from normal pancreas tissue, and tries to get the body to fight the cancer. It uses materials made by the body or made in a laboratory to boost, direct, or restore the body’s natural defenses against disease. Biological therapies are sometimes called biological response modifier (BRM) therapy or immunotherapy
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