Ways To Prevent Leukaemia Cancer

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Leukaemia cancer is blood cancer caused by the increase in the count of white blood cells in the human body. Leukaemia occurs most often in the above 55 age category, but it is also the most common cancer in the below 15 age category. As per Globocan 2020, over 15,000 new cases of leukaemia are diagnosed every year in India. Only some expert doctors like Dr Manish Singhal – the best oncology doctor in Delhi, can diagnose at the initial level and cure it. 

Types Of Leukaemia Cancer

The major types of leukaemia cancer are

  • Acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL)
  • Acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML)
  • Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)
  • Chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML)

Doctors classify leukaemia cancer based on two factors: 

  • Speed of progression:

i) Acute leukaemia

              ii) Chronic leukaemia

  • Types of cells affected: 

i) Lymphocytic leukaemia

ii) Myelogenous leukaemia

Ways to Prevent Leukaemia Cancer

Different types of leukaemia cancer cause different problems and show different symptoms. Fatigue, bruising, fever, recurring infections, vomiting, weight loss, and night sweats symptoms of leukaemia cancer. The following are some of the preventive methods to prevent leukaemia cancer.

  • Quit smoking

Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for leukaemia cancer. Smoking causes around 16 different cancer types. Our body is designed to deal with harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke but only within a limit. Cigarette smoke and the chemicals present in cigarette smoke have some connection with leukaemia cancer. Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of developing acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). 

The presence of benzene in cigarette smoke is a significant cause. It is proven that a smoker inhales 2 mg of benzene daily. Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do to prevent leukaemia. The number of cigarettes you smoke in a day increases the risk of leukaemia cancer, so reduce the count as a first step. 

  • Reduce chemical exposure

Benzene is a solvent used in the rubber industry, refineries, chemical plants, shoe industries, motor vehicle exhaust, glues, cleaning products, detergents, and paints. Long-term exposure to benzene causes leukaemia. Formaldehyde has also been associated with leukaemia. The presence of formaldehyde in pressed wood products causes leukaemia cancer. Many studies have proved that workers exposed to formaldehyde had more chromosomal changes in early white blood cells in the bone marrow. 

As a preventive method, use exterior-grade pressed wood products (least toxic type as it off-gases less and faster). Pesticides are one of the reasons for leukaemia in children and adults. Remember to use precautions when using gardening chemicals. If you have any doubts about leukaemia cancer, you can consult experts like Dr Manish Singhal – the best oncology doctor in Delhi.

  • Reduce body weight

Overweight and obese people can develop leukaemia easily. However, body weight can be controlled. Initiating some steps to keep a moderate weight can reduce the risk of leukaemia cancer. 

Prepare a balanced diet chart and follow it to reduce body weight. Regular physical activity can affect body conditions.  

Risk Factors of Leukaemia

The causes of leukaemia cancer are not known. So it is difficult to explain the exact prevention methods. Some of the risk factors of leukaemia are given below. 

  • History of radiation therapy (chemotherapy)

Chemotherapy affects healthy cells as well as cancer cells during the treatment. This is the reason for hair loss, anaemia, and diarrhoea during chemotherapy. In some cases, long-term exposure of normal cells to chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause the development of new types of cancer. 

Many drugs are given to cancer patients to kill cancer cells in chemotherapy. Experts assume that these drugs can damage the DNA in the bone marrow and trigger the production of harmful cancer blood cells, which lead to leukaemia.

The chemo works throughout the body, affecting some healthy cells of both the skin and the hair. Chemotherapy treatment can destroy cancer cells and control the spread of cancer cells. The high-energy beam in the radiation therapy damages cancer cells. The radiation damages the normal cells that come in its path. Due to this, studies prove that breast cancer patients may be at risk for developing leukaemia in the future.

  • Myelodysplastic syndromes

Myelodysplastic syndromes are closely related disorders that develop in the bone marrow. They occur due to the changes of the hematopoietic stem cells (immature cells) in which all the blood cells develop. Thus the bone marrow makes fewer red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The immature cell count increases and fills up the bone marrow; so there remains no space for the red and white blood cells and platelets. This overgrowth is called acute leukaemia cancer.

Myelodysplastic syndromes are commonly known as preleukemic conditions because some people with myelodysplastic syndromes are diagnosed with acute leukaemia in the future as a complication of the disease. 

  • Congenital diseases 

Some congenital diseases can increase your risk of developing acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL) and acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML). Some of the conditions are Klinefelter syndrome, Fanconi anaemia, Down syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Bloom syndrome, ataxia-telangiectasia, and neurofibromatosis.

  • Family history

Is leukaemia hereditary or not? Certain types of leukaemia are caused by some mutations in the DNA. These genetic mutations alter the regular procedure of normal blood cell production in the bone marrow and prevent these blood cells from proper functioning. These mutations are genetic; however not necessarily hereditary. Yes, of course, leukaemia is caused by mutations in the DNA, but they aren’t often inherited from the family (acquired gene mutation). Hereditary cancers like breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers can put families at risk.
If you have any symptoms of leukaemia, it’s time to consult a doctor. Prevention methods and risk factors of cancer knowledge can help you reduce the cancer impacts. If you search for a leukaemia cancer doctor in Delhi NCR, Cancer Consult India (CCI) is the right place. The best cancer doctor in Noida, Dr Manish Singhal, can help you conquer cancer.

Things No One Knows About Breast Cancer

Any medical condition can discomfort you and the situation gets worse when it’s severe and complicated. However, We usually relate our constant hair fall to cancer but do we know its seriousness when it triggers someone. Cancers are of various deadly types. Sometimes, a person may survive, but if it’s widespread around the body, the probability of saving that person is relatively low.

The one that mainly triggers women and becomes common every passing day is breast cancer. Breast cancer has recently gained a lot of recognition among everyone. Moreover, many awareness campaigns have come into existence to guide general citizens. Let’s talk about this fatal disease.

General understanding of breast cancer

As for your basic knowledge, cancer is a toxic condition in which a few body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to various parts of the body. Besides, it can start anywhere in the human body. Similarly, breast cancers first develop in cells of the breast and then gradually spread to the whole breast to distinct parts of the body if not appropriately cured on time.

Breast cancer In India

As per the reports released by ICMR and the Bengaluru-based national centre for disease information and research, 2,38,908 breast cancer cases are found among women in India. In addition, it will also be considered the most common cancer among ladies by 2025.

India’s breast cancer survival rate is compressing rapidly, mainly due to its lack of awareness and poor early screening and diagnosis rates. The metropolitan cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai are on significant hits. However, most hospitals in such cities have proper arrangements for the treatments.

Unfortunately, if any of you has been the victim of it, you can suggest that they opt for breast cancer treatment In Delhi. Consequently, Delhi is not just the capital city of our country but also facilitates top-notch medical management. However, finding the best breast cancer doctor in Delhi/NCR won’t be a piece of cake, but still, it’s always better to consult the best doctor who specialises in these cases.

Symptoms of breast cancer

As the breast shapes and size vary from woman to woman. Likewise, the symptoms of breast cancer are diverse and different in different individuals. Sometimes, the women may not appear to have any symptoms but still catch breast cancers. We have mentioned below some common symptoms of breast cancer.

  • Lumps: these are the most common and earliest symptoms of breast cancer. The person might expect a new node in the breast or near the armpit. However, it can be a false alarm. Also, these lumps can be cysts(tiny fluid-filled sacs) or Fibrocystic (a condition in which the breast turns lumpy, tender, or sore).
  • Swelling in different parts of the breast.
  • The nipple area might be exposed to redness, itching, and flaky skin.
  • Nipple might discharge blood or other somewhat fluid rather than breast milk.
  • Change in size and shape, including pain in any area.

Let’s clear up some myths.

Many myths regarding breast cancers were raised when this disease caused prominence among people. Let’s clear some of those.

  • Family history is not required: many people have a misconception that if they don’t have breast cancer history in their family, they won’t get it. On the other hand, most people living with breast cancer have no family history. Moreover, only 5-10 percent of breast cancer cases are expected to be inherited. Rest are influenced by work, environment, and lifestyle.
  • There is no relation between a bra and cancer: it is a myth that wearing a bra can improve the risk of catching breast cancer. Moreover, this was based on the theory that wearing an underwired bra can limit the progression of lymph liquid out of the breast, making harmful substances develop in the tissue.
  • Consuming too much sugar causes diabetes and obesity, not cancer: there is a common myth that consuming sugar can raise cancer risk. However, all cells use sugar as fuel to speed their growth, but there is no scientific evidence that sugar increases cancer risk. Nevertheless, some studies established that people with obesity and diabetes tend to catch breast cancer faster. But there is no direct relation.

Let’s talk about some facts.

  • You can prevent breast cancer by balancing your life with a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercising and maintaining weight can lower the risk of this fatal disease. Moreover, avoiding alcohol can also have a positive impact on it.
  • Moreover, the breast cancer rate among men is shallow. As per the data, only 0.5-1% of men suffer. However, the percentage is still not zero. So far, males can also associate with it.
  • Women over 40 get screening tests or mammograms even if they don’t have a family history of cancer. However, women under age 40 are also found to have breast cancer.
  • Double or full mastectomy is not the only treatment option. We have discovered more options with grading up science, like separating a healthy part from cancer cells and reconstructing the new breast while removing the original one.

The breast cancer survivors’ rates have been increased due to upgrading intelligence and curing it in early stages. However, people are still unaware of unknown facts about breast cancer, like breast cancer is not always in the form of a lump sometimes. It can show different symptoms, as mentioned above in the article.
Our nation is still rooted in orthodoxy and avoids talking regarding facts about breast cancer in India. In addition, breast cancer in India has become a significant issue every four minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. Visit our site to know more.

Difference Between Leukemia and Blood Cancer

Bone marrow is present inside specific bones in the human body, such as those in the legs and hips. It includes stem cells, which aids in the formation of all blood cells, like: 

  • red blood cells (transport oxygen to all other cells in the body and remove carbon dioxide), 
  • white blood cells (which fight infection-causing organisms) 
  • and platelets (cell fragments that form blood clots to stop bleeding).

The body generally generates these cells in a controlled manner, producing only the required amount for proper bodily function. Cells, however, may become aberrant, and when the body creates too many of one type of cell, it can lead to cancer.

Blood cancer is a wider term that refers to several malignancies. Blood cancer begins in blood cells and spreads throughout the body via the circulation of the lymphatic system. Blood cancers are categorised according to the kind of cell that has become malignant, the location of cancer and how quickly the disease develops. Leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma are the three most prevalent forms of blood cancer.

Leukaemia develops in the bone marrow, involves the white blood cells, and then into the circulation. White blood cells are effective infection fighters; they typically develop and regularly divide as per the body’s needs. However, in patients with leukaemia, the bone marrow generates an abnormally large number of white blood cells. The excess white blood cells are ineffective.

Causes of leukaemia:

In general, leukaemia develops when the DNA of some blood cells undergo alterations (mutations). The DNA of a cell includes instructions that guide the cell on what to do next. Usually, the DNA instructs the cell to develop at a specific rate and die at a specific period. The mutations in leukaemia signal the blood cells to keep growing and dividing. 

When this happens, the creation of blood cells spirals out of control. With time, these mutated cells in the bone marrow might overwhelm healthy red blood cells and platelets, resulting in fewer healthy white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, resulting in leukaemia symptoms.

Symptoms of leukaemia:

The symptoms of leukaemia differ based on different kinds of leukaemia. The following are some of the most common signs and symptoms of leukaemia:

  • Chills or fever
  • Fatigue and weakness that persists
  • Infections that reoccur or are severe
  • Losing weight without making an effort
  • Lymph node swelling, liver or spleen enlargement
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Repeated nosebleeds
  • Small red patches on your skin
  • Sweating excessively, especially at night Bone discomfort or soreness
  • Headaches
  • Vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Breathing difficulty

Classification of leukaemia:

  • Speed of leukaemia progression:
  • Acute leukaemia: 

The aberrant blood cells in acute leukaemia are immature (blasts), unable to carry out their regular tasks and multiply rapidly, causing the illness to deteriorate fast. Acute leukaemia needs immediate and vigorous therapy.

  • Chronic leukaemia:

Chronic leukaemia has various types. Some generate excess cells, while some produce too few cells. Chronic leukaemia contains highly developed blood cells that grow at a slower pace and can function properly over a period of time. Some types of chronic leukaemia have no early signs and might go undetected or untreated for years.

  • Type of white blood cells affected:
  • Lymphocytic leukaemia: 

It affects lymphoid cells (lymphocytes), which constitute lymphoid or lymphatic tissue and are important for the immune system.

  • Myelogenous leukaemia: 

Myeloid cells are affected by this kind of leukaemia. Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelet-producing cells are all manufactured by myeloid cells.

Types of leukaemia:

The following are the most common forms of leukaemia:

  • Acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL): 

ALL is the most prevalent form of leukaemia in children. ALL might affect adults as well.

  • Acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML): 

AML is a form of leukaemia that is frequent; It affects both children and adults. It is the most prevalent form of acute leukaemia in adults.

  • Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL): 

The most prevalent chronic adult leukaemia, CLL, can make one feel well for years without therapy.

  • Chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML): 

CML is a kind of leukemia that mostly affects adults. An individual with CML may have little or no symptoms for months or years before experiencing a stage where the leukemic cells increase more quickly.

Diagnosis of leukaemia:

The following tests are used to look for symptoms of leukaemia:

  • Blood tests: 

A complete blood count (CBC) examines the quantity and maturity of several kinds of blood cells. A blood smear searches for abnormal or immature cells.

  • Bone marrow biopsy: 

Marrow is extracted from the pelvic bone to determine the type and severity of leukaemia.

  • Spinal tap: 

Fluid from the spinal cord is extracted to check the spread of leukaemia.

  • Imaging tests: 

Laboratories can detect leukaemia with imaging tests such as CT, MRI, and PET scans.

Treatment of leukaemia:

The treatment of leukaemia is determined by its type, spread and health of the patient. The main treatments are:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation
  • Biologic therapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Stem cell transplant
  • Surgery

Leukaemia and blood cancer:

Blood cancer is a phrase used by individuals with no medical expertise to describe any kind of cancer involving blood cells in any manner. Leukaemia is another term used to describe any type of cancer. 

When one type of cell begins circulating in the blood more rapidly than it should, both are descriptive words rather than the terms of particular blood cancer diseases. Thus, they are not the same, but leukaemia is used to describe various blood cancers.

 Leukemia cancer doctor in Noida and Delhi, NCR:Make an appointment with Cancer Consult India to determine the top leukaemia cancer doctor in Noida and Delhi, NCR. We would suggest consulting Dr Manish Singhal, a cancer specialist who is among the best leukaemia cancer doctors in Delhi, NCR.

Top Breast Cancer Treatment in Delhi

Breast cancer treatments are constantly developing and advancing. In the last two years, new perspectives on cancer therapy have led to intriguing findings for therapeutics in the investigation. Today’s cancer treatments are more advanced and capable of reversing the growth of breast cancer while also protecting the standard of living. 

Many therapeutic methods for curing stage 4, or metastatic, breast cancer have emerged in recent years, considerably boosting survival rates. Cancer specialist doctors in various fields of cancer treatment, such as surgery, interventional radiology, and medical oncology, collaborate with radiologists and scientists to develop a patient’s overall treatment regimen, which incorporates many types of breast cancer treatments.

What is breast cancer?

Cancer in the body starts developing when changes known as mutations happen in genes that control cell growth. These mutations allow the cells to divide and increase uncontrollably. Breast cancer is a common cancer type where a tumor grows in breast cells. Usually, the cancer cells in breast cancer grow either in the lobules or the canals of the breast. 

These lobules in the breast are small, tube-like projections that house milk glands. Milk gets transported from the lobes to the nipples via these small ducts that bind the glands, lobules, and lobes. The nipple remains located in the center of the areola, which is the brownish area surrounding the nipple.

The breast also possesses blood arteries that transport blood and sustain cells. The lymph vessels drain waste items from the body. And breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women. It can affect both men and women, but women are more likely to get diagnosed with breast cancer. 

In addition, those diagnosed while the cancer is still in the primary stage and has not spread possess the best chance of survival as the more developed cancer, the less likely it will be curable.

What are the different types of treatment available?

Mentioned hereunder are some of the latest and most effective treatments available for breast cancer patients. 

Mastectomy

The surgical resection of the entire breast is known as a mastectomy. Doctors advise this treatment when cancer gets spread across the breast. Also, some people will have double or multiple mastectomies, which involves the removal of both breasts. Breast reconstruction surgery might begin at the same time as the mastectomy or a later period.

Lumpectomy

A lumpectomy, often known as a breast-conserving operation, involves the surgeon removing malignant cells while leaving the rest of the breast intact. It is a possibility when the cancer is limited to a single region of the breast.

Breast reconstruction

In breast reconstruction surgery, a surgeon uses an artificial implant or a flap of tissue from elsewhere on your body to create a breast shape. Doctors usually perform breast reconstruction surgery during or shortly after a mastectomy or lumpectomy, but patients can likewise undergo this surgery months or years later. 

Artificial reconstruction and cell flap restoration are the two forms of reconstruction operations. A cosmetic surgeon uses a synthetic implant filled with salt water or silicone to create the contour of a breast in artificial reconstruction. Also, doctors will utilize tissue from other parts of your body, such as your belly, back, thighs, or glutes, to rebuild the contour of your breasts during tissue flap surgery.

Radiation treatment

Radiation treatment is a sort of cancer immunotherapy in which cancer specialists use high-energy X-rays to kill cancerous cells and inhibit their spread. Doctors prescribe radiation treatment in the initial stages of breast cancer, following a lumpectomy for Stage 0 breast cancers, used in conjunction with other treatments. 

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment where doctors use heavy medications to kill cancerous cells throughout your body. It is usually taken surgically or orally via pills. However, it is occasionally injected directly into the bloodstream surrounding the brain and spinal cord. 

Chemotherapy is not necessary for everyone who develops breast cancer. Also, cancer specialists usually prescribe this before surgery to shrink a tumor or after surgery to destroy any leftover cancer cells. In addition, chemotherapy is likewise the most effective breast cancer treatment that doctors use to treat cancer in its initial stage. 

Breast cancer hormone treatment

Approximately two out of every three breast cancer patients are hormone-receptor-positive. It indicates that breast cancer cells multiply by sticking to hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Hormone treatment, also known as endocrine therapy, prevents these hormones from sticking to cancer cells, preventing their spread. 

Hormone therapy comes in various forms, but many function by lowering estrogen levels and blocking estrogen from attaching to cancer cells. Hormone treatment is most commonly used after surgery to reduce the odds of cancer recurrence, and it is a long-term treatment continued for at least 5 to 10 years.

Author’s Note

Breast cancer treatment usually depends on the stage it gets determined. Hence if you notice any susceptible changes in your breast, it is best to see a doctor. Cancer specialists during the breast examination will examine both the breasts to spot symptoms of breast cancer as the earlier it gets detected, the higher the survival rates. Also, a cancer specialist will examine your other body parts to identify whether the symptoms you bear indicate breast cancer or any other underlying health condition. 

If you are looking for the best breast cancer doctor in Delhi, visit Dr. Manish Singhal. Dr. Manish Singhal holds the eminence of the most qualified oncologist known for rendering the most advanced breast cancer treatment in Delhi

Is Lung Cancer Genetic?

Lung Cancer constitutes more than 9% of deaths caused by cancer and it can be daunting. It is the most common type of cancer. You may have family members with lung cancer and people might have told you that it is genetic. But in this world of misinformation, it is very difficult to find facts. So here is all you need to know about lung cancer genetic testing and genetic testing for lung cancer risk.

Causes of lung cancer

  • Smoking

Smoking, as well as second-hand smoke inhalation, create about 80%  of total lung cancer deaths. Air pollution can also cause lung cancer.

  • Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that can be subjected to through the air. People who work in labour-intensive industries like  plumbing, mechanical works or near the sea, etc have a risk of being exposed to asbestos. Prolonged asbestos exposure can cause lung cancer in the healthiest of people. If working in environments where such exposure is imminent, one should talk to the doctor and take appropriate precautionary measures.

  • Chemicals

Other workplace substances that might cause lung cancer include diesel exhaust fumes, arsenic, nickel, silica, soot, coal, radon, etc.

  • Radon poisoning

A person can be vulnerable to radon poisoning even if they have no workplace relationship with it. Radon is a radioactive gas that can occur from the natural breakdown of soil, rocks, water, etc. It can seep through homes from the ground, into the air, through cracks holes and sometimes just doors. It is impossible to check for radon without professional testing as it is a colourless and odourless gas.

Is it genetic?

About 8% of patients with lung cancer carry a genetic predisposition for it. At times even if the genes themselves don’t make you sick, they make you susceptible to developing lung cancer through other generic means like smoking and chemicals. Genes cause some specific types of mutations in cancer cells. Tumour suppressor genes with mutations permit cells to replicate without limit, which thus causes tumours. 

Some other types of mutations limit your body’s abilities to expel toxic substances and chemicals from your body or prevent cells from self-repair. While lung cancer can largely be inherited, sometimes the risk factor might be environments that families are collectively exposed to, for example, radon infected homes.

Genetic testing for risk of lung cancer

While a lot of people test themselves for genes of lung cancer, it is not very likely that a person with these genes will develop cancer. Genes increase the risk of developing cancer through other means like smoking or eating tobacco, even in small quantities. However, this argument would be redundant because doctors recommend “no smoking” to all.

Genetic testing is more useful in deciding treatments after you develop lung cancer. Some people with NSCLC- non-small-cell-lung cancer have mutations in two prominent genes – the EGFR gene (10% people) and the KRAS gene (25% people). The treatments then target these specific genes to make them more effective.

Treatments – Is lung cancer curable?

Several things factor into the treatment a patient receives for lung cancer. For example –

1.   Type – The kind of lung cancer you have , for eg.- small-cell or non-small-cell, etc and how you have developed the cancer, like smoking, genetics, etc. 

2.   Stage – How far along it is, how much it has developed, has it spread to other body parts, etc. 

3.   Malignant or Metastasised – Whether the cancer is limited to one portion of your lungs or if it is spreading or has spread to the rest of your body.

4.   Side effects – Specific treatments can have different side effects on your body depending on your age and other comorbidities.

5.   Budget – In India, complex medical treatments can cost a handsome fee and many people are unable to afford quality treatment. So, many patients at times opt to go through with the treatments and then hope for the best.

The kinds of treatments available are:

  • Surgery: Doctors opt for surgery when cancer has not spread too far and in the case of NSCLCs. In times of need, they might choose to remove an entire lung. Your doctor may use a thoracoscope, which is a flexible tube inserted through a tiny incision, it examines the chest and gets rid of the tissue. It is generally not possible to remove small-cell lung cancer through surgeries.
  • Bronchoscopy: Tumours can grow to block a patient’s airways and cause shortness of breath. Doctors attach lasers to a tube, this is called a bronchoscope, and burn away parts of the tumour that may be blocking your airways. It can be used to place stents that will keep your airways open and help in breathing.
  • Thoracentesis: Pleural effusion, is the build-up of fluid in your chest cavity or lungs can cause similar symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain. This procedure places a small tube in your chest which drains the fluid, the doctor may choose to leave it there if the build-up doesn’t stop.
  • Radiofrequency Ablation: A thin needle inserted through your skin that touches the tumour will pass an electric current that heats and kills the cancer cells.
  • Immunotherapy: It stimulates the body’s immune system to fight cancer on its own.
  • Radiation: High-energy X-rays are aimed at a tumour through machines to destroy it. This helps attain relief from symptoms like pain or bleeding. This is often used to decrease the size of the tumour before surgery.
  • Chemotherapy: These are medicines given to a patient in intervals of time. You may receive a single drug or a mix of several different ones, based on the doctor’s prescription.

Author’s note

It is to be kept in mind that in most cases, doctors opt to use a combination of several different treatments. While not always successful, through the right approach, lung cancer is very much curable.

Dr Manish Singhal is a medical oncologist and is an ECMO Gold Medalist, from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). He is also the executive committee member of the Indian Society of Medical and Pediatric Oncology. In the times of COVID-19, he has been conducting special video consultations and his clinic has been taking special precautions as per the guidelines. If you are looking for a lung cancer doctor in Delhi, NCR Dr Manish Singhal is popularly known to be the best Cancer specialist in Delhi.

How does lung cancer affect the body?

Lung cancer is one of the two most common cancers in the world. In India alone, it constitutes about 6.9% of all new cancer cases and 9.3% of all cancer-related deaths in males & females.

Lung cancer begins in the cells of the lungs. It is nothing like cancer that starts somewhere else and spreads to the lungs. The primary symptoms of lung cancer involve the respiratory system, but in later stages, it can spread to distant organs as well.

In all it’s stages, lung cancer is treatable by specialists like Dr. Manish Singhal, the best lung cancer doctor in Delhi NCR.

However, the question we’re answering here relates to lung cancer’s effect on the body as a whole.

Lung cancer’s effect on the body

Lung cancer does not just affect your lungs. It is cancer after all, and it can spread. Once you have a tumor in your lung/s, the cancer cells can easily break off, forming new tumors nearby or anywhere in the body if it enters the lymphatic system or bloodstream. They can travel anywhere then, and this is called metastasis.

Commonly lung cancer spreads to:

-Lymph nodes

-Bones

-Brain

-Liver

-Adrenal Glands

Depending on where the cancer migrates, different organs/systems are affected.

An in-depth look:

  • Respiratory system

Most lung cancer patients do not have any symptoms at first. However, if they do, they might have frequent bouts of bronchitis or pneumonia. They can sound hoarse or notice other changes in their voice.

Then comes persistent cough which will eventually become intense and produce mucus. With disease progression, mucus can change color or have blood in it. A hacking cough can cause chest pain which worsens with breathing or cough.

Shortness of breath, wheezing, becoming breathless even on little exertion is seen.

The respiratory system is the first system to be affected by lung cancer, and that is why this is where the primary symptoms are seen, according to top cancer doctors.

  • Circulatory and cardiovascular systems

Cancer cells can make their way into the bloodstream and spread through the circulatory system throughout the body.

People with lung cancer can cough up blood, have fatal blood clots, can cause pulmonary embolism, etc. Lung cancer can also spread to the heart or the pericardial sac. (Rare) Radiation toxicity due to lung cancer can damage the cells of the heart.

Ask any oncologist in Noida, pan India, or worldwide, they’ll confirm.

  • Immune & excretory systems

If lung cancer has metastasized to nearby lymph nodes, it can form lumps and bumps around your collarbone, neck, or armpits and cause neck or facial swelling. According to experts, some types of lung cancer can cause hormone-like substances to enter the bloodstream and cause “paraneoplastic syndromes.”

If it has spread to the liver, it can cause jaundice or liver pain.

  • Central nervous system

Lung cancer, if it has spread to the brain, can cause memory problems, visual changes, dizziness, seizures, numbness of the limbs, weakness of the limbs, an unsteady gait, balance problems, etc. Not only that, but it can also cause Horner’s syndrome, which affects the face & the neck.

  • Skeletal and muscular systems

If lung cancer has spread to the bones, it can cause bone and muscle pain, weakened bones, and an increased risk of fracture. If a cancer doctor performs an X-ray, he/she can detect it easily.

Some types of lung cancer are associated with an autoimmune disorder that interrupts the signals from the nerves to the muscles, Lambert-Eaton syndrome.

These are only a few examples. Lung cancer can also affect hormonal balance, weight, appetite, and more.

Winding up

Lung cancer affects more than the lungs. But today, with the advent of modern medicine, it can be treated and managed very well. The best way to do it is to consult an expert of repute like Dr. Manish Singhal, a leading cancer specialist in Delhi NCR.

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Important things to know about leukemia

Approximately 300,000 new cases of leukemia, which is 2.8% of all new cancer cases, are diagnosed each year globally.

Leukemia is a cancer of the body’s blood-forming tissues, including but not limited to the bone marrow and lymphatic system. In people with leukemia, the bone marrow produces an excessive amount of abnormal white blood cells, which don’t function properly.

In India, the average number of cases per year ranges from 2.7 to 387. 

There is no data to conclusively show that the incidence of blood cancer, including leukemia, is rising in India. However, the number of bone marrow transplants has been steadily increasing every year. Which makes it evident that, in all probability, blood cancer might also be on the rise. 

Studies show that India ranks 3rd highest in reported cases of Blood Cancer, after the US and China. 

While leukemia is a widely occurring cancer, there are several important things about the disease that people may not know. Asking a leukemia cancer doctor in Noida or elsewhere can help fill the information gap. Until then, we’re offering titbits of important information about leukemia here. 

Important facts about leukemia

  • Leukemia can occur at any age. While the cancer occurs most often in adults older than 55, it is also the most common cancer in children younger than 15. Not only that, but it is also one out of three cancers affecting people younger than 20.  
  • Not all leukemias are alike. It primarily has two major kinds, chronic and acute. While acute leukemia develops in immature cells called blasts and grows rapidly, requiring immediate treatment, chronic leukemia develops slowly in more mature cells. Cells affected by chronic leukemia can behave normally for a long time before they start growing rapidly. So, chronic leukemia can go unnoticed for years. 
  • There are four major types of leukemia. The types are acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Different types involve different kinds of cells.  ALL and CLL occur within the immune system while AML and CML involve myeloid cells, giving rise to blood cells & platelets. 
  • All types of leukemia are not fast progressing. So, they do not need to be treated right away. People with chronic leukemia, for example, when they’re not showing any symptoms, do not need treatment. Instead, an approach called “watchful waiting” is taken by a cancer doctor to keep an eye on the disease progression. However, patients, if concerned, can ask for reevaluation at any time. 
  • Children and adults can get different types of leukemia. ALL accounts for 3 out of 4 cases of leukemia in children & teenagers. Most other cases are of AML. In contrast, AML is the most common type of leukemia in adults, followed by CLL. It is unknown why different types of leukemia affect different age groups. 
  • Most children and adults who get leukemia survive. The 5-year survival rate of children below 15 with leukemia is above 90%. The 5-year survival rate of adults with leukemia is also way above 60%. 

Leukemia-A deeper dive

The 5-year survival rate for all subtypes of leukemia is 61.4 percent.

Symptoms of leukemia depend on the type of leukemia. However, the common symptoms are: 

  • Fever or chills
  • Persistent fatigue, weakness
  • Frequent or severe infections
  • Losing weight without trying
  • Swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen
  • Easy bleeding or bruising
  • Recurrent nosebleeds
  • Tiny red spots in your skin (petechiae)
  • Excessive sweating, especially at night
  • Bone pain or tenderness

Treatment options for leukemia:

Once again, the treatment of leukemia depends on the type of leukemia. For more in-depth information, you can always consult an expert like Dr. Manish Singhal, a top blood cancer doctor in Noida. But, here we’ll tell you about the treatments available. 

  • Chemotherapy
  • Targeted Therapy
  • Radiation Therapy
  • Bone marrow transplant
  • Immunotherapy
  • CAR-T therapy
  • Participating in clinical trials for new treatments

In conclusion…
Leukemia is a treatable disease. The best way to beat leukemia is to understand it. We’ve given a brief idea about a few important factors of leukemia here. For more information or help with treatment, you can always consult a top cancer doctor like Dr. Manish Singhal, the best oncologist in Delhi NCR.

Earliest Signs Of Stomach Cancer

When it comes to the chances of being diagnosed with cancer, many get terrified by hearing it and think it can’t be cured. But contrary to popular belief, if the symptoms of cancer can be detected at an early stage, it can be cured appropriately with therapy and medicine and proper consultation with the doctor.

Irregular growth of cells is cancer, also called malignancy. Including breast cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphoma, there are more than 100 types of cancer but depending upon the type, symptoms differ.

Stomach Cancer

 Stomach cancer also referred to as gastric cancer, is caused by uncontrolled stomach cell formation. According to Dr Manish Singhal, a stomach cancer doctor in Noida, this tumour can occur in any of the layers of this organ, including mucosa, muscle, and serosa.

Owing to the pandemic, treatment, and management of stomach cancer has become complicated. To cope with the situation and doing what is best for patients, Dr Manish Singhal, the best oncologist in Delhi NCR and his team has begun to deliver some innovative and unique treatment plans including home chemotherapy and telemedicine facilities.

Although the specific cause of gastric cancer is not understood, it can be cured if the patient consults a doctor to find early-stage symptoms. There are many risk factors connected with this disorder, which is why detecting the symptoms earlier on can help you fight the disease more efficiently.

What are the first signs of stomach cancer?

Many early symptoms of stomach cancer have been pinpointed by many cancer doctors which include-

  • Nausea and vomiting: Regurgitating solid food in particular shortly after consumption is one of the most significant silent symptoms of stomach cancer. The vomit may contain blood.
  • Feeling full after consuming a small amount (early satiety): After eating small quantities of food, many patients experience the feeling of ‘fullness’ in their upper abdomen.
  • Bloody stools: Some patients experience rectal bleeding that can be observed in their faeces, toilet bowl, or toilet paper by seeing dark, tar-looking blood. This suggests bleeding from the small intestine’s stomach or upper part.
  • Unexplained weight loss: A lack of appetite and rapid or unexplained weight loss may be experienced in patients.

Many of these signs, like a stomach infection or an ulcer, are more likely to be caused by conditions other than cancer. But if you’re experiencing these symptoms, you should check with your doctor so that the cause can be identified and handled accordingly, especially if they don’t go away or get worse.

Since signs of stomach cancer frequently do not appear until the disease is advanced, in India, only around 1 in 10 stomach cancers occur at an early stage before spreading to other areas of the body.
Cancer Specialist in Delhi – Dr. Manish Singhal has years of experience in dealing with these symptoms and has offered a proper treatment plan to many of his patients. To assure a painless treatment experience, you should consult the best Oncologist in Delhi NCR, to get the best stomach cancer treatment options which will suit your needs and medical history.

Also Read: Things to do to reduce risk of Lung Cancer

Breast cancer detection using machine learning

According to research, breast cancer commonly affects women. It accounts for nearly 25% of the world’s total cancer cases. It has affected over 2.1 million people in the year 2015. The possibility of early diagnosis has significantly improved a cancer patient’s chances of survival. The main problem during cancer detection is classifying tumors as benign or malignant. Once classified, the best oncologist in Delhi NCR will recommend the most effective treatments and use the right machines to make regular and accurate diagnosis reports.

Introduction to Machine Learning detection

Here, a machine automatically classifies cancer images as benign or malignant. The best breast cancer doctor in Delhi can efficiently use this procedure to fast track the detection of malignant breast cancer.

Problem statement

In the early stages, the cancer diagnosis is based on first-hand observation of physical features. Some typical examples of these features are:

  • Symmetry.
  • Variations in the radius of the growth.
  • Texture- principal divergence in the grey value scale.
  • The smoothness of the area.
  • The compactness of the tumor.
  • Fractal dimensions. 

Data input

Spyder is used to import critical data. The data is then examined using the pandas’ head technique. Diagnosis is the column in which the prediction is made. ‘M’ stands for malignant, and ‘B’ stands for benign. 

Categorical Data

This type of data is a variable that contains label values rather than numerical values. The number of possible value outcomes often has a fixed limit. 

The data will be split into test data and training data. The training data comprises known results for the machine to learn and generalize data. The test data will assess the machine’s prediction on the given subset.

Feature scaling

Datasets will have significantly varying units, ranges, and magnitudes. Furthermore, almost all machines use Euclidean distance for computation between two data points. To get the best cancer treatment in Delhi NCR, it is imperative to bring them down to a level of equivalency. This process can be conducted through the scaling of data. Therefore, you need to modify your data to fit into a specific scale.

Model Selection

It also is popularly known as an algorithm selection. Model Selection predicts accurate results. These algorithms can be classified into two types of learning. They are:

1. Supervised Learning- It is a system in which the output and input data are provided to the model. Both these types of data are effectively categorized to form a firm foundational base for future data processing. They are further divided into classifications and regression.

2. Unsupervised Learning- It is a type of algorithm that uses unclassified and unlabeled data. Unsupervised learning allows the algorithm to act on the data without any direction. 

Finding a cancer specialist in Delhi can be a tedious task. Dr. Manish Singhal is a highly recommended breast cancer doctor who has helped many breast cancer patients survive their ordeal. You also visit him if you’re looking for an oncologist in Noida.

Also Read: Progressive Treatment Options for Breast Cancer

Cancer treatment Update: Recent Breakthroughs in Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a method of treating cancer by making your immune system ready to fight it. The immune system of a person helps him/her in fighting infections and diseases. Consisting of the lymph system’s tissues, organs, and white blood cells, the immune system generates antibodies for fighting diseases. 

Considered a biological therapy, it uses elements made from living organisms for treating cancer. A lot of people wonder as to how effective is immunotherapy as a cancer treatment. This article will carry some insights from the best oncologist in Delhi NCR regarding the recent developments in immunotherapy for cancer.

How does immunotherapy help treat cancer?

The penultimate function of the immune system is to detect and destroy abnormal cells and prevent the growth of different cancers. For example, you can sometimes find immune cells in and around tumors. These cells are called tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and show signs of how the immune system responds to cancer. According to cancer treatment research, patients whose bodies have tumors containing TILs usually do better than the patients whose tumors do not have TILs. Immunotherapy, therefore, makes the immune system more reliable and helps it to act better against cancer.

Types of immunotherapy

The various types of immunotherapies used for treating cancer are mentioned below:

  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: These are specialized drugs that help in blocking the immune checkpoints. The immune checkpoints help in keeping the immune responses from being too strong. These drugs block them and allow the immune cells to respond efficiently.
  • T-cell Transfer Therapy: This therapy boosts the ability of your body’s T-Cells to fight cancer. It is also called Adoptive Immunotherapy. 
  • Monoclonal Antibodies: These are the proteins for the immune system, created in a lab to act on specific and dangerous cancerous cells. These antibodies are also called therapeutic antibodies. 
  • Treatment Vaccines: These vaccines boost the response of your immune system against the cancer cells. 
  • Immune System Modulators: These modulators enhance the response of the body against cancer. Some of them target general parts of the immune system, and the others target specific regions.

Recent breakthroughs in immunotherapy for cancer

According to cancer specialist in Delhi, there are two immunotherapy approaches, namely cancer vaccines, and CART cells. The CART cells will have additional genetic modifications that will help them be suitable for other solid cancers. The vaccines targeting the neo-antigens are now capable of initiating the immune system’s responses against various forms of cancer. The cost of these vaccines has gone down, and therefore, for achieving more benefit, they will be paired with other treatments for enabling vaccine-associated immune responses. The other emerging areas of research are biomarkers and microbiome. The advancements in these will help the immune system generate better responses against the cancer cells.
Dr. Manish Singhal is a senior oncologist in Noida, who is also the best cancer doctor in Delhi NCR. Currently, he is the head of the Medical Oncology Department and is a Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology at Apollo Hospital. Having been educated and trained at AIIMS, he is an expert in intensive protocols, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormonal therapy, etc. He has more than 11 years of experience, and he is the best doctor for cancer treatments in Delhi NCR.

Also Read: Advancements and improvements in surgery for cancer in recent times