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Diabetes is a chronic(lifelong) disease marked by high levels of sugar in the blood.Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas to control blood sugar. Diabetes can be caused by too little insulin, resistance to insulin, or both.To understand di...
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Detailed information on diabetes and pregnancy Diabetes is a condition where sufficient amounts of insulin are either not produced or the body is unable to use the insulin that is produced. Insulin is the hormone that allows glucose to enter the cells of the body to provide fuel. When glucose cannot enter the cells, it builds up in the blood and the body's cells literally starve to death.
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This report provides advice about how to prevent or treat the most common form of diabetes. Learn about the components of a healthy diet and how to lose weight, and have fun trying out new recipes.
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This report includes information on blood sugar monitoring, diet and activity, insulin and other medications, insulin delivery systems, and innovations in treatment.
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Diabetes affects every part of your life, and it can create problems that aren't easy to talk about with your health care provider.
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Detailed information on type 2 diabetes, including cause, symptom, prevention, risk factors, and treatment
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Detailed information on type 1 diabetes, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and statistics
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Detailed information on type 2 diabetes, including causes, prevention, risk factors, and treatment
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Detailed information on special considerations for teenagers with diabetes Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by a failure to secrete enough insulin, or, in some cases, the cells do not respond appropriately to the insulin that is produced. Because insulin is needed by the body to convert glucose into energy, these failures result in abnormally high levels of glucose accumulating in the blood. Diabetes may be a result of other conditions such as genetic syndromes, chemicals, drugs, malnutrition, infections, viruses, or other illnesses.
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Detailed information on diabetes, including type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and maturity-onset diabetes in the young
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Detailed information on diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic disorders that affect children
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List of online resources to find additional information on diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic disorders
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Detailed information on diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic disorders that affect children
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Detailed information on teens and diabetes Although the teenage years can be a challenge for any child as he/she goes through sexual and emotional changes, it can be especially trying for adolescents with diabetes. Adolescents inherently want to "fit in." Being different in any way from his/her peers can be emotionally stressful, especially for the teenager.
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Detailed information on type 1 diabetes, including causes, symptoms, and treatment
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Detailed information on diabetes, including type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, teens and diabetes, and diet and diabetes
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Detailed information on type 1 diabetes, including causes, symptoms, complications, and treatment
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Detailed information on diabetes, including the different types of diabetes and potential complications of diabetes
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Detailed information on the most common types of diabetes complications and ways to prevent future problems
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If you have diabetes, you are two to four times more likely to have heart disease than someone without diabetes. You can control your health risks by making some changes in your life.
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Most of us know that diabetes can lead to severe complications, such as blindness, kidney disease and amputations. But did you know that diabetes also greatly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease?
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Diabetes is a chronic disease that involves the regulation of blood sugar and occurs in two different forms, type 1 and type 2.
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Everyone feels down at times, but diabetics are especially prone to depression. An unhappy period that's intense or lasts for more than a couple of weeks can be a sign of depression. Depression is a serious illness.
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Carbohydrates are your body's main source of glucose, a special kind of sugar. Your dietitian will probably recommend that 55 to 60 percent of your calories come from carbohydrates. There are two types of carbohydrates: complex and simple.
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If you have diabetes, wearing a medical identification (ID) bracelet or necklace at all times is a good idea.
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Living with diabetes may increase the likelihood of depression. The connection may be go both ways: information from a diabetes trial suggests the possibility of a link between antidepressant use and diabetes.
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The most important factors in the prevention of diabetes are weight control, regular exercise, a healthy low-fat diet (fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, and poultry), and not smoking.
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Is vitamin E good for diabetics?
Mary Pickett, M.D., is a lecturer for Harvard Medical School and an assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. At OHSU, she practices general internal medicine and teaches medical residents and students.
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Type 1 diabetes can be controlled by taking insulin, eating a proper diet, and being active. These help your child's body keep healthy blood sugar levels.
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Even small movements can greatly improve your health. Simple activity can also boost your mental outlook. And you may spend less money on your health care. Think of it this way: Small steps may take you a long distance.
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The incidence of diabetes has increased dramatically in recent years. Men should be tested for diabetes starting at age 45, because early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further complications.
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Is hair loss a common symptom of diabetes, and is it reversible? I have noticed that my hair has gotten very thin and I have recently been diagnosed with diabetes?
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I am a diabetic, and am allergic to eggs, which prevents my getting a flu shot. Can I receive a pneumonia shot? Also, are flu shots the only available medical preventative for the flu?
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Detailed information on diagnosis protocols for diabetes According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK):
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Detailed information on diabetes, including facts, statistics, types, diagnosis, complications, treatment, and management
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When you're sick, even with just a cold, your blood sugar level may rise. Ask your healthcare team to help you develop a sick-day plan for controlling blood sugar. Here are some guidelines.
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Detailed information on alcohol use in persons with diabetes Alcohol consumption can lower blood sugar levels to the point of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), causing symptoms. A person with diabetes should keep careful track of his/her blood sugar levels when drinking alcohol, because certain diabetes medications, including insulin, also lower blood glucose levels. If levels are too low, or if the stomach is empty, alcohol consumption should be avoided.
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Choose carefully and cook wisely. As you shop, think about how the foods you choose will fit into your meal plan. When you cook, try to cut down on sugar and fat. If you have high blood pressure, cut down on salt as well.
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Detailed information on heart disease and diabetes, including symptoms, prevention, and treatment
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Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM) is a condition that occurs during pregnancy. Like other forms of diabetes, GDM involves a defect in the way the body processes and uses sugars(glucose) in the diet.
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Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the pancreas no longer produces enough insulin or when cells stop responding to the insulin that is produced, so that glucose in the blood cannot be absorbed into the cells of the body. Symptoms include fr...
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Your meal plan tells you when to eat your meals and snacks, what kinds of foods to eat, and how much of each food to eat. You don't have to give up all the foods you like. But you do need to follow some guidelines.
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Having diabetes may mean adjustments at work and in your social life. But these changes need not keep you from succeeding at work and enjoying your leisure time.
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A Harvard Medical School physician answers your question about whether it is safe for a diabetic to take niacin to lower cholesterol.
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The diabetes drug Avandia may increase the risk of heart attack in those taking it. Other medications are as effective at lowering blood sugar without Avandia's risks.
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Harvard Medical School physician Celeste Robb-Nicholson, M.D. describes both the therapeutic and side effects of glucosamine on the body and how it relates to diabetes.
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The FDA has ordered a warning label be put on the diabetes drugs Avandia and Actos due to evidence from studies that the medications may increase the risk of heart attack or death from cardiovascular disease.
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Could a baby be diabetic from birth?
Leann M. Lesperance, M.D., Ph.D., is a lecturer on the Harvard Medical School faculty and a clinical assistant professor at SUNY-Upstate Medical University. She practices pediatrics in Binghamton, New York. She also holds a doctorate in medical engineering and is a research assistant professor in the Department of Bioengineering at Binghamton University.
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What is "late onset" diabetes type 1?
Mary Pickett, M.D., is a lecturer for Harvard Medical School and an assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. At OHSU, she practices general internal medicine and teaches medical residents and students.
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Researchers concluded that people with diabetes enter the high-risk group for heart disease an average of 15 years earlier than those without the disease.
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Diabetes mellitus describes a group of diseases in which there is an elevated level of the sugar glucose, the body''s main source of energy for cellular functions, in the blood. The level of glucose, as well as other"fuel" molecules, is increased d...
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Diabetes mellitus is a condition that occurs when either the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body''s cells stop responding to the insulin that is produced. In either case, glucose in the blood cannot be absorbed or used by the cells...
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Gestational diabetes is a condition that occurs during pregnancy. Like other forms of diabetes, gestational diabetes involves a defect in the way the body processes and uses sugars(glucose) in the diet.
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Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease in which the body is not able to correctly process glucose for cell energy due to either an insufficient amount of the hormone insulin or a physical resistance to the insulin the body does produce. Without pr...
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In times of stress, exercise, or an emergency, the glycogen is reconverted back to glucose. It also sends glucose to the muscle cells where it is then converted to energy.More than 12 million Americans are affected by diabetes.
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Diabetes is the Greek term for"passing through," a phrase used to describe multiple diseases characterized by excessive urination. There are multiple forms of diabetes.
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Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder resulting from defects in insulin action, insulin production, or both. Insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas, helps the body use and store glucose produced during the digestion of food.
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What causes diabetes? Scientists aren't sure, but heredity, obesity, lack of exercise and other factors play a part.
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Meal planning and blood sugar monitoring. Medicines and multiple injections. The day-in and day-out requirements of diabetes management can overwhelm those with this chronic disease.
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"If you do have diabetes, educate yourself and start managing your illness," Ms. LaBelle says.
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Diabetes affects the body in many complex ways, and having a team to help you stay as healthy and vital as possible, for as long as possible, is key.
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If managing diabetes seems like a full-time job, keep in mind it's a task that can't be taken lightly. Diabetes is the fifth-leading cause of death by disease in the United States.
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Having pre-diabetes means that you are likely to develop full-blown diabetes within 10 years. But lifestyle changes can prevent that from happening.
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Did you know that if you have diabetes, you have a two to four times greater risk for heart disease and stroke than people without diabetes?
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Diabetes is a chronic (lifelong) and progressive condition, but it can be managed. With help from your family, your friends, and your healthcare team, you can learn to take care of yourself and stay healthy.
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The only way to be sure your blood sugar stays within a normal range is to check it. You will most likely be asked to check your blood sugar at home one or more times a day. Your healthcare provider will teach you how.
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Your blood sugar will most likely return to normal after delivery. But gestational diabetes is a warning sign that you are at risk for getting diabetes later in life. You're also more likely to have gestational diabetes with your next pregnancy.
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Diabetes occurs when there are high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. All three types of diabetes involve problems with insulin, a hormone that removes glucose from the blood and allows it to enter the body's cells. (The cells use it for energy.) If your body is unable to make or use insulin properly, you have a high blood glucose level.
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Living with diabetes means making many changes in your life, and these changes may seem overwhelming. When you feel down, reach out to your family and friends, and to your healthcare team. Here are a list of other resources.
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The diabetes food pyramid is a tool to help you eat a wide range of healthy foods. You can use it to plan low-fat meals and snacks that include carbohydrates and protein.
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When you have diabetes, your body needs special care. This care helps you stay healthy and prevent complications. Exercise and healthy eating are a part of this. You can also protect yourself by taking special care of your feet and skin.
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Taking care of yourself means developing a routine for things like meals, exercising, and taking medication. But sometimes this routine is disrupted when you travel. Your healthcare team can help you work out a plan to prepare for unexpected situations.
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Simple and small movements can get you started exercising. You don't need to join a gym to start moving. Make it easy on yourself and you will be able to make exercising a habit. Slow, gentle, and easy is the way to begin to make exercising part of your life.
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Once you become more active, you may be ready to increase the pace. Choose an exercise you enjoy. Just be sure to warm up, cool down, and stay safe. And learn when it's time to stop exercising.
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Managing diabetes means developing a routine for things like meals, exercise, and taking medication. It also means making changes in some of your activities, such as driving, to help keep you and those around you safe.
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Is it OK for people with diabetes to drink alcohol? This is something only you and your health care provider can answer.
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The stress of illness or injury can cause blood sugar to rise and make insulin less effective. This can lead to serious problems, including diabetic coma. That's why it's important to know what to do when illness strikes.
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Among the many types of blood pressure medications available, some have a tendency to increase blood sugar levels, but this does not necessarily lead to a higher risk of diabetes.
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The American Diabetes Association has set a standard for measuring blood sugar that expresses the information in two different forms, corresponding to the way the reading is given in medical tests and also in home testting.
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Most people with diabetes eventually develop some form of heart disease, but this is not inevitable. Focusing on improving health through diet, exercise, weight loss, and lowering blood pressure and cholesterol can help prevent heart disease.
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People with diabetes or high blood pressure are at greater risk for eye disease. Taking pills containing plant sterols and stanols may lower cholesterol as effectively as eating foods fortified with the plant matter.
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Many people with diabetes suffer from one of the numerous potential complications of the disease, but following a proper diet, getting exercise, and paying attention to risk factors can help prevent further problems.
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I read about a study at UCLA in which men with type 2 diabetes were in a program combining aerobic exercise, low-fat diets, and relatively high amounts of "good" carbohydrates. Half of them cured their diabetes. Is this possible?
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Recommendations for eating eggs for those with diabetes.
Q. My husband has type 2 diabetes and has started eating two eggs about three times a week. He's looking to fill up on low-carb foods he likes. But I've read that eggs may not be a good idea for people with diabetes. Should he cut back?
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I'm an 86-year-old man with type 2 diabetes. I get my eyes checked, eat carefully, and test my blood sugar. I exercise and still play tennis. Recently, I read that diabetes may be a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. It scared me. What do you think?
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Is it absolutely necessary for a diabetic who does not have high blood pressure to take a blood pressure pill anyway?
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My 75-year-old father has cirrhosis of the liver due to alcoholism. He also has type 2 diabetes. How will the cirrhosis affect his diabetes?
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I have high blood pressure and am 8 pounds overweight. My doctor says that is probable that I have glucose intolerance. Is this the same disease as diabetes? What should I do about it?
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What causes poor circulation in people with diabetes? Is it the blood somehow thickened from glucose, or is it because of a higher incidence of atherosclerosis?
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Why don't diabetics' wounds heal normally?
Mary Pickett, M.D., is a lecturer for Harvard Medical School and an assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. At OHSU, she practices general internal medicine and teaches medical residents and students.
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Detailed information on diabetes and high blood pressure, including symptoms, prevention, and treatment
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Detailed information on diabetes, including facts, statistics, types, diagnosis, complications, treatment, and management
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List of online resources to find additional information on diabetes The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your physician. Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.
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Detailed information on diabetes and periodontal disease, including symptoms, types, treatment, and prevention
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Statistics relating to diabetes for patients and consumers Diabetes affects an estimated 20.8 million people in the US (90 percent to 95 percent have type 2 diabetes) - 14.6 million have been diagnosed, but 6.2 million are unaware they have the disease. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and the American Diabetes Association, those affected include:
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Coronary artery disease is a narrowing or blockage of the arteries and vessels that provide oxygen and nutrients to the heart. It is caused by atherosclerosis, an accumulation of fatty materials on the inner linings of arteries.
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Coronary heart disease(CHD) is a narrowing of the small blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. CHD is also called coronary artery disease.Coronary artery disease; Arteriosclerotic heart disease; CHD; CAD.Coronary heart disease is...
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Detailed information on coronary artery disease, including anatomy of the coronary arteries and disease symptoms, diagnostic, and treatment information
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Coronary artery disease is a stenosis(narrowing) or blockage of the arteries and vessels that provide oxygenated blood to the heart. It is caused by atherosclerosis(hardening of the arteries), an accumulation of fatty plaque on the inner linings o...
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You often hear only bad news about heart disease. After all, it is the leading cause of death in the United States, killing one in five people. But here is the good news: Prevention efforts and treatment advances have made a difference. Between 1950 and 1999, the death rate from heart disease fell by almost 60% and is still falling.
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Coronary artery disease(CAD) is the most common cause of death and disability in the United States and other industrialized countries, and it can be manifested if these arteries become narrowed by cholesterol to about half their normal diameter(se...
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Atherectomy is a procedure that relieves symptoms of coronary artery disease by improving blood flow to your heart.
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Coronary artery bypass surgery creates a path for blood to flow around a blockage and helps prevent a heart attack.
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Omega-3s are a beneficial and essential form of fat, one that your body needs but can't make.
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C-reactive protein is emerging as a key risk factor for heart disease. A guide to new research on this protein, how to test for it, and how exercise can lower its presence in the blood.
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A number of studies show a definite correlation between erectile dysfunction and risk of heart disease. In many cases, the symptoms have not been diagnosed. Men with ED should have their cardiac health evaluated.
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Angioplasty has become common for treating blocked arteries, but not all patients need the procedure. Many people with artery disease can be treated by taking medications and adopting healthier habits.
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Aminophylline or theophylline are medicines used to prevent and treat wheezing and other breathing difficulties caused lung diseases such as asthma.Aminophylline or theophylline overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more...
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Heart failure, also called congestive heart failure, is a life-threatening condition in which the heart can no longer pump enough blood to the rest of the body.Heart failure is almost always a chronic, long-term condition, although it can sometime...
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If you have CHF, it's important to stick with your treatment, even when you're feeling better. You also need to maintain healthy habits.
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Are CHF and CAD the same thing?
Howard LeWine, M.D., is chief editor of Internet Publishing at Harvard Health Publications. He is recognized as an outstanding clinician and teacher and is a recipient of the Internal Medicine Teacher of the Year award at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Dr. LeWine continues to practice Internal Medicine; most recently he became a hospitalist after practicing primary care for over 20 years.
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Heart failure can happen in two ways. The heart muscle may become weak and enlarged (systolic dysfunction). The weakened muscle doesn't pump enough blood forward when the ventricles contract. Or, the heart muscle may become stiff (diastolic dysfunction). The stiff muscle can't relax between contractions, which keeps the ventricles from filling with enough blood.
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BNP is a hormone produced by the body when the heart is enlarged. Testing a person's BNP level is an easy and accurate way to help doctors diagnose congestive heart failure.
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Chronic obstructive lung disease, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD), is a general term for a group of conditions in which there is persistent difficulty in expelling(or exhaling) air from the lungs. COPD commonly refers to ...
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) is lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. There are two main forms of COPD:.Chronic bronchitis, which causes long-term swelling and a large amount of mucus in the main airways in the lungs Emph...
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Detailed information on the most common types of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including causes and rehabilitation
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You take an average of 16 breaths every minute. It's a reflex—you don't pay attention unless there's a problem. But a rising number of us literally can't catch our breath.
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As someone with COPD, you may find it helpful to know about the four components of care described in the GOLD guidelines.
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Every breath is precious, especially if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of diseases that limit the flow of air into and out of the lungs. COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, most often caused by heavy, long-time cigarette smoking. COPD can also include chronic asthma.
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When you have COPD, you're more likely to develop a lung infection (pneumonia) with a cold or the flu. To stay healthier, avoid contact with germs. Get prompt treatment at the first sign of illness.
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Shortness of breath may have prompted you to see the doctor. In many cases, though, COPD progresses for years without obvious symptoms.
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Becoming overheated can put people with COPD at risk for serious illness. Stay cool this summer with these tips.
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Here are some common reasons people don't exercise. Are any of these true for you?
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As someone with COPD, you may find it helpful to know about the four components of care described in the GOLD guidelines.
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A small amount of alcohol -- such as a single beer or glass of wine with dinner -- is fine for some people. On the other hand, drinking too much alcohol is harmful for anyone.
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Some COPD medications are taken using a device called an inhaler. The inhaler helps you take a measured dose of medication into your lungs. Not all inhalers work the same way. Have your healthcare provider show you how to use and care for the type of inhaler you're given.
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Detailed information on chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, including asthma, chronic bronchitis, and pulmonary emphysema
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Two nutrients that are critical to keep in check when you have COPD are sodium and potassium. Here are tips on how to watch your intake of them.
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If you have COPD, it may be difficult to tell whether you also have heart failure (HF). This is because the two diseases have similar symptoms and common risk factors.
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If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, you know that they cause similar symptoms.
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Here is information to help you see how well you are managing your COPD.Below is a list of tests and assessments that you need. Provide the information requested to see how well you are managing your COPD.
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A short glossary of terms associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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Exercise can help reduce COPD problems, such as shortness of breath and limits on your activity level.
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Clean air is easier to breathe, especially if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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When you have COPD, even getting dressed can sometimes seem like a challenge.When you have COPD, even getting dressed can sometimes seem like a challenge. These pointers can help:
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COPD develops slowly, and people are often not diagnosed with it until their 50s, when the disease has greatly affected their lung function.
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Studies show a strong correlation between respiratory illness and depression or anxiety, but many of those affected are not getting help.
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Having a chronic condition such as COPD can lead to depression. You can get help. Talk with your doctor about your symptoms.
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Aim for five or six mini-meals rather than two or three large meals throughout the day.
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People who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may find it difficult to exercise, but a program of pulmonary rehabilitation followed by a regular exercise routine can help rebuild strength and energy.
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Every breath can be a chore when you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
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Pulmonary embolism is an obstruction of a blood vessel in the lungs, usually due to a blood clot, which blocks a coronary artery.Pulmonary embolism is a fairly common condition that can be fatal. According to the American Heart Association, an est...
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A pulmonary embolus is a blockage of an artery in the lungs by fat, air, a blood clot, or tumor cells.Venous thromboembolism; Lung blood clot; Blood clot- lung; Embolus; Tumor embolus.A pulmonary embolus is most often caused by a blood clot in a v...
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Detailed information on pulmonary embolism, including a description of a pulmonary embolism and the circulatory system, symptoms, risk factors, causes, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and 4 labeled, full-color anatomical illustrations
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Detailed information on pulmonary embolism, including a description of a pulmonary embolism and the circulatory system, symptoms, risk factors, causes, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and full-color anatomical illustrations
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An embolism is an obstruction in a blood vessel due to a blood clot or other foreign matter that gets stuck while traveling through the bloodstream. The plural of embolism is emboli.Emboli have moved from the place where they were formed through t...
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Sepsis refers to a bacterial infection in the bloodstream or body tissues. This is a very broad term covering the presence of many types of microscopic diseasecausing organisms.Sepsis is also called bacteremia.
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Sepsis is a severe illness in which the bloodstream is overwhelmed by bacteria.Sepsis is caused by a bacterial infection that can begin anywhere in the body. Common places where an infection might start include:.The bowel(usually seen with periton...
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Sepsis occurs when bacteria infect your bloodstream. Sepsis can be deadly. Blood pressure may drop and the lungs and kidneys may start to fail. Emergency care for sepsis is crucial.
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Description Infection is characterized by an inflammatory response to the presence of microorganisms in the body. This response may include fever, chills, redness, swelling, pus formation and other responses.
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Detailed information on sepsis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
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Respiratory failure is nearly any condition that affects breathing function or the lungs themselves and can result in failure of the lungs to function properly. The main tasks of the lungs and chest are to get oxygen from the air that is inhaled i...
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Respiratory failure occurs when the lungs'' ability to either add oxygen to the bloodstream or remove carbon dioxide from it is impaired. Respiratory failure can have any one of several causes, such as lung disease or infection, electrolyte imbalan...
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Lung cancer is a malignant disease in which lung cells become abnormal, characterized by uncontrollable, unlimited growth. These cells can then invade nearby normal tissue and destroy organ structure, a process called"invasion."
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Lung cancer is cancer that begins in the lungs, the two organs found in the chest that help you breathe.The lungs are made up of areas called lobes. The right lung has three lobes; the left lung has two, so there''s room for the heart.
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Q: Can lung cancer be prevented? A: The best way to avoid getting lung cancer is to quit smoking or never to start. Avoiding second-hand smoke and being aware of possible exposure to cancer-causing chemicals is also important. In some cases, people who get lung cancer have no known risk factors. Unfortunately, there is no known way to prevent all cases of lung cancer.
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Lung cancer is a disease in which the cells of the lung tissues grow uncontrollably and form tumors. It is the leading cause of death from cancer among both men and women in the United States.
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Detailed information on lung cancer, lung cancer symptom, lung cancer treatment, lung cancer sign, lung cancer medication, malignant lung tumor, lung cancer cause, benign lung tumor, lung cancer risk factor, lung cancer prevention
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There are two main types of lung cancer. They are non-small cell lung cancer and small- cell lung cancer. A doctor called a pathologist uses a microscope to look at the cancer cells collected during your biopsy to tell which type of cancer you have. These two types of lung cancer grow and spread in different ways. Therefore, they are treated differently. Non-small cell lung cancer usually grows and spreads more slowly than small cell lung cancer.
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Lung cancer is a disease in which the cells of the lung tissues grow uncontrollably and form tumors. It is the leading cause of death from cancer among both men and women in the United States.
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Lung cancer is cancer that starts in your lungs. It is the second most common cancer in men and women. Lung cancer often takes many years to develop. Once lung cancer occurs, cancer cells can break away and spread to other parts of the body.
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Researchers are continually finding new ways to treat lung cancer. People diagnosed with the disease now have more hope for survival than ever before.
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If you are at risk for lung cancer, what can you do? The best thing you can do is to try to avoid as many of the risks as possible.
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The American Cancer Society estimates that 87 percent of lung cancer cases are related to smoking. However, a small percentage of people who get lung cancer do not have a history of smoking or being around secondhand smoke. So, not all smokers get lung cancer and not all lung cancer patients were smokers.
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If you're having lung-cancer-like symptoms, your doctor will want to know why. Your doctor is likely to ask you questions about your:
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Treatment for lung cancer usually begins a few weeks after diagnosis. This gives patients time to talk with their doctor about treatment choices, to get a second opinion, to decide about treatment, and to prepare themselves and their loved ones.
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Lung cancer acts differently in each person. The way a cancer grows is called its pathophysiology. The first place cancer is found in the body is called the primary site or primary tumor. When a cancer spreads, it is said to have metastasized. The stage of your cancer is based on the size of a tumor and where and how much it has spread. There are different stages for non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer.
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A prognosis is a statement about the prospect of surviving and recovering from a disease. It may sound harsh to ask the question, "Can I survive this?” But it's a question on most people's minds when they are facing a diagnosis of lung cancer. And the answer can be just as hard as asking the question. The decision to ask about your prognosis is a personal one. It is up to you to decide how much you want to know.
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The best way you can protect yourself from lung cancer is to be aware of what makes a person more likely to get it. These are called your risk factors. Knowing what puts you at risk for lung cancer can help you make healthy choices in your life to help you avoid it.
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The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor from your lung. Your doctor will try to take out the tumor without harming other parts of your body, but he or she usually has to remove part, or all of, the cancerous lung.
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The goal of PDT is to kill cancer cells. It's done in a kind of two-step process. First, you're given a drug that makes the cancer cells sensitive to light. Then, the doctor uses a laser or other light source to kill the cells. It is a new treatment for early stage non-small cell lung cancer. Having PDT when lung cancer is limited to the lining of your air passages may be an effective way to treat your cancer. There are clinical trials to determine uses for PDT other than just for early stage non-small cell lung cancer. It may also help ease symptoms from more advanced cancer, such as breathing problems and coughing up blood.
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You may have another type of treatment before surgery to make the tumor smaller and easier to remove. If so, it's called neoadjuvant therapy. You may have chemotherapy alone. Or you may have chemotherapy and radiation. The goal of either is to help shrink the tumor so that it is easier to take out. There is usually a 4 week break after the radiation before the surgery.
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Your doctor may suggest radiation for you in any of the following situations. You have non-small cell lung cancer and are not able to have surgery.
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Your doctor may suggest chemotherapy to treat lung cancer for any of the following situations.
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Expert-reviewed information summary about factors that may influence the risk of developing lung cancer and about research aimed at the prevention of this disease.
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You may not notice signs of lung cancer in its early stages. In fact, many lung cancers are found through a chest X-ray taken for other reasons.
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Surgery can be done to both diagnose and treat lung cancer. In most cases, surgery is used if the cancer is found in an early stage. You will need to prepare. Work with your doctor to learn more about what to expect before, during, and after surgery.
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Chemotherapy is the use of drugs. It can be used for several reasons. To kill cancer cells
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Radiation treatment is also called radiotherapy. It's one way to treat lung cancer. One goal of radiation is to kill cancer cells while affecting as few normal cells as possible. Another goal is to use radiation as a way to ease symptoms that are caused from tumors, such as shortness of breath.
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Targeted cancer treatment uses drugs. They target the specific molecules that let cancer grow and spread. Because of their focus on the specific part of the cancer cell that is causing the problem, they may cause less harm to normal cells than other kinds of treatment. That may mean they don't cause as many side effects. Treatment for cancer with fewer side effects can lead to an improved quality of life.
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You can usually have PDT as an outpatient, meaning you do not have to stay in the hospital. A trained nurse or doctor injects you with a drug called Photofrin (porfimer sodium). You'll be sent home for 24 to 72 hours while your cells absorb the drug. The drug will leave most of your normal cells during this time, but it will stay longer in cancer cells and the cells of the skin.
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External radiation is the most common type of radiation given for lung cancer. You can get this as an outpatient in a hospital or a clinic. This type of radiation usually comes from a machine called a linear accelerator.
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The doctor who directs your chemotherapy treatment is called a medical oncologist. Most people have chemotherapy in an outpatient part of the hospital, at the doctor's office, or at home. However, depending on the drugs you're taking and your health, you may need to stay in the hospital during treatment. Based on the drugs you take, you may take a pill form or get the drugs through an IV, or both.
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Most people with lung cancer have both the symptoms of their cancer and the side effects from treatment. Although people with lung cancer can have different symptoms, there are a few symptoms that most people with lung cancer have in common at some point in their illness. Here's a list of what they include.
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A small but significant percentage of lung cancer deaths occur in nonsmokers. Research suggests that they may get a different form of the disease than do smokers, one that may respond better to certain medications.
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Lung cancer doesn't strike only smokers, and women appear to be more vulnerable to it than men: a review of new information about this most deadly cancer.
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You have to be healthy enough to have surgery for it to be a good choice for you. If you have heart disease, your lung cancer surgeon may ask your heart doctor to give approval for your surgery. If you have emphysema or any type of lung disease, you may have to have tests before surgery. The doctors' goal is to make sure that the parts of your lung that will remain after surgery will support your breathing. Some types of tumors are not operable. That means they can't be taken out by surgery.
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At first, the information you receive about treatment options may seem overwhelming. You may ease the stress by allowing yourself the time to gather as much information as possible about your disease and its treatment and to discuss the issues with your doctors, nurses, and loved ones.
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For most people with small cell lung cancer, current treatments rarely cure the cancer. The same is true for most people with non-small cell lung cancer. Treatment will help ease symptoms and may improve your quality of life and help you live longer.
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Your doctor may suggest you have targeted therapy if you've had one or more courses of chemotherapy and it didn't work. Some studies showed that the drugs worked better in people who:
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You take targeted therapy drugs as pills every day. Usually you have this treatment alone, not combined with other treatment. People who respond usually do so within 10 days.
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You may have side effects from these drugs. Here's a list of common side effects from Iressa (gefitinib). They are listed from the most to the least common.
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Your doctor may suggest PDT if you have stage 0 lung cancer. That means you have a very early tumor that is smaller than a dime. And, it is sitting on the inside of your windpipe so that it is reachable via a tube passed through your airways. Your doctor may also suggest PDT if you have blockages in your airways from advanced lung cancer, meaning it has spread.
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As soon as you are injected with Photofrin, you are at high risk for dangerous sunburn, so you need to protect your skin and eyes immediately after you are injected with it and for at least a month to 6 weeks afterward. Here's how you do that.
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After surgery, you may have to stay in the hospital for a few days. How long you must stay depends on these things.
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Radiation affects normal cells as well as cancer cells. That means you may have some side effects. Usually, the risk for side effects is far less than the benefits of killing cancer cells. Many people have no side effects at all. If you do have them, they relate to the dose of radiation you get and where you get it. Generally, side effects are limited to the area that's been treated.
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Ask your oncologist and chemotherapy nurse for the details on each drug's side effects. Side effects are different for everyone and vary based on the drugs you take.
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Women are at greater risk of developing lung cancer than men, even if they have never smoked. Screening via a spiral CT scan can detect tumors while they are still treatable.
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The American Cancer Society estimates that about 160,00 people die of lung cancer each year. This is more than the deaths caused by the next three leading cancers—colon, breast, and prostate—combined. The current treatment of lung cancer often includes combinations of chemotherapy drugs. While chemotherapy often helps people live longer, with better quality-of-life, and may even cure lung cancer in a few patients, the outlook for someone with advanced lung cancer is generally not good. In most patients with advanced lung cancer, the tumor comes back or becomes resistant to chemotherapy. As a result, scientists are searching for new types of treatment that will more accurately target lung cancer cells with the goal of reducing the damage to normal cells. Gene therapy is one example of these targeted therapies. It's being studied in the lab and in a few clinical trials.
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Some people use statistics to try to know their chance of getting cancer. Or they use them to know the chance they can be cured. But statistics show what happens to large groups of people. Because no two people are alike, statistics can't be used to predict what will happen to a particular person.
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It's likely that you will have physical concerns since your cancer may cause symptoms and you may have side effects from your treatment. In this section, you'll learn more about how to respond to some of the most common ones.
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When you are being treated for lung cancer, it's likely that you will have side effects from that treatment and, perhaps, symptoms of the disease itself as well. For instance, the cancer can cause symptoms if the tumor puts pressure on an organ or body part and causes pain, or the tumor may interfere with the function of that organ or body part. The treatments to destroy cancer cells can harm healthy cells at the same time, and that means treatment can cause side effects.
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Lung cancer is caused by mutations in cell DNA, which is unconnected to the influenza virus or vaccine.
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Prolonged exposure to radon gas may lead to an increased risk of lung cancer. Combined with smoking, the risk is much higher. Testing can reveal if there is an unsafe level of radon in a home's air.
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A guide to the tests available for screening colon, lung, and skin cancers, and how to determine whether they're right for you.
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A Harvard Medical School physician answers your question regarding mold spores as a potential risk factor for lung cancer.
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I'm a lung cancer survivor. My feet and hands are always hot, like they're on fire. Why could this be?
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Ex-smokers' risk of heart disease may eventually approach that of a lifetime nonsmoker, but their risk of lung cancer is less likely to fade, even after long periods of time.
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The following Clinical Topic Tour provides an overview of pneumococcal pneumonia and was adapted by materials published by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the CDC.
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