OrganizedWisdom Health - Gastrointestinal Cancer

Stoma Complications

Jmitchell — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:11:34 GMT

There are many potential complications related to a stoma (ostomy). The stoma is rich in blood vessels and may bleed slightly if rubbed or irritated. A few other complications from a stoma include retraction of the bowel back into the abdomen, infection, bowel obstruction, dehydration, constipation, or diarrhea.

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What is Proctocolectomy

Jmitchell — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:57:55 GMT

A proctocolectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the large intestine and rectum. A proctocolectomy is done when other medical treatment does not help problems with your large intestine A few of these problems include IBD, colon cancer, or birth defects that have damaged the intestines.

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The Bladder and Bowel Foundation

KenyottaE — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:12:59 GMT

The Bladder and Bowel Foundation is the largest advocacy charity providing information and support on bladder and bowel-related problems in the United Kingdom. The foundation provides support to the general public and health care professionals.

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Stoma

JRafferty — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:45:04 GMT

A stoma (ostomy) is an opening created surgically to replace a normal opening in the body. The purpose of a stoma is to serve as new site for body waste to leave the body.

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Hand-Foot Syndrome

Jkg0679 — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 22:08:41 GMT

Hand-foot syndrome is a side effect of chemotherapy that causes a skin reaction that appears on the palms of the hands and/or the soles of the feet. Symptoms of hand-foot syndrome include tingling or numbness, swelling, redness, peeling skin, and tenderness or pain. Blistering can occur if there is no change in treatment.

Fast Facts:

Hand-foot syndrome typically occurs within a few weeks of beginning chemotherapy, although it can appear at any time.
Hand-foot syndrome can be treated by changing treatment, or taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen, corticosteroids, and/or vitamin B6.
Hand-foot syndrome may be prevented by changes in activities and clothing, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding caffeine.

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Recipes for Healthy Food

SScroggins — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:25:05 GMT

Eating a healthy diet can provide immeasurable health benefits, as the risk of some chronic diseases are significantly reduced by the food choices we make. A diet high in fruits and vegetables, for example, can reduce the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, as well as mouth, stomach, and colon cancer. Many fruits and vegetables are high in vitamins and minerals and low in fat and calories.

Fast Facts:

A diet high in whole grains can help with weight management, provide dietary fiber, and reduces the risk of heart disease.
Healthy foods don't have to be bland and boring. Consider that dark chocolate is considered a relatively healthy food as long as it is consumed in moderation.
Consider following the Food Guide Pyramid to help establish a healthy eating plan for optimum health.

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Ileum

Sabriena — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 23:09:47 GMT

The Ileum is the third and longest section of the small intestine. The average length of the ileum is about twelve feet. The job of the ileum is to absorb vitamin B12 and bile salts. The muscle of the ileum's walls is thinner than the walls of other parts of the intestines. The ileum should not be confused with the ilium which is the upper part of the pelvis.

Fast Facts:

In the fetus the ileum is connected to the navel by the vitelline duct.
The word ileum is from the Greek eileos meaning twisted.
The ileum is attached to the abdominal wall by a fold of moisture secreting membranes.

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Pancreatic Cancer vs. GERD

Jkg0679 — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 19:06:30 GMT

Pancreatic cancer and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are two very different medical conditions. Pancreatic cancer is cancer of the pancreas that is caused by genetic mutations of cells. GERD is caused by a lower esophageal sphincter that does not close properly.

Fast Facts:

Pancreatic cancer symptoms are upper abdominal pain which may radiate to the back, jaundice, loss of appetite, weight loss, and depression.
GERD symptoms are recurrent heartburn, a burning feeling in the chest and/or throat, sour or bitter taste in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, belching, chronic coughing, hoarseness, loss of voice, and wheezing, among others.
Pancreatic cancer can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted drug therapy.
GERD can be treated with lifestyle changes, medications, H2 blockers, antacids, and proton pump inhibitors.

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Rectal Cancer

KenyottaE — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 08:18:47 GMT

Rectal cancer occurs when cancerous cells form in the tissue of the rectum. In order to diagnosis rectal cancer, your doctor may perform a sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or barium enema. Your doctor will assess certain factors to determine a prognosis.

Fast Facts:

The most common type of rectal cancer is called adenocarcinoma.
More than 40,000 people each year in the United States are diagnosed with rectal cancer.
Risk factors for rectal cancer include a history of Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and polyps in the colon.
Treatment options for rectal cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

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Chemotherapy

AmyS — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:18:39 GMT

Chemotherapy, also known as cytotoxic therapy, is the treatment of cancer with drugs that destroy cancer cells. These drugs often are referred to as "anticancer" drugs. Chemotherapy affects all parts of the body, not just cancer cells. Anticancer drugs work by stopping the cancer cells from growing and multiplying.

Fast Facts

There are many different types of drugs used in chemotherapy. Examples of commonly used drugs include doxorubicin, methotrexate, gemcitabine, and cyclophosphamide.
Chemotherapy can be used in different ways. Neoadjuvant therapy is used before surgery to shrink a tumor. Adjuvant therapy is used after surgery to reduce the risk of the tumor returning. Chemotherapy may be used at the start of cancer treatment or as treatment for cancer that has returned.
It is administered in three ways; intravenously, orally, and through an injection.
Nausea, pain, fatigue, depression, hair loss, and weakness are a few common side effects of chemotherapy.

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