Lung Cancer: Causes, Treatment And Genetics

Lung cancer affects our lungs, a vital organ that supplies oxygen to our body and gets rid of carbon dioxide. In some cases, the lungs may become riddled with a disease which is characterized by an uncontrolled growth of cells which results in unhealthy tissue – this is known as lung cancer. Unfortunately, this unhealthy tissue inhibits the lungs from functioning well and they become less and less efficient as the cancer cells multiply and grow.

Cancers can be benign or malignant. Whilst benign tumors are less of a problem because they do not spread, malignant tumors are those which are

cause for more concern as they spread to other parts of the body. Malignant cancers may begin in the lungs and the spread and target other organs. 

The opposite is also possible whereby the cancer begins elsewhere and the spread to infect the lungs. This latter type is referred to as a metastatic tumor.

Men are at a slightly higher risk of breast cancer than women of developing the disease. The risk amongst smokers is known to be dramatically higher. The cases of lung cancer are on the increase and whilst smoking does play an important part, longer life expectancies are also responsible for the rise in cancers.

Further causes of lung cancer

Sometimes a hereditary or sporadic genetic mutation may be responsible for lung cancer.  There are genetic predisposition tests available that can estimate a person’s genetic risk of developing lung cancer. These DNA tests are carried out by means of a sample collected by means of an oral swab. Laboratory DNA testing of the sample can determine the percentage probability that the person tested will develop lung cancer throughout their life. 

Whilst a genetic predisposition test for lung cancer can give you an idea of whether you will develop this disease, it can only do so for hereditary cancers (in other words, for lung cancer genes we are actually born with) not for cancers caused by random mutations which could happen at any point in our life. Other cancers are caused by external environmental toxins, carcinogens and neuro-pollutants which can trigger gene mutations which results in cancer. Asbestos, tobacco, air pollution from traffic are just a few possible causes of lung cancer.

Treatment of cancer

The treatment used depends very much on the cancer, how big it is and whether it has spread or metastasized. Typically treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, drugs and medication as well as supportive care.  Surgery again will vary depending on the tumor. In some cases just a small section of the lung will be removed and in extreme cases, where the cancer has spread too much, the entire lung could be removed. 



Karl M McDonald is a specialist writer, namely writing about genetics and DNA testing. The author does however, delve into a diversity of other topics including pregnancy, parenting and schooling. More articles by this author can be found in the article knowledge base for: homeDNAdirect Nz

Oral Cancer: A Guide To Lessening The Risk

Is oral cancer awareness all it could be?
Thanks to the various health campaigns and awareness week, there is more and more awareness of various illnesses, including many types of cancer. However, if you were told to list some of the risk factors and early warning signs, would you know them all, or would you have to guess? In the case of many of us, we probably don’t know quite as much as we should about the early signs of oral cancer. And it’s especially important that oral cancer is spotted early, since the sooner it’s detected, the better the survival rates tend to be.

Prevalence of oral cancer

There are currently national government initiatives for the screening of breast, cervical, bowel and prostate cancers but there’s no screening for oral cancer, which is another reason that knowing the early signs is important. 

Mouth cancer is described as being an “uncommon” form of the disease by NHS choices, with 1 in 50 cancer diagnoses being for this particular type.

Risk factors
As with avoiding many other health problems, alcohol and smoking are to be avoided in order to help minimise your risk of oral cancer. And it’s believed that people who both smoke and drink are at an even higher risk. So if you’re currently a smoker and looking for another good reason to give up cigarettes, then the oral cancer risk could well be just that. A poor diet is also known to increase the risk of oral cancer – this would typically be a diet that is lacking in vitamins and minerals. High consumption of red meat, processed meat, and fried foods fried foods are also known to heighten the risk.

Summary
While oral cancer is – as the NHS advice states – one of the more uncommon cancers, it is still responsible for over 6000 diagnoses each year in the UK alone. Following all the usual health advice such as not smoking, getting a healthy balanced diet, and drinking within the government recommended levels will all help to minimise the risk of oral cancer.
If you’re looking for more information on this disease for instance on risk factors, survival rates and so on, there are some very informative pages on the Mouth cancer Action charity’s website and also the cancer Research UK site has a page on oral cancer.

Jen Jones writes on dental plans and other health topics for a number of well being blogs and websites around the world.

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Six Tips For Preventing Prostate Cancer as You Age

Prostate cancer is a frightening and potentially life-threatening disease. A positive diagnosis can leave you stressed, fearful and wondering where to turn. While there are successful treatments for this condition, prevention is always preferable to medical intervention. What should you know about preventing it? 

Here are some vital tips to help ensure that you protect yourself.

Get Your Dose of Java
We've been hearing for years now about the potentially harmful effects of coffee – jittery hands are just the beginning. 

However, new research shows that not only is drinking coffee not really bad for you, it can actually be enormously beneficial, particularly in cutting your risks for developing prostate cancer. According to research from Harvard, men consuming six or more cups of coffee per day reduced their chances of developing cancer by almost 60%. What’s more, it doesn't matter what type of coffee you consume – even decaf helps.

Make Time for Love
Interestingly, one of the most important tips for preventing prostate cancer is actually to spend more time in the bedroom. Sex, or more correctly, orgasm, can reduce prostate cancer risks by 30% or more. However, to see these benefits, you have to have an orgasm almost daily – the study showed that those men who saw the most benefits were those who had an orgasm 21 days out of every 30. If nothing else, that should be plenty of encouragement to convince your significant other to spend more time in the bedroom.

Get Up and Get Out
Exercise in any form is good for your body. Increasing your fitness has been proven to reduce blood pressure, boost libido, improve metabolism and more. However, it’s also been shown to reduce the threat of prostate cancer in men by over 40%. Even men who have already been diagnosed with prostate cancer can slash their risks of mortality from the disease by 56% with just five hours of rigorous exercise per week.

Know Thy Enemy
The modern world offers a host of enemies to your health. However, one of the most insidious is fat, specifically trans fats. It’s insidious because some of the most tempting, delicious foods are loaded down with it. Take donuts for example – they’re saturated in it. Essentially, anything that contains hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils should be avoided completely (and yes, that means not stopping at the donut shop for a cup of Joe and a bear claw).

Stock Up on Green Veggies
Green veggies have been touted as healthful food for years now, but some of us are slow to listen. However, if you’re concerned about prostate cancer, getting your fill of green vegetables every day can provide some powerful protection for your glands. Specifically, broccoli has been shown to help reduce the risk for cancer, but you’ll have to eat a minimum of four helpings of broccoli per week. That doesn't mean you have to gnaw on the stems daily – get creative. Juicing is a great way to add vegetables to your diet without you having to eat the same thing day in and day out.

Check Your Testosterone Levels
No man wants to contemplate low testosterone levels – it’s inherent to “manliness”. However, low levels of this hormone have been linked to higher risks for developing prostate cancer. If caught early, hormone supplements can help reduce your risks. As you can see, there are plenty of ways that you can help reduce your risk for developing prostate cancer, but even if you are diagnosed with it, there are treatment options available. Speak with your medical provider to learn more.



Nadya Prieto is the Practice Administrator for Palm Beach Urology, which offers HIFU. To find out more about prostate cancer treatments, please visit www.palmbeachurology.com. 

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Little Things Sometimes Mean The Most, Especially For Those With Cancer

Helping those with cancer is important to most of us. And when cancer hits close to home, it becomes very important. There are many things we can do to make life easier and less stressful for our cancer patient. Putting in a little time and thought will go a long way in showing how much you care.

Helping around the house
Sometimes cancer and its treatments cause our loved one to have bad days. Days when moving around is hard, weakness and nausea overtake them, and it is too hard to get out of bed. On those days, a trip to the mail box, taking out the trash, and other simple household duties and chores seem impossible. Stopping by and accomplishing these things will mean the world to your dear one.

Meals and treats
It also can become quite a chore to cook and prepare a meal. The energy needed may just not be there. By packaging up individual portions of meals you prepare for yourself and your family, you give your loved one a lovely gift indeed. They can just heat up a meal, straight from the fridge or freezer, with no prep time at all. Sometimes certain smells have an ill effect, and that can change daily. So by them being able to pull out whatever they think sounds good on that particular day, with no lingering cooking smells for the next day, is quite a blessing.

Skin Care
Skin care becomes an important aspect of a cancer patient’s life. Chemotherapy and radiation, along with other treatments, can really take a toll on their skin. Many afflictions can develop, from red patches, splitting and peeling, to sores, blisters, acne and rashes. A chemotherapy rash can take many forms, but none should be taken lightly. Giving your loved one skin care products especially formulated for their sensitive skin and special needs would be much appreciated. Nourishing and moisturising their skin is so important and can relieve and reduce their symptoms, or their chance of developing them. 

Support
Something that is often overlooked is simple support. Just being there for your loved one, listening to their hopes and fears, is invaluable to them. They don’t need you to have all the answers, just let them voice their worries and provide a shoulder to cry on, if need be. Often it is the little things that mean the most.


This is a guest post by Stacey Hess, who is an avid writer and enjoys blogging. This article was written about chemo rash to educate and inform others.

Warning Signs of Bowel Cancer

For a lot of people the mention of the word cancer brings with it feeling of fear and hopelessness. Well it does not have to be that way since it is well known that early diagnosis and treatment is the main key to beating cancer. 

Bowel cancer is one of the prevalent types of cancer that kills thousands of people annually. This disease can be very dangerous if not diagnosed during the earlier stages. It is very important that people are made aware of the benefits of diagnosing cancer while at its earlier stages as it determines whether you will survive or not. 

The following are the nine main warning signs of bowel cancer;



Blood in stool
This is often a major warning sign to look out for. It is very important for people to seek medical attention immediately they notice blood in their stool.

Diarrhoea that seems not to go away
Persistent diarrhoea should often be reported to a doctor as it may be due to bowel cancer. A tumour in the colon can often lead to patients suffering from persistent diarrhoea. Never overlook persistent diarrhoea that just does not go away. It may be due to bowel cancer.

Persistent vomiting
The presence of a tumour in the intestines often leads to persistent vomiting that just does not go away. The main reason for this is that tumours often cause a lot of internal pressure to body organs which may result to vomiting and nausea. It is advisable to seek medical attention whenever you experience nausea and vomiting for more than 3 days.

Abdominal pain
As the growth of the tumour continues in the colon, it causes its narrowing. This often results to pain when moving bowel a fact that can cause severe abdominal pain. Patients with bowel cancer often have a bloated abdomen that causes a lot of discomfort.

Weight loss
Patients suffering from bowel cancer often find it had to eat as they lose their appetite. The lack of enough food necessary for metabolism makes them lose weight quite fast. Unexplained weight loss is a serious warning sign for bowel cancer.

Smaller stool
As the cancer progresses the tumour gets larger and larger. This has an overall effect of decreasing the walls of the colon. This makes stool look smaller in size. Very thin stool should be a major warning sign for bowel cancer and should be reported to a medical professional.

Fatigue

For different types of cancer fatigue is normally a warning sign. Scientists have not managed to explain the cause of fatigue but it is known to be due to anaemia. Always look out for unexplained fatigue.

Incomplete bowel movement
People with bowel cancer often find it hard to completely pass bowel due to the tumour in the colon. They end up feeling like they need to pass bowel even after they have visited the toilet. If the all the above symptoms are felt over a period of time it is a very good idea to seek the help of a medical professional to ascertain whether you have bowel cancer.



Kelly is a fitness expert that loves to share tips to help people lead a healthier lifestyle. You can have a look at her site if you want to learn more on her and also find tips on how to gain muscle.

Brain Cancer – Identifying Signs and Symptoms

The brain is the major organ responsible for learning, memory, thought, speech, mood and behaviour  If the brain declines in function, there may be lapses in memory and thought as well as changes in mood and behaviour. Our relationships and careers are based on learning, thought, memory, mood and behaviour  This is why when the brain becomes ill it is a life-changing event.

Numbers

Imagine the shock and grief of a person whose loved one suffers brain cancer! However, the truth is that  brain cancer is a worldwide problem. It is said that in the year 2002, primary malignant brain and central nervous system cancers occurred in 3.7 of 100,000 males and in 2.6 of 100,000 females worldwide. The world population is 7,021,836,029 for mid-year 2011. There will be more victims of brain cancer. This is why we have to be alert for early symptoms of brain cancer so that further tests will be done and treatment will be given early.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of brain cancer usually depend on whether the brain tumour is malignant or benign. Benign brain tumours do not contain cancer cells and once they are removed, they usually do not go back. They also do not spread to other parts of the body. Malignant tumours, on the other hand, contain cancer cells that grow at a rapid rate and invade nearby healthy brain tissue or the spinal cord. Unlike other cancers, brain cancer rarely spreads to other parts of the body. Being benign or malignant depends on tumour grade and type of tumour. There are many types of brain cancer. Most primary brain tumours are gliomas, meaning they arise from glial cells. 

Among adults, the most common types of brain cancer are astrocytomas, meningiomas or oligodendroglioma. Among children, the most common types are medulloblastomas, astrocytomas,  ependymomas and brain stem gliomas. Symptoms of brain cancer may also depend on the size of the tumour and on the location of the tumour. Size is important because when the tumour is big enough to press on a nerve, symptoms are felt. Sometimes the tumour blocks flow of fluid in and out of the brain, causing brain swelling. This also causes symptoms.

The most common brain cancer symptoms are headaches which are usually worse during the morning. There may also be nausea and vomiting. If there are involvements in the speech, visual and hearing areas, there may be changes in vision, speech or hearing. 

If motor areas are involved, there may be problems in walking or balancing and muscle jerks or twitches. Often times, there may be seizures or convulsions. In some, there may be problems in memory and changes in mood, behaviour and personality. There may even be numbness or tingling of extremities.

If these symptoms are felt, it is not right to assume that you have brain cancer outright. There may be other health problems causing these symptoms, so you should visit your doctor to be diagnosed of the real problem behind your symptoms. There are some people who are more likely to have an increased risk for brain cancer. People who are constantly exposed to ionising radiation such as high-dose x-rays and those with a family history of brain cancers can have a risk for acquiring brain cancer too. If these symptoms occur in these patients for a long time, then it is best to have them checked out by doctor.

This is a guest post by Daniel Vanderhoek who works for http://www.bcbraininjurylawyers.com/

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Male-specific Cancers

It's not uncommon for men to feel apprehensive about visiting a doctor and as a result many can risk ignoring symptoms of cancer which could prove fatal if left undetected. The good news is that many cancers are treatable when detected early enough. If any of the below symptoms sound familiar make sure you visit your GP for advice straight away.

Prostate Cancer
Men can sometime live with prostate cancer for years with little or no symptoms, however there is also a more aggressive or 'high-risk' type which make symptoms likelier to occur. Symptoms can include needing to urinate every two hours, particularly during the night, a weak urine flow, being unable to pass quickly or taking a longer time than normal, or needing to rush to the toilet. Less common symptoms can include pain when urinating or ejaculating, impotence, or blood in urine or semen.

There isn't one single test to determine whether cancer is present in the prostate but usually diagnosis will usually involve a number of tests. These include a urine test to rule out a urinary infection, a Digitial Rectum Examination (DGE) which involves feeling the area behind the prostate, and a blood test to detect PSA levels, a high level of which can indicate cancer.

Treatment is varied and will most likely depend on the stage of the cancer (early, locally advanced or advanced) ranging from monitoring it if it's in the early stages through to hormone therapy, chemotherapy or surgery. If the cancer has spread, usually to the bones or lymph nodes, then it is not curable but can be controlled.

Testicular cancer
Testicular cancer is far less common than prostate cancer, accounting for just 1% of cancers; it's also likelier to affect younger men. The most common symptom is either a lump or swelling in one of the testicles however can also include sharp pain or a dull ache in the testicles, a feeling of heaviness there, fluid collection in the testicle, or a dull ache in the lower abdomen. It may also come with a general feeling of fatigue or feeling unwell.

In order to diagnose the cancer a physical examination will be performed. Following that you will likely be referred to hospital for a scrotal ultrasound which will determine the size of the lump and whether it is malignant or benign. Blood tests may then be needed to confirm the results.

Luckily, if detected early enough, and before the cancer spreads, this cancer is very treatable. The level of treatment will depend on what stage the cancer is at but will usually involve the removal of the testicle in the first instance. Further treatment will include either one bout, or successive treatments, of chemotherapy, depending on the severity.

Penile Cancer
Penile cancer is extremely rare with around 400 cases per year. Symptoms can be similar to sexually transmitted infections and so these will need to be ruled out. Symptoms are likely to include discolouration of the foreskin or penis and a thickening of the skin. They can also include a nasty smelling discharge, a rash on the penis, blistering or a growth that doesn't heal.

Diagnosis is will include a physical examination and a biopsy with possible further tests to determine whether or not the cancer has spread. Treatment will again depend on what stage the cancer is at but will typically include surgery to remove the cancer with chemotherapy or radiotherapy to prevent spreading. Depending on the size of the cancer reconstructive surgery may also be required. All of these cancers constitute severe issues for men’s health. So, if you suspect you could be suffering from any of them, please visit your GP immediately in order to get tested. A test will, at best, remove your fears or, at worst, enable you to start immediate treatment.


Written by Kat Kraetzer, an experienced blogger working in the health-care industry for many years

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Laser Therapy in Cancer Treatment

Lasers emit high-intensity light that can be used to treat cancerous cells. Lasers are able to reduce the size of or completely destroy a wide range of cancers. They are most commonly used in the treatment of superficial cancers, which are cancers found on the body's surface or lining internal organs. Basal cell skin cancer and early-stage cervical, penile, vulvar, vaginal and non-small cell lung cancer can be treated in this way. 

Lasers can be used to relieve an individual of some of the symptoms that their cancer may be causing, such as pain, bleeding or obstruction. Laser treatment may be used on its own or in combination with treatments such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy or surgery. Lasers can be used after surgery to seal the nerve endings and lymph vessels to reduce pain, lessen swelling and prevent the spread of cancerous cells.


Types of Laser

Several different types of laser can be used in cancer treatment. Carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers are typically used to eliminate skin cancer and precancerous cells. Carbon dioxide lasers are able to remove a very thin layer of tissue from the skin's surface without destroying any of the deeper layers. Neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers are used to treat throat cancers. These lasers are able to penetrate deep into the tissues.

When Nd:YAG laser therapy is required in hard to reach areas of the body, the laser light can be transmitted through optical fibres. Laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy (LITT) heats up areas of tissue found between organs yet near to tumours. The heat produced heats up the tumour itself and this heat helps to destroy the cancerous cells. Argon lasers are able to pass through superficial tissue layers, such as the skin. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a type of laser therapy that used argon laser light to stimulate chemicals contained within cancerous cells. When these chemicals are activated, they destroy the cancerous cells.

Laser therapy is administered through an endoscope, a thin yet flexible tube that can be used to inspect the body's tissues. An endoscope can be inserted through a natural opening in the body, such as the nose, mouth, anus or vagina. Once in position, the laser light can be used to eliminate a tumour. The light from a laser can be administered continuously or intermittently.


The advantages
Laser therapy is advantageous as it targets a tumour precisely. In comparison to standard surgical tools, laser therapy limits the damage caused to healthy tissues. Consequently, individuals undergoing laser therapy experience less discomfort and reduced swelling, bleeding and scarring. Laser therapy is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. This means that an individual is not required to remain in hospital overnight. Laser treatment is much quicker than surgery and patients tend to heal with greater speed and are less likely to acquire infections.

While laser therapy is associated with many benefits, it does have its limitations. The effects of laser treatment may not last and as a result, the procedure may have to be repeated in order for a patient to receive the full benefits of this cancer treatment.


Written by Kat Kraetzer, an experienced blogger working in the health-care industry for many years

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Treating Skin Cancer

Being told you have skin cancer can be a very worrying experience, but treatments have advanced a great deal over the last few decades, meaning survival rates are extremely good if the cancer is caught early. In this article we will look at non-melanoma skin cancer, which is the most common type of skin cancer.

These cancers are known as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and begin growing in either basal or squamous cells. These cells are found at the base of the epidermis - the outer layer of skin. In most cases non-melanoma skin cancers occur on areas of the body normally exposed to sun, such as the face, neck and arms. In the vast majority of cases, non-melanoma skin cancer does not spread to other areas of the body, and if found early is treatable.

Diagnosis
If cancer is suspected then a biopsy will be taken by your doctor and then examined by a pathologist. A sample from a lymph node may also be taken if the biopsy suggests cancer, in order to provide conclusive proof.

Imaging tests can also help determine if the cancer has spread. The following three methods are most common:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Computerized tomography (CT)
• Positron emission tomography (PET)

Surgery
There are a number of commonly used surgical methods for treating non-melnoma skin cancer.

• Excision. This involves the removal (excision) of the skin affected by the cancer, together with a small area of surrounding tissue, thus helping to ensure the cancer does not return.

• Curettage and electrodesiccation. By using an instrument called a curette, a surgeon scrapes the majority of the cancerous tissue away. Any remaining cancer cells are then destroyed by a mild electric current - known as electrodesiccation.
• Cyrosurgery. This is the process of freezing the cancer with liquid nitrogen, thereby destroying it. This method is most effective with early-stage cancers.
• Mohs surgery. This process involves taking away the cancerous skin layer by layer, until no abnormal cells are present.

Other treatments

• Photodynamic therapy (PDT). This process is used to treat superficial skin cancers, and combines photosensitizing drugs and light - which are applied to the affected area of skin. A liquid drug is used to make the abnormal cells sensitive to light, and a little while later a certain type of light is applied to the cancerous area. This light attacks and destroys the abnormal cells.

• Laser therapy. Certain kinds of cancer cells on the top layer of skin which are in the early stages of their development can be destroyed by using an intense laser beam. This vaporizes the cancer cells.
• Creams and ointments. There are a range of topical treatments that can be used to help destroy non melanoma cancer cells. These drugs are prescribed by your doctor and some can only be used under careful supervision. They may cause severe side effects such as skin irritation.
• Radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Advanced cancers may be treated with radiation therapy or chemotherapy. This potentially highly effective technique can have some dramatic side effects.

If you believe you may have skin cancer, ensure you visit your doctor as soon as possible; the earlier you catch the cancer, the more chance you will have of effectively treating it.


Written by Kat Kraetzer, an experienced blogger working in the health-care industry for many years

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Five Cancer Symptoms Men Usually Ignore

When it comes to the treatment and prevention of cancer, early detection is the key between a quick recovery and a long and difficult battle. However, for patients to have their cancer detected at an early stage, they must first visit the doctor when symptoms of the disease first begin to manifest.
For many men, the idea of going to the doctor can seem arduous and unnecessary. This kind of overly macho attitude of refusing to admit an illness can provide a disease like cancer with the time it needs to spread to other parts of the body. 

When caught at an early stage, patients have many more treatment options for dealing with cancer, which means they have better odds for a cure. After the disease spreads, a patient’s chance of survival greatly diminishes. 

In men, some symptoms of cancer specifically involve certain parts of the body and could directly point to the possibility of cancer, while other symptoms are vague. For example, some types of pain that affect various parts of the body could have several explanations, and may or may not be a sign of cancer. Here are five types of cancer symptoms that men typically ignore.

Mass in the Breast
For most men, the idea of developing breast cancer never crosses their mind. While not common in men, breast cancer accounts for several hundred deaths each year in men, according to the American Cancer Society. However, just because breast cancer is rare in men doesn’t mean the develop of a mass doesn’t need to be examined by a doctor. In addition to a mass, other troublesome signs could that indicate cancer include: skin puckering, nipple retraction, nipple discharge, and scaling or redness of the breast or nipple.

Pain
The older people get, the more aches and pains they experience on a daily basis. Even though pain might seem like a vague symptom, in certain cases it can be an early sign of some forms of cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that a physician examine any type of persistent pain you may experience. Even if your pain doesn’t originate from cancer, you can still receive assistance determining the cause and proper treatment from your doctor.

Testicle Changes
Men between the ages of 20 and 39 are mostly likely to develop testicular cancer. Men in this age range should undergo a testicular exam as part of a routine cancer screening, and perform a self-examination every six months. Men should not ignore any change in size, lumps, swelling, or feelings of heaviness in the scrotum. Some types of testicular cancer progress very quickly, making early detection especially important. Despite any feelings of embarrassment a man might feel, it’s important that any changes in the testicles be discussed with a doctor.

Changes in the Lymph Nodes
Any lumps or swelling in the lymph nodes, whether located under the armpit or in the neck, could be a reason for concern. If a lump in a lymph node continues to grow progressively larger for over one month, you need to have it examined by a doctor. During your examine, the doctor will attempt to determine any potential issues that could explain the enlargement, such as an infection, and will most likely order a biopsy if no infection is discovered.

Unexplained Weight Loss
No matter how beneficial it might be, unexpectedly losing weight is cause for concern. Minor weight loss, such as a few pounds, can usually be attributed to a change in diet or increased exercise. However, if a man begins to lose over 10 percent of his body weight within a three to six month window, he needs to see a doctor. 



Timothy Lemke blog about the latest health trends for Dr. Jeremy Dixon, a dentist in Washington at Smiles Dental.