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Interesting Questions, Facts and Information
- There are a total of 130 general entries. We are selecting 30 for display.
Special Topics
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 Interesting Questions, Facts, and Information
 Cancer
The Ovary. This cancer usually occurs in teenage girls or young {women;} but, it accounts for only 2 percent of all ovarian cancers. The cancer is usually limited to one ovary and if less than 10 cms. in diameter, it is usually cured by surgery alone. If the cancer has spread, the metastatic cancer is very sensitive to radiation therapy.
The Cranial Nerves. This is usually a benign tumor that involves the protective sheath around nerve fibers. This benign tumor commonly involves the eighth cranial nerve which controls hearing and balance. If the seventh cranial nerve is involved, facial paralysis may occur. The tumor does not metastasize and it is potentially {curable;} but, some of the side effects may be distressing.
The Brain. Gliomas are the most common type of primary brain cancers. They are most commonly located in the cerebral {hemispheres;} but, may involve the optic nerves, the brain stem or the cerebellum. These cancers are sub-classified into several differeent types including: well-differentiated astrocytomas, anaplastic astrocytomas and glioblastomas multiforme. All of the gliomas are {malignant;} but, the glioblastoma multiforme is the most serious cancer, grows rapidly and does not respond well to treatments.
The Testicle. The Leydig cells of the testicles lie between the seminiferous tubules and secrete testosterone. These cancers are {malignant;} but, are very rare compared to other cancers of the testes.
The Brain. Choriocarcinomas are extragonadal, embryonic, germ cell cancers. They are usually located in the mediastinum, the retroperitoneal space and the pineal gland in the brain. The are more common in males than females. Gonadal origin is excluded by careful examination of the sex organs and the use of ultrasound.
| Which tumor of the pancreas causes typical symptoms of hypoglycemia,(insulin shock or coma) with blood sugar levels of 50 mgs. per dl. or less, while the patient is fasting and or exercising? | Rare Cancers and Tumors
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Beta cell adenoma. The pancreas is partially an endocrine gland and partially an exocrine gland. The endocrine tissue contains Alpha cells, Beta cells and Delta cells. The Beta cells produce insulin and a benign tumor of these cells (often called an insulinoma)increases the blood levels of insulin, which causes 'insulin shock or coma'. The Alpha cells secrete glucagon and the Delta cells secrete somatostatin. Acini cells are part of the exocrine tissue of the pancreas. Insulinomas are rare in {humans;} but, common in older ferrets!
The Adrenal Gland. This cancer of the adrenal medulla occurs predominantly in children, under the age of 5 years. Occasionally, the cancer may be present in the unborn child, in utero, during the mother's pregnancy. The cancer spreads to bone and thus bone pain is common. It frequently spreads to the retro-orbital space and causes bulging eyes. If the cancer spreads to the paraspinal ganglia, paralysis may occur. In spite of the seriousness of this metastatic cancer, treatment with cortisone medications and chemotherapy may result in a favorable prognosis. If the cancer first appears in older children, it is more likely to be rapidly fatal.
The Ovary. Immature teratomas (fetal or embryonic) are rare germ cell cancers of the ovary and are highly malignant. They usually occur in prepubertal teenagers up to about 18 years of age. These tumors account for less than 5 percent of all malignant ovarian {cancers;} but, they are the most common type of ovarian cancer in women under age 20 years.
The Kidney. Renal oncocytomas are benign tumors and are usually asymptomatic. However, some of these tumors may be very large. Smaller tumors are usually discovered incidentally or during an autopsy.
The Adrenal Gland. Each adrenal gland is actually two separate {glands;} namely, the cortex and the medulla. The cortex is the endocrine gland that produces about 30 different cortico-steroid hormones , aldosterone and some androgens. The medulla provides the body with catecholamines (epinephrine and norephinephrine). A pheochromocytoma is a benign tumor of the chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla that increases the blood levels of the catecholamines. This results in severe hypertension, constant or episodic, with headaches, dizziness and flushing. The conclusive diagnosis depends upon finding elevated plasma levels of the metabolites of ephinephrine and norephinephrine.
| What type of cell gives rise to the most tumors? | Cancer101
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epithelial. Epithelial cells line organs such as the lungs, breast and colon that are in closest contact with the environment. Many researchers feel this may contribute to disease (e.g, lung cancer).
| Which gene causes cancer when it is absent from the genome? | Cancer101
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p53. ras, raf and tiam all cause cancer when activated but not when deleted. p53 is known as a tumor suppressor gene.
| The absence of which cellular process is thought to contribute to some cancers? | Cancer101
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programmed cell death. Normally cells can commit suicide (programmed cell death) if something goes wrong, but some cancer cells have lost this ability and are able to grow when they should not.
| Wilms Tumor is a kind of cancer that is often diagnosed in very young children and babies. What does this cancer affect? | Cancer.... All The Many Kinds
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No . Leukemia is a cancer of the WHITE blood cells.
Colon Cancer. Her husband died of colon cancer, so she has stressed the importance of having a colonoscopy to check for signs of cancer.
15-30. Testicular cancer is almost always found in very young men. It is highly treatable if found quickly. Men with undescended testicles are at higher risk of this disease.
Prostate Cancer. PSA stands for Prostate Specific Antigen, and it is a simple blood test that checks the levels of the protein given off by the prostate. Abnormally high levels can mean cancer of the prostate.
Breast Cancer. Tamoxifen is a drug given to women who have already had breast cancer. It is a preventative medication that helps stop the disease from starting again.
30 percent. 30 percent of ALL CANCERS are linked to smoking cigarettes. Lung cancer is the most common cancer that has been linked to cigarettes.
Bladder Cancer. Bladder cancer is commonly linked to alcohol consumption and using tobacco.
tongue. The tongue usually is the start of oral cancer There are white spots or bumps that show first. It then spreads to those other spots mentioned, the cheeks, lips and gums.
kidney. Also called nephroblastomas, they are a solid tumor that originate in the kidney. They are the most common form of abdominal tumors in children.
| Lymphoma is a cancer affecting the lymphatic system (lymph nodes, tonsils, spleen, bone marrow and thymus). There are two types: Hodgkins and non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Which type is more common in children? | Cancers in Children
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non-Hodgkins. Lymphomas are the third most common cancers affecting children. Incidence is slightly higher in boys than girls.
| Neuroblastomas begin in nerve tissue. They usually originate in the tissue of which gland? | Cancers in Children
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adrenal gland. The average age of diagnosis is 2 years old. It is more common in boys. Infants usually respond better to treatment than older children.
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