Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare disease in the Western world, with an incidence in the United States of 0.5–2 per 100,000. However, the incidence of NPC is significantly higher in southern China, southeast Asia, and the Middle East/North Africa, where it is one of the most common cancers [1].With the highest prevalence in Southern China where an average of 80 cases per100,000 populations is reported each year [2]. This geographic variation suggests interactions of different factors such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection [3] genetic predisposition, and environmental factors including diet [4,5], which are more likely to be found in combination in endemic regions. However, an increased incidence of NPC in younger individuals in endemic …show more content…
NPC cells express EBV latent proteins, such as EBNA-1, LMP-1, and LMP-2, as well as BamHI, a fragment of the EBV genome [6]. It is thought that viral proteins may induce epithelial cellular growth following exposure to EBV, with secondary genetic alterations occurring with exposure to environmental carcinogens later in life [7]. However the early diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma can be a difficult task because the post nasal space is relatively inaccessible to examination 4,5 compounded by the fact that the presentation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is variable ( patients may present with headache, cranial nerve involvement, nasal obstruction, or a neck mass due to nodal metastases), however, patients may remain asymptomatic for a long time, given the often clinically occult site of presentation [8] and patients consult doctors of different specialties who have little experience in managing nasopharyngeal carcinoma [6]. It is, therefore, not surprising that the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is delayed [9-11]. It is of concern that only 10% of patients are diagnosed early at stage I [12]. Early-stage NPC is curable with RT alone, with
What are lung cancers? Lung cancers are the abnormal cells which grow in uncontrolled manner in one or both lungs. They do not function as normal lung cells and do not develop into healthy lung tissue. The abnormal cells can grow, form tumours and interfere with the normal functions of the lung (Lungcancer.org, 2015). Lung cancers can be divided into two major types, namely non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancers (SCLC). NSCLC can be further classified into three main subtypes, namely adenocarcinoma, squamous-cell carcinoma and large-cell carcinoma (Longo & Harrison, 2012). Lung cancers can be diagnosed by chest X-ray, computerised tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography-computerised tomography (PET-CT) scan, bronchoscopy and biopsy (Nhs.uk, 2015). Unfortunately, lung cancers are often diagnosed at the later stages. This is due to the unrecognisable symptoms and warning signs at the earlier stages. NSCLC are often diagnosed at stage IV which accounts for 30-40% of cases whereas 60% of SCLC is diagnosed at stage IV. Lung cancer usually originates from the cells lining the bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli. Carcinogens especially tobacco smoke will alter the gene expression of the normal human lung cells, resulting in cell mutation. The proto-oncogenes will be converted to mutated form, oncogenes. Mutation leads to the decreased expression of the tumour suppressor genes. This results in uncontrolled cell proliferation, cell
leading cause of cancer related mortality within the community for both men and women was
It is now acknowledged that NSCLC is not a singular pathogen but is in fact multiple pathologies with unique molecular signatures that we are only beginning to understand and unravel . Widely speaking, the main subtypes are pulmonary adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and large cell carcinoma. This distinction alone allows for a more tailored selection of cytotoxic chemotherapy in advanced NSCLC without a controller mutation, as seen with enhanced efficacy with pemetrexed in adenocarcinoma or the toxicity concerns of bevacizumab in patients with squamous histology .
Squamous Cell Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) occurs in about 30% of all Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer cases. (Khan Academy Medicine, 2012) There are two main features of squamous cell NSCLC that distinguish it from adenocarcinoma and large cell NSCLC. Squamous cells contain keratin within the cell and are connected to each other by desmosomes (Khan Academy Medicine, 2012). Squamous cell NSCLC is most commonly found in male smokers who have a cough, airway obstruction, Hilar-adenopathy, mediastinal widening with chest x-rays, and Hypercalcemia (Harold, J. Bruyere, 2009).
Laryngeal carcinoma is considered as the most common head and neck neoplasm diagnosed by the otolaryngologists (40% of patients had stage III or IV when first evaluated), while 98% have squamous cell carcinoma (the most common pathological type); in addition, the incidence of lymph node metastasis depends on the tumour stage (30% for T4 lesions).1
Squamous Cell Carcinoma – Accounts for 20% of non-melanoma cancers and causes death in about 10% of affected patients.
Early and timely diagnosis is essential in ensuring that management and treatment can be instigated appropriately. With active treatment and assistance, it is possible for many patients to live with dignity, peace and fulfilment.
Cancer is the main cause of death in the world, estimating 8.2 million fatalities in 2012 alone
The incidence of oropharyngeal carcinoma has been raised by 10.8% by 2004 since 1991. Distinctively, oroharynx cancer is prevalent biased toward men at least who are 50 years old of age than women. But this brings a new epidemiological concern because vast majority of men who has oropharyngeal
It also appears that both male and females living in the Love Canal tract within the 65-75 year old group had the highest rates of age-specific respiratory cancer (Males: SIR:1.7, 5%CL8-23 and Females: SIR:2.0, 5%CL: 1 to 8). However, no other age groups in this track had similar results. Overall, this study suggested there were not consistently elevated rates of the studied cancers within the Love Canal population (Janerich et al.,
EBV (Epstein Barr Virus) also known as Gamma herpes Virus – 1, is amongst a large family of approximately 100 herpes virus, 8 of these are known to infect humans. These are Cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus -1 and -2, varicella-zoster virus, human herpes virus 6 (variant A and B), human herpes virus 7, kaposi’s sarcoma (human herpes virus 8) and EBV (gamma Herpes Virus -1). All of these are classified into 3 different subfamilies known as alpha, beta and gamma dependant on the specificity of cell host range and tropism. The alpha group includes Herpes simplex virus -1 and -2, and Varicella-Zoster Virus and can be described to have a broad host cell range, a short reproductive cycle in epithelial cells and efficiently spreads well in culture.
Throat cancer Mt Pleasant TX is one of a number of cancers that are highly preventable and highly curable. According to The American Institute for Cancer Research, 63% of mouth pharyngeal and laryngeal cancers can be prevented by making simple lifestyle changes. But statistics that tout the preventability of a certain type of cancer are not much comfort after a diagnosis has been made. If you’ve been diagnosed with a type of throat cancer or you fear you’re at risk, here are some things you should know:
HPV is the single biggest cause of cervical cancer and oropharyngeal cancers, according to the CDC. Between 2008 and 2012, almost 39,000 U.S. citizens were diagnosed with HPV-related cancer every year. Fifty-nine percent of them women and 41 percent men, researchers report. But while Pap smears and HPV tests have reduced rates of cervical cancer in woman, rates of oral cancer are growing in men.
not be detected until later in life. This disease puts restrictions on exercise and the proper
Many of these symptoms seem may seem commonplace to the general population, but it is important to seek medical advice if these symptoms are persist, reoccur, or last longer than two weeks. Regular screenings and self-exams can help to prevent and detect throat cancer in the early stages. With early detection, almost 90 percent of throat cancer victims are able to survive five years or longer. Therefore, it is important to pay close attention to any warning signs that the patient may be experiencing in order to ensure the best opportunity for a long, healthy life.