Common Lupus Symptoms in Women and Men!

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Since lupus is more common in women than in men, it’s reasonable that ‘what are common lupus symptoms in women’ is one of frequently asked questions. In fact, about 90 percent of people with this disease in the U.S are women -- according to a published article on official site of the U.S Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health! And the age range of these women is 15 to 45 years of age (childbearing age). -- You may also like to read different types of lupus!
In general, lupus can be categorized into autoimmune disease. In other words it occurs when without unknown reason the immune system of patient attacks its own organs and tissues.
Furthermore, it is also familiar known as ‘chronic inflammatory disease’. Chronic means that the symptoms/signs are more likely to last longer (can be around 6 months or even may also last for many years). You may also like to read about rheumatoid arthritis symptoms (the other kind of chronic inflammatory disease)!
How do you get lupus?
As mentioned before, in people (both women and men) with lupus, the body’s system inappropriately attack its own tissues because it cannot distinguish between the healthy tissues and unfriendly foreign invaders (such as unfriendly germs, bacteria, and viruses). 
Since there is no clearly answer why it attacks its own tissues and organs, there is also no clearly answer on how to prevent lupus. In other words, lupus cannot be prevented. It also cannot be cured. But currently there are effective treatments that can help patients to relieve and control the symptoms. These treatments are usually also intended to lower the risk of organ damage.
Furthermore, most of the clearly factors /conditions that may increase your risk of having lupus are also unchangeable! These risk factors include;

1. Gender! As explained before, lupus tends to occur in women than in men. 
2. Race! This chronic inflammatory disease is more likely to occur in certain races (particularly such as Native American descent, Asian, and African descent) -- according to the Lupus Foundation of America.
3. And age! Lupus can occur at any age, however once again many studies found that it is more common in the ages of 15-40, particularly for women.

In addition, there is also a theory that lupus may be caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors. 
Individuals who have an inherited predisposition for lupus may have higher risk of developing this chronic inflammatory disease, particularly when they come into contact with certain environmental factors (such as certain medications (like certain antibiotics, medications to treat problems associated with blood pressure, or certain anti-seizure medications) and unfriendly properties from sunlight (in some susceptible individuals, too much exposure to the sunlight may cause lupus skin lesions), cigarette smoking, etc).
How to diagnose lupus?
There is no single test or a specific test to diagnose lupus. Therefore, the diagnosis of this chronic inflammatory disease is not easy and even often misdiagnosed! In general, the diagnosis is usually involved a combination of several tests.
Some common points that are often used by doctor to help make a decision whether or not you have lupus include:

1. Family history of autoimmune diseases (particularly lupus). If there is a member of your family that have a history of an autoimmune disease, let your doctor know!
2. Medical history of patient! Make sure you tell all problems (from A to Z) that you have to your doctor, this is important for your doctor to completely understand to your situation!

And some common tests to make a diagnosis of lupus may include:
Laboratory tests
In general, most of these laboratory tests are purposed to examine blood and urine which then will be used to find problems in certain organs of patient. These blood and urine tests may include:

1. Blood tests to examine liver and kidney! In fact, kidney and liver are some common organs that can be affected by lupus. Therefore, it’s reasonable when there is something wrong with your kidney & liver, it can be a sign that you may have lupus.
2. ANA test - it stands for Antinuclear Antibody test. A positive ANA test is common in patients with lupus, but most of people with a positive ANA test are not diagnosed with lupus. That’s why once you have a positive ANA test, your doctor usually still need to do other appropriately tests before making a conclusion.
3. A blood test to find the rate of blood cells at which they settle to the tube’s bottom in an hour. This test is also familiar known as ‘erythrocyte sedimentation rate’. Abnormal result of this test can be an indication of a systemic disease (like lupus).
4. A complete blood count test to get to know the number of your platelets, white blood cells, red blood cells, and even hemoglobin. It is also helpful to find the number of protein in your red blood cells. Abnormal result of this test can be an indication of anemia (one of common problems that can occur when you have lupus).
5. And urinalysis test! It is a kind of test to analyze the sample of your urine. And if there are increased red blood cells or protein level in the urine - this can be an indication that there is something wrong with the kidneys (the kidney may have been affected by lupus).

Kidney or skin biopsy
As mentioned before, lupus can affect the kidneys in many different ways. It also can harm your skin. Therefore, sometimes biopsy is required. With this procedure, doctor will do a minor surgery to take a sample of tissue. And this tissue will be examined and analyzed to find any problem that can be an indication of an autoimmune disease (such as lupus).
Imaging tests
Sometimes these tests are needed if your doctor suspects that your heart or lung is affected by lupus. Echocardiogram and chest X-rays are some common choices of these imaging tests. 
Echocardiogram test can be helpful to analyze the function of valves and other crucial parts of your heart. It can give the heart-beat’s real-time images. And for chest X-ray, it can be used to find a lung’s inflammation.
Lupus symptoms in women and men!
In general, there is almost no significant difference for the lupus symptoms in women and men. And the most important thing you need to know is ‘in fact, the lupus signs are different from person to person -- there is almost no 2 cases of this disease are exactly like’! Some patients (both women and men) may have many symptoms, while others may only experience a few signs.
The symptoms that may occur are also usually closely dependent on the area /organ of the body that is affected! They may be severe or mild, may be permanent or temporary, and also may occur /develop on slowly or suddenly!

Butterfly rash associated with lupus
(image credit © to Interactive Medical Media LLC /WebMD)

In many cases, patients with this lupus experience mild disease characterized by episodes. Lupus is often known as a disease of flares and remissions. ‘Flare’ means a condition when the signs of lupus worsen, and ‘remission’ means a condition when these signs improve (even symptoms may disappear completely for a time and patient feels better).
Some factors that can be a flare-trigger may include; after taking certain medications, injury, too-much exposure to sunlight /light of halogen /fluorescent, infection, stress (lack of sleep or overwork), and when after patient stops taking her/his lupus medicines.
And in fact, lupus can affect any part of the body’s patient (such as lungs, brains, blood cells, heart, kidneys, skin, and joints). Therefore, this chronic inflammatory disease can cause a lot of different signs!

Raynaud's phenomenon is one of lupus symptoms
(image credit © to Barts Medical Library - Phototake /WebMD)

The common lupus symptoms and signs (in both women and men) that may occur include:

1. Something wrong with your hair (hair loss).
2. Pleurisy - you may feel chest pain, especially when taking a deeply breath. Be careful, if your experience chest pain, it’s much better to see a doctor for a clearly diagnosis, because in fact chest pain is common sign of a heart attack in men!
3. Shortness of breath.
4. Problems associated with memory, you may experience frequent confusion, memory loss, or headache.
5. Something wrong with your weight (weight gain or weight loss), especially if it occurs with unclearly reason.
6. A butterfly-shaped rash, which typically across the bridge of nose and the face that covers your cheeks!
7. Fever (higher than 100 degrees of Fahrenheit) and fatigue (extreme or prolonged fatigue), particularly if they occur without known/clearly cause.
8. Joint stiffness and achy/pain (arthralgia), and they can occur with/without swelling! Lupus that affects joints of the body may cause a condition what we call as arthritis! Furthermore, your muscles may also be affected -- you may feel muscle weakness, pain, or aches.
9. Raynaud's phenomenon (pale /purple fingers/toes)! It a condition when your toes and fingers are exposed to cold will turn blue or white. This problem may also occur during stressful periods.
10. Kidney problems also can be a sign of lupus, especially when they occur with unknown cause.
11. Problems associated with your skin, particularly such as skin rash. You may also tend to be more sensitive to the light or sun. In some patients with lupus, skin lesions may worsen /appear with sun exposure.
12. Many people with lupus also have anemia (a condition of too low level of red blood cells).

Other less common signs that may also occur include: irritated /dry eyes, depression (feeling sad), dizzy spells, painless sores in the nose /mouth, blood clots, stroke, and seizures! Moreover, people with lupus may also experience nail changes (rash on nails).

Rash on nails associated with lupus
(image credit © to Interactive Medical Media LLC /WebMD)

*** If you doubt in your condition, see a doctor promptly to diagnose any symptom that you have so thus you will get a clearly diagnosis and appropriately treatment!________Reference: Womenshealth.gov, WebMD, and MayoClinic

Different Types of Lupus | Complications | Home Remedies

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What are different types of lupus? This chronic inflammatory disease is categorized into a group of autoimmune diseases. It can affect/attack any part of the body and that’s why it can cause many symptoms and complications -- read also lupus symptoms in women and men. And in many cases; kidneys, heart, skin, lungs, brain, joints and blood are some common areas /organs of the body that affected.
Lupus can attack anyone and also can occur at any age. But many studies found that is more likely to occur in women (female) than in men (male) -- particularly in the age range of 15 to 45 years of age (this age range is childbearing age). Even in very rare cases, it also can occur in childhood!
The progression of lupus and its symptoms
Lupus is not only can affect any part of your body and have a lot of symptoms, but there are also some types of this chronic inflammatory disease. Furthermore, it’s also often misdiagnosed since the symptoms can be very different for each patient and no currently specific test to help doctor to make a diagnosis of lupus.
Therefore, it’s reasonable if the calculation of patients who have lupus in many countries is not easy. But about 16,000 new cases of lupus are reported for every year in the U.S -- according to the Lupus Foundation of America.
Once again, the symptoms vary from person to person - even we can say that there is almost no two patients with lupus are exactly like! 
An individual with lupus may only have a kidney trouble or may only feel more fatigue all the time, while another individual may experience rashes. And someone else may experience high fever and swollen knees. The symptoms may come and go, and the disease may develop slowly in some patient - while others may have a quickly progression of the disease.  
Over time, there is a chance for patient to have more symptoms or more organs that affected by the disease - therefore it’s important for her/him to take the right treatments in order to reduce /eliminate these risks!
How about with the prognosis of patients with lupus? 
Is lupus a kind of fatal disease? Well, the answer is dependent on the condition of each patient. In some patients, it may lead to severe health problems. But for others, it may only a mild disease. But though the symptoms of your lupus are mild, it’s much better for your body to get a constant treatment & monitoring by your doctor in order to keep safe.
In essence, the outlook for this chronic inflammatory disease varies, which is usually closely dependent on the areas /organs of the body affected and the level of the symptom severity. 
Like most autoimmune diseases, the exact cause of why the body’s immune system in people with lupus attack its own tissue is also still not known. This is one of reasons why there is still no cure for lupus, especially for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (the most common type of lupus). 
The currently treatments are more focused to relieve and manage the symptoms, and also purposed to slow/prevent the damage to organs of patient. Overall, the chance of patients with lupus to have a normal lifespan is also good, particularly if they follow all treatment plans and instructions from their doctor.
Different types of lupus
There are some types of lupus, and the following are some of them -- according to The National Women’s Health Information Center:
Neonatal lupus
If compared to other types, neonatal lupus may be the rarest type. It is a kind of lupus that usually affects newborn or infants. Many experts believe that certain antibodies from the mother (especially from women with lupus) have a significant contribution to cause this kind of lupus in newborn. 
But there is also a chance for healthy women who don’t have lupus to cause neonatal lupus in their newborn. For these cases, these healthy women will usually also develop some lupus signs later in life.
Fortunately, this type is usually a kind of temporary lupus which means the symptoms are more likely to completely disappear after certain periods of time and usually there are also no lasting effects. 
And most newborn from women with lupus are also healthy. But there is still a chance from newborn with neonatal lupus to have a permanent heart condition. 
Today, with the appropriately tests, physicians and doctors can catch /indentify earlier whether or not a pregnant woman will have a newborn with neonatal lupus, so thus the preventive steps can be prepared to treat the infants at/before birth!
Drug-induced
As the name suggests, certain medications/medicines/drugs are the cause of this type. Many medicines are suspected for the cause of this kind of lupus. They may be drugs involved for the treatment of serious chronic diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, heart disease, neuropsychiatric disorders, high blood pressure, etc), which usually must be taken/prescribed over long periods of time. But not all individuals who take these medicines will have drug-induced lupus. 
And the chance to reverse this type is good - particularly after a specific medicine that cause drug-induced lupus is discontinued! So for the treatment, it is important for doctors to find a specific medicine/drug that cause drug-induced lupus.
The drug-induced lupus symptoms are like other common lupus symptoms, but they usually don’t affect the major organs.
Cutaneous lupus
This type is also very familiar known as skin lupus. Cutaneous itself is a term that means ‘skin’. Photosensitivity (a kind of immunological response to sunlight or light), ulcers, blood vessel’s swelling (vasculitis), and skin lesions/rashes are some common symptoms of this kind of lupus.
To diagnose this type, one of common procedures is by taking a sample piece of sore /rash which then will be analyzed under a microscope. In general, there are 2 types of cutaneous lupus; (a) subacute cutaneous lupus and (b) DLE (discoid lupus erythematosus) -- ask a doctor for in-depth information!
SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)
As mentioned before, it is the most common type of lupus (it takes about 70 percent or maybe more of all cases), and it can affect a lot of parts of the body. And symptoms of SLE usually represent the symptoms of lupus in general -- even many people when discussing/talking about lupus, they usually means SLE!
The exact cause of SLE is not known, therefore there is also no clearly answer on how to prevent it. To make a diagnosis of SLE, doctors usually need to perform some laboratory tests and physical examinations. 
What are common complications of lupus?
Once again, lupus can affect any part of the body and therefore it also can cause many complications. Therefore, patients with lupus are also at higher risk of having: 

1. Heart problems -- there is a chance for this chronic inflammatory disease to cause/create inflammation of heart membrane, heart arteries, or heart muscle. Patients also tend to have an increased risk of having anemia and blood clotting/ bleeding!  
2. Problems associated with lungs! Patients with lupus can have an inflammation of their pleurisy (chest cavity lining), as a result they may have painful breathing problem.
3. Lupus also can affect brain. Therefore, some patients may also complain about hallucinations, memory problems, dizziness, headaches, or even they may also experience seizures or stroke! You may also like to read effects of stroke on brain!
4. And problems associated with kidneys (such as kidney failure or kidney damage)! This complication is one of common causes of death in patients with lupus.
5. Other complications may include; increased risk of having certain cancer, pregnancy complications (pregnant women with lupus are more likely to experience more pregnancy complications), and avascular necrosis (a condition when the blood supply to the bone is interrupted).

In addition, lupus and its treatments also can decrease the strength of the body’s immune system. Therefore, they are usually also more vulnerable to infection!
Home remedies for lupus
Symptoms /signs of lupus and which organs of your body that affected are some common factors that influence what is kind of treatment that you should take! In line with the flares and remissions of your symptoms, you and your doctor may find the best plan to change /modify the medications or dosages!
Along with the prescribed treatment /medicines, the following are some helpful tips:
Keep far away from stress!
Stress is one of factors that may trigger a flare episode of lupus symptoms. Therefore, it is important to keep the level of your stress as low as possible!
Having adequate rest each day is helpful to manage your stress and fatigue. Other helpful tips include:

1. Do a helpful therapy to control your stress, such as yoga or meditation.
2. Get a regular exercise! It is not only useful to improve your overall health but also can reduce your stress level.
3. Schedule your activities so thus you can prepare yourself better to manage/control your stress! It’s much better to stay on a simple daily schedule -- as simple as you can!

Keep on healthy diet and healthy lifestyle!
As mentioned before, there are many complications that can be generated by lupus. These complications (such as hypertension or kidney damage) are one of common reasons why patients with lupus usually also need to have dietary restrictions.
However, healthy diet is not only important to control the lupus symptoms but also very helpful to improve your overall health.
Cigarette smoking also must be avoided - otherwise it will worsen the effects of lupus on your blood vessels and heart. Furthermore, many studies also found that smoking also can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease!
Give more attention to your skin!
Many patients with lupus complain about skin rash! Even many of them are also more sensitive to the light, especially sunlight. Therefore, ‘be sun smart’! If you want to go to outdoor (especially in the time when the sun’s rays are strong), use protective clothing (like long pants, long sleeved shirt, & a hat) to prevent too much exposure of ultraviolet!
You can also use a helpful cream (like corticosteroid cream). This cream can be helpful to ease the skin symptoms. Ask your doctor for more advices!________Reference: MayoClinic and WebMD

More FAQs about Lupus Skin Rash!

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Lupus (a kind of autoimmune disease or also familiar known as ‘chronic inflammatory disease’) can affect any part of your body. Problems associated with skin (changes of skin) are common in most people with lupus. About two-third or 80 percents of patients with this chronic inflammatory disease complain about some types of skin disease (such as lupus skin rash) -- according to the Lupus Foundation of America. You may also like to read about complications and different types of lupus!
Since lupus can attack/affect a lot of parts of the body, there are also many lupus symptoms that may occur. But these signs vary from person to person. Some patients may only have mild symptoms that develop slowly, while others may experience more symptoms that may develop quickly or slowly! Even, we almost cannot find two cases of this disease that are exactly like!
In addition, the diagnosis of lupus is also usually difficult because currently there is still no specific test to diagnose whether or not you have lupus (especially for SLE ‘Systemic Lupus Erythematosus’ -- it is the most common type of this chronic inflammatory disease’).
What is a kind of lupus that causes skin rashes?
Lupus skin rash is often associated with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (a term used to call lupus that typically only affects the skin of patient -- cutaneous means ‘skin’), which can be categorized into 3 major groups; acute cutaneous, subacute cutaneous lesions, and chronic cutaneous! 
But skin rash also can occur in patients with SLE. In fact, most of patients with SLE usually also complain about changes of the skin, mucous membranes, nails, and hair! 
Below is a helpful picture about the common sites of the skin where the lupus skin rash usually occurs:

(Image credit © to Medi-Mation Ltd Photo Researchers, Inc /WebMD)

What is the link between lupus skin rash and photosensitivity?
Most patients with lupus skin rashes are more sensitive to light, particularly such as sunlight and fluorescent lights. This situation is familiar called as ‘photosensitivity’ - a condition of too sensitive to the light. 
And each patient can have a different level of photosensitivity. Fortunately, most of patients with lupus only experience light sensitive. But the most important thing you need to know is about 40 to 70 % of people with SLE are reported that their symptoms of lupus are made worse by exposure to artificial light or UV (ultraviolet) -- according to a published article on WebMD.
Therefore, it’s important for people with lupus to take ‘be sun smart -step’ and other helpful steps to minimize the number of UV rays exposure. Talk more with a doctor to get more advices and tips!
What are specific and non-specific skin rashes associated with lupus?
Specific rash means a more specific condition of rash that can be a sign that you may have lupus. And for non-specific rashes are a condition of rash that can occur in patients with lupus, but they also can occur in certain diseases other than lupus!
Non-specific rashes
According the Lupus Foundation of America, these non-specific rashes are pretty common in patients with SLE - though they also can occur in people who don’t have lupus. Some of them may include:
Vasculitic rashes
In acutely condition of SLE, vasculitic rashes may also occur! Another condition that can cause this kind of rash is rheumatoid arthritis -- therefore, vasculitic rashes are categorized into non-specific because they also can occur in individuals who don’t have lupus. 
And some types of rash that occur because of vasculitis are; (a) tender red bumps on the body’s shins, (b) rashes that appear like splinters which usually occur under the nailbeds, (c) tender bumps that usually occur in the toes /fingers, and (d) ulcers that form on the legs /around the joints of ankle! -- You may also be interested to know about stomach ulcer symptoms!
Red blotches
They can be similar to drug-rash (rashes that occur due to a variety of drugs) or similar to rashes that occur due to a number of viruses. They may not /may be itchy, may not /may be elevated! For the color, they can be pink or red! Some common areas where these blotches occur are upper arms, chest, back, and face. And for the treatment, corticosteroids are one of common choices.
Other non-specific lesions
In fact, many people with lupus also complain about lesions! There is a chance for lupus to cause inflammation in the small vessels of the patient’s skin -- as a result, patient may have some lesions, like hives.
In rare cases, some patients may also have blisters! Redness on the palms and redness of the nailbeds also can be other non-specific lesions associated with lupus.
Specific rashes
Acute cutaneous
Your chance of having this acute cutaneous is high if you have an active SLE -- and malar rash is one of common typical forms (it is red skin /flattened areas on the face). 
A malar rash can occur on both cheeks, and this is also familiar called as ‘butterfly rash /butterfly blush’! It can be not itchy, particularly if it appears more like a blush than a rash - if otherwise, it usually can be itchy.
Though butterfly rash is one of typical signs of SLE, but only 30 percent of patients with SLE who have it! Furthermore, acute cutaneous lesions also may occur on the legs, arms, or other areas of the body. And they are more likely to be so photosensitive. 
Sub-acute cutaneous
Lesions of sub-acute cutaneous typically look like ring-shaped of red lesion with distinct edges. Some patients complain that their sub-acute cutaneous lesions are itchy, while others report not too itchy or even not itchy! These lesions are also more sensitive to lights, like fluorescent lights and sunlight.
Chronic cutaneous
About 20 % of patients with SLE are reported experience chronic cutaneous or also often called as ‘discoid lupus’! Sometimes, it also can occur in patients with absolutely no trace of SLE. It also can be very photosensitive.
The lesions of chronic cutaneous are typically thick, scaly, pink/red, and often slightly elevated! The outer ear and scalp are some common areas where they usually occur. Though they may also occur on the legs and chin, but these are rare!
What are other skin diseases /problems associated with lupus?
There some skin problems that may occur in people with lupus, these include:

1. Ulcers that are found on the nose or mouth (roof of mouth) -- these conditions are also often familiar called as ‘mucosal ulcers’! Furthermore, a mucosal ulceration also can be found in the lining of vaginal tissue - but fortunately this condition is rare. 
2. Alopecia or hair loss! About almost a half of patients with lupus have hair loss problem. In many cases, this problem occurs at the onset of the disease and therefore also can be one of early noticeable symptoms. Scarring on the scalp is one of reasons why people with lupus at higher risk of having hair loss problem.
3. Changes of nail! Lupus can cause inflammation of the nail bed’s small vessels, which then cause some changes of nail. About ten percent of people with lupus complaint about curling and cracking of nails! Even some of them also experience loss of nails. 
4. Thrombocytopenia is also common in patients with lupus. It is a condition of low level of platelet in the blood. It can cause tiny red spots on the skin or also familiar called as ‘petechiae’ that usually more common to occur on the lower legs.
5. Palmar erythema & livedo reticularis! They will result a bluish (lacelike molting) that usually more common to occur on the legs. And this symptom is more likely to get worse during cold weather.
6. Raynaud’s phenomenon! It is a kind of skin problem that cause your skin (particularly your toes /fingers) to turn blue, white, or red -- which usually will get worse during stressful periods and cold temperatures! It can occur due to a restricted blood in the feet and hands.
7. And if there is a buildup of Ca (calcium) under the skin, you can have a problem what we call as ‘salcinosis’! It can cause painful sensation, and sometimes may also leak liquid (a white liquid). 

*** Talk more with a doctor for more detailed information about lupus skin rash, and to get the best advices of the treatment!

You may also like to read about allergic reaction rash!

How Can You Get Stomach Cancer - More Facts!

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Gastric cancer or more familiar known /called as ‘stomach cancer’ is one of serious diseases that often diagnosed at later stages, and this is one of the major reasons of why it is very difficult to be treated. And therefore, having adequate knowledge about this disease is very helpful for you and your doctor to catch it earlier. So, how can you get stomach cancer? What else you need to know about facts of this disease?!

You may also be interested to read prognosis and  early symptoms of stomach cancer!

Fortunately, gastric cancer is only common in certain countries. In the U.S, it is uncommon (even according to the American Cancer Society -- in the past 60 years, there has been a huge decrease in the number of individuals diagnosed with it). Many cases of stomach cancer are found in Japan, parts of South America and Central America.
What actually is stomach cancer?
As the name implies, it is a kind of cancer that affects /occurs in the gastric or stomach! In general, we can call it as a malignant tumor that is arising in the stomach’s lining.
The stomach’s wall structural
Stomach is one of crucial parts of our digestive system. It is located under the ribs and upper abdomen. To understand gastric cancer, it’s much better to also know more about the structural of your stomach’s wall. It consists of 5 major layers which include; 

1. Serosa! It is the outer layer that has function to hold the stomach.
2. Subserosa - a support tissue of serosa.
3. Muscle layer! It has some muscles to mash & mix the food.
4. Submucosa - a support tissue for mucosa!
5. And mucosa or also familiar called as inner layer /lining! To digest food, your stomach requires juices that are produced by glands in the mucosa.

Malignant and benign tumors
Basically, cancer is a form of a cell. Sometimes new cells are required by the body, such as to replace the old cells. But this process sometimes can go abnormally -- when the body doesn’t need new cells, without unknown reason some new cells are continuously produced, and the damaged /old cells are also not gone /dead as they should be! As a result, there is a buildup of extra cells what we call as tumor or polyp or a growth. 
Tumors associated with stomach can be classified into 2 major groups:
Malignant tumor
This is categorized into cancer, and therefore it may be potentially life-threatening! There is also a chance for this kind of tumor to spread and attack other parts of the body. 
It can damage /invade nearby tissues or even nearby organs. Though it can be removed (in many cases), but there is a chance for this kind of tumor to grow back.
Benign tumor
It is not a kind of cancer. If compared to malignant tumor, it is relatively less harmful. It also may be a threat of life, but only in rare cases. Furthermore, it is relatively easier to be treated. It can be removed, and in many cases it will not grow back.
Unlike malignant tumor, benign tumor also typically doesn’t spread to another part of the body. Even it also usually doesn’t invade nearby tissues.
How does stomach cancer occur?
In many cases, gastric cancer begins to grow from the inner layer of stomach’s wall. Then there is a chance for it to invade more deeply into the wall of stomach, which then also spread to nearby organs, particularly like intestine, pancreas, esophagus, or liver.

Image credit © to WebMD

A cell of stomach cancer can spread by breaking away from its original tumor. The process of this cell of cancer to spread is also familiar called as ‘metastasis’! Ask a doctor for in-depth information!
What are types of gastric cancer?
In general, the types of gastric cancer are categorized according to a kind of tissue where they occur for the first time!
Adenocarcinoma is the most common type (it takes about 90-95 percent of all cases -- according to a published article on WebMD). It usually begins in the tissue of glandular of the stomach.
Sarcomas and lymphomas are other forms of stomach cancer -- you may also like to read some common lymphoma symptoms in women and men! Sarcomas usually involve /affect the connective tissue, particularly like blood vessels, fat, or muscles. And for lymphomas, they usually involve /affect the body’s lymphatic system.
Furthemore, GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumor) and carcinoid cancer also can be categorized into gastric cancer. GIST usually begins to grow from specific nervous system cells in the stomach. And for carcinoid cancer, it usually starts in hormone-producing cells.  
How can you get stomach cancer and how to prevent it?
Since there is still no clearly result of studies to confirm the exact cause of stomach cancer, there is also no clearly answer of why we can get it and how to prevent it.
But some experts believe that there some ways that may be effective to lower your risk of having stomach cancer. Some of these ways may include:

1. Avoid diet high in smoked foods and salty foods! It’s much better to have diet high in fresh fruits & vegetables. For better result, don’t forget also to have a wide variety of colorful fresh fruits & vegetables in your diet. 
2. Do your exercise regularly! Having lack of physical activity may also increase your risk of gastric cancer.
3. Stay away from unhealthy habits, particularly such as smoking. Many studies found that cigarette smoking can increase your risk of developing a lot of health problems and diseases, such as stomach cancer. Read also some smoking side effects!
4. Get to know more your condition! Some medical conditions (like stomach polyps, chronic gastritis, and pernicious anemia) can increase the risk of developing gastric cancer. If you have one or some of these health conditions, ask a doctor about how these factors affect your gastric stomach risk! Allow your doctor to know all conditions of your body!

In addition, an infection from ‘Helicobacter pylori’, consuming foods that contain aflatoxin fungus, having a family history of stomach cancer, and having certain genetic abnormalities  are also believed will put someone at higher risk of gastric cancer. Furthermore, stomach cancer is also more common in advanced age (around 70 -74 years of age). 
You may also like to know about symptoms of bladder cancer and spastic colon! ________Reference: MayoClinic, MedicineNet, and WebMD

Pain from Ovarian Cyst - More FAQs!

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In many cases, ovarian cysts usually don’t cause any sign. But if the symptoms do occur, pain (particularly pain in the pelvic) is one of the most common symptoms. That’s why there are a lot of questions associated with the pain from ovarian cyst. -- You might also be interested to know about can ovarian cysts cause fertility problem, before continuing?
Although most cases of these cysts usually will go away naturally without treatment, but it’s important to keep being alert to any unusual symptom, especially for the unusual symptoms from the menstrual cycle. Taking regular pelvic examinations are also recommended by doctors to find cysts in /on the ovaries as earlier as possible.
Can pain from ovarian cyst come and go?
The pain from ovarian cyst could be a result of several causes. It may be caused by the cyst itself, or may be caused by when the cyst is rupturing. The cyst may be filled with only fluid /solid or both (mixed between fluid and solid). Sometimes a rupture of cyst can be very painful.
In fact there are many women who have cysts in /on their ovaries at some point during their lifetime, particularly during childbearing years. In other words, ovarian cysts are pretty common in individuals of childbearing age. 
Functional cyst is one of ovarian cyst types. It usually starts to occur from the normal function of a woman’s menstrual cycle. Therefore, it is often called as the most common type and also again pretty common in women of childbearing age.
From these explanations, the pain from ovarian cyst may ‘come and go’ in some women. Furthermore, ovarian cyst size may also contribute to cause pain. Small cyst may be less likely to cause pain than large cyst.
However, it’s important to find a clearly diagnosis of your symptom. Ovarian cyst is not a single answer for ovarian pain and pelvic pain. If you in doubt to your condition, find help and see a doctor promptly for clearly diagnosis & best advice! -- Read also about treatment options for ovarian cysts!
Pain from ovarian cyst in back (lower back)
Dull ache in the lower back may also occur when you have ovarian cysts -- according to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health. Furthermore, dull ache also may occur in the thighs.
Doctors believe that the progress of cyst to become large is one of factors that may cause pain in the back. A large cyst can be potential to result extra pressure on other nearby organs, as result patient may also experience frequent urination problem and abdominal discomfort.
How long does pain from ovarian cyst rupture last?
As mentioned before, the rupture of cyst can be very painful. But it also can be a sign that the cyst begins to dissolve from the ovaries. 
The pain after this rupture varies from person to person. It may last for a few days in some patients, but may also last longer in others. But some doctors say that it usually lasts for at least two weeks. If you experience this problem, ask your doctor for in-depth information about this issue!
Moreover -- age, overall health of patient, size and type of cyst are major factors that influence the prognosis of an ovarian cyst.
Pain management ovarian cyst
Cysts of ovaries form for numerous reasons. In patients with functional cysts, their ovulation cycle can be one of factors to increase the chance of developing new cysts or increase the chance of cyst to grow larger. Based on this reason, birth control pills are one of common choices for pain management due to ovarian cysts.
Birth control pills can stop the ovulation temporarily, which then will make a patient is less likely to have new cysts in her ovaries. For more advice, ask your physician /doctor!
How about with pain from ovarian cyst during pregnancy?
Sometimes cysts in or on the ovaries also can be discovered in some pregnant women. The finding of them is often as ‘an incidental detection’ at the time of women’s routine prenatal ultrasound screening. 
Fortunately, most of these cysts are benign (not-cancerous) that usually will not need any surgical intervention by doctors. However, doctors usually need to keep monitoring the progress of these cysts in order to make sure that there is no serious effect for the pregnancy of patient. 
But sometimes an appropriately surgery is required to treat these cysts. In general, a surgery may be needed for some of the following:

1. If the cyst has become a malignant (cancerous) or if there is a suspicion for cells of malignant.
2. If the cyst’s size will be potential to cause problems /serious problems for the pregnancy.
3. If a serious complication occurs (particularly such as when twisting of the cyst (ovarian torsion) or rupture develops). Ovarian torsion is a condition when the ovary move out of its position - and larger cysts on the ovaries can be potential to cause this problem.

What are other health problems that also can cause ovarian pain?
As written before if you experience ovarian pain, it is not a sign that signal you definitely have ovarian cysts! You should clearly understand that there are some different health problems that also can generate this symptom -- and the following are some of them: 

1. Ovarian tumors! Tumors can form in several parts of the body, including in the ovaries. In general, tumors can be divided into 2 major groups: (a) noncancerous /benign and (b) cancerous /malignant.
2. Endometriosis! It is a condition when endometrium (tissue that naturally lines the inside of the uterus) grows outside of the area where it should be (outside the uterus)!
3. PID ‘Pelvic Inflammatory Disease’! It is a kind of sexually transmitted infection that usually affects fallopian tubes, uterus, or ovaries. In fact, PID is one of the most common causes for pelvic pain in many women.
4. And ovarian Remnant Syndrome! It usually occurs due to a small piece of ovary that accidentally left behind during surgery to remove ovaries or uterus. This remnant may grow and cause painful cysts.

In addition; PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), PID (pelvic inflammation disease), kidney stones (formation of crystals that occur in the urinary system), IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), inflammatory bowel disease, ectopic pregnancy, and infection of the appendix are other health problems that also can generate the similar symptoms of ovarian cysts.________Reference: WebMD and MayoClinic

Can Stomach Cancer Be Cured | Gastric Cancer Stages

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When people talking about stomach cancer (gastric cancer); ‘Can it be cured -- is it curable?’, ‘What are the stages of the disease’, and ‘What are the current treatments?’ are some of the most frequently asked questions! You might also like to read diagnosis & tests of gastric cancer, before continuing!
This disease can develop and occur in any part of the stomach, and even there is also a chance for it to spread the nearby tissues or organs. Unfortunately, many researchers and experts still don’t know the exact cause of stomach cancer. But some risk factors of this disease have been identified. And fortunately most of these risk factors are changeable.

Furthermore, there is opinion that when people have been diagnosed with stomach ulcer then their risk of having gastric cancer is high. But this is wrong -- there is still no scientifically evidence to confirm this issue. Many experts still believe that stomach ulcer doesn’t increase an individual risk of having gastric cancer.
Stomach cancer stages
According a published article on MedicineNet, doctors classify the stages of this disease into five major stages, these include:
Stage 4 (IV)
It is the most severe stage. In this stage, cells of cancer have spread to (a) certain distant parts /organs of patient’s body, or (b) more than 15 lymph nodes, or (c) when the cancer has invaded /affected at least 1 lymph node and nearby organs.
In addition, lymph nodes are lymphatic-tissue’s rounded mass that is usually surrounded by a capsule (capsule of connective tissue), which usually located along the body’s lymphatic vessels. 
Stage 3 (III)
It is a stage when the cells of cancer are one of the following:

1. Haven’t spread to distant organs /lymph nodes, but the nearby organs (like spleen, colon, and liver) have been invaded by the tumor.
2. Or have spread to 1 - 15 lymph nodes, and the outer layer of stomach’s wall (serosa) has been penetrated by the tumor. Read also 5 major layers of wall of stomach!
3. Or have spread to 7 - 15 lymph nodes, and the subserosa of stomach’s wall has been invaded by the tumor).

Stage 2 (II)
In this stage, the cells of cancer are one of the following:

1. Haven’t spread to lymph nodes - also haven’t spread to other organs, but the outer layer (serosa) has been penetrated by the tumor.
2. Or have spread to 1 - 6 lymph nodes, and the muscle layer of stomach’s wall has been invaded by the tumor.
3. Or have spread to 7 - 15 lymph nodes, and the support tissue for the inner layer of stomach’s wall (submucosa) has been invaded.

Stage 1 (I)
According to the National Cancer Institute -- in this stage, the cells of cancer are already found in the innermost layer of stomach’s wall (inside lining of mucosa). And based on where the cells of cancer have spread, stage 1 is categorized into two stages; 

1. Stage 1A! It is a condition when cancer cells may have been found in the submucosa.
2. Stage 1B! It is a condition of one of the following: (a) when the cancer cells have spread to 1 - 2 lymph nodes and may also already be found in the submucosa, or (b) when cancer cells are already found in the muscle layer of wall of stomach.

Stage 0
This phase is also called /known as ‘Carcinoma in Situ’! It is a condition when there are abnormal cells (they may become cancer or not) in the innermost layer (the inside lining of mucosa) of stomach’s wall. 
In addition, there are 3 major ways of cancer to spread. It can spread through blood, lymph system, and tissue.
So, is stomach cancer curable?
The chance to cure gastric cancer is good if the disease is diagnosed at early stage. The spread of cancer significantly influence the successful of the treatment. In other words, the prognosis of stage 0 and I of the disease are much better than the higher stages.
Unfortunately, most cases of people with this disease are diagnosed at later stages. There are some reasons of this late diagnosis;

1. In the early stage, the disease typically only result few signs or even very few symptoms. This is reason of why many patients don’t realize to the existing of the disease at early stage.
2. Most of symptoms that occur are also often vague. Moreover, some of these symptoms also can be caused by many other health conditions -- therefore the diagnosis of stomach cancer is also not easy. 
3. There is still no specific procedure /test to decide whether or not you have this disease (particularly for the early stage of stomach cancer). The diagnosis often involves a combination of some tests and physical exams.

Mass screening programs may be helpful to catch the disease at early stage. In fact, this method is successful in Japan (a country where gastric cancer is common -- much more common if compared in the U.S).
In general, the decision of a kind of treatment to treat /cure stomach cancer is closely associated with the stage of the disease, the characteristics of the tumor itself (location, extent, and size of tumor), and overall health of patient.________Reference: MedicineNet

How Do You Know If You Have Colon Cancer?

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When people talking about colon cancer (or also familiar known as ‘colorectal cancer’), “How do you know if you have it?” is one of the most frequently asked questions! However, it is serious disease that sometimes can be potentially life-threatening. You might also like to know about risk factors of colon cancer (factors or conditions that increase your risk of having this disease), before continuing!

Any problem in the colon can be potential to cause health problem, particularly for your digestive system - because as well we know that colon is one of important parts of the digestive system. What else you need to know?

What is the function of colon for your digestive system?

Colon (or also familiar called as ‘large intestine’) has a significant contribution to support the function of our digestive system. In general, doctors classify the function of this organ into 3 major points; 

1. It is responsible to eliminate feces (solid waste) from your body.
2. It has function to accept & store nutrients remain from foods that were not optimally digested in your small intestine. This is so useful for the body to optimally absorb nutrients from food that you eat!
3. And it is also responsible to find & re-absorb the remaining electrolytes and water from the indigestible food matter.

In essence, it has crucial function for the final stages of your digestive process. Without it, the body cannot optimally absorb water, vitamin, and other essential nutrients. Moreover, when your colon doesn’t work properly, you are at higher risk of have a lot of health problems, such as diverticulitis, constipation, lack of body’s fluid balance, etc.

From these explanations, we get a conclusion that it’s very important to have a healthy colon. Below is a helpful picture of colon anatomy:

(Image credit © to WebMD)

Cecum is a first part of colon that connects to the last part of your small intestine (or also called as ‘ileum’). And the rest of large intestine is categorized into four major parts; the ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid colon.
How does colon cancer occur?

In many cases of patients with colon cancer, the disease starts as noncancerous cells what we call as benign tumor. These benign cells usually occur for the first time in the innermost layer of large intestine’s wall. Doctors also often call them as polyps. And over time, these cells of benign tumor may become cells of cancer (malignant tumor).

Patients with earlier stage of colon cancer have a better chance to be cured than others who have later stage of this disease. In other words, benign polyps are easier to be treated than malignant tumor. You may also like to read about colon cancer stages!

Benign tumor usually don’t spread to other organs, even it also usually doesn’t invade the nearby tissues. On the other hand, malignant tumor can invade nearby tissue and also can spread to other parts of patient’s body.

So, we can say that diagnosing colorectal cancer as earlier as possible is equivalent to the successful of the treatment, and also equivalent to the prognosis of patient. It’s important to diagnose cells of benign polyps as earlier as possible before they become cells of cancer.
So, how do you know if you have colon cancer?
In most cases, there is still no clearly answer for the exact causes of colon cancer. Another bad news, most patients don’t notice any symptoms at early stage of the disease -- read also signs of colon cancer! Therefore, it’s reasonable if there are some patients who are diagnosed with this disease at later stage.
The most effective way to get to know if you have colon cancer as earlier as possible is by taking regularly screening tests! Since most patients with this disease are elderly people (older than 50 years of age), people should begin to take a screening test at the age of 50. 
But for individuals who have some /many risk factors of colorectal cancer or at increased risk of this disease, they should start their screening test earlier. For best advice, ask your doctor when you should start this preventive step.
And the following are some changes of lifestyle that may also be helpful to decrease your risk of having this colorectal cancer:

1. Keep on your healthy weight! It’s clear that overweight or underweight is often linked to some health problems. Moreover, many doctors believe that maintaining your healthy weight is very useful to improve your overall health. 
2. Do your exercise -- get adequate physical activity! It is also helpful to maintain your healthy weight and improve your overall health.
3. Keep far away from bad habits, particularly such as cigarette smoking and excessively consumption of alcohol. We all agree that smoking is very bad for health -- if you are smoker, stop it as earlier as possible (read also smoking side effects)! And for the consumption of alcohol, drink it in moderation!
4. Keep focus on a balanced diet, particularly eating a variety of colorful fruits, whole grains, and vegetables. These foods are rich in antioxidants, minerals, fiber, and vitamins which can be essential nutrients to prevent cancer.

Other health problems associated with colon!
Problems in the large intestine is not only associated with colon cancer. Travelers' diarrhea, colon polyps, salmonellosis, shigellosis, hemorrhage, diarrhea, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulosis, diverticulitis, and colitis are some diseases that also can affect the colon.
Furthermore, some symptoms of colon cancer may also be caused by one of these diseases. This is one of reasons of why diagnosing colorectal cancer is difficult.
More facts of colon cancer!

1. For the treatment, surgery is one of the common choices - particularly for the advanced stage of the disease. Sometimes, preventive surgery is also good option to prevent the disease in individuals who are at increased risk of colon cancer.
2. In general, the decision of a kind of treatment to treat the disease is closely associated with extent, location, and size of cancer, as well as the overall health and age of the patient.
3. Prognosis of this disease is good if the disease is diagnosed at early stage.
4. And did you know that in the U.S -- this disease is the fourth leading cause of cancer in women and third in men.

________Reference: MedicineNet, WebMD, and MayoClinic