A Simple Guide to Infectious Mononucleosis
-------------------------------------------------
What is Infectious Mononucleosis?
-------------------------------------------
Infectious Mononucleosis is an infectious disease which typically cause swelling of the lymph nodes of neck, sore throat and fever.
What is the cause of Infectious Mononucleosis?
-------------------------------------------------------
The cause of Infectious Mononucleosis is the Epstein Barr virus which can be spread by droplets and kissing.
It is more common in young adults.
The incubation period (from contact to illness) is 10-15 days.
It is usually sporadic but may be epidemic.
What are Signs and symptoms of Infectious Mononucleosis?
------------------------------------------------------------------
The triad of symptoms which are common to Infectious Mononucleosis are:
1.Neck and axillary lymph nodes are enlarged
2.Fever with headache
3.sore throat with sometimes extensive tonsillar exudates and swelling
Other symptoms are:
4.fatigue
5.bodyaches
6.jaundice(rare)
Signs:
1.Throat is red and inflamed with enlarged tonsils
2.Pinpoint petechiae at junction of hard and soft palate
3.Enlarged lymph nodes are felt below the jaw and neck region; sometimes in the axillary region
4.Swelling of lacrimal glands and eyelids
5.Spleen is enlarged in 50% of cases
6.Generalized maculopapular rash may occur
Onset is usually insidious with mild fever which may becomes worse and lasts for 2 to 21 days.
Disease usually lasts for 2-3 weeks.
How is the diagnosis of Infectious Mononucleosis made?
---------------------------------------------------------------
1.Classical symptoms and signs as above especially lymph nodes enlargement.
2.blood tests (complete blood count, ESR, liver function tests and blood culture).
Blood count usually shows more than 10% atypical mononuclear cells.
3.Blood for Epstein Barr antibody
3.X-rays of chest and abdomen
4.CT Scan or ultrasound of the abdomen to detect presence of other lymph nodes and enlarged spleen.
What are the complications of Infectious Mononucleosis?
---------------------------------------------------------------
1.Obstruction to airway from enlarged lymph nodes
2.thrombopenic purpura
3.myocarditis
4.pericarditis
5.lymphocytic meningitis
6.encephalitis
7.polyneuritis
8.hepatitis
What is the treatment of Infectious Mononucleosis?
------------------------------------------------------------
1.Bed rest in isolation ward
2.Adequate fluids
3.Antipyretic medicines such as paracetamol for fever
3.corticosteroids is useful to reduce complications such as upper airway obstruction and severe hepatitis
4.High-flow oxygen and tracheostomy in airway obstruction
What is the prognosis of Infectious Mononucleosis?
-----------------------------------------------------------
Prognosis of Infectious Mononucleosis is generally good.
Epstein Barr infections has been associated with nasopharyngeal cancer.
What are the Preventive measures taken for Infectious Mononucleosis?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Isolation of cases at home or in hospital.
Avoid contacts.
Showing posts with label Epstein-Barr virus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Epstein-Barr virus. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Friday, September 28, 2007
A Simple Guide to Lymphoma
A Simple Guide to Lymphoma
-----------------------------------
What is Lymphoma?
------------------------
Lymphoma is a cancer of the tissue of the lymphatic system where there is a large number of abnormal white blood cells called lymphocytes causing swelling of lymph nodes or involvement of the other organs.
This can disrupt the immune-system cells and reduce a person's ability to resist infections and diseases. The lymph nodes become swollen forming painless lumps or tumours.
Although lymphomas usually begin in a lymph node, it also can originate in the stomach, intestines, skin or any other organ that contains lymphoid tissue.
Lymph nodes are found anywhere in the body, particularly in the neck, armpits, groin, above the heart and around the big blood vessels inside the abdomen.
Who are at risk of getting Lymphomas?
----------------------------------------------
1.Men are at a higher risk of getting lymphomas.
The disease is uncommon among younger men.
It often develops after the age of 50.
2. past history of severe viral infections which lowers your immune system eg. HIV virus
3.history of organ transplants and on immuno suppressive drugs
4.history of cancer and previous treatment with chemtherapy or radiation therapy
5. frequent exposure to chemicals, solvents,pesticides
6.family history of lymphoma
What are the types of Lymphoma?
----------------------------------------
There are two main types of lymphoma.
They are:
Hodgkin's Disease
Hodgkin's disease is characterised by the presence of a specific type of abnormal cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell. This cancer can spread throughout the lymphatic system, affecting any organ or lymph tissue in the body.
Hodgkin's disease usually attack people in their late 20s or older than 50.
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Most lymph cancers are non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.
There are many types of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas develops in the age group of 60 - 70.
Different types of lymphoma occur in different age groups.
1.Adult non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is classified by the size, shape and arrangement of the cancer cells in the lymph node. The appearance will determine the type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The degree or seriousness of the disease is broken into three types (grades) -
1.low-grade (slower-growing),
2.intermediate grade and
3.high-grade (aggressive).
These grades are crucial in determining the treatment options to treat the cancer.
2.Childhood non-Hodgkin's lymphomas include lymphoblastic lymphoma, large cell lymphoma and small non-cleaved cell lymphoma (including Burkitt's and non-Burkitt's lymphomas).
What are the Symptoms of Lymphoma?
-----------------------------------------------
The most common symptom associated with lymphoma is
1.lymph node swelling. A painless swelling initially surfaces in the early stages of the cancer. This swelling may persist or increase in size. The most common affected areas would be the neck, armpits or groin.
Other symptoms are:
2.unexplained constant fever,
3.sudden weight loss,
4. itchy skin or rashes,
5. night sweats and
6. abdominal pain
What are the causes of Lymphomas?
-------------------------------------------
There is no known cause for lymphomas.
However, it has been closely linked to several factors -
1) environmental influences, Environmental influences may take the form of extreme exposure to certain chemicals like herbicides and insecticides.
2) genetic factors
There are inherited immune-deficiency disorders from birth such as Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome which have been blamed for the cause of genetic factors that result in lymphomas.
3) viral infections. Viral infections such as the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have been associated with lymphomas.
What is the Treatment of Lymphoma?
---------------------------------------------
Hodgkin's Disease can only be treated with radiation therapy using high-energy X-rays to kill lymphoma cells in the affected area. This procedure may also be combined with chemotherapy.
Treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, can vary.
The treatment is based on the degree of grade of the disease.
1.Early stage and low-grade (slow-growing) lymphoma can be treated with radiation therapy and sometimes just simple observation is enough.
2. intermediate-grade lymphoma may be treated with chemotherapy.
The drugs are either injected directly into the bloodstream or swallowed as pills.
Each course of treatment is given at regulated intervals to kill cancer cells and allow the body to recover. The drugs circulate throughout the body and will reach cancer cells even when they are widespread.
Patients who are suffering from the more advanced stages and high-grade (aggressive) lymphomas will require a higher dosage of chemotherapy.
However, the high dosage has its own side effects.
Too much of it may kill healthy bone marrow that produces white and red blood cells and platelets (cells that prevent bleeding). Therefore, to assist patients tolerate the high dosage of chemotherapy treatment, stem cells or bone marrow from the patient or donor are collected beforehand. After a patient has received the chemotherapy, the stem cells or bone marrow are returned to the patient through a drip in a vein.
In addition to the above treatment methods, another option for treating lymphomas would be biological therapy. This procedure uses products such as immunoglobulin that boost the body's own immune system to fight cancer.
This therapy may be used alone or combined with chemotherapy.
In conclusion, the type of treatment sought or used depends very much on the stage, and grade of the lymphoma when diagnosed and the age and health of the patient.
Most doctors will advise their patients on the various treatment options that are the most beneficial and appropriate whilst considering the factors mentioned above.
What are the Prevention measures for Lymphomas?
-------------------------------------------------------------
1.Where exposure to some toxins and chemicals which are known to cause lymphomas are possible, one should be properly attired and guarded from these chemicals, so as to decrease the risk of developing the disease.
2.Since HIV / AIDS carriers are also related to lymphomas, one should be aware of the importance of safe sex and should stay away from drugs, as far as possible.
3.regular visits to the family doctor helps in detecting any sign or symptom that may eventually lead to the cancer.
4.healthy lifestyle and proper balanced diet are always important in the prevention of any cancer.
-----------------------------------
What is Lymphoma?
------------------------
Lymphoma is a cancer of the tissue of the lymphatic system where there is a large number of abnormal white blood cells called lymphocytes causing swelling of lymph nodes or involvement of the other organs.
This can disrupt the immune-system cells and reduce a person's ability to resist infections and diseases. The lymph nodes become swollen forming painless lumps or tumours.
Although lymphomas usually begin in a lymph node, it also can originate in the stomach, intestines, skin or any other organ that contains lymphoid tissue.
Lymph nodes are found anywhere in the body, particularly in the neck, armpits, groin, above the heart and around the big blood vessels inside the abdomen.
Who are at risk of getting Lymphomas?
----------------------------------------------
1.Men are at a higher risk of getting lymphomas.
The disease is uncommon among younger men.
It often develops after the age of 50.
2. past history of severe viral infections which lowers your immune system eg. HIV virus
3.history of organ transplants and on immuno suppressive drugs
4.history of cancer and previous treatment with chemtherapy or radiation therapy
5. frequent exposure to chemicals, solvents,pesticides
6.family history of lymphoma
What are the types of Lymphoma?
----------------------------------------
There are two main types of lymphoma.
They are:
Hodgkin's Disease
Hodgkin's disease is characterised by the presence of a specific type of abnormal cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell. This cancer can spread throughout the lymphatic system, affecting any organ or lymph tissue in the body.
Hodgkin's disease usually attack people in their late 20s or older than 50.
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Most lymph cancers are non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.
There are many types of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas develops in the age group of 60 - 70.
Different types of lymphoma occur in different age groups.
1.Adult non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is classified by the size, shape and arrangement of the cancer cells in the lymph node. The appearance will determine the type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The degree or seriousness of the disease is broken into three types (grades) -
1.low-grade (slower-growing),
2.intermediate grade and
3.high-grade (aggressive).
These grades are crucial in determining the treatment options to treat the cancer.
2.Childhood non-Hodgkin's lymphomas include lymphoblastic lymphoma, large cell lymphoma and small non-cleaved cell lymphoma (including Burkitt's and non-Burkitt's lymphomas).
What are the Symptoms of Lymphoma?
-----------------------------------------------
The most common symptom associated with lymphoma is
1.lymph node swelling. A painless swelling initially surfaces in the early stages of the cancer. This swelling may persist or increase in size. The most common affected areas would be the neck, armpits or groin.
Other symptoms are:
2.unexplained constant fever,
3.sudden weight loss,
4. itchy skin or rashes,
5. night sweats and
6. abdominal pain
What are the causes of Lymphomas?
-------------------------------------------
There is no known cause for lymphomas.
However, it has been closely linked to several factors -
1) environmental influences, Environmental influences may take the form of extreme exposure to certain chemicals like herbicides and insecticides.
2) genetic factors
There are inherited immune-deficiency disorders from birth such as Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome which have been blamed for the cause of genetic factors that result in lymphomas.
3) viral infections. Viral infections such as the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have been associated with lymphomas.
What is the Treatment of Lymphoma?
---------------------------------------------
Hodgkin's Disease can only be treated with radiation therapy using high-energy X-rays to kill lymphoma cells in the affected area. This procedure may also be combined with chemotherapy.
Treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, can vary.
The treatment is based on the degree of grade of the disease.
1.Early stage and low-grade (slow-growing) lymphoma can be treated with radiation therapy and sometimes just simple observation is enough.
2. intermediate-grade lymphoma may be treated with chemotherapy.
The drugs are either injected directly into the bloodstream or swallowed as pills.
Each course of treatment is given at regulated intervals to kill cancer cells and allow the body to recover. The drugs circulate throughout the body and will reach cancer cells even when they are widespread.
Patients who are suffering from the more advanced stages and high-grade (aggressive) lymphomas will require a higher dosage of chemotherapy.
However, the high dosage has its own side effects.
Too much of it may kill healthy bone marrow that produces white and red blood cells and platelets (cells that prevent bleeding). Therefore, to assist patients tolerate the high dosage of chemotherapy treatment, stem cells or bone marrow from the patient or donor are collected beforehand. After a patient has received the chemotherapy, the stem cells or bone marrow are returned to the patient through a drip in a vein.
In addition to the above treatment methods, another option for treating lymphomas would be biological therapy. This procedure uses products such as immunoglobulin that boost the body's own immune system to fight cancer.
This therapy may be used alone or combined with chemotherapy.
In conclusion, the type of treatment sought or used depends very much on the stage, and grade of the lymphoma when diagnosed and the age and health of the patient.
Most doctors will advise their patients on the various treatment options that are the most beneficial and appropriate whilst considering the factors mentioned above.
What are the Prevention measures for Lymphomas?
-------------------------------------------------------------
1.Where exposure to some toxins and chemicals which are known to cause lymphomas are possible, one should be properly attired and guarded from these chemicals, so as to decrease the risk of developing the disease.
2.Since HIV / AIDS carriers are also related to lymphomas, one should be aware of the importance of safe sex and should stay away from drugs, as far as possible.
3.regular visits to the family doctor helps in detecting any sign or symptom that may eventually lead to the cancer.
4.healthy lifestyle and proper balanced diet are always important in the prevention of any cancer.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
A Simple Guide to Nasopharyngeal Cancer
A Simple Guide to Nasopharyngeal Cancer
----------------------------
What is Nasopharyngeal Cancer ?
------------------------
Nasopharyngeal cancer, commonly referred to as NPC, occurs when the cells lining the nasopharynx(area behind the nose and above the back of the throat) become abnormal and proliferates giving rise to cancer cells.
It affects more men than women.
What are the causes of Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
--------------------------------------------------------
Various causes may be involved:
1.Genes. -males between the ages of 20-50 from southern China and Southeast Asia are at higher risk.
2.Diet. such as preserved foods ( salted fish, vegetables and meat) can cause a higher risk of NPC. Cooking of such food releases toxic substances called nitrosamines into the fumes that we breathe.
Many NPC patients consumed much less fresh fruit and vegetables.
3.Virus. There is evidence that NPC patients have higher levels of the Epstein-Barr virus in their blood. The Epstein-Barr virus activating substances have been detected in a number of these preserved foods.
4.Smoking. People who smokes have a higher risk
What are the signs and symptoms of Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following are symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer:
1.A painless lump in the neck-usually a lymph node infiltrated by cancer cells
2.Nosebleed or blood stained sputum
3.Blocking of one or both nostrils
4.Loss of hearing, or ringing in the ear
5.Discharge from the ear
6.Blurred or double vision
7.Difficulty in breathing or speaking
8.Persistant Sore throat
9.Paralysis of one side of the face
10.Headaches
How can Nasopharyngeal Cancer be detected?
-----------------------------------------------------
Examination of the upper part of the nose for swelling or lumps.
An endoscope is inserted into the nose. The ENT specialist may extract tissue(biopsy) which can be sent for testing, to confirm if there is a cancerous growth.
If a tumour is found, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to assess its size.
Patients may also be tested for the presence of the Epstein-Barr virus in their systems. This is used to indicate the likelihood of contracting NPC.
How can NPC be prevented?
--------------------------------
No one can be fully protected from NPC.
However, you can modify your lifestyle practices to reduce your chances of contracting NPC.
Avoid preserved foods at an early age.
Eat fresh fruit and vegetables. Studies ave found that citrus fruits (rich in Vitamin C) and orange-coloured vegetables (eg, carrots and sweet potatoes), tomatoes, and dark green vegetables (all rich in carotenoids) also help lower the chances of contracting NPC.
Don't smoke. Smoking increases the risk of NPC by two to four times. Those who smoke, can still lower their risk by cutting down on the number of cigarettes smoked a day. Better still, quit smoking.
How can Nasopharyngeal Cancer be treated?
----------------------------------------------------
Radiotherapy.
This is the most common treatment. This involves the use of radiation to attack cancer cells, stopping them from growing or multiplying.
Chemotherapy.
This involves the use of anti-cancer medication to treat the cancer.
For both methods, the patient may experience side-effects such as tiredness and nausea.
Surgery
Surgery is seldom used because of the danger of cutting tissues too close to the brain.
Early treatment is recommended as it increases the patient's chances of survival.
Delayed action could result in the cancer spreading to other parts of the body, making it more difficult to treat.
----------------------------
What is Nasopharyngeal Cancer ?
------------------------
Nasopharyngeal cancer, commonly referred to as NPC, occurs when the cells lining the nasopharynx(area behind the nose and above the back of the throat) become abnormal and proliferates giving rise to cancer cells.
It affects more men than women.
What are the causes of Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
--------------------------------------------------------
Various causes may be involved:
1.Genes. -males between the ages of 20-50 from southern China and Southeast Asia are at higher risk.
2.Diet. such as preserved foods ( salted fish, vegetables and meat) can cause a higher risk of NPC. Cooking of such food releases toxic substances called nitrosamines into the fumes that we breathe.
Many NPC patients consumed much less fresh fruit and vegetables.
3.Virus. There is evidence that NPC patients have higher levels of the Epstein-Barr virus in their blood. The Epstein-Barr virus activating substances have been detected in a number of these preserved foods.
4.Smoking. People who smokes have a higher risk
What are the signs and symptoms of Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following are symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer:
1.A painless lump in the neck-usually a lymph node infiltrated by cancer cells
2.Nosebleed or blood stained sputum
3.Blocking of one or both nostrils
4.Loss of hearing, or ringing in the ear
5.Discharge from the ear
6.Blurred or double vision
7.Difficulty in breathing or speaking
8.Persistant Sore throat
9.Paralysis of one side of the face
10.Headaches
How can Nasopharyngeal Cancer be detected?
-----------------------------------------------------
Examination of the upper part of the nose for swelling or lumps.
An endoscope is inserted into the nose. The ENT specialist may extract tissue(biopsy) which can be sent for testing, to confirm if there is a cancerous growth.
If a tumour is found, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to assess its size.
Patients may also be tested for the presence of the Epstein-Barr virus in their systems. This is used to indicate the likelihood of contracting NPC.
How can NPC be prevented?
--------------------------------
No one can be fully protected from NPC.
However, you can modify your lifestyle practices to reduce your chances of contracting NPC.
Avoid preserved foods at an early age.
Eat fresh fruit and vegetables. Studies ave found that citrus fruits (rich in Vitamin C) and orange-coloured vegetables (eg, carrots and sweet potatoes), tomatoes, and dark green vegetables (all rich in carotenoids) also help lower the chances of contracting NPC.
Don't smoke. Smoking increases the risk of NPC by two to four times. Those who smoke, can still lower their risk by cutting down on the number of cigarettes smoked a day. Better still, quit smoking.
How can Nasopharyngeal Cancer be treated?
----------------------------------------------------
Radiotherapy.
This is the most common treatment. This involves the use of radiation to attack cancer cells, stopping them from growing or multiplying.
Chemotherapy.
This involves the use of anti-cancer medication to treat the cancer.
For both methods, the patient may experience side-effects such as tiredness and nausea.
Surgery
Surgery is seldom used because of the danger of cutting tissues too close to the brain.
Early treatment is recommended as it increases the patient's chances of survival.
Delayed action could result in the cancer spreading to other parts of the body, making it more difficult to treat.
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