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I am assuming Day 0 (say T) i.e June 10th as the day when Covid-19 symptoms first started to appear. Hence days prior to Day 0 are labelled as T-1, T-2 and so on.Day T-4 : First day of myself venturing out in Bangalore for Shopping post lockdown.My brother and I, visited OnePlus store at Brigade Road for repairing a long pending faulty phone of his. Then we visited Decathlon to buy some casual tees. We then visited a couple of places to shop for an Ergonomic office chair since I had started to get slight back pain after continuously working from home for some months. On this day, we also had consumed tender coconuts on the streets. This was the only time we were not wearing masks, i.e while drinking coconut water.Day T-3 : Continued WFH as usualDay T-2 : Continued WFH as usualDay T-1 : Continued WFH as usual though I felt a bit uneasy. Very mild cough had started by then.Day 0 (say T) : Continued WFH as usual and also visited native place for personal causesI felt a bit tired throughout the day. But continued to WFH and that evening I had to accompany and drive my dad to my native place at Yelahanka. Since I had persistent mild cough and started to feel feverish, I didn’t want to take any chances by infecting whatever disease I had to my relatives. I just had a doubt that I could be Covid-19 infected since I had started to get symptoms of it. So I took all precautions and talked to relatives at distance and avoided entering anyone’s home.That evening I felt feverish 🤒 and got headache. I took “Dart” tablet and drove 30kms back home. An hour later after I reached home, I got chills. When my body temperature was measured, the thermometer read 103F. 🌡️🤒 Simultaneously, my brother complained of fever too. It sounded very strange. Hence we both along with my father rushed ourselves to our nearest hospital which was Mallya Hospital. Mallya Hospital had set up a fever clinic right at the entrance to screen Covid-19 suspects. They got to know that the place where we stayed at had a containment zone and we had symptoms of fever and cough. Hence they termed us as Covid-19 suspects and referred us to Victoria Hospital (VH) which was one of the three designated Government Hospital for Covid-19 treatment in Bangalore. We were informed that at that point in time, no private hospitals were treating Covid-19 patients.We were very scared to visit that hospital since we kept seeing that hospital in news for wrong reasons. There were complaints of food, ill treatment, cleanliness etc. We contacted my uncle who worked in the medical field for Covid-19test. He provided the contacts of a private lab which conducts Covid-19 tests. When contacted, they denied the test since we did not have a prescription/recommedation by doctor. They collected our information and passed on the same to my local area’s police station. Later, my dad and I got calls from police station directing us to visit Government Hospital and get ourselves treated. SR Nagar police followed up with our status regularly until the day we got admitted. It was good to see them so concerned about the public.Day 1 : A wasted day at Rajiv Gandhi Institute Chest Diseases 😓We got to know that there was a fever clinic and a testing center at Rajiv Gandhi Institute Chest Diseases(RGICD). Since we did not want to visit VH, all of us except my mom visited RGICD hoping to get ourselves tested for Covid-19. But the scene there was totally unexpected. We reached the hospital at 7am. We were informed that the Covid-19 test could only be done upon duty doctor’s recommendation and that doctor would be present at 10am. After all the OPD paper work, we waited for around 3 hours to get a checked by the presiding doctor. It was very sad to see many patients with cough and fever including myself stand in long queues, not maintaining proper social distancing and getting shouted at by the security guard. Just like us, there were many other patients who turned up there and RGICD’s Out Patient Department was quite crowded. Upon our initial diagnosis, my body temperature (which was recorded using a thermal scanner) was considered normal since that apparatus showed 98F. Meanwhile, my pocket thermometer showed 102F. There was this error with the thermal scanner which had unfortunately affected the temperature readings of countless patients there. Then the doctors advised us for a Blood Checkup and Chest XRay. After our blood samples and XRay were taken, we had to wait for another 3 hours for the reports. After a long sad day, in the evening, we get a chance to see the doctor for final consultation. The Duty doctor readily said that there were no white patches on the lungs as shown by my Chest Xray and the blood reports were all normal. We were denied Covid-19 testing. So I and my brother, both were prescribed normal flu medicines and were sent home. A whole day was wasted mostly on waiting and for getting denied with the Covid-19 test.I could see many patients loosing their cool due to the way they were treated. I wonder how many actual Covid-19 patients were wrongly diagnosed and sent back home? 🤔Upon reaching home, we got to know that my mom too had caught fever. With my uncle’s influence, we somehow convinced an ICMR approved private lab to collect our SWAB samples and get us tested.Day 2 : Whole family’s swab samples collected 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦We paid Rs4.5k for each person to get ourselves tested. The person who was supposed to collect our samples came to our house early morning. He wore a PPE kit, took all precautions and collected our samples. He advised us to strictly stay at home until the results were out.Day 3 : Ambulance scenes 🚑🚑🚑At 10am, BBMP and health officials call us to confirm our house address. They said 3 out of 4 members of our family had been tested positive for Covid-19. My dad had no symptoms until then and his report wasn’t out too. The officials interrogated us to complete contact tracing. My building accommodated 4 families including us. My whole building was declared to be under home quarantine. My mom, brother and I were given 15 minutes time to pack our bags as we were about to be taken to Victoria Hospital. We had no choice for changing the hospital now. There were three separate ambulances to escort us and all the drivers were in PPE kits. While we were boarding the ambulance, there were none of my neighbors to be seen. All pedestrians were cleared from my road to make way for us and my neighbors were not allowed to see us walking from their balconies too as the officials were shouting at the public. This scene was quite scary.In the picture above, one of my neighbours next road caught the pic of the three ambulances that I mentioned. Apparantly, this pic was forwarded to many groups and people of my locality and I received it too. 🤣In a few minutes, we reached VH. Based on our prevailing symptoms such as dry cough, fever and headache, all three of us were admitted to Asymptomatic and Mildly Symptomatic Ward. None of us had breathing problems. We three were allotted beds in the same floor. While my mom stayed at female ward, my brother and I stayed at Male ward. In a few hours, my dad too was declared positive and was allotted a bed right next to mine and my brother’s bed. We were given medicines as mentioned in my discharge summary. It included a sheet of the controversial tablet HCQS too. 💊Day 3 to Day 6 : My Covid-19 Ordeal 🏥👩‍⚕️During our stay there, I had a prolonged high fever for continuous 6 days. I had cough throughout. Sometimes, the cough was so severe that I used to wake up at midnight and cough continuously for half an hour. I used to take cough syrup for relief and it used to work slowly. I sometimes used to loose hopes on my recovery as all my family members used to do well except me.During the day time, the nurses used to record our health status twice or thrice a day and a team of doctors used to visit us once a day. They used to alter the medicines we took based on our prevailing symptoms. Apart from the 5-day dosage that we were given, I was told to take cough syrup thrice a day and Paracetamol on an SOS basis but with a minimum of 6hrs gap between each dosage.We were given food on time and were also provided with packaged drinking water. But there was a problem with drinking water as it used to turn cold after sometime and wasn’t helping our recovery against cough. So we wanted an electric kettle. I was also not given a blanket as there was an acute shortage. So I needed a thick blanket too. We somehow could arrange for all these missing items right on the second day of our admission with the help of my relatives and friends.The food provided by VH was nutritious and appreciable. Apart from the regular 3 meals, we were given timely snacks, beverages, fruits and porridge each day. But we were reluctant to eat most of the food as we had lost the sense of taste and hence the interest. All the doctors, nurses and the supporting staff were covered with PPE kits from top to bottom to ensure their own safety from us. They took good care of us in spite of complaining regarding limited staff.Day 7 to Day 14 : Chilling ScenesAfter 6 days of prolonged fever, I started to feel better. My fever was gone, and almost all my family members were doing well apart from having mild cough. We had a pulse Oximeter with us too so that we could ourselves monitor our Oxygen saturation levels. We were getting good results after a week at VH as that meter started showing us Oxygen saturation values which were greater that 95%.I started binge watching Netflix to kill time. I started phoning my relatives and friends as they tried reaching me earlier when I had severe cough and I was not in a position to talk.Swab tests were done at VH on a 7day-3day-3day-3day and so on cycle. So we used to provide our samples and anticipate for the results. On our 12th day (effectively day 14), a doctor casually comes to us and asks how we were feeling. Once we told the doctor that we were feeling good, then she would check a list of names that she had brought and announced the good news that we had tested negative after the last Covid-19 tests. They were ready to discharge us since none of us had any Covid-19 symptoms and our Oxygen saturation levels were normal. We had spent a total of 12 days at VH before getting discharged. That night we were given the below discharge summary and were sent to our respective homes in an ambulance (this time without any sound of siren).My employer too helped me during my stay at the hospital by assigning a local colleague on-call in order to cater to my emergency needs. My family is grateful to the government and VH for providing such a timely treatment, free of cost during these difficult times.

How do i choose a yacht broker to sell my vessel? however do I come upon the simplest yacht broker to sell my boat? These square measure queries that you simply as a yacht owner could raise once it's time to sell your boat. In my transactions with sellers, I notice that the bulk, if not all of them had no plan once choosing the brokerage to represent them. Their preference was created at random it might appear. once you square measure prepared, you would like to seek out a superior yacht brokerage that you simply will admit. a number of the factors that you simply ought to have confidence square measure honesty, price and competence.A yacht may be a Brobdingnagian expenditure and plenty of individuals choose to purchase one from a yacht brokerage. A brokerage sells boats to interested folks for a commission. Obviously, before you're thinking that regarding that one to travel with once commercialism, you may need to be conversant in the commission fee that they charge; it's a typical 100 percent within the trade.Of course, you wish to appear for honesty in an exceedingly yacht broker. no one cares to trade with a dishonest person in any manner, however some folks square measure extraordinarily dishonest while not superficial to be. look into the name of the brokerage before creating a commitment, and check that that there are not any complaints filed against them. The brokerage ought to be competent once it involves valuation your yacht. Your yacht brokerage ought to have a decent data of the market and the way a lot of to cost your boat.Always search for talent in an exceedingly yacht brokerage. they must are within the trade for a few time. The longer, the better, obviously, as this shows they are ready to keep in business. they're going to not solely have the chance to sell your yacht at a good value, however additionally manage to get the proper yacht if you're trying to shop for another one from a broker.In order to find the correct yacht brokerage, you need to search around. check with some folks till you get comfy with one. enkindle and phone references. ne'er modify a brokerage that's aggressive or insists that you simply place your signature on a contract that you simply don't perceive. These legal contracts square measure binding. If you are doing not grasp the listing contract, you must visit AN professional person. additionally, keep in mind shopping for|that purchasing} a ship is like buying a house. you may need to analyze the business as you'd a home brokerage business.Here square measure some inquiries to cause whereas searching for the highest yacht brokerage. create use of this list to ascertain that Broker is best for you.Will you co-broke with alternative Brokers WHO may need a purchaser that would purchase my vessel? Am I ready to comprehend in writing? we've it in our listing agreement; we tend to continuously co-broke with alternative Brokers. If you can't comprehend in writing the broker is a lot of distressed regarding his commission; you'll doubtless lose out on an acquisition.How approachable MEasure} you planning to be to me, consumers and alternative Brokers? we tend to create phonephone calls usually to alternative Brokers and await days to listen to back from them. My mobile phone and computer MEasure} perpetually on; {you will|you'll|you'll be able to} reach me if you would like to; thus can buyers!Does your company sell yachts regular or is brokerage simply a passion? various Brokers be intimate in their free time sort of a hobby. If your Broker won't act for you regular, seven days per week, and holidays if required, you would like to pick another company.How long will your listing agreement last? am i able to cancel if i need to? Our listing agreement is for AN initial half-dozen months. Our rule is that if you're not happy with our services, we are going to unleash you at any time at your request at the moment initial amount. Most brokerage listing agreements contain a notification clause in fine print that claims you're obligated to relinquish them a 90-120 day written notice before you may be discharged.How does one market my boat? promoting and advertising vessels is all associated with exposure. it is a well-known indisputable fact that today's boat consumers look the online virtually solely for his or her yachts. Here you are! the reality is statistics demonstrate that regarding 98 p.c of all boat sales transpire as a results of world wide net message. raise regarding the online sites the brokerage uses to plug boats and yachts. Having your boat on ten very little illustrious internet sites no one will notice is ineffective. Inquire however the brokerage has completed program optimisation and what proportion of tourists visit their sites monthly via search engines. regarding sixty three of our website guests get through to United States by manner of a probe engine. it's been indexed by all of the foremost vital search engines as well as Google, Yahoo, Bing, Dogpile, and others.Ask what language the web website is rated for; our computer will be Googled and settled on page one for "used trawlers", "used motor yachts", "used cruisers", and lots of alternative search terms. maybe that's however you settled us? will your hand-picked brokerage certify that your yacht can manifest itself on Google page one? At our brokerage, we tend to do warrant it with every boat listed.What variety of website guests come back to your computer seeking yachts? we frequently expertise over eighteen,000 visits to our computer monthly, thousands over the Yachtworld web web site.Inquire if the brokerage makes use of the Yachtworld web site, the international multiple listing service computer. This web web site is that the multiple listing web site wherever we tend to share listings with alternative Brokers. And yes, all of our vessels square measure on there.Global promoting may be a huge issue to us; it produces customers. does one understand that we've had website guests from as several as seventy eight countries in 2010 from countries like Australia, Norway, Canada, France, Finland, New Zealand, Australia, uk, and Federal Republic of Germany on this computer, simply to call a couple? we tend to oversubscribed regarding half-dozen vessels to foreign customers last year. Request however a brokerage markets worldwide.Does the brokerage use direct email advertising ANd promoting? we tend to keep an email marketing list of many thousand boaters, a decent variety of whom square measure purchasers. On a bi-monthly basis we tend to email these consumers with a publication regarding new vessels on the market, value changes, water travel headlines and alternative subjects of marine interest. Your yacht are going to be marketed here. It sends customers to the web site.Does the brokerage carry on a journal? we tend to maintain a blog to assist educate new customers to the water travel community; your yacht are going to be denote there additionally. it's additionally indexed by Google daily and produces many guests on a routine. we tend to post to the journal doubly weekly. we tend to to boot maintain a Paradise Yachts existence on Face Book, the social media web web site wherever we tend to act with alternative boaters; plenty of our followers square measure boat consumers desirous to find the simplest boat.We square measure one among a number of brokerages that create use of You Tube to push your boat via narrated videos describing her options. Your yacht are going to be featured here further. additionally, we tend to additionally participate in 61 alternative social bookmarking websites with the sole intent of delivery the shopping for public to your yacht.How can you retain ME educated of the progress of your marketing? At Paradise Yachts we regularly hear however alternative Brokers get a list and do not let customers knowledge things progressing. you may hear from United States regularly; regarding each half-dozen weeks. I fancy causing you AN email outlining however I perceive the universal market, what percentage boats like yours have oversubscribed and at what price, what the costs square measure with boats like yours on the market, if any boats kind of like yours have entered the market and what, if any, recommendations I actually have to enhance our web promoting.How many boats does one confine inventory? i prefer to take care of from 25-35 vessels in my commercialism inventory. With this quantity, i'm ready to keep track of every boat's monthly progress, assess the traffic every yacht gets, examine what alternative boats like yours square measure commercialism for and keep you educated on her progress. a lot of boats and you may end up to be simply another variety.What does one really comprehend regarding yachts; have you ever ever in hand one? I actually have oversubscribed over one vessel as a result of the client completed his investigation and located ME as a result of he recognized i actually own a trawler. the client sought-after ME out as a results of my yacht possession and ability. I might speak the speak with him.And lastly, raise your broker for an inventory of yachts that have oversubscribed within the past year. Has he oversubscribed any boats similar to yours?In summary, do not simply choose the Broker that happens to be down at the native docks. He could pay longer on the golf links than you are doing. Do some web investigation and raise variety of inquiries to recognize you're obtaining the Broker WHO has your best interest in mind.

Here are the symptoms of a malignancy:Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells anywhere in a body.There are over 200 types of cancer.Anything that may cause a normal body cell to develop abnormally potentially can cause cancer; general categories of cancer-related or causative agents are as follows: chemical or toxic compound exposures, ionizing radiation, some pathogens, and human genetics.Cancer symptoms and signs depend on the specific type and grade of cancer; although general signs and symptoms are not very specific the following can be found in patients with different cancers: fatigue, weight loss, pain, skin changes, change in bowel or bladder function, unusual bleeding, persistent cough or voice change, fever, lumps, or tissue masses.Although there are many tests to screen and presumptively diagnose cancer, the definite diagnosis is made by examination of a biopsy sample of suspected cancer tissue.Cancer staging is often determined by biopsy results and helps determine the cancer type and the extent of cancer spread; staging also helps caregivers determine treatment protocols. In general, in most staging methods, the higher the number assigned (usually between 0 to 4), the more aggressive the cancer type or more widespread is the cancer in the body. Staging methods differ from cancer to cancer and need to be individually discussed with your health care provider.Treatment protocols vary according to the type and stage of the cancer. Most treatment protocols are designed to fit the individual patient's disease. However, most treatments include at least one of the following and may include all: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.There are many listed home remedies and alternative treatments for cancers but patients are strongly recommended to discuss these before use with their cancer doctors.The prognosis of cancer can range from excellent to poor. The prognosis depends on the cancer type and its staging with those cancers known to be aggressive and those staged with higher numbers (3 to 4) often have a prognosis that ranges more toward poor.What Is Cancer and What Causes It?In the most basic terms, cancer refers to cells that grow out-of-control and invade other tissues. Cells become cancerous due to the accumulation of defects, or mutations, in their DNA. Certain:inherited genetic defects (for example, BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations),infections,environmental factors (for example, air pollution), andpoor lifestyle choices -- such as smoking and heavy alcohol use -- can also damage DNA and lead to cancer.Most of the time, cells are able to detect and repair DNA damage. If a cell is severely damaged and cannot repair itself it undergoes so-called programmed cell death or apoptosis. Cancer occurs when damaged cells grow, divide, and spread abnormally instead of self-destructing as they should.Read more about what causes cancer and how cancer occurs in cells »What is cancer?Readers Comments 27 Share Your StoryCancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells anywhere in a body. These abnormal cells are termed cancer cells, malignant cells, or tumor cells. These cells can infiltrate normal body tissues. Many cancers and the abnormal cells that compose the cancer tissue are further identified by the name of the tissue that the abnormal cells originated from (for example, breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer). Cancer is not confined to humans; animals and other living organisms can get cancer. Below is a schematic that shows normal cell division and how when a cell is damaged or altered without repair to its system, the cell usually dies. Also shown is what occurs when such damaged or unrepaired cells do not die and become cancer cells and show uncontrolled division and growth -- a mass of cancer cells develop. Frequently, cancer cells can break away from this original mass of cells, travel through the blood and lymph systems, and lodge in other organs where they can again repeat the uncontrolled growth cycle. This process of cancer cells leaving an area and growing in another body area is termed metastatic spread or metastasis. For example, if breast cancer cells spread to a bone, it means that the individual has metastatic breast cancer to bone. This is not the same as "bone cancer," which would mean the cancer had started in the bone.The following table (National Cancer Institute 2016) gives the estimated numbers of new cases and deaths for each common cancer type:Cancer Type Estimated New Cases Estimated DeathsBladder 76,960 16,390Breast (Female -- Male) 246,660 -- 2,600 40,450 -- 440Colorectal Cancer 134,490 49,190Endometrial 60,050 10,470Kidney (Renal Cell and Renal Pelvis) Cancer 62,700 14,240Leukemia (All Types) 60,140 24,400Lung (Including Bronchus) 224,390 158,080Melanoma 76,380 10,130Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma 72,580 20,150Pancreatic 53,070 41,780Prostate 180,890 26,120Thyroid 64,300 1,980The three most common cancers in men, women, and children in the U.S. are as follows:Men: Prostate, lung, and colorectalWomen: Breast, lung, and colorectalChildren: Leukemia, brain tumors, and lymphomaThe incidence of cancer and cancer types are influenced by many factors such as age, gender, race, local environmental factors, diet, and genetics. Consequently, the incidence of cancer and cancer types vary depending on these variable factors. For example, the World Health Organization (WHO) provides the following general information about cancer worldwide:Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. It accounted for 8.2 million deaths (around 22% of all deaths not related to communicable diseases; most recent data from WHO).Lung, stomach, liver, colon, and breast cancer cause the most cancer deaths each year.Deaths from cancer worldwide are projected to continue rising, with an estimated 13.1 million deaths in 2030 (about a 70% increase).Different areas of the world may have cancers that are either more or less predominant then those found in the U.S. One example is that stomach cancer is often found in Japan, while it is rarely found in the U.S. This usually represents a combination of environmental and genetic factors.The objective of this article is to introduce the reader to general aspects of cancers. It is designed to be an overview of cancer and cannot cover every cancer type. This article will also attempt to help guide the reader to more detailed sources about specific cancer types.SLIDESHOWUnderstanding Cancer: Metastasis, Stages of Cancer, and MoreSee SlideshowWhat are risk factors and causes of cancer?Anything that may cause a normal body cell to develop abnormally potentially can cause cancer. Many things can cause cell abnormalities and have been linked to cancer development. Some cancer causes remain unknown while other cancers have environmental or lifestyle triggers or may develop from more than one known cause. Some may be developmentally influenced by a person's genetic makeup. Many patients develop cancer due to a combination of these factors. Although it is often difficult or impossible to determine the initiating event(s) that cause a cancer to develop in a specific person, research has provided clinicians with a number of likely causes that alone or in concert with other causes, are the likely candidates for initiating cancer. The following is a listing of major causes and is not all-inclusive as specific causes are routinely added as research advances:Chemical or toxic compound exposures: Benzene, asbestos, nickel, cadmium, vinyl chloride, benzidine, N-nitrosamines, tobacco or cigarette smoke (contains at least 66 known potential carcinogenic chemicals and toxins), asbestos, and aflatoxinIonizing radiation: Uranium, radon, ultraviolet rays from sunlight, radiation from alpha, beta, gamma, and X-ray-emitting sourcesPathogens: Human papillomavirus (HPV), EBV or Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis viruses B and C, Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV), Merkel cell polyomavirus, Schistosoma spp., and Helicobacter pylori; other bacteria are being researched as possible agents.Genetics: A number of specific cancers have been linked to human genes and are as follows: breast, ovarian, colorectal, prostate, skin and melanoma; the specific genes and other details are beyond the scope of this general article so the reader is referred to the National Cancer Institute for more details about genetics and cancer.It is important to point out that most everyone has risk factors for cancer and is exposed to cancer-causing substances (for example, sunlight, secondary cigarette smoke, and X-rays) during their lifetime, but many individuals do not develop cancer. In addition, many people have the genes that are linked to cancer but do not develop it. Why? Although researchers may not be able give a satisfactory answer for every individual, it is clear that the higher the amount or level of cancer-causing materials a person is exposed to, the higher the chance the person will develop cancer. In addition, the people with genetic links to cancer may not develop it for similar reasons (lack of enough stimulus to make the genes function). In addition, some people may have a heightened immune response that controls or eliminates cells that are or potentially may become cancer cells. There is evidence that even certain dietary lifestyles may play a significant role in conjunction with the immune system to allow or prevent cancer cell survival. For these reasons, it is difficult to assign a specific cause of cancer to many individuals.Recently, other risk factors have been added to the list of items that may increase cancer risk. Specifically, red meat (such as beef, lamb, and pork) was classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a high-risk agent for potentially causing cancers; in addition processed meats (salted, smoked, preserved, and/or cured meats) were placed on the carcinogenic list. Individuals that eat a lot of barbecued meat may also increase risk due to compounds formed at high temperatures. Other less defined situations that may increase the risk of certain cancers include obesity, lack of exercise, chronic inflammation, and hormones, especially those hormones used for replacement therapy. Other items such as cell phones have been heavily studied. In 2011, the World Health Organization classified cell phone low energy radiation as "possibly carcinogenic," but this is a very low risk level that puts cell phones at the same risk as caffeine and pickled vegetables.Proving that a substance does not cause or is not related to increased cancer risk is difficult. For example, antiperspirants are considered to possibly be related to breast cancer by some investigators and not by others. The official stance by the NCI is "additional research is needed to investigate this relationship and other factors that may be involved." This unsatisfying conclusion is presented because the data collected so far is contradictory. Other claims that are similar require intense and expensive research that may never be done. Reasonable advice might be to avoid large amounts of any compounds even remotely linked to cancer, although it may be difficult to do in complex, technologically advanced modern societies.Cancer Causes, Types, Treatment, Symptoms & SignsLatest Cancer NewsApproach to Pancreatic Cyst Prevent Dreaded CancerPoor Diet Might Raise Your Cancer RiskComputers Detect Lung Cancer on Scans Like Docs DoMustaches Are More Than Just ManlyColon Cancer Increasingly Striking the YoungWant More News? Sign Up for MedicineNet Newsletters!Daily Health NewsBreast Cancer Gene Testing New RulesVaping Constricts Blood VesselsIs MRI 'Dye' Safe in Pregnancy?Diabetes, Heart Failure a Dangerous DuoPollution Tied to Mental IllnessXML More Health News »Trending on MedicineNetLung CancerVitamin D DeficiencyHeat RashChronic Cough SymptomsLiver Blood TestsWhat are cancer symptoms and signs?Read Doctor's View Readers Comments 10 Share Your StorySymptoms and signs of cancer depend on the type of cancer, where it is located, and/or where the cancer cells have spread. For example, breast cancer may present as a lump in the breast or as nipple discharge while metastatic breast cancer may present with symptoms of pain (if spread to bones), extreme fatigue (lungs), or seizures (brain). A few patients show no signs or symptoms until the cancer is far advanced.The American Cancer Society describes seven warning signs and/or symptoms that a cancer may be present, and which should prompt a person to seek medical attention. The word CAUTION can help you remember these.Change in bowel or bladder habitsA sore throat that does not healUnusual bleeding or discharge (for example, nipple secretions or a "sore" that will not heal that oozes material)Thickening or lump in the breast, testicles, or elsewhereIndigestion (usually chronic) or difficulty swallowingObvious change in the size, color, shape, or thickness of a wart or moleNagging cough or hoarsenessOther signs or symptoms may also alert you or your doctor to the possibility of your having some form of cancer. These include the following:Unexplained loss of weight or loss of appetiteA new type of pain in the bones or other parts of the body that may be steadily worsening, or come and go, but is unlike previous pains one has had beforePersistent fatigue, nausea, or vomitingUnexplained low-grade fevers with may be either persistent or come and goRecurring infections which will not clear with usual treatmentAnyone with these signs and symptoms should consult their doctor; these symptoms may also arise from noncancerous conditions.Many cancers will present with some of the above general symptoms but often have one or more symptoms that are more specific for the cancer type. For example, lung cancer may present with common symptoms of pain, but usually the pain is located in the chest. The patient may have unusual bleeding, but the bleeding usually occurs when the patient coughs. Lung cancer patients often become short of breath and then become very fatigued.Because there are so many cancer types (see next section) with so many nonspecific and sometimes more specific symptoms, the best way to learn about signs and symptoms of specific cancer types is to spend a few moments researching symptoms of a specific body area in question. Conversely, a specific body area can be searched to discover what signs and symptoms a person should look for in that area that is suspected of having cancer. The following examples are two ways to proceed to get information on symptoms:Use a search engine (Google, Bing) to find links to cancer by listing the symptom followed by the term "cancer" or if you know the type you want information about, (lung, brain, breast) use MedicineNet’s search option. For example, listing "blood in urine and cancer" will bring a person to web sites that list possible organs and body systems where cancer may produce the listed symptoms.Use a search engine as above and list the suspected body area and cancer (for example, bladder and cancer), and the person will see sites that list the signs and symptoms of cancer in that area (blood in urine being one of several symptoms listed).Be aware that many web sites are not necessarily reviewed by a health care professional and could contain information that is not accurate. Your health care professional is ultimately the best resource if you have concerns.In addition, if the cancer type is known (diagnosed), then even more specific searches can be done listing the diagnosed cancer type and whatever may be questioned about the cancer (symptoms, tumor grades, treatments, prognosis, and many other items).One's own research should not replace consulting a health care provider if someone is concerned about cancer.QUESTIONCancer is the result of the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells anywhere in the body.See AnswerWhat are the different types of cancer?There are over 200 types of cancer; far too numerous to include in this introductory article. However, the NCI lists several general categories (see list in first section of this article). This list is expanded below to list more specific types of cancers found in each general category; it is not all inclusive and the cancers listed in quotes are the general names of some cancers:Carcinoma: Cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs -- "skin, lung, colon, pancreatic, ovarian cancers," epithelial, squamous and basal cell carcinomas, melanomas, papillomas, and adenomasSarcoma: Cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue -- "bone, soft tissue cancers," osteosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, liposarcoma, angiosarcoma, rhabdosarcoma, and fibrosarcomaLeukemia: Cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood -- "leukemia," lymphoblastic leukemias (ALL and CLL), myelogenous leukemias (AML and CML), T-cell leukemia, and hairy-cell leukemiaLymphoma and myeloma: Cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system -- "lymphoma," T-cell lymphomas, B-cell lymphomas, Hodgkin lymphomas, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and lymphoproliferative lymphomasCentral nervous system cancers: Cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord -- "brain and spinal cord tumors," gliomas, meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, vestibular schwannomas, primary CNS lymphomas, and primitive neuroectodermal tumorsNot included in the above types listed are metastatic cancers; this is because metastatic cancer cells usually arise from a cell type listed above and the major difference from the above types is that these cells are now present in a tissue from which the cancer cells did not originally develop. Consequently, if the terms "metastatic cancer" is used, for accuracy, the tissue from which the cancer cells arose should be included. For example, a patient may say they have or are diagnosed with "metastatic cancer" but the more accurate statement is "metastatic (breast, lung, colon, or other type) cancer with spread to the organ in which it has been found." Another example is the following: A doctor describing a man whose prostate cancer has spread to his bones should say the man has metastatic prostate cancer to bone. This is not "bone cancer," which would be cancer that started in the bone cells. Metastatic prostate cancer to bone is treated differently than lung cancer to bone.Subscribe to MedicineNet's Cancer Report NewsletterBy clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. I also agree to receive emails from MedicineNet and I understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet subscriptions at any time.What specialists treat cancer?A doctor who specializes in the treatment of cancer is called an oncologist. He or she may be a surgeon, a specialist in radiation therapy, or a medical oncologist. The first uses surgery to treat the cancer; the second, radiation therapy; the third, chemotherapy and related treatments. Each may consult with the others to develop a treatment plan for the particular patient.In addition, other specialists may be involved depending upon where the cancer is located. For example, ob-gyn specialists may be involved with uterine cancer while an immunologist maybe involved in treatment of cancers that occur in the immune system. Your primary care physician and main oncologist will help you to determine what specialists are best to be members of your treatment team.How do health care professionals diagnose cancer?Readers Comments 1 Share Your StorySome cancers are diagnosed during routine screening examinations. These are usually tests that are routinely done at a certain age. Many cancers are discovered when you present to your health care professional with specific symptoms.A physical exam and medical history, especially the history of symptoms, are the first steps in diagnosing cancer. In many instances, the medical caregiver will order a number of tests, most of which will be determined by the type of cancer and where it is suspected to be located in or on the person's body. In addition, most caregivers will order a complete blood count, electrolyte levels and, in some cases, other blood studies that may give additional information.Imaging studies are commonly used to help physicians detect abnormalities in the body that may be cancer. X-rays, CT and MRI scans, and ultrasound are common tools used to examine the body. Other tests such as endoscopy, which with variations in the equipment used, can allow visualization of tissues in the intestinal tract, throat, and bronchi that may be cancerous. In areas that cannot be well visualized (inside bones or some lymph nodes, for example), radionuclide scanning is often used. The test involves ingestion or IV injection of a weakly radioactive substance that can be concentrated and detected in abnormal tissue.The preceding tests can be very good at localizing abnormalities in the body; many clinicians consider that some of the tests provide presumptive evidence for the diagnosis of cancer. However, in virtually all patients, the definitive diagnosis of cancer is based on the examination of a tissue sample taken in a procedure called a biopsy from the tissue that may be cancerous, and then analyzed by a pathologist. Some biopsy samples are relatively simple to procure (for example, skin biopsy or intestinal tissue biopsy done with a device called an endoscope equipped with a biopsy attachment). Other biopsies may require as little as a carefully guided needle, or as much as a surgery (for example, brain tissue or lymph node biopsy). In some instances, the surgery to diagnose the cancer may result in a cure if all of the cancerous tissue is removed at the time of biopsy.The biopsy can provide more than the definitive diagnosis of cancer; it can identify the cancer type (for example, the type of tissue found may indicate that the sample is from a primary [started there] or metastatic type of brain cancer [spread from another primary tumor arising elsewhere in the body]) and thereby help to stage the cancer. The stage, or cancer staging, is a way for clinicians and researchers to estimate how extensive the cancer is in the patient's body.Is the cancer that has been found localized to its site of origin, or is it spread from that site to other tissues? A localized cancer is said to be at an early stage, while one which has spread is at and advanced stage. The following section describes the general staging methods for cancers.From WebMD LogoCancer ResourcesResources for Childhood Cancer TreatmentFinding the Right Treatment for Your Breast CancerB-Cell Lymphoma: Protect Your Defenses.Featured CentersHow Is Your MS Care Routine? Assess YourselfGet Tips to Make Life With Macular Degeneration EasierGet Tips to Make Life With Macular Degeneration Easier11 Things Not to Do If You Want to get PregnantHow do physicians determine cancer staging?There are a number of different staging methods used for cancers and the specific staging criteria varies among cancer types. According to the NCI, the common elements considered in most staging systems are as follows:Site of the primary tumorTumor size and number of tumorsLymph node involvement (spread of cancer into lymph nodes)Cell type and tumor grade (how closely the cancer cells resemble normal tissue cells)The presence or absence of metastasisHowever, there are two main methods that form the basis for the more specific or individual cancer type staging. The TMN staging is used for most solid tumors while the Roman numeral or stage grouping method is used by some clinicians and researchers on almost all cancer types.The TNM system is based on the extent of the tumor (T), the extent of spread to the lymph nodes (N), and the presence of distant metastasis (M). A number is added to each letter to indicate the size or extent of the primary tumor and the extent of cancer spread (higher number means bigger tumor or more spread).The following is how the NCI describes the TNM staging system:Primary tumor (T)TX - Primary tumor cannot be evaluatedT0 - No evidence of primary tumorTis - Carcinoma in situ (CIS; abnormal cells are present but have not spread to neighboring tissue; although not cancer, CIS may become cancer and is sometimes called pre-invasive cancer)T1, T2, T3, T4 - Size and/or extent of the primary tumorRegional lymph nodes (N)NX - Regional lymph nodes cannot be evaluatedN0 - No regional lymph node involvementN1, N2, N3 - Involvement of regional lymph nodes (number of lymph nodes and/or extent of spread)Distant metastasis (M)MX - Distant metastasis cannot be evaluated (some clinicians do not ever use this designation)M0 - No distant metastasisM1 - Distant metastasis is presentConsequently, a person's cancer could be listed as T1N2M0, meaning it is a small tumor (T1), but has spread to some regional lymph nodes (N2), and has no distant metastasis (M0).The Roman numeral or stage grouping method is described by the NCI as follows:Stage DefinitionStage 0 Carcinoma in situ.Stage I Higher numbers indicate more extensive disease: Larger tumor size and/or spread of the cancer beyond the organ in which it first developed to nearby lymph nodes and/or organs adjacent to the location of the primary tumorStage IIStage IIIStage IV The cancer has spread to another organ(s).As mentioned above, variations of these staging methods exist. For example, some cancer registries use surveillance, epidemiology, and end results program (SEER) termed summary staging. SEER groups cancer cases into five main categories:In situ: Abnormal cells are present only in the layer of cells in which they developed.Localized: Cancer is limited to the organ in which it began, without evidence of spread.Regional: Cancer has spread beyond the primary site to nearby lymph nodes or organs and tissues.Distant: Cancer has spread from the primary site to distant organs or distant lymph nodes.Unknown: There is not enough information to determine the stage.Staging of cancer is important; it helps the physician to decide on the most effective therapeutic protocols, provides a basis for estimating the prognosis (outcome) for the patient, and provides a system to communicate the patient's condition to other health professionals that become involved with the patients' care.What are cancer treatment options?Readers Comments 2 Share Your StoryThe cancer treatment is based on the type of cancer and the stage of the cancer. In some people, diagnosis and treatment may occur at the same time if the cancer is entirely surgically removed when the surgeon removes the tissue for biopsy.Although patients may receive a unique sequenced treatment, or protocol, for their cancer, most treatments have one or more of the following components: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or combination treatments (a combination of two or all three treatments).Individuals obtain variations of these treatments for cancer. Patients with cancers that cannot be cured (completely removed) by surgery usually will get combination therapy, the composition determined by the cancer type and stage.Palliative therapy (medical care or treatment used to reduce disease symptoms but unable to cure the patient) utilizes the same treatments described above. It is done with the intent to extend and improve the quality of life of the terminally ill cancer patient. There are many other palliative treatments to reduce symptoms such as pain medications and antinausea medications.Are there home remedies or alternative treatments for cancer?There are many claims on the Internet and in publications about substances that treat cancer (for example, broccoli, grapes, ginseng, soybeans, green tea, aloe vera, and lycopene and treatments like acupuncture, vitamins, and dietary supplements). Almost every physician suggests that a balanced diet and good nutrition will help an individual combat cancer. Although some of these treatments may help reduce symptoms, there is no good evidence they can cure any cancers. Patients are strongly recommended to discuss any home remedies or alternative treatments with their cancer doctors before beginning any of these.What is the prognosis for cancer?The prognosis (outcome) for cancer patients may range from excellent to poor. The prognosis is directly related to both the type and stage of the cancer. For example, many skin cancers can be completely cured by removing the skin cancer tissue; similarly, even a patient with a large tumor may be cured after surgery and other treatments like chemotherapy (note that a cure is often defined by many clinicians as a five-year period with no reoccurrence of the cancer). However, as the cancer type either is or becomes aggressive, with spread to lymph nodes or is metastatic to other organs, the prognosis decreases. For example, cancers that have higher numbers in their staging (for example, stage III or T3N2M1; see staging section above) have a worse prognosis than those with low (or 0) numbers. As the staging numbers increase, the prognosis worsens and the survival rate decreases.This article offers a general introduction to cancers, consequently the details -- such as life expectancy for each cancer -- cannot be covered. However, cancers in general have a decreasing life expectancy as the stage of the cancer increases. Depending on the type of the cancer, as the prognosis decreases, so does life expectancy. On the positive side, cancers that are treated and do not recur (no remissions) within a five-year period in general suggest that the patient will have a normal life expectancy. Some patients will be cured, and a few others may get recurrent cancer. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees.There are many complications that may occur with cancer; many are specific to the cancer type and stage and are too numerous to list here. However, some general complications that may occur with both cancer and its treatment protocols are listed below:Fatigue (both due to cancer and its treatments)Anemia (both)Loss of appetite (both)Insomnia (both)Hair loss (treatments mainly)Nausea (both)Lymphedema (both)Pain (both)Immune system depression (both)Is it possible to prevent cancer?Share Your StoryMost experts are convinced that many cancers can either be prevented or the risk of developing cancers can be markedly reduced. Some of the cancer prevention methods are simple; others are relatively extreme, depending on an individual's view.Cancer prevention, by avoiding its potential causes, is the simplest method. First on most clinicians and researchers list is to stop (or better, never start) smoking tobacco. Avoiding excess sunlight (by decreasing exposure or applying sunscreen) and many of the chemicals and toxins are excellent ways to avoid cancers. Avoiding contact with certain viruses and other pathogens also are likely to prevent some cancers. People who have to work close to cancer-causing agents (chemical workers, X-ray technicians, ionizing radiation researchers, asbestos workers) should follow all safety precautions and minimize any exposure to such compounds. Although the FDA and the CDC suggests that there is no scientific evidence that definitively says cell phones cause cancer, other agencies call for more research or indicate the risk is very low. Individuals who are concerned can limit exposure to cell phones by using an earpiece and simply make as few cell phone calls as possible.There are two vaccines currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent specific types of cancer. Vaccines against the hepatitis B virus, which is considered a cause of some liver cancers, and vaccines against human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18 are available. According to the NCI, these viruses are responsible for about 70% of cervical cancers. These virus also plays a role in cancers arising in the head and neck, as well as cancers in the anal region, and probably in others. Today, vaccination against HPV is recommended in teenagers and young adults of both sexes. The HPV virus is so common that by the age of 50, half or more people have evidence of being exposed to it. Sipuleucel-T is a new vaccine approved by the FDA to help treat advanced prostate cancer. Although vaccine does not cure prostate cancer, it has been shown to help extend the lifespan of individuals with advanced prostate cancer.People with a genetic predisposition to develop certain cancers and others with a history of cancers in their genetically linked relatives currently cannot change their genetic makeup. However, some individuals who have a high possibility of developing genetically linked cancer have taken actions to prevent cancer development. For example, some young women who have had many family members develop breast cancer have elected to have their breast tissue removed even if they have no symptoms or signs of cancer development to reduce or eliminate the possibility they will develop breast cancer. Some doctors consider this as an extreme measure to prevent cancer while others do not.Screening tests and studies for cancer are meant to help detect a cancer at an early stage when the cancer is more likely to be potentially cured with treatment. Such screening studies are breast exams, testicular exams, colon-rectal exams (colonoscopy), mammography, certain blood tests, prostate exams, urine tests and others. People who have any suspicion that they may have cancer should discuss their concerns with their doctor as soon as possible. Screening recommendations have been the subject of numerous conflicting reports in recent years. Screening may not be cost effective for many groups of patients or lead to unnecessary further invasive tests, but individual patients' unique circumstances should always be considered by doctors in making recommendations about ordering or not ordering screening tests.Where can people find more information about cancer?There are many ways a person can find more information about cancer, but if they have any immediate concerns about having cancer, their first source of information should be their doctor. In addition to the references listed at the end of this article, the following is a list of information sources that are well recognized as authorities for cancer information by most clinicians:American Cancer Society (Learn About Cancer | Cancer Resources | American Cancer Society)National Cancer Institute (Comprehensive Cancer Information)Health Solutions From Our SponsorsBedroom Germ TrapsBirth Control OnlineClinical Trials 101At Home Health CareTreat Pets for FleasFuture Of HealthCANCER CENTERMedically Reviewed on 1/29/2019Cancer Causes, Types, Treatment, Symptoms & SignsReferences