First Signs of Throat Cancer

Throat cancer occurs in the hollow tube that begins behind the roof of the mouth and the nose, merges into the windpipe, and turns into the esophagus in the lower neck. Most throat cancers are caused by environmental factors, such as drinking alcohol and using tobacco products, which makes this type of cancer preventable. However, because both patients and doctors often miss the first signs of throat cancer, diagnosis does not typically take place until the cancer has reached an advanced stage. Because of this, it is important for everyone to become aware of the first signs of throat cancer and to seek medical attention for any symptoms as soon as possible.

Identification
1. The first signs of throat cancer vary considerably, which makes the disease difficult to detect and diagnose in early stages. The most commonly experienced early symptoms include a persistent sore throat, a lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, ear or neck pain, and a change in voice. Raspy speech or hoarseness of voice is typically the first presenting symptom that causes sufferers to seek medical attention, but many people erroneously blame this symptom on a viral infection or allergies. In early stages, throat cancer may appear as white patches or ulcers inside the throat, but some cases are asymptomatic.
Diagnosis
2. Once the first signs of throat cancer have become apparent, thorough examination is necessary to receive an accurate diagnosis by a physician. Throat cancer patients should be seen by an oncologist who specializes in throat cancer, as 10 to 15 percent of those with throat cancer also have a second primary cancer somewhere in their body. Diagnosis generally follows a battery of tests and a complete physical exam.



If the throat cancer is located in the upper section of the throat, diagnosis can usually be made by looking into the mouth. If the cancer is located in the lower part of the throat, an endoscopy is typically needed. Once the cancer is visualized, cells are removed and sent to a lab for analysis. The margins of the cancer are then tattooed to assist in later removal, and scans, such as CT, MRI, ultrasound and PET, are performed to determine if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. Staging of the cancer is done only after testing has been completed.
Prevention
3. Prevention of throat cancer involves avoiding smoking and smokeless tobacco products, drinking alcohol in moderation and receiving regular examinations by a doctor. Treatment of throat cancer depends on how early the cancer is detected, on the stage of the disease and on the location of the primary cancer. A combination of surgery and radiation is generally required to treat early stages of throat cancer, with advanced stages being more difficult to treat and requiring chemotherapy. Because the first signs of throat cancer are so difficult to detect, more than 70 percent of throat cancer patients have advanced cancers upon diagnosis.
Misconceptions
4. Nonsmokers often believe they are immune to developing throat cancer because of their low-risk status. This often leads to late detection and poor prognosis. Even nonsmokers must report any possible signs and symptoms of throat cancer to their doctor immediately, as throat cancer quickly spreads to surrounding tissue. If symptoms such as hoarseness or sore throat persist for more than two weeks, even when these symptoms follow a viral or bacterial infection, they should be investigated and a biopsy should be performed if another cause is not obvious.
Significance
5. Throat cancer is a significant health threat, but both patients and doctors easily overlook the first signs of throat cancer. Estimates from the American Cancer Society show that roughly 24,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with some stage of throat cancer every year, with half of those cancers occurring in the pharynx. Early detection is crucial to a good prognosis, as throat cancer often quickly spreads to surrounding tissue or metastasizes to other regions of the body. Early detection enables greater treatment options, which makes it essential for anyone at risk of developing throat cancer to be aware of the early signs and symptoms of the disease.

What Is an ESR Blood Test?

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) is also called Sed Rate or Sedimentation Rate. It is a simple test used to determine how much inflammation is in the body, but it cannot diagnose the specific condition causing the inflammation.

How ESR Blood Test Works
1. Inflammation changes the proteins in red blood cells causing them to bind to one another in clumps, making them denser than normal red blood cells. An ESR test simply notes the speed at which blood cells sink to the bottom of a test tube. The faster the blood cells fall, the more inflammation is in your body.
Primary Uses of the ESR Test
2. ESR tests are most often used to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis (GCA). Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation of the lining of the joints, resulting in pain, joint damage and sometimes deformity. Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disorder causing stiffness and pain usually in the shoulders, neck, upper arms, hips and thighs; giant cell arteritis (GCA) refers to inflammation of the arterial lining and causes headaches, jaw pain and blurred vision.
Increased ESR
3. Increased ESR has many causes, including pregnancy, menstruation, infection or anemia. Many diseases such as kidney disease, syphilis, tuberculosis, thyroid disease and lupus also cause ESR rates to be higher than average. In addition, certain medications such as oral contraceptives, vitamin A, dextran and methyldopa (aldomet) can cause ESR readings to be higher than normal.
Very High ESR
4. In addition to polymyalgia rheumatica, giant cell arteritis and rheumatoid arthritis, other common causes of a very high ESR include necrotizing vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessel walls) and macroglobulinemia primary (cancer of the B lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell).
Low ESR
5. Though a low ESR is generally not a cause for concern, it is worth noting that liver or kidney disease, congestive heart failure and some protein abnormalities as well as sickle cell anemia or conditions that cause an increase in either red or white blood cells can cause a lower than normal ESR result. Medications such as aspirin, cortisone and quinine can also result in a lower ESR.
Discuss your ESR Test Results with a Doctor
6. Because there are so many conditions that can affect an ESR test, it is important to discuss your results with a qualified doctor who is aware of all your medical conditions and the medications you are taking. The ESR blood test is considered a screening test and cannot be used to diagnose any one condition. It is, however, useful in screening for certain inflammatory conditions, or in monitoring their progress.

How to Treat the Skin for Pressure Ulcers

A pressure ulcer, also called bedsore or decubitus ulcer, is an area of skin that breaks down from constant pressure on the skin. These ulcers often occur over bones or joints that are close to the skin. For instance, pressure ulcers occur on the heels, hips, shoulders, back and back of the head, according to Medline Plus. You are at risk for a pressure ulcer if you are bedridden, in a wheelchair, are elderly or have a chronic condition such as diabetes or vascular problems that cause poor circulation. Fragile skin and urine or bowel incontinence make the problem worse.

1
Relieve pressure on the affected area. Change position frequently and use pillows, cushions and sheepskin to relieve pressure. Check your skin, or your patient's skin, for reddened areas that don't return to a normal color when you change position and relieve the pressure. This is the first stage of a pressure ulcer.
2
Keep the skin very clean and apply lotion often. However, don't massage the area because the skin is fragile and massage can damage the tissue.
3
Cleanse the area where an ulcer has developed. If there is a blister or crater in the skin, rinse it gently with saline solution to remove loose dead tissue. Pat the area dry with sterile gauze. Apply a special gauze dressing made for pressure ulcers, which keeps the ulcer moist and the surrounding tissue dry.
4
Improve nutrition to speed the healing process. Eat fruits, vegetables and protein to provide the building blocks for tissue regrowth. Take vitamins and minerals and talk with your doctor about any other nutrients you should take.

How to Make a Pre-Diabetic Dog Tag

Medical dog tags are a set of military-style tags that list the wearer's pre-existing medical conditions and instructions on what to do in the event of a medical emergency written on them. If you have a medical condition such as allergies, a bad heart, diabetes or epilepsy that can render you immobile or unconscious, a medical dog tag can be useful in alerting paramedics to your condition. Providing strangers with this information can save your life.

1
Remove the paper from the identification tag. Write down your medical condition on the piece of paper. Make sure to write down the treatment of the condition as well, for example, if you carry an epi-pen in your purse or backpack or if you have pills that you must take. For pre-diabetes the treatment is weight loss and controlling your diet. Include the contact details for your doctor and a friend, spouse or relative. Insert the paper back into the tag.
2
Thread the chain or string through the hole in the tag. Stick the medical ID sticker on the outside of the tag's plastic casing so that people don't mistake it for a piece of fashion jewelry.
3
Put the necklace around your neck and wear it at all times.

How to Prepare for a Fasting Blood Glucose Test

Diabetes affects 25.8 million children and adults in the United States and is one of the primary causes of blindness and amputation, according to the American Diabetes Association. A fasting blood glucose test is one of the tools your doctor uses to determine if you suffer from diabetes. Glucose is sugar. Normal blood glucose levels can be up to 100 milligrams per deciliter, notes the National Institutes of Health. Levels higher than that may indicate diabetes. To ensure accurate test results, follow all prep instructions provided by your physician.

1
Avoid potatoes, bread and pasta before a fasting blood glucose test.
potatoes image by Ivonne Wierink from Fotolia.com
Avoid potatoes, bread and pasta before a fasting blood glucose test.

Before fasting, which must start at least eight hours before the test, have a meal consisting mainly of high-protein foods like meat, beans, lentils, nuts or seeds. Avoid fruit juices, sugary drinks or alcohol. Do not eat more than you usually do. Drink water.
2
Breakfast has to wait until after your test.
breakfast image by Bartlomiej Nowak from Fotolia.com
Breakfast has to wait until after your test.

Relax and get plenty of rest the night before your test --- at least seven to eight hours of sleep. Usually, fasting blood glucose testing appointments occur in the morning. Do not do any strenuous activity or exercising as you may become lightheaded. Remember to drink water to avoid dehydration.
3
Stress can negatively impact your blood sugar levels.
headache or stress image by Kathy Burns from Fotolia.com
Stress can negatively impact your blood sugar levels.

The morning of your test, try to do something relaxing like yoga or meditation before going to your appointment. Bring a book or a magazine to the doctor's office to keep your mind occupied until they are ready to perform the test

What Causes Horizontal Ridges in Fingernails?

The appearance of fingernails can tell a doctor many things about a person's health, from a simple vitamin deficiency to something more serious. There are many causes of grooves or ridges on fingernails. Vertical grooves or ridges are quite common; however, horizontal ridges are not and they may signify an underlying illness. Consult your doctor should you discover horizontal ridges on your fingernails.

Beau's Lines
1. Beau's lines are horizontal depressions on the fingernail, usually at the same area on the nail plate. They occur after or during a serious illness such as a systemic infection or diabetes. Cancer patients being treated with chemotherapy may get Beau's lines. Patients with Raynaud's disease may get horizontal ridges on their fingernails from being exposed to cold temperatures. Nail trauma and malnutrition can also cause Beau's lines. The grooves may disappear after recovering from illness.
Muehrcke's Lines
2. Muehrcke's lines appear as pairs of transverse white lines extending horizontally across the nail, parallel to the lunula. These grooves are caused by a vascular abnormality in the nail bed and disappear temporarily when the nail is pressed. Muehrcke's lines do not occur in the nail bed, therefore, they do not move with growth of the nails. These fingernail lines are prevalent in patients with low albumin levels, kidney or liver disease and malnutrition.
Mee's Lines
3. Mees' lines are horizontal, white bands on multiple nails caused by arsenic poisoning or, rarely, serious systemic illnesses. The width of these fingernail lines can vary. As the nail bed itself is not affected, Mees' lines move higher as the nail grows.
Terry's Nails
4. In Terry's nails, the nail plate is white except for a narrow horizontal band near the finger tip. These horizontal ridges on the fingernails are sometimes seen in patients with liver cirrhosis, diabetes, kidney disease or HIV infection.
Horizontal Half Moons (Lunulae)
5. The white, horizontal, half-moon shape that appears at the base of some nail beds (most commonly on the thumb and forefinger nails) is called the lunula. If the lunulae are blue in color, this may represent Wilson Disease or silver poisoning. Red lunulae can be caused by liver cirrhosis, carbon monoxide poisoning, COPD, heart failure or psoriasis.
Nail Trauma
6. Nails can sustain horizontal dents or ridges from physical trauma to the nail bed. If you discover horizontal ridges on your fingernails, consider any recent trauma as the cause. These grooves are typically temporary and will grow out with the nail.

What Are Normal Iron Levels for Women?

Iron found in the body is either actively in use or in storage. The amount of iron in storage varies with individual conditions and dietary intake. All human cells, including blood cells, contain iron. It is used to transport oxygen and produce energy. Iron deficiency is a common problem worldwide. Although it is present in many meats and plant foods, iron is not always effectively absorbed. Females especially can have issues with iron deficiency due to menstruation. Iron levels are greatly affected by nutrition.

Blood Levels of Iron
1. Normal iron blood levels of adult women are 30 to 126 ug/dL. Iron status is also noted by measuring hemoglobin and hematocrit levels; this is because iron is a major part of all blood cells. Blood levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit are often checked by a skin prick, which is less accurate than drawing levels from the vein. Other lab values used to check iron status include plasma ferritin and transferrin saturation.
Types of Iron
2. There are two types of iron: heme iron and nonheme iron. Heme iron is found in animal flesh and red meat in the diet when eaten. Heme iron is well absorbed into the body when eaten. Nonheme iron is found in plant foods and is not as well absorbed when eaten as heme iron. Metabolism mechanisms control iron absorption. In the typical American diet about 10 to 15 percent of total iron eaten from food is completely absorbed.
Regulation of Iron Stores
3. The amount of iron stored has a great effect on the ability to absorb iron. The lower the iron stores are, the more efficiently iron will be absorbed. For the average person, about 30 percent of the iron in the body is storage iron. Diets that are temporarily iron deficient can use storage iron to meet needs. The percentage of iron absorbed increases when there is a deficiency of iron intake. Excess intake of iron is difficult to remove. The body stores excess in the liver and bone marrow.
Stages in Life
4. During menstruation and pregnancy, females have increased need for iron. Females may lose too much iron during menstruation because there is iron in the blood. During pregnancy, iron needs increase due to increasing blood volume. Women on oral contraceptives lose less blood during menstruation and therefore lose less iron. According to the National Institutes of Health, females aged 9 to 13 need 8 mg iron per day, ages 14 to 18 need 15 mg/day, ages 19 to 50 need 18 mg/day and females older than 51 years need 8 mg/day. Pregnancy requires 27 mg iron per day, and lactation requires 9 to 10 mg iron per day.
Iron in the Diet
5. Sources of iron in food include red meat, enriched flour, spinach and soybeans. Iron in red meat is heme iron and therefore better absorbed. Nonheme iron in vegetables can have improved absorption if consumed with vitamin C. Iron supplements can be taken but occasionally result in side effects, such as constipation and gastrointestinal distress.

How Long to Fast Before a Blood Test

Fasting before a blood test is important to obtain accurate readings. When you consume food, your body has to process the food's components as they travel through your bloodstream. Blood tests examine a variety of blood and sugar levels that can be compromised if foreign entities, such as food, contaminate blood, painting an inaccurate picture. Fasting beforehand allows the physician to obtain a clear picture of your bodily functions for an accurate diagnosis.

Tests That Require Fasting
Fasting before a blood test is typically required for fasting glucose, fasting lipid panel, fasting metabolic panel, fasting cholesterol, HDL or triglyceride tests. These tests look for cholesterol and glucose levels in your blood, and any food consumed before the test will provide an inaccurate reading.
How Long Should You Fast
# Your doctor may recommend a certain time period for fasting; however, the standard amount of time is about eight to 12 hours of no food before having blood drawn. Schedule your blood test for early in the morning so you'll only need to fast overnight to meet requirements.

Fast for eight hours before a glucose test. The test is typically conducted in the morning while your body is still in a resting place for a more accurate reading.

You must fast at least 12 hours before taking a cholesterol blood test to get an accurate reading on triglycerides. The American Heart Association warns against quick cholesterol tests you find in malls and health fairs because fasting is imperative to obtaining an accurate result.
Fasting Dos and Don'ts
# Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. Take any medication that your doctor prescribed to you except for corticosteroids, estrogen or androgens, oral contraceptives, some diuretics, anti-psychotic medications including haloperidol, some antibiotics and niacin.

Do not smoke, drink any other liquid than water or exercise during your fast. Even chewing gum is off-limits. Any of these elements can adversely affect your test results.

What Is RDW on a Blood Test?

If your physician has diagnosed you with a type of anemia or iron deficiency, then somewhere along the line you must have had a blood test that reflected an abnormal RDW count. Your RDW levels, along with a combination of a few other important blood counts, are what help your physician figure out just what type of anemia you have, and why it has manifested. HIP Health Plan of New York explains that there are more than 400 known types of anemia, which can be further broken down into subgroups relating to blood loss, poor red-cell production and the demise of red blood cells.

What Does RDW Stand For?
1. RDW is the abbreviation for "red blood cell distribution width." According to Lab Tests Online, RDW calculates the varying sizes of red blood cell (RBC) volume in a blood sample. An RDW test is usually performed as part of a CBC, or complete blood count.
RDW and MCV
2. It is virtually impossible to discuss the RDW aspect of a blood test without including MCV, or mean corpuscle value. MCV goes hand in hand with red blood cell distribution width (RDW) in terms of anemia and other hematology disorders, and the values of both are influenced by each other. For instance, low MCV levels in combination with normal RDW may point to chronic disease, while low MCV combined with low RDW can denote iron deficiency. In the same respect, a normal MCV reading in combination with normal RDW may represent a chronic disorder, and normal MCV combined with high RDW can signify a B12 deficiency. Chronolab.com also reveals that when MCV levels are high and RDW is normal, pre-leukemia may be present. Both high MCV and high RDW may mean that a patient is experiencing folate deficiency.
RDW Calculation
3. RDW is calculated by dividing the standard deviation (SD) by the mean corpuscle volume (MCV) and then multiplying that result by 100. The standard deviation represents the volume of erythrocytes or red blood cells that are in the blood smear. According to Beckman Coulter, the equation for the RDW calculation is RDW = SD / MCV x 100.
Normal Reference Range for RDW Blood Test
4. Normal RDW values are between 11 and 14 percent, with an optimum RDW value range of 13 percent. When RDW values rise above normal levels, several disorders become suspect. According to the Archives of Internal Medicine, RDW counts may also play an important role in predicting mortality, especially in patients who have cardiovascular disease and cancer. In fact, patients who test higher than the normal reference range on an RDW test may suffer more health risks than those patients whose RDW values are lower.
Anisocytosis
5. Anisocytosis is diagnosed when the RDW levels in a blood test indicate excessively high values of variably shaped red blood cells. In the book "Diagnostic Hematology," author Norman Beck explains that the presence of anisocytosis in a diagnostic blood test is so common that it is often dismissed as a component while making a diagnosis. But, breakthroughs in medicine have shed new light on the importance of anisocytosis during patient evaluation. When anisocytosis is measured against other blood cell values, the high RBC values can help make a better determination of the type of anemia present in a patient.
Consult Your Health Care Provider
6. Blood tests and their results are a piece of the overall diagnostic picture and are not meant to be the sole tool used for diagnosis or prognosis of illness. Consulting with your health care provider for a full physical as well as an assessment of symptoms is the best method of understanding your blood test results.

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