A new treatment method for Barrett’s esophagus, which is a "precancerous condition largely caused by acid reflux disease" among patients is being tested at the Loyola University in Maywood, Ill. The treatment, known as cryospray ablation, permanently destroys esophageal precancerous cells and tissues by injecting extremely cold temperatures of liquid nitrogen into the body, according to a Nurse.com news article, which features medical information online for nurses and physicians assistants.

The treatment allegedly causes "the precancerous tissue to eventually slough off and is then replaced with normal, healthy tissue," reported Nurse.com. The treatment uses a catheter attached to an endoscope, which then sprays -270 degree Fahrenheit liquid nitrogen into the esophagus. According to the

What is Liquid Nitrogen?

Liquid nitrogen is an "inert, colorless, odorless, non-corrosive, noninflammable and extremely cold chemical that makes up the major portion of the atmosphere," according to Harvard College. The health effects of liquid nitrogen are often non-toxic, however asphyxiation can occur if oxygen is decreased and if excessive amounts of nitrogen are inhaled, it can cause the following side effects:

* dizziness

* nausea

* vomiting

* loss of consciousness

* death

Cryospray Ablation Uses

The University of Maryland Medical Center describes cryospray ablation, also cryotherapy ablation as a destruction of "the abnormal lining of the esophagus by exposing cells to extreme cold using liquid nitrogen… Successful cryotherapy ablation will avoid the need for alternative treatments such as surgery."

Those who qualify for this treatment will likely suffer from the following conditions:

* early stage esophageal cancer

* Barrett’s esophagus

* severe squamous dysplasia of the esophagus

The procedure has found success in its niche of conditions, but often requires a plethora of pre-procedure steps and may also require additional repeat procedures over the following months to ensure the esophageal lining returns to normal. Most patients will require three to four treatments, which each will span every four to six weeks, according to the UMM.

Developing Esophageal Cancer

The American Cancer Society (ACS) explains that "if untreated, Barrett’s esophagus could lead to esophageal cancer, the fastest-growing cancer in the United States." Esophageal cancer is a tremendously painful condition, which is responsible for the following side effects on a victim, according to the National Library of Medicine and ACS.

* Difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia

* mid-chest pains

* sensation of pressure or burning in body

* weight loss

* hoarseness

* hiccups

* pneumonia

* high blood calcium levels

* black stools caused by bleeding cancerous cells

There are several causes related to the development of esophageal cancer including smoking, heavy alcohol consumption as well at acid reflux damage; however, there is also a newer cause associated with the onset of this condition and that includes the consumption of Fosamax.

Fosamax (sodium alendronate), from Merck and Company, is a prescription only drug used to treat osteoporosis among individuals, particularly post-menopausal women who have suffered from severe bone density loss.

Recently, the New England Journal of Medicine reported on a damaging and terrifying study that individuals who had consumed the drug had been found to not only be at risk for developing dead jaw syndrome, also known as osteonecrosis (ONJ), but that approximately 23 individuals had developed esophageal cancer as a result of consuming the drug.

Patients who are currently taking Fosamax or have previously been prescribed the drug may need to contact medical assistance to ensure they are not suffering from any of the Fosamax side effects. Additionally, it may be necessary to construct a Fosamax class action lawsuit in order to retrieve monetary funds as compensation for the potential damages endured by a Fosamax victim.

To learn more about the Fosamax side effects, individuals can visit http://fosamax.legalview.info/ . For more information on other legal topics including the peanut butter recall or the cranial implant kit dangers, visit http://www.LegalView.info/ .

Article Source: ArticleSpan

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in American men. It is also the most common cancer found among men over fifty in the United States and continues to grow at a rampant rate. If prostate cancer is detected early, it is very curable with the proper treatment.

There are quite a few treatment options to choose from when selecting the appropriate procedure. One of the best procedure options for you to consider is a radical prostatectomy. A radical prostatectomy is a common treatment method that involves the surgical removal of the prostate gland. The radical prostatectomy procedure is mainly encouraged for young, healthy men under the age of 70. A prostatectomy is not typically performed on men 70 and above because of the serious complications that can occur.

Choosing a Surgeon:

It’s suggested that patients seeking the best treatment outcome seek a qualified urologist with training in prostate cancer prostatectomy. With an experienced surgeon, the radical prostatectomy should take no more than two hours to perform, with no need for blood transfusion. Depending upon the urologist’s skill set in performing the procedure, the patient may wear a catheter for only a few days instead of the maximum three weeks.

Radical Prostatectomy:

A radical prostatectomy is the surgical removal of the prostate gland. It is a major surgical procedure which is performed in a hospital with the patient under general anesthesia. This procedure is considered to offer the second greatest chance for long-term survival (the highest cure rates are found at a radiation therapy practice in Georgia where they use a combined radiation procedure). During a radical prostatectomy, the surgeon removes the entire prostate and then reconnects the urethra and bladder. After surgery is complete, patients usually remain in the hospital from two to four days.

Complications to the Prostatectomy Procedure:

The outcome of the treatment, cure and complication rates vary based on the urologist performing the surgery. However, the most common complications following prostate cancer treatment are urinary incontinence (uncontrolled urine leakage) and erectile dysfunction (ED, the inability to sustain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse). The majority of men receiving this treatment will suffer from some degree of urinary incontinence and ED immediately following surgery, but should gradually improve over time.

A prostate cancer radical prostatectomy is one potential solution. Let’s look at the issue of prostate cancer from a higher level.

Selecting the Proper Treatment that’s Right for You:

Choosing the most appropriate prostate cancer treatment for an individual depends upon several factors. These include:

- Which treatment option is going to offer the best chance of curing the cancer (and be careful here as there are many definitions of “cure” – but the only one that has been proven reliable is 0.2 ng/ml five years post-treatment).

- Potential side effects associated with the different forms of treatment.

- Examining the rate at which the cancer is growing and how fast it’s spreading to determine the most effective course of treatment

- Patient age, life expectancy and general health, including any other medical conditions

- The experience and training of the treating physician

There is always some form of shock to men when diagnosed with this type of cancer. Men need time to react and not rush into any healthcare decision early. Its recommended men review all prostate cancer treatment options, outcomes and complications, with a physician to select the best treatment that’s right for them. And don’t be afraid to ask your physician tough questions – ask them how long they trained on the procedure they recommend, and what their personal cure rate is.

Where to Get Additional Information:

While your healthcare provider is a good source for prostate cancer information and answering your questions/concerns related to your medical condition, it’s also important that if you are diagnosed with prostate cancer that you take the time to educate yourself on this disease. Prostate cancer is usually slow-growing, so you have time to do the research on the best treatment option for you, so check the web, read articles and books, and try to talk with others who have faced the battle you are now facing yourself and find out what they did.

No two patient’s healthcare conditions are exactly alike and recommendations can vary with physicians. You should conduct your own research to learn and understand prostate cancer and all the available treatment options. With very few exceptions, you only have one chance at being cured; with proper knowledge you’ll be able to make the most efficient and effective decision.

John Critz helps inform men about prostate cancer treatment options including prostate cancer radical prostatectomy. His company, RCOG helps educate males about radical prostatectomy among other procedures.

Article Source: ArticleSpan

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