Lung Cancer - Celebrity Victims

1. BUDHI KUNDERAN

2. FEROZ KHAN

3. GEORGE HARRISON (BEATLES)

4. KING GEORGE VI

5. LANCE ARMSTRONG

6. MAC MOHAN

 7. MUHAMMAD ALI JINAH

8. PAT NIXON

9. RAVEENDRAN MASTER

 10. SUBIR RAHA

11. SYLVIA KRISTEL

12. USTAD VILAYAT KHAN

13. WALT DISNEY

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A soft-tissue sarcoma

It is a form of sarcoma that develops in connective tissue, though the term is sometimes applied to elements of the soft tissue that are not currently considered connective tissue.

In their early stages, soft-tissue sarcomas usually do not cause symptoms. Because soft tissue is relatively elastic, tumors can grow rather large, pushing aside normal tissue, before they are felt or cause any problems. The first noticeable symptom is usually a painless lump or swelling. As the tumor grows, it may cause other symptoms, such as pain or soreness, as it presses against nearby nerves and muscles. If in the abdomen it can cause abdominal pains commonly mistaken for menstrual cramps, indigestion, or cause constipation.

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Retroperitoneal sarcomas

Retroperitoneal sarcomas are rare neoplasms. CT or MR imaging is performed in patients with these tumors to detect local extent and distant metastases of the tumor and for preoperative surgical planning. Most sarcomas cannot be characterised as to cell type with CT or MR, with the exceptions being liposarcomas and intracaval leiomyosarcomas. Similarly histological grading cannot be made definitively with imaging alone, the exception being liposarcoma since well differentiated liposarcomas contain more macroscopic fat than do less differentiated liposarcomas. After surgery, follow up imaging with CT or MR and careful scrutiny of the tumor bed and resection site are essential to detect early recurrences, which can often be managed with re-resection.

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Nasopharyngeal cancer

 

Nasopharyngeal cancer is a rare type of head and neck cancer. It starts in the upper part of your throat, behind the nose. This area is called the nasopharynx.

The nasopharynx is precariously placed at the base of your skull, above the roof of your mouth. Your nostrils open into the nasopharynx. When you breathe, air flows through your nose into your throat and nasopharynx, and eventually into your lungs.

Symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer may include:

• Blurry or double vision
• Difficulty speaking, including hoarseness
• Ear infections that keep coming back
• Face pain or numbness
• Headache
• Hearing loss, ringing in the ears, or a feeling of fullness in the ear
• Lump in neck or nose
• Nosebleeds
• Stuffy nose

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A carcinoid tumor

A carcinoid tumor starts in the hormone-producing cells of various organs. Carcinoid tumors most often develop in the gastrointestinal tract, in organs such as the stomach or intestines, or in the lungs. However, a carcinoid tumor can also develop in the pancreas, a man’s testicles, or a woman’s ovaries. More than one carcinoid tumor can occur in the same organ.

 

Here is a general overview of where carcinoid tumors begin:

• 39% occur in the small intestine.
• 15% occur in the rectum.
• 10% occur in the bronchial system of the lungs.
• 7% occur in the appendix.
• 5% to 7% occur in the colon.
• 2% to 4% occur in the stomach.
• 2% to 3% occur in the pancreas.
• About 1% occurs in the liver.
• They rarely occur in ovaries, testicles, and other organs.

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A carcinoid tumor

A carcinoid tumor starts in the hormone-producing cells of various organs. Carcinoid tumors most often develop in the gastrointestinal tract, in organs such as the stomach or intestines, or in the lungs. However, a carcinoid tumor can also develop in the pancreas, a man’s testicles, or a woman’s ovaries. More than one carcinoid tumor can occur in the same organ.

Here is a general overview of where carcinoid tumors begin:

• 39% occur in the small intestine.
• 15% occur in the rectum.
• 10% occur in the bronchial system of the lungs.
• 7% occur in the appendix.
• 5% to 7% occur in the colon.
• 2% to 4% occur in the stomach.
• 2% to 3% occur in the pancreas.
• About 1% occurs in the liver.
• They rarely occur in ovaries, testicles, and other organs.

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Brain Tumor

 

Brain tumor occurs when abnormal cells form within the brain. All types of brain tumors may produce symptoms that vary depending on the part of the brain involved. These may include headaches, seizures, problem with vision, vomiting, and mental changes. The headache is classically worst in the morning and goes away with vomiting. More specific problems may include difficulty in walking, speaking and with sensation. As the disease progresses unconsciousness may occur.

Treatment may include some combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

• Surgery: complete or partial resection of the tumor with the objective of removing as many tumor cells as possible.
• Radiotherapy: the most commonly used treatment for brain tumors; the tumor is irradiated with beta, x rays or gamma rays.
• Chemotherapy: is a treatment option for cancer, however it is seldom used to treat brain tumors as the blood and brain barrier prevents the drugs from reaching the cancerous cells. Chemotherapy can be thought of as a poison that prevents the growth and division of all cells in the body including cancerous cells. This causes the significant side effects experienced by patients undergoing chemotherapy.

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Choriocarcinoma

Choriocarcinoma is a fast-growing form of cancer that occurs in a woman's uterus (womb). The abnormal cells start in the tissue that would normally become the placenta. This is the organ that develops during pregnancy to feed the fetus. Choriocarcinoma is an uncommon cancer that occurs during pregnancy. A baby may or may not develop in this type of pregnancy.

The cancer may occur after a normal pregnancy. But it most often occurs with a complete hydatidiform mole. The abnormal tissue from the mole can continue to grow even after it is removed, and can turn into cancer. About half of all women with a choriocarcinoma had a hydatidiform mole, or molar pregnancy.

Choriocarcinomas may also occur after an early pregnancy that does not continue (miscarriage), or after an ectopic pregnancy or genital tumor.

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Gynecologic cancer

Gynecologic cancer is an uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells that originate from the reproductive organs. There are several types of gynecologic cancers which include cervical, gestational trophoblastic disease, primary peritoneal, ovarian, uterine/endometrial, vaginal and vulvar cancers. 
Regular screenings and self-examinations can result in the detection of certain types of gynecologic cancers in their earlier stages, increasing the likelihood of successful treatment and the possibility for a complete cure. It is important to be aware of your family’s history to help determine if you may have a gene that makes you more susceptible to cancer - knowing can increase the chance of prevention or early diagnosis. Lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise can have a significant role in the prevention of cancer.

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Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is a disease when testicular cells become abnormal or malignant in one or both testicles.The exact cause of testicular cancer is not known but risk factors include undescended testicle(s), congenital abnormalities.
Testicular cancer is often first detected by the patient discovering a lump or swelling in a testicle; other symptoms include testicular pain or discomfort; testicular enlargement; aches in the abdomen, back, or groin; or a fluid collection in the scrotum.
Testicular cancer is diagnosed by the patient's history and physical,ultrasound, and blood tests that measure testicular tumor markers. Biopsy of testicular tissue may be done.

Testicular cancer can be cured by surgery, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy; side effects include infertility and may affect sexual function. Other side effects are due to radiation and chemotherapy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Kidney Cancer

The kidneys are two organs in the body that filter the blood and remove waste material and excess water by making urine that is expelled as waste. And cancer is the growth of abnormal cells within the body.
Although the exact cause of kidney cancer is not known, risk factors include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, long-term dialysis, Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, occupational exposure and men are at higher risk.
Symptoms of kidney cancer include blood in the urine, pain in the side or flank that is constant, a lump or mass in the abdomen or side, fever, weight loss, and fatigue.
Treatment of kidney cancer includes one of or a combination of the following methods: chemotherapy, radiation therapy, embolization, biological therapy, and surgery.

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Anal Cancer

Anal cancer occurs in the anus, the end of the gastrointestinal tract. Anal cancer is very different from colorectal cancer, which is much more common. Anal cancer's causes, risk factors, clinical progression, staging and treatment are all very different from colorectal cancer. Anal cancer is a lump which is created by the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the anus. Anal cancer is very rare.

Symptoms of anal cancer:

•     Rectal bleeding - the patient may notice blood on feces or toilet paper.
• Pain in the anal area.
• Lumps around the anus. These are frequently mistaken for piles (hemorrhoids).
• Mucus discharge from the anus.
• Jelly-like discharge from the anus.
• Anal itching.
• Change in bowel movements. This may include diarrhea, constipation, or thinning of stools.
• Fecal incontinence (problems controlling bowel movements).
• Bloating.
• Women may experience lower back pain as the tumor exerts pressure on the vagina.
• Women may experience vaginal dryness.

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Liver Cancer

The liver continuously filters blood that circulates through the body, converting nutrients and drugs absorbed from the digestive tract into ready-to-use chemicals. The liver performs many other important functions, such as removing toxins and other chemical waste products from the blood and readying them for excretion. Because all the blood in the body must pass through it, the liver is unusually accessible to cancer cells traveling in the bloodstream.

The liver can be affected by primary liver cancer, which arises in the liver, or by cancer which forms in other parts of the body and then spreads to the liver. Most liver cancer is secondary or metastatic, meaning it started elsewhere in the body.

Because the liver is made up of several different types of cells, several types of tumors can form there. Some of these are benign (noncancerous), and some are cancerous and can spread to other parts of the body (metastasize). These tumors have different causes and are treated differently.

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Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, is a malignant tumor arising from the lining of the stomach. There has been a significant decrease in the number of people diagnosed with stomach cancer in the past 60 years. Stomach cancers are classified according to the type of tissue where they originate. The most common type

of stomach cancer is adenocarcinoma, which starts in the glandular tissue of the stomach and accounts for 90% to 95% of all stomach cancers. Other forms of stomach cancer include lymphomas, which involve the lymphatic system and sarcomas, which involve the connective tissue

The exact cause of stomach cancer is unknown, but a number of factors can increase the risk of the disease, including:

• Gender -- men have more than double the risk of getting stomach cancer than women.
• Race -- being African-American or Asian may increase your risk.
• Genetics -- genetic abnormalities and some inherited cancer syndromes may increase your risk
• Geography -- stomach cancer is more common in Japan, the former Soviet Union, and parts of Central America and South America.
• Blood type -- individuals with blood group A may be at increased risk.
• Advanced age -- stomach cancer occurs more often around ages 70 and 74 in men and women, respectively.
• Family history of gastric cancer can double or triple the risk of stomach cancer.
• Lifestyle factors such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating a diet low in fruits and vegetables or high in salted, smoked, or nitrate-preserved foods may increase your risk
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection of the stomach. H. pylori is a bacterium that infects the lining of the stomach and causes chronic inflammation and ulcers.
• Certain health conditions including chronic gastritis, pernicious anemia, gastric polyps, intestinal metaplasia, and prior stomach surgery.
• Work-related exposure due to coal mining, nickel refining, and rubber and timber processing and asbestos exposure.

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Esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer as name suggests is malignancy of the esophagus. There are various subtypes, primarily squamous cell cancer and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell cancer arises from the cells that line the upper part of the esophagus. Adenocarcinoma arises from glandular cells that are present at the junction of the esophagus and stomach. Esophageal tumors usually lead to dysphagia i.e. difficulty in swallowing, pain and other symptoms, and are diagnosed with biopsy. Small and localized tumors are treated surgically with curative intent. Larger tumors tend not to be operable and hence are treated with palliative care; their growth can still be delayed with chemotherapy, radiotherapy or a combination of the two. In some cases chemo- and radiotherapy can render these larger tumors operable. Prognosis depends on the extent of the disease and other medical problems, but is generally fairly poor.

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Head & Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer refers to a group of biologically similar cancers that start in the lip, oral cavity, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, pharynx, and larynx. 90% of head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas (SCCHN), originating from the mucosal lining (epithelium) of these regions. Head and neck cancers often spread to the lymph nodes of the neck, and this is often the first sign of the disease at the time of diagnosis. Head and neck cancer is strongly associated with certain environmental and lifestyle risk factors, including tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, UV light, particular chemicals used in certain workplaces, and certain strains of viruses, such as human papillomavirus. These cancers are frequently aggressive in their biologic behavior; patients with these types of cancer are at a higher risk of developing another cancer in the head and neck area. Head and neck cancer is highly curable if detected early, usually with some form of surgery, but radiation therapy may also play an important role, while chemotherapy is often ineffective.

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Head & Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer refers to a group of biologically similar cancers that start in the lip, oral cavity, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, pharynx, and larynx. 90% of head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas (SCCHN), originating from the mucosal lining (epithelium) of these regions. Head and neck cancers often spread to the lymph nodes of the neck, and this is often the first sign of the disease at the time of diagnosis. Head and neck cancer is strongly associated with certain environmental and lifestyle risk factors, including tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, UV light, particular chemicals used in certain workplaces, and certain strains of viruses, such as human papillomavirus. These cancers are frequently aggressive in their biologic behavior; patients with these types of cancer are at a higher risk of developing another cancer in the head and neck area. Head and neck cancer is highly curable if detected early, usually with some form of surgery, but radiation therapy may also play an important role, while chemotherapy is often ineffective.

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Skin Cancer

Skin cancers are named after the type of skin cell from which they arise. Basal cell cancer originates from the lowest layer of the epidermis, and is the most common but least dangerous skin cancer. Squamous cell cancer originates from the middle layer, and is less common but more likely to spread and, if untreated, become fatal. Melanoma, which originates in the pigment-producing cells, is the least common, but most aggressive, most likely to spread and, if untreated, become fatal.

Most cases are caused by over-exposure to UV rays from the sun or sunbeds. Treatment is generally via surgical removal. Melanoma has one of the higher survival rates among cancers.

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Multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that is caused by malignant plasma cells that proliferate in the bone marrow and produce abnormally high amounts of a special protein. The special proteins are typically monoclonal paraprotein (M protein) and other compounds such as immunoglobulins. Plasma cells are white blood cells that make antibodies and are part of the body's immune system. Multiple myeloma plasma cell proliferation can result in etched away bone (lytic bone lesions), soft tissue masses, impaired immune system, and pain from collapsing bone and other systemic problems listed below.

What triggers plasma cells to become malignant in multiple myeloma is not known. The cancerous myeloma plasma cells proliferate and crowd out normal plasma cells and can etch away areas of bones. The proteins produced in large amounts can cause many of the symptoms of the disease by making the blood more thickened (viscous) and depositing the proteins in organs that can interfere with the functions of the kidneys, nerves, and immune system.

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Hodgkin Disease

Hodgkin disease also known as Hodgkin lymphoma. It is a type of lymphoma. Lymphoma is cancer of lymph tissue found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and bone marrow. The first sign of Hodgkin disease is often an enlarged lymph node. The disease can spread to nearby lymph nodes. Later it may spread to the lungs, liver or bone marrow. The cause is unknown.

Hodgkin disease is rare. Symptoms include:

• Painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
  
• Fever and chills
• Night sweats
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Itchy skin

Doctors can diagnose Hodgkin disease with a biopsy. This involves removing and examining a piece of tissue under a microscope. Treatment varies depending on how far the disease has spread and often includes radiation therapy or chemotherapy. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the more effective the treatment. In most cases, Hodgkin disease can be cured

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