Benign Mesothelioma

Actos Side Effects :

WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF THE BLADDER?

A bladder stores urine and expels it at a convenient time. The bladder is a very useful organ, (tissues working together to accomplish a function), but an individual can live a normal life without one, if required, by surgical creation of a substitute.

ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF BLADDER CANCER?

More than 90% of bladder cancers arise from the lining bladder cells called transitional cells. Bladder cancer is almost always transitional cell cancer. These cells are also present in the urethra (the body tube which drains the bladder), as well as the renal pelvis (inner lining of the kidneys), and the ureters (the body tube draining the kidneys).

Bladder cancer can vary from the non serious, low grade superficial type (approximately 70%), to the invasive, aggressive type that can spread and prove to be fatal (approximately 30%).

5% of bladder cancer is accounted for by squamous cell carcinoma. This cancer is usually secondary to long term inflammation or infection of the bladder. Even rarer is adenocarcinoma, which accounts for less than 2% of all bladder cancers.

HOW COMMON IS BLADDER CANCER?

The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2006,61,420 new cases of bladder cancer were diagnosed in the United States with approximately 73% of those occurring in men. In the same year, this cancer caused approximately 13,060 deaths with approximately two out of three of those being in men. The disease is more common in whites than blacks. The incidence of bladder cancer increases with age in both sexes. When bladder cancer occurs in young people, it tends to grow slower and not be as serious. In men, it is the fourth most common cancer. However, because of the rate of recurrences and long term survival, it is the second most prevalent cancer in middle aged and elderly men. In women, it is the eighth most common cancer. The average age at diagnosis is 65. Over the past decade, there has been both an increased incidence, but also an increased rate of survival for bladder cancer ^[1]

WHAT CAUSED MY CANCER?

A mutation is a disruption in the DNA of a cell, leading to a loss of regulated cell growth. Mutations can occur spontaneously as we age. It is truly amazing that all of us don’t develop cancer as we are composed of trillions of cells dividing regularly over decades. Fortunately, our cells have repair mechanisms which can often fix damaged cells before cancer arises. In addition, the immune system can destroy cancer cells before they have a chance to grow into tumors.

Mutations and cancer can also be triggered by environmental factors. Certain chemicals have been identified to be particularly effective at inducing mutations in our DNA and subsequent cancer. These chemicals are called carcinogens. Smoking is the most common culprit! Cigarette smoking has a strong link with bladder cancer. Studies have shown approximately 50% of bladder cancer is secondary to tobacco smoke. Smoking releases dozens of carcinogens into the lungs and then into the blood stream. Many of these carcinogens are excreted by the kidneys.

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IT IS TOO DIFFICULT TO QUIT SMOKING; IS THERE ANY SURE FIRE WAY TO QUIT?

Tobacco smoke contains nicotine, an extremely addictive chemical. Men overall find it easier to quit smoking than women. When facing the prospects of losing your bladder to cancer or possibly your life, most individuals will become convinced and many simply stop smoking “cold turkey.” Unfortunately, many choose not to quit until their cancer repeatedly recurs or becomes invasive, needlessly placing their health at risk. For those who need assistance in quitting, nicotine patches, gum, and lozenges are all available over the counter. These products allow the smoker to quit without experiencing the discomfort of withdrawal from nicotine. Many smokers also find hypnosis or support groups useful. In addition, prescription medication is available.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER KNOWN CAUSES?

Occupational exposure may account for up to 20% of bladder cancers. Those exposed to aniline dyes (used to color fabrics), aldehydes (used in chemical dyes and in the rubber and textile industries) and those using organic chemicals (used in a wide range of occupations) are all at increased risk. Individuals previously treated with radiation to the pelvis or having received cyclophosphamide (a type of chemotherapy) are at markedly increased risk for developing bladder cancer. If your well water is high in arsenic, your risk may also be increased. Studies have also correlated obesity and a high fat diet, especially with increased cholesterol, as a possible contributing factor.

CAN I HELP TO PREVENT BLADDER CANCER BY DRINKING MORE FLUIDS?

Surprisingly, the answer may be yes. In a recent study, the relationship of diet to cancer was analyzed in a group of47,000 health professionals.^[1] In the case of bladder cancer, those who drank the most fluid (greater than 10 cups/day) had half the risk as those who drank the least (less than 5 cups/day). The type of nonalcoholic beverage was less important than the total amount.

WILL MY CHILDREN BE AT HIGHER RISK OF DEVELOPING BLADDER CANCER?

Although there have been clusters of bladder cancer reported, most researchers believe these may be secondary to risk factors such as smoking and exposure to carcinogens. At this time, there is no convincing evidence bladder cancer risk is hereditary. If an environmental factor caused your cancer and your children are exposed as well, their risk of cancer may be increased.

WHAT IS CANCER?

The basic building block of the body is the cell. Cells are specialized to perform a particular function. Skin cells are distinctly different from liver cells which are different from bladder cells. An organ is composed of various cells working in unison to carry out a body function. Cells eventually get old and die. New cells are created by cell division. When cells are behaving normally, they only generate enough new cells to replace the old dying ones. Occasionally, cell growth becomes unchecked. As the cells continue to divide, a tumor (abnormal growth of cells) may form. Such tumors may be benign (no ability to spread beyond their organ of origin) or cancerous (a malignant tumor with the ability to spread beyond their organ of origin and cause harm and possibly death).

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HOW CAN I TELL IF MY BLADDER CANCER IS LIKELY TO SPREAD?

Larger tumors are more likely to spread than smaller tumors. Another critical concern is the grade of the tumor. Normal cells are specialized, differentiated to perform specific function, and have a typical structural arrangement with surrounding cells. As cancers worsen, the cells become less specialized, less differentiated, and lose their normal structural arrangement, resulting in a higher pathologic grade.

In the case of bladder cancer, pathologists classify them into 3 grades based on a number of criteria:

Grade 1: low grade, well differentiated Grade 2: intermediate grade, moderately differentiated Grade 3: high grade, poorly differentiated The higher grade tumors have a greater propensity to metastasize- spread throughout the body.

For bladder cancer, another key indicator for likelihood to spread is the depth of penetration into the bladder wall. The bladder wall is composed of an inner lining called the urothelium (made up of transitional cells) which rests on a membrane layer called the basement membrane, below which is the connective tissue layer (support tissues) called the lamina propria. Within the lamina propria lies a small amount of muscle called the muscularis mucosa. Deep to the lamina propria is the deep muscle of the bladder arranged in three layers. This layer is called the muscularis propria. Tumors located in the inside, superficial layers of the bladder wall are unlikely to spread. Tumors that grow into the deeper layers (down into the muscle of the bladder wall) are much more likely to spread. Furthermore, there is a definite link between the grade of the tumor and its likelihood of invasion. Low grade tumors are almost always noninvasive, while high grade tumors are usually invasive. In general, papillary tumors, which are delicate and frond like in appearance are usually low grade and superficial. This is to be contrasted to sessile tumors which appear solid, are often high grade and invasive. Depth of invasion is critical in establishing prognosis. The tumor which invades into the lamina propria is a far more serious tumor than the superficial tumor which demonstrates no invasion. It has a much higher propensity to progress to the muscle invasive tumor, a much more dangerous cancer, with a high risk for spreading beyond the bladder. For further information see Chapter 6.

Our use of the term or terms Actos Side Effects is for descriptive purposes only. There is no relationship between the owners of this website and the maker of the product discussed in this post. Our use of the words Recall, Class Action Lawsuit and other similar words related to an event do not necessarily mean that this event has occurred. Refer to the website of the United States Food and Drug Administration for information on drug or medical device recalls. If a Class Action Lawsuit is formed in relation to the product discussed in this post we will provide that information at the time the Class Action is formed. A Class Action Lawsuit is not required to exist for you to file a lawsuit if you have been injured by the product discussed in this post.

To keep up to date on Actos Side Effects visit our site often.

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Actos Side Effects atients sometimes describe feeling some abdominal pressure or discomfort, but not pain, during the flexible cystoscopy procedure. You will be awake, wearing a gown and lying on an examining table, with your knees draped and held apart. As noted above, your doctor will use anesthetic gel to numb the area where the flexible tube is inserted and then gently guide the cystoscope into the urethral opening (the eye of the penis in a man; the vaginal outlet of the urethra in a woman). Some men experience brief pressure and discomfort as the cystoscope passes over the area where the prostate is located. In most cases, the entire process, including preparation, will take about 15 to 20 minutes, and your doctor will be able to discuss the results of the flexible cystoscopy with you immediately.

The rigid cystoscopy is sometimes done when the tumor is in an inaccessible part of the bladder as well as when a more complicated biopsy is needed. It is performed in a hospital setting and can be either an inpatient or outpatient procedure. While the process is similar to flexible cystoscopy, you will be given general anesthesia and a more rigid tube will be used. Your doctor will give you specific instructions about how to prepare for the anesthesia (you will need to have someone drive you to and from the hospital) and what to expect during the brief recuperation after the procedure. You may be asked to remain overnight if you have other medical problems, such as severe heart disease.

During the IVP, you’ll be lying on a flat table, wearing a hospital gown, with the x-ray machine positioned above you on a movable jointed arm. The radiologist will take some basic x-rays and then will inject a contrast substance (usually iodine) through a vein, usually in your arm. The iodine is carried by the blood system to the kidneys, where it is removed (excreted into the urine). The iodine shows up when exposed in an x-ray. You might feel a sense of heat or burning from the iodine or have a metallic taste in your mouth. However, these sensations usually disappear after a few minutes. If you know that you are allergic to iodine, let the radiologist know and a different contrast material can be used.

As the iodine travels through your urinary tract system, a quick series of x-rays is snapped. Sometimes the radiologist will apply a gentle compression elastic band around your body to help the visualization process. You may be asked to turn over and might even be asked to empty your bladder. (The iodine should not cause any discoloration of your urine or any pain or burning during urination.) The x-rays taken before the iodine was injected and those taken after provide images for your doctor that give a visual picture of the ureters (the tubes between the kidneys and bladder) and the bladder’s anatomy and function.

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The technologist then moves a transducer (an imaging gadget shaped somewhat like an oversized electric shaver with a flat head) over the area where the bladder is located. You probably will be asked to change positions or even to hold your breath for a few seconds during the process. The technologist watches on a screen to make sure that clear images are being recorded.

If any of the tests suggest the presence of a bladder tumor, your doctor will schedule other tests; they might include an MRI or a CT scan, and if a biopsy was not obtained during the flexible cystoscopy process, a surgical biopsy as well. These tests help your doctor determine where the tumors are, what type of cancer you have, and whether the cancer has invaded the muscle wall of the bladder. Depending on the results of those tests, your doctor may order a chest x-ray or even a bone scan to determine whether the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

A CT scan is a painless, noninvasive test during which low intensity x-rays are repeatedly passed through the body’s soft tissue at different angles. A computer then processes the x-rays to show a detailed cross-section of the tissues and organs – in your case, of the bladder, liver, spleen, abdominal lymph nodes, and surrounding tissues. Sometimes the scanner will be focused on the chest and lungs to see whether cancer has spread there. From the CT scan, your doctor not only can confirm the presence of a tumor in the bladder, but can also measure its size and location, and determine whether it has spread to other nearby tissue.

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The CT scanner can snap about 32 cross-section pictures or “slices” in approximately 10 seconds as the machine moves over your body. This means that you can easily hold your breath as the images are taken. For the CT scan, you’ll be lying on a table, dressed in a gown, and while you’ll be able to talk with the radiology technicians at all times over an intercom, you’ll be alone in the room and asked to lie still and hold your breath while the actual x-rays are being taken.

Like the IVP, a contrast medium is used to help the radiologist see your bladder and urinary tract. Sometimes it may be injected into the veins, as in IVP, or it may be swallowed or sometimes administered as an enema to distinguish bowel tissue from the bladder structure. Usually when diagnosing bladder cancer, doctors will want all three – intravenous, oral, and rectal scans – to help determine how deeply tumors may have invaded the bladder tissue and whether there is any spread to the abdominal lymph nodes or liver.

Some people find the taste of the contrast medium unpleasant, and if an enema is required, you’re likely to feel a brief, uncomfortable fullness while the scans are being taken. However, because of the speed of the process, the feeling that you need to expel the contrast medium doesn’t last long. You might also feel a brief flush or hot sensation when the contrast medium is injected. A CT scan takes anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes. Other than mild discomfort, there are few side effects.

Our use of the term or terms Actos Side Effects is for descriptive purposes only. There is no relationship between the owners of this website and the maker of the product discussed in this post. Our use of the words Recall, Class Action Lawsuit and other similar words related to an event do not necessarily mean that this event has occurred. Refer to the website of the United States Food and Drug Administration for information on drug or medical device recalls. If a Class Action Lawsuit is formed in relation to the product discussed in this post we will provide that information at the time the Class Action is formed. A Class Action Lawsuit is not required to exist for you to file a lawsuit if you have been injured by the product discussed in this post.

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Actos Side Effects: The basic building block of the body is the cell. Cells are specialized to perform a particular function. Skin cells are distinctly different from liver cells which are different from bladder cells. An organ is composed of various cells working in unison to carry out a body function. Cells eventually get old and die. New cells are created by cell division. When cells are behaving normally, they only generate enough new cells to replace the old dying ones. Occasionally, cell growth becomes unchecked. As the cells continue to divide, a tumor (abnormal growth of cells) may form. Such tumors may be benign (no ability to spread beyond their organ of origin) or cancerous (a malignant tumor with the ability to spread beyond their organ of origin and cause harm and possibly death).

Cell growth is closely regulated by genes which are composed of DNA located in the command center of the cell, the nucleus. When the genes become defective, cell growth can become unregulated, and tumors can develop. Oncogenes, also called cancer genes, can be activated, resulting in uncontrolled cell growth. Other genes which help prevent abnormal cell growth called tumor suppressor genes may be inactivated. Genes can be activated which enhance the tumor cell’s ability to spread throughout the body. The body’s immune system is a critical safeguard against the formation of cancerous tumors, often destroying the abnormal cells before they have a chance to grow and divide.

Cancer cells can spread throughout the body. They can spread through the lymphatic system, composed of lymph channels and lymph nodes, or distantly to other organs or the skeleton via the blood stream (hematogenous spread). In the case of bladder cancer, the cells can also spread by being carried in the urine and implanting in other locations in the urinary tract.

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In the case of bladder cancer, pathologists classify them into 3 grades based on a number of criteria:

Grade 1: low grade, well differentiated Grade 2: intermediate grade, moderately differentiated Grade 3: high grade, poorly differentiated The higher grade tumors have a greater propensity to metastasize- spread throughout the body.

For bladder cancer, another key indicator for likelihood to spread is the depth of penetration into the bladder wall. The bladder wall is composed of an inner lining called the urothelium (made up of transitional cells) which rests on a membrane layer called the basement membrane, below which is the connective tissue layer (support tissues) called the lamina propria. Within the lamina propria lies a small amount of muscle called the muscularis mucosa. Deep to the lamina propria is the deep muscle of the bladder arranged in three layers. This layer is called the muscularis propria. Tumors located in the inside, superficial layers of the bladder wall are unlikely to spread. Tumors that grow into the deeper layers (down into the muscle of the bladder wall) are much more likely to spread. Furthermore, there is a definite link between the grade of the tumor and its likelihood of invasion. Low grade tumors are almost always noninvasive, while high grade tumors are usually invasive.

In general, papillary tumors, which are delicate and frond like in appearance are usually low grade and superficial. This is to be contrasted to sessile tumors which appear solid, are often high grade and invasive. Depth of invasion is critical in establishing prognosis. The tumor which invades into the lamina propria is a far more serious tumor than the superficial tumor which demonstrates no invasion. It has a much higher propensity to progress to the muscle invasive tumor, a much more dangerous cancer, with a high risk for spreading beyond the bladder.

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When an individual has gross hematuria or persistent microscopic hematuria, a complete assessment of the urinary tract is required. Although cystoscopy is the test of choice for examination of the bladder, imaging studies are required to make sure there is no disease in the upper tracts (kidneys and ureters). Bleeding can be caused from many different disorders including transitional cell carcinoma of the upper tracts, kidney or ureteral stones, or renal cell carcinoma (cancer of the parenchyma or fleshy part of the kidneys). Your urologist has a number of options to choose from. There are advantages and disadvantages of each.

Intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is accomplished by injecting a contrast agent into your vein and then obtaining X ray images. The contrast is excreted by your kidneys, subsequently filling the lumen of the kidneys, ureters and the bladder. The contrast allows one to see subtle filling defects within chambers of the urinary tract, possibly representing tumor, stone or blood clot. Tumors of the fleshy part of the kidneys can also be seen. The study also allows for an assessment of renal function. It is a sensitive test for renal obstruction, which can occur because of cancer. Disadvantages of the study include the possibility of an IV contrast agent allergy, which occasionally may be serious.

You will be asked whether you have a sea food allergy, a known allergy to iodine or to IV contrast. If this is the case, you may need to be premedicated prior to the exam to avoid a reaction. Although the study is quite useful at visualizing the upper tracts, it is not very good at picking up subtle tumors on the bladder surface. If your kidneys do not function well (you have renal insufficiency), the contrast may cause harm to your kidneys and the imaging will not be as good. For pregnant women, any X ray exam could be potentially damaging to the fetus and therefore, will not be performed.

Our use of the term or terms Actos Side Effects is for descriptive purposes only. There is no relationship between the owners of this website and the maker of the product discussed in this post. Our use of the words Recall, Class Action Lawsuit and other similar words related to an event do not necessarily mean that this event has occurred. Refer to the website of the United States Food and Drug Administration for information on drug or medical device recalls. If a Class Action Lawsuit is formed in relation to the product discussed in this post we will provide that information at the time the Class Action is formed. A Class Action Lawsuit is not required to exist for you to file a lawsuit if you have been injured by the product discussed in this post.

To keep up to date on Actos Side Effects visit our site often.

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Actos Side Effects: Saridon (phenacetin) and Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) are two other substances that can increase your risk of bladder cancer. Phenacetin is a pain medicine that is no longer used that was previously shown to be associated with bladder cancer. Cytoxan is a drug used for chemotherapy that has been associated with bladder cancer. This may sound puzzling as you wonder, “how does one drug used to treat cancer cause another cancer?” Cytoxan itself is not the problem. Most medications are broken down by our bodies into components before being eliminated in our stool or urine. One of the byproducts of cyclophosphamide, called acrolein, can irritate the wall of your bladder, causing a lot of blood in your urine. Over time, this can increase the risk of developing bladder cancer.

A history of radiation therapy for a pelvic cancer may increase your risk of bladder cancer. Radiation has a role in the treatment of prostate, cervical, and ovarian cancers. Although the radiation is focused on the involved organ, the bladder and other surrounding structures also absorb radiation that sometimes damages the urothelium and leads to cancer.

Much attention has been paid to the influence of diet on cancer risk and treatment. Thus far, some scientists have suggested that vegetables, fresh fruits, and some fermented milk products appear to decrease one’s risk of developing bladder cancer. A few foods thought to increase the risk of developing bladder cancer are foods rich in animal fat, diose containing a lot of cholesterol, fried foods, and pro­cessed meat with various additives. We are not sure of the exact influence of diet on bladder cancer at this point in time. Scientists around the world are working on uncover­ing potential links between diet and bladder cancer.

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As with other cancers that affect different body parts, there are multiple types of bladder cancer. To better understand them, let’s separate bladder cancer into two different groups: primary tumors that originate in the bladder and secondary tumors that spread to the bladder from other places. Primary bladder cancers form within the bladder. Over 90 percent of primary bladder cancers in the United States are of the urothelial or transitional subtype. These form along the inner lining of the bladder. The second most common type of primary bladder cancer in the United States is squa­mous cell carcinoma, making up approximately 5 percent of all cancers diagnosed. These are often diagnosed in indi­viduals whose bladder has been chronically irritated by an infection, stones, or an indwelling catheter. The third most common subtype of bladder cancer in the United States is adenocarcinoma, accounting for approximately 2 percent of all diagnosed cases. These typically form near the dome of the bladder. There are other types of primary bladder cancer, but these are very rare. If necessary, your urologist will speak to you about these rare types.

Secondary cancers form somewhere else in the body and spread to the bladder. Other tumors can get to the blad­der by using the bloodstream, your lymphatic system, or directly from an organ close to the bladder. Other cancers that spread to the bladder, in order of decreasing frequency, are melanoma, colon cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer. Now that we’ve discussed some of the basics concerning bladder cancer, let’s examine how you should go about choosing a medical team to treat your cancer.

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You want your team to be knowledgeable and experienced in the care of patients with bladder cancer. Don’t rely on self-promoting advertisements on television as your way to select a facility and doctor. While you may seek out a com­prehensive cancer center (look for one accredited by Amer­ican College of Surgeons or National Cancer Institute), the important thing is that you select a facility that has bladder cancer specialists. These include urologists that specialize in cancer surgeries (not general urologists or surgeons who rarely perform cancer-related surgery), medical oncologists who specialize in bladder cancer, radiation oncologists, urologic pathologists, radiologists, genetics counselors, oncology nurses, and psychosocial support staff for cancer patients. It’s a highly specialized group. Your doctors and their staffs can be some of your best resources.

When you see your urologist, ask questions:

• How many bladder cancer surgeries do you do a year?

• What other types of surgeries do you do, and therefore how much time do you spend doing bladder cancer treatment?

• How often do your patients require additional treat­ment such as chemotherapy or radiation after surgery?

• What is the best urinary diversion option for me (ileal conduit, catheterizable stoma, neobladder) and why?

• Are you board certified? In what specialty?

• How long have you been in practice?

• Do you regularly attend urologic cancer tumor boards to present cases for team discussion?

• Do you work with a multidisciplinary team of oncolo­gists who also specialize in bladder cancer so that con­tinuity of care can be maintained?

• What is your philosophy on educating patients about their treatment options?

These are all questions that you have the right to have an­swered before deciding that this doctor is to be your uro- logic oncology surgeon. If he or she hesitates before an­swering, consider that this person may not be the doctor you want to have performing your surgery.

Our use of the term or terms Actos Side Effects is for descriptive purposes only. There is no relationship between the owners of this website and the maker of the product discussed in this post. Our use of the words Recall, Class Action Lawsuit and other similar words related to an event do not necessarily mean that this event has occurred. Refer to the website of the United States Food and Drug Administration for information on drug or medical device recalls. If a Class Action Lawsuit is formed in relation to the product discussed in this post we will provide that information at the time the Class Action is formed. A Class Action Lawsuit is not required to exist for you to file a lawsuit if you have been injured by the product discussed in this post.

To keep up to date on Actos Side Effects visit our site often.

Actos Side Effects: Saridon (phenacetin) and Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) are two other substances that can increase your risk of bladder cancer. Phenacetin is a pain medicine that is no longer used that was previously shown to be associated with bladder cancer. Cytoxan is a drug used for chemotherapy that has been associated with bladder cancer. This may sound puzzling as you wonder, “how does one drug used to treat cancer cause another cancer?” Cytoxan itself is not the problem. Most medications are broken down by our bodies into components before being eliminated in our stool or urine. One of the byproducts of cyclophosphamide, called acrolein, can irritate the wall of your bladder, causing a lot of blood in your urine. Over time, this can increase the risk of developing bladder cancer.

A history of radiation therapy for a pelvic cancer may increase your risk of bladder cancer. Radiation has a role in the treatment of prostate, cervical, and ovarian cancers. Although the radiation is focused on the involved organ, the bladder and other surrounding structures also absorb radiation that sometimes damages the urothelium and leads to cancer.

Much attention has been paid to the influence of diet on cancer risk and treatment. Thus far, some scientists have suggested that vegetables, fresh fruits, and some fermented milk products appear to decrease one’s risk of developing bladder cancer. A few foods thought to increase the risk of developing bladder cancer are foods rich in animal fat, diose containing a lot of cholesterol, fried foods, and pro­cessed meat with various additives. We are not sure of the exact influence of diet on bladder cancer at this point in time. Scientists around the world are working on uncover­ing potential links between diet and bladder cancer.

More information on Actos Side Effects

As with other cancers that affect different body parts, there are multiple types of bladder cancer. To better understand them, let’s separate bladder cancer into two different groups: primary tumors that originate in the bladder and secondary tumors that spread to the bladder from other places. Primary bladder cancers form within the bladder. Over 90 percent of primary bladder cancers in the United States are of the urothelial or transitional subtype. These form along the inner lining of the bladder. The second most common type of primary bladder cancer in the United States is squa­mous cell carcinoma, making up approximately 5 percent of all cancers diagnosed. These are often diagnosed in indi­viduals whose bladder has been chronically irritated by an infection, stones, or an indwelling catheter. The third most common subtype of bladder cancer in the United States is adenocarcinoma, accounting for approximately 2 percent of all diagnosed cases. These typically form near the dome of the bladder. There are other types of primary bladder cancer, but these are very rare. If necessary, your urologist will speak to you about these rare types.

Secondary cancers form somewhere else in the body and spread to the bladder. Other tumors can get to the blad­der by using the bloodstream, your lymphatic system, or directly from an organ close to the bladder. Other cancers that spread to the bladder, in order of decreasing frequency, are melanoma, colon cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer. Now that we’ve discussed some of the basics concerning bladder cancer, let’s examine how you should go about choosing a medical team to treat your cancer.

Information from other sources on Actos Side Effects

You want your team to be knowledgeable and experienced in the care of patients with bladder cancer. Don’t rely on self-promoting advertisements on television as your way to select a facility and doctor. While you may seek out a com­prehensive cancer center (look for one accredited by Amer­ican College of Surgeons or National Cancer Institute), the important thing is that you select a facility that has bladder cancer specialists. These include urologists that specialize in cancer surgeries (not general urologists or surgeons who rarely perform cancer-related surgery), medical oncologists who specialize in bladder cancer, radiation oncologists, urologic pathologists, radiologists, genetics counselors, oncology nurses, and psychosocial support staff for cancer patients. It’s a highly specialized group. Your doctors and their staffs can be some of your best resources.

When you see your urologist, ask questions:

• How many bladder cancer surgeries do you do a year?

• What other types of surgeries do you do, and therefore how much time do you spend doing bladder cancer treatment?

• How often do your patients require additional treat­ment such as chemotherapy or radiation after surgery?

• What is the best urinary diversion option for me (ileal conduit, catheterizable stoma, neobladder) and why?

• Are you board certified? In what specialty?

• How long have you been in practice?

• Do you regularly attend urologic cancer tumor boards to present cases for team discussion?

• Do you work with a multidisciplinary team of oncolo­gists who also specialize in bladder cancer so that con­tinuity of care can be maintained?

• What is your philosophy on educating patients about their treatment options?

These are all questions that you have the right to have an­swered before deciding that this doctor is to be your uro- logic oncology surgeon. If he or she hesitates before an­swering, consider that this person may not be the doctor you want to have performing your surgery.

Our use of the term or terms Actos Side Effects is for descriptive purposes only. There is no relationship between the owners of this website and the maker of the product discussed in this post. Our use of the words Recall, Class Action Lawsuit and other similar words related to an event do not necessarily mean that this event has occurred. Refer to the website of the United States Food and Drug Administration for information on drug or medical device recalls. If a Class Action Lawsuit is formed in relation to the product discussed in this post we will provide that information at the time the Class Action is formed. A Class Action Lawsuit is not required to exist for you to file a lawsuit if you have been injured by the product discussed in this post.

To keep up to date on Actos Side Effects visit our site often.

http://www.seedol.com

Actos Side Effects: The urethra is a hollow tube lined with transitional cells at its beginning that connects the bladder to the outside world. The structure of the urethra is different in men and women. The urethra is short in women and is much longer in men due to the presence of the penis. The cells lining the urethra change along its length. The inner cells, closest to the bladder, are transitional cells, whereas the cells closest to the outside of the body are squamous cells resembling skin. Although the urethra has different lengths in men and women, it functions the same. In men, the urethra passes through the prostate gland near the bladder.

The prostate, a walnut-sized organ that lies at the base of the bladder in men, plays a role in male fertility. Along with the seminal vesicles, the prostate gland produces fluid that helps sperm after ejaculation. Although the urethra passes through the prostate, the gland itself does not add much, if anything, to the volume of urine that reaches the bladder. As the urethra passes through the prostate, it is lined by transitional cells comprising the urothelium. Therefore, tilings that affect the urothelium can affect the prostate as well. This is very important when it comes to staging bladder cancer.

Cancer is defined as a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Cells are the small building blocks of our body and most other living organisms. If the spread of these abnormal cells is not controlled, it can result in organ dysfunction and death. There are several cancers, each affecting various portions of the body. Cancer can be caused by external factors like ciga­rette smoking, exposure to certain chemicals, radiation, or infectious organisms. Internal factors that can lead to can­cer include inherited mutations, hormones, and conditions affecting your immune system. Mutations are permanent changes in your hereditary material, and hormones are products of certain cells in our body that influence the function of other cells.

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Although scientists have been able to uncover the cause of some cancers, there is still a great deal to be learned. One may go through his or her entire life without exposure to any of the previously mentioned factors and develop can­cer. Men have a higher risk of developing cancer, with a slightly less than i in 2 lifetime risk in the United States compared with 1 in 3 for women. Although cancer is more common than you may think, doctors have figured out new ways to diagnose and treat cancer. By no means is cancer a death sentence; it can be managed and a lot of people diag­nosed go on to live healthy and productive lives for many years after treatment.

Epidemiology is essentially the study of factors affecting the health and illness of populations. Before moving on with our discussion about bladder cancer, it’s important to gain perspective on how many people live with bladder cancer.

There are over 1 million people throughout the world liv­ing with bladder cancer. Bladder cancer is the seventh or ninth most common cancer, depending on where you live. Most individuals with bladder cancer live in industrialized countries and geographical areas where infection with the parasite Schistosoma haematobium is common. In the United States bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men and the ninth most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. The male-to-female ratio is 3 to 1. Two- thirds of cases are diagnosed in people over age So, but it can occur very early in life. Two times as many whites will be diagnosed with bladder cancer compared with African Americans. The reasons for this are unclear.

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Ludwig Rehn, a German surgeon during the 19th centu­ry, is credited with the first explanation of one of the root causes of bladder cancer. He established a link between exposure to chemicals used in the production of colored textiles and the development of bladder cancer in factory workers. Although his discovery was not initially accepted, bladder cancer was soon recognized as an occupational cancer in factory workers. This may help explain the higher incidence of bladder cancer in industrialized nations. Exposure to a number of chemicals has been associated with the development of bladder cancer. These include ani­line dyes and other members of the aromatic amine family. People who work in occupations where exposure to these chemicals is common include textile workers, dye workers, rubber workers, painters, and even hairdressers.

Smoking is the most common cause of bladder cancer today. It increases your risk of developing bladder cancer 2- to 4-fold compared with people who don’t smoke. The risk of bladder cancer increases with the frequency and duration of smoking. For example, someone who smokes one pack a day for 20 years has a higher risk of bladder cancer than someone who smokes a few cigarettes on week­ends. When you stop smoking you can slowly decrease the risk of bladder cancer, over the course of 20-30 years. If you currently smoke, it would be best to stop smoking.

Chronic inflammation of your bladder may also place you at an increased risk of developing a specific type of bladder cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. Inflammation occurs when one has an untreated urinary tract infection, bladder stones, an indwelling bladder catheter, or an infec­tion with a parasite called Schistosoma haematobium. Para­plegics or quadriplegics who require a catheter to drain their bladders and those who live in areas where S. haema­tobium is common are at greatest risk.

Our use of the term or terms Actos Side Effects is for descriptive purposes only. There is no relationship between the owners of this website and the maker of the product discussed in this post. Our use of the words Recall, Class Action Lawsuit and other similar words related to an event do not necessarily mean that this event has occurred. Refer to the website of the United States Food and Drug Administration for information on drug or medical device recalls. If a Class Action Lawsuit is formed in relation to the product discussed in this post we will provide that information at the time the Class Action is formed. A Class Action Lawsuit is not required to exist for you to file a lawsuit if you have been injured by the product discussed in this post.

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Actos Side Effects: A diagnosis of urothelial cancer (also known as transitional cell cancer) can mean many different things. Urothelial can­cer is not a single type of cancer; it is classified by shape and whether it is restricted to the inner surface of the bladder (superficial to underlying tissues and muscle) or invasive, as well as by stage and grade of development.

The words transitional cells describe how the cells appear under the microscope. Transitional cells share features with various types of cells normally found near the bladder. Since 2009, pathologists have altered the common term to “uro­thelial cancer” to acknowledge the fact that all these cells arise from the lining of the ureters, bladder, and urethra, the urothelium.

The human bladder is composed of several layers. On the innermost surface (which is next to where urine is stored) is a layer of cells known as the transitional cell epithelium. This layer varies in thickness from three to seven cells.

If your doctor described your tumor as being confined to the transitional cell epithelium, the tumor is a superfi­cial tumor. About 74 percent of UCs are noninvasive and superficial when diagnosed, although superficial tumors may eventually progress to a more invasive stage. The word superficial has to be used carefully because it does not neces­sarily mean that the tumor is safe and doesn’t have a dan­gerous potential. In other words, some “superficial” tumors actually have a high malignant potential and the ability to spread elsewhere in the body. A diagnosis of invasive UC means that the cancer has progressed into other layers of the bladder wall, such as the intermediate ceil layer or the muscle.

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If the results of your tests-—-either scans or biopsies-—- show that cancer has spread to other tissue or organs, your doctor will want to confirm that. Clarification of the stage of your cancer comes through looking at the cancer cells from those organs under the microscope. Tissue samples may be taken at the time of your biopsy, or sometimes a needle biopsy is done, bypassing the need for additional surgery.

Pathologists stage bladder-cancer tissue by using a stan­dardized system known as TNM, which stands for tumor- nodes-metastases. A typical TNM might be “T2aNlM0” (T-two-a-N-one-M-zero). Looks like mumbo jumbo, doesn’t it? Try thinking of it as medical shorthand, with each letter and numeral having a defined value that gives doctors and pathologists a specific, consistent way to describe how deeply a cancer has invaded the body’s tissue and organs. The TNM system uses the letters T, N, and M followed by numerals to describe the stage of invasiveness of your cancer. The letter T followed by a numeral from one to four (1 to 4) describes the depth of invasiveness of your tumor. The lower the number, the less invasive the cancer.

The T scale has additional, more detailed levels as well. These levels add the lowercase letters a and b to the T score to delineate more precisely how far into the bladder your cancer has spread and whether it has moved into other areas of your body. It fine-tunes the pathology information to help your doctor make treatment recommendations.

The first T level refers to Ta or Tl tumors, which are superficial in nature. These noninvasive tumors can be pap­illary or carcinoma in situ (CIS), and have penetrated only the epithelium or intermediate cell layers of the bladder. This is an early, highly treatable stage of bladder cancer. The Ta tumor is the least invasive (or most superficial) variant, whereas theTl tumor shows the beginnings of invasion into the first layer of the bladder wall (before muscle is reached).

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Tumors that are invasive and have moved into the mus­cle layer of the bladder are classified as T2. The lowercase letters a and b are used to describe how far into the muscle the tumor has spread. A T2a tumor has not penetrated as deeply into the muscle as a T2b tumor.

Tumors classified as T3, which can be further classified by the letters a and b, have penetrated beyond the bladder wall and into the fatty tissue surrounding the outside of the bladder. A T3a tumor is visible only with a microscope. A T3b tumor is visible in scans or to the naked eye during surgery. AT4 tumor, the most serious and advanced of this local tumor grouping, has spread to other tissues or organs. A T4a tumor has inyaded the nearby uterus or vagina in a woman or the prostate in a man. A T4b tumor has spread through the pelvic or abdominal wall into the body.

The letter N, followed by a numeral from one to three (1 to 3), tells your doctor whether your cancer has spread to lymph nodes near the bladder and how deeply the cancer has penetrated the nodes. The higher the number, the more lymph nodes are involved and the more enlarged the nodes are. The letter Mfollowed by a one or a zero (1 or 0) indicates whether your cancer has spread to lymph nodes in other parts of the body (beyond the pelvis) or to other organs such as the lungs or liver. A zero indicates that the cancer has not spread to other organs; the number one means that it has.

Our use of the term or terms Actos Side Effects is for descriptive purposes only. There is no relationship between the owners of this website and the maker of the product discussed in this post. Our use of the words Recall, Class Action Lawsuit and other similar words related to an event do not necessarily mean that this event has occurred. Refer to the website of the United States Food and Drug Administration for information on drug or medical device recalls. If a Class Action Lawsuit is formed in relation to the product discussed in this post we will provide that information at the time the Class Action is formed. A Class Action Lawsuit is not required to exist for you to file a lawsuit if you have been injured by the product discussed in this post.

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Actos Side Effects: Surgery is a skill which can only be mastered with experience. The saying “practice makes perfect” definitely pertains to surgery. Although a urology training program offers the new physician years of training, his surgical skills will continue to improve with further experience. However, each individual physician has his own innate skills. Some more quickly learn and are simply better at the technical craft of surgery than others. For the most part, urologists finishing an accredited urology program have the training and skill set required to care for patients with bladder cancer.

Experience also counts. As a physician practices the art of medicine, his depth of knowledge and ability to treat grows. Ask your physician how long he has been treating patients with bladder cancer. If you require major surgery ask how many he has performed and if his complication rate matches what is expected.

Physicians by and large do improve as they practice, and all physicians are required to show that they are continuing to learn by partaking in continuing medical education, a requirement to remain licensed. Most physicians are compulsive in their medical practice and care deeply in the care they deliver. They continually strive to improve.

Some physicians may become “burned out” over the years as they continue to face the pressures of a busy medical practice. Similarly, towards the end of a surgeon’s career, technical skills may slip due to aging. New urologists are trained in the latest techniques and are familiar with recent medical literature, but may lack practical experience. In the end, recommendations from others and reputation may be your best guide to finding a qualified physician.

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Ideally, you should have a competent, technically skilled surgeon who is also approachable and compassionate. You should be able to freely ask questions pertaining to your disease and treatment. Your physician should answer your questions forthrightly. Although some patients prefer a surgeon who will take over all aspects of care with no questions asked, most prefer in depth explanations, especially when alternatives exist and risks are involved.

Your urologist must be an individual who takes your concerns, priorities and values seriously. Your urologist should be a good communicator. It is his responsibility to keep you fully informed of your progress, make you aware immediately if things are not going well, and educate you fully in treatment alternatives. Your specific values should be incorporated into the decision process if alternatives are available. Even if your urologist makes a recommendation and you choose an alternative course (unless you are putting yourself in extreme jeopardy), he should honor your choice and continue his care of you. Becoming an educated patient will make your decision making process easier. Granted, your physician should provide you with the basics, however having time to review and digest the material will allow you to fully understand and accept your treatment regimen, providing you with peace of mind.

Beware of the physician who bombards you with statistics and studies and leaves the decision making to you. After all, you are not a physician and don’t have the practical hands on experience he does. Your physician should provide the facts and the statistics, guide you through the information, and make treatment recommendations based on your preferences.

You may find yourself emotionally distraught and overwhelmed. Having a physician on your side is invaluable. You should be able to trust your physician. Complete honesty on the part of your doctor in his care of you is a must. From the doctor’s point of view, trust is also a necessity. Physicians have an extremely difficult time dealing with individuals who do not trust them. Without trust, the physician patient relationship is extremely hindered.

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Given the monetary pressures in today’s medical practice, some physicians are over booked and cannot see the allotted number of patients scheduled without delays. The theory behind this schedule is the expectation that a number of patients will not show for their appointment, allowing the physician to stay true to the schedule and not fall behind.

However, sometimes all of the patients do show, and the physician is delayed. Even with a carefully thought out schedule, emergencies may arise and some visits unexpectedly take longer than scheduled. The physician wants to devote the time and attention required for each individual. After all, you also expect the same time and attention during your visit. Even the most conscientious physician may find himself running behind in a busy medical practice. This lateness should be recognized by the physician who will often acknowledge it with an apology. If you find it distressing to wait more than fifteen minutes (a reasonable time to wait), you should discuss your feelings with your physician, who often can arrange an appointment at the beginning of the schedule when he will almost be guaranteed to be on time.

Our use of the term or terms Actos Side Effects is for descriptive purposes only. There is no relationship between the owners of this website and the maker of the product discussed in this post. Our use of the words Recall, Class Action Lawsuit and other similar words related to an event do not necessarily mean that this event has occurred. Refer to the website of the United States Food and Drug Administration for information on drug or medical device recalls. If a Class Action Lawsuit is formed in relation to the product discussed in this post we will provide that information at the time the Class Action is formed. A Class Action Lawsuit is not required to exist for you to file a lawsuit if you have been injured by the product discussed in this post.

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Actos Side Effects:Your procedure will likely be scheduled at the hospital surgicenter as an outpatient. Depending 011 the extent of surgery and your general health, you may be required to stay in the hospital afterwards. There will be numerous forms to fill out, including consents for surgery and anesthesia. You will be asked whether or not you have a living will or power of attorney. Both the expected surgery and anesthesia planned will be fully discussed with you, including potential risks and alternatives. Your urologist will perform a history and physical exam to make sure you are fit for surgery. If you have multiple potentially serious medical problems, you probably have already had a pre operative visit with your internist, cardiologist or appropriate primary care physician.

You will be asked whether or not you have any drug allergies, artificial joints, or other medical devices implanted, such as a pacemaker. An IV (intravenous line) will be inserted into a vein in your hand or arm. You will be wheeled on your stretcher to the cystoscopy room and then positioned on the cystoscopy table. Small paste on leads will be placed to monitor your heart and a small device will be clipped over your finger to monitor the level of oxygen in your blood. You will then be given your appropriate level of anesthesia. Depending on the size and location of the tumor(s) and the difficulty of the procedure, your urologist will likely make a recommendation to you regarding the level of anesthesia required. He may give more than one choice. Risks of each will be reviewed with you by the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist (a nurse specialized in giving anesthesia).

Local with sedation: a numbing gel is squirted into your urethra and you are given intravenous sedation. Advantages include the lowest level of anesthesia, potentially with the least side effects and risks and quickest post op recovery from anesthesia. Many individuals are concerned they will experience pain. For small tumors and relatively minor surgery, this is an excellent form of anesthesia with very few patients experiencing pain or adverse reactions. If you do experience significant discomfort, your level of anesthesia can be changed to spinal or general.

Spinal anesthesia: accomplished by passing a fine needle into the lower spinal canal and injecting an anesthetic. Advantages include the ability to provide almost complete blockage of all pain and sensation during the surgery. The patient can continue to breathe on his own (a possible advantage for those with lung disease). Disadvantages include the occasional difficulty in giving the spinal (usually done rapidly with minimal pain, but sometimes difficult with pain), slower recovery from anesthesia (the length of spinal anesthetic is based on the amount and type of agent used and can generally be timed to match fairly closely the anticipated length of your procedure) and the possibility of a post spinal headache (not very common, but can last a day or more and be moderate to severe).

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General anesthesia: delivered through IV medications and anesthesia in a gaseous mixture via a mask or endotracheal tube (a tube inserted down your throat into your trachea, your main airway). The choice of mask or endotracheal tube is generally decided by the anesthetist. This decision is based on the length of the anticipated procedure, your general health, and how easy it is to “ventilate” or provide oxygen to you with a mask alone. The advantage of general anesthesia is total blockade of all pain and sensation (you are unconscious). For healthy individuals with large tumors or with expected difficult surgery, this method is often the best form of anesthesia. For those in whom spinal anesthesia is not possible and a large tumor is present, general anesthesia is the best option.

For many years, hospitals required indiscriminate preoperative testing, often including numerous lab studies, chest X ray and EKG. Today, the medical industry is more cost sensitive. Most centers will require only necessary tests based on your age, medical history, and medications. An EKG is often requested for those with heart disease and for individuals over the age of 50. Specific labs are required if you have a chronic illness or are taking medication which can change the bodies normal chemical balance. Reserving blood from the blood bank is rarely required unless you present with a low blood count from hematuria or from another illness.

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The urologist will often start by introducing a rigid cystoscope to examine the urethra and bladder. During the exam, your bladder will be filled with sterile water which travels through the scope. This is necessary to expand the bladder lumen fully, allowing a complete examination. Patients often are concerned too much fluid will be instilled, resulting in possible injury to the bladder or worse, a rupture. Because the water is instilled with only minimal pressure, bladder injury should not be a concern. The urologist can shut off the irrigation readily when the bladder is full and can empty the bladder at any time. After the cystoscopy is completed, the urologist then removes the bladder tumor(s).

If the tumors are small, he may simply use a biopsy forceps through the cystoscope (an instrument which has a small cup like end to remove pieces of tissue). Deep biopsies at the base of the tumor (especially when one is dealing with solid tumors as opposed to papillary variety) may be obtained using the same biopsy forceps. The tumors and deep biopsies are sent to the pathologist for examination. Additional biopsies from any suspicious areas or possibly the prostatic urethra may be done. After the tumor removal and biopsies are completed, electric current is used to stop any bleeding. The urologist steps on a pedal to turn the electric current on when the cable is touching the bleeding blood vessel.

Our use of the term or terms Actos Side Effects is for descriptive purposes only. There is no relationship between the owners of this website and the maker of the product discussed in this post. Our use of the words Recall, Class Action Lawsuit and other similar words related to an event do not necessarily mean that this event has occurred. Refer to the website of the United States Food and Drug Administration for information on drug or medical device recalls. If a Class Action Lawsuit is formed in relation to the product discussed in this post we will provide that information at the time the Class Action is formed. A Class Action Lawsuit is not required to exist for you to file a lawsuit if you have been injured by the product discussed in this post.

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