Today, lung cancer has become a widespread condition and is one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths in the world. The disease is triggered when certain cells in the lungs grow in an uncontrollable and abnormal manner. Lung cancer is recognized in two major categories, i.e., small-cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Like cancer in every part of the body, lung cancer is best treated and manageable when detected in the early stages.

The technology currently used to diagnose and treat lung cancer includes a positron emission tomography (PET) scan. This medical imaging technique involves an imaging device and a radioactive tracer to get a thorough understanding of the tissues in the organ. The scanning process begins by injecting the patient with a tracer that is most commonly fluorodeoxyglucose, which is a substance treated as sugar glucose by the body. Once the fluorodeoxyglucose is fixed in the body, the PET scanner effectively produces a detailed image capture for evaluation. The PET scan may be used in combination with a computed tomography (CT) scan to achieve a three-dimensional image that highlights the lungs’ health with accuracy.

Uses of PET scan in lung cancer
A PET scan can be widely used for diagnosing lung cancer to be a major contributor in the treatment of lung cancer. It can determine the location of the cancerous cells and the extent to which they have spread in the body. An important fact is that a PET scan aids in selecting the most appropriate course of treatment and managing care for lung cancer.

Advantages of a PET scan in lung cancer

Accuracy
A PET or PET-CT scan is the most accurate method that is currently available for determining the traces of cancer cells in the lungs. It is also a reliable tool used to pinpoint whether the treatment is showing results in cancer cell destruction and if the cells are spreading across other body tissues.

Non-invasive procedure
The high accuracy of a PET scan is a great alternative to other invasive methods. It eliminates the need for other surgical procedures that involve the collection of tissue and microscopic analysis of the present cancer cells. The scan greatly drops the need for surgical biopsy.

Painless procedure
A patient undergoing PET scan does not experience any type of pain during the scan procedure. Apart from the minute sting of the needle used for injecting the radioactive substance, the process is devoid of any uncomfortable feeling.

Minute details
A PET scan provides immensely detailed images of the lung tissues. This factor makes it extremely effective when distinguishing between malignant and benign tumors, irrespective of the size.

The history of PET in the field of cancer has been widely debated, experts agree that the pressing concern lies in the right interpretation of the images and using it to route the best management techniques.

A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a medical imaging technique used to examine the functions of certain organs in the body. A PET scan is a sophisticated and advanced test that employs a radioactive tracer that detects the variation in tissues on a molecular level. In a broader perspective, the test is developed to go beyond anatomy and understand the functions of the cell in the organ’s tissue. A PET scan can pinpoint the differences in the functions of the body that include the flow of blood, absorption of sugar molecules and more. Typically, a PET scan is used in monitoring the health of the lungs.

When using a PET scan for the lungs, the technique is likely to be conducted in combination with a lung CT scan. A physician will ask a patient to get the above scans done in case he/she experiences the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. The two scans provide a three-dimensional image that highlights and allows the physician to distinguish between healthy and cancerous cells.

Performing a PET scan during lung cancer diagnosis
The process of the PET scan begins by injecting the patient with a small amount of solution that includes glucose and a radioactive material. This solution is injected an hour prior to scanning. Upon entering the bloodstream, the substance begins to get absorbed by the lung that is being examined. The patient is slid into a large-funnel shaped scanner while the tissues of the organ begin to give off energy. This energy is given off in the form of gamma rays. The PET scanner effectively detects these rays and can bring the cancerous cells into the picture. The importance of this scanning procedure lies in the fact that it can capture detailed images within a single scan. This eliminates the slightest chance of inaccuracy when detecting lung cancer. The procedure of a PET scan can greatly vary in length and is dependent on the organ under the scanner.

Staging lung cancer with PET scan
The path-breaking lung cancer PET scan test allows the physician to get a better understanding of which stage the cancer is in. Usually, lung cancer is assigned a stage from 1 to 4, depending on the severity and the extent of spread of the cancer cells. Tissues that are fast growing are found to absorb more of the tracer substance. This aids in detecting the spread of the tumor and the rate of growth. The PET scan also allows the medical team to decide the best course of treatment to manage lung cancer.

A PET scan is usually painless, apart from the minute sting that is felt from the injection needle.

The first sign of prostate cancer can be high PSA range, but it can also indicate less-serious condition. There are many causes of high PSA range. The PSA test you take measure a protein content in your blood called prostate specific antigen. The Prostate cancer can make the PSA range to go higher but a high range of PSA does is not always because of cancer. UTI (urinary tract infection) is also one of the causes of high PSA level. Other such causes of high PSA level are discussed below:

Medical procedures:
Medical procedures can be responsible for the PSA level to rise. Some medical procedures can cause a traumatic interference around the prostate gland and that leads to high PSA level in the PSA test. Medical procedure can also include placing of catheter that causes some sort of trauma leading to the rise.

BPH in older men:
Men who are over 50 can have enlarged prostate gland. This condition is known as Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Enlarged prostate gland does not cause prostate cancer but it can increase the level of PSA. An enlarged gland means more number of cells and that means more PSA made by those cells. BPH is quite common among men over 50. There is no need of treatment unless there is difficulty in urination or frequent urination. If you have BPH condition, another test is run to know if you have prostate cancer. That test is called digital rectal exam.

Urinary tract infection UTI:
UTI also causes PSA range to go higher. An infection that is near the prostate gland can cause irritation and inflammation in the prostate cells that leads to higher PSA. If you have UTI, you must wait until the infection subsides and then go for a PSA test.

Ejaculation:
If you have recently ejaculated, your PSA test result can show high PSA level. This is because ejaculation is responsible for mild elevation in the PSA level. If you have ejaculated, then go for a PSA test after two to three days for the PSA to return to normal.

Prolonged bike ride:
It may seem off, but it is one of the reasons or causes of high PSA level. When you have been riding on your bike for long hours, it can increase your PSA range. But this isn’t always true. In extreme cases of prolonged bike riding can the PSA levels rise.

Situated behind the stomach, the pancreas is a gland which releases essential digestive enzymes into the small intestine to facilitate the proper digestion of food. It also introduces hormones in the blood known as insulin and glucagon which determine how food and energy is processed.

Pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a disease in which the pancreas suffers from inflammation. This type of damage occurs when the digestive enzymes are stimulated before they are released in the blood. This causes them to attack the pancreas.

Types and early signs of pancreatitis
There are two main kinds of pancreatitis, i.e., acute and chronic.

Acute pancreatitis This type of pancreatitis arises as a sudden inflammation that lasts for short span. The pain range for acute pancreatitis can be from minor to severe. Patients dealing with this health issue can recover completely with timely and appropriate medical intervention. In serious cases of acute pancreatitis, there can be internal bleeding, tissue damage, infections, cysts, etc. It can also end up damaging heart, kidneys, and lungs.

Some of the early signs of acute pancreatitis are

• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Queasiness
• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Faster pulse rate
• Rapid fluctuations in the blood pressure

Chronic pancreatitis This pancreatitis type is an inflammation of the pancreas that lasts for a long time. Usually, it occurs after one endures acute pancreatitis. One of the major cause of chronic pancreatitis is unwarranted consumption of alcohol.

The early signs of chronic pancreatitis are similar to those of acute pancreatitis. Although, some of the additional signs that might be observed are

• Swelling in the abdomen
• Discomfort in the upper abdomen that spreads to the back
• Weight loss
• Onset of diabetes

Diagnosis and treatment of chronic pancreatitis
Most doctors will begin their diagnosis by gauging the levels of digestive enzymes in the blood. If high amounts of amylase and lipase (types of enzymes) are detected, then it implies the presence of pancreatitis. Your doctor may also suggest you to get tests such as MRI, CT scan, biopsy, glucose tolerance level test, x-rays, etc.

Depending on the severity of the case, treating pancreatitis might involve the use of prescribed medications and surgeries. Therefore, if you observe any early signs of pancreatitis, immediately seek medical help so that you can swiftly and effectively resolve the issue.

In most cases of pancreatitis is a result of alcohol abuse. So, the patient has to make long-term lifestyle changes such as quitting drinking or smoking and increase the nutritional intake. Doctors might recommend counseling and therapy in rare cases where a person is battling with alcohol addiction.

Pancreatitis is a serious health condition in which the pancreas gets inflamed. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on the early signs of pancreatitis. A timely diagnosis will help you recover faster and more efficiently. If you are wondering what could be the early signs of pancreatitis, then here’s a list which can help you identify this condition.

• Nausea
• High fever
• Issues with digestion
• Abdominal swelling
• Diarrhea
• Sudden weight loss
• Pain in the upper area of the abdomen
• Loss of appetite

However, the early signs of pancreatitis mentioned above can vary from person to person. If you observe any of these, ensure that you seek medical assistance instantly.

Causes of pancreatitis
The most common cause of pancreatitis is alcohol abuse, but it occurs due to multiple reasons such as

• Gallstones
• Specific types of medications
• Family history
• Injuries
• Cystic fibrosis
• Infections
• Surgeries in the abdomen

Treatment options for pancreatitis
Treatment for both acute and chronic pancreatitis usually includes hospitalization as pancreatic processes need to be safely normalized. The following are some of the commonly used treatment options used to heal the damaged pancreas.

• Surgery Based on the cause of pancreatitis, doctors may have to opt for surgery to eliminate bile obstructions, infected tissues or gallbladder. To prepare for surgery, an IV (intravenous fluid) tube will be attached to you so that you can receive proper nourishment. As you recover from the surgical treatment, you can gradually go back to consuming a liquid diet and then low-fat foods.
• Support programs If you happen to be battling with alcohol addiction then your doctor might also encourage you to participate in a program which can address and counsel your dependence. Not just for your health, this can bring about a positive change in your social and personal life a well.
• Medications If you are dealing with abdominal pain, then your specialist might prescribe you with some painkillers to alleviate the discomfort.
• Enzyme supplements To enhance your digestive processes, doctors might recommend you enzyme supplements so that the body can break down food and absorb nutrients successfully. These are supposed to be taken every time you have a meal.
• Lifestyle changes Even if you drink within moderation, after suffering from pancreatitis it is best to cut down on drinking altogether. Ensure that you avoid cigarettes as the smoke settles in the internal organs causing irreversible damage.
• Dietary changes For treating pancreatitis, you will have to follow a low-fat diet. The idea is to cause minimal or zero strain on the pancreas. You will also have to reinvent your eating habits by consuming small meals throughout the day.

Cancer that spreads beyond its source of origin is termed as metastatic cancer, which in case of kidney cancer results in a condition called metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Stage 4 kidney cancer is most advanced and at this point, cancer starts spreading to vital organs in the body through a process called metastasis. Metastasis causes the cancer cells to spread through tissues in the affected areas or thorugh the lymph system in your body and your bloodstream leading to advanced stages of metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

It is only logical to opt for viable treatments for renal cell carcinoma since advanced stages develop when this condition is untreated. Treatment options for renal cell carcinoma and metastatic renal cell carcinoma include:

Surgical resection: Two distinct types of surgical resections namely partial nephrectomy and radical nephrectomy is advised for treating stage 1 renal cell carcinoma. At stage 1, cancer mainly affects the kidney and has not yet spread to other vital organs through tissue, lymph system or bloodstream. Surgical procedures are possible only in those cases where cancer or tumor can be isolated for treatment before metastasis. Also, surgery is an option which is available for patients who are in the early stages of renal cell carcinoma. Patients who have advanced stages have to rely on alternative methods.

Immunotherapy: This is a biological therapy which involves the use of drugs to manipulate the immune system, making it a targeted approach for destroying cancer cells. Advanced stages, however, will need more than medications to tackle the cancerous cells.

Embolization: Embolization is a process wherein a substance is used to obstruct the blood vessels which blocks the flow to cancerous cells. Since cancer cells can be carried by the bloodstream to vital organs in metastasis, embolization helps block the blood flow to stop this transmission. However, there is a drawback of this targeted approach since the blood flow to healthy organs will also get blocked which in turn leads to many health complications.

Radiotherapy: Another targeted approach to destroy cancer cells using high-energy radiation. However, radiotherapy cannot be used if cancer has already spread to other vital organs and parts in your body which is why it is not effective against advanced stages of cancer. Supportive care for stages after metastasis include palliative radiotherapy for targeted treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

The chances of a healthy recovery will depend on the severity of the condition and also the on the patient. Factors like the stage of the disease, age and general health of the patient must be considered while assessing the prognosis.

Renal cell carcinoma is a condition which causes cancer cells to develop in the tubules of your kidney, paving the way to kidney cancer. These tubes help filter the waste which is processed from your blood, then converted into urine. A metastatic renal cell carcinoma condition develops when cancer spreads beyond the kidney and affects the lymph system, other organs, and even your bones.

The spreading of cancer cells is possible through a process called metastasis which results in the cancer cells spreading through one of three different ways:

• The cancer cells can enter the bloodstream which can be then easily carried to any organ in the body, thus causing widespread degeneration of healthy cells triggered through the source.
• Cancer cells can enter the lymph system. The lymph system is a network of tissues and organs, to process and help the body evacuate toxins, waste and unwanted materials. It is also responsible for transporting lymph fluid which contains healthy white blood cells to tackle infections. Cancer cells can easily use this interconnected network to migrate to other vital organs.
• Cancer cells can spread through the tissues surrounding the affected areas resulting in metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

In its early stages, metastatic renal cell carcinoma is not very easy to identify. It is only when the signs and symptoms are noticeable, the condition develops. Symptoms include:

• Experiencing night sweats.
• Swelling in the ankles.
• Suffering from fever, with resulting fatigue and weight loss.
• Noticeable lumps on your back or side.
• Pain in the lower back.
• Blood in your urine.

Advanced stages of metastasis will affect vital organs in your body when cancer starts spreading to commonly affected sites like bones, liver, lungs, brain, adrenal glands with noticeable symptoms that include:

• Pain and fractures in bones.
• Headaches, seizures, and dizziness due to cancer cells spreading to the brain.
• Breathing problems when cancer starts spreading through your lungs.
• Health concerns like jaundice when the cancer has spread to the liver.

The cancer cells have ways of spreading through the different systems in your body which is why metastatic renal cell carcinoma is classified into four different stages of kidney cancer:

• Stage 1 and 2: Cancer has affected your kidneys which is a condition termed as Renal cell carcinoma.
• Stage 3: Cancer has started to spread through the lymph system affecting vital organs in the vicinity which is when the condition transitions into advanced stages of metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
• Stage 4: Cancer has now spread beyond the general affected area spreading to major organs in your body.

Diagnosis of metastatic renal cell carcinoma includes a physical examination while medical professionals review your medical history for signs of kidney damage. Lab tests are conducted to determine the health of kidneys by a process called urinalysis. Finally, imaging tests like CT scans and MRI are done to assess the severity of the condition.