What is Vaginal Cancer? Causes, Precaution and Symptoms of Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal cancer is uncommon but is severe type of cancer that forms in the tissues of the vagina. Primary vaginal cancer is quite rare in the common population of women, but a specific form of vaginal cancer is statistically significant in women. Vaginal cancer occurs more frequently in women when they cross the age of 50, but that is not précised, it can happen at any age, even in infancy and can be cured if diagnosed and treated in early stages. Surgery alone or surgery combined with pelvic radiation is typically used to treat vaginal cancer. According to some statistic it has been calculated that around 2,000 women are suffering from this rare type of gynecological cancer each year.

What is Healthy Vagina

Vagina is a muscular canal from the cervix to the outside of the body. It has an average length of about six to seven inches. The walls of vagina are lined with mucus membrane.The vagina consists of vulva that includes labia majora, mons pubis, labia minora, clitoris, bulb of the vsttibules, vstibules of the vagina and the only part of the vagina that can be normally viewed without any instrument from outside is the vaginal opening.The PH balance of the vagina is normally acidic, and which controls and discourage the occurrence of infections in vagina. Normally-occurring bacteria create the acidic environment in vagina. When a vagina is healthy it produces secretions which regulates and cleanse the environment of vagina, just like the saliva regulates the cleanliness and environment of the mouth. These secretions from vagina are commonly termed as vaginal discharge. A vagina is healthy if the secretions from vagina is normal vaginal discharge.

Types of Vaginal Cancer

There are mainly two types of vaginal cancer:
1. Vaginal Squamous cell carcinoma
2. Vaginal Adenocarcinoma
1. Vaginal squamous cell carcinoma

Vaginal squamous cell carcinoma is one the most widespread and common type of vaginal cancer which can be found in the women who are at the age of 60 or above 60, squamous cell carcinoma occurs from the thin, flat squamous cells that line the vagina. A malignant new growth made up of epithelial cells tending to infiltrate surrounding tissues and to give rise to metastases. An initially local carcinoma developed from squamous epithelium and characterized by cuboid cells and keratinization, it forms occurring in the skin, usually originating in sun-damaged areas or preexisting lesions.

2. Vaginal andenocarcinoma

Vaginal adenocarcinoma begins from the glandular cells in the inside layer of the vagina and this type of cancer is mostly found in women who are of 30 or younger.

Symptoms of Vaginal Cancer

It’s the symptoms through which a doctor or a patient understand not much but little about the diseases which they sense and describe. Some very common symptoms of vaginal cancer are:

• One can notice abnormal vaginal bleeding mostly happens after sexual intercourse.
• Prepubertal.
• Postmenopause. It is one of the main symptom that is experienced during vaginal cancer.
• Postcoital.
• Instrumental.
• Frequent urination.
• Pain during intercourse.
• Pain in pelvic area.
• Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

Often there are no symptoms and cancer is found through a routine gynecologic exam. Women who suspect exposure to DES should undergo a more careful gynecological exam on a regular basis because the normal procedure does not closely examine the areas of the vagina.
Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal discharge is a common symptom in women. It is normal especially in child bearing age. Normal vaginal discharge is not of much concern but an abnormal vaginal discharge should be taken seriously as it can be a symptom of vaginal cancer. This care is rare and not as much of troublesome but one should consult and should diagnose the abnormal vaginal cancer by a doctor as a precautionary step.
Frequent Urination

Frequent urination can also be one of the main causes of vaginal cancer, therefore it should be taken seriously and one should consult doctor to know the root cause of urinating frequently. This can be correlated to an increase in fluid intake in your diet or due to some common urinary tract infection, but still best thing is to consult your doctor immediately.  One of the symptoms can be presence of blood in urine, not so easy to get noticed through naked eye, but pink spots in panties or any spot on toilet tissue ( while wiping and cleaning) shouldn’t be ignored.

Pelvic Pain

The pelvic pain which keep on continuing for about 3 months or more than it, used to be considered chronic while less than this duration is considered acute. It can be one of the symptoms of vaginal cancer. Pelvic pain usually happens when vaginal cancer starts to spread in vagina. In Pelvic pain a person feels pain or pressure in the abdomen areas. The pain may be constant or can occur after sometime. Many women describe pelvic pain as dull and sharp pains.

The pain might be stable or it might be frequent, if the pelvic pain is severe, it might disturb your health badly and can come in the way of your daily routine. Most of the women describe pelvic pain as dull and sometimes very sharp. The character and beginning of pelvic pain or any factors that ease or make it worse are important and one should properly diagnose it.

A vaginal clump that is felt personally or by physician can also be a symptom of vaginal cancer. There can be several causes of vaginal clumps in the body including vaginal cysts, vaginal infections etc. A biopsy might be necessary to check whether the vaginal mass is cancerous or not.

Changes in the bowel functioning can also be a sign of vaginal cancer. Women may experience severe constipation or black stools as the indicators of vaginal cancer. They may feel the bowl is not completely finished after having a bowel movement.

Causes of Vaginal Cancer

The exact causes of vaginal cancer are still unknown but there are several risk factors for vaginal cancer. A risk factor is an activity or condition that is associated with another disease.

Risk factor for vaginal cancer includes women infected with the HPV virus and being 30 or younger or 60 or over of age.

Stretching of the pelvic ligaments may cause the uterus to sag into vagina or extend outside the vagina. This condition is known as prolapse. It can be treated by surgery or by wearing pessary where pessary is a device to keep the uterus in place. The use of vaginal pessary can lead to higher risk of vaginal cancer. The exposure to synthetic hormones DES while in the mother’s womb also increases the risk.

Diagnosis of Vaginal Cancer

In a basic physical examination the patient discloses symptoms, medications and family medical history that may be useful for the doctor. During a pelvic test, the doctor use to check the  abnormalities. A colposcopy is done if the abnormalities are seen by the doctor.

Biopsy can be also done to check and diagnose more accurately. In biopsy, small tissue samples are taken and then examined by a pathologist. A biopsy is usually done during colposcopy. A local anesthetic is used to ease discomfort and pain of the patient.
If vaginal cancer is confirmed then several more test are taken to check what stage the cancer is progressed to.

Everyone’s experiences differ when diagnosed with cancer. Coping with a new case can be difficult but learning early on how to cope with cancer will provide you with strength and determination to fight against cancer.

Complications in Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal cancer may spread to distant areas of body, such as lungs, liver and pelvic bones.

Treatment for vaginal cancer can have a significant emotional impact, particularly in women who have not yet reached the menopause and need to have radiotherapy. This treatment triggers an early menopause, which means women have to come to terms with the fact that they will never be able to have children.

Women feel sense of loss and bereavement after treatment and this may trigger the start of depression.

Talking to other women who have similar treatment can give you emotional support and reassurance.

The hospital staff may be able to recommend a suitable local support group.

Treatment of Vaginal Cancer

Cancer treatment can involve one or several different treatments.
Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are standard methods of treating many types of cancer.

Before getting treated the patient should be aware of side effects, risk and benefits of the treatment. Woman who is more educated about cancer, she can better communicate to a physician and she can be proactive in treatment decisions.

Surgery is sometimes used to remove the cancer but most patients are treated with the radiation. If the tumor is cervical cancer that has spread to vagina, then radiation and chemotherapy both are given.

Sarcoma botryoides is a type of cancer in which grapelike structures appear in the vagina of infants. Sarcoma may be at times treated with a combination of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation.

Precautionary Measures in  Vaginal Cancer

Try to avoid being contaminated with HPV and sexually transmitted virus is a best way to reduce risk for developing vaginal cancer. HPV is a highly common virus. About 80% of women are infected with this virus by the age of 50.

HPV can cause many types of cancer like cervical cancer and there is a link seen between vaginal cancer and HPV.

Vaginal cancer is a disease that can be treated and cured but it’s better to take the preventive measures for this disease timely. Researches are taking place to reduce the causes of vaginal cancer. Vaginal cancer is as serious as the other cancers are. If any of these symptoms are noticed by you, don’t overlook it, take it seriously and rush to your doctor to consult. Right step taken at right time gives solution to any problem, but exceptions are there, where medical science is itself helpless.

US House to Vote Health Care Retract

Republicans, particularly from the fiscally conservative wing, emboldened by their victories in last November’s elections and, as promised, will tackle the healthcare reform bill. Fighting back Democratic leaders warned against the uproar that will follow repealing a health care provision that closes a coverage gap in the Medicare prescription drug program for seniors (the Donut Hole). In actuality full repeal of the health care law is still not likely. The quick thumbs-down vote by the House will have, tremendous utility and value, but it may take electing a Republican president in Obama’s place to accomplish the overall goal.
The reality of the bill being repealed is practically zero. Many Republican opponents feel it is just part of a ploy to tie up Congress until the next presidential elections.
Challenges to the constitutionality of the health care law are working their way toward the Supreme Court. Repealing Healthcare Reform will make the Republican legacy for this Congress a clear vote against the middle class. Repealing Health care Reform will kill Americans. While the bill will pass in the House of Representatives, it stands no chance in the Senate. While ultimately Healthcare Reform is here to stay, Republican’s attempt to stall will create unnecessary angst of Americans. A vote to repeal in the House passes with some Democrat support. A federal judge declares the legislation unconstitutional. A vote to repeal the bill in the Senate goes along party lines and fails. Unions have sought exemptions as well. Health insurance rates continue to rise as insurance companies’ anticipation higher costs resulting from the plan’s implementation. Fewer doctors are willing to accept Medicare and Medicaid patients. The best that those receiving Medicare and Medicaid benefits can hope for is that the politician’s fast-track the health care case to the Supreme Court and a decision regarding constitutionality bill is rendered. Politicians may want to do this in hopes that health care won’t be headline news going into the next election. For the average citizen such a ruling may clarify the coverage situation.
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Conditioning -2010 Hair Care Tips and Guide for Teen Girls

Choose conditioner for the state of your hair – which isn’t the same as the state of your scalp. The most normal hair conditions as follows.

1– Dry unmanageable hair usually has a fuzzy outline & often goes with dry scalp & coarse hair.

2– Lank, dull hair frequently goes with a greasy or dandruff-prone scalp & average to coarse hair.

3–splitting, or brittle ends often go with a normal scalp & occur in all hair-texture types.

For dry dull or brittle hair, conditioner is a must. It coats the hair & makes it smooth & shiny. Conditioned hair no longer feels rough & it has extra fullness & body. Lank dull hair needs conditioning too – to give it body. There are totally oil-free conditioners which are ideal for this hair type. Even if your hair is normal, make a concentrated effort to massage conditioner onto the hair ends; by doing so you can often help prevent injury to the hair shaft with the inevitable outcome – split ends. When these occur, the ends of the hair literally open up like a ‘Y’ & a split can travel right up the hair, leaving a series of broken wisps all over the head.

Remember conditioner is the invisible ‘raincoat’ which will help any hair type stand up to bad weather. Curly hair swells up & become s difficult to handle in damp weather; conditioner helps curb this tendency. Long fine hair goes limp at the first sign of dampness; conditioner adds body. Fine wavy hair goes wispy; conditioner helps keep it smooth.

Conditioner is normally applied after shampooing. It will close any open cuticle scales & replaced the natural oils which protect the hair. Left on the hair for a minute or two, a conditioner acts as a detangler & adds shine, body & luster to the hair. Apply conditioner once the hair has been thoroughly rinsed after shampooing. Never massage conditioner into the scalp. Usually, you will only need to apply conditioner from the middle to the ends of the hair; the roots don’t normally need it unless the hair is bleached.

 THE CONDITIONING ROUTINE:

1 — POUR conditioner into the palm of the hand, then gently squeeze onto the hair.
2–comb the conditioner through the hair to ensure an even spread. if the comb doesn’t slide through easily, don’t tug at the hair. Rather hold the jet of water from the spray head behind the comb & le t the force of the water mix with the conditioner & smooth the path for the comb.
3–leave conditioner on for a minute or two before rinsing hair thoroughly with warm water.
4–if your hair is very dry, reapply conditioner to the ends, about the last 5 cm (2 inches), & then rinse lightly.
5–blot dry with a towel or wrap the hair in a towel-turban which will absorb excess moisture. Never rub at the hair with a towel after conditioning or you will undo all the good work of the conditioner.
DEEP CONDITIONING FORMULAE:
These are for use regularly once a month, or every six weeks, or for times when the hair has become badly damaged through over-exposure to wind or sunshine, sea water or chlorinated water.
For this routine:
1– Massage your scalp, working up warmth.
2– part the hair four ways & smooth conditioner onto each part, starting at the roots if the hair there is showing signs of damage; otherwise being half-way down the hair shaft.
3–wrap your hair in a towel turban & leave your hair for at least 20 minutes.
4–shampoo your hair in the usual way.
tip 5
2010 Home Remedies For Acne Tips
* Wash your face twice a day in warm salty water. This should leave your face oil free without aggravating the acne.
* Make a paste of neem leaves with turmeric powder. Apply on affected area. Wash it off after 20-30 minutes with lukewarm water. This is a good cure of acne.
* Apply equal amount of lemon juice and rose water with a cotton ball, leave for half an hour and wash. Repeat for 15-20 days.
* Rub the acne with garlic cloves several times a day. Pimples will disappear without a mark with regular applications.
* Grind nutmeg (Jaiphal) with unboiled milk and apply on acne for 1-2 hours. This works as a magic. Pimples should disappear without leaving a mark.
* Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. At least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables should be included in your diet. All acne home remedies should include a healthy diet.

Unemployment, health care among top state issues

Fiscal conditions will dominate this year's state legislatures, according to the annual forecast of top policy issues released by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) on Dec. 17, 2008. Balancing state budgets tops the list, but dominant themes in state legislatures across the country will include addressing shortfalls in state unemployment compensation funds and determining how best to provide health care for the uninsured, issues that should concern employers.

"State legislatures are facing the worst fiscal conditions we have seen over the 30-plus years," said William Pound, NCSL executive director. Current economic conditions already have forced many states to cut or scale back programs. States will have to close a $97 billion budget gap during the next 18 to 24 months, the NCSL estimates.

Shrinking state revenues will squeeze all aspects of state government. Further, more bad economic news is reported almost every day, so state fiscal conditions can be expected to worsen.

This means that new programs in a majority of states likely will be set aside as lawmakers try to continue funding essential state services.

For example, an immediate challenge for states in 2009 will be to maintain current health programs, especially programs aimed at covering the uninsured.

$97B Total states' budget gap officials must close within two years.

By Joanne Deschenaux, J.D., SHRM senior legal editor.

RELATED ARTICLE: Unemployment Trust Funds in Trouble

States pay for unemployment benefits through employers' payroll taxes. These taxes are deposited into the federal Unemployment Trust Fund with separate accounts for each state and territory. Many accounts face shortfalls as a result of increasing claims and decreasing payroll taxes caused by job losses.

California, Indiana, Michigan, New York and Ohio have less than three months' reserves to pay unemployment benefits. Eight other states have reserves of less than six months, and the U.S. Department of Labor recommends that states have at least one year of reserves. Close to 4 million unemployed workers are currently receiving unemployment benefits, a level not seen since 1983.

The shortfalls may result in tax increases and reduced benefits.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, R-Calif., has called a special legislative session to address the deficit and consider an economic stimulus plan. The governor is calling for a reduction in unemployment benefits and a tax increase on business.

Michigan, a state that has already borrowed substantially from the federal government to maintain unemployment insurance, implemented a solvency tax in January. The tax applies to negative-balance employers at a cost of up to $67.50 per employee per year. If the state hasn't paid its federal loans in two years, all employers may see their unemployment tax rate increase to approximately $22 per employee per quarter.

"The only way around tax increases is to pass and implement cost-saving reforms like a waiting week, tightened qualification requirements and better overpayment collection," according to Wendy Block, a spokeswoman for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. Wisconsin has passed a reform bill increasing wages subject to the payroll tax, starting in January, from $10,500 to $12,000--the first increase since 1986.

By.Joanne Deschenaux

Long Term Health Care Options

By Peter Lenkefi

As you grow older, housing may pose more and more of a concern, especially if your health is failing. If you are worried that you may not be able to take care of your basic needs as you age, such as cleaning, cooking, bathing and maintenance, then looking at your long term health care options is an important choice. Let's start right away with your options.

In-Home Care

In-home health care is the best option for people who have a higher level of fitness, and want to remain as independent as possible throughout their later years. In this situation, home health care nurses may come and visit you daily, or every couple of days, to take care of your everyday medical needs. Also, a housekeeper may be utilized, as well as a personal health care attendant, who would be responsible for more of the day-to-day living help - such as a companion, driver, cook or the like. In-home health care is quite easy to locate; just contact a nurses' association or look in the Yellow Pages.

Continuing Care

 An intermediary between nursing homes and independent living, continuing care, or retirement communities, offer a wide variety of health benefits and services to their inhabitants. These communities are usually all-inclusive, where dwellers receive lodging, meals, social events, varying levels of health care, and sometimes other perks as well.

Entrance fees for these establishments can be quite high (ranging from $10,000 to over 300,000); added to their monthly fees (ranging from $800-4000), and this option can prove to be expensive health care. However, services are guaranteed for the remainder of your life if you choose this option, and if your health falters, you can always be moved to the nursing home portion of their health care facility.

Because of the all-inclusive nature of this kind of health care, you'll want to read the fine print carefully in your contract. What are all of the recurring and one-time fees? What exactly is covered with those fees? What health care options are, and are not offered? Do you need to purchase extra health insurance to cover your specific care costs? Also don't forget to check up with the Better Business Bureau about the status of the facility you are interested in; if you plan on living there the rest of your life, you may want to double check it's reputation, too.

Nursing Homes

 In a very simple sense, nursing homes will take care of your health care needs when you are no longer able to. This may be for a short period of time while you are recovering, or for a longer period of time as you age. Nursing homes are the whole meal deal of health care for the elderly or otherwise incapacitated. If this is an option that you think you may require, there are many things to discuss and consider when looking at your options. Does the home provide the type of care that you will require? Research the history of the nursing home; are there any black spots on their record? Talk to people who have lived there, have used their services, or who are still living there now, if at all possible. Get their viewpoint.

For more more information about health care please visit http://www.1health-center.com/articles/How-To-Jump-Rope-For-Health-and-Fitness.php

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Health Care, a Plan

By John Dalt

Our administration and representatives are negotiating the terms to take over our health care system, in the belief that it is too expensive, and will cripple our economy if the costs are not controlled.  The human element is the plea to cover people that do not have insurance, so they will have access to the best care money can buy.

Rather than plow ground that has been plowed by writers more gifted than I, my focus is how to provide health care to uninsured citizens.  If this is a national priority, let's not destroy the health care system that stands between us, and the grim reaper in the process.

As a former County Commissioner, I had the responsibility to oversee and fund the county health department.  This health care facility provided basic services to many who could not afford (or chose not to pay for) access to private care.

County health departments exist throughout the nation, working quietly to benefit society's poorest citizens.  Free or reduced price, health care is already being provided depending on your ability to pay.

The present discussion is about building a new bureaucracy and restricting health access for everyone.  Why not increase the funding for County Health Departments around the nation?

In exchange for this added charitable benefit, the uninsured could only be treated at hospital emergency rooms after hours, and only if hospitalization was required.  Hospitals would bill the county health department for any services provided, at the lowest negotiated group network price.  Hospital emergency rooms would no longer be required to accept anyone who walked in their door.

Funding should be allocated by population on numerical bases, and disbursed to each congressional district.  The Federal Government's role would end at this point.  Each Congressional District would have a local board, composed of one commissioner from each county.

These district boards would be responsible to distribute the funds to each County Health Department for the best impact in their area.  County Health Departments would have to expand to enhance services, but continue to provide basic health services for the uninsured or poorest citizens.

To access these services, citizens would have to:

• Prove citizenship (are we going to provide free health care to THE WORLD?)
• File a copy of last year's 1040 (verifies income)
• Prove residency (avoids shopping location)
• Develop other local regulations sensitive to local voter wishes.

To increase insurance participation, let individuals deduct insurance premiums up to $3,600 per head of household, and $2,000 per dependant on their federal taxes.  Let companies deduct insurance benefits on the same schedule.

Require insurance companies to accept citizens with pre-existing conditions.  This would have two caveats:

• 90 day exclusion period if the pre-existing condition was not covered by insured's previous policy, or if they did not have insurance.
• Citizens would not be able to "insurance shop" for better coverage on pre-existing conditions.  Previous coverage would apply for 90 days on any pre-existing condition.

In exchange for society offering this benefit, health care has become a responsibility to everyone.  If society is providing "free" care to the poorest citizens, then those that can afford health insurance must be required to:

• Purchase basic insurance in the open market, or
• Pay an insurance surcharge on their federal income tax return of 25% the maximum health insurance deduction available to those that buy insurance.

With this health reform plan, we accomplish a few beneficial goals, and avoid some the worst outcomes.

• The costs are clearly stated in the federal budget, as a transfer to congressional districts for health care.
• We stop health care for non-citizens.
• We eliminate cost shifting onto insurance premiums.
• The health care benefit is restricted to county health departments, and basic health care.

This benefit is not intended to grant access to the "best health care money can buy" for everyone, but to put in place a safety net under our poorest citizens, until they get back on their feet and can afford the health care they would like for themselves and provide for their families.

Some may have a concern about the exclusion of non-citizens in our coverage by the nation's taxpayers.  If a non-citizen seeks medical assistance at any county health department or hospital, they must first sign an "agreement to deportation" document.

After being treated, they will be immediately deported by the County Sheriff.  The county health department will fund the cheapest transportation to a hospital in their home country.

A few general points need to be emphasized:

• Health care is expensive because of government expanding coverage to new illnesses: i.e.: alcoholism, mental illness.
• Health care is expensive because of tort lawyers.
• Health insurance is expensive because of low deductibles.

Addressing these three issues will slow the growth in health care costs. Removing non-payers from the health care system will eliminate cost shifting, lowering health care costs to everyone.Medicare and Medicaid should be required to pay the lowest negotiated network price for any services.  This would further reduce the cost shifting that currently distorts the market.  It also sets reimbursements at a localized cost rate, rather than a one-size-fits-all standard.  It takes the power away from the government to promise more and pay less by force.

A side note:

If Oh! Bama is successful in gaining a public option for health insurance; it must be a standalone agency without any support from taxpayers.  Wouldn't it be fun to watch bureaucrats try to compete with private insurance companies?  I always laugh when politicians say the government needs to "keep the insurance companies honest."

Government subsidies should be equal to the "premiums" they do not collect from citizens covered.  In other words, only the premiums would be subsidized by the government.  The public option (government bureaucracy) would have NO legislation that tilted the playing field for them to compete.  They would have to negotiate fees with health care providers, just like everyone else.  If they did not pay fairly, providers could choose not to do business with them.  With an absolute wall to legislation or money, this charade would be over quickly and we could return to a free market.

ohn Dalt writes about the stock market daily for online investors. His MarketToday e-letter is sent to subscribers of galtstock. You can subscribe at http://www.galtstock.com

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