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.
For more Detail visit: http://health-tips-article.com

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