What Are The Symptoms Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

May 9th, 2009

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) - frequently also encountered when searched for polycystic syndrome. Also known as Stein-Leventhal Syndrome or just polycystic syndrome It is a hormonal issue affecting women’s health. PCOS can occur in women as young as 11 years old and is the main cause of female infertility. PCOS occurs in approximately 10% of all women..

Some of the symptoms of PCOS are:

- Excess androgen: PCOS causes the ovaries of women to produce excess male hormones, causing reactions in the body. An excess of androgen can cause increased coarse hair growth on the stomach, face, chest and back. Excess androgen can also cause acne and alopecia (male-pattern baldness)

- Ovarian cysts: Cysts are fluid filled sacs which can be generally found using an ultrasound image. Patients may have ovaries with no cyst activity and still have PCOS. Also patients with multiple ovarian cysts are not automatically considered having PCOS

- Infertility: The inability to have children due to PCOS

- Menstruation problems: Patients with PCOS will exhibit irregular or no menstration. The most common symptom. Irregular is classified by having cycles fewer than 8 times per year.

- Excess weight: Over 50% of patients will be classified as overweight or obese

- Skin tags: Skin tags are small patches of excess skin, usually found on the neck or in the armpit area

- Diabetes: PCOS causes the body to ineffectively use insulin, resulting in high blood sugar levels and diabetes. Sometimes also called Prediabetes

- Darkened skin: Skin may be darkened in certain areas such as the neck, armpits, inner thighs, vulva or user the breasts. Also called Acanthosis Nigricans

- Sleep apnea: People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer

Discover How Thousands Of Women Worldwide Instantly Relieve Their Constant Pain And Started Shrinking Their Ovarian Cyst Within 3 Days, Eliminating Them Completely Within 8 Short Weeks, All Without Ever Using Risky Drugs or Resorting To Surgery…Guaranteed!

A Texas Mesothelioma Attorney’s services were much needed.

March 18th, 2009

In Minnesota, thanks to the recent publicity about all the miners, everyone knows what mesothelioma is. Not so much in Texas. When my husband got sick and needed taking care of, I was getting to be at my wit’s end – we also have a son with Downs Syndrome and I couldn’t do all that work all by myself, so we moved back home to Goldthwaite, to be near my sister and her family. You might be shocked to learn how hard it is to find a Texas mesothelioma attorney to help us file a lawsuit. The first place I phoned had a very professional-sounding woman answering the phone. When I explained why we needed a lawyer, there was a 10 second silence on the other end of the phone. “Maybe try a bigger city – a LOT bigger,” she finally suggested, as if that was any help, and as if a four-hour round trip to Austin or a six-hour round trip to Dallas was just a spin around the block. Another office couldn’t even understand the word: “Meso-what,” the receptionist asked. I spelled it for her and she promised to call me back later after talking to the firm’s partners. Two days passed, and I called back. She explained that she had talked to them and that “No, they don’t know how to work with that ‘meso thing’ that y’all brought from up north.” We’re running low on funds and there is a limit to how much help my sister and her family can offer – plus, I hate to be asking her when she has a family of her own. Can someone please help us find a good lawyer around here who knows what this disease is and why the mining company should be held responsible even though it’s been years since Davey worked in the mines? Thank you!

The Different Types of Cancer

February 13th, 2009

Cancer simply defined is the abnormal growth of cells in some part of the body. It may occur in the brain, the lungs or even the breasts. This article will cover 2 different types of cancers and their causes. causes of cancer may be different depending on the type. However, one factor, heredity, results in both cancers.

It is difficult to ascertain the real causes of cancer. Still, heredity is cited as the principal cause. Family history places one at a high risk of developing cancer. Such cancers as brain and ovarian are often associated with hereditary factors. Cancer may also result in people who may have at one time or another suffered from the diseases. This makes prior history another cause of the diseases. Nonetheless, there are other factors that often linked to external environment that cause diverse types of cancer.

Smoking and air pollution are also said to cause cancer. Other factors that are said to cause cancer are radiation and even sunlight. Still, there are many forms of cancer. One of the most common cancers in the United States is lung cancer which is caused by smoking. In the US, 90% of the reported cases of lung cancer are as a result from cigarette smoking. This is especially true for active smokers. Still, passive smokers have a 24% chance of developing lung cancer. On the other hand, about 1% of lung cancers are as a result of air pollution. Consequently, the causes of lung cancer may lie in exposure to pollution from industries, power plants and commonly vehicles.

A victim’s personal situation can be linked to the development of certain cancers. Case in point, cancer in women is likely to be caused by hormones. According to reports, early menstruation and late menopauses in women is likely to result in breast cancer. Concomitantly, the use of hormone replacement therapy by post menopausal women exposes them to the risk of developing breast cancer. While there is no evidence in support of this, birth control pills are also said to be probable causes of breast cancer.

Causes of cancer are two pronged. These are prior history with the disease and heredity. Different forms of cancer have distinct causes. Hormones, use of hormone replacement therapy and the use of birth control pills are factors associated with the development of breast cancer. On the other hand, smoking and air pollution are said to be the likely lung cancer causes.

Breast Cancer : Making Breast Cancer History

February 9th, 2009

It’s difficult to say why one person would get Breast cancer and another would not. Sometimes it may seem that Breast cancer cannot be avoided but there are things that one can do to reduce the risk of this most painful and sometimes fatal disease. You can start by living a healthy lifestyle and taking charge of your health. If Cancer can’t be prevented, treatment is more likely to be successful if it’s found early.
Early detection is finding Breast cancer at an early state and is often easier to treat. Recognising symptoms and getting regular checkups help detect cancer early .Be aware of your body and don’t ignore changes, as the sooner a report is made to your doctor ,the sooner a problem can be dealt with.
Screening is the early detection of cancer by testing or checking for disease when one has no symptoms. Some cancers can be discovered this way and can be treated early.
It’s important to note that no screening test for cancer is 100% accurate. For example a screening test can show signs of cancer when there is none, or not show cancer when there is.

Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer starts in the cells of the breast tissue.and covers an area larger than just the breast.It extends up to the colar bone and from the armpit across to the breastbone in the centre of the chest.It can also be found in men but is very rare.Breast Cancer can happen at any age,but most cases occur in women over the age of 50.It can be found and successfully treated if detected early.
Breast Cancer Tests:
Mammography is a low-dose x-ray of the breasts.
Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) a physical examination of the breast by a trained professional.
Some women have a higher risk for breast cancer and should consider testing regularly if you had breast cancer before; you have a history of breast biopsies; you have a family history of breast cancer.
You can also be more aware of how your breasts normally look and feel so that changes can be readily recognised. bear in mind that the breast feel different during the menstrual cycle.
Signs to look for:
• A lump or swelling in the armpit.
• Changes in size and shape of breast.
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin(orange peel skin)
• Redness, swelling and increased warmth in the infected breast.
• Inverted nipple, nipple turns inward.
• Crusting or scaling on the nipple.

Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer starts in the cells of the cervix and grows very slowly. The cells of the cervix start to change and become abnormal. These abnormal cells are precancerous, meaning that they are not cancer. Precancerous changes to the cervix are called cervical dysplasia. Cervical cancer and cervical dysplasiain the early stages often do not cause any symptoms. Having regular tests can detect both and they can be treated successfully if diagnosed early.
Having multiple sexual partners , or becoming sexually active at an early age can put you at greater risk for developing cervical cancer. These factors increase your risk of being exposed to HPV. HPV is a group of viruses that can be passed easily from person to person through sexual contact. HPV infections are common and usually go away without treatment because the immune systemgets rid of the virus. Certain types of HPV virus can cause changes to cells in the cervix that may lead to cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer Tests:
Pap Test : laboratory examination of cells taken from the cervix to detect changes. It can detect changes early before cancer develops.
Pelvic Examination: A physical examination of the organs within the pelvis through the vagina.
These tests should be taken every 1 to 3 years.once you become sexually active.Even if you have stopped having sex, continue to have the tests.
Signs to Look for:
• Abnormal bleeding or bloodstained discharge from the vagina between periods
• Unusually long or heavy periods
• Bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Watery discharge from the vagina
• Increased discharge from the vagina
• Bleeding from the vagina after menopause

Colorectal Cancer
Most colorectal cancers start in the cells that line the inside of the colon and rectum.Colorectal cancer often grows slowly and in a predictable way.. It may not cause any symptoms in its early stages as the abdomen has lots of room for the cancer to grow and develop.Screening tests often can detect the cancer before symptoms develop ,and it can be successfully treated if diagnosed early.

Colorectal Cancer Tests:
If you are 50 years or older , have a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) every 2 years.
Colonoscopy: a test that lets the doctor look at the lining of the entire colon, using a thin flexible tube with a light and camera at the end.
Sigmoidoscopy: a test that lets the doctor look at the lining of the rectum and lower part of the colon,using a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera at the end.
Double Contrast Barium Enema: an x-ray of the colon and rectum,that uses a special dye called barium,that helps the doctor see the lining of the colon more clearly.
Higher risk if:
A family member has the disease; a personal history of colorectal cancer; diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease or polyps; inherited condition of colon cancer.
Signs to look for:
• General discomfort in the abdomen(bloating , fullness, cramps)
• Change in bowel habits eg. Diarrhea or constipation
• Blood in the stools
• Narrower than usual stools
• Urgent need to have a bowel movement
• Feeling that the bowels have not been completely emptied.
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Weight loss.

Skin cancer
The different kinds of skin cancer begin in different kinds of cells in the skin.(Basal cell, squamous cell and melanoma cell
The best way to prevent skin cancer is to protect your self from the sun. Protect skin from the sun especially between 11a.m. and 4p.m.,or when the UV index is 3 or higher. Stay in the shade or indoors , out of the sun during these times. Cover your skin if you have to be exposed to the rays of the sun,and wear a hat. Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Wearing sunglasses can prevent damage to the eyes. Avoid using indoor tanning equipment. Check skin regularly.

Signs to Look for:
Changes in shape colour and size of birthmarks and moles
Sores that don’t heal
Patches of skin that bleed itch,or become red and bumpy.

what causes cancer

February 2nd, 2009

Cancer, a condition resulting from abnormal cell division presents more than 100 types of cancer named after the organ or cell type from which they originate. Irregular splitting up of cells that afterward attacks various body tissues normally causes Cancer diseases. Cancer stretches to various body parts with time making the cancerous cells malignant. If not treated immediately after diagnosis, it can cause complicated illnesses that can cause death. The leading cause of deaths is cancer with almost two-thirds of it being caused by ecological factors. There are various environmental causes of cancer with the term environment referring to the external environment as well as the personal environment.

When determining what factors in the environmental cause cancer, various factors can be attributed to it. The causes of cancer can either be tied to the external or personal environment. The personal environment factors likely to cause the cancer include lifestyle preferences like tobacco and diet. Tobacco has been said to be the cause of about one third of deaths caused by cancer yearly. Ultra violet rays arising from sunlamps, the sun itself or tanning beds are known to cause various kinds of skin cancer like melanoma. The environmental causes of cancer arise from lifestyle factors and exposure to water or air agents. Some of the different environmental agents likely to cause cancer include occupational exposures, ionizing radiation, chemicals, medical drugs and even alcohol.

In the past years, epidemiologists have made estimates concerning the death rates and new cases of cancer that arise due to environmental agents. Tobacco is believed to cause over 30 percent cancer deaths. Air and water pollution, medical procedures and medicine cause other cancer cases. When determining what environmental factors cause cancer, remember that there are a number of environmental factors causing cancer. Ionizing radiation presents another environmental element that causes cancer. Being exposed to rays from sources such as cosmic rays, nuclear bomb tests, radon, X-rays, and atomic bombs also causes cancer.

Carcinogens are materials that increase the chances or risk of cancer. When determining what environmental factors cause cancer, consider environmental carcinogens. These carcinogens may make direct or indirect damages to the DNA and may cause cancer. This is a probable explanation as to why not every environmental exposure to carcinogens may cause cancer. The time span of the exposure and its intensity is also a determining factor of whether one will develop cancer. A number of known environmental carcinogens include chemical surfactants, water or air pollution, and various infectious agents like parasites, bacteria and viruses.

In general, major environmental causes of cancer are linked to the external and personal environment. The external environment elements causing cancer include environmental pollutants, radiation and sun exposure among others. An individual’s personal environment inclusive of lifestyle choices like tobacco, diet and nutrition are also a risk factor.

Mesothelioma Causes In San Diego And Other Communities

January 3rd, 2009

In the last 15 to 20 years San Diego was amongst the highest ranked in cancer-related deaths related to asbestos exposure known as mesothelioma. Being a hub of activity for the United States Navy, a lot of people where unknowingly exposed to asbestos fibres at naval bases and ship repair facilities.

Asbestos is made up of microscopic fibers that may become airborne when asbestos containing materials and products are damaged or disturbed.

Most asbestos fibers are invisible to the unaided human eye because their size. When asbestos fibers get into the air they may be inhaled into the lungs or swallowed into he digestive system where they can cause significant health problems. The word “asbestos” is derived from a Greek adjective meaning inextinguishable.

There are three most commonly used types of asbestos: white, brown, and blue. Brown and blue asbestos are most commonly associated with mesothelioma.

Hundreds of people died in the last 25 years as a result of this disease . In the last 20 years alone, over 400 people in San Diego were diagnosed with mesothelioma. Other places such as southern California had workers and their families affected with this disease.

Mesothelioma cancer comes from inhaling or digesting asbestos dust particles. Mesothelioma is a life-threatening disease and should not be left untreated. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum.

Mesothelioma cancer occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers your internal organs (mesothelium). The mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. It is composed of two layers of cells: One layer immediately surrounds the organ; the other forms a sac around it.

Other cancerous asbestos fibres cases are found in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Ventura and the Orange County where each community has its share of the disease.

375 cases of mesothelioma where reported in Los Angelis between 2001 and early 2006 while the Orange County reported 150 cases in the same period. San Diego County reported 152 cases. Close to half the cases in all of California during those five years have been discovered in Southern California.

Attorneys who have represented mesothelioma deaths mesothelioma patients for more than 25 years, are specialists in obtaining substantial settlements in asbestos lawsuits. Attorneys at Clapper Patti Schweizer & Masonhave obtained millions in compensation for residents with asbestos exposure and mesothelioma.

Did You Know?
During the 20th century, some 30 million tons of asbestos were used in industrial sites, homes, schools, shipyards and commercial buildings in the U.S.

It’s hard to put into words the pain and suffering that so many of our visitors have endured over the years from being diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer.

What Causes Disease?
Free ebook about the Secret on How to Stop Illness and Disease. Find more at mesothelioma-sandiego.blogspot.com categories

For the useful tips about general health issues like how to build immune system please read this blog.

Concise Summary Of Cancer Fighting Immune System Supplements

December 30th, 2008

You or a loved one has previously noticed some of the disconcerting symptoms of cancer and been diagnosed with a malignancy.

If you’re now fighting that cancer and are curious about immune system supplements, both clinical and natural, keep reading for an overview of some of the most popular methods.

BRMs (Biologic Response Modifiers)

Biologic response modifiers basically affect the way in which your immune system responds to certain defenses and attacks. They can also help restore and regenerate damage immune system cells. They are a form of immunotherapy, vaccine and immune-boosting supplement all in one.

The most commonly used type of biologic response modifiers is interferon. Interferon is a protein molecule that can help fight off certain diseases, like cancer. However, for treatment purposes, synthetic interferon is created in a lab and then administered to the patient to supplement the immune system. Interferon won’t cure cancer, but it will improve life spans and help control the disease.

Vitamin Supplements

There are mountains of studies that prove certain foods and vitamins are critical immune system supplements and help to restore the body after cancer while also preventing it.

The most expansive and possibly the most controversial studies were conducted by Linus Pauling. One of Pauling’s more interesting works compared the longevity and success rates of individuals with similar types of cancer and who were of similar ages.

Pauling placed one hundred of these patients on high doses of Vitamin C and left the remaining thousand with no vitamin therapy whatsoever. The individuals placed on the Vitamin C therapy lived significantly longer than the patients who received no vitamin therapy.

One of the biggest advantages behind Vitamin C therapy is that there are few side effects or downsides. Vitamin C is not toxic, it’s water-soluble and excesses are simply eliminated from the body. It’s one of the immune system supplements that has many benefits but few drawbacks.

Diet

Diet all by itself won’t cure cancer, but it can help slow it down, improve recovery and possibly prevent it. Nutrition is a major part of how well your body recovers after cancer, the strength of your immune system and how you deal with cancer and the cancer treatments.

One example of eating for the benefit of the immune system is all-organic diets, which are growing in popularity. Organic foods are foods that are all natural, have not been irradiated and have no chemical additives. For people trying to heal cancer, chemical additives are thought to be just one more foreign substance that can stress the body’s system.

That means instead of working hard to process and deal with harsh chemicals, your body is free to fight off cancer cells or simply focus on healing itself.

Indicators And Uncertainties Resulting From Bladder Cancer

December 24th, 2008

Whenever a person begins to experience and recognize his or her own symptoms of cancer, the signs can definitely create a lump in the throat at just the thought of a malignancy diagnosis and then the likely ensuing cancer treatments. This concern is even intensified at the prospect of cancer in the bladder.

Bladder cancer symptoms are very basic - blood in the urine and a sudden change in urination habits. So why, then, are so many instances of the disease going undiagnosed?

Approximately 54,300 new cases of bladder cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. every year, and over 12,000 people die of the disease. It is the sixth most common cancer in the country. And though the five-year survival rate sits at an impressive 81 percent, the chances for full recovery are dramatically improved if the disease is caught early.

That’s the reason recognizing and diagnosing bladder cancer symptoms is crucial. So, if you’re interested in learning more about the signs of bladder cancer and potential causes of the disease, read on.

Symptoms of Bladder Cancer

Blood in the Urine: Blood in the urine is the single more important sign of bladder cancer. This symptom can also be associated with other diseases such as kidney cancer or gall stones, but is most common in bladder cancer.

Change in Urination Habits: Patients often complain of feeling an almost constant need to urinate, an urgency that’s accompanied by frequent urination. This can be a sign of bladder cancer, along with urinary incontinence.

Causes and Risk Factors Associated with Bladder Cancer

Smoking: Like many cancers, smoking tobacco products is a major cause. In fact, smokers are twice as likely to develop the disease. Among men, smoking is the cause of 50% of bladder cancer deaths. In women, that number drops to 30%.

The carcinogens in cigarettes make their way into the blood stream and finally through the bladder and into the urine, which is why they’re such a major cause of bladder cancer.

Occupational Exposure: Industrial chemicals known as aromatic amines, like beta-napthylamine and benzidine which are sometimes used in the dye industry, can be a contributing factor for bladder cancer.

Other industries that use organic chemicals can also put workers at an increased risk - for example, rubber makers, leather factories, textiles and paint and printing companies.

Race: Bladder cancer is twice as common in Caucasians than African Americans.

Age: Most of the people diagnosed with bladder cancer are in their late sixties. In fact, less than a percent of people diagnosed are under 40. Essentially, the chances for developing the disease increase with age.

Lifelong Bladder Issues: Patients who suffer from chronic bladder problems like urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, bladder stones, incontinence or other bladder issues could have a higher risk of developing the disease.

If you have been exposed to or belong to any of the above risk factors or categories, it’s critical that you understand and watch for bladder cancer symptoms like blood in the urine or sudden changes in your urination habits.

Practical Examination Of Osteosarcoma Among Kids

December 20th, 2008

The prospect of facing a cancer diagnosis after agonizing over the recognition of disconcerting symptoms is troubling enough for anyone. But when it’s your own child dealing with similar concerns and the weighty decisions associated with potential cancer treatments, this is harder still. And unfortunately, malignancies among children are not so uncommon.

Childhood osteosarcoma is a form of malignant bone cancer and the 6th most common form of cancer in children under the age of 15. The disease affects over 500 adults and 400 children every year, with a two-thirds survival rate.

Causes of Osteosarcoma

Unfortunately, the causes behind osteosarcoma are not known. Theories exist about environmental triggers such as fluoride in drinking water or exposure to radium.

Symptoms Associated with Osteosarcoma

The first complaint or symptom that most patients experience is pain at the tumor location - typically this discomfort is more severe at night. Large tumors can often look like swelling. Another feature is that the bone affected by the cancer is frequently weaker and more susceptible to fracture.

Over 50% of all cases of childhood osteosarcoma occur around the knee area.

Risk Factors

Age

The risk for developing osteosarcoma peaks during the adolescent growth period. Some researchers think that there may be a correlation between rapid bone growth development and a child’s risk for developing the cancer.

Gender

Osteosarcoma typically occurs in males and is seen twice as frequently as in young women.

Exposure to Radiation

If a patient has been subjected to radiation treatment for other cancers or conditions, they will have a higher risk of contracting the disease.

Other Bone Diseases

Those with other non-cancerous bone diseases, such as Paget’s disease of the bone or a family history of osteosarcoma, have an increased risk of later developing the malignancy, but usually as an adult.

Genetics

Children with inherited and rare cancer syndromes, like retinoblastoma, are more prone to developing childhood osteosarcoma.

Different Types of Osteosarcoma

There are three sub-types of osteosarcoma that can be recognized by how they appear on X-rays and under a microscope. Some of these sub-types have a better prognosis than others.

The three sub-types of osteosarcoma are high-grade, intermediate and low grade. High-grade is a conventional development of the disease characterized by small cell formation. Intermediate grade is periosteal, meaning the membrane around the bones is affected. Low grade is also periosteal, but also includes low grade intrasseous.

Treating Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is sometimes treated with surgery - typically, the biopsy and surgical treatment of the disease are done by the same surgeon. The surgical treatment is either amputation of the affected limb or limb-sparing surgery.

Before deciding on surgery, patients and parents should thoroughly consult with their surgeon about how best to eradicate the disease while also retaining as much of the affected limb as possible.

Despite the prevalence of surgery, most cases of childhood osteosarcoma are treated with chemotherapy in conjunction with surgery. There are a variety of drugs used in osteosarcoma chemotherapy programs, with each dose determined by the individual patient and disease.

Acquiring An Awareness Of The Stage 4 Neuroblastoma Affliction In Youngsters

December 11th, 2008

At some basic level, we all have an underlying fear of facing cancer in any form, from the identification of abnormal symptoms to the dreaded diagnosis of cancer, and then dealing with cancer treatments. Well, imagine being a mere child and facing the prospect of that same set of steps with Neuroblastoma.

Neuroblastoma stage 4 is a cancer that has spread to the body’s other areas - such as the bones, lymph nodes, bone marrow, liver, skin or potentially other vital organs.

If your child has been diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma, keep reading for more information about the disease, survival rates, risk factors, and common treatments.

A Neuroblastoma Overview

Approximately 650 cases of neuroblastoma are diagnosed every year in the U.S. It’s the third most common kind of cancer in children and the most frequent form in infants. Approximately 90 percent of all cases of neuroblastoma are diagnosed in children aged 6 and under.

About 30% of all neuroblastoma cases begin in the adrenal glands, another 30% start in the ganglia of the abdomen’s sympathetic nervous system, and the majority of the remainder begin in the neck’s sympathetic ganglia, chest or pelvis.

Rates for Five-Year Survival

With most cases of neuroblastoma, the five year survival rate for children under the age of 1 is an impressive 83%. For kids between 1 and 4, it’s 55% and for children 5 and older, only 40%.

However, for children diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma, that survival rate drops to 50-80% for children under the age of one and to 15% for older children.

Treatments Used for Stage 4 of Neuroblastoma

Children who are diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma are considered high risk. They are typically subjected to intensive, high-dosage chemotherapy accompanied by surgery and stem cell transplantations. Typically though, surgery is the first step unless the neuroblastoma has spread too far.

In most cases, treatment involves a combination of medications. The main drugs used to treat children with neuroblastoma are cisplatin, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, etoposide and topotecan. These drugs produce a positive response in two thirds of children.

In certain cases, particularly when the cancer has spread too far to be completely removed by surgery - as is the case with the fourth stage of neuroblastoma - chemotherapy is the primary treatment.

Bone Marrow and Blood Stem Cell Transplants

High-intensity chemotherapy can destroy bone marrow completely. Without marrow, new blood cells won’t develop. To solve this problem, children with neuroblastoma are often treated with high-intensity chemotherapy and then must undergo a bone marrow transplantation or peripheral blood stem cell transplantation.

Radiation Therapy

Typically, radiation treatments are used as a final attempt to kill any remaining neuroblastoma stage 4 cells after surgery on an affected area.

However, in many instances of late-stage and advanced neuroblastoma, it’s rarely used unless it’s implemented as a pain-management tool or in conjunction with chemotherapy.