Chemotherapy: Unveiling the Science, Benefits, and Side Effects

JiangRuoan

Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that uses powerful chemicals to kill fast-growing cells in the body. It is most commonly used to treat cancer.
There are many different chemotherapy drugs available and they can be used alone or in combination to treat various types of cancers.
Chemotherapy treatment also carries the risk of side effects, some of which may be mild and treatable while others can be serious complications.
Chemotherapy may be used in different settings for people with cancer:
1. As the primary or sole treatment for cancer.
2. After other treatments, such as surgery, to kill any remaining cancer cells.
3. To shrink a tumor before other treatments, such as radiation or surgery.
4. To relieve signs and symptoms of cancer by killing some cancer cells (palliative chemotherapy).
Furthermore, some chemotherapy drugs have been found to be useful in treating other conditions like bone marrow diseases and immune system disorders.
The side effects of chemotherapy drugs vary, with each drug causing different side effects.
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, fever, mouth sores, pain, constipation, easy bruising, and bleeding.
These side effects can be prevented or treated, and most subside after treatment ends.
Late side effects of chemotherapy can include lung damage, heart problems, infertility, kidney problems, nerve damage, and the risk of developing a second cancer.
Before starting chemotherapy, patients may need to have a device, such as a catheter, port, or pump, surgically inserted if receiving intravenous chemotherapy.
Tests and procedures, including blood tests to check kidney and liver functions and heart tests, may also be conducted to ensure the body is ready for chemotherapy.
Seeing a dentist to check for signs of infection is recommended, as some chemotherapy drugs can weaken the body’s ability to fight infections.
Planning ahead for side effects is also important, such as considering options for preserving sperm or eggs if infertility is a potential side effect, or preparing for hair loss by arranging for head coverings.
Most chemotherapy treatments are given in outpatient clinics, allowing people to continue their usual activities.
The choice of chemotherapy drugs is based on factors such as the type and stage of cancer, overall health, and previous treatments.
Chemotherapy drugs can be given through infusions, pills, shots, creams, or applied directly to specific areas of the body.
The frequency of chemotherapy treatments depends on the specific drugs, the characteristics of the cancer, and how well the body recovers after each treatment.
Chemotherapy treatments can be received in an outpatient chemotherapy unit, doctor’s office, hospital, or at home.
During treatment, the patient will regularly meet with their oncologist to discuss side effects and undergo scans and tests to monitor the cancer’s response.
Clinical trials are being conducted at Mayo Clinic to explore tests and procedures for preventing, detecting, treating, or managing conditions related to chemotherapy.

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Estrogen: Unveiling Its Role, Benefits, and Health Implications

JiangRuoan

– Estrogen is a chemical messenger that plays a role in reproductive health for women or DFAB (designated female at birth)
– During puberty, estrogen levels rise and lead to the development of secondary sex characteristics
– Estrogen, along with other hormones, plays a role in the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and preparing the uterus for pregnancy
– Estrogen peaks during the days leading up to ovulation, making it the most fertile period for women
– Estrogen thins cervical mucus, making it easier for sperm to reach and fertilize an egg
– Estrogen keeps vaginal walls thick, elastic, and lubricated, reducing pain during sex
– During perimenopause and menopause, estrogen levels drop, leading to symptoms such as vaginal dryness, mood changes, and hot flashes
– Estrogen also affects the reproductive health of men or AMAB individuals, impacting sex drive, erectile function, and sperm production
– Too much or too little estrogen in AMAB individuals can lead to issues such as low sex drive, infertility, and gynecomastia
– Estrogen also has non-reproductive functions, regulating processes in the skeletal, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems that impact overall health.
– Low estrogen can delay puberty, slow or prevent sexual development, and cause symptoms such as painful sex, lower sexual desire, and hot flashes in perimenopause and menopause.
– Menopause and postmenopause result in the ovaries no longer producing estrogen, with fat cells taking over production.
– Removal or injury to the ovaries can also result in lower estrogen levels.
– People assigned male at birth (AMAB) with low estrogen may experience sexual dysfunction, belly fat, reduced sex drive, bone loss, and osteoporosis.
– For transgender women or nonbinary people with penises, low estrogen levels may affect physical appearance, and feminizing hormone therapy with estrogen may be an option. The article discusses the effects of estrogen hormone on physical features in individuals, including softer facial features, less body hair, and the development of breasts and hips.

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Placenta Previa: Causes, Symptoms, and Safe Pregnancy Practices

JiangRuoan

– Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta covers all or part of the opening to the cervical opening at the top of the vagina
– Occurs in about 1 in 200 pregnancies
– Can cause serious bleeding and complications later in pregnancy
– Risk factors include previous c-section, in vitro fertilization, smoking, cocaine use, age 35 or older, previous pregnancies, multiple pregnancies, and previous episodes of placenta previa
– Symptoms may include painless bleeding from the vagina during the second half of pregnancy and contractions
– Diagnosis is typically done through a routine ultrasound test
– Placenta previa can be detected through ultrasound, including transvaginal ultrasound and translabial ultrasound
– Three-dimensional ultrasound may also be used
– Placenta previa can be found in the second trimester even without vaginal bleeding
– Treatment depends on the stage of pregnancy, severity of bleeding, and the health of the mother and baby
– C-section is recommended for nearly everyone with placenta previa to prevent severe bleeding
– Early in pregnancy with no symptoms may require no treatment but follow-up ultrasounds
– Bleeding as a result of placenta previa requires close monitoring in the hospital
– Blood transfusions may be given if there is excessive bleeding
– Corticosteroids may be given to help with baby’s lung development in case of preterm delivery
– Severe bleeding at 34 to 36 weeks may require an immediate c-section
– Amniocentesis may be performed at 36 to 37 weeks to test for fully developed lungs in the baby
– Certain activities should be avoided with placenta previa, including orgasm-inducing sex, vaginal penetration or examinations, moderate/strenuous exercise, lifting more than 20 pounds, and standing for more than four hours

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HCG Diet Explained: A Comprehensive Guide to Weight Loss

JiangRuoan

– Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone found during pregnancy.
– hCG can be measured in urine and blood.
– Blood tests can be used to check the progress of a pregnancy by measuring hCG levels.
– It takes about 2 weeks for hCG levels to be high enough to be detected by a home pregnancy test.
– Low levels of hCG may be found in blood 6 to 10 days after ovulation.
– hCG levels are highest at the end of the first trimester and gradually decline over the rest of pregnancy.
– Average hCG levels in blood during pregnancy vary by week.
– Higher than expected hCG levels may indicate a multiple pregnancy or an abnormal growth in the uterus.
– Falling hCG levels may suggest a pregnancy loss or ectopic pregnancy.
– hCG levels alone do not provide a diagnosis but indicate potential issues that need further investigation. The article mentions that to confirm the presence of more than one baby, an ultrasound is required. It advises individuals with concerns about their hCG levels to consult with their doctor or maternity healthcare professional.

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Anatomy: Exploring the Wonders and Complexities Within Us

JiangRuoan

– Anatomy is the study of the structure and identification of organisms’ bodies and their different sections.
– Gross anatomy is a subdivision of anatomy that deals with the study of anatomy visible to the naked eye on a macroscopic level.
– Microscopic anatomy is the study of the structure of organisms at a microscopic level.
– Histology studies how cells develop into tissues, organs, and organ systems.
– Embryology focuses on studying the embryo and its development.
– Developmental anatomy examines the changes in the body from fertilization to adulthood.
– Radiographic anatomy uses X-rays to observe the body’s systems and organs.
– Pathological anatomy analyzes samples from bodily fluids, tissues, and organs to diagnose and treat diseases.
– Human anatomy is organized through cells that come together to form tissues, organs, and organ systems.
– The 4 main types of tissues in the human body are epithelial, muscle, connective, and nervous.
– There are a total of 11 organ systems in the human body.
– Anatomical nomenclature is the Latin-based terminology used to describe the position and location of body parts.
– Anatomical planes, such as coronal, axial, sagittal, median, and parasagittal, are hypothetical planes used to describe the location of bodily structures.
– Comparative anatomy compares similar body structures in different animal species to understand evolutionary changes.
– Marcello Malpighi discovered the system of tiny capillaries.
– Robert Hooke observed compartments in plants called “cells.”
– Antonie van Leeuwenhoek observed muscle fibers and spermatozoa using microscopes.
– The cell was recognized as the fundamental unit of organization in all living things.
– Technical advancements in the compound microscope, such as achromatic lenses, improved its resolving power.
– Microtomes were developed to study tissue specimens under the light microscope.
– Synthetic dyes were used to stain tissues different colors, enhancing the detail visible in thin sections.
– Cytology is the study of cells, and histology is the study of tissue organization.
– Electron microscopes became the prime tool for anatomical research in the 1950s.
– X-ray diffraction was used to study the structures of molecules in living things, leading to the development of molecular anatomy.
– Anatomical names for parts of the human body are usually in Latin.
– The German Anatomical Society standardized anatomical nomenclature in 1887, resulting in the Terminologia Anatomica.
– The Terminologia Anatomica includes about 7,500 terms and was made available online in 2011.

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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Measures

JiangRuoan

– Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of a woman’s reproductive organs
– PID is often caused by STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea
– Other non-sexually transmitted infections can also cause PID
– Factors that increase the risk of PID include having an untreated STD, having multiple sex partners, having a partner with other sex partners, a history of PID, being sexually active and under the age of 25, douching, and using an intrauterine device for birth control
– To reduce the risk of getting PID, it is recommended to practice abstinence or have sex in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship and use condoms correctly
– There are no specific tests for PID, and diagnosis is based on medical history, physical examination, and other test results
– Symptoms of PID can include lower abdominal pain, fever, unusual discharge with a bad odor from the vagina, pain or bleeding during sex, burning sensation during urination, and bleeding between periods
– It is important to see a doctor if these symptoms occur, if there is a suspicion of an STD, or if there are any genital symptoms
– PID can be cured with early diagnosis and treatment, but damage to the reproductive system cannot be reversed
– It is crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics and inform recent sex partners for testing and treatment
– PID can be transmitted to a sexual partner, so it is important for both partners to receive treatment
– If PID is not treated early, it can lead to complications such as scar tissue formation in the fallopian tubes, which can cause blockages
– Other complications include ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb), infertility, and long-term pelvic or abdominal pain
– Ways to reduce the risk of getting PID include abstaining from vaginal, anal, or oral sex, being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has tested negative for STDs, and using latex condoms correctly
– Diagnosis of PID is usually based on medical history, physical examination, and other test results
– It is important to see a doctor if any symptoms of PID occur or if there is a suspicion of STD exposure
– PID can be cured if diagnosed early, but treatment cannot reverse damage already done to the reproductive system
– Partners should also be informed to get tested and treated for STDs
– Having had PID before increases the chances of getting it again
– Early treatment of PID can prevent complications such as the formation of scar tissue outside and inside the fallopian tubes, which can lead to tubal blockage

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Abortion: Understanding the Facts, Controversies, and Personal Perspectives

JiangRuoan

Inevitably sparking intense debates and vigorous discussions, the topic of abortion has long been a subject of controversy. The heated arguments surrounding this issue continue to captivate and polarize societies worldwide. Brace yourself as we delve into this complex matter, exploring different perspectives and shedding light on the multifaceted nature of abortion. abortion Abortion is […]

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Hymen: Dispelling Myths and Understanding Female Anatomy Better

JiangRuoan

– The hymen is a thin piece of mucosal tissue that surrounds or partially covers the vaginal opening.
– Some people are born with imperforate hymens that completely obstruct the vaginal canal.
– The appearance of the hymen can vary, with a common shape being crescent-shaped in children.
– During puberty, estrogen causes the hymen to become more elastic.
– Normal variations of the hymen after puberty range from thin and stretchy to thick and rigid, and in some cases, the hymen may be absent.
– The hymen can tear or rip during first penetrative intercourse, resulting in pain and possible bleeding.
– However, tearing or bleeding from first intercourse is not always common.
– The state of the hymen is not a reliable indicator of virginity.
– The hymen is formed during embryogenesis and normally becomes perforate before or shortly after birth.
– The hymen has dense innervation and can stretch or tear as a result of various behaviors, including the use of tampons, menstrual cups, pelvic examinations with a speculum, or sexual intercourse.
– A glass or plastic rod called a Glaister Keen rod is used for close examination of the hymen.
– In cases of suspected rape or child sexual abuse, a detailed examination of the hymen may be performed, but the condition of the hymen alone is often inconclusive.
– There are various types of hymens, ranging from thin and stretchy to thick and rigid.
– An imperforate hymen occurs in 1-2 out of 1,000 infants and may require surgical intervention.
– The appearance of the hymenal opening can vary in shape and appearance based on hormonal and activity levels.
– Trauma to the hymen during first sexual intercourse does not always result in bleeding, and not all women experience pain.
– Several studies found that half or fewer of virgin rape victims had any injury to the hymen.
– Tears of the hymen occurred in less than a quarter of cases among virgin rape victims.
– Virgins were more likely to have injuries to the hymen than non-virgins.
– Approximately half of adolescents who had consensual sex showed evidence of trauma to the hymen.
– Trauma to the hymen may occur in adult non-virgins following consensual sex, but it is rare and may heal without any visible sign of injury.
– Trauma to the hymen can occur from activities such as tampon or menstrual cup use, pelvic examinations with a speculum, masturbation, gymnastics, or horseback riding, although the true prevalence is unclear.
– The hymen is culturally significant in certain communities as a proof of virginity at marriage.
– Some women undergo hymenorrhaphy to restore their hymen for cultural reasons.
– The UN Human Rights Council, UN Women, and WHO have called for an end to virginity testing as it is considered a form of violence against women.
– In the 16th and 17th centuries, the presence or absence of the hymen was mistakenly seen as evidence of physical diseases such as “womb-fury” or hysteria.
– Many mammals, including chimpanzees, elephants, manatees, whales, horses, and llamas, have hymens.
– The size, shape, and thickness of a hymen vary from person to person.
– The hymen is soft and elastic and does not usually block the vagina’s opening.
– Hymens can break or tear from simple activities like inserting a tampon.
– The hymen has no purpose and does not impact the body, reproductive system, or health.
– The absence of a hymen is not a reliable indicator of whether a person has had sex or not.

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Dictionary Hacks: Unlocking Secret Linguistic Gems InDepth

JiangRuoan

– Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)
– proteins in the blood clot abnormally
– caused by inflammation, infection, or cancer
– small blood clots block blood supply to organs
– lack of blood flow causes organ injury
– clotting proteins in the blood are consumed, leading to high risk of serious bleeding
– spontaneous bleeding without injury
– fragmentation and breakage of healthy red blood cells
– risk factors for DIC: certain medical conditions, surgery, trauma, severe infection, complications during pregnancy
– chest pain, shortness of breath, leg pain, problems speaking or moving body parts
– bleeding may occur, including blood in the urine, stool, or skin
– common causes of DIC: sepsis, surgery, trauma, cancer, complications of pregnancy
– diagnosis based on blood tests: low platelets, low fibrinogen, high INR, high D-dimer
– treatment focuses on underlying condition: platelets, cryoprecipitate, fresh frozen plasma
– heparin may be useful in slowly developing form of DIC
– approximately 1% of hospital admissions are affected by DIC
– rates of DIC in sepsis range from 20% to 50%
– risk of death from DIC varies from 20% to 50%
– multiorgan failure and widespread bleeding in DIC
– DIC can occur in various conditions: liver disease, HELLP syndrome, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, hemolytic uremic syndrome, malignant hypertension
– dysregulation of coagulation and fibrinolysis in DIC
– tissue factor release is critical mediator of DIC
– poor prognosis and high mortality rate
– thrombocytopenia in DIC may be caused by Ashwell-Morell receptor
– diagnostic markers for DIC: prolonged prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, declining platelet count, high fibrin degradation products, fragmented red blood cells
– scoring system for diagnosis and management of DIC
– treatment: address underlying condition, transfusions, cryoprecipitate, heparin rarely used, recombinant human activated protein C withdrawn, evidence for recombinant factor VII insufficient
– prognosis varies, 20-50% of patients with DIC will die
– DIC observed in approximately 1% of hospital admissions
– DIC more frequent in people with bacterial sepsis, severe trauma, and cancer

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Cervix 101: Understanding the Female Reproductive System Better

JiangRuoan

Cervicitis
Inflammation of the cervix
Lower, narrow end of the uterus
Opens into the vagina
Symptoms:
– Bleeding between menstrual periods
– Pain during intercourse or pelvic exam
– Abnormal vaginal discharge
Causes of cervicitis:
– Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea
– Noninfectious causes
– Allergic reactions to contraceptives or latex in condoms
– Allergic reactions to feminine hygiene products
Risk factors:
– High-risk sexual behavior
– Early age of sexual intercourse
– History of STIs
Complications:
– Pelvic inflammatory disease
– Fertility problems if left untreated
– Increased risk of getting HIV
Prevention:
– Consistent and correct use of condoms
– Being in a committed, monogamous relationship
Location and structure of the cervix:
– Located inside the pelvic cavity, 3 to 6 inches inside the vaginal canal
– Begins at the base of the uterus and extends downward onto the top part of the vagina
– Wider in the middle and narrows at both ends (opens into the uterus and vagina)
– Consists of the internal OS, endocervical canal, ectocervix, and external OS
– Transformation zone (TZ) is the most common site for abnormal cell growth
– About an inch long and varies in size
– Texture and location change during the menstrual cycle
– Made of fibromuscular tissue, lined with glandular cells and squamous cells
– Contains different cell types, including those covering the outermost part of the cervix and vagina
– Transitional zone (TZ) is the focus of screenings for cervical cancer

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