Cancer and Modern Science

This enlightening book was written to help educate readers about soft tissue sarcomas. Sarcomas are found in muscle, cartilage, skeletal muscle, tendons, veins and arteries, skin, nerves, fat, and bone. A better understanding of the cancer of soft tissues will make it easier for patients and their loved ones to first deal-and then, ultimately, successfully live-with it. The book starts by explaining what soft tissues are, how cancers can develop in them, and why the cancers occur in the first place. It describes how soft tissue sarcomas are diagnosed and treated. This book also takes a look at some of the state-of-the-art therapies that are being explored to keep improving a patient's chance of survival and quality of life.

Thoroughly researched and reviewed by an expert oncologist, this book looks closely at bone cancer, a disease that affects mostly children and adolescents. The author clearly explains the various types of bone cancer before discussing individual bone cancer risk factors, including genetic factors. She then goes into a detailed discussion of diagnosis and treatment of the disease. The final chapter examines improved surgical techniques that have led to fewer amputations as well as the technological advances in prosthetics that have greatly improved the lives of bone cancer survivors.

Liver cancer is a cancer arising from the liver or a cancer that has spread to the liver, having originated in other organs (such as the colon, stomach, pancreas, breast, and lung). Liver cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the world. Even when treatments fail to provide much improvement in the liver cancer itself, pain and other signs and symptoms caused by liver cancer can be aggressively treated to improve quality of life. Liver cancer is often deadly, but you can greatly reduce your risk by protecting yourself from hepatitis infection and cirrhosis, the leading causes of the disease. This book introduces the reader to the intriguing, high-tech world of cancer research and treatment, revealing the cutting-edge science that is being harnessed to fight these dread diseases. In addition, the book will show you how to avoid the cancer, what to do if you or a loved one has it, and what the latest treatments and avenues of new research are.

The most common type of kidney cancer in young people is Wilms tumor. Because the majority of Wilms tumors are curable, there are many teens living today who are kidney cancer survivors. Certain kidney cancers are in the top ten of the most common cancers in adults, so learning about how to approach this prevalent group of cancers is crucial. This illuminating book provides readers with a brief review of the structure and function of the kidneys and looks at kidney cancers in detail. It explains what causes kidney cancers, how it develops in relation to lifestyles and individuals, how it is treated-including a look at new treatments that are being developed-and what a person can do to decrease the risks of getting the disease.

Pancreatic cancer begins in the tissues of the pancreas-a large organ that lies behind the stomach. The pancreas secretes enzymes that aid digestion and hormones that help regulate the metabolism of sugars. Pancreatic cancer often has a poor prognosis, even when diagnosed early, and can spread rapidly. Because symptoms tend not to appear until the disease has progressed, the cancer is rarely detected in its early stages, which is a major reason why it's a leading cause of cancer death. Though its risk factors include obesity, smoking, and old age, it is most often associated with a family history of pancreatic cancer and a genetic predisposition to it. This is why the latest genetic research offers such hope for a breakthrough. If the gene or genes responsible for pancreatic cancer can be fixed or replaced with healthy versions, this deadly disease may finally be vanquished.

The thyroid is one of the most important glands in the body because the hormones that it produces affect the entire body's metabolism. It influences the body's reaction to other hormones and its utilization of energy, among other processes. Fortunately, thyroid cancers are usually treatable and rarely fatal. This interesting book begins by discussing how the thyroid functions, then it examines the types of thyroid cancer and how they are diagnosed and treated. It goes on to look at what recovery from treatment is like and what kind of follow-up can be expected. It also investigates current research that might lead to new methods of diagnosis and treatment.

Leukemia is a term that comes from the Greek words for white and blood. It is a group of cancers that usually start in the white blood cells, developing in bone marrow, the blood stream, and the lymphatic system. There are many different kinds; subtypes are named for the white blood cells from which they develop, and are generally divided into lymphoid and myeloid categories. Readers examine the possible causes and types of leukemia, as well as symptoms, diagnosis, and stages. Methods of treatment and coping, and strategies in leukemia research are also covered in this revealing narrative.

In the United States, between fifteen and twenty people out of every one hundred thousand develop brain cancer every year. When a brain tumor occurs, the ever-growing mass of cells compresses and damages other cells in the brain, interfering with brain function. The tumor pushes brain tissue around, creates pressure by pressing against the bones of the skull, and infiltrates healthy brain tissue and around nerves. Unlike other forms of cancer, which are associated with lifestyle activities such as smoking, dietary factors, or drinking, there is little known about why primary brain cancer occurs. Most brain cancer is the result of genetic mutations or changes in the genes that normally keep cells from reproducing in an uncontrolled manner. Because brain cancer is not associated with lifestyle or environmental factors that most people encounter, there is no known way to guard against it at this time, but genetic research and gene-based treatments offer great hope for a breakthrough and a possible cure of this dread disease.

This intriguing narrative provides an overview of esophageal cancers. The esophagus is the muscular tube that carries food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach. The two main types of esophageal cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Unfortunately, both types usually aren't diagnosed until the cancer is very advanced. Although there are no guaranteed means of prevention, people can take steps to lower their risk including following a diet that is rich in fruit and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and drinking only in moderation or not at all. Researchers are seeking better ways to treat esophageal cancer, detect it earlier, and hopefully even prevent it. Sidebars support the main narrative and a full resource section allows for further exploration.

Around the world, cervical cancer is the third most common cancer in women. In this clearly written, expert-reviewed volume, readers will learn all about cervical cancer and its main cause, the human papillomavirus (HPV). The book takes a look at individual risk factors as well as how the disease is diagnosed and treated. In addition, there is a detailed discussion of many of the new, advanced modes of detection and treatment that are helping save lives.

Readers will learn about testicular cancer, its types, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options. Students will learn about the various tests used in diagnosing the cancer as well as staging. Written in an accessible style, the supportive, upbeat narrative provides an overview of symptoms and treatments and explains how to perform a testicular self-examination. Sidebars share additional information and a rich resource section allows for further reading, research, and outreach.

Ovarian cancer is the second most common form of female reproductive system cancer, after uterine cancer. This accessible, highly illustrated book takes a clinical look at ovarian cancer, the cellular processes involved, and the common ways of detecting and treating the disease. The final chapter discusses the cutting-edge medical advances and scientific breakthroughs that are leading to better methods of detection and improved treatment therapies.