When an individual is diagnosed with cancer, the first thing to be done is to determine which stage the cancer is at. Once that is decided, the further course of action can be charted as most of the information regarding the size, location, and extent of cancer is understood from the stage at which cancer is present. While deciding the stages of myeloma, the factor which is essentially looked at is the symptoms that are being experienced by the patients. Newly-diagnosed myeloma is classified as symptomatic (showing several signs and symptoms) or asymptomatic (not showing any signs or symptoms). The staging of multiple myeloma as explained by the Durie-Salmon system is as follows: The Durie-Salmon Staging System This classifies the condition of multiple myeloma into three stages: Stages I, II, and III. These three stages are further classified into subtypes A and B based on whether the kidney function has been affected or not. Type B indicated that there has been significant damage to the kidney. The three different stages of multiple myeloma as described by this system are as follows: Stage I In this stage, the body usually has a very low count of cancer cells, and thereby the symptoms of multiple myeloma are not shown visibly enough in this stage.

The type of cancer which starts in the lymphocytes is known as lymphoma. Lymphocytes are the cells that are present in the immune system. The two major types of lymphomas are Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. In non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, the two subtypes are T-cell and B-cell lymphomas. 85% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas are B-cell lymphomas. B-cell lymphomas are further classified as indolent or slow-growing lymphomas and aggressive or fast-growing lymphomas. All the non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas are classified from stages of 1 to 4 based on how far the cancer has spread from the original site. The fourth stage is considered to be the most advanced stage of cancer. While the symptoms of the different types of B-cell lymphomas differ from one another in general, based on which subtype of lymphoma is being discussed, some symptoms can be considered to be the main symptoms of B-cell lymphomas. These symptoms are as follows: Difficulty in breathing Fatigue Loss of weight Chest pain Lymph node swelling that occurs in areas such as armpits, neck, or groin Abdominal pain or swelling Coughing Night sweats and fever Some different types of B-cell lymphomas that are indolent and asymptomatic do not require particular treatment. However, the doctor may advise thorough and regular checkups to make sure that the cancer is not advancing or growing from the original site.

Our body has its own regenerative properties. Every time we bleed, have an injury or go through an accident, our body helps us heal through various mechanisms. Even on a general basis, the cells in our body die and regenerate periodically. Cancer occurs when cells start differentiating and accumulating abnormally. Cancer can affect most parts of the body. When the abnormal growth happens with the skin cells, the consequence is a skin cancer. Skin cancer usually develops in the region of skin which is exposed to the sun. People with lighter skin color can be affected by the sun and get sunburnt easily. And thereby, skin cancer can also easily develop in people of lighter skin color or people with greater skin sensitivity than compared to people of other skin colors. Out of the various skin cancers, the different types of skin cancers are broadly divided into three categories: Basal cell carcinoma Known to be the most common type of skin cancer, this cancer appears in flesh color and looks similar to a pearl-like bump. The patch of skin can turn into a type of pink color. As mentioned earlier, while fairer skin people can be more prone to this, even people with a dark complexion can get affected.

Cancer treatment normally combines one or more of the following procedures: Surgery Chemotherapy Radiotherapy Hormone therapy Targeted therapies All these procedures necessitate the use of strong anti-cancer medications, steroids, and multiple medications. This leads to many side effects. Some side effects are mild and are present only for the short term. They will go away as the overall health of the person improves. Some patients are likely to feel just one or a few of the side effects. As per treatment protocols, the team of doctors and nurses will have to brief the patient and the family about possible side effects, the impact on their health, and how to manage them. They will also be advised to watch out for abnormal or specific symptoms that should not be ignored and when they should immediately reach out to a doctor. A few of the main short-term side effects of cancer treatments are: Neutropenia This is the reduction of white blood cells, which could be destroyed along with cancer cells. This leads to symptoms of fever, sore throat, cough, diarrhea, and an urge to urinate constantly. One could also feel shaky or feel trembling and shaking movements. However, these symptoms will go away as the body starts producing more white blood cells.

To treat colon cancer, it is important to determine which stage the cancer is at. The stage of cancer would help in determining the extent of cancer and that helps in drafting the treatment plan accordingly. In most of the stages except for the fourth, surgery might be required to remove the tumor. Several other treatment options are also available to go in conjunction with one another. The following are the treatments available for colon cancer according to the stage: Stage 0 In this stage, the cancer is only found in the innermost lining of the colon. Surgery must be done in this case to remove the affected part. A procedure called polypectomy would be performed by the surgeon which means the tumor and the nearby tissue would be removed. In the case that a larger part of the lining is affected, the surgeon would have to remove the affected part completely, and reattach the healthy tissue for the bowels to still work effectively. This procedure is known as anastomosis. Stage 1 In this stage, the tumor has spread beyond the inner lining of the colon to the second and third layers, surgery would be required to remove the tumor and the tissue around it.