Hemangiosarcoma In Golden Retrievers - 4 Types Of Cancer That Golden Retrievers Can Develop

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death for humans today. Not only is it a concern for people, but for their pets as well. Hemangiosarcoma is very common in certain breeds of dogs, especially golden retrievers. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer found when an aggressive, malignant tumor of blood vessels forms. It grows rapidly and is highly invasive. Unfortunately, dogs that suffer from Hemangiosarcoma don't usually show signs until the tumor has grown very large, making it hard to treat. Eventually the tumor ruptures and causes extensive bleeding. People who own dogs often find out they have Hemangiosarcoma only after their pet collapses.

Four Different Types of Hemangiosarcoma

There are four different types of Hemangiosarcoma that dogs, especially Golden Retrievers, can develop. Dermal Hemangiosarcoma is the skin form of the cancer. The cancer appears as a red or black growth on areas of the dog that have the least hair, such as the stomach. It is the least severe and can be easily removed through surgery. It also has the greatest chance of being cured completely, meaning that the chances of the cancer resurfacing are low.

1. Subcutaneous Hemangiosacroma

Subcutaneous Hemangiosacroma is a type of cancer that forms underneath the skin. The top layer of skin usually looks completely normal but a dark red blood growth lies underneath. Subcutaneous Hemangiosarcoma is very dangerous because up to 60% of this type of cancer spreads internally.

2. Visceral Hermangiosarcoma - The Type That Affects A Dog's Spleen

Visceral Hermangiosarcoma affects a dog's spleen. Although the spleen isn't a necessity for life, it still plays an important role in lymph and blood functions. They are particularly dangerous because whether they are benign or malignant, both tend to rip open and bleed excessively. You may choose to have your dog receive a splenectomy, a procedure where the spleen is removed. Yet, because this type of cancer grows rapidly, there are no guarantees that your dog will be cancer-free.

3. Visceral Hermangiosarcoma - The Type That Affects A Dog's Heart

Visceral Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that affects the heart. Just like Hemangiosarcoma in the spleen, cancer in the heart can be life threatening. A dog's heart is located inside of a sac called the pericardium. With this type of cancer, the pericardium fills up with blood until the point that there is no more room, thus putting immense pressure on the heart. Because it is completely filled, there is no room to fill with the blood that it needs to pump in order to maintain life.

4. Dermal Hemangiosarcoma

The last type of Hemangiosarcoma your dog may get is Dermal Hemangiosarcoma. It is caused by too much sun exposure, so it can be prevented. The causes of the other types however, are undetermined. The human types of Hemangiosarcoma are sometimes caused by exposure to certain chemicals, like vinyl chloride, but it is uncertain whether this has an affect on dogs. Some breeds are more apt to Hemangiosarcoma, so there is most likely a genetic link between the breed and cancer. Golden Retrievers are one of the most common breeds that suffer from this kind of cancer, along with German Sheppards. Because Hemangiosarcoma is rare in humans, there has not been much research done, so the causes are not clear.

Unfortunately, Hemangiosarcoma is not preventable, unless it is the dermal type. There are certain treatments that may cure your dog, so make sure your dog goes to the vet annually to make sure they have optimum health.

Is My Mole Cancerous? How to Tell

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. It is therefore important to recognize the early warning signs of malignant melanoma. A good way to do this is by frequently examining your skin so as to get used to the normal appearance of your moles. This will enable you to easily detect if your moles are changing.

Most moles that occur on the skin are not dangerous. However, there are some that are a cause for medical concern. These moles tend to look different from other existing moles or those that first appear after an individual reaches twenty years old. It is important to consult a qualified dermatologist in the event that you notice any changes in the size, color, shape or height of your mole. You will also need to have your mole examined if it begins to bleed, itch, ooze, become scaly, painful or tender.

A good way to detect whether or not your mole is cancerous is by self examination. You may use a mirror to examine your skin or ask someone to assist you. Be sure to take a closer look at areas of your skin that receive the most sun exposure such as the arms, ears, hands, neck, chest, face, shoulders and upper back.

Examine the front and back of your body, as well as the right and left sides with your arms raised. Check the backs of your legs, feet, as well as spaces between your toes and the soles of your feet. Use a hand mirror to check your back, back of your neck and scalp. When examining your moles it is important to pay attention to the following signs and consult your dermatologist, as it could be cancerous.

· Asymmetry - Where one half of your mole does not match the other half.

· Border - Where the mole edges, are irregular, blurred or ragged.

· Color - Where the mole has non-uniform color or shades of tan, black, brown, white, blue or red.

· Diameter - Where the mole diameter is greater than the size of a pencil eraser.

· Evolution - Where the mole begins to change in size, color or shape.

If your mole does not become altered over time, then you don't have much to worry about. However, consult a dermatologist in the event that you notice signs of change in an existing mole, if a new mole appears or if you want your mole removed for cosmetic reasons.

Preventing and Controlling Skin Cancer

Cancer is becoming more and more prevalent around the world and skin cancer is the most common form. There are two types of skin cancer that are seen the most often - squamous cell and basal cell - and both of them have a high rate of success in curing. There is a third type of skin cancer - melanoma - and it is the most dangerous of all, especially to the younger generations. Why? Because 65 to 90 percent of all melanomas are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. This includes exposure to sunlight.

In 2004 alone - which is the most current statistics available - 50,039 people in the United States alone were diagnosed with some form of melanoma skin cancer. 7,952 people in the United States died from it that same year. Medical organizations and the government do not track incidences for basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer so the number of people in the United States that were diagnosed with a form of skin cancer is probably higher.

Prevention and control for skin cancer is not just determined by what you do to protect yourself. It is also determined by specific risk factors each of us faces. Some people are more prone to the development of skin cancer than others. Risk factors can include, but are not limited to:

o Skin coloring that is light in natures

o Family history of skin cancer

o Personal history of skin cancer

o Exposure to the sun through playing or through the person's job

o History of sunburns during childhood

o Skin that burns, reddens easily, freckles, or hurts when exposed to sunlight

o People with blue or green eyes

o People with blonde or red hair

o People who have a specific type of mole in large quantities over their body.

If you find that you fall into any of these risk factors then prevention and control for skin cancer should become a way of life for you. We cannot avoid going outside and it is proven fact that people need so much sunshine and fresh air for their well-being. With this being the case, anyone who is at risk should practice good prevention and control for skin cancer.

Prevention and control for skin cancer is actually very easy and just requires getting used to using sun-protective practices on a daily basis. It is very easy and here are a few things that medical professionals and governmental organizations recommend for safe outdoor protection from UV rays:

1. Seek a shady spot or go indoors between the hours of 10am and 4pm on a sunny day. This is when the UV rays from the sun hit the Earth the hardest and can do the most damage to your skin. As our ozone layer is thinning, more UVA and UVB rays get through making prevention and control for skin cancer even more important.

2. If you need to be outside during those hours, cover up any exposed skin with clothing. Clothing provides a barrier between your skin and the rays. Wearing white also helps as white reflects sunlight and heat.

3. Wear a hat with a wide brim to protect you face, head, ears, and neck from the sunlight. A baseball cap will leave areas exposed.

4. Get a pair of sunglasses that wrap around your eyes as much as possible and blocks out UVA and UVB rays. Look for a pair that blocks these rays close to 100%.

5. Wear sunscreen that is rated SPF 15 or higher and also blocks UVA and UVB rays. Even if you are just running out to the store, rubbing some sun block on your face, neck, arms and hands will go a long way to protecting you from harmful radiation.

When you use a combination of all these methods as prevention and control for skin cancer, you are giving yourself a better chance of not being stricken with it. Remember that some UV rays can also reach you on cloudy and hazy days and can reflect off of things like water, sand, snow, and cement. Make sure you follow the same methods during these times as you do in the summer.

If you are serious about the prevention and control for skin cancer for yourself, stay away from the tanning beds. Everyone claims they are safer, but it still takes UV rays to give your body that golden look. Even if those UV rays are manmade, they can still cause skin cancer.

One last note: if you notice any abnormalities in moles or freckles on your body, or you see something strange on your skin that has suddenly developed, contact your family doctor right away and have them examined. This could be the first signs of a skin cancer problem and the sooner it is caught and treated, the better off you will be.

Actinic Keratosis Treatments and How To Avoid Cancer

Actinic keratosis is describes a flat patch of skin that appears brown or red, and scaly, due to damage from the sun. This is considered a precancerous growth on the skin. This article will share details as to why this condition develops, how to identify the symptoms and what to do in order to avoid cancer if you discover this condition on your skin.

Actinic Keratosis

Symptoms - A person who has developed this condition will notice a rough and dry skin lesion that begins as a flat and scaly patch. It may appear gray, pink or red or it may be the same color as the skin. This area of skin will have a rough feel to it as well when the fingers are run over the patch.

The affected patch of skin will be localized meaning it is contained in one area and is more common on sun-exposed areas of the body such as the face, ears, scalp, back of the hands, and chest.

Causes - This skin condition is caused by overexposure to the sun possibly years before the discolored patch appears. Persons with light complexions or outdoor occupations are at higher risk.

Diagnosis - Observation of the discolored patch of skin by the person and a subsequent exam by a health care provider are needed for proper diagnosis. A physical examination and even biopsy may be required to rule out the presence of skin cancer.

Treatment - To prevent this lesion from growing into skin cancer, a physician may freeze the patch with liquid nitrogen or apply a cream such as 5-fluorouracil.

Other methods of treatment include burning (electrical cautery), curettage and electrodesiccation (scrapping the lesion away and using an electrical current to remove any remaining cells), or excising (cutting) the lesion. Lasers are beginning to be used in the treatment of actinic keratoses.

Emphasis should be placed on reducing sun exposure and check-ups are advised every 6 months due to possibility of new patches forming or becoming cancerous.

Actinic keratosis is typically benign (non-cancerous), but if you notice an area of roughness in a sun-exposed area of skin, then you should visit your doctor as this could be a pre-cancerous condition.

Don't Take Chances - Know That Skin Cancer Can Be Fatal

People laugh that a person could die from skin cancer but it's true. Skin cancer can be fatal. All those lectures about using sun screen, wearing a hat, sitting under an umbrella, and so forth and so on, really have a good point. You can die from skin cancer.

Skin cancer is one of the most typical types of cancer in people today. There are over a million cases each year. Most of the baby boomers alive today will be diagnosed with skin cancer. How do you know if you need to get checked out?

Check your skin regularly. If there is a change in a wart or a mole or a new growth on the skin that won't go away or heal, then you should get it checked out. There are three different varieties of cancer of the skin.

Basal Cell Carcinoma: this is the most typical form of skin cancer and usually doesn't move into other parts of the body. It is usually caused by being in the sun for prolonged periods of time. The most usual place for formation of this cancer is the face. Age, tanning booths, and radiation also can cause this kind of skin cancer. The best way to not get it is to stay out of the sun.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma: this cancer begins in the flat, scale like cells in the body. This cancer is found inside the body in the respiratory tract and the intestinal tract and the skin. Keratosis forms on the skin and is the precursor of squamous cell carcinoma. This type of cancer can also form around the lip. Sun exposure can change pre-cancerous cells to cancer cells quickly. Unlike Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma CAN spread.

Melanoma: This third type of cancer that strikes the skin is serious. Melanin gives the skin its color. When the skin is in the sun it tans. This means more pigment is changing the depth of color. Small deposits of melanin are sometimes found on the body called moles. Almost everyone has moles. Melanoma is one of the most common types of cancer and affects people of any age. This type of cancer can spread to the lymph nodes and this means there is a possibility to spread to other parts of the body. Lymph nodes are located in all parts of the body. It is like a super highway for the spread of cancer from one place to another. Nobody knows why one person gets melanoma and another doesn't. Abnormal moles have more of a chance to become cancerous than normal ones. The more moles a person has, the better chance he or she has of getting melanoma. People with light skin have more chance of getting melanoma than a person with olive or dark skin. A personal or family history of skin cancer (melanoma) gives a person a bigger chance to get melanoma. A weak immune system gives a person more of a chance of getting skin cancer. Excessive exposure to the sun gives a person more of a chance to get melanoma.

Smegma: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Dead skin cells and sebum oils combine beneath the penis foreskin, and appear as small white lumps. This is known as smegma. While it may be alarming when first noticed, it is a natural occurrence and helps to promote lubrication between the glans and the foreskin. Smegma should be removed through normal washing processes, but in some cases when hygiene is low or washing under the foreskin difficult, smegma may build up and causes problems further down the track. Regular washing, penis health crèmes and medications may be required to control smegma.

Symptoms

Smegma is present beneath the foreskin of all men as the skin is constantly producing it, but it is not always apparent. When it does become visible, smegma appears as moist white materials forming into tiny balls between the glans and foreskin. While smegma is odorless, in some cases when hygiene is very poor smegma can harden into "smegma stones" which can be highly uncomfortable. Eventually hardened smegma can cause cultures of bacteria under the foreskin to increase, and raise the risk of infection and disease. If smegma appears with other symptoms such as itching, inflammation or pain, check with your doctor to rule out sexually transmitted diseases or yeast infections.

Causes

Hygiene: Why don't all men experience smegma? It depends upon the differences in hygiene habits, as washing beneath the foreskin will remove exfoliated skin cells before they can gather sebum oils and become visible smegma. According to a review of research published in The Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology in 2006, researchers have determined that smegma is made up of dead skin cells, oil, prostate secretions, sex hormones and white blood cells. Doctors used to believe that smegma could cause diseases, like prostate cancer, but scientists now understand that smegma is common in adolescents and adult men. It helps to lubricate the space between the head of the penis and the foreskin, and may even have antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Phimosis

Men who experienced difficulty retracting their foreskin back and exposing the head of their penis may have a condition known as phimosis. Most often congenital, phimosis may also be the cause of trauma, infection or scarring. Due to the difficult in retracting the foreskin, hygiene and cleaning is very difficult in many cases, making the presence of smegma more likely. According to a study published in The Journal of Urology in 1973, men with phimosis are almost twice as likely to experience smegma as men without phimosis. If cleaning of the space beneath the foreskin is too difficult and does not remove smegma properly, circumcision or partial circumcision may be required in order to prevent discomfort and the onsent of disease.

Treatment

Washing: Smegma is a natural lubricant and antibacterial agent, but it can build up if penis hygiene is not performed regularly. Regular cleaning of the penis glans beneath the foreskin with soap and warm water helps to remove exfoliated skin cells and keep them from accumulating. This good hygiene practice should be completed every day, especially in men with a tendency for developing smegma, as a preventative measure.

Medications: In some cases antibiotics can have a regulatory effect on sebum oil glands in the skin, and may benefit cases of several smegma build-up when the causes is not due to phimosis or poor hygiene. Antibiotics are commonly used for severe cases of acne, though they take several months to take full effect on the sebum oil glands. Antibiotics can cause side effects in some cases, such as poor immune function, gut dysbiosis and digestive problems. Check with your doctor to find out if antibiotics are appropriate for you.

Crèmes: Penis health Crèmes can help to balance sebum oil glands beneath the foreskin, and keep penis skin moisturized. Many men experience dry skin on their penis, glans and foreskin, due to the high amount of soap they have to use to remove smegma build-up. Specialist topical formulas (most health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) containing nutrients such as vitamin E, C, A, B3 and shea butter may help to support normal skin regeneration, soften dried smegma that's become hardened, and keep the penis skin healthy.

Red Penis - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Red penis symptoms, including redness, itching, or pain, can range from mild to severe, and these symptoms can be easy or difficult to treat. Some of the most common causes of a red penis are as follows:

Red Penis - In the majority of cases, a "red penis" is simply the result of prolonged or aggressive sexual activity, which can cause a penis with insufficient nutrients or dry skin to become red, sensitive, and uncomfortable but generally heal and return to normal appearance within 12 -24 hours.

Symptoms - Penis skin is red and possibly irritated or sensitive, and symptoms will appear immediately following masturbation or intercourse. There are no bumps, lesions, patches or other abnormal indications.

Treatment - Use a nutritional penis creme or penis skin ointment to keep penis skin from drying out. Continue to use a penis specific product that will sustain overall penis health and eliminate future instances of "red penis" and other common penis conditions that can result from frequent masturbation and aggressive sex including, penis vein damage, loss of penis sensitivity, curving or bending of penis, and more.

Balanitis - This is an inflammation of the penis, which can be the result of poor hygiene and failing to wash under the foreskin. Or, this condition may be caused by Thrush (fungus), psoriasis, or even the use of a soap that you are allergic to.

Symptoms - There are bright red, shiny patches, a rash, or dry flaky skin on the penis.

Treatment - Wash your penis thoroughly, have your partner checked for thrush, and use a Candida antifungal treatment. Change your soap and washing powder brand and if symptoms persist consult your health care professional.

Cancer - This extremely rare condition can present itself as red or blue-brown lumps or growths on the penis.

Symptoms - There will be lumps and growths on the shaft and foreskin as well as changes in the color of the skin.

Treatment - Consult your doctor as treatment varies, depending on the size and stage of the cancer. Laser, radiation, and chemical treatment are the most common.

Eczema - Also known as dermatitis, this condition is usually caused by the skin having a reaction to an irritant.

Symptoms - These include itchy, red patches on the skin of the penis, a red, blotchy penis, and flaky skin.

Treatment - Consult your doctor who will prescribe a steroid creme to reduce and prevent the irritation from reoccurring. As an alternative to a steroid creme, first try a nutritional penis creme as steroids are not well tolerated or desired by many men.

Jock Itch - This is a fungal condition that thrives in warm, moist areas.

Symptoms - A red rash may be raised and circular in shape, and itchy.

Treatment - Buy an antifungal creme, spray, or powder for 'Tinea Cruris' and apply as directed. Also, make sure that you change your underwear frequently and use a clean, fresh towel when showering to reduce the spread of infection.

Latex Allergy - If you use condoms when having sex, it may be advisable to check if you have an allergy to latex.

Symptoms - These include a red, itchy rash, and, in severe cases, the sufferer may experience breathing difficulties or hay-fever like symptoms and have an anaphylactic reaction.

Treatment - Use latex free condoms and consult your medial health professional who may prescribe antihistamines or steroids to prevent a severe reaction in the future.

STDs - Many sexually transmitted diseases can cause variations of a red penis, including Chlamydia, Genital Herpes, Gonorrhea, Genital Warts, Syphilis, and HIV AIDS.

Symptoms - These include a red penis that is itchy and has small lumps or discolorations,,or it may have flaking skin and ulcers that often appear a day or even days after having intercourse.

Treatment - Consult your doctor as treatment varies, depending on the form of STD. Also, be aware that, if left untreated, some STDs can have serious health implications and you may infect others.

Health practitioners often recommend a penis health creme that helps many men suffering from penis skin issues. A penis specific creme should contain essential vitamins and minerals necessary for penis health including, Vitamins E, A, B5 and C as well as minerals Acetyl L Carnitine for penis cell rejuvenation and Alpha Lipoic Acid for healthy penis cells via increased oxygen exchange.