Parsteiner Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Blood Test’

Sun allergies can be a dangerous reaction to the sun especially when many people who suffer from sun allergies don’t even know they have it. Sun allergies can resemble sunburn. This is why many people don’t even realize that they are allergic to sunlight. This is commonly called photosensitivity.

There are some things to look for, though. If you are outside for only a few minutes and already notice redness to exposed parts of your body, you want to be careful when outdoors. Try to cover up these parts of the body by wearing loose, light fitting clothing, a hat and staying in the shade. Some of the more common places are the hands, forearms, legs and back of the neck. The rashes could be itchy or burning and last for a few days. It can go away by itself, or you may need to see a doctor. Treatments for sun allergies range from oral beta-carotene to topical creams. Some more severe cases can include blisters or hives over the body. You should be especially careful if you develop these symptoms on parts of the body that were clothed, like your chest and back.

A doctor may perform some more serious tests such as a biopsy or blood test to rule out any other problems. There are also medications and lotions that can make the skin more susceptible to sun allergies. Read the label of all products to be safe.

There is a difference between sunburn and sun allergies. Sunburns occur when the body’s protective skin pigment can’t protect the skin well enough from ultraviolet light. When you have an allergy to sunlight, your body’s immune system reacts against it. This is what causes the breakout on your skin.

To avoid sun allergies, just a follow a few simple tips:

1. Don’t go outside during peak sunlight hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Your body will have a quicker reaction at this time of day.
2. Don’t deliberately sunbathe, even in tanning beds. Those with sun allergies won’t be happy with the results.
3. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors. Apply it every two hours, after swimming and working out.
4. Dress properly. Wear light clothing, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.

Remember, even if you do not suffer from sun allergies, you should always be safe while outdoors. You can get skin cancer and wrinkles from over exposure to the sun. Wear sunscreen and don’t stay outside during peak sunlight hours longer than you have to.

There are 5 relevant prostate cancer stages that one must be aware of to understand the full scope of the disease. Prostate cancer is one of the deadliest cancers affecting men today. More men die from Prostate Cancer then any other form of cancer. Yet, Prostate cancer is one the few cancers that, if it is caught early enough, can be corrected or controlled.

The first of the 5 prostate cancer stages is usually only found through a blood test or biopsy in the affect region of the body. It is usually found through a prostate-specific antigen level in the blood test. This stage is called T-1, professionally. It consists of a microscopic tumor that is only in the prostate itself. It is undetectable by rectal exams and ultrasounds and usually presents no symptoms. T-1 cancers are usually local cancers.

The second stage of prostate cancer is called T2, professionally. This stage is one where the tumor can be felt through a digital rectal exam. It can also be viewed through ultrasound. The tumor is still confined to the prostate area. T2 cancers are usually local cancers.

The third stage of prostate cancer is a spreading tumor. This stage is professionally known as stage T3. The cancer at this stage will now start to move to the seminal vesicles and close-by tissues. It has not spread yet to the lymph nodes in the body. T3 cancers usually are regional cancers that affect areas just beyond the prostate.

The fourth stage of prostate cancer is afflicting the organs and tissues that reside nearest the prostate. This stage is professionally known as T4. T4 cancers are usually cancers that are regionally located. They reach just beyond the prostate area of the body.

The fifth stage of prostate cancer is afflicting the whole of the body. It can affect any organ, bone or lymph node. This stage is professionally known as N+ or M+. The N+ portion means that it is affecting the pelvic lymph nodes. The M+ portion of this stage means that the cancer is affecting the other lymph nodes, organs and bones that are distant from the prostate area of the body. All the parts that are mentioned for Stage M+ do not have to be afflicted with cancer in order to be classified as M+. At this stage, the cancer is considered to be a metastatic cancer, meaning that the cancer is reaching lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

Prostate cancer stages are hard to diagnose without the help of your doctor. Early detection can save your life or the life of someone you know. The National Cancer Center for Health Statistics stated that of prostate cancer sufferers on record, 99.9% had survived 5 years. Though there were people who had lived considerably longer than that, the study didn’t indicate any further life expectancies beyond this one.