Glucagonoma is a rare type of endocrine pancreatic tumor. This means it is a cancer of the glandular endocrine cells of the pancreas rather than the exocrine digestion-related pancreas cells. A "glucagonoma" is a cancer that produces too much production of a hormone called glucagon, which does reduce insulin production. Hence, glucagonoma can interfere with insulin and can give the appearance of diabetes mellitus. However, the effects of too much glucagon are not identical to having too little insulin.
Causes
Causes of this pathology remain unknown, although some genetic factors could play an important role, especially in patients who have a family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN I) or Wermer syndrome.Glucagonoma is usually malignant (cancerous). The cancer tends to spread and get worse. The cancer affects the islet cells of the pancreas. As a result, they produce too much of a hormone called glucagon.
Nonneoplastic pathologies can elevate glucagon levels that are high enough to produce cutaneous manifestations. Hepatic cirrhosis is an example. Since the liver is responsible for glucagon breakdown, cirrhosis may prolong the effective plasma half-life of glucagon and contribute to abnormally high serum levels. NME with normal glucagon levels has been reported in celiac sprue and pancreatitis; similar skin findings can present with cystic fibrosis.
Causes of this pathology remain unknown, although some genetic factors could play an important role, especially in patients who have a family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN I) or Wermer syndrome. The excess glucagon causes symptoms such as glucose intolerance and hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar). Spreading of the cancer (metastasis) to the liver may occur. Glucagonoma also cause a distinctive skin lesion called necrolytic migratory erythema. Symptoms
Glucagonoma is a tumor with a slow rate of growth. Most of the cases start with nonspecific symptoms. In a report of patients with functional pancreatic tumors, the average delay of diagnosis was 3 years. Approximately 50% of cases have metastases at diagnosis. For patients with metastases at diagnosis, the prognosis is poor.
Symptom information has been gathered from various sources, may not be fully accurate, and may not be the full list of symptoms of Glucagonoma. Furthermore, symptoms of Glucagonoma may vary on an individual basis for each patient. Only your doctor can provide adequate diagnosis of symptoms and whether they are indeed symptoms of Glucagonoma.
The primary physiological effect of glucagonoma is an overproduction of the peptide hormone glucagon, which enhances blood glucose levels through the activation of catabolic processes including gluconeogenesis and lipolysis. Gluconeogenesis produces glucose from protein and amino acid materials; lipolysis is the breakdown of fat. The net result is hyperglucagonemia, decreased blood levels of amino acids (hypoaminoacidemia), anemia, diarrhea, and weight loss of 5-15 kg.
Treatment
All reported glucagonomas with the cutaneous syndrome originated from single pancreatic tumors of considerable size (diameter 1.5-35 cm).(319;327). All tumors occurred in the tail or body of the pancreas, where A cells normally are abundant, deriving from the dorsal anlage of the pancreas. At the time of diagnosis, 62% of the tumors had metastases. Glucagonomas not associated with the syndrome but characterized by morphologic and/or chemical criteria are diagnosed in various ways. First, the tumor may appear as a malignant pancreatic tumor, discovered because of local growth, with or without metastases. Second, the tumor may be associated with an insulinoma, gastrinoma, or as part of the MEN-1 syndrome.
Monday, September 01, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Herbal Medicines For Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an intolerance to gluten, normally hereditary but occasionally the result of a bout of gastroenteritis in childhood. The term is derived from the Greek word koiliakos, which means "suffering in the bowels." As far as is known, there is an inability of the cells lining the upper part of the small intestine to break down gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, oats, barley, and rye. The disease reduces the intestines' ability to absorb nutritive substances from the diet and so is a cause of malabsorption. It is a condition that presents itself in small children, but is only diagnosed by a biopsy, which means removing a small sample of tissue from the colon in order to analyze it. Tests for it using blood and urine are currently being developed.
Celiac disease is less prevalent in children who are breastfed or introduced late to foods containing gluten. Many complementary practitioners believe that restoring the balance of beneficial bacteria in the bowel and improving the efficiency of the immune system will provide a cure. Constitutional treatment by a homeopath may also work to make the sufferer less sensitive to gluten - to the point that a gluten-free diet may be finally unnecessary.
Signs of possible celiac disease include an inability to gain weight, constipation, or, alternatively, bulky, smelly, frequent bowel movements, decreased muscle tone, protruding stomach, and general lethargy. The only effective treatment is to remove gluten from the diet, permanently or temporarily, but this must be done under the supervision of a physician or practitioner. Some sufferers outgrow their intolerance and can eventually return to eating a normal diet.
Nontropical sprue is a disease that occurs in adults. It is very like celiac disease and is treated in the same way, by excluding all gluten from the diet.
Symptoms often mimic other problems such as lactose intolerance (a sensitivity to the sugar in milk), as well as allergies, cystic fibrosis, immune deficiencies, or emotional problems. It is important that these are ruled out first, before removing gluten from the diet.
Treatment
Diet and Nutrition Breastfeed babies if possible: research indicates a possible link between celiac disease and formula-feeding. Avoid foods containing gluten for the first year of the child's life, including bread, cookies, cakes, and gravy thickened with flour. Switch to rice crackers and corn products. Avoid commercially prepared foods that often contain flour. Read all ingredient labels carefully. An allergy to milk may be involved in this condition: avoid cows' milk where possible. Eat fresh fish, vegetables, fruits, and nuts.
Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:
Herbal Medicine
A herbalist may prescribe slippery elm, marshmallow, camomile, or papain. Research indicates that papain - an extract of papaya, which is available as a supplement - may break down the gluten so that it does no harm.
About the Author
Read out for home remedies. Check out pregnancy and homeopathic remedies
Celiac disease is less prevalent in children who are breastfed or introduced late to foods containing gluten. Many complementary practitioners believe that restoring the balance of beneficial bacteria in the bowel and improving the efficiency of the immune system will provide a cure. Constitutional treatment by a homeopath may also work to make the sufferer less sensitive to gluten - to the point that a gluten-free diet may be finally unnecessary.
Signs of possible celiac disease include an inability to gain weight, constipation, or, alternatively, bulky, smelly, frequent bowel movements, decreased muscle tone, protruding stomach, and general lethargy. The only effective treatment is to remove gluten from the diet, permanently or temporarily, but this must be done under the supervision of a physician or practitioner. Some sufferers outgrow their intolerance and can eventually return to eating a normal diet.
Nontropical sprue is a disease that occurs in adults. It is very like celiac disease and is treated in the same way, by excluding all gluten from the diet.
Symptoms often mimic other problems such as lactose intolerance (a sensitivity to the sugar in milk), as well as allergies, cystic fibrosis, immune deficiencies, or emotional problems. It is important that these are ruled out first, before removing gluten from the diet.
Treatment
Diet and Nutrition Breastfeed babies if possible: research indicates a possible link between celiac disease and formula-feeding. Avoid foods containing gluten for the first year of the child's life, including bread, cookies, cakes, and gravy thickened with flour. Switch to rice crackers and corn products. Avoid commercially prepared foods that often contain flour. Read all ingredient labels carefully. An allergy to milk may be involved in this condition: avoid cows' milk where possible. Eat fresh fish, vegetables, fruits, and nuts.
Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:
Herbal Medicine
A herbalist may prescribe slippery elm, marshmallow, camomile, or papain. Research indicates that papain - an extract of papaya, which is available as a supplement - may break down the gluten so that it does no harm.
About the Author
Read out for home remedies. Check out pregnancy and homeopathic remedies
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Herbal Medicines For Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an intolerance to gluten, normally hereditary but occasionally the result of a bout of gastroenteritis in childhood. The term is derived from the Greek word koiliakos, which means "suffering in the bowels." As far as is known, there is an inability of the cells lining the upper part of the small intestine to break down gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, oats, barley, and rye. The disease reduces the intestines' ability to absorb nutritive substances from the diet and so is a cause of malabsorption. It is a condition that presents itself in small children, but is only diagnosed by a biopsy, which means removing a small sample of tissue from the colon in order to analyze it. Tests for it using blood and urine are currently being developed.
Celiac disease is less prevalent in children who are breastfed or introduced late to foods containing gluten. Many complementary practitioners believe that restoring the balance of beneficial bacteria in the bowel and improving the efficiency of the immune system will provide a cure. Constitutional treatment by a homeopath may also work to make the sufferer less sensitive to gluten - to the point that a gluten-free diet may be finally unnecessary.
Signs of possible celiac disease include an inability to gain weight, constipation, or, alternatively, bulky, smelly, frequent bowel movements, decreased muscle tone, protruding stomach, and general lethargy. The only effective treatment is to remove gluten from the diet, permanently or temporarily, but this must be done under the supervision of a physician or practitioner. Some sufferers outgrow their intolerance and can eventually return to eating a normal diet.
Nontropical sprue is a disease that occurs in adults. It is very like celiac disease and is treated in the same way, by excluding all gluten from the diet.
Symptoms often mimic other problems such as lactose intolerance (a sensitivity to the sugar in milk), as well as allergies, cystic fibrosis, immune deficiencies, or emotional problems. It is important that these are ruled out first, before removing gluten from the diet.
Treatment
Diet and Nutrition Breastfeed babies if possible: research indicates a possible link between celiac disease and formula-feeding. Avoid foods containing gluten for the first year of the child's life, including bread, cookies, cakes, and gravy thickened with flour. Switch to rice crackers and corn products. Avoid commercially prepared foods that often contain flour. Read all ingredient labels carefully. An allergy to milk may be involved in this condition: avoid cows' milk where possible. Eat fresh fish, vegetables, fruits, and nuts.
Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:
Herbal Medicine
A herbalist may prescribe slippery elm, marshmallow, camomile, or papain. Research indicates that papain - an extract of papaya, which is available as a supplement - may break down the gluten so that it does no harm.
About the Author
Celiac disease is less prevalent in children who are breastfed or introduced late to foods containing gluten. Many complementary practitioners believe that restoring the balance of beneficial bacteria in the bowel and improving the efficiency of the immune system will provide a cure. Constitutional treatment by a homeopath may also work to make the sufferer less sensitive to gluten - to the point that a gluten-free diet may be finally unnecessary.
Signs of possible celiac disease include an inability to gain weight, constipation, or, alternatively, bulky, smelly, frequent bowel movements, decreased muscle tone, protruding stomach, and general lethargy. The only effective treatment is to remove gluten from the diet, permanently or temporarily, but this must be done under the supervision of a physician or practitioner. Some sufferers outgrow their intolerance and can eventually return to eating a normal diet.
Nontropical sprue is a disease that occurs in adults. It is very like celiac disease and is treated in the same way, by excluding all gluten from the diet.
Symptoms often mimic other problems such as lactose intolerance (a sensitivity to the sugar in milk), as well as allergies, cystic fibrosis, immune deficiencies, or emotional problems. It is important that these are ruled out first, before removing gluten from the diet.
Treatment
Diet and Nutrition Breastfeed babies if possible: research indicates a possible link between celiac disease and formula-feeding. Avoid foods containing gluten for the first year of the child's life, including bread, cookies, cakes, and gravy thickened with flour. Switch to rice crackers and corn products. Avoid commercially prepared foods that often contain flour. Read all ingredient labels carefully. An allergy to milk may be involved in this condition: avoid cows' milk where possible. Eat fresh fish, vegetables, fruits, and nuts.
Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:
Herbal Medicine
A herbalist may prescribe slippery elm, marshmallow, camomile, or papain. Research indicates that papain - an extract of papaya, which is available as a supplement - may break down the gluten so that it does no harm.
About the Author
Read out for home remedies. Check out pregnancy and homeopathic remedies
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Curing the Symptoms of a Sinusitis Infection
Sinusitis infections are a common condition which many people suffer from each year. There are many factors which contribute to a sinusitis infection. Frequently, the sinusitis will begin because of a cold or allergy though it can also develop because of fungal infections, reflux disease, and many other diseases such as cystic fibrosis. The sinusitis itself begins when the sinus cavity lining becomes swollen, usually because of a cold or allergy. When bacteria enter the sinus cavities and attack the swollen lining, greater inflammation occurs which causes the cilia, which usually flushes out mucus and bacteria that pollute the sinus cavities, to not function properly and therefore the bacteria and mucus become trapped which then causes the sinusitis infection.
There are many types of symptoms that may be experienced with a sinusitis infection. Some of the most common symptoms which may appear as cold like symptoms are cough, congestion, postnasal drip, green nasal discharge, and facial pain and pressure. A person may also experience a headache or even tooth pain due to the pressure of the inflammation pushing on the nerves in face. When the sinusitis infection lasts for twelve or more weeks it is then considered chronic sinusitis. With chronic sinusitis a person may also experience loss of sense of taste and smell and they also may become fatigued. Depending on which sinus cavity that the infection lies, there may also be other symptoms experienced.
There are several treatments which are used to treat a sinusitis infection. One common treatment which is used is over the counter or prescribed nasal sprays. Nasal sprays work by distributing saline solution or medication up into the sinuses. The nasal sprays however have a large particle size that cannot make it past the inflammation at the opening of the sinus cavities and up to where the infection lies. The nasal sprays may only offer relief to the lower part of the sinuses. Oral antibiotics are also a commonly prescribed medication by physicians. Oral antibiotics work on many types of infections by flowing through the blood stream to the area of infection. The sinus cavities only contain a small amount of blood vessels therefore it is difficult for an efficient amount of antibiotic to arrive at the sinusitis infection. Oral antibiotics also can cause problems throughout the rest of the body, such as abdominal pain. Another newer form of treatment is aerosolized medications. Aerosolized medications work great because they are directly distributed into the sinus cavities so that they can cure the problem where it started.
Home remedies are also frequently used. Some people may breathe in hot steam. The steam is meant to help moisturize the sinuses and help thin the mucus. Though the steam may offer temporary relief and help some symptoms, in there is in fact an infection, only antibiotics may help cure it. Irrigation is also another common home remedy. Irrigation is used by inserting saline solution in to the sinus cavities to also help moisten them. Just like steam, this may only offer temporary relief and medication will need to be used.
Another option in treating a sinusitis infection when all other treatments have failed is sinus surgery. Sinus surgery is painful, can leave scar tissue which can lead to future problems, and usually only offers temporary relief since only a portion of the inflammation and infection is removed and so the sinusitis infection often returns.
Just like in any medical condition, different treatments work for different people. In sinusitis it all depends on what stage the sinusitis is in along with other factors. What is important is finding the treatment form that works best for you and treating the sinusitis before it gets to a chronic stage that may create more problems and involve more extreme treatment options.
About the Author
More sinusitis infection treatment information like Aerosolized Sinusitis Therapy can be found at Sinus Infection Problem - Sinus Dynamic
There are many types of symptoms that may be experienced with a sinusitis infection. Some of the most common symptoms which may appear as cold like symptoms are cough, congestion, postnasal drip, green nasal discharge, and facial pain and pressure. A person may also experience a headache or even tooth pain due to the pressure of the inflammation pushing on the nerves in face. When the sinusitis infection lasts for twelve or more weeks it is then considered chronic sinusitis. With chronic sinusitis a person may also experience loss of sense of taste and smell and they also may become fatigued. Depending on which sinus cavity that the infection lies, there may also be other symptoms experienced.
There are several treatments which are used to treat a sinusitis infection. One common treatment which is used is over the counter or prescribed nasal sprays. Nasal sprays work by distributing saline solution or medication up into the sinuses. The nasal sprays however have a large particle size that cannot make it past the inflammation at the opening of the sinus cavities and up to where the infection lies. The nasal sprays may only offer relief to the lower part of the sinuses. Oral antibiotics are also a commonly prescribed medication by physicians. Oral antibiotics work on many types of infections by flowing through the blood stream to the area of infection. The sinus cavities only contain a small amount of blood vessels therefore it is difficult for an efficient amount of antibiotic to arrive at the sinusitis infection. Oral antibiotics also can cause problems throughout the rest of the body, such as abdominal pain. Another newer form of treatment is aerosolized medications. Aerosolized medications work great because they are directly distributed into the sinus cavities so that they can cure the problem where it started.
Home remedies are also frequently used. Some people may breathe in hot steam. The steam is meant to help moisturize the sinuses and help thin the mucus. Though the steam may offer temporary relief and help some symptoms, in there is in fact an infection, only antibiotics may help cure it. Irrigation is also another common home remedy. Irrigation is used by inserting saline solution in to the sinus cavities to also help moisten them. Just like steam, this may only offer temporary relief and medication will need to be used.
Another option in treating a sinusitis infection when all other treatments have failed is sinus surgery. Sinus surgery is painful, can leave scar tissue which can lead to future problems, and usually only offers temporary relief since only a portion of the inflammation and infection is removed and so the sinusitis infection often returns.
Just like in any medical condition, different treatments work for different people. In sinusitis it all depends on what stage the sinusitis is in along with other factors. What is important is finding the treatment form that works best for you and treating the sinusitis before it gets to a chronic stage that may create more problems and involve more extreme treatment options.
About the Author
More sinusitis infection treatment information like Aerosolized Sinusitis Therapy can be found at Sinus Infection Problem - Sinus Dynamic
Monday, October 08, 2007
Himalayan Sea Salt versus White Table Salt
Learn the difference between commercial salt and natural, organic, gourmet Himalayan sea salt crystal. Most people buy iodized salt from the grocery store and don't think a thing about it. They don't realize that good Himalayan sea salt can help give them good health, while refined salt can create some health risks. Salt comes from the sea. It may have been laid down centuries ago in salt deposits, or it may have been dehydrated from pure seawater. Grocery store salt is different from salt from natural sources. It has been heated-up to 1200° F.!-and refined to remove most of the natural elements. Grocery store salt is mostly chemical sodium chloride, while natural Himalayan sea salt has up to 84 natural minerals in it.
Your body craves natural salt. In fact, your blood actually contains 0.9% salt, which maintains the delicate balance of sodium throughout your body. Just about every system in your body needs good Himalayan sea salt to make it work. It is especially important for your nervous system, but every body structure absolutely requires it. The National Academy of Sciences advises that we consume at least 500 mg. of sodium a day to maintain good health. How much a person actually needs varies quite a bit, depending on their genetics and daily routine.
Popular diets say you should reduce or even eliminate dietary salt for good health, especially for cardiovascular disease. However, studies from Scotland, Finland and the United States showed little or no correlation between reducing your salt intake and reducing coronary heart disease. Perhaps refined table salt, which can act like a poison in your body, can be more of a risk. But the research is undeniable: reducing or eliminating dietary salt is basically wrong. Your body absolutely requires salt, but it has to be the right kind. Pure, natural unrefined Original Himalayan Sea Crystal Salt™ is such a salt. It gives you the healthy nutrients you need, in a form your body can use. It is pink because of the natural minerals in it! Gourmets say Himalayan sea salt tastes fantastic, with a richness you may have never tasted before from grocery store salt.
Natural health practitioners are convinced that good Himalayan crystal sea salt can improve your health. It keeps you safe and healthy during exercise; in fact, high-altitude hikers make sure they get enough so they don't go into hyperthermia. Taking adequate dietary salt has improved and even eliminated Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Hypertension and stomach cancer have been linked to salt imbalance from improper dietary intake. Cystic fibrosis has been linked to improper salt metabolism. Expectant mothers are always advised to take enough salt in order to help create a healthy infant.
If you've never tried good Himalayan sea salt, you are going to be amazed at how good it tastes and how affordable it is. You may also be surprised at how quickly your health improves from using good, natural, organic Himalayan sea salt.
About the Author
Isabella founded http://www.solaywellness.com after learning how beneficial natural salt is and about it's many uses, as well as how it can be used to help people look and feel better and live healthier. Visit Solay wellness for all of your natural home needs, personal care, plant food and gourmet salts.
Your body craves natural salt. In fact, your blood actually contains 0.9% salt, which maintains the delicate balance of sodium throughout your body. Just about every system in your body needs good Himalayan sea salt to make it work. It is especially important for your nervous system, but every body structure absolutely requires it. The National Academy of Sciences advises that we consume at least 500 mg. of sodium a day to maintain good health. How much a person actually needs varies quite a bit, depending on their genetics and daily routine.
Popular diets say you should reduce or even eliminate dietary salt for good health, especially for cardiovascular disease. However, studies from Scotland, Finland and the United States showed little or no correlation between reducing your salt intake and reducing coronary heart disease. Perhaps refined table salt, which can act like a poison in your body, can be more of a risk. But the research is undeniable: reducing or eliminating dietary salt is basically wrong. Your body absolutely requires salt, but it has to be the right kind. Pure, natural unrefined Original Himalayan Sea Crystal Salt™ is such a salt. It gives you the healthy nutrients you need, in a form your body can use. It is pink because of the natural minerals in it! Gourmets say Himalayan sea salt tastes fantastic, with a richness you may have never tasted before from grocery store salt.
Natural health practitioners are convinced that good Himalayan crystal sea salt can improve your health. It keeps you safe and healthy during exercise; in fact, high-altitude hikers make sure they get enough so they don't go into hyperthermia. Taking adequate dietary salt has improved and even eliminated Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Hypertension and stomach cancer have been linked to salt imbalance from improper dietary intake. Cystic fibrosis has been linked to improper salt metabolism. Expectant mothers are always advised to take enough salt in order to help create a healthy infant.
If you've never tried good Himalayan sea salt, you are going to be amazed at how good it tastes and how affordable it is. You may also be surprised at how quickly your health improves from using good, natural, organic Himalayan sea salt.
About the Author
Isabella founded http://www.solaywellness.com after learning how beneficial natural salt is and about it's many uses, as well as how it can be used to help people look and feel better and live healthier. Visit Solay wellness for all of your natural home needs, personal care, plant food and gourmet salts.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)