Tumors

What causes a tumor? Sometimes cells of the body keep on dividing when new cells are not needed; this mass of cells forms a growth or tumor. A benign tumor does not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body. Often the cause is unknown. It might be linked to Environmental toxin, Genetics, Diet, Stress, Local trauma or injury, inflammation or infection. The outlook with benign tumors is usually very good. They can be very serious if they press on vital structures such as blood vessels or nerves. Benign tumors usually, but not always, need no treatment. There are several types of benign tumors.

Malignant tumor cells are abnormal and divide without control or order. Malignant tumors can invade and destroy the tissue around them. They also can break away and enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system. This is how cancer spreads. Both diabetes and cancer are considered inflammatory diseases, and involve inflammation at the cellular level.

Today, there are many effective treatments for cancer, but some approaches can affect blood glucose (sugar) levels. Certain cancer medications can worsen diabetic complications, such as kidney, nerve, and heart disease. For example cisplatin (Platinol) a widely used chemotherapy medication can damage nerves and kidneys. The diabetic who already takes insulin sometimes require two or three times their usual dose when undergoing therapy. In type 2 diabetes oral medications may not be adequate for blood sugar control. The doctor may put you on insulin shots for a while. If a patient throws up or has diarrhea after eating because of their chemotherapy, they may not absorb the food, causing their blood sugar to drop too low. Uncontrolled high blood sugar can -among other things - cause dehydration. Thus, it is important to detect and prevent high blood sugar. At times it becomes more of a juggling act between high and low blood sugar.

Corticosteroids, often simply called steroids, are natural hormones and hormone-like drugs that are useful in the treatment of many types of cancer, as well as other illnesses. When these drugs are used as part of cancer treatment, they are considered chemotherapy drugs. Steroids like dexamethasone, a glucocorticoid, is often used to control side effects during chemotherapy and are known to worsen blood sugar control also. It is an anti-inflammatory drug given to decrease swelling. It is often given as an injection into a vein prior to chemo. It can also be taken as a tablet. Diaberics should always tell the physician they are a diabetic , what type and what they take for it, before taking any steroid.

Common Risk Factors

• Overall, men are more likely to develop both cancer and type 2 diabetes than women.
• Overweight and obese people, according to information gathered, are more likely to develop cancer than lean people. While it's clear that losing weight reduces the risk for type 2 diabetes, less is known about whether weight loss combats cancer.
• Limited red and processed meats and abundant vegetables, fruits, and whole grains are associated with a lower risk for many types of cancer.
• Studies show that regular physical activity lowers the risk of developing several types of cancer.
• Smoking is associated with lung and several other types of cancer.

Important Warning Signs of Cancer

• Unusal bleeding or discharge from any internal or external body site. The most common symptom of uterine cancer is bleeding.
• A lump or thickening in any area, but especially the breast.
• A sore that does not heal
• Changes in bowel or bladder habits
• Persistant cough or hoarseness
• Difficulty in size or shape of a wart or mole
• Unexplained weight loss

If you observe any of these signs, it does not mean you have cancer, but you should bring it to the attention of your doctor.