A case presented was a 90 year old who had problems with pain and was found to have gallstones. During surgery, the surgeon found besides gallstone, a lesion or tumor in the gallbladder.
Pathologic (microscopic) studies showed that the lesion or tumor originated from her breast. Five (5) years ago, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. No treatment was done because of decisions made by her family. There were no symptoms in the interim.
What are the most frequent metastatic tumors which may reappear many years after primary tumor? They are:
- Malignant melanoma
- Breast carcinoma
- Ovarian carcinoma
- Stromal sarcomas of the uterus
- Others like lung & colon cancer.
General concensus by the doctors in the discussion agreed that factors like age, immune system, genetics and others like complex interplay of host and tumor factors complicated by interventional factors, i.e. other diseases and therapeutic interventions can cause reappearance of dormant cancers.
Immune system is the least understood. However, some factors show that lymphocytes (cells of immune system) are depleted with age, about 90% depletion at 90 years. Therefore, the containment power of the immune system is compromised with age.
Lung and colon cancers may remain dormant for many years, then "takes off" or "flare up" when immune status is compromised.
So co-survivors of cancer, "What are we going to do?" How can we boost our immune system? We cannot just sit around and wait until cancer "flares up!"
I am very fortunate to be able to exercise, choose the right kind of nutritious food, rest and put my trust to someone who "created" me. Yes, fortunate to be surrounded by supportive children, relatives and a wonderful help-meet!
What do I follow? Please click this link: Natural Cures
Overwhelmed? Try to make your lifestyle simple! Have a great day, folks.
