Tongue cancer, or oral cancer, is a relatively rare form of the disease that affects many people. It’s growing more common over time, most likely due to higher use of tobacco and alcohol products. Unfortunately, it can be easily missed by patients or health care providers, leading to a delay in diagnosis resulting in poorer outcomes. Whether you know someone with tongue cancer, have been recently diagnosed yourself, or just want to know what you can do to reduce your risk for developing it - learning about the causes of tongue cancer is essential in awareness and prevention.

How is Tongue Cancer Caused?

Some of the important reasons and risk factors responsible for tongue cancer are mentioned below: 

• Genetic mutation – There are two very well-known genes whose alteration has been found to be linked with the incidence of various types of head and neck cancer, including tongue cancer. These two genes are EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) and p53 (Tumor suppressor protein 53).
• Smoking – Smoking is one of the major and most common tongue cancer reasons. The propensity of tongue squamous cell carcinoma in regular smokers is about 10 times higher than in non-smokers. The cigarette smoke contains many known cancer-causing agents such as polycyclic hydrocarbons and nitroso compounds. These compounds can cause damage to cellular DNA in the tongue, causing it to overgrow.
• Tobacco chewing – Similar to smoking, tobacco chewing is also an important causative agent for tongue cancer. Here, the harmful cancer-causing chemicals are directly released into the oral cavity and over the tongue.
• Alcohol consumption – Regular and heavy alcohol users are also at higher risk of developing tongue cancer. Alcohol is known to be metabolised into aldehyde which can change DNA functioning.
• HPV infection – Human papillomavirus infection is another reason behind tongue cancer incidence. Persistent HPV infection has shown a strong link to the incidence of tongue cancer and other oropharyngeal cancer (up to 70 % of cases of oropharyngeal cancer linked to HPV infection).
• Poor oral hygiene – Poor oral hygiene, which includes not cleaning teeth and gums regularly, poor diet, betel chewing and exposure to radiation. can enhance the risk of tongue cancer.
• Weak immunity – People with weak immunity are often at risk for developing many forms of cancers, including tongue cancer.

Throat cancer refers to cancer that occurs in different parts of the throat and includes cancer of the larynx (voice box), pharynx, and sometimes thyroid gland. this cancer can be a life-threatening disease, and it's important to understand the causes of this illness. Unfortunately, throat cancer is not as widely debated and discussed as other types of cancers - such as breast and prostate - so many people aren't aware of the risk factors connected to it. In this article, we examine some common causes of throat cancer that everyone should be aware of in order to take proactive steps towards better prevention or screening methods.

How is Throat Cancer Caused?

There are a wide range of causes of throat cancer. The common reasons and risks for throat cancer occurrence are below mentioned:

• Oral HPV infection – Infection with the human papillomavirus enhances the chances of developing throat cancer. Particularly, the individuals infected with HPV type 16 have shown a propensity towards throat cancer incidence.
• Genetic mutations: A certain mutation or change in the genetic material of the throat cells allows them to overgrow. Such genetic changes could be acquired or passed from parents to offspring, making them prone to cancer.
• Family history – People who have a family history or personal history of any form of head and neck cancer are prone to develop throat cancer.
• Chewing betel quid – Chewing betel quid that includes betel leaves, areca nut, and many stimulants has been documented as one of the major throat cancer reasons. This is common in many Asian countries, correlating with higher throat cancer incidences for these reasons.
• Tobacco products – Consistent consumption of tobacco products in any form, like smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, or even sniffing tobacco products, have been linked to throat cancer incidence.
• Alcohol consumption – Regular and heavy alcohol use has been found to be associated with a higher incidence of certain head and neck cancer,s including throat cancer. Research studies have shown that even moderate drinkers have 1.8-fold higher risks of pharyngeal cancers and 1.4-fold higher risks of laryngeal cancer (voice box) cancers than non-drinkers.
• Poor diet – A diet without sufficient fruits and vegetables is also a reason behind the increased risk of throat cancer.
• EBV infection – Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is a gamma human herpes virus type 4, can also increase the risk of throat cancer incidence.

Liver cancer is an often misunderstood and overlooked type of cancer that can have far-reaching impacts on a person’s health. Several risk factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and medical conditions, cause this devastating disease. To help further understand what causes liver cancer and how to reduce its likelihood of occurrence in individuals, we will take a look at the various risks associated with liver cancer development in this article. Ultimately, through understanding the key causes of liver cancer and taking charge of our health choices, we can work towards reducing the number of lives affected by this disease each year.

How is Liver Cancer Caused?

So, what are the causes of liver cancer? Liver cancer arises when the DNA of liver cells experiences mutations, leading to a cascade of changes within the body. DNA serves as the blueprint for vital chemical processes, dictating the functioning of every cell. Altered DNA instructions can disrupt the balance, giving rise to uncontrolled cell growth and the formation of cancerous masses known as tumours.

Although certain cases of liver cancer can be traced back to chronic hepatitis infections, there are instances where the cause remains elusive. Unravelling the intricate puzzle of this disease is key to understanding its origins in individuals without underlying health conditions.

The following are some of the common risk factors that cause liver cancer.

Factors that increase your risk of liver cancer are:

1. Chronic HBV or HCV infection: Hepatitis B or C viruses can significantly raise your chances of developing liver cancer.
2. Cirrhosis: This irreversible liver condition, characterised by the formation of scar tissue, increases the likelihood of liver cancer.
3. Certain inherited liver diseases: Hemochromatosis and Wilson's disease are examples of liver diseases that can heighten the risk of liver cancer.
4. Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes have a higher susceptibility to liver cancer.
5. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: The accumulation of fat in the liver can increase the risk of liver cancer.
6. Exposure to aflatoxins: Aflatoxins, poisonous substances produced by certain moulds, can contaminate improperly stored crops like grains and nuts, leading to an increased risk of liver cancer if consumed.
7. Excessive alcohol consumption: Drinking more than a moderate amount of alcohol daily for an extended period can cause irreversible liver damage and raise the risk of liver cancer.

Esophageal cancer affects the esophagus, the muscular tube connecting your throat to your stomach. It is a challenging disease, with the early signs being unable to swallow solid food (solid food dysphagia), which can progress into difficulty in liquid food swallowing. While it may seem like an elusive condition that’s hard to predict or prevent, identifying some of the primary causes of esophageal cancer can help you understand how you could reduce your personal risk for this serious health issue. In this article, we will go over what causes esophageal cancer and the potential factors that may lead to this severe condition.

How is Esophageal Cancer caused?

Broadly, the causes of esophageal cancer can be categorised as follows:

• Genetic mutations – Mutations in certain genes (e.g. gene TEC (tylosis with esophageal cancer)) might be the reason behind certain esophageal cancers
• Family history – A family history of certain genetic syndromes like Howel-Evans syndrome (palmoplantar keratosis), Bloom syndrome (one of the reasons associated with leukemia, lymphomas), Wilms tumour (or chromosomal breakage syndrome); etc., have been found to increase the propensity of esophageal cancer.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - The presence of GERD has shown a strong correlation to the development of esophageal cancer.
• Presence of diseases - Diseases like gastrectomy, atrophic gastritis, and caustic strictures. is known to increase the chances of esophageal cancer occurrence.
• Infections – Infections like the Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection can increase the chances of esophageal cancer.
• Lifestyle factors – Lifestyle factors play a major role in esophageal cancer incidence. These include –
  • Smoking and Alcohol – Smoking and alcohol consumption on a regular basis may cause damage to esophageal cells and further development of esophageal cancer.
  • Unhealthy Diet – A diet without sufficient fruits and vegetables and rich in processed food increases the chances of esophageal cancer.
  • Drinking beverages – Having more beverages on a daily basis, particularly that of high temperature, are known to enhance the chances of esophageal cancer.
  • Obesity & high body mass index – Both are known risk factors for esophagus cancer.
• Barrett esophagus – Barrett's esophagus can lead to a unique replacement of tissue in your esophagus, resembling that of your intestines and is one of the most common diseases that can cause esophageal cancer.

Psoriasis is a skin disease affecting over 125 million people worldwide. It causes red, dry and scaly patches on the skin that can be itchy or sore. These patches often appear on areas like the elbows, scalp, knees and lower back, but they can show up anywhere. Importantly, psoriasis is not contagious, which means you can't catch it from someone else.

In this blog, we’ll explain what psoriasis is, how it’s different from eczema and what causes it.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic skin problem that is characterised by red, dry and scaly skin areas. These patches can be sore or itchy and are often seen on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back, but they can show up anywhere on the body. Psoriasis happens because the immune system makes skin cells grow too quickly. Instead of taking weeks, the skin cells build up in just a few days, leading to thick patches.

Psoriasis is not contagious, which means you can't catch it from someone else. It can come and go, with times when it gets worse (called flare-ups) and times when it gets better. There’s no cure, but treatments like creams, light therapy or tablets can help manage the condition.

Difference between eczema and psoriasis

Eczema and psoriasis are both skin conditions, but they are not the same. Here are the key differences:

What causes psoriasis?

The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but studies show it is related to an overactive immune system, in which a person’s immune system gets attacked by healthy skin cells by mistake, causing inflammation and impacting other organs and tissues in the body. Moreover, scientists do not fully understand what triggers the faulty immune cell activation against its cells, but they know that its activation involves a combination of genetics and environmental factors.

Some external factors that may increase the risk of developing psoriasis in a person include:

• Problems with the immune system

One of the main types of cells of the immune system is called a T-cell which usually travels through the body to detect and fight invading germs, such as bacteria. But in the condition of psoriasis, the immune cells start to attack healthy skin cells causing the deepest skin layer to produce new skin cells within 3-4 days, which usually takes a month. This triggers the immune system to produce more T-cells. However, the exact reason for this problem is not known but certain factors like genes and environmental factors may play a role.

• Genetics

People living with psoriasis are also known to have a family history of this condition, and researchers have pinpointed some genes that may contribute to its development. Different combinations of these genes may likely make people more prone to developing the condition.

However, having these genes does not necessarily mean a person will develop psoriasis and most of them play an important role in the function of the immune system which during the condition of psoriasis activates the immune response.

• Other reasons for psoriasis

In case of early psoriasis, the symptoms may go unnoticed but later get triggered with involvements of certain factors like:

• An injury to the skin like a cut, scrape, insect bite or sunburn; often known as the Koebner response.
• Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
• Smoking
• Stress
• Hormonal changes in women during puberty and menopause
• Certain medicines like anti-malarial, and anti-inflammatory including ibuprofen, and ACE inhibitors
• Throat infections usually occur in children and young adults and sometimes trigger a form of psoriasis called guttate psoriasis which develops after a streptococcal bacteria infects the throat that may later develops into psoriasis.
• Some other immune disorders, such as HIV, heart-related disease, malaria or mental health problems

Conclusion

Living with psoriasis can be very challenging, but understanding the condition can help manage it better. Although there is no cure, treatments like creams, light therapy or tablets can make a big difference. It’s also important to know your triggers and see a doctor for the right diagnosis and treatment.

If someone in your family has psoriasis, having medical insurance like a family health insurance can be very helpful. With the right plan, you could get faster access to specialists, dermatologists and private treatments, which can make managing psoriasis easier and less stressful.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.

Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) are a few of the numerous systems of traditional medicine in India. They have existed for thousands of years but their full potential is yet to be realised. Our government, in an attempt to integrate these traditional systems of medicine into the public health system, hopes to launch a national policy for AYUSH by October this year.

At an award function for Ayurvedic practitioners in Mumbai, the Minister of State for AYUSH, Shripad Naik said, “The Centre is drafting a national policy for AYUSH. The final draft policy is likely to be circulated among ministries and states by June before it makes its way to the Cabinet. The AYUSH ministry is targeting to launch the final policy latest by October.”

The policy proposes to include Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy into the universal health insurance scheme. “It will also focus on the need for creation of infrastructure, research facilities and regulation to streamline AYUSH.” Naik said.

The minister further added that there were plans to globally promote India as a preferred destination for AYUSH.

“We will also set specific targets to be achieved within deadlines, bring regulation for education and research, as well as set standards for AYUSH medicines and treatment.” Naik said. This is to discover the full potential of traditional systems of medicine and how to harness it to improve primary and preventive health care.

So, India is all set to make traditional medicine international in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United States, through research and development. “The UN agency has evinced keen interest in AYUSH medicines and is slated to sign an agreement to this effect in Geneva soon.“ Naik added.

The sudden nature of this emergency is sure to impact your savings and is also likely to cause panic. A health insurance policy reduces the stress of arranging of finances single handedly and also offers a variety of medical benefits.

Many insurance companies offer health insurance plans that are designed to offer coverage to the entire family. National health policy in India offer primary health care services that are designed to reduce financial stress and burden on the family of the ailing individual. Insurance companies that offer family health insurance policies offer compensation for different medical expenses. Comparing different policy quotes of health insurance policies for family will make you more aware about the different features and allow you to select the perfect plan for your family.

The ICICI Lombard complete health insurance policy offered by ICICI Lombard may offers a comprehensive insurance cover and the floater benefit extends policy cover to the entire family. The sum insured offered by such a health insurance can be shared by all the family members till the policy term expires. Thus, with the payment of a single premium you can insure all the family members with a medical cover.

Managing such a health insurance policy is easy as you do not have to remember individual policy renewal dates. This health insurance policy may also offers life-long renew ability that offers continuous benefits to your loved ones with premium medical care.

The insurance policy offers compensation for like room charges, doctor’s or surgeon’s fees, expenses borne by the insured individual for medicines, etc. All these features are sure to come handy if the patient is placed under medical observation during minor injuries due to an accident or mishap. In cases where the total duration of hospitalization is more than 24 hours, this policy may also offers coverage for inpatient treatment and prevents sudden loss of finances.

It also extends coverage for all expenses 30 days before and 60 days after hospitalisation and is sure to greatly reduce the financial burden in today’s inflated times where medical aid is costly. Another important aspect of the health insurance policy is the cashless claim feature. With this feature, the insurance company offers the ailing member of you family premium health care from its wide network of hospitals. All the hospitalisation bills are settled by the insurance provider and you are relived of monetary stress that could arise when arranging for finances singlehandedly.

While there isn't a way to safeguard yourself or your dependent family members from mishaps or bad luck, there definitely is a way to cover your expenses in case you meet with such unwanted luck!

While many of us are aware of life insurance, motor insurance and health insurance, very few know about accident policies, also known as Personal Accident Insurance policy. Go through these seven frequently asked questions to know more about this policy and who all should opt for it.

What is Personal Accident Insurance?

Personal Accident Insurance protects your finances by providing a lump sum compensation in the unfortunate event of a fatal accident or one that disables you permanently. The compensation shields you and your loved ones from a financial crunch. This insurance also covers accidental hospitalization cost.

Note: The amount of compensation depends upon the sum insured.

What qualifies as Permanent Total Disability?

1. Loss of both eyes
2. Loss of both hands
3. Loss of both feet
4. Loss of one hand and one foot

I am a homemaker who spends majority time at home. Do I also need a personal accident insurance?

Accidents can happen to anyone. Motor accidents, rail accidents, natural calamities, the list is endless. These can sound scary. But, getting intimidated is not the solution, being financially prepared is. Opting for a Personal Accident Insurance helps you to meet expenses in case a crisis arises.

I travel to different countries often for business and at times for leisure. What if I meet with an accident outside India?

You can be rest assured, accident policies offer worldwide coverage. Your claim will be paid even if you meet with an accident overseas.

I already have a health and life insurance cover. Why should I buy Personal Accident Insurance?

Life insurance offers a death benefit to your nominee in case you pass away. Health insurance provides a compensation and/or reimbursement of hospitalization and other medical expenses.

A Personal Accident Insurance policy, on the other hand, insures against the financial risk that could arise due to accidental permanent total disability or accidental death of an earning family member. In short, the policy is essential as it strengthens your financial portfolio securing the future of dependent family members against unforeseen events.

What happens if I am hospitalized after an accident takes place? Would it cover hospitalization expenses?

Yes. You can avail optional covers by paying an additional premium. An Accidental Hospitalization Cover provides reimbursement for medical expenses related to hospitalization and a Daily Cash Cover provides you with a cash allowance for each day of hospitalization.

Would I need to pay a high premium for availing Personal Accident Cover?

No. For example, the premium for a basic policy of Rs. 5 lakh (duration 1 year) is approximately Rs. 610. It is but a small price for ensuring your family's financial security!

I have a family to support. Does Personal Accident Insurance cover death?

Yes. All you need to do is mention the name of your nominee in the policy document. The sum insured will be paid to your nominee by the insurance company.

Available online, a Personal Accident Insurance is a great financial solution to secure your finances against accident-related expenditures. Don't miss purchasing this crucial cover!

Reason 1: Startling Statistics -

India has a very high rate of road accidents. As per a recent report by Road Transport Ministry in India, accidents claim one life every 3.7 minutes in our country! More often than not, accidents occur due to negligent or rash driving. Even if you are a safe driver, you could be at risk due to someone else's callousness.

Whatever the case, families of such victims undoubtedly suffer an emotional loss and are subjected to traumatic conditions. A Personal Accident Insurance policy could lessen their hardship by providing lump sum monetary compensation, in the process averting any financial crunch.

Reason 2: Loss of Earning Capacity -

Certain accidents disable people leading to a complete loss of livelihood. A situation like that can be quite disconcerting especially if you have liabilities like a home loan, children's education or any other immediate financial obligation.

Availing an accident insurance policy can reduce your financial burden to a large extent in case you are permanently disabled.

Reason 3: Nature and Man-made Fury - 

Accidents can occur due to nature and man-made calamities too. Be it terrorist attacks, earthquakes, cyclones, etc., such calamitous events leave a trail of devastation. An accidental policy covers accidents that arise from all such eventualities.

Important Points to Know about Personal Accident Policy -

1. An accident policy doesn't cover expenses on account of an illness or a disease. The policy provides cover only against accidents.
2. The policy covers accidental Permanent Total Disability (PTD) on account of dismemberment of limbs, total loss of sight, etc.

Fallopian tube cancer or tubal cancer is a rare form of cancer in women associated with BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 gene mutations. It develops in the fallopian tubes that connect the ovaries and the uterus. Ignoring the early symptoms can eventually cause the removal of the uterus and the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Our focus should be on understanding how fallopian cancer begins and recent advancements in its diagnosis and treatment, especially in the early stages.

What is Fallopian Tube Cancer? 

The fallopian tubes are part of the female reproductive system on each side of the pelvis. Fallopian tube cancer usually begins in the tube or oviduct gland cells that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. These eggs are released each month and pass out as menstrual blood if not fertilised by sperm. Studies have reported that fallopian cancer cases are rare, with only 1,500-2,000 cases reported globally to date.

Symptoms of Fallopian Tube Cancer 

Fallopian tube cancer symptoms are difficult to detect early and easy to dismiss as nothing serious. It is always worthwhile to consult a gynaecologist in case of irregular menstruation, any abnormalities related to the reproductive system, or if you have a history of cancer risk in the family. The symptoms of fallopian tube cancer usually are:

• Vaginal bleeding not associated with menstruation
• Irregular periods
• Watery or white vaginal discharge that contains blood
• Back pain
• Bleeding from the vagina after menopause
• Swelling in the lower abdomen
• Pain in the lower belly
• Constipation
• Experiencing pain during intercourse
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination
  
  

Causes of Fallopian Tube Cancer

The causes behind fallopian tube cancer are still not clear, but the cancer typically starts somewhere else in the body before spreading to the fallopian tubes as metastatic cancer. Experts say fallopian tube cancer may account for up to 70% of all epithelial ovarian cancers. The exact reason is yet to be ascertained, but women who have never given birth or breastfed a child post-delivery may have a higher chance of developing it. The risk factors behind fallopian tube cancer are:
• Women aged between 50 and 60 years are at a higher risk
• Post-menopause conditions can also lead to this disease; if not treated properly it triggers the cells of the female reproductive system to mutate
• Early menstruation (before age 12) or late menopause
• Inherited gene mutations (such as BRCA)
• A family history of ovarian or breast cancer
• Infertility or having no pregnancies
• Obesity during early adulthood

How is Fallopian Tube Cancer Diagnosed? 

It can be difficult to diagnose fallopian tube cancer as the symptoms are not discernible in the initial stages. Even so, the doctor will first enquire about any suspected symptoms based on medical history and conduct a thorough physical examination. Subsequently, the gynecologic oncologist may recommend any of the following procedures:

1. Biopsy: In this procedure, tissue in the affected area is surgically removed and sent to a pathologist to determine the presence of cancerous cells. This method can stop such cells from spreading to nearby organs. 
2. CA 125 blood test: This test measures the level of CA 125 protein that sometimes indicates the presence of ovarian cancer in the blood.
3. Pelvic examination: The doctor inserts a speculum into the vagina to inspect the cervix, uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes for any lump. The doctor may ask for a Pap test, whereby a thin tool is used to scrape some cells from the cervix, and the sample is sent to a pathology lab to check for cancer cells.
4. Ultrasound: In this method, high-energy sound waves are used to create echoes that form a picture of the pelvic area tissues.
5. Magnetic Resonance Imaging: This powerful technique uses magnets and radio waves to take pictures of the fallopian tubes.
6. Computed Tomography (CT) scan: This technique uses a powerful X-ray that takes detailed pictures of the interior body parts.
   

How is Fallopian Tube Cancer Treated? 

The treatment for fallopian tube cancer is similar to ovarian cancer treatment, through two main methods—surgery and chemotherapy. 

Oncologist surgeons try to remove the fallopian tubes and the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and other affected areas. Chemotherapy is suggested if surgery cannot remove all of the cancer —HIPEC (hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy). This procedure involves placing heated chemotherapy in the fallopian tube area that removes the tumour and reduces the recurrence chance. The chemotherapy drugs commonly used to kill cancer cells are carboplatin and paclitaxel. Targeted therapy treatment is mainly used to identify and attack specific cancer cells using two types of targeted therapy, tyrosine kinase inhibitors and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors. Researchers and scientists are still looking for ways to cure fallopian tube cancer completely, and several clinical trials are underway.

With cancer comes the burden of hefty treatment costs that eventually exhaust people’s lifetime savings, let alone the tension and anxiety of what is to become of a loved one. Hence, a health insurance plan that ensures adequate health coverage and helps to settle cancer treatment costs is highly recommended for everyone. For one, you can explore the ICICI Lombard health insurance policy and learn about the amazing benefits it provides to the insured.

Pregnancy After Fallopian Tube Cancer 

Women affected with fallopian tube cancer may fail at childbearing, but proper diagnosis and adequate treatment can address this issue. However, pregnancy becomes difficult if the patient is in the fourth stage of cancer, as the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus are affected by cancer cells.

The treatment procedure comprises: 

• Surgery to remove ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus can negate pregnancy chances forever.
• Chemotherapy can also damage the fallopian tube by inducing early menopause. 
• However, pregnancy is possible if both ovaries are removed and the embryo and eggs are frozen before surgery. Consulting a doctor is highly recommended before conceiving to avoid any sort of risk during pregnancy.

What is thymus cancer? This is a common question exasperated patients ask their doctors. Let us find out what thymus cancer is and gain knowledge about this rare cancer type. The thymus is a small organ in the upper chest above the heart and behind the sternum (breastbone). Thymus cancer occurs when cells mutate, become malignant, and grow out of control. This cancer type is common among middle-aged adults and individuals 70 years or older.

What is Thymus Cancer? 

The thymus is a small gland that plays a vital function in maintaining the body’s immune system. The thymus produces white blood cells called lymphocytes that protect us from viral and bacterial infections. The two main types of thymus cancer are thymoma carcinoma and thymic carcinoma. Thymoma cancer is more common, grows slowly, and can spread to other body parts. Thymic carcinoma develops more quickly and also spreads to other body parts. 

Symptoms of Thymus Cancer 

Most thymus cancer patients do not show symptoms until the tumour grows large enough to start pressing on nearby organs or blood vessels in the chest. The symptoms can include persistent cough, difficulty breathing, chest pain, drooping eyelids, loss of appetite, double vision, dizziness, low red blood cell count, and unexplained weight loss. Many people develop an autoimmune disorder called myasthenia gravis (weakening of skeletal muscles) with the onset of this thymus tumour. 

How is Thymus Cancer Diagnosed? 

A thymus tumour can be detected with imaging tests such as chest X-ray, CT scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan, and blood test. The doctor will enquire the patient about their health history, symptoms, risk factors, and family history regarding the disease. Once the tumour is surgically removed, the surgeon sends it to the pathologist who examines the tumour for cancerous growth. Doctors sometimes inject a special dye called contrast medium on the patient before the scan for clearer details of the image. 

The TNM staging system is used to assess the various stages of thymus cancer, from stage 1 to stage 4, based on the size of the tumour (T), spread to lymph nodes (N), and the indication of metastasis (M), or its spread to other parts of the body. Stage 1 is non-invasive, while stage 4 indicates the cancer’s spread to distant organs such as the liver or kidneys. Diagnosis is most critical as it helps healthcare professionals determine the ways to treat the cancer.

Your pancreas typically produces essential enzymes that help break down the food you consume. The other role it is involved in includes releasing hormones that regulate the amount of sugar that should remain in your bloodstream. Understandably, you will experience significant adverse effects when the pancreas gets affected by cancer cells. Swift and appropriate action may help ease pancreatic cancer symptoms, boost your emotional state, and enhance your chances of recovery.

What is Pancreatic Cancer?

This type of cancer develops when your pancreatic cells lose their normal functioning power, leading to uncontrolled growth. This abnormal increase in cell numbers results in the accumulation of cancerous cells, forming a tumour mass. These malignant tumours indicate their capacity to grow and spread to distant areas of your body. As the tumour progresses, it can hinder your pancreas' proper functioning, invade nearby blood vessels and adjacent organs, and eventually spread to remote body locations through metastasis. Pancreatic cancer is detected late, often when it has spread rapidly, and has a poor prognosis.

Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

So, what are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer? You can take appropriate medical action if you know them. The following are some symptoms to look out for:

• Chills, sweats, and unexplained fever
• Stool may float, seem oily, smell particularly bad, and have an odd colour as your body is not digesting fats properly
• Experience discomfort in your upper abdomen, back, or arms as the cancer grows and puts pressure on nearby structures
• Feel a burning sensation in your stomach or other discomfiture in your gastrointestinal tract
• Loss of weight for no apparent reason, which can progress rapidly
• Notice your stomach feeling bloated
• Feel nauseous and tend to vomit
• Painful swelling in the arm or leg can occur from blood clots
  
  

Causes and Risk Factors of Pancreatic Cancer

By knowing what is pancreatic cancer and its causes and risk factors, you can take adequate steps to stay healthy. The following is a commonly known list of causes and risk factors of pancreatic cancer.

Men are more often diagnosed with cancer compared to women. Having diabetes for a prolonged period or developing new-onset diabetes in adulthood can raise the risk of cancer. Smoking tobacco can double or triple your chances of developing cancer. Alcohol abuse, leading to repeated pancreatic inflammation, also contributes to the risk. 

Your risk is higher if your family has a history of cancer or genetic conditions linked to other cancers. Genetic counselling may be worth considering if your family history involves cancers with shared genetic mutations.

Your likelihood of developing cancer rises as you get older. Most pancreatic cancer patients are over 45 years old, with 90% older than 55 and 70% older than 65. Black individuals have a higher risk of cancer than Asian, Hispanic, or White individuals. Those of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage also face an elevated risk.

A diet high in fat and obesity are linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. 

Types of Pancreatic Cancer

The following are some of the most commonly known types of pancreatic cancer.

Endocrine pancreatic tumours, also termed pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PNETs) or islet cell tumours, emerge from the endocrine pancreas, wherein hormones such as insulin are produced and released into the bloodstream. 

Cancer that starts from acinar cells at the tips of the ducts producing pancreatic juices is typically detected more often in younger individuals than in adenocarcinomas. This cancer type grows slower and usually has a more positive outlook. 

Pancreatoblastoma often affects children and is sometimes linked to genetic conditions such as Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Regarding exocrine pancreatic cancer, more than 80% are adenocarcinomas, mainly ductal adenocarcinomas. These cancers form in the cells lining the pancreatic ducts. 

Pancreatic Lymphoma can develop in various parts of the body, given the widespread nature of the lymphatic system. Cystic tumours result in fluid-filled sacs within the pancreas. 

While most pancreatic cysts are harmless, certain cystic tumours can transition into malignant growths. Pancreatic cancer belongs to the exocrine category; it develops from cells that produce pancreatic digestive juices.

Our stomach plays a vital role in digesting food. Situated in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the stomach is just one part of the long tube that essentially begins at our mouth and ends at the anus, the exit point for waste. Enzymes and digestive juices combine to break down food, easing its movement into the small intestine. Hence, the onset of stomach cancer can cause significant discomfort and emotional stress by disrupting the stomach’s functions. Detecting stomach cancer in its early stages can help overcome it and significantly improve the overall quality of life.

What is Stomach Cancer?

Gastric cancer, often known as stomach cancer, involves the abnormal growth of cells that usually begins in the stomach lining. Stomach cancer can develop in any part of your stomach. Most cases of stomach cancer develop in the main section of your stomach, referred to as the stomach body.
Lymphomas, or cancers that originate from immune cells called lymphocytes, can begin in your stomach's wall. Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) can start from primitive cells in your stomach's wall called interstitial cells of Cajal. Some GISTs tend to invade nearby areas or metastasise. Roughly, 90% to 95% of stomach cancer instances are categorised as adenocarcinomas. These cancer types originate from the epithelial cells that make up the innermost lining of your stomach, called the mucosa.

Symptoms of Stomach Cancer

The following are some of the common gastric cancer symptoms.
• Your bowel habits might change, either with more frequent trips or having difficulty passing stool
• You might feel fullness or a bloated sensation after eating
• Your desire to eat might decrease
• You might sense food getting stuck in your throat when eating
• You could experience pain or uneasiness in your stomach area
• You might feel discomfort or a burning sensation in your upper abdomen
In more advanced stages of the tumour in stomach, you might experience more severe stomach tumour symptoms, such as:
• A possibility of vomiting blood or noticing blood in your stool
• Loss of a significant amount of weight without any apparent reason
• Feelings of extreme tiredness and lack of energy

Causes of Stomach Cancer

Several of the following factors can trigger tumour in stomach.
• Inheriting genetic mutations such as those causing familial adenomatous polyposis or hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer heightens the likelihood of cancer
• A family history of stomach cancer increases your susceptibility
• A diet rich in smoked, pickled, and salted foods while lacking in fresh fruits and vegetables increases your risk
• If you have had a partial gastrectomy for ulcer disease, your risk can be higher, especially after about two decades
• Remember that regular alcohol consumption is generally linked to a greater likelihood of cancer
• If you are aged 60 and above, you become more vulnerable to this type of cancer

How is Stomach Cancer Diagnosed?

The following are some of the common methods used to diagnose gastric cancer.

Utilising X-rays from various angles, a CT scan constructs detailed 3D images of your body's interior. A contrast medium (dye) may be used to enhance image clarity, which can be either swallowed or injected into a vein to improve image quality. An MRI employs magnetic fields to create detailed body images.

Endoscopic Ultrasound combines endoscopy with ultrasound imaging to visualise internal organs. Ultrasound waves create images that help doctors assess the extent of the cancer spread to nearby organs and tissues.

Laparoscopy is a popular minor surgical procedure that involves inserting a laparoscope into your abdomen to check for cancer spread in the abdominal lining or liver. These areas might not be easily detected by CT or PET scans. In PET-CT Scan, a radioactive sugar substance is introduced into your body. Energy-consuming cells, including cancer cells, absorb this substance. A PET-CT scan combines PET and CT scans to create images revealing areas of active energy use.

For a barium swallow test, you need to consume a liquid containing barium to enhance the visibility of abnormalities during X-ray imaging. A biopsy procedure typically involves removing a small tissue sample for microscopic examination. While other tests might suggest the presence of cancer, only a biopsy procedure can confirm the diagnosis definitively.

Your doctor examines your body's interior by using a gastroscope or endoscope, a flexible tube with a light. A tissue sample can be taken for biopsy to detect signs of cancer.

In the realm of medical anomalies, heart cancer stands as a rarity that needs everyone’s attention. Understanding its nuances is crucial for early detection and effective management. This blog delves into the depths of heart cancer -- from its causes to its methods of diagnosis.

What is heart cancer?

Heart cancer is scientifically known as a malignant primary cardiac tumour. It is a rare form of cancer originating within the heart's soft tissues. Malignant heart tumours can either be sarcomas, originating in the heart's connective tissue, or other types like primary cardiac lymphoma and pericardial mesothelioma. Due to its rarity and complex symptoms, heart cancer demands heightened awareness and a comprehensive understanding of early detection and effective management.

Symptoms of heart cancer

Recognising heart cancer symptoms can be challenging, primarily due to its rarity and manifestations that often mimic those of more common heart conditions. The symptoms are influenced by various factors, including the tumour's size, location, and impact on the heart's structure and function.

Malignant heart tumours, originating from the heart or spreading to it from other organs, can cause many distressing symptoms. As these tumours grow, they can invade vital heart structures, disrupt blood flow, and impair cardiac function.

Blood flow obstruction is one of the main symptoms associated with heart cancer. Tumours that grow within heart chambers or affect heart valves can obstruct blood flow. It can result in shortness of breath during physical exertion. Depending on the specific location, it can mimic conditions like valve stenosis, causing symptoms such as chest pain and dizziness.

Another symptom is heart muscle dysfunction. When tumours infiltrate the heart's muscular walls, they can compromise its ability to pump blood effectively. It can result in shortness of breath, swollen legs, chest pain, weakness, and fatigue, resembling heart failure or cardiomyopathy.

Problems with the conduction system, the network cells and signals that maintain your beating heart are also signs of heart cancer. Tumours in the heart muscle near the conduction system can disrupt the heart's rhythm. It can lead to irregular heartbeats, palpitations, and even fainting spells. Severe cases can cause heart block, where the atria and ventricles beat independently.

Embolus formation is another sign in which tumour fragments or blood clots from the heart travel to other body parts and block blood vessels. Depending on the location of the embolus, this can cause symptoms like chest pain, limb pain, or even stroke-like symptoms.

Some heart tumours may produce symptoms similar to infections, such as fever, fatigue, night sweats, weight loss, and joint pain.

Given the complexity of heart cancer symptoms and the need for precise diagnosis, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional if you experience any unusual cardiac symptoms. Early detection and proper management are vital to improving outcomes and effective treatment.

Causes of heart cancer

When it comes to understanding what causes heart cancer, doctors believe it is sporadic, making it challenging to conduct extensive research into its origins. However, certain risk factors have been associated with the development of cardiac tumours.

Age appears to play a role, as certain tumours are more prevalent in specific age groups. Additionally, hereditary factors can contribute to cancer, with a few types of heart tumours showing a propensity to run in families. Genetic cancer syndromes, characterised by mutations in DNA, have been linked to certain types of cardiac tumours, particularly in children.

While some connections have been made between damaged immune systems and specific types of cardiac cancer, a comprehensive understanding of the causative factors is still under exploration. Continued research is essential to unravel the complexities surrounding heart cancer's origins and develop effective preventive measures and treatments.

What are the risk factors for heart cancer?

Though anybody can be diagnosed with heart cancer, the following people are more likely than others to be diagnosed with this ailment:

• Heavy smokers, or those who have been smoking for a long time
• People diagnosed with AIDS.
• People assigned male at birth (AMAB)
• People assigned female at birth (AFAB)
• People aged 50 and above
• Existing family history of cardiac ailments
• People diagnosed with tuberculosis, Gorlin Syndrome, or Carney Complex
• Specific gene mutations (including MDM2, PDGFRA, CDKN2A

What are the complications of heart cancer?

Since heart cancers can affect the normal functioning of the heart, this can give rise to some serious complications like:

• Stroke, heart attacks or complete failure of the heart
• Severe respiratory problems when blood clots are formed in the lungs, leading to a condition known as pulmonary embolism
• Hampering the functioning of heart valves
• Irregularities in the heart rhythm
• Inflammation in the pericardium (a protective sac covering your heart)

How is heart cancer diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose heart cancer using a combination of medical assessments and imaging techniques. Due to the overlap of symptoms with other heart conditions, accurate diagnosis can be challenging. Common diagnostic tools include:

• Echocardiogram: This non-invasive test employs sound waves to create images of the heart's structure and function, aiding in identifying tumours and assessing their impact.
• CT Scan: Computed tomography scans provide detailed cross-sectional images, helping differentiate between benign and malignant tumours.
• MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging offers enhanced visualisations of tumours, assisting in determining their type and characteristics.

In many cases, a tissue biopsy may not be necessary, as advanced imaging techniques can often ascertain tumour type.

Uterine cancer is one of the most common cancers occurring in females and is not talked about often enough. This form of cancer impacts many women, from all walks of life. Whether you’ve just recently been diagnosed or have family members who have been affected by it for some time now – we are here to provide all the information you need regarding this disease so that you feel empowered to take steps towards your treatment journey.

What is uterine cancer?

So what is uterine cancer? Uterine cancer refers to the cancer originating either from the middle or innermost layer of the uterus. The cancer that arises from the innermost layer is the more prevalent form, while that originating from the middle layer of the uterus is rare. The uterine cancer is specified as:
● Endometrial Cancer – Developed from the innermost layer of the uterus known as the endometrium, that is shed during menstruation cycle.
● Uterine Sarcoma – Developed from the middle muscular layer of the uterus known as myometrium that expands during pregnancy and contracts during labor.

Symptoms of Uterine Cancer

Ever wondered what are the symptoms of uterine cancer? The most common symptoms of uterine cancer are inter-menstrual bleeding and postmenopausal bleeding. Abnormal bleeding and abnormal menstruation cycle are also common symptoms along with pelvic distress. Other major symptoms include lower abdominal pain, dysuria (difficult urination), and nausea. In higher uterine cancer stages, in which the cancer has spread to other body parts, the additional symptoms include – pale appearance due to heavy blood loss, weight loss, abnormal bowel & bladder habits, and anorexia (loss of appetite).

Causes of Uterine Cancer

The biological reason for uterus cancer includes higher exposure of uterine cells to estrogen hormone. Estrogen is the hormone responsible for proliferation of uterine cells so higher exposure of this hormone is known to cause more uterine cell divisions that ultimately cause carcinoma. Besides, it is also associated with presence of obesity, type II diabetes (T2DM), early menarche (menstruation initiation), late menopause, PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), nulliparity (women who has never given birth or carried a child), and infertility.

Risk factors associated for uterine cancer

The risk factors for uterine cancer include those factors that can increase the chances of getting this cancer. While the risk factors might not directly cause cancer, it can surely increase the probability of it occurring. On the other hand, the absence of a risk factor does not mean one will not get uterine cancer at all. The risk factors are as follows:

● Higher age: women older than 50 years are at a higher risk of getting uterine cancer.
● Obesity and other metabolic syndromes: More than 50% of endometrial cancer is associated with obesity. This is because fatty tissues are known to convert androgens into estrogens (sex hormones), which increase the risk of cancer. Similarly, other metabolic syndromes including type 2 diabetes are associated with higher risk for uterine cancer.
● Presence of other cancers: Presence of cancers like ovarian cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer can enhance the chances of getting uterine cancer
● Familial history: Uterine cancer has been found to be associated with familial history. A genetic syndrome called hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) or Lynch Syndrome running in family shows higher risk of uterine cancer in women of ch families.
● Certain anti-cancer therapies: Therapies involving certain medications used to treat other forms of cancers can increase the risk of uterine cancer. For example, tamoxifen, which is used to treat breast cancer, is linked with an elevated risk of developing uterine cancer. Radiation therapy used to treat cancer in the pelvic or lower abdominal region is also associated with higher risk of developing this cancer.
● Hormone Replacement Therapies (HRT): HRT done with estrogen is associated with higher risk of uterine cancer development hormone in postmenopausal women. However, it is seen that if it is given along with progesterone hormone then the risk is comparatively lower.

Updated On - 23 May 2025

Are you worried about your oral health? Have you been experiencing unexplained mouth pain or sore areas inside your mouth? Then it’s possible that you could be at risk for developing mouth cancer. In this article, we’ll answer all your questions about mouth cancer, such as “What is mouth cancer”, “What causes mouth cancer”, and much more, so that you have peace of mind when it comes to your overall wellness.

What is Mouth cancer?

So, what is oral cancer? Oral, or mouth cancer, is a severe disease that affects the lips, tongue, gums, and other areas in the mouth. It starts as a small lesion or bump that may initially go unnoticed, but it can rapidly grow and spread to other body parts. One of the most alarming things about mouth cancer is that it can be quite the challenge to detect in its early stages, but there are certain symptoms to be aware of, which we will discuss in the next section.

Symptoms of Mouth cancer

It’s important to know what are the symptoms of mouth cancer, as it helps to self-assess the disease and we can seek a doctor’s consultation immediately to confirm whether we have this type of cancer or not. The following symptoms are:

● A sore on our lip or mouth that won’t heal after taking treatment
● A mass or lump anywhere in the mouth
● Bleeding gum and loosening of teeth
● Pain or difficulty in swallowing
● Trouble wearing dentures
● A lump in the neck region
● An earache that won’t go away
● Unexplained weight loss
● Lower lip, face, neck, or chin numbness
● White, red and white, or red patches on the inner lining of one’s mouth and tongue
● Hoarseness in voice and chronic sore throat
● Swelling and pain in the jaw or stiffness while opening the mouth
● Tongue pain
● Excessive salivation
● Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

In case you notice any of these changes in your mouth or nearby areas, you should contact your health care professional immediately to diagnose oral cancer disease at the initial stages.

Causes And Risk Factors Of Mouth Cancer

Cancer occurs when a genetic alteration causes cells to grow uncontrollably, forming a tumour. Over time, these cells can spread to other areas of the body. Squamous cell carcinoma is responsible for approximately 90% of mouth cancers, originating in the squamous cells that line the lips and inside of the mouth.

Although it is not completely clear what causes oral cancer, there are some factors that can increase a person's chances of developing this disease. These include:

● Tobacco use
● Heavy alcohol consumption
● Exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV)

Apart from this, there are other factors that could increase your risk of getting mouth cancer, such as:

● Exposure to UV light from the sun
● Past radiation therapy for the neck or head
● Prolonged exposure to certain chemicals like sulfuric acid or formaldehyde
● Poor oral hygiene
● A weak immune system
● A family history of the disease

Additionally, age and gender can also play a role in the development of mouth cancer. By knowing the potential causes and risk factors of mouth cancer, individuals can take proactive steps to minimise their risk of this deadly disease.

Stages of Mouth cancer

There are four stages of oral cancer:
● Stage 1: The cancerous cells formed in the lining of the oral cavity start invading nearby cells. Generally, the size of the tumour is 2 cm or smaller and 5 mm deep. In this stage, cancer hasn’t spread to the surrounding areas.
● Stage 2: The tumour spread size is 2-4 cm and 10 mm deep. In this stage 1 cancer hasn’t spread.
● Stage 3: In this stage of mouth cancer the bruise becomes more than 4 cm in size and 10 mm in depth. The cancerous cells in this stage start invading one or two lymph nodes but not to other parts of the body.
● Stage 4: At this last stage, the tumours are any size and the cancer cells have spread to nearby tissue and organs like jaw muscles, skulls, neck, lymph nodes, etc. This stage is also called metastasis, or advanced stage.

Bladder cancer, although still unknown in India, has emerged as a significant health concern. As the name suggests, it occurs when cells in the bladder become cancerous, and if left untreated, can have severe complications. The good news is that there is plenty of information available to help understand this form of cancer and its treatment options. Whether you or someone you know has been recently diagnosed with bladder cancer, or if you simply want to learn more about this disease, it's important to have a basic understanding of what it means. In this article, we will understand what is bladder cancer, what are the symptoms of bladder cancer, and its causes. We will also understand the types of bladder cancer, the risks associated with it, as well as the process of diagnosing bladder cancer and its treatment. We will also look at its treatment, outlook towards it, and how to prevent it.

What is bladder cancer?

Bladder cancer develops when there is growth and multiplication of abnormal cells in the bladder. These abnormal cells in the bladder have the tendency to convert into a tumour and have the ability to spread to other organs in the body.

Other forms of cancer have the potential to extend to the bladder, but the name of the cancer is known by the organ from where it originates. This severe disease is the seventh most common form of cancer worldwide.

Symptoms of bladder cancer

So, what are the symptoms of bladder cancer? A number of varying symptoms can be identified among individuals such as:

• Presence of blood in the urine, making its appearance bright red or rust-colored, and sometimes invisible.
• Pain during urination.
• Frequent urge to urinate.
• Sudden urge for urination.
• Unintentional leakage in the bladder, known as urine incontinence.

Bladder cancer is known to have other symptoms as well, if it has affected other parts of the body, namely:

• Discomfort in the abdomen
• One-sided pain in the lower body
• Fatigue
• Losing weight without any exercise
• Loss of appetite
• Joint pain
• Swelling in feet

Causes of bladder cancer

Cancer mainly arises when mutations in the cell lead to their growth of abnormal and unwanted growth, resulting in the rapid multiplication of these cells. If left untreated, this can lead to the spread of these cells to other tissues and muscles. These mutations can be caused by certain factors like exposure to toxic chemicals.

Certain other conditions also come into play that increase our chances of developing bladder cancer. This includes smoking, family history of cancer,radiation therapy and more.

Risk factors associated with bladder cancer

There are a number of factors associated with the growth of bladder cancer cells, which may include:

• Smoking cigarettes (Research points out that people who smoke cigarettes on a regular basis are three times more likely to develop bladder cancer in comparison to a person who is a non-smoker)
• Being exposed to chemicals that can cause cancer such as dyes, paint products, rubber, and metal among the few
• Family history of the disease
• Suffer from schistosomiasis a parasite that is known to cause bladder infection
• Drinking contaminated water
• Certain supplements and medicine consumption
• Prior exposure to chemotherapy medications cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) or ifosfamide (lfex)
• Radiation treatment used to treat pelvic area cancer
• Suffering from bladder infections frequently
• Use of urinary catheters for a long time
• Drinking fluids inadequately
• Defects in the bladder

While cancer can affect just about anyone, there are certain other factors that can influence your risk of developing cancer:

• If you are a male by birth
• You fall into the age group of 55 or above

You have a white complexion

With skin being the largest organ of our body, it’s important to ensure it's well cared for. Your skin provides a protective barrier from the outside world, and nourishing and safeguarding it can help prevent serious health consequences such as sunburns or even skin cancer. Skin cancer is quite common and something we all must be aware of. It is a prevalent condition that develops from the abnormal growth of skin cells. Understanding its types, stages, symptoms, causes, prevention, treatment, and outlook is essential to promote awareness and ensure early detection and effective management. In this quick guide, we’ll cover the ins and outs of skin cancer, from types to treatments. Let’s dive in and get you informed!

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is characterised by the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. People develop this condition due to damage to the DNA within skin cells, and is often caused by harsh exposure to UV rays in daylight from the sun. The most prevalent types of skin cancer include basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer, and melanoma. While the first two are more common and have a high cure rate if detected, melanoma is more aggressive and can spread to other body parts if not addressed promptly. Let’s explore more about the types and causes in the sections to come.

Types of skin cancer

There are several types of skin cancer, each with distinct characteristics, causes, and treatment approaches. Let's take a close look at the most common types of cancer.

1. Basal Cell Carcinoma, or BCC, is the most common form of skin cancer. It typically develops in areas frequently exposed to the sun. For instance, the face, neck, and hands. BCC often appears as a raised, pearly bump or a sore that doesn't heal. While it rarely spreads to other body parts, early treatment is essential to prevent damage to surrounding tissues.
2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma, or SCC, also often develops in sun-exposed areas and can appear as a scaly, red patch or a raised growth with a crusted surface. It has a higher potential to spread to other body areas than BCC. Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential for you to prevent the cancer from advancing.
   
   
3. Melanoma affects the melanocytes (cells that give skin its colour), and is the most severe type of skin cancer. This is because it can reemerge from existing moles or appear as new, abnormal growths and can spread rapidly to other body parts if not detected early. Melanomas often exhibit irregular borders, uneven colouring, and changes in size and shape.
   
   
4. Actinic Keratosis is not a form of skin cancer but a pre-cancerous growth that can develop into SCC if left untreated. It appears as rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed areas and requires medical attention to prevent progression.
   
   
5. Merkel Cell Carcinoma is an uncommon and aggressive type of skin cancer that develops from Merkel cells in the skin. It usually appears as firm, shiny nodules on the head, neck, and limbs. Early detection and treatment are vital due to their potential to spread rapidly.
   
   
6. Cutaneous Lymphoma is a type of skin cancer originating in the lymphocytes and can manifest as red, itchy patches or plaques on the skin. It often presents as mycosis fungoides or Sézary syndrome and may require specialised treatment.
   

Stages of skin cancer

Doctors break cancer down into stages to figure out the right way to approach it. Let’s learn about each stage:

1.    Stage 0: This early stage skin cancer is present just at the skin's surface, not causing much trouble. Doctors call this "in situ," meaning it's stuck where it started and is very treatable.

2.    Stage I: The cancer's gotten a bit thicker, but it's still sticking to its site of origin. It might have made a little ulcer on the skin, but it's not invading other parts yet. No trips to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

3.    Stage III: This is a much more serious. The cancer's grown thicker, maybe even formed an ulcer, but it's still not moving to other lymph nodes or distant places.

4.    Stage III: The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, but it's not yet moved to far-off body parts. Treatment usually involves a combination of processes, like surgery, radiation, and sometimes chemotherapy.

5.    Stage IV: The cancer has gone beyond its initial spot and invades other organs or faraway lymph nodes. Depending on the situation, treatment at this stage gets more complex and might include surgery, radiation, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and even chemotherapy.

Doctors assess these stages through exams, scans, and sometimes by checking lymph nodes or other affected areas. And remember, catching skin cancer at an early stage is extremely helpful for the most successful treatment. Regular skin checks and wearing sunscreen are like your power-ups to keep the game in your favour.

Symptoms of skin cancer

So, you may be wondering, “What are the symptoms of skin cancer?” Let's talk about the signs your skin might send you about potential skin cancer.

• First off, keep an eye out for new spots that suddenly appear and don't seem to be going anywhere. These could be anything from a bump, a mole, or a patch that's a different colour than the rest of your skin.

• Second, if you've got a mole or spot that's been around for a while and suddenly decides to transform, it's worth checking out. Changes in size, shape, colour, or texture are red flags that shouldn't be ignored.

• Third, let's talk about itching, bleeding, or crusting. If a spot won't stop itching, or if it's bleeding or crusting over, that's definitely a signal that something may not be quite right.

With the continuing trend of medical inflation in our country, a single instance of hospitalisation can burn a large hole in your pocket and ruin your entire financial planning. However, you can prevent all this by investing in a reliable health insurance policy. In case of a medical emergency, it would cover most of the healthcare expenses you may incur, including hospital room rent, doctor's consultation fees, costs towards diagnostic tests, medicines, etc.

Though there is no shortage of health insurance offerings in India, ranging from critical illness insurance plans to comprehensive health insurance policies, one plan that stands out in the market is the Complete Health Insurance.

This blog will walk you through everything you need to know about ICICI Lombard's Complete Health Insurance.

Understanding Complete Health Insurance

The Complete Health Insurance Plan by ICICI Lombard is a comprehensive medical insurance policy that can secure you and your entire family against unforeseen healthcare expenses. You can either purchase this plan only for yourself or include your family members under the family floater option. This plan comes with an option of lifelong renewability, and you can add your spouse, kids and parents under the floater benefit.

You will also have the flexibility to optimise the coverage based on your precise healthcare needs by selecting add-ons such as:

• Sum insured protector: The sum insured will increase during the renewal based on the inflation rate of the past year.
• Worldwide cover: All the hospitalisation expenses that have been incurred overseas will be paid with a co-pay of 10%. This advantage is available for the sum insured of 25 Lakhs and more.
• Claim protector: All the non-payable items in the IRDAI list will become payable during the time of a claim.

Benefits of Complete Health Insurance by ICICI Lombard

The Complete Health Insurance policy is designed to offer wide coverage and value for money. Here are the top benefits you can enjoy:

1. Wide range of sum insured

Customers will get the option to pick from a broad range of sum insured that begins from INR 5 Lakhs to INR 100 Lakhs as per their requirements.

2. No maximum entry age

The minimum entry age for customers who want to receive a policy is 6 years, and there is no restriction for the maximum entry age. Children between 3 months and 5 years can be insured under the floater policy.

3. Floater benefit

This plan gets the family covered with the same sum insured within a single policy by paying just one premium amount. Individuals who are above 3 months of age can be covered under this policy, given that one adult is also covered under the same policy.

4. 4. No co-pay clause

The ICICI Lombard Complete Health Insurance plan comes with a zero or no co-pay clause. It means that in case of a medical emergency, the entire expenses incurred by the policyholder will be borne by the insurance company (except for non-medical costs).

5. Coverage for pre-existing diseases

ICICI Lombard Complete Health Insurance plan covers pre-existing conditions, albeit after a waiting period of two years. By choosing a sum insured of ₹3 lakhs or more, you will be able to get coverage for your pre-existing diseases after two years of continuous coverage under the policy.

6. Complimentary health check-up

Under this plan, you will get one complimentary health check-up coupon (two, in case of a floater policy). You can use these coupons to get a complete health check-up for yourself or your family members at any network hospital, free of cost.

7. No pre-medical check-up

Many health insurance providers in India make it mandatory for their customers to undergo a pre-medical screening for buying a mediclaim policy. However, to purchase ICICI Lombard's Complete Health Insurance policy, you don't need any pre-medical check-ups or screenings if you're aged 45 years or below.

8. Free look period

The insurance can be cancelled after offering a written notice within 15 days of receiving the policy. This period, often referred to as the “free-look” or “cooling-off” period, allows the insured to review the terms and conditions of the policy. If the policyholder is not satisfied for any reason, such as the coverage, terms or exclusions, they may opt to cancel the policy during this time.

9. Unlimited reset benefit

This means if you use your sum insured once a year, it gets automatically restored for future hospitalisation in the same policy year. It is a significant plus if you face multiple health issues.

Inclusions & exclusions in Complete Health Insurance by ICICI Lombard

Here is what the ICICI Lombard Complete Health Insurance includes and does not include:

Inclusions

ICICI Lombard’s Complete Health Insurance offers comprehensive coverage for various medical needs. It includes inpatient treatment expenses such as ICU charges, room rent, surgery costs, anaesthesia, oxygen and blood, provided hospitalisation lasts at least 24 hours. It also covers day care procedures that require less than 24 hours of hospitalisation, excluding treatments typically taken on an OPD basis.

The plan reimburses pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses incurred immediately before and after the hospital stay. It also covers domestic road ambulance services on actuals for cashless claims and up to 1% of the sum insured (max ₹10,000) for reimbursement claims. The policy allows for home health care, providing treatment at home when needed. Nursing care at home is covered for up to 15 days after hospitalisation, offering continued support during recovery. 

The Complete Health Insurance plan also covers inpatient AYUSH treatments, which include alternative therapies like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy. Additionally, the plan includes coverage for modern treatments such as oral chemotherapy, intravitreal injections, bronchial thermoplasty, stem cell therapy and more, ensuring access to advanced and up-to-date medical care.

In the event of hospitalisation exceeding five days, the cost of an economy air ticket is also covered.

Exclusions

Pre-existing ailments are not covered until 24 months of constant coverage have passed since the start date of the policy. Additionally, expenses related to the treatment of hypertension, diabetes and cardiac conditions are excluded if incurred within the first 90 days from the policy’s start date. The policy also does not cover specific illnesses during the first two consecutive years of coverage.

Major permanent exclusions under the policy include expenses resulting from self-inflicted injuries, such as those due to suicide or attempted suicide and injuries or illnesses caused by the abuse or misuse of alcohol or drugs. The cost of spectacles, contact lenses and dental treatment is also not covered.

Additionally, medical treatments related to childbirth, including caesarean sections, unless done during hospitalisation due to complications and ectopic pregnancy, are excluded from the policy coverage.

Conclusion

A good health insurance plan is a necessity. ICICI Lombard’s complete health insurance has been designed to suit individual needs, families and senior citizens. Before buying a policy, always compare features, understand the inclusions and exclusions and pick a plan that suits health needs and financial situation.

If you are unsure about which plan to choose or need help understanding what’s best for you or your family, we are here to help. Get personal advice and the right health insurance suggestions by simply filling out the form on this page.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a certified medical and/or nutrition professional for any questions. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.

Prostate cancer is a serious health issue for men, yet it's one that often goes under the radar. While this condition doesn't get the same attention in conversations as other diseases, it affects many men every year and should not be overlooked. To make sure you stay informed, this article will take you through exactly what you need to know about prostate cancer, its causes, diagnosis, and treatment options. From taking preventative measures to staying informed on screenings and treatment options – no stone shall remain unturned as we explore why paying attention to our prostates matters now more than ever before.

What is Prostate cancer?

Let’s first dive into what is prostate cancer. It is a type of cancer that affects the prostate gland, which is a small, walnut-shaped gland located just below the bladder in men. This gland is crucial in producing seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. When cells in your prostate gland start to grow uncontrollably, they can form a tumour and potentially spread to other parts of the body. While early-stage prostate cancer might not show noticeable symptoms, routine screenings and awareness are essential for early detection and effective treatment. It's one of the most common cancers in men, but with advancements in medical care, the outlook is positive, especially when caught in its early stages.

Symptoms of Prostate cancer

Are you wondering “What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?” Prostate cancer often develops without causing obvious symptoms in its early stages, making detection challenging. However, as the cancer progresses, certain signs may emerge. These can include:
● Difficulty in starting or maintaining urination
● Frequent urge to urinate (especially at night)
● Weak urine stream
● Blood in the urine or semen
● Painful urination or ejaculation
● Discomfort in the back, hips, or pelvis

In advanced stages, individuals might experience:
● Bone pain
● Unexplained weight loss
● Fatigue

While these symptoms can also indicate other conditions, it's crucial not to dismiss them. Regular check-ups and screenings, especially for those at higher risk, can help catch prostate cancer early when it's more treatable.

Causes and risk factors of Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a disease with no definite preventable causes. However, the chances of its development are influenced by various factors or conditions. So, if you’re wondering what causes prostate cancer, here are a few factors that play a major role in this condition.

1. Age: The older you are, the more chances you've got of developing prostate cancer. It tends to affect individuals at the age of 50 and above.

2. Family history: If a close relative, like your dad or brother, has had prostate cancer, your chances of having it increase.

3. Genetics: Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can lead to prostate cancer development.

4. Lynch Syndrome: Lynch syndrome, a rare genetic condition, is linked to mutations in genes like MLH1 and MLH2. People affected by this syndrome face a higher chance of developing various forms of cancer, including prostate cancer.

5. Lifestyle: Your lifestyle habits also have a major say in your chances of developing prostate cancer. If your diet is loaded with saturated fats, and lacks fruits and veggies, your risk increases all the more. The same goes for the lack of physical activity. Lack of exercise elevates your risk of developing the disease.

6. Hormone levels: Hormones, which are naturally produced by our body's various organs, play a crucial role in regulating essential functions. One such hormone, Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), specifically controls normal cell growth. Recent research has shown a correlation between elevated levels of IGF-1 and the increased likelihood of developing prostate cancer.