Lupus anticoagulant, despite its name, is not a type of lupus nor does it act as an anti-coagulant in the traditional sense. Instead, it is a complex condition that interferes with the body's blood clotting process, potentially leading to harmful blood clots. This condition does not have visible or easily noticeable signs like other illnesses which makes it more dangerous. This article delves into the causes of lupus anticoagulant, shedding light on the factors contributing to its development.

How is Lupus Anticoagulant Caused?

Lupus anticoagulant is a type of autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the blood's clotting mechanism. To understand Lupus anticoagulant causes, it is essential to recognise that the immune system plays a significant role in this condition.

1. Autoimmune conditions especially SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus): LA is often present in people with other autoimmune conditions, with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) being the most notable. In SLE, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues, including those involved in blood clotting. This can lead to lupus anticoagulant.

2. Infections: Surprisingly, infections can trigger the development of lupus anticoagulants. Conditions like HIV, hepatitis and malaria have been associated with LA. When the body is fighting off these infections, it can inadvertently produce antibodies that interfere with blood clotting, resulting in the formation of Lupus anticoagulant.

3. Medications: Certain medications can also induce the presence of lupus anticoagulant in the bloodstream. Drugs like procainamide and chlorpromazine, used to treat various medical conditions may stimulate an autoimmune response in some individuals. This response can lead to the development of LA.

4. Genetics: While not as common as other causes, genetics may play a role in some cases of Lucas anticoagulant. Individuals with a family history of autoimmune disorders may have a higher predisposition to develop LA.

In the past, penile cancer was an exceedingly uncommon ailment, with little concern for most individuals. However, the scene has moved, and this once-rare condition is currently on the top, turning out to be more predominant. Penile cancer is a sort of disease that develops in the male reproductive organ- the penis. Penile cancer fundamentally influences the penile skin, especially the prepuce, and is more normally seen in men beyond 50 years old, frequently connected to compromised immune systems. Let us take a look at the main causes of penile cancer, and its associated risk factors.

How is Penile Cancer Caused?

Listed below are the main causes of penile cancer:-

1. HPV

HPV, short for human papillomavirus, is a highly dangerous virus that can be transmitted through sexual contact. Infection with this virus increases the chances of developing penile cancer. You can catch HPV through various routes:

- Direct skin-to-skin contact in the genital area

- Engaging in vaginal, anal, or oral sex

- Sharing intimate objects like sex toys

2. Weakened immune system

People dealing with conditions that weaken the immune system, such as AIDS, face an expanded risk of developing penile cancer.

3. Smoking

While it's generally recognized that smoking is one of the main causes of lung and oral cancer, it's important to note that it can also raise the risk of creating penile cancer.

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The Government of India has decided to put 42 non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs under price-control for affordable cancer care in the country by capping trade margins at 30% on these drugs. The move is expected to reduce their retail prices by 85 percent, covering 72 formulations and 355 pharmaceutical brands across the country.

The decision to bring these 42 non-scheduled cancer-curing drugs under price control through trade margin rationalization was approved by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), under Para 19 of the Drugs Prices Control Order of 2013. As per the data available with NPPA, the 85% reduction in the MRP of these drugs will entail a minimum savings of ₹105 crores to the consumers.

“Currently, there are 57 anti-cancer drugs already under the price control as scheduled formulations. Now, additional 42 non-scheduled anti-cancer medicines have been selected for price regulations by restricting trade margins on the selling price up to 30%,” the NPPA notification said.

“These would cover 72 formulations and 355 brands as per the data available. More data is being collected from hospitals and drug manufacturers to finalize the list,” it added. The NPPA has asked the manufacturers to recalculate the prices and submit more details within next seven days. The revised prices can come it effect from March 8, 2019.

The chairman of NPPA, Shubhra Singh believed that this move by the government can be a significant step towards its attempt to provide affordable healthcare for cancer treatment in India. Presently, there are over 1.5 million cancer patients in the country, with many of them quitting the treatment mid-way owing to the high cost of drugs, expensive treatment charges and lack of health insurance.

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Many people buy health insurance only to cover their hospitalisation cost. However, you must also consider other expenses when opting for a health cover.

Out of Pocket Expenses

Hospitalisation incurs several expenses that are outside the scope of hospital bills. There are certain non-admissible expenses like documentation charges, establishment charges, AC charges, attendant charges and many more, which the insurer doesn’t reimburse.

Apart from these, there are other expenses related to eatables, dietary supplements and commuting of family members and relatives. Some policies even have a restriction of a certain percentage to be paid by the insurer and the remaining by the person insured from his own pocket.

Daily Hospital Cash Plans: How They Work?

Complete health insurance plans operate in a different manner than your regular Mediclaim plans. In a DHC plan, you get the reimbursement based on the number of days spent in the hospital irrespective of the hospitalisation expense. For instance, if someone spends 5 days in a hospital and his hospitalisation expense is ₹ 10,000 with a daily cash benefit of ₹ 1,000. Then, he will get both the ₹ 10,000 cover for medical expenses and ₹ 5,000 for 5 days spent in the hospital.

The amount of daily expense varies with the sum insured. For instance, ICICI Lombard offers daily hospital cash on hospitalisation for a minimum period of 3 days and subject to a maximum of 10 consecutive days in the following manner:

You can also claim your Mediclaim and DHC plans simultaneously. The actual pay-out in a DHC plan is also subjected to the nature of hospitalisation, and someone who is admitted in an ICU or had to undergo a major surgery is likely to get higher pay-outs which will further depend on the policy provider.

World Mosquito Day is observed on 20th August every year to build awareness on various diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. The day is marked to honour Sir Ronald Ross, a British doctor, who first discovered in 1897 that female Anopheles mosquitoes spread malaria between humans. Since then, humankind has seen radical changes in the fight against malaria, dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.

Mosquito-borne diseases affect about 700 million people worldwide every year, leading to over a million deaths*. Awareness around symptoms and preventive measures is the need of the hour. How much do you know about the two most common mosquito-borne illnesses – malaria and dengue? Let’s take a look at their symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention measures.

What is malaria?

A potentially life-threatening disease, malaria is transmitted via the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito carrying the malarial parasite - Plasmodium. Once the parasite reaches your bloodstream, it moves into the liver to mature, post which it infects red blood cells. The parasite then multiplies, making the red cells burst open.

What are the symptoms of malaria?

If a mosquito infected by malaria bites you, symptoms will show up within 10 days to 4 weeks. Symptoms include –

• High fever and chills
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Profuse sweating
• Stomach pain and diarrhoea
• Muscle pain
• Coma
  
  

How is malaria diagnosed and treated?

If you experience the above symptoms, your doctor may prescribe blood tests to check for malaria. If the diagnosis is positive, you’ll then be promptly required to take anti-malarial medication. Your malaria treatment can be at home or in the hospital, based on the degree of symptoms. It is crucial to complete the entire course of medicines so that the disease does not appear again, with even worse symptoms. If the symptoms are severe, such as persistent fever, continuous vomiting, convulsions, etc., the treating doctor would ask you to get admitted to the nearest hospital immediately.

How can I prevent catching a malarial infection?

As of today, there is no vaccine for malaria. The best way to prevent malaria is to ensure you keep yourself away from mosquitoes. If you live in an area where mosquitoes are common, use mosquito coils, vaporisers or nets while sleeping. Wear full-sleeved shirts and long pants while travelling to an area known to have a lot of mosquitoes. Also, use mosquito repellent on exposed skin.

What is dengue?

Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by the bite of an Aedes mosquito carrying the dengue virus. This viral infection shows flu-like symptoms and can be potentially lethal in severe cases. It is a leading cause of hospitalisation in Asian and Latin American regions.

Urethral cancer is an ailment where cancerous cells develop in the delicate tissues of the urethra, a crucial tube responsible for transporting urine from the bladder to beyond the body's walls. Although it can occur in both genders, it is more likely to develop in males due to differences between the male and female anatomy. Despite its rarity, understanding this condition is essential for prevention, early detection and effective treatment. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the common causes of urethral cancer so that you or your loved one can make informed decisions regarding their preventative healthcare needs.

How is Urethral Cancer Caused?

Listed below are the main urethral cancer causes, along with its risk factors:

1. History of Bladder Cancer: If you've had bladder cancer disease previously, you're more in danger of developing urethral cancer. This is because the bladder and urethra are connected and have a portion of similar sorts of cells.
2. STDs: Sexually transmitted diseases, like human papillomavirus (HPV), can make it more likely for you to get urethral cancer. Among the types of HPV, one form called HPV type 16 is especially known for causing this cancer. It's essential to practice safe sex and get the HPV vaccination to reduce the possibility of this occurrence.
3. UTIs: Regular UTIs (urinary tract infections) can provoke persistent irritation in your urethra, which could increase the risk of getting urethral cancer disease. That is why it's crucial to keep a healthy urinary system.
4. Age and Gender: Urethral cancer is more normal in older adults and more often diagnosed in men than women.
5. Chemical Exposure: In certain instances, heightened exposure to specific chemicals, such as those utilized within the textile or chemical sectors, has been associated with an elevated likelihood of developing urethral cancer.
6. Tobacco and Smoking: Smoking, as with numerous other forms of cancer, can raise the likelihood of developing urethral cancer.

A vital component of the digestive system, the small intestine performs a variety of functions, including producing hormones for digesting and housing immune cells that guard against mouth infections. Despite being uncommon, small intestinal cancer requires early detection and thorough management for improved patient outcomes. In order to properly handle this relatively uncommon malignancy and give people impacted the best care possible, it is imperative to know the exact cause of small intestine cancer. Read on to know more about the causes and risk factors of this condition.

How is Small Intestine Cancer Caused?

Let us explore how small bowel cancer develops and the elements that influence it in order to have a greater understanding of the causes of small intestine cancer:

1. Genetic Alterations:

• The root cause of small bowel cancer is genetic abnormalities.
• The cells are forced to grow quickly as a result of these genetic alterations, eluding the normal cell cycle that would normally cause them to die.
• This uncontrolled growth of cells plays a crucial role in the development of tumours and the spread of small bowel cancer, adding to its difficult and complex nature.

2. Uncontrolled Growth:

• Cancerous cells persist and multiply, whereas healthy cells normally experience programmed cell death.
• A tumour could develop as a result of this unregulated proliferation's excessive cell accumulation.
• Small bowel cancer is known for its rapid, uncontrolled cell development, which adds to the disease's difficult-to-treat and potentially invasive nature.

3. Invasion and Spread:

• The small intestine's healthy tissue may eventually become invaded with such unusual cells over time.
• Additionally, they could separate from the primary tumour and spread via the lymphatic or circulatory systems to different parts of the body.

Every day, you make decisions in your life that affect your health, but did you know that something as small as what you eat can increase your risks for duodenal cancer? First, let’s take a look at some background information on this disease: Duodenal cancer refers to any form of malignancy occurring in the duodenum – the first part of the small intestine - which has multiple functions within digestion, including connecting the stomach and jejunum. In this article, we will explore some causes of duodenal cancer, giving you deeper insight into protective measures they might take.

How is Duodenal Cancer Caused?

The following reasons are usually found to be associated with duodenal cancer occurrence:

• Diet: Diet is considered to play a significant role in eating food, specifically red meat, ultra-processed food, and smoked and cured food.
• Bowel disease: Patients of any type of bowel disease that includes chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s syndrome and others have more chances of developing duodenal cancer. Research has shown people with Crohn’s syndrome have 60% more chances to develop duodenal and other small bowel cancers.
• Genetic mutations: Mutations associated with genetic diseases like nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome predispose a person to duodenal cancer.
• Celiac disease: Patients who suffer from long-standing celiac disease are at risk for developing duodenal cancer.
• Family History: People with first-degree relatives having any form of small or large bowel cancer are at higher risk of developing duodenal cancer.
• Lifestyle factors: People with an unhealthy lifestyle that includes regular smoking, alcohol consumption, a diet low in fresh fruit and vegetables and less physical activity. are at higher risk of developing duodenal cancer.
• Benign polyps in the duodenum: Any type of non-cancerous benign growth in the duodenum may cause a higher chance of developing duodenal cancer.
• Ulcer: You may be wondering, “Can duodenal ulcer cause cancer?”. Studies have shown that ulcers in the duodenum can lead to cancer, but this occurrence is very rare.

Rectal cancer is a serious health condition that affects thousands of people every year. Rectal cancer originates in the rectum – the last part large intestine, which is several inches long and is directly linked to the anus through a narrow passage. While the exact causes of rectal cancer remain largely unknown, there are several risk factors and lifestyle habits which can increase your likelihood of developing it. In this article, we’ll be discussing the possible causes of rectal cancer in greater detail, including how certain environmental factors may increase your risk.

How is Rectal Cancer Caused?

Most cases of rectal cancer are sporadic, that is, the mutation of the gene that causes cancer formation is acquired and not inherited from parents. A small amount of patients (only around 10%) show inherited patterns of rectal cancer. There are also several genetic and environmental risk factors that increase the chances of rectal cancer. The following reasons are usually found to be associated with rectal cancer occurrence:

• Genetic mutations - Mutations in the gene FAP (Familial Adenomatosis Polyposis) have been found to be associated with rectal cancer. Further mutation associated with genetic diseases like Lynch syndrome, i.e. hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer [HNPCC], has been found to cause rectal cancer. People with Lynch syndrome, another genetic disorder, show up to 80% risk of developing rectal cancer. People with a FAP mutation also show a 100% lifetime risk of developing rectal cancer if they leave the polyps in the colorectal region untreated.
• Family history – People with a family history of colon cancer, adenomatous polyps, and polyps with villus are at a higher risk of getting rectal cancer.
• Development of inflammatory bowel disease – Patients with inflammatory bowel disease or Crohn’s syndrome are more prone to developing rectal cancer.

Other risk factors for developing rectal cancer include the following:

• Age – The chances of getting rectal cancer increase with advancing age.
• Unhealthy lifestyle – Following an unhealthy lifestyle with a non-nutritious diet, smoking, alcohol intake, and physical inactivity increases the risk of developing rectal cancer.
• Lifestyle diseases – Diseases that occur due to a bad lifestyle, like diabetes and obesity, can also increase the chances of getting rectal cancer.

Are you concerned about the potential causes of spleen cancer? While this type of cancer is relatively rare, understanding the different risk factors associated with it can help you keep an eye out for any changes or symptoms that might indicate something more serious. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the common causes and risk factors behind spleen cancer. Knowing what you're up against will put your mind at ease and give you a starting point as far as early detection goes. Keep reading to learn more – your health could depend on it!

What causes spleen cancer?

In most cases, spleen cancer is diagnosed as a secondary cancer, so it is important to focus on the stage of primary cancer and prevent spreading it up to the spleen. So, what causes spleen cancer? The following reasons are usually found to be associated with occurrence of primary splenic malignancy:

• Hypersplenism – It refers to an overactive spleen that can lead to quick removal of blood cells so that the person may have very little amount of blood cells.
• Splenic rupture – The spleen surface breaks, and it represents a medical emergency. It might occur due to any accident or a forceful blow on the abdomen. Sometimes, an enlarged spleen may also cause splenic rupture. Timely medical intervention allows a person to survive splenic rupture but makes him/her prone to frequent spleen infections and cancer.
• Presence of splenic abscesses – Splenic abscesses due to other reasons might be a reason behind primary spleen cancer. It is frequently found in patients with underlying disorders such as:
  • Trauma
  • Infections
  • Recent surgery
  • Emboli
  • Immunosuppression
  • Hematologic malignancy
• Presence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma – Primary splenic malignancy is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects the lymphatic system.
• Risk factors – Like male gender, advanced age, family history of lymphoma, frequent infections, weak immunity, and chronic hepatitis c infection.

Causes of secondary spleen cancer –

• Presence of other cancers - Cancers like leukaemia, lymphoma, breast cancer, melanoma and lung cancer are known to spread to the spleen and cause secondary spleen cancer.

Risk factors of spleen cancer

Various factors may increase the risk of developing spleen cancer:

• Age: Older individuals are more susceptible to spleen cancer.
• Gender: Males may have a slightly higher risk compared to females.
• Immune System Disorders: Health issues that weaken the immune system can increase vulnerability.
• Exposure to Certain Chemicals: Contact with specific industrial chemicals has higher risk.

Can spleen cancer be prevented?

While there's no guaranteed way to prevent spleen cancer, certain measures may reduce the risk:

• Healthy Lifestyle: Balanced diet with regular exercise supports overall health.
• Avoiding Harmful Chemicals: Limiting exposure to known carcinogens can decrease risk.
• Regular Medical Check-ups: Routine health screenings can aid in the early detection of potential issues.

To minimise health risks caused by spleen cancer and other medical issues, health insurance for senior citizens becomes a crucial step in battling illnesses in old age.

Conclusion

With early diagnosis, treatment of spleen cancer can be straightforward and successful. Surgical resection or splenectomy is often the go-to option, but there are other therapeutic choices available too. Remember, the key to effective cancer treatment lies in timely detection and intervention. Stay vigilant and listen to your body's warning signs. By understanding the causes of spleen cancer, you can even help prevent this condition. Also, ensure that you have a medical insurance plan in place to safeguard yourself against any financial stress.

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.