By Dr Jim Roberts

There are two categories of cancer. The first one is referred to as primary where the malignant cells began appearing in a specific or particular area or organ. The second category refers to secondary cancer where the malignant cells originate from a previously affected area.

The symptoms that accompany secondary cancer are dependent on the place affected. The symptoms that come with it are the same with the symptoms of the disease as if it was diagnosed primary.

For example, the disease diagnosed to the patient is breast cancer. As the stages advance, there is a tendency for it to metastasize. The common places where the malignant cells can transfer to are the lungs and the brain. In the event that the cancer cells have spread to these surrounding parts, the patient can then experience the symptoms of the secondary cancer as if it was primary. Lung cancer can manifest by having shortness of breath and chest pains while brain cancer can be observed with headaches and numbness in certain body parts.

There are several changes that must be observed with secondary cancer. Many types of cancer come with little or almost no symptoms at all. Hence, it pays to be really observant when it comes to the body changes that might signal a cancer symptom. Observe about any pain, marks, lumps, enlargements and discharges that are seen in the body.

When primary cancer is diagnosed in a patient, it is always possible that secondary cancer symptoms can occur. This is especially true when the primary cancer has already advanced its stages. The cells will affect other organs and some may disregard occurrence of other symptoms only to find out in the end that the cancer has metastasized and it's too late to get treatments.

By Dr Jim Roberts

Once a patient is diagnosed with cancer, the next question he or she usually asks is the survival rate. The occurrence of the abnormal cells which causes a problem in the body poses serious threat to a person. Many lives are claimed by cancer each year and cancer is definitely not something to be taken lightly.

The survival rate of a person diagnosed with cancer depends on the stage it was diagnosed as well as the treatments administered. For those who had their cancer diagnosed at an early stage, their chance of survival is definitely higher. This is because the cancer cells found in their body are still low in number or has not made too much damage yet. Oftentimes, the cancer cells that have formed a tumor are surgically removed and followed by chemotherapy to ensure that no cancer cells will affect other parts of the body.

On the other hand, the survival rate of a person whose cancer has been diagnosed at late stages can have lower chances of survival. When cancer has been diagnosed at advanced stages, it only means that it has already grown in number and in sizes. The chance that it has also metastasized is also high. It only means that the surrounding organs have been affected and there are also cancer cells damaging it. The rate of the spread is faster especially when the cancer cells are aggressive.

Secondary cancer survival rates may be lower than primary cancer. However, the key is still on choosing the right combination of cancer treatments that can be administered to the patient. The survival of the patient, whether on cancer-free years or just prolonging the life of a patient can approximately range from five years or less. These also vary depending on what kind part of the body has been affected.

The most important thing to consider is when it comes to the choice of treatments. Consider finding one for the affected area. The treatment will be more effective if the other affected parts are also targeted too. Though most cases involving secondary cancer are already difficult to treat, trying will at least improve the condition of the patient.

The options are between treatments offered by medicine and treatments offered by nature. It depends not only on the preference of the patient but also the physical and emotional state of the patient. It must work to help further spread of the cancer cells.