Question 1

what is the definition or description of: islet cell carcinoma?

Accepted Answer

Pancreatic islets: Islet cell tumors of the pancreas represent the second form of lesion, the first representing lesions of ductal origin that lead to  the classic pancreatic carcinoma, most frequently arising in the head.
The second group of tumors, those of neuroendocrine origin arise in clustered cells known as islets and which are mainly benign  When malignant they spread with a survival of about 5%

Question 2

i've developed islet cell carcinoma. what should i be watching out for in the future?

Accepted Answer

Difficult to say: Islet cell tumors are rare forms of cancer that arise in the endocrine tissues of the pancreas. They can secrete a variety of hormones, including insulin, glucagon, gastrin, and vasoactive intestinal peptide, resulting in a myriad of clinical syndromes. However, the majority are not associated with a hormonal syndrome, and therefore, yours may have been detected incidentally. I need more info.

Question 3

are there any new treatment options for islet cell carcinoma?

Accepted Answer

Yes there are: Islet cell cancers are rare cancers. They are sometimes caught early and can be removed with surgery. This is the best treatment when possible. When they are metastatic, there are many medical treatments for them which can buy 5 to 10 years of life despite tumor being metastatic as they grow slowly(indolent tumors).

Question 4

how can i tell if a mole is basal cell carcinoma? how can i tell if a mole that develops on my skin could be showing signs of basal cell carcinoma?

Accepted Answer

The : The only way to determine the exact nature of a lesion is to have some tissue removed for microscopic diagnosis by a pathologist.  Basal cell carcinomas can take on many forms.  See your dermatologist for evaluation.

Question 5

does it ever happen that a squamous cell skin cancer grow under skin without any sign?

Accepted Answer

Usually not. : However some skin cancer can look like moles or other common growths. It is best to be checked by your doctor or dermatologist once a year. More frequently if you have a history of skin cancer or it runs in the family.

Question 6

t2n0m0 rectal cancer, is recurrent moderate bleeding post-polypectomy & pre-op a sign of residual cancer cells at the site? does this change tx rec?

Accepted Answer

No: Bleeding is an expected complication. I it persist ten you should have it looked at. Bleeding does not define your treatment. The surgical path stage define your treatment. Rec eus ultrasound be done to ensure t2 lesion prior to surgery. If T3 (liothyronine) or higher conside preop chemo an radiation.

Question 7

is it true that a low white blood cell count be a sign of cancer?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: While other diseases can cause low white blood cell counts, the possibility of cancer in the bone marrow is always raised when this is seen.  Cancer cells can replace the normal cells of the bone marrow.  The normal cells produce mature circulating blood cells (white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets).  If they are compromised, so are their products.

Question 8

how to diagnose bladder cancer? i have blood in my urine. can a urine test show if i have bladder cancer? do other signs of bladder cancer show up in urine, like maybe cancer cells?

Accepted Answer

Blood : Blood in your urine, known as hematuria, can be either gross (visible to the naked eye) or microscopic (invisible to the naked eye, thus found only upon testing or urinalysis).  Bladder & kidney infections can cause hematuria.  So can kidney stones.  However, these three possibilities are typically associated w/discomfort & pain.

Painless hematuria is more worrisome for bladder cancer, especially in smokers and those exposed to (carcinogenic) chemicals at work.  The diagnosis can be made by your family physician via urine testing, either cytology (looking for cancer cells) or bard bta (looking for tumor antigen).  If both of those tests are negative but the reason for the painless hematuria remains elusive, then a cystoscopy (visual examination of your bladder via a small camera inside a tube via your urethra) can be performed by a urologist.  Biopsies can be taken at this time to determine the nature and extent of the cancer.

Sometimes, other tests will be performed looking to see if there's disease anywhere else.  For instance, an intravenous pyelogram will allow us to visualize your kidneys & ureters, in addition to the bladder.  An abdominal and/or pelvic ct will allow us to visualize any adjacent structures for spread.

Question 9

i have adenomyosis with heavy bleeding w/clots that soak through my clothes.pap smear had endometrial cells.could this be a sign of cancer?

Accepted Answer

Not cancer: Endometrial cells on pap is not a sign of cancer. Adenomyosis can explain heavy bleeding and cramping, but doesn't rule out cancer. Make certain your concerns and communication with your doctor is very good.

Question 10

mother had cancer cells in skull and spinal cord. after chemotherapy her pain is alleviate d and her blood count is normal.is it a good sign?

Accepted Answer

Likely: The chemo has very likely induced a remission, and that is certainly positive.  One might hope that this is on the road to full control, and maybe permanent remission.

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Doctor answers about:

Islet cell carcinoma signs

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: islet cell carcinoma?

A member asked:

I've developed islet cell carcinoma. what should i be watching out for in the future?

A member asked:

Are there any new treatment options for islet cell carcinoma?

A member asked:

How can i tell if a mole is basal cell carcinoma? how can i tell if a mole that develops on my skin could be showing signs of basal cell carcinoma?

A member asked:

Does it ever happen that a squamous cell skin cancer grow under skin without any sign?

A member asked:

T2n0m0 rectal cancer, is recurrent moderate bleeding post-polypectomy & pre-op a sign of residual cancer cells at the site? does this change tx rec?

A member asked:

Is it true that a low white blood cell count be a sign of cancer?

A member asked:

How to diagnose bladder cancer? i have blood in my urine. can a urine test show if i have bladder cancer? do other signs of bladder cancer show up in urine, like maybe cancer cells?

A member asked:

I have adenomyosis with heavy bleeding w/clots that soak through my clothes.pap smear had endometrial cells.could this be a sign of cancer?

A member asked:

Mother had cancer cells in skull and spinal cord. after chemotherapy her pain is alleviate d and her blood count is normal.is it a good sign?

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