There are several options available for the detection, diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. The following are the normal procedures employed to determine whether a patient has skin cancer:

· Skin examination by a qualified individual to check for bumps or spots that may look unusual in terms of color, size, shape, or texture.

· A pathological examination (biopsy) procedure on a portion of the abnormal-looking growth to determine the presence of cancer cells. This can be accomplished in any of 3 methods: shave biopsy wherein a surgical razor is used to shave-off parts of the suspected growth; punch biopsy wherein an instrument called a trephine is used to remove a circle of tissue from the growth and excisional biopsy wherein the entire growth is removed surgically with the use of a scalpel.

Treatment and recovery of skin cancer depends significantly on the conditions or stage of the cancer, there is no sure fire method of treating and managing skin cancer as each case is unique to the individual and is also influenced by factors such as the type of the cancer, location and size of the tumor (whether it has metastasized or not) and the patient's overall health and physical condition.

In the traditional method of treatment, there are four options available.

Surgery: There are various surgical procedures employed for the treatment of the non-melanoma type of skin cancer.

· For superficial skin cancer Mohs micrographic surgery is the most common procedure wherein the tumor is gradually incised from the affected area of the skin in very thin layers and examined microscopically to verify the presence or absence of cancer cells. The procedure continues until the presence of cancer cells is negative.

· Simple excision is the surgical removal of a tumor including some of the surrounding skin tissues.

· Shaving the surface of the affected skin area with a surgical blade.

· Cutting the tumor from the skin with a sharp tool resembling a small spoon and then treating the edges of the immediate area of the cut with electrical current to stop and control bleeding and destroy remaining cancer cells.

· Another option is cryosurgery whereby the abnormal tissues are destroyed through freezing.

· Using laser to cut affected skin tissue or remove malignant tumor.

· Removal of the top layer of skin using a sander-type tool or skin defoliants to remove affected skin cells.

Radiation: Radiation cancer treatment therapy is the use of x-rays or radiation to destroy cancer cells. These can either be external by using a machine outside of the body or internal by introducing radioactive elements into or near the affected area.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to control the spread of cancer cells in the body. It can either be applied topically as a cream or lotion, orally or by intravenous and/or intramuscular injection into the patient's vein or muscle.

Photodynamic Therapy: The use of drugs in combination with laser to destroy cancer cells. The drug is injected into the patient's vein and remains inactive until it is subjected to laser via fiber optic tubes at which time it becomes active and kills the cancer cells.

There is one thing in common with all of the above mentioned traditional treatment options for skin cancer – they are generally invasive.

Although there is nothing wrong with the methodology, alternative methods of skin cancer treatment, which are now gaining acceptance in the West, espouse a holistic approach in the treatment of skin cancer or an illness. A holistic approach is geared towards the mental, physical and emotion aspects of the patient and not just the physical symptoms of the illness.

They proceed from the premise that an individual gets sick simply because his immune system is weak and can not fight the virus that attacks the system. For treatment to be successful, it is therefore necessary to strengthen a person's immune system including emotional and physical resources in order to combat threats to the body.

In the traditional model of Western medicine, once skin cancer is diagnosed and determined the only acceptable form of treatment is the clinical model. However, a study of the alternative approaches to prevention and treatment reveal that in consonance with the traditional method both can be very effective in treating advanced skin cancer.

Medical experts are aware that certain minerals and antioxidant vitamins that can be derived from fruits and vegetables help repair damaged body tissues and promote the regeneration of healthy skin.

Now, medical practitioners are advocating the use of alternative methods of skin cancer prevention and treatment through a healthy diet and active lifestyle in order to protect individuals from the harmful effects of sunlight – the number one factor directly related to skin cancer development.

An active and healthy lifestyle and regular exercise is necessary in order to combat skin cancer since even stress cause the weakening of the immune system which then makes individuals more prone to sickness.

With proper exercise such as yoga, tai chi, running and even acupuncture, the body's immune system can be made stronger even if skin cancer is already at an advanced stage.

Coupled with a healthy and nutritious diet, individuals stand a better chance to fight skin cancer and strengthen the immune system to fight off the malignant cancer cells.

One of the more promising discoveries is the effect of green tea towards skin cancer. Taken orally or applied topically, green tea shows a striking effect on the skin in relation to cancer and carcinogens because it is a natural antioxidant. Green tea antioxidants (medical term green tea polyphenols) show a remarkable ability to prevent and inhibit the growth of various types of skin cancers from basal cell carcinoma to melanoma in tests carried out on animals and human patients.

However, those already suffering from skin cancer should never self medicate. It is good practice to consult with your doctor regarding the use of traditional and alternative form of treatments since there may be an interference effect between the two when taken together. Discussing any alternative treatment options with your cancer doctor ensures faster recovery and future prevention.

If you have skin cancer and you would like to learn more about your skin cancer treatment options please visit the CancerB website for more detailed information and advice.

With all the hype and talk about this plant the past few months I thought I would address some of the myths and facts about this plant. Regardless if you believe this is a cure all fruit or a hoax, the plant and fruit itself is amazing.

Some of the basic common names for this fruit are: noni fruit, Indian mulberry, Morinda, hog apple, meng koedoe, mora de la India, ruibarbo caribe, wild pine

The Scientific or Medical name is: Morinda citrifolia

First, let preface this entry with the following statement. There is no scientific evidence that noni juice is effective in preventing or treating cancer or any other disease in humans. Although animal and laboratory studies have shown some positive effects, human studies are just getting started. Research is also going on to isolate various compounds found in the noni plant so that further testing can be done to find out if they may be useful in humans. Proponents claim that the noni fruit and its juice can be used to treat cancer, diabetes, heart disease, cholesterol, high blood pressure, HIV, rheumatism, psoriasis, allergies, infection, and inflammation. Some believe that the fruit can relieve sinus infections, menstrual cramps, arthritis, ulcers, sprains, injuries, depression, senility, poor digestion, atherosclerosis, addiction, colds, flu, and headaches. It is further claimed that the juice can heal scratches on the cornea of the eye. There is no scientific evidence to support these claims.

In saying this, many countries have been using this plant for centuries for holistic treatments and cures. In India, proponents use noni as a remedy for asthma and dysentery, and folk healers in the Pacific islands use it for many types of illness. In the United States, some noni juice distributors promote it as a general tonic, stress reliever, facial and body cleanser, and a dietary and nutritional supplement.

The Noni plant is a tropical evergreen tree that grows to about 10 feet tall in Tahiti, Pacific Islands, Asia, Australia, South America, Philippines, Caribbean and Southern States of the United States of America.

The history of the Noni plant is also unique. It is assumed to have originated in Asia and was distributed throughout the Pacific Islands by natural and man-made means. About 2000 years ago, ancient people of French Polynesia brought the Noni plant with them as a source of food and medicine, so it is assumed, when the colonized the islands around them. Even Captain James Cook in the 1700's wrote and observed the fruit was consumed in Tahiti and other small islands. It seems other publications in Fiji, Roratango, Australia, India, Roratango and the Philippines were eaten and used for medical purposes. The roots and bark of the Noni plant were scraped and pounded to form a yellow and red dye used to color clothes and clothing, and the leaves, bark and fruit were used for many different ailments.

No part of this plant seemed to go wasted, and is used as some form of medicine or food. Witch doctors and healers use the Noni leaves as bandages for wounds helping the healing to take place faster. Green fruits are crushed and the juice extracted as a remedy for lesions or sores. Root and bark is used to treat inflammation and infections. Each country had their own unique way of using this amazing plant for the people's needs and wants. Stories of fevers, skin disease, respiratory problems, gastrointestinal issues, menstrual and urinary problems, diabetes and venereal diseases are just a few of the ailments that this fruit is said to cure.

Here is a small list of traditional uses that these countries use and claim.

Plant Part Used Traditional Medical Use

Stem: Jaundice, hypertension

Leaves, flowers, fruit, bark: Eye conditions, skin wounds, abscesses, gum and throat disease, respiratory ailments, constipation, fever, laxative

Fruit: Lumbago, asthma, dysentery (Indochina), head lice (Hawaii), wound poultice, broken bones, sores or scabs, sore throat, peeling and cracking of toes and feet, cuts, wounds, abscesses, mouth and gum infections, toothaches, appetite and brain stimulant food, boils, carbuncles, tuberculosis, sprains, deep bruises, rheumatism, stomach ulcers, hypertension, Philippines this is used for acne and skin problems.

Leaves: Relieves cough, nausea, colic (Malaysia), tuberculosis, sprains, deep bruising, rheumatism, bone fractures, dislocations, hypertension, stomach ache, diabetes, loss of appetite, urinary tract ailments, abdominal swelling, hernias, vitamin A deficiency

Stem: Jaundice, hypertension

Seed: Scalp insecticide, insect repellant

Fruit juice: Regulate menstrual flow, urinary tract problems, arthritis

Flowers: Sties

Modern Uses of Noni: ADD/ADHD, addictions, allergies, arthritis, asthma, brain problems, burns, cancer, cardiovascular disease, chemical sensitivity, chronic fatigue, diabetes, digestive problems, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, gout, hypertension, immune deficiency, infection, inflammation, jet lag, multiple sclerosis, muscle and joint pain, polio, rheumatism, severed fingers, sinus, veterinary medicine.

The smell and taste of this plant is sometimes overwhelming, however the uses and medicinal value surely overcomes this distaste. The juice can be mixed with other juices to hide the taste and smell.

The plant itself grows well in almost any soil condition including sandy or rocky soil. The areas though, it seems to grow the best are on the volcanic mountain areas of the Pacific Islands. The flowers are small and white, and grow from the structure of the plant. It would seem the nectar is preferred by other honey eating insects. It will bloom year around when conditions are right. The fruit are 3-8 inches in length. The fruit starts our green then turns light yellow or even white when it ripens. The fruit is edible but again have a horrific smell and taste. Grows well in a container, seems to tolerate shade and will bear large amounts of fruit in a pot. If kept indoors the flowers must be hand pollinated for fruit. This plant can NOT take cold temps below 55F, so you must protect it during the winter. If it goes below 55 but stays about 32 the leaves fall of but the roots stay alive and the plant will grow once the weather turns warm and will still fruit the same year. We water ours once a day, but this is not necessary. We have an automatic water system for our plants to help the growing process.

Peter Dixon Owner of Nipa Hut Gardens and Gifts offers a wide array of Free Gardend Ebooks and Garden Articles as well asproducts for the whole family, which are usually not found in the large retail stores and include, rare fruit trees, plants, vines, flowers, Free Garden Ebooks, Free Business Ebooks, Digital books, Digital programs and more. Visit his website at

Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, is a fat-soluble nutrient that is found not only in natural foods, but is also manufactured by the body when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. And, it may come as a surprise to many to know that this single Vitamin has the potential to not only strengthen our bones and teeth, but is also known to protect against cancer, TB, diabetes, arthritis, the flu and even the common cold.

It's ironic however, that despite accessibility to the outdoors, most people aren't getting sufficient quantities. Variations in blood concentrations can result through seasonal conditions, where cold weather protective clothing and the sun's angle in the winter sky limit the amount ultraviolet light that actually reaches the skin. Additionally, skin color and dietary intake, through balanced nutrition or vitamin supplements all affect vitamin D levels in the body.

Amazingly, when the sun's rays hit the skin, the body converts a cholesterol-type compound into vitamin D. And, it only takes 10 to 15 minutes of exposure on the arms or legs to synthesize an adequate daily dose of the nutrient. However, the place where a person resides will have a significant effect on the skin's exposure to the more direct UV rays.

Inhabitants of the more tropical regions will typically have sufficient levels of vitamin D. However, studies reveal that people throughout the industrial world aren't so fortunate. Individuals in more temperate and colder climates aren't reaching the levels currently recommended to protect the health of bones and teeth, much less the even higher concentrations that research has indicated can provide the additional health and cancer prevention benefits.

It's not too difficult to get the required levels if you happen to be white skinned with your body exposed to the sun wearing nothing more than a bathing suit at mid-day in mid-summer, no matter where you happen to be located. Truth is, the human body can generate 10,000 to 12,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D from a half-hour of summer-sun exposure.

Unfortunately, when heeding dermatologists' warnings about preventing skin cancer, by limiting sun exposure and using a sunscreen, not to mention wearing a hat, long sleeve and long pant clothing, most individuals aren't able to take advantage of this least expensive and most efficient source of this important vitamin.

Recommended food and other nutritional sources of vitamin D include dairy products, predominantly fortified milk, the meat of oily fish, such as tuna, salmon, sardines and mackerel, dark green leafy vegetables, including spinach and broccoli, dry cereal or cereal grain bars as well as, a variety of nutritional supplements.

When vitamin D deficiencies do occur they are usually the result of inadequate dietary availability or intake, increased bodily requirement, increased losses through bodily excretion, impaired absorption and/or utilization by the body where the kidneys cannot convert vitamin D into its active hormonal form. Or, in cases where someone is unable to adequately absorb vitamin D from within the digestive tract, and of course, in situations where there is limited exposure to sunlight.

Daily diets that are deficient in Vitamin D are generally associated with milk allergies, lactose intolerance, and strict vegetarianism. Even infants who are fed only breast milk will also receive insufficient amounts of vitamin D, unless they otherwise receive appropriate levels of vitamin D supplementation.

In children, vitamin D deficiency causes the condition known as rickets, which is a bone disease characterized by a failure to properly mineralize bone tissue. Rickets results in soft bones and skeletal deformities. Surprisingly, prolonged exclusive breastfeeding without vitamin D supplementation is one of the most significant causes of the reemergence of rickets. Additional causes can include extensive use of sunscreen products or even increased utilization of day-care facilities, which can result in decreased outdoor activity and lack of sun exposure among younger children.

In adults, vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteomalacia, which results in muscular weakness in addition to a weakened skeletal structure. Low levels of vitamin D may also increase the risk of developing all forms of cancer.

Unfortunately, obtaining sufficient levels of vitamin D from natural food sources is no easy chore. The established RDA is 200 IU, but many researchers agree the number should fall somewhere between 1,000 IU and 2,000 IU, to lower the risk of cancer and strengthen the immune system. So, for most people, maintaining healthy blood concentrations of this important vitamin will require consuming a balance of vitamin D fortified foods, as well as, ensuring adequate exposure to sunlight.

Choosing headwear can be challenging at the best of times. Whether it is that spectacular hat for a special occasion, or just keeping your head and ears warm on a winter's day, you have to get it just right. Get it wrong and you get it REALLY wrong!

One-offs, fashion statement or simple practicalities, however you decide to use headwear, it's a very personal choice. But because of its inherent prominence, being on the 'top' of on our heads, it needs to suit us, make us look, and feel great, and above all we should feel completely comfortable when wearing it.

So how do you make sure you get it right?

Understanding your face shape is the first step. The shape of your face is a key factor in selecting the best headwear for you.

However, colour is also a huge influence on what works and what doesn't for each individual. When you wear colours near your face, light reflects off it and this can cast either flattering tones or dark shadows over your face, depending on your skin tone – this is why it is helpful to work out the best colours for you.

There is a psychological aspect to colour too. Soft and light tones, for example, make us seem approachable and may help us feel calmer, whereas brighter, more vibrant colours may come across as "go getting" and make us feel cheerful.

Historically, colour analysis provides a framework to help us understand what colours suit each person, and how individuals can look their best, by combining their 'personal best' colours together.

The process of determining your best colours is done by analysing hair and eye colour along with skin tone, producing instantly visible results in your style choices. If you are experiencing hair loss, through chemo treatment, alopecia, lupus, trichotillomania (hair pulling) or the female equivalent of male baldness – androgenetic alopecia, this could be seen as a challenge.

Not so. Although it doesn't necessarily make it an easier process, it certainly removes one of the factors you need to consider right now. Without our hair to dominate our features there is a clear choice, the next most prominent aspect of our faces is our eyes.

Many people believe that our eyes are the windows to our souls. In terms of colour analysis, they are also the windows to our personalities and therefore our inner (and resulting outer) style. Our personalities are fundamental in the way we communicate with people and so choosing the right colours to match our personalities is important to getting it right.

For the 1.6 million women in the UK who are now coping with significant hair loss*, a good way to improve self image and confidence is to gain a better understanding of their personal colouring and to experiment with colours they like.

What colours would suit me?

• If you have light coloured eyes, pale blue, grey or light green eyes, you will look better in light coloured headwear. Black would simply be too harsh and severe and cast dark shadows over your face. Choosing a stone or pewter-coloured piece of headwear will result in a more flattering look.

• If you have dark coloured eyes you will look better in rich coloured and darker headwear.

• If you have green, brown or blue eyes with freckles on your skin or a golden glow, you will look great in warm colours such a chocolate brown or coral pink.

• Women with grey, blue, green or clear brown eyes with pink undertones to your skin then you look best in "cool" colours such as grey or sky blue.

• Are your eyes bright and shiny, often remarked upon by others or called jewel-like? Whether they are blue, green or topaz, they are usually the first thing people notice about you. You look best in brighter colours such as emerald, turquoise or blush pink to bring out the sparkle in your eyes and more muted colours such as taupe and pewter should be livened up with brighter shades from your pallet.

• Do you have eyes that are a soft and muted colour - blue, brown, hazel or green or that often change in colour? You need soft muted colours such as natural beige or cocoa to enhance yourself and avoid being overpowered by colours that are too strong for you.

Colour Matching

Eye Colour Subtle Headwear Colours Vibrant Headwear Colours

Light Stone or Pewter Light Apricot or Geranium Red

Dark Black or Burgundy Purple or Scarlet Red

Warm Chocolate Brown or Moss Green Aqua or Terracotta

Cool Grey or Dark Navy Sky Blue or Hot Pink

Bright Taupe or Pewter Emerald Turquoise or Blush Pink

Soft Natural Beige or Cocoa Jade or Soft Violet

When you master your own personal colouring you will find people will start talking to your eyes and this inevitably draws attention away from any hair loss.

Try standing in front of a mirror and see the effect that different colours have on your own individual look. Remember too, co-ordinate your make-up in a way you are comfortable with – more hints and tips about this coming soon.

What do I do next?

1. Analyse your personal colouring

2. Work out which colours suit you best

3. Understand what colours you feel great in

4. Understand your face shape - more information on the Suburban Turban website

5. Then start FEELING GREAT!!

*Statistical information quoted from 'The hope and hair restorer...' Norman Miller, The Times Saturday, November 11 2006.

| Contact: nicky@suburbanturban.co.uk |

Tel: 0845 003 2 800

Nicky Zip is the founder and managing director of Suburban Turban: fashionable and stylish headwear for women suffering from hair loss.

With over 20 years experience in creative design and millinery, Nicky has spent the last 10 years designing and making hats for the English season, including Ascot races, Henley-on-Thames Royal Regatta and racing at Goodwood. Nicky's hats have also been seen at Buckingham P

It is always not so easy starting out on something that will radically change your lifestyle, most especially when it becomes a part of your regimen. Switching to macrobiotic diet is not that tough. As long as you have the will and determination to do it. Macrobiotics is actually just using our commonsense to eating. Macrobiotics is a sensible alternative to the over processed and devitalized foods that are available in the market and fast foods.

Macrobiotic diet focuses on these balancing acts of intakes. Yin foods, among other things are ones that grow in warm climate, foods that contain more water. While Yang foods are ones that grow in cold climate and are dryer. Remember "Taking all things in moderation"? "Anything excessive or too much is bad"? Macrobiotics is focusing on eliminating unbalanced diet and promoting higher well being, it also teaches us to chew our food completely and eat only when hungry.

Some food that we have gotten used to are strictly prohibited in macrobiotics, because as we say, it is unbalanced in its own way. They are extreme. Either too sweet or too salty, hence junk foods. Foods that you should stay away from are chocolates, candies and soda, refined foods such as white sugar or flour, processed food such as sardines, corned beef, and other canned food, tropical fruits, poultry and dairy products, eggs, butter, caffeinated products specially coffee, and other products that has preservatives in it.

But there are so many benefits of macrobiotics that changing your taste bud preference is worth it. If paired together with exercise, such as yoga, macrobiotic diet can make you lose weight dramatically, because this diet is rich in fiber and low in saturated fat and reduces the risk of diseases that is associated with fats such as heart attacks and strokes, heart diseases and high cholesterol. Although not proven yet, macrobiotics helps and even prevents AIDS and cancer. Of course it's a rule of a thumb that a healthy diet and healthy lifestyle leads to a disease free life, as our body has it's own self heal properties, and all we have to do is to activate our body's immune system to perform well it's duties by cleansing him of all the impurities we fed him in years of our lives.

Macrobiotic diet is not a medicine to cure your onset illness but a lot of illnesses are brought about by wrong diet and excessive intakes of unnecessary food in our body, thereby resulting into branches of different complications and sickness, correcting all of these and switching to a more sensible and balanced diet such as macrobiotic diet and lead a healthy lifestyle together with exercise can surely shun away troubles brought about by modern day diseases. A complete turn around of diet means a complete turn around of illness into wellness. Macrobiotic diet is a way of life.

Publisher of A website wholly focused on Macrobiotics and its resources.

If you - as a man -- want to look good, keep skin healthy, and fight the signs of aging, you don't have to spend hours in front of the mirror every morning or pay for expensive procedures, no matter what your wife may say.

Good news huh? You can just splash water on your face and roll out to work...

Not so fast. It is more than just washing your face in the morning with any random soap lying around. You do need to take a few steps every day to keep skin healthy and fresh.

Manage Oily Skin

If you've ever looked at skin products on the market or seen an infomercial for some miracle cream, you probably already know about oil and large pores. Oily skin and large pores are the biggest obstacles to keeping your skin looking great. Well, men have bigger pores and produce more oil than women, which means they actually have bigger problems.

To take care of oil and reduce the size of pores, you should find a high quality face wash that is also marked as a pore minimizer. If you're worried about fruity or flowery smells, don't be. There are products made especially for men that don't have all the frills of normal scrubs. Many are located in the face care aisle at the local grocery store or supermarket while if you are so inclined, other options exist in the department stores or online.

Avoiding Sun and Pollutants

In addition to having clean healthy skin, you probably want it to look younger as well. The easiest way to do this is by applying a daily sun block. Be sure to grab one made for faces and a separate one for your whole body. There are facial moisturizers available with sun block in them, just don't use moisturizer if you have very oily skin that is prone to break outs.

Even if you aren't worried about how your skin looks or the aging effects of the sun, men should still be concerned about skin cancer. Sun damage can cause melanoma, a deadly, fast spreading cancer that can be easily prevented by the regular use of sun block or wearing protective clothing. Even if you aren't concerned about yourself, your family probably is.

Sun isn't the only thing outside that damages your skin and leaves you looking older. You're also exposed to pollutants and other chemicals in the air that can cause damage to your skin. They can leave you looking older and may contribute to other health problems. That's why it's even more important to wash you skin regularly.

What Goes in May Come Out -- on Your Face

Your mom probably always told you that you shouldn't eat chocolate because it will make you break out. While oily foods don't trigger breakouts in most people, food allergies and sensitivities can increase the occurrence of embarrassing pimples. If you get frequent breakouts, keep a journal of what foods you eat and if you get any blemishes. Then, just avoid and foods that appear to trigger skin problems.

Drink plenty of water. This allows your skin cells to properly remove all the waste and other harmful chemicals that may build up and leave your skin looking dull. Plus, being properly hydrated can prevent dry skin and also bloated, puffy looking skin. Drinking plenty of water is an easy way for your skin to look great without having to go to the beauty aisle at the grocery store.

If you take a little time every day to care for your skin, you will look younger and be healthier.

Dominique W. Brooks, MD, MBA offers articles, e-books, and e-courses to improve the health of you and your family -- from nutrition and exercise to better work habits. For more information, please visit

Cortisol is yet another one of the essential elements of the human body. It is a hormone that helps to regulate blood pressure, the immune system and aids in the process of metabolizing proteins, fats and carbohydrates. However, when the body is inundated with this hormone, problems arise. When cortisol remains in high levels in the body, it begins to affect the tissues of the body, resulting in Cushing's Syndrome.

Those most commonly affected by Cushing's Syndrome are individuals between the ages of 20 and 50. While rare, the disease affects up to 15 million people a year. Basically, the pituitary gland and hypothalamus are supposed to release ACTH and CRH in order to encourage the adrenal glands in the body to produce more cortisol. When you are highly stressed, pregnant, depressed, very athletic, an alcoholic or suffer from a panic disorder, you will have high levels of cortisol.

However, once your body has enough of the hormone, the ACTH and CRH are supposed to stop being secreted, meaning less cortisol is made. There is a problem when the regulation of the hormone goes away. Cushing's Syndrome can be caused by anything that messes with this regulation process including ectopic ACTH syndrome, adrenal or pituitary tumors or an inherited disorder.

The symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome vary wildly, but can include:

- A very round face

- Obese upper body

- Large amounts of fat around the neck

- Thinning skin

- Thinning arms and legs

- Bruises easily

- Stretch marks

- Weakened bones

- Easily fractured back, ribs and spine

- Facial hair in women

- Amenorrhea

- Decreased fertility

- Lack of libido

X-rays most often need to be completed in order to check for tumors on the pituitary or adrenals glands. Depending upon the various results of the tests performed, your treatment may vary. For instance, if you are diagnosed with Ectopic ACTH syndrome, you will undergo cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or even immunotherapy. Or if you are diagnosed with an adrenal tumor, you will more than likely have the tumor removed surgically or you may need to have the adrenal glands removed entirely.

It is vitally important that you see your doctor the moment you think you may have this disease. Prognosis depends on the underlying factors causing the disease, however, with appropriate and quick treatment, Cushing's Syndrome is treatable.

You can help yourself by monitoring your cortisol levels at home with a testing kit like a wellness panel.

Using health tests like the wellness panel test can help you determine whether or not your coritsol levels are within the normal range and if you should seek the advice of a doctor.

This Article is written by Lena Butler, the author of Home Testing Blog - Testing It Up, and a constant contributor to Home Health & Drug Testing Forum, a longer version of this article is located at Signs & Symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome and resources from other home health and wellness testing.