By Adhirath Bollapragada
Published: October 4th, 2013
Author: Gaurav Krishnamurthy
Source: http://www.medgadget.com/2013/10/esteya-system-for-skin-cancer-treatment-gets-fda-510k-clearance.html
Summary:
Skin cancer is one of the most common cases of cancer, combined with incidents with the breast, lung, prostate, and colon. Even though one of the main forms to cure and treat skin cancer is surgery, research has found an alternative way in which skin cancer can be treated and cured; Electronic Brachytherapy. In addition, High Dose Rate (HDR) are alternatives to treating skin cancer, but a third way has been cleared. The Esteya system uses a click on applicator and easily maneuverable, using high LED brightness. As a result, the time it takes to complete the treatment is very short. In addition, the Esteya system can be used anywhere, as it requires minimal shielding and is highly portable. A tungsten applicator shield protects healthy tissue from excessive radiation exposure. Also, the Esteya system lowers the patient lines. This all seems like advertisement, but the Esteya system is mainly used for areas on the human body where it is dangerous to undergo surgery in. The Esteya system is especially relevant for cancers of the nose, ears, eyelids or lips, where surgery may cause disfigurement or require extensive reconstruction.
Connection:
Even though this is a complicated article, consisting of a video as well, it touches upon the role of a cell in the human body and how dangerous any type of cancer can be. Cancer is an excess of cells in the human body, concentrated or not, in which cells do not undergo mitosis and have a function in the body. There are many types of cancer; brain cancer, breast cancer, etc. However, this article connects to the unit about cells because it focuses on the importance of the cell cycle; most importantly mitosis. Mitosis is a phase when the parent cell doubles its chromosomes to distribute to the two daughter cells that will form later on. But when cells keep reproducing and do not die, increasing a concentration of cells in one area or all over the body, known as a malignant tumor, it is known as cancer. The cells don't function in a way to help the body, and do not maintain a balance within the body too. So, this article talks about another way in which skin cancer can be cured. This is just only a small accomplishment in curing cancer, but there are many more to come.
What is the Estya system?
ReplyDeleteFirst off, it spelled Esteya, but that's no bid deal. The Esteya system is basically an electronic brachytherapy system in order to cure or treat skin cancer. Google's definition of brachytherapy is the treatment of cancer by directly inserting radioactive implants into the tissue directly. So, electronic brachytherapy is when you use a radiation scanner equipment in order to directly impact the area or areas in which skin cancer is there. What's important is that the Esteya system is used for skin cancer only. Even though it can be used in other cancer treatments, the Esteya system is most affective positively with skin cancer.
DeleteHere is a link if you'd like to see more about the Esteya system:
http://dermatologytimes.modernmedicine.com/dermatology-times/news/fda-oks-esteya-system-skin-cancer-treatment
Does the Esta System cause any negative effects or harm to normal skin cells and the body?
ReplyDeleteWell, there are some normal side affects like fatigue, skin changes, hair loss, diarrhea, and so forth. However these negative affects usually stay for around two months maximum. Afterwards, they begin to disappear. There are also long-term affects to the Esteya system. A person might have joint issues as well as mouth problems and lymphedema. Yet, a really important and dangerous effect is the inability of having the cancer cured. Sometimes, secondary cancer arises due to the inability of cancer cells to be killed off. In fact, normal skin cells or other cells affected by the Esteya system, causing cancer cells to increase in spreading. Hope that answers your question!
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