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Bigeminy: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Feb 24, 2017 Posted by admin Uncategorized 0 comments
If you have bigeminy (bi-JEM-uh-nee), your heart doesn’t beat in a normal pattern. After every routine beat, you have a beat that comes too early, or what’s known as a premature ventricular contraction (PVC).PVCs are common and not always harmful. If you’re in good health, you may not even need treatment. But if you have a heart condition, you’ll need to take medicine to control your bigeminy. Lifestyle changes can also keep this abnormal heart rhythm from getting worse.

Symptoms :

PVCs are extra electrical impulses. They start in one of your heart’s two lower chambers. You’ll hear your doctor refer to it as “ventricular.”

Some people say it feels like their heart skips a beat or flutters. Others describe PVCs as their heart working too hard or beating too fast. But you may not notice anything at all. Many people don’t know they have bigeminy until the abnormal rhythm shows up on a heart test called an electrocardiogram (EKG).

Causes

Many different things can bring on bigeminy. They include:

  • Your family history
  • An infection in your heart, or somewhere else in your body
  • Things that rev up your heart: caffeine, nicotine, drugs like cocaine, and some over-the-counter or herbal medicines
  • Too many or too few electrolytes (minerals like potassium and sodium) in your blood
  • Thyroid disease

Some heart conditions can also lead to bigeminy. Coronary artery disease, in which a wax-like plaque builds up in your arteries and blocks blood flow to your heart, can upset your ticker’s rhythm. So can cardiomyopathy, a disease that causes your heart muscle to become enlarged or thickened.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will want to find out if another health issue is causing your bigeminy. She may order tests that check your electrolyte levels and how well your thyroid is working.

You may also be asked to have a Holter monitor test or echocardiogram (your doctor might call this an echo). Both of these tests are used to gather more information about how your heart is acting. For a Holter test, you’ll wear a small device, usually for a day or two. It keeps track of your heart’s rhythms. The echo uses high-frequency sound waves to take a picture of your heart. It’s sometimes called a cardiac ultrasound.

Your doctor may also want you to take an exercise stress test. This will help her see if physical activity makes your bigeminy worse. During the test, you’ll ride a bike or run on a treadmill while the doctor tracks your heart rhythm and blood pressure.

Treatment:

Your doctor will address any issue, such as an electrolyte imbalance or overactive thyroid, that could be causing the bigeminy. But if you don’t have any symptoms and your heart is working as it should, you may not need treatment.

Still, some lifestyle changes can prevent your PVCs from getting worse or more frequent. Since anxiety can cause your heartbeat to speed up or be abnormal, find a way to reduce your stress. Try daily exercise, meditation, or yoga, or talk about your feelings with someone you trust. Get enough sleep so your body stays strong. You’ll also want to avoid caffeine, alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs, since these can all make PVCs more severe. It might help to track your symptoms in a journal so you can spot other triggers.

If your bigeminy is having a severe effect on your heart, you could need cardiac ablation. For this, your doctor will give you medication to “put you under.” While you’re sedated, the doctor will insert a long, stretchy tube called a catheter into a vein in your groin, then thread it up to your heart. The doctor will then use heat, a laser, or extreme cold sent through the tube to destroy the tissue causing your abnormal heartbeat. This procedure is done in the hospital, but you may be able to go home the same day.

 

Colon cancer: Causes, Symptoms, stages & Treatments

Feb 22, 2017 Posted by admin Uncategorized 0 comments

Symptoms and causes:

Signs and symptoms of colon cancer include:
  • A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool, that lasts longer than four weeks
  • Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
  • Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
  • A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss

Many people with colon cancer experience no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. When symptoms appear, they’ll likely vary, depending on the cancer’s size and location in your large intestine.

When to see a doctor

If you notice any symptoms of colon cancer, such as blood in your stool or a persistent change in bowel habits, make an appointment with your doctor.

Talk to your doctor about when you should begin screening for colon cancer. Guidelines generally recommend that colon cancer screenings begin at age 50. Your doctor may recommend more frequent or earlier screening if you have other risk factors, such as a family history of the disease.

Causes

 

 

  • Colon cancer

    Image result for colorectal cancer images

     

     

In most cases, it’s not clear what causes colon cancer. Doctors know that colon cancer occurs when healthy cells in the colon develop errors in their DNA.

Healthy cells grow and divide in an orderly way to keep your body functioning normally. But when a cell’s DNA is damaged and becomes cancerous, cells continue to divide — even when new cells aren’t needed. As the cells accumulate, they form a tumor.

With time, the cancer cells can grow to invade and destroy normal tissue nearby. And cancerous cells can travel to other parts of the body.

Inherited gene mutations that increase the risk of colon cancer

Inherited gene mutations that increase the risk of colon cancer can be passed through families, but these inherited genes are linked to only a small percentage of colon cancers. Inherited gene mutations don’t make cancer inevitable, but they can increase an individual’s risk of cancer significantly.

The most common forms of inherited colon cancer syndromes are:

  • Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). HNPCC, also called Lynch syndrome, increases the risk of colon cancer and other cancers. People with HNPCC tend to develop colon cancer before age 50.
  • Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). FAP is a rare disorder that causes you to develop thousands of polyps in the lining of your colon and rectum. People with untreated FAP have a greatly increased risk of developing colon cancer before age 40.

FAP, HNPCC and other, rarer inherited colon cancer syndromes can be detected through genetic testing. If you’re concerned about your family’s history of colon cancer, talk to your doctor about whether your family history suggests you have a risk of these conditions.

Association between diet and increased colon cancer risk

Studies of large groups of people have shown an association between a typical Western diet and an increased risk of colon cancer. A typical Western diet is high in fat and low in fiber.

When people move from areas where the typical diet is low in fat and high in fiber to areas where the typical Western diet is most common, the risk of colon cancer in these people increases significantly. It’s not clear why this occurs, but researchers are studying whether a high-fat, low-fiber diet affects the microbes that live in the colon or causes underlying inflammation that may contribute to cancer risk. This is an area of active investigation and research is ongoing.

Risk factors

Factors that may increase your risk of colon cancer include:

  • Older age. The great majority of people diagnosed with colon cancer are older than 50. Colon cancer can occur in younger people, but it occurs much less frequently.
  • African-American race. African-Americans have a greater risk of colon cancer than do people of other races.
  • A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps. If you’ve already had colon cancer or adenomatous polyps, you have a greater risk of colon cancer in the future.
  • Inflammatory intestinal conditions. Chronic inflammatory diseases of the colon, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, can increase your risk of colon cancer.
  • Inherited syndromes that increase colon cancer risk. Genetic syndromes passed through generations of your family can increase your risk of colon cancer. These syndromes include familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, which is also known as Lynch syndrome.
  • Family history of colon cancer. You’re more likely to develop colon cancer if you have a parent, sibling or child with the disease. If more than one family member has colon cancer or rectal cancer, your risk is even greater.
  • Low-fiber, high-fat diet. Colon cancer and rectal cancer may be associated with a diet low in fiber and high in fat and calories. Research in this area has had mixed results. Some studies have found an increased risk of colon cancer in people who eat diets high in red meat and processed meat.
  • A sedentary lifestyle. If you’re inactive, you’re more likely to develop colon cancer. Getting regular physical activity may reduce your risk of colon cancer.
  • Diabetes. People with diabetes and insulin resistance may have an increased risk of colon cancer.
  • Obesity. People who are obese have an increased risk of colon cancer and an increased risk of dying of colon cancer when compared with people considered normal weight.
  • Smoking. People who smoke may have an increased risk of colon cancer.
  • Alcohol. Heavy use of alcohol may increase your risk of colon cancer.
  • Radiation therapy for cancer. Radiation therapy directed at the abdomen to treat previous cancers may increase the risk of colon cancer.

Treatment

By Mayo Clinic Staff

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The type of treatment your doctor recommends will depend largely on the stage of your cancer. The three primary treatment options are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

Surgery for early-stage colon cancer

If your colon cancer is very small, your doctor may recommend a minimally invasive approach to surgery, such as:

  • Removing polyps during colonoscopy. If your cancer is small, localized in a polyp and in a very early stage, your doctor may be able to remove it completely during a colonoscopy.
  • Endoscopic mucosal resection. Removing larger polyps may require also taking a small amount of the lining of the colon in a procedure called endoscopic mucosal resection.
  • Minimally invasive surgery. Polyps that can’t be removed during colonoscopy may be removed using laparoscopic surgery. In this procedure, your surgeon performs the operation through several small incisions in your abdominal wall, inserting instruments with attached cameras that display your colon on a video monitor. The surgeon may also take samples from lymph nodes in the area where the cancer is located.

Surgery for invasive colon cancer

  • Partial colectomy surgery for colon cancer

    Partial colectomy

  • Colostomy surgery for colon cancer

    Colostomy

If your colon cancer has grown into or through your colon, your surgeon may recommend:

  • Partial colectomy. During this procedure, the surgeon removes the part of your colon that contains the cancer, along with a margin of normal tissue on either side of the cancer. Your surgeon is often able to reconnect the healthy portions of your colon or rectum.
  • Surgery to create a way for waste to leave your body. When it’s not possible to reconnect the healthy portions of your colon or rectum, you may need to have a permanent or temporary colostomy. This involves creating an opening in the wall of your abdomen from a portion of the remaining bowel for the elimination of body waste into a special bag.Sometimes the colostomy is only temporary, allowing your colon or rectum time to heal after surgery. In some cases, however, the colostomy may be permanent.
  • Lymph node removal. Nearby lymph nodes are usually also removed during colon cancer surgery and tested for cancer.

Surgery for advanced cancer

If your cancer is very advanced or your overall health very poor, your surgeon may recommend an operation to relieve a blockage of your colon or other conditions in order to improve your symptoms. This surgery isn’t done to cure cancer, but instead to relieve signs and symptoms, such as bleeding and pain.

In specific cases where the cancer has spread only to the liver and if your overall health is otherwise good, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the cancerous lesion from your liver. Chemotherapy may be used before or after this type of surgery. This treatment may improve your prognosis.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy for colon cancer is usually given after surgery if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. In this way, chemotherapy may help reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Chemotherapy may be used before surgery to shrink the cancer before an operation.

Chemotherapy can also be given to relieve symptoms of colon cancer that has spread to other areas of the body.

In people with rectal cancer, chemotherapy is typically used along with radiation therapy. This combination is often used before and after surgery.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses powerful energy sources, such as X-rays, to kill cancer cells that might remain after surgery, to shrink large tumors before an operation so that they can be removed more easily, or to relieve symptoms of colon cancer and rectal cancer.

Radiation therapy is rarely used in early-stage colon cancer, but is a routine part of treating rectal cancer, especially if the cancer has penetrated through the wall of the rectum or traveled to nearby lymph nodes. Radiation therapy, usually combined with chemotherapy, may be used before surgery in order to make the operation easier and to reduce the chance that an ostomy will be necessary. It can also be used after surgery to reduce the risk that the cancer may recur in the area of the rectum where it began.

Targeted drug therapy

Drugs that target specific defects that allow cancer cells to grow are available to people with advanced colon cancer, including:

  • Bevacizumab (Avastin)
  • Cetuximab (Erbitux)
  • Panitumumab (Vectibix)
  • Ramucirumab (Cyramza)
  • Regorafenib (Stivarga)
  • Ziv-aflibercept (Zaltrap)

Targeted drugs can be given along with chemotherapy or alone. Targeted drugs are typically reserved for people with advanced colon cancer.

Some people are helped by targeted drugs, while others are not. Researchers are working to determine who is most likely to benefit from targeted drugs. Until then, doctors carefully weigh the limited benefit of targeted drugs against the risk of side effects and the expensive cost when deciding whether to use these treatments.

Supportive (palliative) care

Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on providing relief from pain and other symptoms of a serious illness. Palliative care specialists work with you, your family and your other doctors to provide an extra layer of support that complements your ongoing care.

When palliative care is used along with all of the other appropriate treatments, people with cancer may feel better and live longer.

Palliative care is provided by a team of doctors, nurses and other specially trained professionals. Palliative care teams aim to improve the quality of life for people with cancer and their families. This form of care is offered alongside curative or other treatments you may be receiving.

Dental Implants : Types & surgical placements

Feb 21, 2017 Posted by admin Uncategorized 0 comments

What is a Dental Implant?

Teeth essentially can be thought of as having two main parts, the crown, the part above the gum tissues, and the root, the part that is suspended in the bone by the periodontal ligament (peri-around, odont-tooth) which keeps the tooth in place. A dental or endosseous implant (endo – inside, osseous – bone) is actually a root replacement, but unlike the root of a tooth it becomes anchored in the bone of the jaw, formerly occupied by a tooth or teeth. The amazing thing about currently used dental implants is that they actually fuse with, or “integrate” into the bone, a process known as “osseo-integration” (osseo-bone, integrate – to become part of). They are for the most part made of commercially pure titanium, a metallic substance used for many years in medicine and dentistry because it is not rejected by the body, being osteophilic (bone loving). The actual process of osseo-integration is essentially a biochemical fusion of living bone cells and bone substance to an oxide layer that forms on the surface of the titanium.

Types of Implants and Restorations

There are now more than 40 different types of what can now be termed traditional or standard implants available today. There are also two others, mini and micro-mini implants. Mini implants are like traditional implants but usually smaller in diameter where as micro-mini implants are a variation of the now more traditional implant design, but smaller, narrower and more screw like in appearance, they are more temporary in nature and designed to be easily removed.

Types of Implant Restorations:

  • Single tooth replacements: use one implant and as the name suggests support a single crown.

Full crown placed on dental implant.

  • Multiple tooth replacements: multiple missing teeth can be replaced with multiple implants supporting fixed bridgework as small as a 3-unit bridge supported by two implants, or with multiple implants supporting a greater number of teeth. Usually a minimum number of 4-8 implants are needed to replace a full arch (jaw) of teeth, 10 or more crowns by fixed bridgework .

3-unit bridge with pontic.

  • Combinations of fixed and removable bridgework: generally where implants are used to support a section of fixed bridgework, to which is attached a removable section.

Removable partial denture.

  • Over-dentures: where two or more implants, either standard or mini-implants, are placed to provide stabilization of the denture and preserve the underlying bone. Whereas most traditional full dentures press directly on the gum and bone causing bone loss by resorption, implant supported over-dentures protect the bone. Over-dentures are now considered the standard of care by the American Dental Association for the patients who have lost all of their teeth in one or both jaws.

Overdenture.

  • Anchorage for tooth movement (orthodontics): Implants, either standard, mini, or micro-mini implants, are now being used to provide very stable and non-movable anchor units to allow quicker and easier tooth movement.

 

Dental implant for anchorage.

  • Temporary bridgework: utilize micro-mini implants which are later removed when the permanent implants are healed and teeth permanently replaced. They ensure that at no time will a person be without teeth and can therefore be socially comfortable and functional.

Micro-mini dental implants.

Surgical Placement: 

Dental implant surgery is a relatively comfortable procedure usually carried out under local anesthesia (numbing the area where the implant is to be placed), sometimes with the assistance of oral medication or intravenous conscious sedation for anxious patients. Some minor vibration is generally experienced during the implant (bone) site preparation, but it is quite tolerable. Since there are no open wounds following the surgery and it is minimally invasive, there is little post-operative discomfort, perhaps a day or two. The implant(s) need to be left for a period of 2-6 months to fuse or integrate with the bone in most circumstances. The healing time depends upon the bone density of the site, the more dense the bone, the quicker the integration. When the implant has integrated with the bone a crown can be made and the implant “loaded” that is, subjected to biting forces. Following successful integration your dentist will make a crown which fits on the implant and will be exactly like a normal tooth both in form and function.

 

Laryngeal Cancer : causes, symptoms & Treatments

Feb 20, 2017 Posted by admin Uncategorized 0 comments

What is laryngeal cancer?

Laryngeal cancer occurs when cancerous (malignant) cells form on the tissues of the larynx, or voice box. The larynx contains the vocal folds. The vocal folds vibrate. This makes sound when air is directed against them. A person’s voice is heard when this sound echoes through the throat, mouth, and nose.

What are some signs or symptoms of laryngeal cancer?

A person with laryngeal cancer may notice:

  • hoarseness or change in his or her voice
  • difficulty swallowing
  • a lump in the throat
  • bad cough or chest infection
  • shortness of breath
  • bad breath (halitosis)
  • weight loss
  • prolonged earache

How is laryngeal cancer diagnosed?

You should visit a doctor if you have any of the above-mentioned symptoms. A doctor will feel your throat for lumps. He or she will also look down your throat with an endoscope, a tube with a special light, to see your larynx. This procedure is called a laryngoscopy. The doctor may need to cut out a small piece of tissue, if the larynx has tissue that does not look normal. The doctor will look at the tissue under a microscope to see if it contains any cancer cells. This procedure is called a biopsy, and it is the only way to diagnose cancer.

What treatments are available for individuals with laryngeal cancer?

One or more of the following approaches may be used depending on the size, location, and time of cancer detection:

  • radiation therapy
  • chemotherapy
  • partial removal of the larynx (laryngectomy)
  • total laryngectomy

In these cases, the person may still be able to produce voice. However, the person’s voice may not be the same because of removing parts of the larynx, changes to laryngeal tissue from radiation or chemotherapy, or removal of nearby neck muscles (to prevent or stop the spread of the cancer).

In extreme cases, total laryngectomy, with or without radiation therapy or chemotherapy, may be the only life-saving solution.

Patients who have undergone radiation treatment may have:

  • dry and/or red skin at the site of the treatment
  • sore throat
  • dry mouth (xerostomia)
  • sensitive mouth
  • mouth sores
  • difficulty swallowing
  • decreased taste
  • fatigue
  • breathing difficulties from swelling

Patients who have received chemotherapy, often for the treatment of metastasized cancer (i.e., cancer that has spread), may have:

  • nausea or vomiting
  • increased chance of infection
  • bleeding or bruising
  • fatigue
  • shortness of breath

These side effects often stop after the chemotherapy is discontinued.

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play an important role both before and after surgery.

What is a laryngectomy?

A laryngectomy is the removal of the voice box (larynx) from the neck, usually because of cancer. During this operation, a new route for breathing is surgically created. The end of the windpipe (trachea) is connected to a hole (stoma) made in the neck. Rather than using the mouth and the nose, the person will breathe through this hole.

Because the patient with the laryngectomy breathes through a stoma, the air inhaled into the lungs is no longer warmed or moisturized by structures of the nose and mouth. As a result, the breathing tubes can become irritated and create a thick mucus. This mucus may also crust on the stoma and require routine removal. The patient may benefit from humidifiers and a cover to protect the stoma.

What causes laryngeal cancer?

The following may increase your risk of laryngeal cancer:

  • heavy smoking and drinking
  • poor eating habits-not enough vitamins from fruits and vegetables
  • weakened immune system
  • exposure to chemicals and certain substances (e.g., wood dust, paint fumes, soot)
  • acid reflux

 

Mild Spondylosis: Causes, symptoms & Treatments

Feb 18, 2017 Posted by admin Uncategorized 0 comments
The term mild spondylosis is used to describe the early stages of spinal degeneration and could be the cause of your neck or back pain. Spondylosis isn’t a specific condition itself, but rather indicates the presence of degenerative conditions that can cause neck or back pain.

The term mild spondylosis is used to describe the early stages of spinal degeneration and could be the cause of your neck or back pain. Spondylosis isn’t a specific condition itself, but rather indicates the presence of degenerative conditions that can cause neck or back pain. These degenerative conditions occur naturally as an individual ages and may require treatment if they result in nerve compression or other issues that lead to discomfort. C5 to C6 spondylosis, for example, describes the presence of degenerative conditions at the fifth and sixth vertebrae in the cervical (upper) spine. Most cases of spondylosis are initially mild and can be managed with conservative, non-surgical treatment, but if degeneration is severe, surgery may be needed.

The aging process

Over the years, the regular wear and tear on the spine takes a toll and the spinal anatomy naturally begins to deteriorate. This wear and tear is part of the normal aging process and accounts for aches, pains and loss of flexibility in the spine. While keeping in good physical shape can help, age-related degeneration is largely unavoidable. Mild spondylosis isn’t a condition as much as it is a descriptive term used by physicians to describe natural degeneration in the spine.

However, mild spondylosis isn’t considered a comprehensive diagnosis because it doesn’t specify the source of an individual’s symptoms. Some examples of specific types of spinal degeneration include:

  • Osteophytes — the development of bone spurs in the spinal column
  • Spinal stenosis — the gradual narrowing of the spinal canal or a foramen in the spinal column
  • Degenerative disc disease — the weakening, tearing or bulging of the discs between the vertebrae that normally cushion the spine
  • Facet disease — a type of osteoarthritis caused by cartilage deterioration, pain and stiffness in the facet joints that connect adjacent vertebrae.

Educate yourself on the main spondylosis causes with this useful resource from Laser Spine Institute.

Causes of spondylosis

Spondylosis describes the gradual deterioration of the spine over time. The most common occurrence of spondylosis is found in the lumbar (lower back) portion of the spine. The lumbar spine is responsible for supporting and stabilizing most of the body’s weight. As the body increases in weight and has years of bending and twisting, the components of the lumbar spine, such as the vertebrae, discs and joints, slowly start to wear. This is spondylosis.

When the components of the spine begin to wear down, other spine conditions may occur. Common conditions associated with spondylosis include:

  • Herniated disc
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Bulging disc
  • Bone spurs
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Degenerative disc disease

In some cases, spondylosis is a result of another spine condition, such as arthritis of the spine, causing the vertebrae or joints of the spine to deteriorate. Your physician can accurately determine the cause of your spondylosis by reviewing your MRI or CT scan.

Symptoms of spondylosis

Most mild cases of spondylosis do not have any symptoms. In fact, most people over the age of 70 have spondylosis without any knowledge of it. Because the most common cause of spondylosis is the natural aging process, most people never experience a symptom besides minor and infrequent aches and pains.

However, more progressive cases of spondylosis may result in back stiffness and pain. Some patients may experience pain when bending or twisting, or radiating pain down the buttock and leg.

Treatment

Treatment of mild spondylosis depends on the specific source of neck or back pain. Mild spondylosis can usually be treated with conservative options like physical therapy or pain medication. Consult with your physician to develop a personalized treatment plan. If your spondylosis conditions worsen, however, surgery may become an option.

If you experience severe spondylosis and are considering spine surgery, Laser Spine Institute is here to help. As the leader in minimally invasive spine surgery, our minimally invasive decompression and stabilization procedures are often the clinically appropriate first choice and provide many advantages versus open neck or back surgery. These benefits include smaller incisions, fewer risks and faster recoveries.

 

 

Nasopharyngeal Cancer : Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Feb 17, 2017 Posted by admin Uncategorized 0 comments
Nasopharyngeal cancer is a rare type of head and neck cancer. It starts in the upper part of your throat, behind the nose. This area is called the nasopharynx.The nasopharynx is precariously placed at the base of your skull, above the roof of your mouth. Your nostrils open into the nasopharynx. When you breathe, air flows through your nose into your throat and nasopharynx, and eventually into your lungs.

Nasopharynx

Nasopharyngeal cancer is also called nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Causes of Nasopharyngeal Cancer

Scientists are not sure what exactly causes nasopharyngeal cancer. However, the cancer has been strongly linked to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

Although EBV infection is common, not everyone who has EBV will get nasopharyngeal cancer. In the U.S., most people who have had an EBV infection never have long-term problems. That’s because the body’s immune system destroys the virus.

But sometimes, genetic material (DNA) from the virus mixes with the DNA in the cells of the nasopharynx. The change in DNA causes cells to grow and divide abnormally, causing cancer. This is rare.

The risk for NPC goes up if you eat a diet rich in salt-cured fish and meat. Tobacco and alcohol also increase the risk. Some scientists believe that chemicals in these things further damage the DNA in cells.

Who Gets Nasopharyngeal Cancer?

Fewer than one in every 100,000 people in North America gets this type of cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.

The cancer is most common in southeast China. It is also much more common in:

  • Other parts of Asia
  • North Africa
  • Inuit populations of Alaska and Canada
  • Chinese and Hmong immigrant groups in the U.S.

In the U.S., nasopharyngeal cancer has also been seen in African-Americans, Hispanics, and white people.

You are more likely to get this type of cancer if you:

  • Are male
  • Under age 55
  • Eat a diet rich in salt-cured fish and meats
  • Have a family history of nasopharyngeal cancer
  • Have certain genes linked to cancer development
  • Have come in contact with EBV

Some, but not all, studies have found a higher risk of nasopharyngeal cancer in people who:

  • Smoke
  • Drink a lot of alcohol
  • Work around wood dust or a chemical called formaldehyde

Nasopharyngeal Cancer Symptoms

Symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer may include:

  • Blurry or double vision
  • Difficulty speaking, including hoarseness
  • Ear infections that keep coming back
  • Face pain or numbness
  • Headache
  • Hearing loss, ringing in the ears, or a feeling of fullness in the ear
  • Lump in neck or nose
  • Nosebleeds
  • Stuffy nose
  • Sore throat

Keep in mind, such symptoms are more likely to occur with many other diseases and health conditions that are far less serious than nasopharyngeal cancer.

Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment

If you are diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer, you will need regular follow-ups with your medical team before, during, and after treatment.

Your treatment will depend on many things, including:

  • Location of the tumor
  • Stage of the tumor
  • Your overall health

Treatment may include:

Radiation Therapy . Radiation therapy uses X-rays to kill cancer cells and stop them from growing. It is usually part of the standard treatment for early stage nasopharyngeal cancer.

One type called IMRT delivers high-dose radiation directly to the tumor while minimizing damage to nearby healthy tissue. It may cause fewer side effects or complications than conventional radiation treatment to the nasopharynx, which can lead to:

  • dry mouth
  • inflammation of the lining of your mouth and throat
  • blindness
  • brain stem injury
  • death of healthy tissue

Surgery. Surgery can sometimes cure nasopharyngeal cancer if all of the tumor and cancer cells are removed. But the surgery can be difficult because of the tumor’s location near the skull. It may cause permanent damage to the eye and other nearby structures.

Not all people with nasopharyngeal cancer can have surgery. Your doctor will consider the location and stage of your tumor when discussing your treatment options.

Biologic drugs. Biologic drugs affect how your body’s immune system fights disease. They are also called monoclonal antibodies.

A biologic drug called bevacizumab (Avastin), blocks production of a substance called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) . Sorafenib (Nexavar), and pazopanib (Votrient) are drugs that also block this protein. Studies show that patients with nasopharyngeal cancer who have lower levels of VEGF are more likely to remain disease-free after treatment. Bevacizumab is currently being evaluated to see if it will help improve your overall survival when combined with other treatments, such as chemotherapy. Other biologic drugs are also used. This includes the drug cetuximab (Erbitux), which targets a protein on the cancer cell’s surface. Other drugs that target this protein, including nimotuzumab and icotinib, have shown promising results in clinical trials.

Chemotherapy . Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. By itself, it is not usually helpful for treating nasopharyngeal cancer. But it may help you live longer when combined with radiotherapy or biological drugs.

Dysentery : Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Feb 16, 2017 Posted by admin Uncategorized 0 comments

Dysentery is an intestinal inflammation, especially in the colon, that can lead to severe diarrhea with mucus or blood in the feces.

Patients typically experience mild to severe abdominal pain or stomach cramps. In some cases, untreated dysentery can be life-threatening, especially if the infected person cannot replace lost fluids fast enough.

There are two main types of dysentery:

  • Bacillary dysentery, caused by Shigella, a bacterium.
  • Amoebic dysentery (amoebiasis) This is caused by Entamoeba histolytica, a type of amoeba. An amoeba is a protozoan (single-celled) organism that constantly changes shape.

Causes of dysentery :

Dysentery is mainly caused by a bacterial or protozoan (one cell organism, such as an amoeba) infection. It can also be caused by a parasitic worm infestation. More rarely, a chemical irritant or viral infection can also be a cause.

Causes of bacillary dysentery:

An infection with a bacillus of the Shigella group is the most common type of dysentery. According to the National Health Service (NHS), UK, Shigella sonnei is the most common, followed by Shigella flexneri, Shigella boydii and Shigella dysenteriae, the last one listed produces the most severe symptoms.

Poor hygiene is the main cause of bacillary dysentery infection. However, it can also spread because of tainted food.

Causes of amoebic dysentery

Amoebic dysentery is usually caused by infection with the Entamoeba histolytica amoeba.

Amoebic dysentery is more common in the tropics while bacillary dysentery is more common elsewhere.

The amoeba group together and form a cyst, the cysts come out of the body in human feces. In areas of poor sanitation, these cysts (which can survive for a long time), can contaminate food and water, and infect other humans. The cysts can also linger in infected people’s hands after going to the toilet. Good hygiene practice reduces the risk of infecting other people.

Symptoms of dysentery:

A symptom is something the patient feels and reports, while a sign is something other people, such as the doctor notice. For example, pain may be a symptom while a rash may be a sign.

Abdominal pain, diarrhea and fatigue are possible symptoms of dysentery.

In developed countries signs and symptoms of dysentery tend to be much milder than in developing nations or tropical areas. Patients with mild symptoms will have a slight stomach ache (cramping), and will frequently go to the toilet because of diarrhea.

Symptoms usually appear from one to three days after the person has become infected – this is called the incubation period. In most cases the patient recovers completely within a week. How often the individual goes to the toilet and has mucus or blood in feces usually depend on what is causing the disease.

In some cases people who get dysentery also develop lactose intolerance, which can take a long time to go away, sometimes even years.

Symptoms of amoebic dysentery include:

  • abdominal pain
  • fever and chills
  • nausea and vomiting
  • watery diarrhea, which can contain blood, mucus or pus
  • painful passing of stools
  • fatigue
  • intermittent constipation.

The amoeba can tunnel through the intestinal wall and spread into the bloodstream and infect other organs; ulcers can develop, these ulcers may bleed, causing blood in stools.

In some cases symptoms may persist for several weeks, but usually only last a few days. The amoebas may continue living within the host (the human) even after symptoms have gone, increasing the likelihood of a recurrence when the person’s defenses are down. The amoebas are less likely to survive if the patient receives treatment.

Signs and symptoms of bacillary dysentery – as in other types, symptoms tend to appear from one to three days after the person has been infected. Most typically, there is just mild stomachache and diarrhea, and no blood or mucus in the feces. For many, symptoms are so mild they do not even bother going to the doctor, and the problem resolves in a few days. Initially, the infected person goes to the toilet frequently with diarrhea.

Although much less common, some people with bacillary dysentery may have blood or mucus in their feces, abdominal pain may be intense, there may be an elevated body temperature (fever), nausea and vomiting.

Treatments for dysentery:

Rehydration therapy – initially this is done using oral rehydration; the patient is encouraged to drink plenty of liquids. Diarrhea, as well as vomiting results in loss of fluids that have to be replaced to prevent dehydration. If the diarrhea and/or vomiting is profuse the medical team may recommend intravenous fluid replacement – the patient will be on a drip.

Antibiotics and amoebicidal drugs – experts say that if possible, the administration of medications to kill the cause of the dysentery should be held back until lab tests determine whether the illness is being caused by a bacterium or amoeba. If this is not possible, depending on the severity of symptoms, the patient may be given a combinations of antibiotic and amoebicidal medication.

If symptoms are not severe and the doctor determines it is Bacillary dysentery (Shigella), the patient most likely will receive no medication – in the vast majority of cases the illness will resolve within a week. Oral rehydration is important.

If amoebic dysentery is diagnosed the patient will probably start with a 10-day course of an antimicrobial medication, such as Flagyl (metronidazole). Diloxanide furoate, paromomycin (Humatin), or iodoquinol (Yodoxin) may also be prescribed to make sure the amoeba does not survive inside the body after symptoms have gone.

Antirheumatic drug Ridaura (auranofin) may offer a cheap, low-dose treatment for the amoebic infections that cause dysentery in humans globally.

Hip replacement (arthroplasty): Treatments & Types of artificial materials

Feb 15, 2017 Posted by admin Uncategorized 0 comments

What Is a Hip Replacement?

Hip replacement, or arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which the diseased parts of the hip joint are removed and replaced with new, artificial parts. These artificial parts are called the prosthesis. The goals of hip replacement surgery are to improve mobility by relieving pain and improve function of the hip joint.

Who Should Have Hip Replacement Surgery?

The most common reason that people have hip replacement surgery is the wearing down of the hip joint that results from osteoarthritis. Other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis (a chronic inflammatory disease that causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling), a vascular necrosis (loss of bone caused by insufficient blood supply), injury, and bone tumors also may lead to breakdown of the hip joint and the need for hip replacement surgery.

Before suggesting hip replacement surgery, the doctor is likely to try walking aids such as a cane, or non-surgical therapies such as medication and physical therapy. These therapies are not always effective in relieving pain and improving the function of the hip joint. Hip replacement may be an option if persistent pain and disability interfere with daily activities. Before a doctor recommends hip replacement, joint damage should be detectable on x rays.

In the past, hip replacement surgery was an option primarily for people over 60 years of age. Typically, older people are less active and put less strain on the artificial hip than do younger, more active people. In recent years, however, doctors have found that hip replacement surgery can be very successful in younger people as well. New technology has improved the artificial parts, allowing them to withstand more stress and strain. A more important factor than age in determining the success of hip replacement is the overall health and activity level of the patient.

For some people who would otherwise qualify, hip replacement may be problematic. For example, people who suffer from severe muscle weakness or Parkinson’s disease are more likely than healthy people to damage or dislocate an artificial hip. Because people who are at high risk for infections or in poor health are less likely to recover successfully, doctors may not recommend hip replacement surgery for these patients.

Is a Cemented or Uncemented Prosthesis Better?

Cemented prostheses were developed 40 years ago. Uncemented prostheses were developed about 20 years ago to try to avoid the possibility of loosening parts and the breaking off of cement particles, which sometimes happen in the cemented replacement. Because each person’s condition is unique, the doctor and patient must weigh the advantages and disadvantages to decide which type of prosthesis is better.

The primary disadvantage of an uncemented prosthesis is the extended recovery period. Because it takes a long time for the natural bone to grow and attach to the prosthesis, people with uncemented replacements must limit activities for up to 3 months to protect the hip joint. The process of natural bone growth also can cause thigh pain for several months after the surgery.

Research has proven the effectiveness of cemented prostheses to reduce pain and increase joint mobility. These results usually are noticeable immediately after surgery. Cemented replacements are more frequently used than cementless ones for older, less active people and people with weak bones, such as those who have osteoporosis.

Heart Failure : Symptoms, causes & Common tests

Feb 14, 2017 Posted by admin Uncategorized 0 comments

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF HEART FAILURE?

Heart failure is different in every patient – the parts of the heart affected and the symptoms can vary widely. For this reason, your doctor may use several different terms for describing your heart failure.

The two main types of heart failure are chronic heart failure and acute heart failure .

Chronic heart failure is more common and symptoms appear slowly over time and worsen gradually.

Acute heart failure develops suddenly and symptoms are initially severe. Acute heart failure either follows a heart attack that has caused damage to an area of your heart or, more frequently, is caused by a sudden lack of ability by the body to compensate for chronic heart failure.

If you develop acute heart failure, it may be severe initially but may only last for a brief time and improve rapidly. It usually requires therapy and administration of medication by injection (intravenously).

There is another type of heart failure: Heart failure of the right ventricle.

Heart failure usually results from damage to the main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, which supplies the body with blood. This may be due to muscle injury such as a heart attack or damage to the valves in the left side of the heart.

This causes congestion in the lungs and shortness of breath.
Sometimes, heart failure mainly affects the right ventricle which pumps blood to the lungs. This may be due to muscle injury, such as a heart attack localised to the right ventricle or damage to the valves in the right side of the heart.

This may cause congestion in the liver, intestines and fluid accumulation in the lower limbs.

Heart failure on both sides of the heart may be caused or worsened by irregular heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, which is usually a rapid and irregular heart rate that may prevent proper filling of the ventricles.

SYMPTOMS OF HEART FAILURE:

Heart failure symptoms can vary widely from person to person, depending on the type of heart failure you have. Therefore, you may experience all of the symptoms described here or just a few of them.

In the early stage, you are unlikely to notice any symptoms, but if your heart failure progresses you are likely to experience symptoms, which become more severe.

The main symptoms of heart failure are caused by fluid accumulation or congestion. and poor blood flow to the body. This section will explain these symptoms and provide tips on how to improve them.

SYMPTOMS CAUSED BY FLUID ACCUMULATION OR CONGESTION:

1. Shortness of breath

2. coughing/ wheezing

3. Weight gain

4. Swollen angles

SYMPTOMS RELATED TO THE REDUCED BLOOD FLOW TO PARTS OF THE BODY:

1. Tiredness/ fatigue

2. Dizziness

3. Rapid Heart rate

OTHER SYMPTOMS OF HEART FAILURE :

1. Loss of appetite

2. Need to urinate at night

In addition to the physical symptoms of heart failure, some people can be affected by the seriousness and severity of heart failure and may experience emotional symptoms, such as depression and anxiety.

However many of these symptoms you experience, it is important to monitor them on a daily basis. If you notice something new, or a symptom suddenly gets worse, you should tell your doctor or nurse without delay.

WHAT CAUSES HEART FAILURE?

Heart failure can be caused by current or past medical conditions, which either damage or add extra workload to the heart. If you have (or had) more than one of these conditions your risk of heart failure is substantially increased. Your doctor should be able to tell you what may have caused your heart failure.

This section lists the different conditions that can cause or trigger heart failure, explaining what each condition is and how it can cause heart failure. Simply click on any of the conditions below to learn more.

Some of the more common causes of heart failure include:

  • Past heart attacks
  • Coronary artery disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart valve disease
  • Heart muscle disease or inflammation of the heart
  • Congenital heart defects
  • Lung conditions
  • Alcohol / drug abuse

Less commonly, someone whose body is compensating well for his/her heart failure may develop symptoms if their heart is temporarily unable to keep up with their body’s needs. Conditions that can trigger this type of heart failure include:

  • Infection
  • Kidney disease / poor kidney function
  • Anaemia
  • Abnormal heart rhythm
  • Overactive thyroid gland

If these triggers are treated the heart failure can often get better.

Other conditions, such as diabetes, may aggravate heart failure.

In addition people with heart failure frequently become symptomatic if they stop taking their medicines or do not follow their treatment plan properly.

For some people the cause of their heart failure is unknown, and they don’t have any of the conditions listed above. If you are unsure of the cause of your heart failure you should discuss it with your doctor.

Common tests for Heart failure :

Common tests

If you suspect you have symptoms of heart failure you should talk to your doctor (normally your primary care physician / GP).

Your doctor will likely perform a thorough examination of your body and will ask you about your symptoms, your medical history and your lifestyle. It is important that you answer any questions as honestly and accurately as possible so that your doctor can make an accurate diagnosis and can work with you to find the best treatment.

If your doctor suspects you have heart failure he or she will probably suggest you have certain tests. These tests will help to show whether your heart is working properly and, if not, where the problem lies.

This section explains the tests your doctor may want you to have and what the test can show. Click on any of the tests to learn more.

The most common tests are:

  • Medical history and physical examination
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • Blood tests
  • Chest x-ray
  • Echocardiogram

Additional tests may be able to find out more about your heart failure or identify the cause. These include:

  • Lung function tests
  • Exercise testing
  • Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • Cardiac catheterisation and angiography
  • Nuclear medicines techniques
  • Multi-slice Computer Tomography (MSCT)

As the symptoms presented to the doctor may vary widely between patients you may only receive a few of these tests, and it is very unlikely you will receive all of them. If you have any concerns regarding your tests, you should discuss them with your doctor.

Herniated disk: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Feb 11, 2017 Posted by admin Uncategorized 0 comments
A herniated disk refers to a problem with one of the rubbery cushions (disks) between the individual bones (vertebrae) that stack up to make your spine. A spinal disk is a little like a jelly donut, with a softer center encased within a tougher exterior.
Symptoms of a slipped disk include:
  • pain and numbness, most commonly on one side of the body.
  • pain that extends to your arms or legs.
  • pain that worsens at night or with certain movements.
  • pain that worsens after standing or sitting.
  • pain when walking short distances.
  • unexplained muscle weakness.

Causes:

A slipped disk occurs when the outer ring becomes weak or torn and allows the inner portion to slip out. This can happen with age. Certain motions may also cause a slipped disk. A disk can slip out of place while you are twisting or turning to lift an object. Lifting a very large, heavy object can place great strain on the lower back, resulting in a slipped disk. If you have a very physically demanding job that requires a lot of lifting, you may be at increased risk for slipped disks.

Overweight individuals are also at increased risk for a slipped disk because their disks must support the additional weight. Weak muscles and a sedentary lifestyle may also contribute to the development of a slipped disk.

As you get older, you are more likely to experience a slipped disk. This is because your disks begin to lose some of their protective water content as you age. As a result, they can slip more easily out of place. They are more common in men than women.

Treatments:

Treatments for a slipped disk range from conservative to surgical. The treatment typically depends on the level of discomfort you’re experiencing and how far the disk has slipped out of place.

Most people can relieve slipped disk pain using an exercise program that stretches and strengthens the back and surrounding muscles. A physical therapist may recommend exercises that can strengthen your back while reducing your pain.

Taking over-the-counter pain relievers and avoiding heavy lifting and painful positions can also help.

While it may be tempting to refrain from all physical activity while you’re experiencing the pain or discomfort of a slipped disk, this can lead to muscle weakness and joint stiffness. Instead, try to remain as active as possible through stretching or low-impact activities such as walking.

If your slipped disk pain does not respond to over-the-counter treatments, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications. These include:

  • muscle relaxers to relieve muscle spasms
  • narcotics to relieve pain
  • nerve pain medications like gabapentin or duloxetine

Your doctor may recommend surgery if your symptoms do not subside in six weeks or if your slipped disk is affecting your muscle function. Your surgeon may remove the damaged or protruding portion of the disk without removing the entire disk. This is called a microdiskectomy.

In more severe cases, your doctor may replace the disk with an artificial one or remove the disk and fuse your vertebrae together. This procedure, along with a laminectomy and spinal fusion, adds stability to your spinal column.

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