Global Treatment Services Pvt. Ltd.

Global Treatment Services

Monthly Archives: October 2024

Multiple myeloma – A rare blood cancer

Oct 15, 2024 Posted by admin Oncology 0 comments

Overview

Multiple myeloma is a rare blood cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow.  it is a blood cancer related to lymphoma and leukemia.

Multiple myeloma happens when healthy cells turn into abnormal cells that multiply and produce abnormal antibodies called M proteins. This change starts a cascade of medical issues and conditions that can affect your bones, your kidneys and your body’s ability to make healthy white and red blood cells and platelets. As multiple myeloma gets worse, those plasma cells begin to spill out of your bone marrow and spread through your body.

Some people have multiple myeloma without symptoms but blood tests show signs of conditions that may become multiple myeloma. In this case, healthcare providers may recommend watchful waiting or monitoring your overall health rather than starting treatment. Healthcare providers can’t cure multiple myeloma, but they can treat related conditions and symptoms and slow its progress.

Causes

Multiple myeloma symptoms develop over time and may resemble other medical conditions or diseases. Here are some of the conditions linked to multiple myeloma and their causes:

  • Anemia: You don’t have enough red blood cells because multiplying abnormal plasma cells don’t leave room for your red blood cells.
  • Bacterial infection, particularly pneumonia: Like red blood cells, abnormal plasma cells are multiplying and crowding healthy white blood cells that fight infection.
  • Thrombocytopenia: You don’t have enough platelets — the cells that help your blood to clot — because abnormal plasma cells crowd out those platelets and keep your bone marrow from making enough platelets.
  • Bone pain/bone fracture: Bone pain and/or fracture can happen if abnormal plasma cells destroy bone tissue, causing a soft spot in your bone. These are osteolytic lesions.
  • Kidney problems/failure: Your kidneys filter waste and toxins. Abnormal plasma cells make M proteins that block the filtering process and damage your kidneys.
  • Amyloidosis: This disease happens when abnormal proteins (amyloid proteins) build up in your organs.
  • Hypercalcemia: This condition happens when damaged or weakened bones release too much calcium into your bloodstream.
  • Hyperviscosity syndrome: M proteins — proteins made by abnormal plasma cells — thicken your blood. Your heart has to work harder to pump blood through your body.
  • Cryoglobulinemia: Multiple myeloma can make proteins in your blood clump together when it’s cold.

Symptoms

Multiple myeloma causes many symptoms, but bone pain often is the first symptom people notice. Other symptoms include:

  • Weakness in your arms and legs and/or a sensation of numbness in your arms and legs. Multiple myeloma can affect the bones in your spine, causing them to collapse and press on your spinal cord.
  • Having fatigue — feeling so tired you can’t manage daily activities — and feeling weak. These are signs of anemia.
  • Nausea and vomiting. This may be a sign of hypercalcemia.
  • Not having an appetite and/or feeling thirstier than usual. These may be signs of hypercalcemia.
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Unexplained fever. This may be a symptom of a bacterial infection.
  • Bruising or bleeding more easily. This may be a sign abnormal plasma cells prevent your body from producing enough platelets. Platelets help your blood to clot.
  • Feeling confused or “foggy.”

To confirm a diagnosis, you might have blood tests including:

  • Complete blood count (CBC): This test measures your red and white blood cell numbers, the amount of hemoglobin in your red blood cells and your red blood cell concentration level.
  • Blood chemistry test: This test shows your creatine levels (how well your kidneys work), albumin levels (this is a protein), calcium levels and lactic dehydrogenase levels (LDH). LDH is a tumor marker. A tumor marker is a substance in cancerous cells or healthy cells responding to cancer.
  • Quantitative immunoglobulin test: This blood test measures the levels of certain antibodies in your blood.
  • Electrophoresis: This test looks for M proteins in your blood.
  • Urine tests: Healthcare providers may ask you to collect your urine at home over a 24-hour period so they can test for Bence Jones protein, another sign of multiple myeloma.
  • X-rays: Healthcare providers use X-rays to look for bones damaged by multiple myeloma.
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan: This is another way to look for bone damage.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This test uses radio waves and strong magnets to create detailed images of your bones and spine. Healthcare providers may use this test to look for plasmacytomas. These are single groups of abnormal plasma cells.
  • Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: This is another test for plasmacytomas.
  • Bone marrow biopsies: Healthcare providers may do bone marrow biopsies to analyze the percentage of normal and abnormal plasma cells in your bone marrow. They may also test your bone marrow sample for changes in your DNA that may drive cancer growth.

Multiple myeloma can cause problems including:

  • Bone problems. Your bones can become weaker, leading to fractures.
  • Blood problems. You might get anemia, which means your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells. This can make you tired and pale and cause heart problems. You might also have too few platelets, which makes it harder for your blood to clot.
  • Infections. When you have myeloma, your body produces a lot of weak antibodies that crowd out healthy ones, making it harder for you to fight infection. A lack of white blood cells can also weaken your immune system.
  • Kidney damage. Myeloma can clog your kidneys so they don’t filter the way they should. This might lead to kidney failure.

The staging process for multiple myeloma starts with placing the condition in one of four classifications:

  • MGUS: Blood tests show small amounts of M protein. About 1 % to 2% of people with MGUS develop multiple myeloma.
  • Solitary or isolated plasmacytomas: These are single groups of abnormal plasma cells.
  • SMM: This is a pre-cancerous form of multiple myeloma. People who have SMM may have mild symptoms along with tests showing small amounts of M protein in their blood and an increased number of plasma cells in their bone marrow.
  • Multiple myeloma: This classification means tests show multiple groups of abnormal plasma cells, high M protein levels in blood or urine and a high percentage of abnormal plasma cells in bone marrow. People in this classification often have anemia, hypercalcemia, kidney failure and osteolytic lesions.

Healthcare providers use the Revised International Staging System (R-ISS) to stage multiple myeloma. The RISS system is based in part on blood tests that show the levels of albumin, beta-2 microglobulin and lactate dehydrogenase. Healthcare providers also consider tests for specific gene abnormalities.

Management and Treatment

Some treatments healthcare providers may use if you have symptoms caused by multiple myeloma include:

  • Pain medications:People often have significant bone pain.
  • Antibiotics:A weakened immune system can lead to more infections. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to clear up these infections.
  • Steroids: High doses of steroids can kill cancer cells and reduce inflammation.
  • Chemotherapy: Healthcare providers use chemotherapy to reduce the number of abnormal plasma cells.
  • Immunotherapy:This treatment stimulates your immune system so it develops more cancer-fighting cells.
  • Radiation therapy: This treatment kills cancer cells and reduces bone tumors.
  • Stem cell transplants: Stem cells are specialized cells in your bone marrow or blood that can help produce healthy new plasma cells. Healthcare providers typically recommend autologous stem cell transplants. This treatment replaces damaged or unhealthy stem cells with healthy stem cells from your body. Rarely, you may receive healthy plasma stem cells from a donor. This is an allogenic stem cell transplant.

Conclusion

Multiple myeloma happens when healthy plasma cells become abnormal cells that multiply and produce abnormal antibodies. People live 10 years or more with multiple myeloma. As with most types of cancer, early diagnosis and treatment help people live longer. While there is no cure for multiple myeloma, it can  treat related conditions and symptoms and slow its progression.

Further if you or your loved ones godforbid come across any such kind of disease we global treatment services can assist you with right doctors and hospital for the best treatment, what you need  do is send us all the latest reports of the patient on +91 +9880149003 or you can email us on query@gtsmeditour.com

We shall assist you get the right treatment abroad with all needed support.

Happy to assist..!

Than you

Cervical myelopathy

Oct 11, 2024 Posted by admin Neurology 0 comments

Overview

Any space-occupying lesion within the cervical spine with the potential to compress the spinal cord can cause cervical myelopathy. The most common type is cervical spondylotic myelopathy, which happens after natural changes to your body as you age. It can cause neck pain, muscle weakness and numbness, among other symptoms. Surgery treats cervical myelopathy.

Once the disorder is diagnosed, complete remission to normality never occurs and spontaneous temporary remission is uncommon. In 75% of the patients, episodic worsening with neurological deterioration occurs, 20% have slow steady progression, and 5% experience rapid onset and progression.

Symptoms and Causes

The symptoms of cervical myelopathy and cervical spondylotic myelopathy include:

  • Neck pain or stiffness.
  • Numbness or tingling in your hands and arms.
  • Muscle weakness in your hands and arms.
  • Loss of balance and difficulty walking.
  • Difficulty with fine motor skills (like buttoning a shirt or holding silverware).

Common causes of compression include:

  • Bone spurs.
  • Herniated disk.
  • Narrow cervical canal (birth defect).
  • Rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Spondylolisthesis.
  • Spinal degeneration.
  • Spinal stenosis.
  • Traumatic injury.
  • Tumor.

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy happens due to age-related changes that affect the structure and function of parts of your spine in your neck (spinal degeneration). These changes narrow the spinal canal (the opening where your spinal cord sits), which puts pressure on your spinal cord. Degenerative changes are a natural part of getting older.

Risk factors for cervical myelopathy..

Cervical myelopathy can affect anyone at any age. Studies show it’s more common among people of Asian descent older than 30 years.

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy can affect anyone as well, but it’s more common among men and people assigned male at birth and adults after age 40. The average age of a diagnosis is 64.

If left untreated, cervical myelopathy symptoms may get worse. This might cause:

  • Severe pain.
  • Bowel and bladder dysfunction.
  • Nerve damage.
  • Difficulty walking (instability, high risk of falls).
  • Limited use of your fingers, hands and arms.
  • Paralysis.

Diagnosis and Tests

A healthcare provider will diagnose cervical myelopathy after a physical exam, a neurological exam and other testing. During the exams, your provider will review your symptoms and medical history. They may also test your balance, reflexes and dexterity, and observe you walking (if possible) to better understand how symptoms affect you.

Your provider may order imaging tests to look at your spine. Imaging tests may include:

  • X-ray.
  • MRI.
  • CT scan.
  • Myelogram.

Management and Treatment

There isn’t a cure available for all causes of cervical myelopathy. Surgery can decrease symptoms and prevent complications. Even after treatment, age-related changes may affect more than one area of your spine.

Nonsurgical cervical myelopathy management

A healthcare provider may recommend nonsurgical options to help you manage mild cervical myelopathy. They may include:

  • Wearing a neck brace.
  • Participating in physical therapy.
  • Taking medications.

Surgical cervical myelopathy treatment

You may be a candidate for surgery if you have:

  • Severe pain.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Numbness.
  • Balance and walking challenges.
  • Difficulty with fine motor skills.

The procedure that a surgeon recommends can vary based on your symptoms, general health and your age. It may include one or a combination of the following:

  • Diskectomy.
  • Disk replacement.
  • Laminectomy.
  • Laminoplasty.
  • Spinal fusion.

surgeon will explain the possible risks before the procedure so you can make an informed decision about your health, also post surgery  specific instructions on how to take care of yourself and when you should see them for a follow-up visit.

Prevention

You can’t prevent all causes of cervical myelopathy. Spinal cord compression related to cervical spondylotic myelopathy happens due to natural changes to your body as you age, which you can’t prevent. But you can reduce your risk of injury by taking safety precautions and avoiding high-risk or dangerous activities.

Conclusion

Your spinal cord has an important job in your body. Unpredictable things, like an accident or natural changes that happen as you age, can put pressure on your spinal cord. Like a bridge in a busy town, wear and tear is unavoidable. Your body needs maintenance and care in the same way a city’s infrastructure does to make sure vital parts have the support they need to function. This is especially important with cervical myelopathy.

A healthcare provider can help you manage symptoms and relieve pressure on your spinal cord. This may require surgery. While a procedure on your neck may be scary to think about, your care team will take extra precautions to make sure you’re safe and avoid complications.

Further if you and your loved ones come across with any kind of spine care assistance please feel free to contact us on +91 9880149003 or email us  at query@gtsmeditour.com all the latest reports and get free medical opinion from our major hospital doctors like Apollo Hospitals, Manipal Hospitals, Aster Hospitals.
Thank you..!
Happy to Assist..!

Sore Throat

Oct 2, 2024 Posted by admin General Health 0 comments

Sore throat presents as pain ,itching sensation or irritation in the throat, usually hurts more when you swallow. The most common cause of a sore throat (pharyngitis) is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. Most sore throats are caused by infections, or by environmental factors like dry air. Although a sore throat can be uncomfortable, it will usually go away on its own.

Causes of sore throat

  • Viral infection
  • Bacterial infection
  • Allergy to pollens, molds and smoke
  • Poor Oro dental hygiene
  • Acid reflux

Sore throats are divided into types,

Based on the part of the throat they affect:

  • Pharyngitis causes swelling and soreness in the throat.
  • Tonsillitis is swelling and redness of the tonsils, the soft tissue in the back of the mouth.
  • Laryngitis is swelling and redness of the voice box, or larynx.

Sore throat risk factors

Though anyone can get a sore throat, there are several factors that can increaseTrusted Source your risk.

Some common risk factors include:

  • Age: Children are more susceptibleTrusted Source to certain conditions that can cause a sore throat, including strep throat.
  • Time of year: Some types of infection are more commonTrusted Source during certain seasons, including winter.
  • Exposure to irritants: Several irritants, such as cigarette smoke or pollution, can cause a sore throat.
  • Personal hygiene: Infrequent hand washing could increase your risk of infection.
  • Certain settings: Some settings, such as schools and daycares, can increase the spread of infections that could cause a sore throat.
  • Vocal strain: People who regularly talk loudly, yell, or sing for long periods can strain their vocal cords more easily, leading to a sore throat.

Treatment includes

You can treat most sore throats at home. Get plenty of rest to give your immune a chance to fight the infection.

To relieve the pain of a sore throat:

  • Gargle with a mixture of warm water and 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt.
  • Drink warm liquids that feel soothing to the throat, such as hot tea with honey, soup broth, or warm water with lemon. Herbal teas can beTrusted Source especially soothing to a sore throat.
  • Cool your throat by eating a cold treat like a popsicle or ice cream.
  • Suck on a piece of hard candy or a lozenge.
  • Turn on a cool mist humidifier to add moisture to the air.
  • Rest your voice until your throat feels better.

Otherwise,

You can take medications to relieve the pain of a sore throat, or to treat the underlying cause.
Over-the-counter medications that relieve throat pain.

You can also use one or more of these treatments, which work directly on the pain of a sore throat:
  • a sore throat spray that contains a numbing antiseptic like phenol, or a cooling ingredient like menthol or eucalyptus
  • throat lozenges
  • cough syrup

How to prevent a sore throat

While a sore throat cannot always be avoided, there are several steps you can take to help prevent it.

Some ways you may be able to prevent a sore throat includeTrusted Source:

  • clean your hands regularly
  • limit close contact with others who have respiratory infections, sore throats, and colds
  • if you smoke, consider quitting
  • avoid exposure to secondhand smoke as much as possible

Conclusion:

Viral and bacterial infections, as well as irritants and injuries, cause the majority of sore throats. Most sore throats get better in a few days without treatment.

Rest, warm liquids, saltwater gargles, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help soothe the pain of a sore throat at home.

Strep throat and other bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. A doctor can use a swab test to find out if you have strep.

See a doctor for more severe symptoms, like trouble breathing or swallowing, a high fever, or a stiff neck.

Please note: for any medical assistance abroad do share all your latest medical reports at query@gtsmeditour.com or whatsapp us on +91+ 9880149003 and get a free medical opinion.