Monthly Archives: May 2021

May is National Neurofibromatosis Month

5/25/2021

Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form on nerve tissue. These tumors may form anywhere in the body including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Although they are usually benign, sometimes these tumors can become malignant, or cancerous. While most people with Neurofibromatosis will only experience mild symptoms, in some cases patients may experience hearing loss, learning impairment, heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) problems, loss of vision, and severe pain.

While there is no permanent cure, early detection is critical for allowing proper management of the symptoms that occur. If a large tumor or tumors press on a nerve, surgery can reduce symptoms. If you have been diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis, it is important to make sure that your doctors are prescribing the right course of treatment.

If you would like to find out more and receive a second opinion regarding your diagnosis and treatment, please contact us at SecondOpinions.com. For your peace of mind.

Citation:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/neurofibromatosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350490 https://medlineplus.gov/neurofibromatosis.html

Testicular Cancer

5/20/2021

April marks Testicular Cancer Awareness month. Every year, thousands of men are diagnosed with Testicular Cancer. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men ages 15 to 35, but it can occur at any age. It’s also one of the most treatable cancers, even if it’s spread to other areas. That is why it is critical to pay attention to early warnings signs, which include the following:

  • testicular pain or discomfort
  • testicular swelling
  • lower abdominal or back pain
  • enlargement of breast tissue

As with most cancers, Testicular Cancer is caused by a combination of genetic predisposition, and environmental factors. Some factors that scientists have identified include:

  • having a family history of the disease
  • having abnormal testicular development
  • being of Caucasian descent
  • having an undescended testicle, which is called cryptorchidism

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with any of the listed symptoms, or have any of the genetic factors mentioned above, it is advisable to speak to a doctor. If you do have Testicular Cancer, it is almost always treatable when it is caught in the early stages. Contact up at SecondOpinions.com and speak with one of our Board-Certified for your peace of mind.

SecondOpinions.com. For your peace of mind.

Citation:
https://www.healthline.com/health/testicular-cancer
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/testicular-cancer/testicular-cancer-statistics

Aortic Aneurysm

5/18/2021

An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal bulge that occurs in the wall of the major blood vessel (aorta) that carries blood from the heart to the body. The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body. Although the aorta is a tough, durable workhorse, sometimes its walls can weaken and bulge in what is called an aortic aneurysm. This could cause a leak that spills blood into the body. Diseases and unhealthy behaviors that damage the heart and blood vessels also increase the risk for aortic aneurysm. Smoking is the most important behavior related to aortic aneurysm. If you would like to find out more and receive a second opinion regarding your diagnosis and treatment, please contact us at secondopinions.com.

April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Month

5/6/2021

Up to 1 in 5 Americans suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Some people with IBS have minor symptoms, while others suffer tremendously and have their daily lives extremely disrupted.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is also known as spastic colon, irritable colon, mucous colitis, and spastic colitis. It is a separate condition from inflammatory bowel disease and encompasses its own symptoms. IBS is a group of intestinal symptoms that typically occur together. Although the strength of these symptoms and duration vary from person to person, in all cases, IBS lasts at least three months for at least three days per month.

Humans deal with their digestive system every single day, and so it can easy to push aside the importance of examining its health.

The symptoms of IBS typically include:

  • cramping
  • abdominal pain
  • bloating and gas
  • constipation
  • diarrhea

IBS is a serious condition that should be treated by professionals. Lasting consequences may include ongoing pain, diarrhea, constipation and other uncomfortable symptoms. IBS is a serious but treatable condition. Talk to an expert at SecondOpinions.com to make sure you or a loved one is not suffering from IBS.

SecondOpinions.com. For your peace of mind.

Citation: https://www.healthline.com/health/irritable-bowel-syndrome#ibs-diagnosis