Hepatitis C is a viral infection, transmitted through contaminated blood, that causes inflammation of the liver.

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) exists in several different forms, known as genotypes. There are 7 distinct genotypes and more than 67 subtypes that have been identified around the world, with the most common type in the US being type 1.

Many people do not even know they are infected because they do not have any symptoms. If they do have symptoms, they will occur during the first 6 months after the infection of HCV, which is referred to as the acute phase. Symptoms include: jaundice(yellowing of the skin or eyes), fatigue, diarrhea, abdominal pain or swelling of the abdomen, dark-colored urine, bruising or bleeding easily, nausea, fever, or itching.

People with chronic hepatitis can also live years without symptoms, but once symptoms appear they are often signs of advanced liver disease such as, liver cancer, cirrhosis(scarring of the liver), or complete liver failure.

HCV is transmitted when contaminated blood is transmitted through: organ transplants, blood transfusions, sharing personal hygiene products like toothbrushes or razors, sharing needles, tattoos or body piercings, unprotected sex, or birth.

HCV can easily be diagnosed with a blood test, but doctors may recommend other testing, including a liver biopsy, to detect the severity of the liver damage before prescribing antiviral medications.

Previously treated with weekly injections or oral medications that have unacceptable side effects, Hepatitis C is now curable, in most people, by oral medications taken for 2 to 6 months. The goal being that HCV is undetectable after 12 weeks of medication.

If you’ve been diagnosed with Hepatitis C and would like a second opinion from our many doctors online now, please go to www.secondopinions.com, for your peace of mind. You will have your second opinion report from one of our doctors online within 24-48 hours!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, it is observed annually and intended to raise awareness. Breast Cancer is the second most common cancer amongst women in the United States.

Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. There are different kinds of breast cancer. Most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older, and though it is rare breast cancer can also affect men.

Some risk factors are.

• Getting older
• Genetic mutations
• Reproductive history
• Having dense breasts
• Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
• Previous treatment using radiation therapy
• Personal history of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast diseases. Some warning signs of breast cancer are.
• New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).
• Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.
• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
• Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.
• Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.
• Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
• Pain in any area of the breast.

Breast cancer is treated in several ways. It depends on the kind of breast cancer and how far it has spread. People with breast cancer often get more than one kind of treatment.

If you have any signs or symptoms that worry you, be sure to see your doctor right away. For a second opinion on your breast cancer diagnosis please visit SecondOpinions.com, for your peace of mind.