Monthly Archives: April 2023

Difference between an MRI and CT

4/28/2023

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scans are both medical imaging techniques used to visualize the internal structures of the body, but there are several key differences between the two:

  1. Radiation exposure: CT scans use X-rays to produce images, and thus expose the patient to ionizing radiation. MRI, on the other hand, does not use ionizing radiation, but instead uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce images.
  2. Image quality: CT scans are typically better at detecting bone fractures and other injuries, while MRI scans provide higher-resolution images of soft tissues, such as muscles, ligaments, and nerves.
  3. Scanning time: CT scans are generally faster, taking only a few minutes to complete, while MRI scans can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour or more.
  4.  Patient comfort: CT scans involve lying still on a hard table while the scan is performed, which can be uncomfortable for some people. MRI scans, on the other hand, involve lying still in a narrow tube-like machine, which can be uncomfortable for people with a fear of enclosed spaces.
  5. Contraindications: CT scans are not recommended for patients with kidney problems, as the contrast material used in the scan can cause further damage to the kidneys. MRI scans, on the other hand, are generally safe for most patients, but can be contraindicated for people with certain types of metal implants, such as pacemakers, as the strong magnetic fields used in the scan can interfere with the function of the implant.

In summary, the choice between an MRI and a CT scan typically depends on the specific clinical question being addressed, as well as the individual patient’s needs

Second Opinion Reveals Sharon Stone Has Large Fibroid Tumor

4/26/2023

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Sharon Stone announced in a social media post that she was diagnosed with a large uterine fibroid and would need surgery to remove it. The award-winning actress had been experiencing increasing pain and had even undergone an incorrect procedure with a double epidural to try to resolve her symptoms. Only after a second opinion did she realize she had been misdiagnosed.

A uterine fibroid, also known as a fibroid tumor or mass, is a noncancerous growth. The size of fibroid tumors can vary widely from nearly undetectable to “bulky masses that can distort and enlarge the uterus.” Symptoms of fibroids include:

  • Pelvic pain and pressure
  • Unusually heavy or long menstrual periods
  • Leg or back pain
  • Elimination problems, including constipation, frequent urination and difficulty emptying the bladder

Fibroids are also linked to infertility, miscarriage and premature labor.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine: “An estimated 20% to 50% of women of reproductive age currently have fibroids, and up to 77% of women will develop fibroids sometime during their childbearing years. Only about one-third of these fibroids are large enough to be detected by a health care provider during a physical exam, so they are often undiagnosed.”

Uterine fibroids are often found by chance during a routine pelvic exam. For women experiencing pain and other symptoms, a doctor might suggest an ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis as well as the size and position of any tumors.

If ultrasound doesn’t provide enough information, other imaging options are available. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) exam can show more detailed measurements and locations, identify types of masses and help determine treatment. Hysterosonography, hysterosalpingography and hysteroscopy are additional uterine-specific exams that can address specific concerns including infertility caused by blocked fallopian tubes.

Uterine fibroids can have huge quality of life impacts for women of all ages. If you’re having trouble getting to the root of your pain, contact SecondOpinions.com for an unbiased review of your medical records and potentially imaging exams. As Sharon Stone advised: “Ladies in particular: Don’t get blown off…GET A SECOND OPINION… It can save our life.”

A Second Opinion Diagnosed Rita Wilson’s Breast Cancer

4/26/2023

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Hollywood actress and producer Rita Wilson has always kept a close eye on her breast health. For many years, she and her healthcare team monitored her diagnosis of lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) – a condition in which abnormal cells form in the milk glands – through yearly mammograms and breast MRIs. LCIS is not cancer, but women with LCIS have an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

Later, a suspicious finding in a scan prompted two surgical biopsies, and the initial diagnosis for Wilson was pleomorphic lobular carcinoma in situ (PLCIS) – a slightly riskier version of LCIS, but still not cancer. However, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. “A friend who had had breast cancer suggested I get a second opinion on my pathology and my gut told me that was the thing to do,” Wilson explained. The next pathologist – and following that, yet another for good measure – found invasive lobular carcinoma, a type of actual breast cancer that originates in the milk glands.

Wilson was lucky to catch her breast cancer diagnosis early. She underwent a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction and has since fully recovered. She felt it was important to publicize her story and concluded her statement with a strong recommendation:

“I share this to educate others that a second opinion is critical to your health. You have nothing to lose if both opinions match up for the good, and everything to gain if something that was missed is found, which does happen. Early diagnosis is key. I hope this will encourage others to get a second opinion and to trust their instincts if something doesn’t ‘feel’ right.”

If you have doubts about a recent medical diagnosis, please reach out to SecondOpinions.com. We have experts in multiple specialties who can review your case quickly and cost-effectively.

PAP Test

4/24/2023

A Pap smear, also known as a Pap test, is a procedure that involves collecting cells from a woman’s cervix (the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina) to check for any abnormal or precancerous changes. It is important because early detection and treatment of precancerous changes in the cervix can help prevent the development of cervical cancer.

The general recommendation for women’s health organizations is that most women should start getting Pap smears at age 21 and should continue to get them every three years until the age of 65, assuming normal test results. After that, women who have had three consecutive normal Pap smear results may get screened less frequently, or not at all if they have other risk factors such as a weakened immune system or a history of precancerous cervical changes.

However, it’s important to note that different women may have different screening recommendations depending on their individual health history and risk factors. For example, women who have had certain types of cervical cancer or who have a history of abnormal Pap smear results may need to be screened more frequently. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor about what’s right for you.

Cardiovascular diseases

4/17/2023

Cardiovascular diseases refer to a group of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, heart attacks, heart failure, stroke, and hypertension. These
diseases are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide.
If you think you have a cardiovascular disease, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Schedule an appointment with your doctor or cardiologist for a complete evaluation.
  2. Share your symptoms and any concerns you may have about your heart health with your
    doctor.
  3. Ask your doctor to conduct a thorough physical examination and a series of tests, such
    as an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, and blood tests to diagnose and
    evaluate your heart health.
  4. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment and lifestyle changes to manage
    your cardiovascular disease and reduce your risk of complications.
  5. Make sure to attend all follow-up appointments and keep all appointments with your
    healthcare provider to monitor your progress.

It is important to seek medical attention and get an accurate diagnosis if you think you may have a cardiovascular disease, as early treatment and lifestyle changes can prevent further
complications and improve your overall health and well-being.

Alzheimer’s Disease: What You Need to Know about Diagnosis

4/12/2023

Alzheimer’s is a disease of the brain, characterized by issues with memory, thinking and behavior. It’s the most common cause of dementia – the general term for cognitive problems severe enough to interfere with daily life – accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases.

According to a 2022 report from the Alzheimer’s Association, in the U.S., 6.5 million people 65 and older have Alzheimer’s disease – equating to approximately 1 in 9 people in that age group. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that worsens over time and has no cure, yet there are approved medical treatments.

Below are early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s to watch for in loved ones:

  • Memory loss that interferes with normal life
  • Trouble with solving problems, following instructions or completing familiar tasks
  • Confusion with places, the passage of time and spatial perception
  • Difficulty having conversations, writing and remembering simple words; this can lead to withdrawal from social life
  • Putting things away incorrectly
  • Poor decision-making, often with money or personal grooming
  • Personality changes – becoming suspicious, fearful and easily upset

There is no single test to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. Doctors, including neurologists, geriatricians, psychiatrists and more, use a variety of assessments to help make a differential diagnosis – essentially ruling out other possible causes of symptoms. Evaluations often include a medical history review, physical exam, neuropsychological testing and brain imaging scans.

According to neurologist Aimee Chagnon, MD, people worry about offending their doctors by bringing up second opinions. However, good doctors won’t feel insulted. Dr. Chagnon notes, “I don’t want anyone to have any kind of lingering doubt or question whether they could have done something different.”

Additionally, different types of dementia often look the same on the surface. Symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s can appear with Lewy body dementia, Parkinson’s, hydrocephalus, psychiatric issues, thyroid problems, vitamin deficiency, tumors and Lyme disease.

In short, it’s smart to seek a second opinion regarding any serious medical condition. Contact us if you’re concerned about a recent brain health diagnosis for yourself or a family member.

For 24 Hours, Kelly Clarkson Thought She Had Cancer

4/10/2023

Hours before Kelly Clarkson’s first Grammy Awards, she received devastating news following a recent medical test. The results had come back showing she had cancer. That evening the singer won Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and Best Pop Vocal Album, but the celebration was overshadowed by looming thoughts of an uncertain future. She was only 23 years old at the time and in complete disbelief.

The next day, Clarkson’s doctor told her the results were inaccurate; she had been misdiagnosed. Fortunately, this instance was in her favor, and the mistake was caught quickly. But if the mistake hadn’t been caught right away, how long would she have had to endure the fear and stress of a cancer diagnosis? Potentially she might have embarked on treatment – possibly including surgery or chemotherapy – before the misdiagnosis became clear.

In fact, misdiagnoses of cancer and other diseases are not uncommon. The BMJ, published by the British Medical Association, found that 12 million U.S. adults – or one in 20 – are misdiagnosed while seeking outpatient medical care. The Journal of the American Medical Association published research finding that pathologists incorrectly diagnose one in four breast biopsies. Why does this happen so frequently? Common factors in misdiagnosis include:

  • Overscheduling leading to a rushed medical appointment
  • Patients not providing detailed medical history
  • Incorrect interpretation
  • False positive biopsy results

Additionally, misunderstanding of terminology can lead to an incorrect interpretation of a diagnosis. If a routine test such as a Pap or mammogram comes back abnormal, a patient might assume the worst and think they have cancer, even though the abnormality is actually something much less life-altering.

Any serious medical diagnosis deserves a second opinion – especially if it doesn’t seem right. “It is always acceptable to obtain a second opinion, and in the case of a serious diagnosis like cancer, it is recommended,” says Jennifer Haythe, M.D., assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University Medical Center. “You should question any doctor that tries to dissuade you from getting a second opinion.”

Doctors and other medical professionals are well-trained and qualified, but as with any other profession, mistakes are possible. If you’re seeking peace of mind regarding your diagnosis, contact us at SecondOpinions.com for a straightforward review of your records.

 

Shingles

4/7/2023

Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in their body and can reactivate years later, causing shingles.
To avoid shingles, it is important to keep your immune system healthy through proper nutrition, exercise, and stress management. Additionally, getting the shingles vaccine can reduce the risk of developing shingles.

If you think you have shingles, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Treatment can help reduce the severity and duration of the symptoms. Antiviral medications can be prescribed to help speed up the healing process and relieve pain. Over-the-counter pain medications and cool compresses can also help reduce discomfort.

Radiology Second Opinion

4/5/2023

Getting a second opinion on a radiology study is important for several reasons:

Accuracy: Radiology is a highly specialized field and sometimes, even experienced radiologists can interpret images differently. Getting a second opinion can help confirm or rule out a diagnosis and ensure that the interpretation of the images is accurate.
Confidence in diagnosis: If a patient has a serious condition, a second opinion can provide additional reassurance and help them feel more confident about their diagnosis.
Alternative perspectives: A second radiologist may have different training or expertise and may be able to provide a new perspective on the images. They may also have access to newer technology or different imaging techniques that the first radiologist did not use.
Avoiding unnecessary procedures: In some cases, a second opinion may reveal that a proposed procedure is not necessary, saving the patient both time and money.
Improved patient outcomes: By ensuring the accuracy of a diagnosis and avoiding unnecessary procedures, getting a second opinion can ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes.

It’s important to note that getting a second opinion is not a sign of distrust in the first radiologist, but rather a way to ensure the best possible care for the patient.