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One in nine American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.

12/16/2018

One in nine American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. In American men, one of the most common types of cancer is prostate cancer, especially among African-American and older men. Prostate cancer happens when cells in the prostate gland start to grow uncontrollably. The prostate is a gland found only in men, which makes fluid in semen to transport sperm.

In the early stage prostate cancer does not show any symptoms or signs but it does once it advances. It may cause symptoms such as, blood in semen, erectile dysfunction, decreased force in the stream of urine, and discomfort in pelvic area. Although the causes are not yet known, some of the factors are race/ethnicity, age, family history, smoking, and obesity.

Due to not knowing the real causes of prostate cancer, prevention is vital. Prevent by choosing a healthy nutritious diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising. For early detection a blood test can help. If found with prostate cancer some of the treatments you may use are hormone therapy, radiation, chemotherapy, and biological therapy. When dealing with cancer a second opinion is vital to help decide on the right treatments. Visit SecondOpinions.com to receive a Second Opinion that will help you choose the right treatment path for you.

Lung Cancer

12/12/2018

The leading cause of death from cancer in the United State is lung cancer. Lung cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the tissues of the lungs which then start to grow and multiply. Cancer can travel and spread to other parts of the body, if not diagnosed at an early stage. Lung cancer is most common in people who smoke, making tobacco use one of the leading causes.

Lung cancer is not just caused by smoking, but also by secondhand smoke, family history of lung cancer, and exposure to toxins. Some of the symptoms are coughing that doesn’t go away, coughing blood, shortness of breath, chest pain, and bone pain. There are different types of lung cancer but the two main types are small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Small cell is the most common among heavy smokers. As for non-small cell lung cancer, it covers several types of lung cancer, such as adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma. The treatments depend on the type of lung cancer the person is diagnosed with but include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.

Prevention is vital, some of the steps to take are to stop smoking tobacco or to not use tobacco products at all, avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, gases, chemicals, and anything that can harm your lungs. An accurate diagnosis is very important and a second opinion can save your life by helping you find the best treatment. Visit SecondOpinions.com for your peace of mind.

Pancreatic Cancer

12/10/2018

The pancreas is an organ behind the stomach that releases enzymes to help with digestion and produces hormones that help process sugars. When the cells in the pancreas begin to grow uncontrollably it becomes cancer. In 2018 alone, over 55,000 people were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

It is not clear on what causes pancreatic cancer but some of the risks that increase the chances are pancreatitis, diabetes, a poor diet, smoking, obesity, and family history. Some of the symptoms or signs of pancreatic cancer are diabetes, weight loss, jaundice, pain in the abdomen and back, and blood clots. There are two types of pancreatic cancer, exocrine pancreatic cancer and pancreatic endocrine tumors. The most common type of pancreatic cancer is exocrine. As for the endocrine tumors, they are uncommon, making only about 5%.

The treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The best ways to prevent pancreatic cancer are to stop or never smoke, maintain a healthy weight, and eat a healthy diet. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, visit SecondOpinions.com to help you find the best treatment to recover your health and live a healthy life.

November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month

12/1/2018

In the United States, about 3.4 million people suffer from epilepsy. Epilepsy occurs as a result of genetic disorder or from a brain injury, such as a stroke or trauma. This neurological disorder has abnormal cell activity in the brain which causes seizures, a period of unusual behavior, sensations, and loss of awareness.

Caused by the abnormal activity of the brain, the seizures vary because the brain controls many parts of the body therefore those parts can be affected. The symptoms vary but include uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs and loss of consciousness or awareness. The seizures depend on the part of the brain that is being affected, therefore there are different types of seizures. Two types of seizures are partial and generalized. Partial seizures happen when only one area of the brain is affected, while generalized seizures happen when both sides of the brain are affected.

To be diagnosed with epilepsy, you must have at least two unprovoked seizures in a period of over 24 hours. Epilepsy is an incurable condition that can only be treated. To control the seizures medications or sometimes surgery can be used, while others require lifelong treatments. Visit SecondOpinions.com to help you find the right treatment for epilepsy.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) affects over 16 million people in the United States, making it the third leading cause of death in the country.

11/14/2018

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) affects over 16 million people in the United States, making it the third leading cause of death in the country. COPD obstructs airflow from the lungs, which causes breathing difficulties. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are two common conditions of this disease. Chronic bronchitis is when there’s inflammation of the bronchial tubes’ lining, which carry air to and from the lungs. Emphysema occurs when the air sacs of the lungs become damaged and larger than normal.

Smoking is the leading cause of COPD but it can also be caused by air pollution, chemical fumes, or dust. Some of the symptoms are breathing difficulties, cough, mucus production, wheezing, and chest tightness. COPD is a chronic pulmonary disease that can be treated but not cured. Quitting smoking is the first step but some of the treatments include medications and inhibitors.

Those who suffer from this pulmonary disease have a higher risk of developing conditions such as heart disease and lung cancer. Also, many smokers and former smokers tend to be misdiagnosed, which is why a second opinion is vital. A second opinion will help towards receiving the proper help to avoid other diseases and receive the right diagnostic. Visit SecondOpinions.com to receive a well detailed and informed diagnostic for your peace of mind and the peace of mind of those you love.

30 million Americans are living with diabetes.

11/13/2018

In the United States over 30 million Americans are living with diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic disease that results when there is high elevated amount of glucose in the blood, also known as high blood sugar. This happens when the body does not process food properly to be used as energy. The pancreas of someone with diabetes is not able to release insulin, which is used to to open the cells to allow glucose to enter and then be used for energy.

There are different types of diabetes, such as Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is where the body’s immune system attacks its own pancreas. A person with type 1 usually takes insulin injections. Type 2 diabetes is when a person is able to produce some
of their own insulin, which often appears in people who are overweight and not active. The treatment for type 2 is usually diet and exercise, sometimes medications. Gestational diabetes is when a woman develops diabetes during pregnancy, in which high blood sugar can affect the way cells use sugar and it can also affect the baby’s health. To control gestational diabetes it is important to eat healthy, exercise, and if necessary, take medication.

Diabetes has become the leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, amputations, heart failure, and strokes. In 2015, diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death. With such alarming numbers a second opinion is vital to take the right steps to live a healthy long life with diabetes.
You will receive the right detailed education about the diagnosis you receive, along with the right treatment to follow. Visit SecondOpinions.com for your second opinion and your peace of mind.

Spina Bifida is a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don’t form properly.

10/24/2018

In the United States, over 1500 babies are born with Spina Bifida every year. Spina Bifida is a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don’t form properly. This is a type of neural tube defect. The neural tube is the embryonic structure that develops into the baby’s brain, spinal cord, and the tissues that enclose them. The neural tube forms early in pregnancy, and it closes 28 to 32
days after conception but with spina bifida a portion of the neural tube does not close properly which causes the defects in the spinal cord and in the bones of the spine. Spina Bifida causes many physical and intellectual dissabilities that can go from mild to severe but that depends on the size and location of the opening in the spine and if any parts of the spinal cord and nerves are affected.

There are different types of Spina bifida. The three most common are spina bifida occulta, meningocele, and myelomeningocele. Spina Bifida occulta is the mildest form, meningocele is moderate, and myelomeningocele is the most severe form. The treatment will depend on the needs
of each person with spina bifida. Some ways to prevent it is to take folic acid, avoid overheating your body, treat your fever immediatly, and if you have any medical condition always keep it under control. If you have a case of Spine Bifida and would like a second opinion on what steps to take to live or help someone live a full life visit SecondOpinions.com.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

10/23/2018

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a medical condition that affects the attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness in millions of children. Children with ADHD tend to be easily distracted, hyperactive- always moving around, and have impulsive behavior where they interrupt others. If not diagnosed at an early age ADHD can continue into adulthood. The symptoms can be noticed before the age of 12 and for some it can be noticeable as early as 3 years old.

Some of the causes include genetics, environment, and development. Children who suffer from ADHD struggle in the classroom, have more accidents and injuries, have a poor self esteem, have trouble interacting, and have a higher risk of alcohol and drug abuse. To help prevent ADHD it is important to have a healthy pregnancy for good fetal development, avoid exposure to pollutants and toxins, and limit screen time. The treatments include medicine and behavior therapy. If you’d like a second opinion on what is the right treatment visit SecondOpinions.com.

Breast Cancer

10/16/2018

In the United States, 1 of 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer along with over 2,000 men. It is the most common cancer diagnosed in women, making it the leading cause of cancer death among them.

The symptoms of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, bloody discharge from the nipple, and changes in the shape or texture of the nipple or breast. To prevent breast cancer it is vital to always perform a self examination to see if there are any lumps, or changes in your skin. The treatments depend on the stage of cancer. It may consist of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.

If you or anyone you know suffers from breast cancer and would like a second opinion to
find the right treatment go to SecondOpinions.com.

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that is caused by an error during cell division

10/14/2018

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that is caused by an error during cell division where it results in an extra full or partial chromosome. The addition of the partial or full copy of the 21st chromosome can come from either father or mother. As more research is done it has been discovered that a child is more likely to have Down Syndrome if the mother is 35 years of age or older because older eggs have a greater risk of improper chromosome division. Being carriers and already having one child with Down Syndrome can also be a cause for your child to have down syndrome.

Complications that someone with down syndrome may experience are heart defects, obesity, immune disorders, and other health problems. If you’d like a second opinion on how to treat your child with down syndrome please visit SecondOpinions.com.