Author Archives: Blog Admin

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.

Easy ways to stay healthy

3/24/2023

Staying healthy is a combination of several factors including diet, physical activity, stress management, and getting enough sleep. Here are some easy ways to stay healthy:

  1. Eat a balanced diet: Include plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources in your diet. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of saturated and trans fats.
  2. Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week. This can be as simple as taking a brisk walk, biking, or doing yoga.
  3. Manage stress: Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as deep breathing, meditation, or talking to a friend. Avoid turning to unhealthy habits such as overeating or substance abuse to cope with stress.
  4. Get enough sleep: Adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night to function at their best. Establish a consistent sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine to help improve the quality of your sleep.
  5. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and help flush out toxins from your body.
  6. Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can have serious negative impacts on your health. If you use tobacco, seek help to quit. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
  7. Stay socially connected: Maintaining strong social connections can have a positive impact on your mental and physical health. Spend time with friends and family, join a club or group, or volunteer in your community.

American Diabetes Awareness Month

3/20/2023

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body has high sugar levels for prolonged periods of time. This is caused when there is inadequate production of insulin, or insulin resistance.

There are 4 types of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes also known as juvenile diabetes is a chronic condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin. This causes increased thirst, frequent urination, hunger, sudden weight loss and weakness. (more than 200,000 cases per year in the US)

Type 2 diabetes also known as diabetes mellitus is a condition that results from insufficient production of insulin, causing high blood sugar. (more than 3 million cases per year in the US)

Gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) is a condition in which women develop diabetes during pregnancy. Initially, it may not cause any symptoms. Excessive thirst, sweating and frequent urination may be noticed as it progresses. (more than 200,000 cases per year in the US)

Diabetes insipidus also known as DI is a condition that results from an imbalance of water in the body. This causes extreme thirst, and frequent excessive urination. (fewer than 200,000 cases per year in the US)

Type 2 diabetes is the most common in the US and can be managed with an adequate treatment plan provided by a medical professional. Diabetes type 1, 2 and gestational may be dangerous or life threatening if not managed or treated by a healthcare professional. Family history may increase the likelihood of diabetes in the above.

If you or a loved one have concerns about diabetes and would like to seek some additional medical advice or a second opinion from one of our many doctors or an endocrinologist please visit secondopinions.com for a peace of mind.

It’s Always the Season for Skin Protection

3/17/2023

We generally think most about skin protection in summer with its extended daylight, time at the pool or beach and leisurely walks – but it’s important to keep in mind that the sun’s rays can reach us in every season.

To help prevent skin cancer, keep in mind these sun protection guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology:

  • Seek shade during peak sun hours of 10:00am to 2:00pm.
  • Wear sunglasses with UV protection, a wide-brimmed hat and sun-protective clothing.
  • Always use sunscreen (at least SPF 30), and don’t forget to reapply every two hours, especially when swimming or sweating. Remember to apply to your feet when barefoot or wearing sandals.

Risk factors for skin cancer include past sunburns, indoor tanning, atypical moles and having fair skin. Make sure to perform regular skin self-exams to notice if anything has changed, and see a dermatologist for screenings.

According to the American Cancer Society, “More people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined.” 1 in 5 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer by age 70, so odds are you or someone you know has been affected by skin cancer.

You may also be aware that skin cancer treatments can be intense – and while necessary, may leave long-lasting scars and skin discoloration. Treatment methods range from chemical peels, cryosurgery and laser surgery for precancerous spots to traditional excisional surgery and Mohs surgery for basal and squamous cell carcinomas. Some cancers even require treatment with radiation therapy.

Should you or a loved one receive a skin cancer diagnosis, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends seeking out medical information only from verified, trustworthy online resources. They also recommend not to rush a treatment decision and to seek a second opinion if you’re uncertain about the diagnosis.

SecondOpinions.com offers quick and affordable medical second opinions in a wide range of medical specialties, including dermatology. Contact our reliable specialists to feel confident in your diagnosis and condition.

Lady Gaga’s Misread MRI and Years of Chronic Pain: The Importance of Second Opinions

3/16/2023

With just 21 shows left in a 120-date lineup, Lady Gaga had to abruptly end her concert tour due to a hip injury. With her rigorous choreography and demanding schedule, the wear and tear on her hip over the years caused debilitating pain that shot through her entire body. Previously, doctors had reviewed her MRIs, diagnosed her with a labral tear –  an injury to tissue within the hip – and recommended over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatories.

Upon seeing another physician after ending her tour, Lady Gaga was quickly diagnosed with a hip fracture and treated with surgery to repair it. In her own words:

“When we got all the MRIs finished before I went to surgery there were giant craters, a hole in my hip the size of a quarter, and the cartilage was just hanging out the other side of my hip. I had a tear on the inside of my joint and a huge breakage. The surgeon told me that if I had done another show I might have needed a full hip replacement.”

Had she required hip replacement surgery, Lady Gaga would have been unable to perform for at least a year. As it was, the repair surgery involved six months of recovery. She has since embarked on a multi-phase treatment plan including trigger point injections and massage. But the effects of the fracture – possibly missed by doctors for months or even years – continued to cause intense pain and body spasms for more than five years after her surgery. The ongoing pain and effects on her daily life also took a severe toll on her mental health. What might have been different had her fracture been recognized sooner?

The array of doctors and treatments available to an A-list celebrity like Lady Gaga are much less affordable and accessible for the average patient, yet she still suffered the effects of misdiagnosis. Everyone deserves to be confident in their diagnosis and provided the proper treatment. If you or someone you love are seeking another review of an MRI, reach out to our network of physicians at SecondOpinions.com.