April is National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month, a rare multisystem disease. The cause of sarcoidosis is unknown.Sarcoidosis is a disease characterized by the growth of tiny collections of inflammatory cells (granulomas) in any part of your body, most commonly the lungs and lymph nodes. But it can also affect the eyes, skin, heart and other organs. Even though its unknown experts think it results from the body’s immune system responding to an unknown substance. Sarcoidosis affects the lungs and may cause lung problems that seem to mimic the Covid-19 virus.

The symptoms include:
· Shortness of breath
· Sore Throat
· Cough
· Sneezing

All of these are signs of the Corona Virus and as well as many other Viruses.So, for this reason it gives great relief to know that we can get a medical second opinion to ensure the diagnosis we receive is the correct.

World Health Day

World Health Day is celebrated annually on the 7 th of April. Since 1950 this celebration has been aimed at creating awareness of specific health themes to highlight areas of concern for the World Health Organization (WHO).

This year in light of current events this World Health Day will be celebrated by honoring the nurses, midwives and healthcare workers at the front-lines of the COVID-19 response, putting their own health at risk to protect the broader community.

The COVID-19 pandemic and other global emergencies show us once again the heroic efforts health workers on the front lines make every day to keep their communities—and the world— safe and healthy Nurses, midwives and healthcare workers are the cornerstones of strong, resilient health systems. Show these individual’s your appreciation for their heroic work and thank them for what they do today and everyday to keep us healthy.

Thank you from SecondOpinons.com

By Felicia Buibas

March was bleeding disorders awareness month. Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) is the most common type of bleeding disorder; it affects an estimate of one percent of the world’s population. Most symptoms can be mild; therefore, many affected people have not been diagnosed or do not get diagnosed until later on in life. There are five classifications of VWD: VWD type 1, VWD type 2, VWD type 3, pseudo-VWD, and acquired. VWD was discovered by a Finnish doctor, Erik von Willebrand. He was the first to characterize VWD that he found in families on the Aland Islands. He could not identify the actual cause for this bleeding disorder, but he was able to distinguish it from other bleeding disorders.

March is National Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month. These are common but most often critical bleeding disorders. Blood defects can affect your overall health. The blood needs all of its proteins to operate correctly so that way the blood can generate blood clots strong enough to avoid any bleeding due to an injury of some sort. When the protein or platelets are deficient your body will not be able to properly go through the steps of clotting causing you to bleed much longer. There are many types of blood disorders that affect all different blood types.

Below are the most common blood disorders :

Anemia – A deficiency of red blood cells, resulting in fatigue.

Hemophilia – An inability to create effective blood clots, causing excessive bleeding.

Leukemia – A condition in which blood-forming organs suppress the production of normal blood cells.

Lymphoma – Cancer affecting the white blood cells, which limits the body’s ability to fight disease or
infection.

Myeloma – A cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow, which limits the body’s ability to produce
antibodies.

There are a few warning signs for these blood disorders. Knowing these signs and red flags are very important. Some of the signs of a blood disorder are unexplained and frequent bleeding from an injury, delicate skin that can cause bruising with the slightest cause. Pain is also very common, along with swelling or tightness in the joints. Often blood is found present in the urine or stools and most women usually will have a heavy cycle. Another common sign is current nosebleeds without an accurate reason as to why.

In order to sufficiently treat bleeding disorders, the patient will usually have to give a blood sample and do testing. It is important to stay on top of your health and make sure you do not have any of these symptoms as most of these cases can be severe or life-threatening.

Should I get a second opinion?

The simple answer, “YES!”

Not only should you get one, you are ENTITLED to a second opinion. And the best part,
you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home to obtain one.

Asking for a second opinion doesn’t mean you don’t trust or believe your doctor, it
simply means that you would like to know if there is any other possible diagnosis or
treatment option.

With the advances in technology, telemedicine is making it easier to get your answer.
All you need are your medical records, images, any relevant information, and a
computer with an internet connection and you can have a confidential report from a
board-certified, HIPAA compliant, doctor…your second opinion!

No one ever said, “I wish I didn’t get that second opinion.”

Oral cancer is a malignancy of the neck and head that can occur on the lips or
surface of the tongue, as well as in the gums, tonsils, inside of the cheek, the
floor of the mouth, the roof of the mouth, and in the salivary glands.

Those who develop cancer in the mouth are typically older than forty. Men are
more than twice as likely to develop mouth cancer than women are. Early stages
of oral malignancy do not have any obvious symptoms. Later progression of oral
cancer manifests in non-healing mouth ulcers or sores, swallowing pain, loose
teeth, hoarse voice, tongue pain, poorly fitting dentures, persistent swelling, red
or white patches on the mouth or tongue, a lump in the mouth, jaw pain, and
neck pain.

Oral cancer is treated with the use of surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation
therapy.

Certain factors can increase an individual’s risk of developing mouth cancer. If you
would like a second opinion on your treatment and diagnosis contact us at
secondopinions.com for your peace of mind.

Congenital heart defects (CHD) are the most common birth defect in America. It begins in utero when the blood vessels of the heart do not develop normally. This causes problems in the blood flow of the heart. During an ultrasound check up a doctor may use an echocardiogram, which creates ultrasound pictures of the heart, to determine if there are heart abnormalities. However, some babies are not diagnosed until after they are born. Some symptoms that a doctor looks for after birth are:

• Rapid breathing
• Fatigue when feeding
• Blue tinted fingers and toes

There are 18 different types of CHD’s some more critical than others. According to the American Heart Association ventricular septal defect accounts for about 20% of all CHD’s. This defect involves holes between the lower chambers of the heart and only requires open heart surgery if the child develops heart failure. Unfortunately the cause for CHD’s is still unknown, but it is more prevalent in pregnant mothers who are diabetic, obese, or smoke. Approximately 3 million people in the U.S are living with this condition and can live a relatively long life due to advancements in technology. In spite of the advancements, people with a congenital heart defect face lifelong risk of health problems such as issues with growth and eating, developmental delays, difficulty with exercise, heart rhythm problems, heart failure, sudden cardiac arrest or stroke. If you would like a second opinion on your treatment and diagnosis contact us at secondopinions.com for your peace of mind.

Having a copy of your medical images is important for a number of reasons. For example if your condition requires monitoring over time, it’s good to have a copy to compare studies to priors. When you have images performed in a new facility or when you are seeking a second opinion on a study

When a doctor has access to you medical images and reports, it provides him with the opportunity to

• Compare new studies with prior medical images
• Monitor conditions and abnormalities over time
• Avoid repeating tests you’ve already had

Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) you are guaranteed access to your medical images and reports. Images are kept and stored in the facility where you had your exams done. When you request your images, the facility may ask you to sign a release form. Facilities can deliver the images to patients in different formats, but usually done by CD.

If you are having a follow up study done, in a new facility take the CD with you so the doctor can do a thorough follow-up.Always, just in case, keep a copy.

If you are looking for a second opinion. You can upload the images from the CD directly to the website when using www.secondopinions.com

You had a study done and you received your report, but you’re unsure of the results. It’s not necessarily that you do not trust the doctor, but a second opinion will give you the reassurance you need. Many people consider seeking the knowledge and advice of more than one doctor. This is called a second opinion.

Asking for a second opinion is common practice. The more knowledge and information you have about your health, the more comfortable you will feel, making health care decisions. Multiple studies examined the real value of a second opinion for radiology studies. The findings all lead to the same place, they always point to an increase in accurate diagnoses when the scans are reviewed by a second party.

Myth #1.

My doctor might get offended.
Second opinions are not only a common tool for patients to use, but one they must use when they have doubts on their diagnosis. Professionals will not only not get offended but in some cases, suggest them, especially when it comes to the patients peace of mind.

Myth #2

Second opinions are only for treatment options.
Error or discrepancy in radiology reporting does not always equate negligence. Radiologist errors occur for many reasons, both human- and system-derived. To have a correct treatment one should have a clear understanding of their condition and posterior diagnosis.

Myth #3

Second opinions are very time consuming
Nowadays getting a second opinion does not have to be time consuming. In www.secondopinions, you are able to open an account, complete your medical history, upload your images, and get a report uploaded to your account in less than 24 hours. If you even have questions on your report, you can also purchase a phone consultation.

Myth #4

Second opinions are expensive.
Check with your health insurance, some of them do cover second opinions. If they don’t, second opinions do not have to be expensive. You can check www.secondopinions.com for rates. The rates include a prior study comparison if you have one.

Second opinions can be sought out not only by patients but also by doctors or insurance providers. They reduce the risk of medical errors, misdiagnosis, and unnecessary procedures. It is an extra step for a patient’s peace of mind.

According (National Cervical Cancer Coalition) over 13,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. Most cases can be prevented with the HPV vaccination and annual PAP screenings. January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, and that is why we encourage you to learn about cervical cancer prevention.

Cervical cancer starts in the cervix, and it’s the fourth most common type of cancer for women worldwide. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer and over the years, it has declined by approximately 2 percent a year. The decline is due to the Pap screening that detects cervical abnormalities and allows for early treatment. According to the NCCC ‘’Most women who have abnormal cervical cell changes that progress to cervical cancer have never had a Pap test or have not had one in the previous three to five years.’’ Cervical cancer is most frequently diagnosed in women between the ages of 35 and 44.

What causes cervical cancer?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is found in about 99% of cervical cancers. Although there are over 100 different types of HPV, most considered low-risk, high-risk HPV types may cause cervical cell abnormalities or cancer.

It is estimated that HPV is now the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Approximately 80% of women in their 50s, have been infected with some type of HPV. The majority do NOT develop cervical cancer. For most women the HPV infection does not last long; 90% of HPV infections resolve on their own within 2 years.

Screening Tests

Two tests help prevent cervical cancer or find it early

• The Pap test (or Pap smear) detects cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer.
• The human papillomavirus (HPV) test looks for the virus that can cause these cell changes.

HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical cancers. HPV can also cause other kinds of cancer in both men and women.

Ideally HPV vaccination is recommended for preteens aged 11 to 12 years but is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. The HPV vaccine works best when given before any exposure to HPV, because it does not treat existing infections. However, some adults that weren’t vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their doctor. The vaccine at this age provides less benefit, please consult with your doctor on HPV vaccination.

If you have questions, or doubts about cervical cancer, screening, or prevention, talk with your healthcare provider. A routine checkup can save your life.