MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'biopsy'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:49:49 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096208&cid=t_99889_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fan-alternative-to-a-colonoscopy%2F2011.08.03 Most of us born several decades ago, recall the futuristic book Fantastic Voyage by Isaac Asimov, where a miniaturized crew traveled through a human body to cure a scientist who has a blot clot lodged in his brain. Ironically, miniaturized medical care is now upon us while books are at risk of becoming obsolete. I hope that gastroenterologists won’t become obsolete, at least until my last kid graduates from college. I perform an amazing diagnostic procedure called wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE), when patients swallow a camera. Once swallowed, this miniaturized camera takes its own fantastic voyage through the alimentary canal. The test is used primarily to identify sources of internal bleeding within the 20 feet of small intestine, which are beyond the reach of gastroenterologists’ c... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096208 Wed, 03 Aug 2011 22:30:00 +0100 5096208 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086173&cid=t_99889_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fnew-technology-enables-doctors-to-diagnose-lung-nodules-without-surgery%2F2011.07.31 Every year, a half million bronchoscopies are performed in the U.S. in order to investigate lesions within patients’ lungs. Because conventional bronchoscopy cannot reach the distant regions of the lungs, more invasive surgical procedures are often needed to diagnose lung nodules that may be malignant. The General Thoracic Surgery Division at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia has begun using a new technology, superDimension Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy™ (ENB). ENB creates a computer-generated reconstruction of the lungs from a CT scan of the tracheobronchial tree, explains Lyall A. Gorenstein, MD, FRCS (C), FACS, Director, Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery. Using these reconstructed images, the system creates a visual pathway so that surgeons can guide steerable catheters to w... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086173 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 18:00:28 +0100 5086173 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968660&cid=t_99889_113_f&fid=39278&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogsite.mdbuyline.com%2F%3Fp%3D287 A 19% increase in reimbursement for DRG 585 is pretty exciting, especially if your inpatient surgery department is performing open biopsies, local excisions, or reconstruction surgeries of the breast for 2011.  In the last three years, DRG 585 (Breast Biopsy, Local Excision & Other Breast Procedures WO CC/MCC) has seen a 25% increase in reimbursement.   There has been a whole range of exciting advancements in outpatient percutaneous biopsy procedures.  According to an AHRQ report comparing the effectives of open surgical biopsies against core-needle, stereotactically guided vacuum-assisted core-needle biopsies have a sensitivity of 99.2%.  Still, open breast biopsies are the only procedure that’s 100% sensitive to cancer.  Interestingly, both have similar effectiveness; but, to... MD Buyline blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968660 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:10:18 +0100 4968660 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841687&cid=t_99889_113_f&fid=39278&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogsite.mdbuyline.com%2F%3Fp%3D265 You have to be pretty excited that 3D mammography was just approved, but the good news does not stop there.  A unique 3D ultrasound technology is also in the FDA approval process.  Screening mammography has been the gold standard for detecting breast cancer for 30 years.  Still, the technology has a false positive rate ranging from 5.5% to 7.4%.  Because of this, patients are referred to ultrasound then MRI to rule out cancer before a biopsy is performed. Warm Bath Ultrasound (WBU) is a new technology designed to produce 3D breast images in less than 10 minutes. It’s based on placing the breast in a warm water bath surrounded by multiple ultrasound transducers, allowing near instantaneous tomographic imaging of the tissue.  Although limited as a screening tool, ultrasound has proven... MD Buyline blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841687 Tue, 17 May 2011 14:06:10 +0100 4841687 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4828785&cid=t_99889_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fdonor-kidney-procurement%2F Correctly procured cadaveric kidneys to be used for transplantation should be prepared using the following tenets; 1. A patch of aorta should be included to avoid having to directly handle or cannulate the renal artery 2. The ureter should have maximum length and should not be “stripped” of surrrounding tissue (thus jeopardizing the segmental blood supply) 3. Excess perinephric fat should be trimmed by the procuring surgeon 4. Biopsy performed (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4828785 Tue, 17 May 2011 06:00:16 +0100 4828785 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4767997&cid=t_99889_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdeath-threats-for-hospital-pecking-order-violations%2F2011.04.29 The consultants didn’t always need to know what was happening on the floor. But sometimes keeping things away from them became downright clandestine. I was a senior registrar at Kalafong (hell). An old friend of mine had just taken up a post as consultant in the department of Internal Medicine. One day he approached me. “Bongi, what are the chances you can do the occasional open lung biopsy for me?” Now there was no thoracic department in Kalafong so it seemed to me to be a reasonable request. In fact I was quite excited. It would give me a chance to do a few thoracotomies, something us general surgeons don’t do all that regularly. “Sure! Anytime. Just let me know and I’ll book them on my list.” “Uhmmm, there is just one small problem,&#822... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4767997 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 20:00:00 +0100 4767997 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4512584&cid=t_99889_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fbefore-it-begins%2F Last week at the hospital really reinforced for me just how scary the diagnosis stage of breast cancer is – even if the lump turns out to be a thing of nothing, the bit that gets you to there can be horrible. Also, in the last couple of weeks, I’ve had several email exchanges and conversations with people going through diagnosis, and this too has made me think about how, once you are in the realms of Actual Cancer, it’s easy to forget about how difficult the stage before was. So today, I’m going to offer you some advice if you are in possession of a lump that you’re not sure about. I hope it helps. The first thing is the most important. If you find a lump, go to your GP. Now. Cancer is like toothache or cleaning out the fridge or doing your tax return: leaving... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4512584 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 10:15:03 +0100 4512584 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4498254&cid=t_99889_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fstudy-shows-open-surgical-biopsies-breast-cancer-workup%2F A new study just out is suggesting that patients receiving a workup for breast cancer receive a too high proportion of open breast biopsy rather than the indicated needle biopsy. The study was led by Dr. Setphen Grobmyer of the University of Florida. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4498254 Sat, 19 Feb 2011 15:35:09 +0100 4498254 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4249061&cid=t_99889_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fabout-male-breast-cancer-gynecomastia-and-testing%2F2010.12.10 Most medical centers routinely perform or require that breast tissue be sent to pathology for histologic examination.  The authors of the article (referenced below) question whether this is useful when the breast tissue excised comes from an adolescent male with gynecomastia considering the benign nature of the condition. Furthermore, the authors point out male breast cancer is rare and when it does occur it is most often in older males, not adolescent males: In 2009, there were an estimated 1,910 new cases and 440 deaths related to male breast cancer, accounting for just 0.25% and 0.15% of all new cases of cancer and cancer deaths for males in the entire United States, respectively, with historical cohorts demonstrating that the peak incidence of male breast cancer occurs at approximatel... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4249061 Fri, 10 Dec 2010 13:00:00 +0100 4249061 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4214425&cid=t_99889_136_f&fid=39213&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbeingcancer.net%2F2010%2F11%2F30%2Flying-in-limbo-sort-of%2F waiting... There are a number of limbos that we cancer survivors endure – waiting for test results especially biopsy results, wondering when remission will end, worrying if the treatment will take hold.  By that measure the limbo I currently find myself in is not so much a big deal.  You can always count on cancer to put things into perspective. Where I am is waiting for Unum, my disability insurance company, to decide on extending or terminating my claim.  They have heard from all the doctors, six in number.  But how the dermatologist or otolaryngologist or urologist can shed light on the state of my disability, I have yet to fathom.  Unum have looked at all my recent $50 – $200 pay stubs and the income tax returns for the past two years.  I am just waiting to hear their... Being Cancer Network blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4214425 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 01:07:45 +0100 4214425 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4175917&cid=t_99889_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fliquid-biopsy-a-breakthrough-for-breast-cancer%2F A new procedure to remove and study cancer cells is making headlines and causing lots of excitement. “Liquid biopsy” is a new and inventive way of biopsying cancer with only a blood test. The theory is that tiny fragments of a tumor break away and circulate in the blood — and it is these that the new test is trying to capture. Although similar technology currently exists, it is only able to trap a minute number of cells. But new technology is being developed that is aimed at capturing thousands and being able to detail treatment for that specific cancer right in the lab before subjecting a person to treatment. We are still not there yet, but initial discussions about cancer treatment using this new type of testing include words like “breakthrough” and “revolutionalize.�... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4175917 Wed, 17 Nov 2010 20:17:42 +0100 4175917 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4061089&cid=t_99889_160_f&fid=38218&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwaronwarts.com%2Fgenital-warts%2Fhpv%2Fnew-york%2Flong-island%2Fgeneral-info%2Fanal-warts-in-men%2F What are anal warts? Anal warts (also called “condyloma acuminata”) are a condition that affects the area around and inside the anus. They may also affect the skin of the genital area. They first appear as tiny spots or growths, perhaps as small as the head of a pin, and may grow larger than the size of a pea. Usually, they do not cause pain or discomfort to afflicted individuals. As a result, patients may be unaware that the warts are present. Some patients will experience symptoms such as itching, bleeding, mucus discharge and/or a feeling of a lump or mass in the anal area. Anal warts, thought to be caused by the human papilloma virus, can grow larger and spread if not removed. It is important to know that Anal warts can be found both heterosexuals and in men who have sex wi... War On Warts blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4061089 Tue, 12 Oct 2010 18:19:14 +0100 4061089 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4013594&cid=t_99889_155_f&fid=38410&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FOncopathology%2F%7E3%2FyxHcTJ4G4Es%2Fbreast-core-needle-biopsy-procedure.html Patients undergo breast core biopsy generally due to one of the 3 main reasons:1) Presence of a mass or mass-like lesion either clinically palpable or diagnosed on imaging.2) Presence of suspicious calcifications on screening mammography.3) Nipple discharge or skin/nipple changes.Advantages of breast core needle biospy over Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) are as follows:•Most cases can be definitely categorised•Provides architectural information•Microcalcifications can be directly visualised The biopsy techniques and imaging modalities used by radiologists vary and is generally dependent on the type of lesion, most suitable method for visualization, and patient related factors.• Calcifications are most obvious on screening mammograms and are amenable to stereotactic core bio... Oncopathology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4013594 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 16:28:00 +0100 4013594 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3787029&cid=t_99889_111_f&fid=39123&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fnursingcomments%2Ftdtc%2F%7E3%2FGa7_4BTRZ6Y%2F                 Stomach cancer (also called gastric cancer) is the growth of cancer cells in the lining and wall of the stomach.  These two terms most often refer to stomach cancer that begins in the mucus-producing cells on the inside Early Gastric Cancer lining of the stomach (adenocarcinoma).  Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of stomach cancer.  For information purposes, it might be helpful to know that the body is made up of many types of cells.  Normally, cells grow, divide and then die.  Sometimes, cells change and begin to grow and divide more quickly than normal cells.  Rather than dying, these abnormal cells clump together to form tumors.  If these tumors are malignant (cancerous), they can invade and kill your body’s healthy tissues.  From these... Nursing Comments blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3787029 Sat, 24 Jul 2010 13:07:32 +0100 3787029 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3618107&cid=t_99889_160_f&fid=36189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skinmdblog.com%2F140%2Fmole-removal-by-a-dermatologist%2F Mole removal should only be performed by a dermatologist.  Here’s what you can expect to happen during your appointment. Your medical and family history will first be taken.  You may be asked questions about any family history of skin cancer.  Although most moles are benign, those that are unusual in appearance (size, shape or color) may be cancerous. If cancer is suspected, a biopsy will be done.  Depending on the type of cancer that is suspected, the biopsy may involve removing it completely.  For example, if a melanoma is suspected, at least a portion will be removed for microscopic evaluation. Insurance companies will not pay for removing benign moles for cosmetic reasons, but if some type of cancer is suspected, the procedure is a medical necessity and will be covered.  Typica... Skin MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3618107 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:48:27 +0100 3618107 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3390788&cid=t_99889_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FcPvC445lHD4%2Fwhen-and-how-to-perform-biopsy-on.html Super nice article on in the March 2010 issue of Advances in Skin & Wound Care (full reference below) on a very important topic. Most of us may know when a biopsy should be done of a chronic wound, but most of us are not trained in how to do one. Different areas of the chronic wound are best biopsied depending on the suspected diagnosis. The article clearly lists the indications and contraindications for a wound biopsy. This is probably the most important question for healthcare professionals dealing with wound care. Benefits of biopsy in a wound can be divided into 3 groups that reflect the 3 main causes of wounds in general: 1. to diagnose the etiology of a wound (wound edge), 2. to rule out malignancy (wound edge), and 3. to obtain tissue for bacterial quantitative culture or ... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3390788 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 11:01:00 +0100 3390788 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3146226&cid=t_99889_160_f&fid=38218&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwaronwarts.com%2Fgenital-warts%2Fhpv%2Fnew-york%2Flong-island%2Funcategorized%2Fbumps-on-the-penis-is-a-biopsy-necessary%2F as a urologist i see a lot of patient with growths or bumps on the penis some patients ask do I have cancer? do I need a biopsy?  Most patients with a classic wart or HPV do not need a biopsy, patient who are uncircumcised or recurrent growths may consider a biopsy. Freezing a wart with liquid nitrogen, cauterization, or topical treatments like aldara (imiquimod topical cream) if you have a wart get to a doctor and have it treated.  A biopsy is not a  bad idea but no always necessary thanks for all of stories and questions I hope this site can help you fight your personal war on warts.  the wow team is committed to helping you with the most sensitive topics! click find a physician for a team member physician in your area! (Source: War On Warts) War On Warts blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3146226 Wed, 06 Jan 2010 03:24:27 +0100 3146226 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2859059&cid=t_99889_136_f&fid=39025&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Feverythingchangesbook%2F%7E3%2FbZuM_He_e4Y%2Fhealthcare-frustration My hospital is around the corner from Gucci, Coach, and the Apple Store.  (Sw. huh?)  I’m sure sneaky shoppers try to park in the hospital garage at patient rates.  It’s the front desk staff’s job to make sure they don’t. A few years back, I had a particularly horrible post-surgery appointment: The doctor was great but the news was bad.  It took three hours and involved an unexpected and painful biopsy of newly found tumors.  The doc explained why the samples looked extremely suspicious of cancerous. Shannon and I were crushed, our minds fried, our bodies exhausted.  We waited in line for the elevators, made it down to the lobby, and waited in another line for parking validation.  “I can’t do your ticket.  I need to see that you were at a doctor’s office.  Go upstair... Everything Changes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2859059 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:10:12 +0100 2859059 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3416366&cid=t_99889_155_f&fid=38410&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FOncopathology%2F%7E3%2F5_cMLCA1llY%2Fsignificance-of-atypical-small-ascinar.html Many time while reporting prostate needle biopsy, we come across features, which are suspicious for malignancy, but hinder a definitive diagnosis of carcinoma, because of concern about over diagnosis. These are the cases, which are labelled as ASAP, -atypical small acinar proliferation.Diagnostic criteria for ASAP :For pathologists, 3 questions need to be answered before the diagnosis of cancer in a small lesion:• Would you be absolutely confident of this biopsy diagnosis if it were followed by a negative radical prostatectomy?• Would another colleague pathologist agree with the diagnosis of cancer?• Can you confidently support the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma based solely on this biopsy?If the answer to any of these questions is “No,” then use of the more conservative diagnosis o... Oncopathology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3416366 Mon, 25 May 2009 18:29:00 +0100 3416366 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2448195&cid=t_99889_155_f&fid=38410&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FOncopathology%2F%7E3%2Ftq7Y1LAETdg%2Fsignificance-of-atypical-small-ascinar.html Many time while reporting prostate needle biopsy, we come across features, which are suspicious for malignancy, but hinder a definitive diagnosis of carcinoma, because of concern about over diagnosis. These are the cases, which are labelled as ASAP, -atypical small acinar proliferation.Diagnostic criteria for ASAP :For pathologists, 3 questions need to be answered before the diagnosis of cancer in a small lesion:• Would you be absolutely confident of this biopsy diagnosis if it were followed by a negative radical prostatectomy?• Would another colleague pathologist agree with the diagnosis of cancer?• Can you confidently support the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma based solely on this biopsy?If the answer to any of these questions is “No,” then use of the more conservative diagnosis o... Oncopathology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2448195 Mon, 25 May 2009 18:29:00 +0100 2448195 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3416367&cid=t_99889_155_f&fid=38410&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FOncopathology%2F%7E3%2F5KQkXPoefnI%2Fsentinel-lymph-node-biopsy-in-melanoma.html Clinical Significance of Sentinel Lymph node in melanoma. :SLNB is very accurate in predicting the status of the remaining regional lymph nodes.It is currently the most significant independent prognostic indicator for survival when compared with all other factors, including tumour thickness and the presence of ulceration. According to some studies, the relapse rate for H&E detected SLN positive patients is higher (up to 67%), whereas the relapse rate for SLN negative patients is low (2–6%) during the same period. Indications for SLNB procedure : Primary Melanoma with thickness greater than 1.0 mm,orPrimary Melanoma less than 1mm with Clark's level four or five or presence of ulceration.Pathology Protocol:The current standard for the diagnosis of SLN metastasis is based on routine H&a... Oncopathology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3416367 Mon, 18 May 2009 20:08:00 +0100 3416367 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3416372&cid=t_99889_155_f&fid=38410&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FOncopathology%2F%7E3%2FLkloj_6o9UY%2Freporting-parameters-for-positive.html According to college of American pathologists (CAP)the mandatory items for reporting positive prostate biopsies are: Histologic type - typically adenocarcinoma (conventional/acinar, not otherwise specified)Histologic grade –primary (predominant) Gleason pattern + secondary (worst remaining) Gleason pattern Total Gleason scoreTumour Quantitation - 3 possible methods for tumor qyuantification;1) % of prostatic tissue involved by tumour2 ) total linear mm of carcinoma3) number of positive cores/total number of coresPeriprostatic fat and seminal vesicle invasion should always be looked for and reported if identified, given their importance in developing an optimal treatment plan. Optional parameters Reporting the presence or absence of perineural invasion and lymphatic/small vessel invasion ... Oncopathology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3416372 Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:36:00 +0100 3416372 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2217361&cid=t_99889_155_f&fid=36522&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpathtalk%2F%7E3%2FcCw5Ca0Q5-E%2F90 One of my colleagues just pointed out this interesting post from the New York Times Well Blog. It’s a commentary on a recent paper published in the journal Radiology which followed cortisol levels of women waiting for breast biopsy results. Predictably, they found that waiting and uncertainty was correlated with higher cortisol levels. From the New York Times article: Women who were still uncertain about their diagnosis had abnormal cortisol levels that were “essentially indistinguishable’’ from the cortisol profiles of the women who were told they had cancer. And women without a diagnosis had significantly worse cortisol profiles compared to women who had received benign test results. The comments on this post are very interesting. There is surprisingly little mention of the r... pathtalk.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2217361 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 04:25:03 +0100 2217361 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2156048&cid=t_99889_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F03%2Fobos-less-invasive-breast-biopsy-underused%2F Today at Our Bodies Our Blog, I have a post discussing new research and commentary on needle biopsy vs. open, surgical biopsy for diagnosis of suspicious breast tissue, and the need for women to be informed about the non-surgical diagnostic options. Also, Christine had a post yesterday on discussion of WNBA player Candace Parker’s work and family life. This was of particular appeal to me as a lifelong Lady Vols fan - I grew up near Knoxville, and my dad took me to their games as a kid. Parker is a former member of the team; her former coach Pat Summitt is on her way to her 1,000th win. Posted in Access, Rights, & Choice, Boobs, Cancer, News Round-Ups       (Source: Women's Health News) Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2156048 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:54:42 +0100 2156048 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1930482&cid=t_99889_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fdenial-a-natural-response-to-a-breast-cancer-diagnosis%2F On Friday we packed up the car, and headed out to the east coast. The trip was designed to get our son out to a college to meet with the football coach. We decided to drive because of the time of year and the fall vista that would greet us along the way. It also would allow us to travel on to visit with my husband’s sister in New Hampshire. The drive was spectacular. It was a very long trip, but with little traffic and great weather we arrived feeling rested and delighted with the New England states. Along the way my husband and I had plenty of time to talk, dream and plan. My son gets to sleep and watch movies in the back, so typical of a teenage son we didn’t hear from him much. I asked my husband if he remembered how he felt when I told him I had breast cancer. The morning I... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1930482 Tue, 04 Nov 2008 01:40:02 +0100 1930482 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1802965&cid=t_99889_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fdark-thoughts-about-cancer%2F Breast cancer continues to shake up my world. A dear member of the family had a recent scare almost 20 years since having a mastectomy to remove a small cancerous lump. This time the mammogram on her remaining breast looked suspicious so she was called back for a second test. Thankfully that proved that there was nothing indicative of a new breast cancer. The great part was that she was at a clinic that gave her the results immediately after that second test so she didn’t have to wait it out in fear and trepidation. “The waiting is the hardest part” is not only lyrics to an old rock song, but is a reality for women who have found a lump. I was fortunate enough to be at a clinic that did an immediate ultrasound when my mammogram showed a suspicious lump. The doctor could t... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1802965 Wed, 17 Sep 2008 23:58:01 +0100 1802965 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1668761&cid=t_99889_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2F351447274%2F Republican party presidential candidate John McCain is a survivor of melanoma –  a deadly form of skin cancer. Earlier this week, a spot in his right cheek was removed as part of a routine check-up. Following biopsy results have showed that McCain is cancer-free. Presumed Republican presidential nominee John McCain, who has a history of dangerous melanomas, had a spot of skin removed from his face today, his campaign said. The patch of skin was removed from McCain’s right cheek during a routine checkup in Arizona, the candidate said. In 2000, an invasive melanoma was removed from the senator’s left temple. McCain denied there were any serious problems when he discussed the procedure at a campaign stop in Bakersfield. Read more from the LA Times. Tags: biopsy, biopsy resu... Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1668761 Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:23:07 +0100 1668761 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1622079&cid=t_99889_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F07%2Fskins.html I grow weary of the knocking copy directed against GPs that appears on a daily basis in the newspapers and from the BBC. Today, it is a report from the dermatologists. I can’t be bothered to go through it in detail – I do not wield the knife myself – but do take a look at the response from the Jobbing Doctor who does do surgery.The BBC reports:A separate study of skin cancer biopsies sent by GPs to a London teaching hospital showed that 14% of the tumours involved were "high risk", and should have been referred straight to a hospital specialist.In Norfolk, analysis of the records of 80 patients with melanoma found that 13% of them had been incompletely excised or biopsied in primary careI do not doubt it is true. To digress for a second, I note with distaste that the currently fashio... NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1622079 Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:04:00 +0100 1622079 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1561377&cid=t_99889_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Ftreatment-or-torture%2F As all of you who read this blog on a regular basis know, I just went through an endoscopy and colonoscopy. Because of the many years of pain in my sacroiliac joints, I said I would never have a colonoscopy. It seems James Bond was right: “Never say never again.” With the many problems that have plagued me for the last few months, I didn’t really have a choice. Confidentially, I was petrified. I wasn’t worried about the outcome; I was worried about the process. There aren’t many things that frighten this intrepid blogger, but the thought of the prep and the procedure for the lower and upper scopes had me frightened. It’s the same irrational fear I have when walking on ice or any slippery surface: I knew it would give my already sore behind a beating; I knew the two-hour drive w... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1561377 Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:41:31 +0100 1561377 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1426548&cid=t_99889_136_f&fid=35300&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.metastaticlivercancer.org%2F2008-05-07-cancer-treatment%2F2-responses-to-metastatic-liver-cancer%2F Sandra and Glen left a comment on our April Metastatic Liver Cancer post, which we will add below in italics and our feedback in normal script. Glen’s Liver Cancer story Thank you for sharing your story. My mom, aged 71, has been diagnosed as having HHC (Hepatocellular Carcinoma) in April 08. Her MRI indicated multiple Metastasis in her liver (innumerable large and small tumors). Sounds like father’s diagnosis: lots of words we heard for the first time and when we saw the picture of his liver it became all clear to us: innumerable small tumors scattered in his liver… Her blood tests indicated elevated Alpha Fetoprotein, and her history of chronic Hepatitis added to the diagnosis of liver tumor. The liver tumor involves both lobes (which makes it not curable by resection,... Metastatic liver cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1426548 Wed, 07 May 2008 10:19:42 +0100 1426548 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1173156&cid=t_99889_129_f&fid=34864&url=http%3A%2F%2Feleanorbrogan.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F01%2Fsoft-and-pink-round-2.html Well the results are in and Ellie's biopsy supports all of the great news that we have gotten over the last 21 months about the effects of Omegaven to protect her liver from TPN damage.The biopsy says, using very technical and scary words that Google says are really bad, that the damage to her liver is the same as her first biopsy that happened just after her liver function tests started to really improve in the summer of 2006. She still has some significant fibrosis in her liver which is a bad thing but it hasn't progressed toward the really bad things that we should have seen many months ago. This good news is further supported by the interpretation of Dr. Puder who noted that this biopsy was missing some of the damage that was seen in the earlier biopsy.This is a big step for Ellie but ... The Short Gut News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1173156 Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:36:00 +0100 1173156 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1081783&cid=t_99889_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F197489864%2F 14-year-old Jack Piper endured multiple organ failure, including kidney and liver problems, a a swollen brain and neurological problems, after a colonoscopy procedure at the Royal Free Hospital in 1998. He also developed epilepsy and suffered stomach ulcers. The December 9th Daily Mail reports that the procedure was not “”not clinically indicated or justified’”; his parents claim that the procedure was carried out to “establish links between his condition and bowel problems” rather than for Jack’s clinical needs. Jack’s family has won a £500,000 payout from the hospital, which “admitted the operation itself was negligent and gave Jack and his family a public apology.” The documents also claimed that Jack’s parents were n... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1081783 Sun, 09 Dec 2007 09:31:27 +0100 1081783 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=800060&cid=t_99889_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F15%2Fcancer-by-the-numbers-basal-cell-carcinoma%2F Filed under: Skin Cancer, Cancer by the NumbersMy sister has skin cancer -- the basal cell variety. She has two spots, both on her chest, each one scheduled to be surgically removed in a few weeks. If it were me with this new diagnosis, I'm sure I'd be freaking out, maybe because I've already had breast cancer and tend to panic about any cancer or maybe just because I'm a worrier by nature. But my sister is taking her cancer news in stride, and I am too -- because now that I've done a little research, it seems this type of cancer is pretty easy to beat.Here's a little refresher lesson on the skin: The skin is the largest organ in the body, and is made of three layers -- the epidermis (top layer), dermis (middle layer), and subcutis (deepest layer). For the purpose of this post, let's focus... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=800060 Wed, 15 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 800060 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=654443&cid=t_99889_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F06%2F02%2Fbreast-cancer-removal-of-sentinel-lymph-nodes%2F Filed under: Breast Cancer, Research, Opinion, SurgeryWhat is a sentinel lymph node? www.breastcancer.org explains it well: The dictionary defines "sentinel" as a guard, watchdog, or protector. Likewise, the sentinel lymph node is the first node "standing guard" for your breast. In sentinel lymph node dissection, the surgeon looks for the very first lymph node that filters fluid draining away from the area of the breast that contained the breast cancer. If cancer cells are breaking away from the tumor and traveling away from your breast via the lymph system, the sentinel lymph node is more likely than other lymph nodes to contain cancer. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer my head was spinning when my surgeon offered me to participate in a clinical trial. The trial would put women in ... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=654443 Sat, 02 Jun 2007 04:00:00 +0100 654443 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=612005&cid=t_99889_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F05%2F16%2Fcancer-by-the-numbers-melanoma%2F Filed under: Skin Cancer, Cancer by the NumbersWe're still basking in the hot sun, bronzing our bodies in tanning beds, and playing outdoors without slathering on the sunscreen. What will it take, I wonder, for our society to catch on, to take real steps toward preventing skin cancer?It seems education isn't enough. Most of us know by now all it takes is one bad sunburn to increase our risk of skin cancer, yet we continue to collect burn after burn after burn. Perhaps like all habit-forming behaviors -- think smoking -- it takes something tragic in our lives to inspire change. When someone we know gets lung cancer after a lifetime of smoking or someone we know develops melanoma after years of sunbathing, maybe we get the hint. MaybeNow, I know you don't personally know this young woman -- ... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=612005 Wed, 16 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 612005 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=463383&cid=t_99889_115_f&fid=34676&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbhavin.typepad.com%2Fradiology%2F2006%2F09%2Fcervical_verteb.html This 24-yeras old student had neck pain. An MRI revealed a C4 vertebral lesion. A contrast-enhanced CT scan prior to the biopsy showed an expansile osteolytic lesion involving the body and pedicle (Figs. 1, 2) with abnormal soft tissue. Under CT guidance, a core biopsy was performed, both of the soft tissue as well as from within the lesion (Figs. 3, 4). Adequate tissue was obtained, which was reported to be tuberculosis. (Source: Spot Diagnosis) Spot Diagnosis blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=463383 Sun, 10 Sep 2006 23:27:00 +0100 463383