Day: February 5, 2021

The complexity of lung cancer disease calls for its personalized care depending on the unique characteristic of each patient’s condition. Board-certified medical oncologists and their highly skilled team at Hunterdon Hematology Oncology, LLC, provide a state-of-the-art level of care for lung cancer in Flemington, New Jersey. The team of experts works closely with you, to provide all-around services such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and advanced immunotherapy to ensure that you are provided with the best treatment and management options for your cancer. The facility is honored for providing personalized care to support your emotional and physical needs.

Types of lung cancer

The different types of lung cancer exhibit different symptoms and require different approaches to treatment. There are several types of lung cancers. The two most common types are;

1. Non-small cell lung cancer which represents 80-85% of the total lung cancers that are diagnosed in smokers and nonsmokers. It has three subtypes:

• adenocarcinoma which starts in mucus-secreting cells
• squamous cell carcinoma which starts in cells that line the airways
• large cell carcinoma, that develops in any part of your lungs.

2. Small cell lung cancer also known as oat cell cancer and whose diagnosis occurs in 10-15% of the total lung cancer patients. It usually begins in the bronchi or airways. Compared to non-small cell lung cancer, oat cell cancer spreads faster. It is mostly diagnosed in smokers.

Symptoms of lung cancer

Symptoms of lung cancer usually appear in the advanced stages of the disease and include:

A persistent cough that doesn’t improve, wheezing, coughing of blood, shortness of breath, hoarseness, fatigue, chest pain, and unexplained weight loss.

A wide spectrum of symptoms, including bone pain in your back or hips, migraines, dizziness, swollen lymph nodes, seizures, jaundice, etc can be experienced when cancer in your lungs spreads to other parts of the body.

Treatment of lung cancer

In the early stages of lung cancer, surgery is usually recommended to remove the tumor. Surgery often treats non-small cell lung cancer. However, in cases where the cancer is diagnosed in its advanced stages as in small cell lung cancer, specialists at Hunterdon Hematology Oncology, LLC provide advanced treatment options including:

• Radiation therapy treatment which destroys cancer cells by using high-energy X-rays. Radiation therapy is usually the primary treatment option that is done before surgery to reduce the size of the tumor. It is also performed after surgery to get rid of any cancer cells still in your body and to treat lung cancer that has spread to other parts of your body.
• Chemotherapy which is performed before and/or after surgery regardless of radiation having been done or not. The combination of chemo and radiation is used to treat cancer that has spread throughout the body.
• Immunotherapy which involves the use of medications to strengthen and support the immune system’s ability to fight lung cancer. Immunotherapy can be used for both types of lung cancer but only for those that exhibit specific characteristics – lab tests can determine if you’re a candidate.
• Targeted drug therapy which is an option for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. The drugs used, help to inhibit the growth of blood vessels in the tumor, killing the cancerous cells.

To learn more about lung cancer and to receive exceptional treatment and care for lung cancer, call Hunterdon Hematology Oncology, LLC, or book an appointment online today.

According to statistics, spine pain is one of the common problems affecting most adults. It affects approximately 80 percent of adults in their lifetime. Although most of us can work through the pain, it can sometimes be so severe that some have to miss work. It can also have an impact on how we carry out our daily activities. Book an appointment with Gramercy Pain Center for spine pain in Holmdel to get the most personalized and effective treatment. Below are some of the main causes of lower back pain:

Herniated disc

Lumbar discs have a jelly-like center that can break through the outer layer and consequently irritate the neighboring nerve. The herniated position also contains proteins that could result in inflammation of the nerve root or nerve compression, causing excruciating pain. When the position tears through the disc wall, it could also cause pain as it has a vast connection of nerve fibers.

Degenerative disc disease

At birth, the intervertebral discs are healthy and full of water for efficient functionality. However, the discs reduce their hydration with age and wear down in the process. A dehydrated disc cannot resist forces properly, causing tearing. As a result, the individual with this condition experiences pain. The weakening could also cause a herniation that could also be problematic.

Facet joint dysfunction

Each disc is supported by two facet discs that aid in motion in every lumbar spine segment. The joints are then surrounded by cartilage between the bones and a ligament that has numerous innervated nerves. The patient may experience both joint and disc pain in this case.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that affects the joint and ligament supporting them. When it attacks the spinal cord joints specifically, it could cause the individual unbearable pain and discomfort.

Sciatica

Sciatica is the chronic pain that results from an irritated or pinched nerve that runs down to the buttock and hips along the entire back. The nerve then travels to one leg. People who experience this type of pain describe it as running from the legs to the lower back.

Spine deformities

A problem with the spine could mean recurring pain that is difficult to manage. This mostly occurs when something is wrong with the spinal joints, discs, muscles, or nerves to operate during movements.

Accidents and injuries

If you happen to fall and get a fracture, sprain, or strain, it could result in chronic back pain. Injuries will result in most physical problems but could also be the entire cause of spinal pain. Lifestyle causes

Pain could be a result of your daily lifestyle behavior. For example, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, slouching at the desk, too much lift of heavy objects, and smoking could affect your back and result in pain.

There are various other causes of spinal pain, including pregnancy and osteoporosis. The doctor will tailor the best treatment option depending on your need and cause of pain. Book an appointment with Gramercy Pain Center for effective minimally invasive treatments. You don’t need to go through surgery to eliminate spine pain.

Hemorrhoids are common, and about three out of four adults experience them occasionally. Often the cause of hemorrhoids is unknown. However, medical and home treatments, together with lifestyle changes, are effective in treating hemorrhoids.

Board-certified gastroenterologist, Robert Narvaez, MD, MBA, is your go-to specialist if you seek treatment for San Antonio hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are also known as piles. They are irritated and swollen veins in your anal canal and lower rectum. They are similar to varicose veins. Hemorrhoids are prevalent and require medical care, as they can cause uncomfortable or painful symptoms.

Causes of hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids occur when the veins around your anus stretch due to pressure, resulting in bulging or swelling. Increased pressure in the lower rectum can be due to:

• • Aging
  • Pregnancy as the baby puts weight on the anus
  • Anal intercourse
  • Straining during bowel movements
  • Sitting on the toilet for long periods
  • Chronic constipation and diarrhea
  • Being obese
  • Eating a low-fiber diet

• Not drinking enough water
• Regular heavy lifting

Types of Hemorrhoids

There are two types of hemorrhoids:

• Those that occur externally- Develop under the skin around the anus
• Those that occur internally- Develop inside the rectum

1. External hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids are swollen veins under the skin around your anal opening. The swelling can feel like little bumps. Signs and symptoms of external hemorrhoids can include:

• Itchiness or irritation around your anal opening
• Anal pain and discomfort
• Swelling
• Bleeding

External hemorrhoids that are incredibly swollen can be uncomfortable, making movements like walking, sitting, or wearing certain underwear itchy and painful.

2. Internal hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids cannot be seen or felt because they exist inside your rectum. They do not usually cause discomfort the way external hemorrhoids do. As they grow larger, internal hemorrhoids can cause difficulty in passing stool. Straining during bowel movements can cause:

• Painless bleeding
• Some hemorrhoids to swell significantly and protrude from your anus, leading to pain and irritation

When to See a Doctor

Bleeding during bowel movements and hemorrhoids that persist for a week even after trying home treatment indicates your need to see a doctor.

Remember, rectal bleeding does not always mean that you have hemorrhoids; it could be a symptom of another serious underlying condition. Large amounts of rectal bleeding accompanied by dizziness should be addressed immediately by your healthcare provider.

Treatment of Hemorrhoids

At Digestive & Liver Disease Center, Dr. Narvaez will first conduct a physical exam to evaluate the type of hemorrhoids you have. Depending on the type, he will develop the most suitable medical approach for your hemorrhoids.

He usually first recommends options like taking warm bath soaks or using topical creams or suppositories. If these do not work, Dr. Narvaez may prescribe a more powerful suppository or steroid cream.

Severe symptoms like repeated bleeding usually require in-office procedures like rubber band ligation, infrared treatment, and sclerotherapy.  Rubber band ligation involves placing tiny bands around hemorrhoids, restricting their blood supply, and causing them to fall off. Severe and highly dilated hemorrhoids will require surgical procedures to remove them.

To learn more about hemorrhoids, call Digestive & Liver Disease Center to schedule your appointment.