<p class="article-body"> The second most common gastrointestinal-related reason for hospital admission isn’t being talked about enough, says Joseph DiRocco, MD, MBA, FACS, Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology for the Sandra & Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC. <br> <br> Diverticulitis is a disease of the colon, caused by the rupture of little pouches called diverticula that can form on the wall of the colon. <br> <br> Dr. DiRocco explains, “While the pouches generally aren’t harmful, when they burst leading to inflammation or infection, they can cause a great deal of pain.” <br> <br> He says the severity of pain can range from a simple nuisance to abdominal pain severe enough to require emergency surgery. <br> <br> <strong>Risk factors</strong> <br> <br> Dr. DiRocco says little is known about what causes diverticulitis. “It can be linked through familial or hereditary connections, but no exact gene has been identified.” <br> <br> The presence of diverticula - and the subsequent risk of diverticulitis - is much more common in people over the age of 40. However, Dr. DiRocco says cases in younger adults are becoming more prevalent. <br> <br> “This is a disease that wasn’t even described 300 years ago, and now it’s affecting people from the age of 20 on, at rapidly increasing rates. It spans the spectrum of ages and genders,” he says. <br> <br> Other risk factors for diverticulitis include: </p> <ul> <li> Being overweight </li> <li> Smoking cigarettes </li> <li> Not getting enough exercise </li> <li> Regular use of certain drugs, such as opioids, aspirin and ibuprofen </li> </ul> <strong>Symptoms</strong> <br> <br> You can have diverticulitis and not know it. Some mild symptoms may include pain in the left side of the abdomen that goes away after passing gas or a bowel movement, but diverticulitis can present more severe symptoms, too. <br> <br> “Lower abdominal pain that doesn’t go away, tenderness, change in bowel habits, and sometimes a fever are all common symptoms of diverticulitis,” Dr. DiRocco says. More extreme cases may lead to bowel obstruction, which can cause distention, nausea, and vomiting. <br> <br> <strong>Treatment</strong> <br> <br> Most minor cases of diverticulitis are treated with bowel rest (following a low-fiber or liquid diet) to let your intestines heal. In some cases, you may be prescribed antibiotics to help treat the infection. If left untreated, Dr. DiRocco says diverticulitis can lead to complications that require surgery. <br> <br> While the goal is to attempt to treat the disease without surgery, Dr. DiRocco explains that GBMC utilizes minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as robotic or laparoscopic surgeries, that cause less pain, have fewer complications, and allow the patients to make a much quicker recovery. <br> <br> If you have any questions or concerns about the risk of diverticulitis, or if anything feels off, see your primary care physician as soon as possible. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rnu3o_cxVKU" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Farzad Masroor, MD, Head & Neck Surgeon from the GBMC - Milton J Dance, Jr. Head & Neck Center discusses thyroid cancer. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AGiSNlRNB7U" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Molly Hide gives more information on the COVID vaccine and boosters. Hide tells if you would be eligible for these vaccines. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lOOa2VUHoHY" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Molly Hide speaks on how GBMC (Greater Baltimore Medical Center) employees work on preventing the spread of infections in the hospital and outside in our environment. Hide gives tips on what we can do to help stop the spread. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bqfAPD4EtDY" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Dr. Daniel Aronson is Medical Director of the GBMC Pavilion Breast Imaging Center and an attending radiologist for Advanced Radiology at GBMC. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Aronson will use his nearly 30 years of breast imaging experience (including biopsies) to share his expertise on breast imaging. <br> <br> Dr. Aronson was previously trained at Johns Hopkins and did a cross-sectional imaging fellowship at Yale. At GBMC, he believes the comprehensive approach to care by the superb medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, surgeons, nurse navigators and geneticists makes the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute a stand-out oncology program. <br> <br> On Wednesday, October 13, Dr. Aronson answered questions and discussed the indications, strengths, and weaknesses of different breast imaging modalities. <br> <br> </p> <h3> Three Takeaways </h3> <ol> <li> There are three modalities of breast imaging. Mammography is the most common because it is readily available, non-invasive, and affordable. Ultrasound, on the other hand, is often used to further explore results from a mammogram or for patients who may have a lump, including those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Finally, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) creates the most detailed images and is an excellent complement to regular mammograms for patients who have inconclusive results needing further exploration. </li> <li> It is important for women with no increased risk to start annual mammograms at age 40. Women with increased risk, including family history or those with the BRCA1 gene mutation, should speak to their physician and being annual imaging before age 40. Dr. Aronson advised women to schedule their annual mammogram before receiving their COVID-19 vaccine or booster or waiting six weeks after their second shot. This is because the vaccine often causes swelling of the lymph nodes, which could result in further exploration causing unnecessary anxiety for patients. </li> <li> Dr. Aronson looks forward to the advancements being made in breast imaging, specifically the research being done in molecular breast imaging using nuclear medicine. This could be especially helpful for patients who cannot tolerate, but need imaging from MRIs. </li> </ol> <br> Community support is vital in continuing to maintain the latest and greatest technology for radiation therapy. Additionally, many patients are required to have daily treatments, which for some, makes it difficult to obtain transportation five days a week for multiple weeks. We are proud to be able to provide vouchers for transportation because of so many generous donations from our community. To support radiation oncology patients, <a href="https://www.classy.org/give/288692/#!/donation/checkout">please consider making a contribution to the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute.</a>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i1jrKlUwQ74" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Sara Fogarty, DO, FACS, Director, Sandra & Malcolm Berman Comprehensive Breast Care Center at GBMC, explains the latest breast cancer screening guidelines. www.gbmc.org/breastcare </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mfE80wcwBxw" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> October is national breast cancer awareness month, but breast health is a topic that’s important year-round. Megan Knight, host of WMAR2 Good Morning Maryland, talked with Sara Fogarty, DO, FACS, Director of the Sandra & Malcom Berman Comprehensive Breast Care Center at GBMC to learn what both women and men should know about breast cancer risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment. <br> <br> “Although most people think that finding a lump in the breast is the most common way that breast cancer is discovered, most cancers we find on mammograms are quite small and unlikely to be felt,” explained Dr. Fogarty. “It’s important for women to be familiar with what their breasts usually look and feel like. If you notice something new or different, bring it to the attention of your primary care physician (PCP) or OBGYN, who can arrange for mammography, MRI, and further assessment to look for the cause of the change.” <br> <br> Some of the lesser-known symptoms you should be aware of include thickening or dimpling of skin on the breast, bloody discharge from the nipple, redness of the skin, and lumps under the armpits. <br> <br> At the Berman Comprehensive Breast Care Center, Dr. Fogarty and her colleagues care for many patients who are at an increased risk for developing breast cancer. The key factors that can put you at a higher risk include a family history of breast cancer, especially in a first degree relative such as a mother, sister or a male relative, as well as you or a member of your family having a genetic mutation that increases breast cancer risk. If you’re not sure if you’re at a higher risk, talk with your PCP, OB/GYN or try GBMC’s online risk assessment tool. <br> <br> “If you are at higher risk, we will design a personalized approach to managing your breast health,” Dr. Fogarty said. “Depending on your family and personal history, that could include more frequent screening, the addition of MRI screening, genetic testing, or taking a medication like tamoxifen to reduce risk.” <br> <br> If you’re diagnosed with breast cancer, Dr. Fogarty said there are many treatment options, and more being developed all the time. She and her team develop an individualized treatment recommendation for each patient. Some of the potential elements of the treatment plan include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and anti-estrogen medications. <br> <br> “Breast cancer used to be a disease that was mostly treated with mastectomy surgery, but that’s no longer the case,” she said. “Most of the surgeries we perform fall into the category of breast conservation therapy or lumpectomy.” <br> <br> GBMC offers a complete circle of care for people diagnosed with breast cancer. The Breast Center’s nurse navigator can connect you with a wide range of support and counseling resources. That includes help with transportation to and from appointments, help with financial issues that may arise due to your diagnosis and treatment, resources for help with daily activities like shopping and making meals, a nutritionist, and our Integrative Medicine team to help manage stress and side effects from treatment. “A lot of people have missed their regular mammograms because of the pandemic," Dr. Fogarty said. "We’re up and running safely and at full speed. Now’s the time to get back on track with your screenings. We’re always here.” </p>
<p class="article-body"> This year, an estimated 248,530 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Geoffrey Neuner, M.D., Radiation Oncologist and Vice Chair of Radiation Oncology for the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC, says many of these men share a common risk factor: chance. <br> <br> “In general, the most important part of developing prostate cancer is bad luck. While family history/genetic predisposition, age, diets high in animal fats, and smoking can play some role in developing prostate cancer, most risk comes from several factors combining in an unlucky way,” he said. <br> <br> These unpredictable combinations in any individual man is one of the reasons screening for prostate cancer is so important. The American Cancer Society recommends men talk with their primary care doctor about screening around the age of 50 (for those with no first-degree relatives diagnosed with prostate cancer), and earlier if they are considered “high risk.” Dr. Neuner said having the conversation and knowing your options are both important because screening for prostate cancer is an evolving science. <br> <br> “It’s a very nuanced conversation that takes a patient’s personal history, lifestyle, life expectancy, comorbidities, and other factors into account,” he said. <br> <br> According to Dr. Neuner, when prostate cancer is found during a screening, treatment isn’t always the first course of action. <br> <br> “The natural history of those cancers, especially low grade cancers, is they grow slowly and don’t tend to spread quickly,” he said. “We don’t necessarily treat the cancer as soon as we find it. Most men with low-risk cancers are placed in a program called active surveillance without treatment.” <br> <br> Active surveillance usually consists of regular blood tests and annual exams to ensure the cancer isn’t becoming more aggressive. If treatment is deemed necessary, it can consist of surgery or radiation treatments, including external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), which treats the prostate with beams of radiation focused on the prostate gland emitted from a machine outside the body, and/or brachytherapy, during which small radioactive capsules or “seeds” are placed inside the prostate periphery. <br> <br> In most cases, prostate cancer grows very slowly, so men typically have no symptoms for years after the cancer forms. For that reason, Dr. Neuner warns prostate screenings should not be ignored. <br> <br> “Catching it sooner does make a difference,” Dr. Neuner says, “A conversation with your doctor about screenings can help stay on top of a diagnosis with as little impact on your life as possible.” </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> September means the start of a new school year and, for many children, the first "normal" back-to-school transition since 2019. Mary Louise Collins, M.D., Chairman of GBMC's Department of Ophthalmology and pediatric ophthalmologist at the Eye Center at GBMC, says vision screenings are an important part of the learning process and one that may have been postponed because of COVID-19. <br> <br> "If you can't see well, you can't learn as effectively," she says. "Early diagnosis for kids who need glasses may help their education process." <br> <br> Vision screenings have changed significantly over the past few decades, explains Dr. Collins. In addition to the traditional methods of vision screening by covering one eye and reading an eye chart, there are now vision screening devices that can pick up potential vision problems and result in referral to an ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye exam and treatment. <br> <br> "Screenings start at birth when the child has their first visit from the pediatrician in the newborn nursery. They administer a red reflex test to make sure there's a clarity to the eye and nothing blocking the vision from birth," she says. "Screenings should be a part of well-child visits from birth and throughout childhood." <br> <br> Dr. Collins says early screening for vision abnormalities is key to preventing permanent vision loss. "One of the more common conditions is Lazy Eye (amblyopia), and one of the major causes of amblyopia is that one eye needs a strong prescription while the other doesn't." <br> <br> She says it can be hard to spot, as the child is often functioning well. The most effective way to avoid preventable vision loss is through frequent vision screenings with follow-up examinations and treatment for children who fail the screening. According to Dr. Collins, there's been immense progress in the technology behind vision screening devices in recent years, and the screening results are highly accurate. <br> <br> "Most kids who've failed a screening test do have something that may require swift treatment," she says. "It lets us know that child needs a comprehensive eye exam to determine if there is truly a problem that requires attention and intervention." <br> <br> She stresses that if your child's doctor doesn't include vision screenings during their wellness visits, it's important to ensure they have a baseline eye exam around age 3 or sooner if you have any concerns about your child's eyes or vision. <br> <br> There are a few things to watch out for if you believe your child may be struggling with their vision. Squinting is a major sign of impairment, says Dr. Collins, but there are more subtle cues, especially in older kids. <br> <br> "An inability to sustain visual attention for prolonged periods of time, headaches from trying to squint or focus, and eye strain fatigue are all things to be aware of," she says. <br> <br> Other signs something may be wrong with the eyes include any eye misalignment (crossing or drifting of the eyes), a head tilt or turn with visual attention, any type of cloudiness, or white reflection in the eye, or any sign that the eyes are not typical in appearance. In general, Dr. Collins says anything that causes concern should be examined by a doctor. <br> <br> The pandemic put a hold on many routine checkups and examinations, and Dr. Collins encourages parents to make sure their child is up to date with their vision screenings during their next wellness visit. She also reminds parents that if a child fails a screening, it's imperative to schedule a follow-up visit with an ophthalmologist or optometrist who is skilled at examining young children. <br> <br> "Even though it may look like they can see just fine, these silent conditions need to be caught early," she explains. "It's so sad when a child's vision is permanently impacted and it could have been avoided by early detection and treatment." </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wrP3Yi3kAzU" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Dr. Geoffrey Neuner gravitated toward radiation oncology at the beginning of his studies because he was able to form meaningful relationships with patients at a critical time in their lives. The ability to make that emotional connection has defined his 10-year career at GBMC. <br> <br> Dr. Neuner also has a special interest in the latest techniques for treating prostate cancer. He appreciates GBMC’s multidisciplinary approach to patient care because it allows the clinical team to evaluate each patient based on their own unique circumstance. <br> <br> On September 15, Dr. Neuner answered questions and discussed his recent special interest in treating prostate cancer and GBMC's multidisciplinary approach to patient care. <br> <br> </p> <h3> Three Takeaways </h3> <ol> <li> Depending on a patient's diagnosis and stage of cancer, there could be many reasons to treat with radiation therapy. Radiation can be used as a primary treatment or as an adjuvant treatment to help other treatments (chemotherapy and/or surgery) be more effective. </li> <li> There are risk factors when it comes to receiving radiation therapies; however, risks are often low and dependent on where treatment is needed. Many side effects, such as skin and tissue damage, can be treated to be made more tolerable. No matter what, all treatments are discussed in detail with patients before determining the best course of treatment and quality of life. </li> <li> Men who are most at risk for prostate cancer are those who have a first degree relative with the same diagnosis. Black men above the age of 45 are most at risk for prostate cancer, followed by white men. Regions are also a factor; men living in North America, Western Europe, and Australia at higher risk than other areas around the world. </li> </ol> The multidisciplinary team at GBMC includes a radiation oncologist, medical oncologist and surgeon who meet regularly to determine the best course of treatment for each individual patient. Once it is determined a patient needs radiation treatment, the Radiation Oncology team works collaboratively to review the course of treatment for each patient. Dr. Neuner shared there is a never-ending need for donations to the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute, specifically for Oncology Support Services. Transportation is the number one barrier for patients seeking care, and donations help meet their needs in a more effective way. <a href="https://www.classy.org/give/288692/#!/donation/checkout">Please consider making a contribution to the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute</a> to support patients' critical needs getting to and from treatment.
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/itE0Zcae_lw" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Doctor Theodore Bailey tells us how to navigate stadiums to avoid contracting and spreading COVID. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HTECMGczohM" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Molly Hide gives more information on the COVID vaccines. Hide tells if you would be eligible for these vaccines. </p>
<p class="article-body"> Hematology-oncology is often associated with the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma. Zhuoyan (Yan) Li, M.D., a medical oncologist at the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC explains this branch of medicine is dominated by benign hematology conditions rather than cancers. <br> <br> In addition to hematologic malignancies, Dr. Li sees many patients for benign hematology conditions such as iron deficiency anemia, blood clots, and evaluation for abnormal bleeding. While these conditions are not malignant, Dr. Li says it’s important to recognize the risk factors and know when to see a physician. <br> <br> <strong>Blood Clots</strong> <br> “Blood clots happen all the time,” Dr. Li says. “They can be caused by surgeries, hormonal medicines like estrogen-containing birth control, hospitalizations, or even a long flight or cross-country road trip.” <br> <br> Common symptoms of blood clots include swelling in one arm or leg, persistent, throbbing pain, and/or redness in the extremity. Sometimes a piece of the clot can break off and lead to pulmonary embolisms that cause chest pain or shortness of breath. <br> <br> “If you have any of these symptoms, even if you haven’t had any provoking events, get seen by your doctor immediately,” Dr. Li says. <br> <br> Other risk factors for blood clots include pregnancy, family history, smoking, and a COVID-19 diagnosis, with high rates reported in the hospitalized patient population with COVID-19. <br> <br> Treatment for blood clots usually includes the use of anticoagulant medication as the first line of therapy. Dr. Li says if a clot is severe enough, vascular surgeons may need to get involved for a surgical procedure. <br> <br> <strong>Anemia/Iron Deficiency</strong> <br> One demographic that struggles more frequently with iron deficiency is young women with heavy periods. <br> <br> Dr. Li says fatigue, shortness of breath, restless legs, and ice cravings are common symptoms that are often ignored. <br> <br> “A lot of women hesitate to talk about it, because it feels normal for them, but the symptoms are severe enough that it’s making them sick,” Dr. Li says. <br> <br> Iron supplements and iron infusions are common treatments that can make a huge difference in how an anemic patient feels. <br> <br> <strong>Abnormal Bleeding</strong> <br> Bruising or bleeding after an injury is normal, but when they occur without an obvious event, further evaluation is needed. <br> <br> “Talk with a hematologist to rule out certain diseases and give a very thorough health and family history as there are both inherited and acquired causes of abnormal bleeding,” Dr. Li says. <br> <br> Treatment depends on what’s causing the bleeding but can include IV treatments and oral medications. <br> <br> Dr. Li says if you have symptoms of any of the above disorders, it’s important to talk with your doctor as soon as possible. Seeing a hematologist may feel daunting but she encourages patients to ask why they’re being referred so they have a better idea of what they can expect when they see the hematologist. <br> <br> “Hematology encompasses both benign and malignant conditions. Not everyone who sees us has cancer,” Dr. Li says. <br> <br> Learn more about hematology at GBMC or to schedule an appointment <a href="/node/2431">at our website.</a> </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8O-GW7uXe5E" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Jonathan Hennessee informs parents on what to tell children when returning to school. </p>
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