Liver Cancer Treatment Options

Treatment options for liver tumors include: ablation, embolization, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, radiation and liver transplantation. The latter option presents less risk of recurrence and is, usually, employed for hepatocellular carcinoma. Moreover, for liver transplant, the five-year survival rate is of sixty to seventy percent. The criteria of qualification for liver transplant usually rely on the number of tumors. Eligible candidates usually present with one tumor (of less than five centimeters), or two or three tumors (of no more than three centimeters in diameter). Moreover, ideal candidates usually do not suffer from metastasized conditions and it is preferred for their cancer to not have spread to bones, lungs, lymph nodes or surrounding tissue.

Immunotherapy, New Targeted Therapy, Chemotherapy and Surgery

best liver cancer doctor in Arizona

In terms of immunotherapy, primary and secondary liver cancer have become easily treatable due to the latest FDA-approved immunotherapy drug atezolizumab which is used with bevacizumab for the treatment of advanced liver cancer. In addition, new targeted therapy with sorafenib can lead to complete remission for late-stage liver cancer. Nevertheless, if the aforementioned therapies do not produce optimal results, the patient can benefit from traditional therapies such as chemotherapy and surgery.

However, the former has been proven ineffective against liver cancer on account of its short-lived effects and the fact that it only shrinks a small percentage of tumors. The best liver cancer doctor in Arizona affirms that signs that chemotherapy is not working for a particular patient include: the appearance of new tumors, the rapid spread of cancer and the failure to shrink the already existing tumors. As a result, drug combinations can often be more effective when associated with surgery that consists of: liver resection (removal of the tumor) and percutaneous ablation. The curative potential of surgery provides an optimistic perspective on the treatment of liver cancer be it advanced or at early stage level.

Life Expectancy

Life expectancy of patients suffering from liver cancer depends on the stage of the disease. For early stages, the five-year survival rate is of forty-five percent. Conversely, for stages in which the cancer has spread to lymph nodes, surrounding tissue and other organs, the five-year survival rate is of twelve percent. Moreover, life expectancy also depends on the type of liver cancer. For instance, hemangiosarcoma and angiosarcoma spread rapidly whereas hepatocellular carcinoma spreads at a slower pace.

In addition, primary cancer (in the liver or bile ducts) is considered life-threatening and fast growing as opposed to secondary liver cancer which is known to be more manageable. Furthermore, small liver cancers are fairly easy to deal with by means of treatment in the form of ablation and radiation.

Lastly, advanced liver cancer is not considered curable. It is only manageable in terms of symptom relief and improvement of life quality. As a result, aggressive treatment is often employed for stage-four cancer, but it rarely delivers results.

Without treatment, the average life expectancy is sixteen months. However, nutritional support can be employed to improve the quality of life. Patients are usually advised to eat fruits (such as watermelon, apples, oranges and berries) and grains (such as bread, pasta, oatmeal and rice) that can ease digestion.

Main Signs of Liver Cancer

Cirrhosis is the number one cause of liver cancer. However, diagnosis is not often established early on in the disease on account of the fact that the symptoms can be confused with other types of medical conditions. Early signs of liver cancer include: upper abdominal pain, vomiting, fatigue, jaundice and white stools. Similarly, late signs consist of: weakness and tiredness, unintentional weight and muscle loss, sleepiness, loss of appetite, difficulty eating, short attention span and loss of bladder and bowel control.

Early detection is vital and should be encouraged by means public education and active participation of GPs (general practitioners) in the lives of their patients. All in all, there are various treatment options for those who suffer from liver cancer. Moreover, prevention as well as palliative care should also play an important role in the therapeutic aid of cancer patients.

Top Ways to Treat Prostate Issues

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Located in the groin, between the base of the penis and the rectum, the prostate is a small organ that plays an important role in producing semen. The prostate is a sensitive gland of the male body, an organ that can be severely affected by the changing hormone levels and other physical changes related to aging and that is a very common cause for health concerns. The three most common problems that affect the prostate are infection, abnormal enlargement and cancer – issues that can be treated with a variety of techniques. According to an endovascular surgeon near me, here are common treatment methods:

Treatment Options for Prostate Infections

If you are noticing symptoms, such as frequent or painful urination, cloudy or bloody urine, pain or discomfort in your testicles or in your groin area, your doctor will first examine you and will run some tests to set up an accurate diagnosis. If the diagnosis is prostate infection, your doctor will prescribe you medication to kill the germs that cause the infection. The most common medicines used in the treatment of prostate infections are antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Treatment Options for An Enlarged Prostate

Prostate enlargement is another very common issue, a problem that affects over half of men after the age of 50. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, several treatment options are available. In mild cases, the problem can be effectively treated with over-the-counter medication or with prescription drugs, while in more severe cases the best treatment option might be some type of surgical intervention. Modern surgery has come up with many methods that can efficiently treat prostate enlargement, including invasive methods, such as transurethral resection or incision as well as minimally invasive procedures, such as transurethral needle ablation, embolization, microwave thermotherapy and laser therapy. All surgical methods aim to eliminate the enlarged part of the prostate gland and to restore bladder function.

Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most severe of all prostate issues, but it is a highly treatable cancer type, especially if caught early. The treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer and can range from watchful waiting for cases diagnosed early to surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and a variety of targeted treatments. The best course of action is usually determined by a team of doctors after carefully considering the patient’s general health and physical condition, his age, the type of cancer and the likelihood of aggravation. If the cancer is of a type that advances slowly and the patient is in advanced age, the treatment option of choice is usually active surveillance consisting of regular check-ups and tests and that involves an intervention only if the cancer starts aggravating. For younger patients or for cancer types that tend to advance more quickly, the recommended treatment option is usually a surgical intervention, preferably a minimally invasive one, to remove the cancerous growth. These surgical interventions are usually followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy to make sure that all the cancerous cells are eliminated.

CPAP Benefits – How Does CPAP Therapy Help with Sleep Apnea?

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For patients who suffer from sleep apnea, sleep apnea doctors near me often recommend CPAP therapy as an alternative or complementary treatment aside from medicine, surgery and various other treatment methods. CPAP stands for “continuous positive airway pressure,” and it’s basically a method that’s designed to help improve airflow through your airways and help you sleep uninterrupted and without the risk of having a stroke or a heart attack as a result of your sleep apnea.

Feel More Refreshed

One of the key benefits of using CPAP therapy with a well-designed CPAP machine is that you’ll feel more refreshed and alert during the day. Energy levels may improve, since the machine will basically be increasing your oxygen levels while helping you breathe easily during your sleep cycles. Also, you won’t feel as fatigued, stressed or anxious, and even depression symptoms might improve.

A Healthier Heart

Sleep apnea has long been associated with heart problems such as heart failure and irregular heartbeat, as well as heart attacks and sudden death. CSA is especially dangerous, as the respiratory drive is all but inactive, and that can lead to a sudden and extreme drop in oxygen levels, leading to a variety of problems, depending on whether or not you already have certain health issues related to your heart. For patients with coronary artery disease, for instance, a drop in oxygen resulting from sleep apnea can often lead to arythmias, angina and heart attacks.

A CPAP machine can decrease the likelihood that any of these debilitating and frightening health problems might arise. Even in the case of people suffering from serious heart issues, CPAP can be recommended as a good addition to their medication and treatment, and it can often help them avoid the dangers that sleep apnea can pose to their hearts.

Better Driving Skills

As you know, CPAP therapy can help you become more alert. This often translates into better experiences throughout your daily life, especially while performing various activities at work or driving.

Driving your car can be especially challenging when you’re suffering from sleep apnea, as the problems you have during the night can keep you sleepy, fatigued and lethargic during the day. Reflexes are impaired, and you won’t be able to respond in a crisis situation as easily. With CPAP therapy, all these problems will be lessened, and you’ll be far less likely to get involved in a car accident while driving your vehicle.

Get Rid of Snoring

Snoring is a common problem for those with sleep apnea. Even though it might not be too problematic for your health, snoring can disrupt others’ sleep as well as your own. A CPAP machine can help you breathe more easily and avoid snoring, so that everyone in your household will get a good night’s rest. 

Alternatives to CPAP

There are also alternatives to CPAP, if the classic CPAP machine doesn’t provide you with the results you need. Some sleep doctors recommend APAP (automatic positive airway pressure) therapy instead, involving machines similar to the CPAP devices, but that also adjust the pressure according to what you’re most comfortable with.

Whether you choose CPAP or APAP is often also a personal decision, as it has to do with comfort levels as well. Just be sure to check in with your doctor and ask for their advice and recommendations, before you decide to alter any aspect of your assigned treatment.

Should You See A Dermatologist Every Year?

With skin cancer becoming increasingly frequent and with our environment and our lifestyle taking such a hard toll on the health of our skin, yearly visits to the dermatologist are essential for catching any skin problem in time. Fortunately, most skin lesions, such as dark spots, warts and eczemas are benign affections, but it is better to be safe than sorry, so here are a few arguments to convince you that scheduling an annual visit to your derm’s office is essential not only for a healthy, beautiful skin, but for your overall health and well-being.

Moles, Freckles and Birthmarks Need Monitoring

Everyone has at least a few moles, freckles and birthmarks, they can be of various sizes and most of the time they are harmless. However, the irritation caused by the contact with clothes, exposure to harsh sunshine as well as scrubbing can cause them to change shape or color – a process that needs to be stopped by removing the lesions. Your yearly visit to the dermatologist can make sure that your moles and birthmarks are under control – your doctor will determine whether they need removal.

Cancer Screening

The early signs of skin cancer are easy to disregard for the untrained eye, but the affection can develop very quickly, that’s why regular visits to a medical professional who can analyze and evaluate the condition of your skin is so important. Cancer screening is especially important for people who belong to a high-risk group, such as fair-skinned people, people who have blond or red hair and people who have dry and sensitive skin.

dark circles under eyes

The Treatment of Chronic Skin Conditions

Many people suffering from chronic skin affections, such as acne, eczemas or psoriasis, give up hope and stop visiting their doctor after trying out several treatment options and many people who notice the appearance of such skin problems don’t go to a doctor, hoping that they will go away on their own. Both attitudes are wrong – new treatments for these chronic problems are being developed all the time, so you can find the cure for your problem with the next product that you try and you must also know that these problems almost never disappear on their own. During your regular, yearly visits to the dermatologist, your doctor will examine your lesions, and discuss any other issues you may have with your skin. They may have suggestions to treat dry skin, blemishes, or dark circles under eyes.  He or she will talk to you about new treatment options and will provide you suggestions regarding any diet and lifestyle changes that might help. Many dermatologists are trained not only in treatment through the administration of medications and creams, but through light therapy and other advanced methods that can be beneficial for your condition.

Don’t Postpone Visits if You Notice Problems In Between Annual Visits

The recommended frequency of visits to your dermatologist is every 12 months, but problems that require the attention of your doctor might appear any time. If your chronic condition gets worse, if you notice skin eruptions, you have itchy skin, an ingrown nail or other acute problems, do not wait, schedule a visit with your dermatologist right away.

Advantages Of Chiropractic Care

Advantages To Seeing A Denver Chiropractor

There are currently a multitude of painkillers recommended for spine, neck, arm, back or hip pains, but most people ignore that these remedies can also have dangerous side effects such as gastrointestinal problems, addiction, and over dosage.

In addition, the efficiency of these treatments in some situations is questioned, alternative therapies taking their place through long-term benefits and the lack of risks in patients.

Recent studies reveal that 57% of people who underwent a chiropractic treatment reported a reduction of at least 75% of the pain, but only 33% of those taking medication have reported an improvement in pain intensity.

 

The benefits of chiropractic treatment

Chiropractors treat the causes of pain, not just the symptoms

If you have a spinal problem that causes pain, taking a painkiller will treat the symptoms for a while, but visiting a chiropractor can actually help you treat the cause of the pain. Denver area chiropractors are trained to deal specifically with the nervous system, which controls everything from reflexive responses such as breathing, to every movement we do. Since the nerves make the pain leave the spine and radiate through the body, the health of the spinal cord is essential and it is logic that the chiropractic treatment focuses on it.

Chiropractic treatment helps relieve severe pain

There are many studies that show the benefits of chiropractic treatment in affections such as:

  • Sciatica
  • Back pain
  • Cervical Pain
  • Headaches
  • Kyphosis
  • Scoliosis, etc.

Chiropractic treatment is a non-invasive treatment option

Chiropractic treatment is based on the targeted application of pressure on a joint and performing certain manipulations. One of the best benefits of a chiropractic treatment is that it is performed fairly quick, while the patient lies on the bed, dressed up, being constantly provided with information about what is going to be done to them. There are various techniques used by chiropractors and none of them is invasive, so chiropractic is a really great option, if performed by a certified specialist..

 

Chiropractors also recommend physical activities

Chiropractors recommend patients easy exercise that can be performed at home, without the need of assistance or special equipment. These exercises are designed to strengthen the back muscles as well as other affected areas.

A chiropractor will help you improve your posture

One of the consequences of a chiropractic treatment that helps correcting spinal problems and relieving pain, is an improved body posture. Nowadays, many people develop cervical and lumbar problems because of the nature of their work. The habit of sitting in front of a computer regularly and in inappropriate positions causes many problems, but with a chiropractic treatment you can correct them, including those related to the body posture.

Chiropractic educates the body and the mind

Generally, people become aware of a health issue and take the necessary action only when the pathological condition demands it. This approach is not constructive, but fortunately, more and more people become more responsible and more attentive to their health. Chiropractic is a therapy that helps us to educate our body and mind to adopt more good habits that bring us energy and vitality.

 

What is Integrative Medicine? – A Short Account

Integrative Medicine Tips

Integrative medicine is a modern approach towards the diagnosis and the treatment of illnesses that looks not only at the symptoms described by the patient, but takes into account the patient’s personality and environment as well and proposes to address all the emotional, social and spiritual influences that affect the patient during the treatment. The medical approach is called integrative not only because it integrates all the influences experienced by the person to be treated, but also because it integrates the wealth of knowledge accumulated by traditional medicine and the achievements of naturist therapy – integrative medicine uses medications, even surgery, just like traditional medicine, but it also uses herbal remedies, psychotherapy and a treatment approach based on changes in lifestyle.

The Special Relationship between Doctor and Patient – the Foundation of Successful Treatment

Integrative medicine perceives illness in a way that is radically different from the traditional approach. Illness for IM is a condition caused by complex processes that involve more than the inefficient functioning or failure of a specific organ. The symptoms described by the patient can be linked to a specific organ, but in most cases, they are the results of influences coming from various areas of the patient’s life, they can be caused by emotional or lifestyle-related issues as much as by hereditary issues and others and is best treated by a functional medicine Denver doctor.

The diagnostic and the treatment processes used by IM take into consideration the body, the mind, the soul as well as the social circumstances that surround the patient. To be able to do this, IM considers the patient an active partner in the healing process – a partner who is not just passively receiving medication and waiting for the medication to take effect, but who implements practical changes in their own life.

The Methods Used and the Conditions Treatable with the Integrative Medical Approach

Integrative medicine uses medication, even surgery the same way as they are used by mainstream medicine, but it adds solutions of its own, complementing the treatment process with the use of massage, yoga, acupuncture, meditation or nutrition counseling. The list of the condition that can be treated with the integrative approach is very long – here are some of the illnesses that can be efficiently tackled with IM:

  • Depression – the complex diagnostic phase aimed at revealing the triggers and the root cause is usually followed by a program based on meditation, yoga, massage therapy and lifestyle changes;
  • Asthma – efficiently treated by IM with massage therapy and acupuncture;
  • Fibromyalgia – the treatment offered by conventional medicine can address only the symptoms, while IM tries successfully to reveal the root causes and to eliminate them;
  • Illnesses of the digestive tract, such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome – the holistic approach allows the specialist to make lifestyle-related recommendations that will ameliorate or even completely cure the symptoms;
  • Conditions related to chronic inflammations in the body, such as rheumatoid arthritis,
  • Chronic problems of the joints and bones, such as sciatica, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or bursitis;
  • Obesity and other, diet-related issues.

Where Can You Go About Finding the Best Lone Tree Dentist in Your Area?

Finding the best Lone Tree dentists in town isn’t something that most people know how to do right off the bat. Whether you’re looking for a reliable cosmetic dentist, or you’re just interested in a periodontist or a family dentist, there are many options to look into when it comes to the actual places you can search for a clinic.

Technology opens up a lot of avenues here, as social media and various online directories and review sites can definitely help you out. However, you can gain a lot more from actually visiting or calling local referrals who have been to a particular dentistry office. That way, it’ll be easier to work through all the details of how the dentist handles his/her patients and what real advantages are provided through that particular service.

Searching for Dentists Based on Your Needs

When it comes to finding the best dentist in town, the success of your search will typically depend on how well you know what to search for. Do you have a clear idea in your mind? Are you looking for a more specific service that isn’t provided by most general and family dentists? Maybe you’d like to delve into the many potential advantages of cosmetic dentistry. All options are open, as long as you know which avenue to pick.

family smiling

If you’re only looking for a dentist offering general family-oriented services, then a family dentist would be best. If you have children, a family dentist will usually provide you with everything you need, however, in some cases a pediatric specialist might be needed.

For problems relating to tooth alignment – such as getting new braces for your teenager – you’ll have to look for an orthodontic specialist. Endodontists specialize in dealing with the pulp and nerve of the teeth, while periodontists also deal with the soft tissues of the mouth – primarily gums and the prevention and treatment of gum disease. Finally, if you have missing teeth, you need dentures, or you have to have your teeth repaired, then contact a local prosthodontist.

Ways to Find the Best Local Dentists

Of course, knowing what each type of dentist does won’t be enough in most cases. You also have to know where to find the best practitioners and how to sift through all the data in order to locate the most reliable dentists you can find.

Social media is a good place to start. Here most local dentists will advertise their services, and you can even engage in conversation with some of them, asking the questions you need to find out about and inquiring about special services.

Online reviews also offer a lot of insight. If you look for directories, review sites and map listings, you’ll usually find a rating and comments or reviews pertaining to the services of a particular dentist. While not all dental practitioners are made the same, you’ll have a pretty good chance of finding the best dentist this way, since you’ll be looking through and comparing data on dozens of local dentists, and some of that information will be confirmed through multiple findings and positive reviews from many of the dentist’s satisfied clients.

How Lakewood Orthodontics Can Help You – The Benefits of a Good Orthodontist

close up of hands working on dental braces Loveland orthodontics have advanced a great deal in the past few years. Not only are there more experts available for you to ask for their opinions and help regarding specific matters, but they also have better equipment and more advanced techniques. Best of all, a good orthodontist will be friendly and patient enough to help not only you, but your entire family, from the youngest to the oldest members of your household.

How Can Advanced Orthodontics Help You?

Orthodontics is the study and practice of teeth alignment. You can contact a good local orthodontist if your jaw is misaligned, you need braces, or you’re looking to fix your smile. Orthodontists, of course, aren’t merely cosmetic dentists, but they also deal with the health issues associated with misaligned teeth.

Straight teeth can be cleaned more easily, preventing disease more efficiently. Moreover, orthodontists play an important role in helping patients maintain their overall health, so you’ll give yourself a good chance to subdue pain and avoid the complications of low quality orthodontist treatments and products.

What Are the Qualities of a Good Local Orthodontist?

With Loveland orthodontics experts you gain remarkable expertise and practical insight into any disorder or preventive measure you might be interested in. Loveland dentists are not only familiar with the main methods and products, but also with the most advanced treatment planning software and complex procedures such as the use of orthodontics products designed to use air in order to move and realign your teeth, instead of any bulky and unpleasant materials.

The benefits of a reliable orthodontist don’t stop there. You can easily contact your Loveland dentist at short notice, regardless of your problem might be. Also, aside from offering quality emergency services, you’ll find these experts are very good with people and especially children. If you have a son or daughter who has experienced difficulties while at the dentist’s office in other cities and neighborhoods you’ve lived in, they will feel entirely at ease with your friendly Loveland orthodontist.

Finally, what characterizes the best orthodontists is passion. As everyone knows, passion can’t be taught, and if you ran into dentists who didn’t have passion for their work, you were probably able to tell that from the start. In Colorado, the best orthodontics experts are known to perform their work not just for money, but also because they have a genuine caring nature, and are sincerely interested in ensuring the well-being of their patients.

Questions to Ask Your First Orthodontist

How long is it since your orthodontist finished school and began their practice? Did the orthodontist you want to use manage to maintain a good reputation over time? Can they support your insurance policy? What types of advanced braces and treatments can they provide you with at short notice?

These are just some of the important questions you have to ask your orthodontist before accepting his/her treatment. While there are many other issues to be discussed, you’ll find most local orthodontics specialists to be more than forthcoming in their effort to put your mind at ease and provide you with the best opportunities for enhanced oral health.

Buying Big and Tall Office Chairs – Main Points You Need to Know

Heavy Duty Double Plush Chair - 350 LbsGetting the best big and tall office chairs can be a risky endeavor, especially if you’re thinking of spending more. A larger office chair will usually be more expensive than a typical ergonomic chair, so you will have to be extra careful to make sure you purchase the right one.

While there are a lot of different brands to choose from, finding a quality chair can be harder than you think. Depending on your specific needs and considerations, the following tips should help you.

What to Look for in a Quality Larger Chair

Also known as “big man chairs,” big and tall office chairs come in many shapes and sizes. Some of them might be sleek and futuristic, while others have the classic appearance of an executive office chair. Regardless of on your constitution, budget and special requirements, the following are some of the must-have features and benefits that you should always look for in a sturdy big and tall office chair:

  • First of all, a sturdy construction is a must. A larger chair will typically have to withstand a greater amount of weight, so the construction of its frame, the resilience level of the fabric it uses and its ability to keep its padding from becoming flattened are all important factors to keep in mind.
  • A larger, more supportive backrest is also essential. Because of the fact that these big man chairs are larger and the materials they are made from are not typically denser or stronger than what you can normally find in an office chair, the thickness, frame and lumbar support built into the backrest has to be top notch; otherwise you might end up breaking the back after just a few weeks.
  • Look for metal legs and frames and a 250 to 500 lbs limit, according to your specific requirements. The weight limit is usually essential with these chairs, especially if your own weight is over 200 lbs. Also, getting a chair that features a metallic construction might bring you face to face with a slightly heavier product, but at least you know that it’s built to last.
  • Finally, adjustable seat height is a must for most of these chairs. You have to be able to determine that the chair can adjust to your specific height, so make sure you try out a few chairs and ask the shop assistant for their specifications to determine your exact needs first. Then you can easily find a chair with those specs.

Choosing a Reliable Brand

Stamford, Kingston, Avenger and Oro have some of the most interesting classic and traditional big and tall office chair designs on the market, and several of these brands can also give you reliable chairs at highly competitive prices. For a more modern or futuristic design featuring a green construction and hi-tech features, brands like CXO and Pacifica will provide you with precisely what you need.

A good chair can cost anything from $400 to several thousand, depending on the features and specs you want. When buying big and tall office chairs, however, you’ll also find that many of the brands competing on your local market will have at least a few good items on the lower end of that pricing scale.