Secundum Atrial Septal Defect

What is Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is a congenital heart defect with a hole between the heart’s upper two chambers. These upper chambers are called atria. A Secundum ASD is a defect or hole in the central part of the atria. The effect of a secundum ASD on a patient and its treatment will depend on the size of the defect. Occasionally, other heart defects are also present when a patient has a secundum ASD. 

Other types of atrial septal defects include:

  • Primum ASD
  • Sinus venosus ASD

Symptoms of Atrial Septal Defects

Most children and babies with secundum ASD have no symptoms. Usually, ASD is only found when a doctor or nurse hears a murmur at a routine check-up. A heart murmur is extra sound healthcare professionals hear when listening to the heart. 

If the secundum ASD is significant, signs or symptoms might include:

  • Heart Murmur 
  • Growth Issues
  • Fast Breathing 
  • Frequent Chest infections  

If left untreated, medium or large secundum ASDs can cause problems later in life:

  • Abnormal Heartbeat
  • Effort intolerance with exercise or even daily activities
  • Trouble Breathing 
  • Blue-toned Skin 

Secundum ASD Treatment

A small secundum ASD may close without intervention around 2 to 5 years old. The child will remain under review by their pediatric cardiologist during this time. If symptomatic, surgical closure will be considered if the defect is too large or the child is too small for transcatheter closure.

Transcatheter Closure

A thin tube is placed into the blood vessel in the leg. With the help of X-rays and Ultrasound equipment, the thin line is moved through the blood vessel to the heart. When the tube gets to the heart, a tube is used to put a small device that closes the hole.   

Surgery 

If a secundum ASD is too large for transcatheter closure or the patient symptomatic and too small to undergo transcatheter closure, open-heart surgery is done to close the secundum ASD.

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Running Injuries

What are running Injuries?

Running injuries are repetitive strain injuries of the Lower limbs (Hip, knee, ankle, and Foot). It can happen with both beginners and experienced runners, and there are common. A vast majority of running injuries are not severe; however, the evaluation of the injured runner still demands detailed musculoskeletal examination and thoughtful consideration of more dangerous potential causes of the symptoms. Proper clinical diagnosis and recommendations can speed recovery and return to activity. 

Most common running injuries and their symptoms:

  • Runner’s knee – dull pain around the front of the knee, felt either while active or after sitting for a long time
  • IT band syndrome – aching or burning pain outside the knee (which may extend up to the hip), typically felt when active.
  • Shin splints – pain at the front or inner-facing portion of your lower legs that worsens with activity
  • Plantar fasciitis – pain at or near the bottom of the heel, typically felt after exercise (not during) or early the following day.
  • Achilles Tendinitis – pain in the lower leg just above the heel that may be accompanied by restricted motion when attempting to lift your toes
  • Stress fracture – pain or aching (usually in the shin or Foot) that’s felt during the activity and worsens over time.

How to prevent running injuries?

Slow and Steady: 

One of the most common reasons for an injury that physiotherapists will see in runners is an overuse injury. The basic rule of thumb for running training is a 10% weekly increase and no more than a 10-15min increase in the long run.

Muscles Strength:

Another common reason for running injuries, especially weakness of the hip (Gluteal muscles) and Core muscles (Muscles around the spine). These muscles are called stability muscles. When there is a weakness in these muscles, it leads to an abnormal loading mechanism around your joints, and that contributes to Injuries. Incorporating specific strengthening exercises into these muscles prevents you from potential injuries. 

 Flexibility: 

Apart from strength of the muscles, flexibility Muscles play a significant role in running injuries. Suppose any of the muscles in the lower limb ( Hip, Knee, and ankle) are tight from previous injuries or due to lifestyle. In that case, it directly affects the joint segments’ mobility, force production, and running mechanics, leading to injuries. Regular dynamic, Static regimes pre, and post-running, respectively, not only help you from the recovery and prevents injuries.

Improper running technique:

Yes, you read it right. Running is a form of exercise with a correct technique similar to squats, deadlifts, or activities. If the method is incorrect, it leads to injuries, e.g., directly landing on the heel. Each step might contribute to plantar fasciitis.

Ideal recovery time:

Experts to be the most critical component of a fitness-training program often note rest and recovery. Your success with a running program (or any fitness program, for that matter) is determined by your body’s ability to adapt to the stress of the activity. Resting and recovering well means ensuring you get 7-9 hours of sleep per night, stay hydrated, and eat a balanced diet.

How to recover from running injuries?   

Suppose you have any pain while running/ after running, which is not improving with the ideal recovery time. We recommend you meet one of our physiotherapists; they will conduct a detailed assessment, which includes checking your strength in your core and lower limb muscles, the flexibility of the lower quadrant muscles, and an analysis of your running technique.

Based on the assessment findings, our physical therapist will provide you with a structured exercise program to help you recover faster.

Chronic Ankle Instability

Chronic ankle instability is persistent pain on the outside of your ankles, usually occurs after you suffer from an ankle sprain that is not healed completely. The pain typically will appear whenever you engage in some kind of physical activity & often lead you to feel instability on your ankle area while applying weight.

What are the parts of the ankle?

Ankle joint is made of up of two bones of lower leg namely “tibia” & “fibula” and first bone of your foot is called as talus. These bony structures are stabilized by ligaments and tendons. Your outer part of the ankle is supported by Lateral collateral ligament, your inner part of the ankle is supported by Medial collateral ligament.

What is ankle sprain?

The tissues which connect bone to bone are called as ligament. When you sprain your ankle, one or more of your ligaments are stretched or torn, causing damage to the ligaments & tendons around the ankle. Tendon is the part of the muscle which is directly connected to the bone.  20% of the people who had an ankle injury may develop chronic ankle instability if it’s not taken care of.

How does the ankle instability feel like?

  • Pain on the outside of your ankle
  • Tenderness around the ankle
  • The feeling your ankle is going to “give out.”
  • Stiffness 
  • Chronic discomfort and swelling

How is chronic instability is diagnosed?

To determine whether you have a chronic ankle instability the orthopedic doctor especially foot and ankle doctor, will ask your duration of the symptoms, and we will conduct detained physical examination which includes some kind of special tests and functional tests, if required he may order for imaging (X-ray/Ultrasound/MRI) studies for your ankle. Based on the collective information chronic instability is diagnosed.

How is the chronic ankle instability treated?

Most of the time chronic ankle instability is treated without surgery. In severe cases of ankle instability doctor may recommend for surgery which is minimally invasive procedure, which is often done as a day care surgery (on the same day of surgery you can go home).

When should you consider Surgery?

  • When the ligament is stretched beyond the point of physiological limit.
  • Complete rupture of the ligament.
  • Presence of loose body within the joint.
  • Excessive amount of damage to joint surface (Articular cartilage)

What is the conservative management for chronic ankle instability?

What is the role of Physiotherapy in chronic ankle instability?

Physical therapist will assess other joints of your involved leg like hip and knee to identify if there are any contributing factors from these uninvolved joints caused your initial ankle sprain. Studies suggest that weakness of the hip muscles is one of the leading causes for ankle injuries in professional athletes and in common population as well.

After the detailed assessment your Physiotherapist will decide your plan of care based on your activity levels, and goal to be attained in general therapy plan can be divided as pain management and graded exercise program.

What is the pain management delivered by the physiotherapist?

  • Soft tissue massage.
  • Joint mobilization.
  • Laser therapy.
  • TECAR therapy.

Usually pain management treatments are based on the structures (Ligaments/Tendon/Articular surface) involved.

What kind of exercises you will do?

Exercise program is based on extend of your injury, your activity level before the injury and what are your goals – like getting back to any kind of sports are activity. Usually, it’s ranging from basic range of motion exercises, flexibility exercises, strengthening exercises and proprioception exercises (exercises to regain the joint control).

The most important thing to remember is the torn ligaments in your ankle need to heal, so you need to rest from any activity that might be aggravating your pain. 

Kidney Cancer – Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Kidney cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the kidney. The majority of cases are non-metastatic, meaning they cannot spread to other parts of the body. However, metastatic kidney cancer can develop into a more dangerous form called renal carcinoma.

Symptoms of Kidney Cancer

Symptoms may include:

  • Blood in the urine that is pink or red
  • Pain or a lump in the lower back, abdomen, or groin
  • Fatigue
  • Fevers
  • Weight loss
  • A urine test showing protein levels that are high or low

Causes and Risk Factors of Kidney Cancer

The cause of kidney cancer isn’t known. Still, researchers think it’s related to a combination of factors, including age, family history, genetics, and environmental factors like exposure to certain chemicals or radiation. It is often diagnosed at an advanced stage because it usually does not cause noticeable symptoms until it has spread to other parts of the body.

Several risk factors increase your likelihood of developing kidney cancer. These include,

Age: People older than 50 years old have a higher risk of getting kidney cancer than younger adults.

Gender: Men are more likely to develop this type of cancer than women.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of kidney cancer requires a biopsy (the removal of a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope). This can be done with needle aspiration (sample collected by inserting a needle into the kidney), open surgery, or laparoscopic surgery.

When a doctor suspects that you have the condition, they will perform a physical examination and may order blood tests to check for signs of inflammation or infection in your kidneys. If there are no signs of these complications, you may then undergo imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs.

These tests provide detailed images of your kidneys, bladder, and other organs. Once your doctor has reviewed all available information about your symptoms and medical history, along with any imaging results, they will determine whether or not you require further treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Treatment

The condition may be treated by surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy (where the immune system is used to fight cancer). Some patients may receive a combination of these treatments. Surgery may involve removing part or all of the kidney or an entire lobe (half) of one or both kidneys. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing and dividing. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams from machines outside the body to destroy tumors in or near the kidneys. Immunotherapy uses medications that help stimulate your immune system so it can fight off cancer cells more effectively than usual.

Burjeel Medical City Abu Dhabi provides the most advanced treatments available for your condition. Our team of leading experts, including nephrologists, surgeons, pathologists, oncologists, and radiologists, have years of experience treating kidney cancer and have helped many patients achieve positive outcomes.

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Cervical Cancer – Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Cervical cancer is a disease of the cervix, which is a part of the female reproductive system. Changes in the cells of the cervix cause it. The cervix is made up of two parts: the endocervical canal and the exocervical or ectocervical region. The endocervical canal is lined with mucus-secreting epithelium and connects to the uterus (womb). The exocervical or ectocervical region has no tissue between it and the vagina (birth canal). Cancer can develop in either part of the cervix. The most common form starts at the surface layer of cells lining the exocervical or ectocervical area. This type is called squamous cell carcinoma and accounts for about 90% of all cervical cancers. The other 10% start at deeper levels in this area, where they are harder to detect because they don’t show up on routine Pap tests or visual examinations by doctors during pelvic examinations.

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

There are a number of symptoms that may indicate cervical cancer in women. These include:

  • Discharge from the vagina
  • Bleeding between periods or after sex
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Feeling of pressure in the pelvis or lower back
  • Pain in legs or pelvis
  • Painful urination

Causes and Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer

It is caused by changes to the DNA in cervical cells. The main risk factor is human papillomavirus (HPV).

HPV is a common virus that can infect the skin and mucous membranes, including those of the cervix. Most people with HPV do not develop symptoms or health problems from it.

However, over time some women with persistent HPV infections may develop cervical cancer. It can also be caused by other factors, including:

Smoking increases your risk of developing cervical cancer and other types of cancers.

Having a weakened immune system: If you have an immune deficiency or have undergone organ transplantation surgery, the risk of developing cervical cancer is higher than average.

Prevention of Cervical Cancer

The best way to prevent cervical cancer is to get your Pap test and HPV vaccine on schedule, and to have regular checkups with your doctor.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of cervical cancer is made by a combination of physical examination and laboratory tests. The doctor will perform a pelvic examination to look for any abnormalities, including lumps or discharge. In addition, he or she may perform a Pap test to look for abnormal cells in the cervix. If these tests are inconclusive, additional tests may be performed.

The following are common methods used to diagnose cervical cancer: Pap smear: A sample of cells from the cervix is collected with a brush or spatula and examined under a microscope for abnormalities; this helps determine if further testing is needed.

Colposcopy: A device called a colposcope is used to magnify the cervix; this allows the doctor to see any abnormal areas more clearly.

Endocervical Curettage: A small amount of tissue from the lining of the uterus (endocervix) is removed with a spoon-shaped instrument called a curette; this is done when other tests are not conclusive enough to determine if there are abnormal cells present on the surface of your cervix.

Laser Biopsy: This procedure uses high-intensity light energy (laser) to remove suspicious areas that may contain cancerous cells from your cervix.

Treatment

The treatment of cervical cancer depends on the stage at which it is diagnosed. If a precancerous lesion (called dysplasia) is detected, it can be treated with laser ablation or cryotherapy. If the cancer is discovered at an early stage, it can be treated with surgery to remove the cancerous tissue and surrounding lymph nodes, as well as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Advanced cervical cancer can be treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or surgery. Surgical options include radical hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), radical trachelectomy (removal of uterus plus cervix), radical parametrectomy (removal of uterus plus upper part of vagina), and pelvic lymph node dissection (removal of lymph nodes).

We at Burjeel Medical City provide the best treatment for Cervical Cancer. We have a team of experienced gyneco-oncologists who are specialized in treating this disease. We also have the latest technology and equipment to ensure the best possible results.

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Prostate Cancer – Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. The prostate is a gland that makes some of the fluid that helps to nourish and transport sperm. Prostate cancer starts when cells in the prostate grow abnormally and crowd out normal tissue. The tumor grows slowly at first, but as it gets bigger, it can damage nearby tissues, causing pain and other problems. Most prostate cancers grow slowly and do not spread to other parts of the body. But some are aggressive and have a high chance of spreading to other organs, such as the bones and lymph nodes.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

The most common signs are:

  • Difficulty urinating, either dribbling or a weak flow
  • A feeling that you have to urinate more often than usual
  • Pain or burning while urinating
  • Blood in your urine or semen

Causes of Prostate Cancer

It’s estimated that more than 40% of men will develop prostate cancer at some point. The causes of prostate cancer are not well understood, but researchers have found that certain factors can increase a man’s risk of developing it. These include

Age: As men get older, their risk of developing increases. It is more common in men over the age of 50.

Diet: Eating a diet high in red meat or dairy products may increase your risk.

Family History: If a close relative has been diagnosed with the condition, you’re at higher risk for developing it yourself.

Infection: Infection by the sexually transmitted virus HPV increases your risk of developing both low-grade and high-grade prostate cancers.

Diagnosis

Prostate cancer is diagnosed by a combination of physical examination, blood tests, and biopsies.

Physical Examination. The doctor will examine the prostate for swelling, lumps, or other abnormalities. The doctor may also order a digital rectal exam (DRE) to check the prostate for lumps and abnormalities.

Blood Tests Determine elevated levels of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) and DRE2-3 (a protein produced by many cancers).

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) may also be performed to identify any abnormalities in the prostate.

Biopsy. The diagnosis of prostate cancer can be confirmed with a biopsy of tissue samples taken from your prostate gland during an examination known as a transrectal ultrasound guided needle biopsy (TRUS-NB). This procedure involves inserting an ultrasound probe into your rectum so that the doctor can see inside your body and guide a thin needle over your prostate gland.

Treatment

Treatment of prostate cancer varies based on the disease’s stage and the patient’s age. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy. 

Radiation therapy is used for patients with early-stage disease that has not spread to local lymph nodes and for patients with advanced-stage disease that is confined to the prostate gland. In external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), a machine directs a beam of high-energy radiation at the tumor from outside the body. 

Brachytherapy involves placing radioactive seeds directly inside or around the tumor. 

Hormone therapy involves taking drugs such as luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists (LHRH agonists) or antiandrogens to stop testosterone production in men who have advanced prostate cancer. The goal of hormonal treatment is to reduce levels of testosterone circulating in the bloodstream so that tumors do not grow as quickly as they would if testosterone levels were normal. 

Chemotherapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation therapy, to treat advanced prostate cancer that has spread beyond its primary location (metastatic).

Surgery for Prostate Cancer

Surgery for prostate cancer involves removing the prostate gland or part of it. This surgery is called radical prostatectomy (RP). There are two types of RPs: open and robotic-assisted laparoscopic. The type of surgery you have depends on your tumor size and location, age, and other factors.

Radical prostatectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the prostate gland, including some surrounding tissue and lymph nodes. The surgeon makes an incision in the lower abdomen and removes the prostate gland through that opening. A catheter may be inserted into the urethra so urine can flow freely afterward. The surgeon then repairs any damage done during surgery, closes the incision, and stitches up any remaining skin openings on each side of the scrotum (in males).

At Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, we are dedicated to providing the best possible care for patients with prostate cancer. Our experienced team of uro-oncologists is committed to providing the highest quality of care and treatment for our patients. We understand the importance of providing comprehensive care for prostate cancer and are dedicated to providing the best possible outcomes for our patients. With our cutting-edge technology and expertise, we strive to provide the best possible care for our patients and ensure that they have the best chance.

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Lung Cancer – Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the lungs divide uncontrollably and form tumors. These tumors can block airflow to the lungs, making breathing difficult for people with the condition. It most often develops in the tissues of the bronchi, which are the airways that carry oxygen-rich air from your mouth to your lungs. It can also develop in other parts of the lung, including the pleura (the lining between your lungs and chest wall), alveoli (small sacs where oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide), lymph nodes within the chest cavity, or space in between the lungs.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

The symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses, so it can be difficult to tell if you have the condition. The most common symptoms include:

  • Changes in your cough
  • Chest pain, which may be worse when you breathe deeply
  • Shortness of breath, which may be worse when you lie down
  • Blood in your phlegm (spit) or coughing up blood

Causes of Lung Cancer

It is the second most common type of cancer in the world, and it is the leading cause of cancer-related death. It’s also one of the most preventable cancers: quitting smoking lowers your risk by 50%. But what are some other causes of lung cancer? Here are some of the more common ones:

  • Exposure to secondhand smoke
  • Radon gas exposure
  • Air pollution (including particulate matter)
  • Diesel exhaust fumes

Diagnosis

It is diagnosed by a combination of physical examination, imaging, and biopsy. Imaging tests include chest X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, and ultrasounds. These tests will show whether or not you have any tumors in your lungs. Finally, a biopsy is performed to confirm the presence of lung cancer. A sample of tissue is taken from the tumor under local anesthesia.

Treatment

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The five-year survival rate for lung cancer patients is only 16 percent. There are several types of treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy.

Surgery is used to remove tumors in the lung or nearby lymph nodes.

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. Targeted therapy uses drugs that block the growth and spread of cancer cells. The best treatment depends on your age, health, and type of lung cancer. If you or your loved ones have lung cancer, talk with your doctor about the best treatment options for you.

Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, is one of the leading cancer treatment centers in the Middle East. The hospital offers a wide range of treatment options for lung cancer patients, including surgery and radiation therapy. The center also offers advanced diagnostic technologies, such as CT and MRI scans, to identify the stage of your cancer.

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Liver Cancer – Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Liver cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells form in the liver. The word “liver” can also refer to other abdominal organs that perform similar functions, including the gallbladder, stomach, and pancreas. Liver cancer may also be called hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which means “cancer of the liver.” The liver is a large gland in the upper right of the abdomen. It performs many functions, including detoxifying blood, producing bile to help digest fats, and storing vitamins A and D. The liver also helps regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels by converting excess glucose into glycogen for storage in muscles or fat cells.

Symptoms of Liver Cancer

The symptoms depend on the stage of cancer. In general, symptoms include:

  • Vomiting (nausea) or feeling like you can’t keep anything down
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and whites of the eyes)
  • Loss of appetite or weight loss -Fatigue or weakness

Causes of Liver Cancer

A number of different factors causes liver cancer. Some of these include:

  • Hepatitis B and C infections
  • Liver diseases, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Obesity

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection accounts for about one-third of all cases of HCC worldwide and about 70% in Asia. Other causes include hepatitis C virus (HCV), cirrhosis due to alcohol abuse, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Diagnosis

It is diagnosed with imaging, blood tests, and biopsies. Imaging can be done with ultrasound, CT, MRI, or PET scans.

  • An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce an image of the liver on a monitor.
  • CT scans use X-rays to create three-dimensional images of internal structures. MRIs use radio waves and magnetic fields to generate images of the body’s internal structures.
  • PET scans use a small amount of radioactive material that attaches itself to cancer cells so the scanner can detect them.
  • Blood tests check for certain proteins in the blood that may indicate cancerous tissue growth. These proteins include AFP (alpha fetoprotein), CA 19–9 (carbohydrate antigen 19–9), and CA 72–4 (carbohydrate antigen 72–4).
  • Biopsies are performed on the liver tissue to confirm whether or not cancer is present.

Treatment

Liver cancer is a serious disease that can be fatal if not treated. The main goal of treatment is to cure cancer, but this may not always be possible. Treatment options depend on the type and stage of your liver cancer.

The main treatment options for early-stage liver cancer include surgery and chemotherapy.

Surgery may include a partial hepatectomy (removing part of your liver) or a liver transplant.

More advanced tumors may require chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Liver transplantation is an option for patients who have a liver tumor that cannot be removed by surgery or when their tumors have spread to other parts of their body. The surgery involves removing the patient’s diseased liver and replacing it with a healthy one from another person or donor organ.

Experts in the Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Transplantation at Burjeel Medical City (BMC), Abu Dhabi, treats patients suffering from liver, pancreas, and biliary system ailment.

Liver Cancer & Transplant Expert

Dr. Rehan Saif

Director of Transplant Surgery for Burjeel Abdominal Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Clinical Lead HPB Surgery, Consultant General Surgery

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Breast Cancer – Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the breast. It develops when cells in the breast begin to grow out of control. It can spread to other parts of the body, including lymph nodes and other organs. The most common types of breast cancer are ductal carcinoma and lobular carcinoma. These cancers usually start in the milk ducts or lobules. Other types include inflammatory breast cancer, Paget’s disease of the nipple, and atypical hyperplasia. On a global scale, breast cancer is women’s most common form of cancer. It affects more than 1.7 million people each year and accounts for 25% of all cancers diagnosed among women.

Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Triple Negative Breast Cancer Triple negative breast cancer is a rare form of cancer that does not have any of the three hormone receptors, estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2). Triple negative breast cancers make up about 15% of all breast cancers. Triple-negative means that the cancer cells do not have receptors for three important hormones: estrogen, progesterone, or HER2.

This is different from other types of breast cancer that may be hormone-receptor positive or hormone-receptor negative. The absence of these receptors makes triple-negative breast cancers more difficult to treat than other types of breast cancer because they don’t respond to hormone therapy drugs that target these receptors. Treatment options for triple-negative breast cancer include chemotherapy and radiation therapy. But researchers are working on new treatments that target specific genetic mutations found in some patients with this type of breast cancer.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

  • A lump or thickening in one or both breasts
  • Nipple discharge other than breast milk
  • Inverted nipple
  • Pain or tenderness in one or both breasts or underarm area
  • Skin irritation or dimpling of the breast skin
  • A change in the size or shape of one breast

Causes and Risk Factors

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. It occurs when cells in the breast start to grow uncontrollably. The most common type is ductal carcinoma, which forms in the breast milk ducts. Other types include lobular carcinoma, inflammatory carcinoma, medullary carcinoma, papillary carcinoma, and Paget’s disease. The exact cause isn’t known, but certain factors may increase your risk for developing it. These include:

  • Age – Most cases occur after age 40; however, breast cancer can develop in younger women. Women who have a family history of breast cancer or have had their ovaries removed before menopause have a higher risk of developing the disease than other women.
  • Family History – Having a close relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer increases your risk of developing it yourself by up to 10 times that of women who don’t have this history in their family. Having two or more close relatives with breast cancer greatly increases your risk (by as much as 20 times).
  • Genetic disorders – Certain genetic disorders, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can increase your risk of developing the condition by up to 60%.
  • Lifestyle – Factors such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and being overweight can increase your risk for developing the condition.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis begins with a thorough physical examination. The doctor will look for lumps or abnormalities in your breasts and feel the lymph nodes in your armpits to see whether they have become swollen. If you have any suspicious lumps, the doctor may recommend a mammogram, ultrasound, breast MRI, or biopsy.

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast used to detect tumors. An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your internal organs and tissues.

A breast MRI uses magnetic waves to create images of your internal organs and tissues.

A biopsy involves taking small samples of tissue from suspicious areas during an operation or from cells taken from a needle inserted into a lump or mass during a diagnostic test.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the stage at which it is detected. Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. 

Surgery is one of the main treatments and can be performed either by lumpectomy or mastectomy. 

Lumpectomy involves removing only the tumor and surrounding tissue without removing any lymph nodes or other organs. 

Mastectomy involves removing all or part of the breast as well as some lymph nodes under the arm. Radiation therapy is a treatment option for all stages. It is used to shrink tumors and destroy cancer cells before surgery or when surgery is not possible due to tumor location or size. 

Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells in your body by stopping them from growing and dividing properly. 

Hormone therapy is a treatment that blocks estrogen production in women who have estrogen-receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer, which can help slow down or stop tumor growth in these patients by blocking estrogen receptors in breast tissue.

The Breast Care Clinic at Burjeel Medical City is a leading provider of comprehensive breast care services for women. Our team of expert physicians, surgeons, and nurses work together to provide the best possible care for every patient in a comfortable, supportive setting.

We offer a full range of services from diagnostic mammography through breast surgery, including lumpectomy, mastectomy, and breast reconstruction. Our facility is one of the most modern and advanced in the UAE, with state-of-the-art equipment that allows us to provide you with the best care.

Colon Cancer – Symptoms, Causes ,and Treatment

Colon cancer is a disease that affects the colon, which is the part of the digestive system between the stomach and the anus. Colon cancer can occur anywhere in the large intestine (colon) or rectum. The colon is responsible for absorbing fluids from foods and turning them into waste. The most common type of colon cancer begins in cells lining the large intestine’s inner surface. This type of cancer is called adenocarcinoma, and it can start in any part of your colon. It may also affect other areas of your body, including your appendix, rectum, or blood vessels. These are called secondary cancers.

Symptoms of Colon Cancer

The symptoms include:

  • Blood in the stool
  • Unintended weight loss
  • Persistent abdominal pain or cramps
  • A feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount of food

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact causes are unknown, but research has shown that several factors increase your risk of developing it.

Age: Older people have a greater risk for developing colon cancer. This is because our bodies become less able to fight off germs and other things that can cause cancer as we age.

Gender: Men and women have different risks for colon cancer. Men tend to develop it at a younger age than women and are more likely to have hereditary forms of the disease. Women are more likely to develop colon cancer from environmental factors such as diet or lifestyle choices like smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol heavily over many years, which can lead to chronic inflammation in the body (inflammation increases your risk for most types of cancer).

Family History: If your parents or other close relatives had colon cancer, you might be more likely to develop it yourself. Having Lynch syndrome (a genetic condition) also increases your risk of developing colorectal cancers because it causes changes in DNA repair genes that damage chromosomes over time, making cells more likely to divide uncontrollably when they shouldn’t be dividing.

Genetic Mutations: The genes that control cell growth may be damaged by aging or exposure to chemicals. These changes may cause cells to grow in an uncontrolled way and form a tumor.

Diet: A diet high in fat and red meat has been linked to colon cancer. Dairy products may also increase your risk of developing colon cancer. Studies show that people who consume more fruits and vegetables have a lower risk of developing the disease.

Lifestyle: Some studies suggest that smoking increases your risk of developing the condition, while others have found no link between tobacco use and this type of cancer. Obesity may also increase your risk for this type of cancer by causing chronic inflammation in the body.

Diagnosis of Colon Cancer

A doctor diagnoses the condition via a physical exam, blood tests, and imaging tests. The most common method of diagnosis is a colonoscopy, an endoscope that allows the doctor to view and examine the inside of the colon. A biopsy may be taken during this procedure to confirm or rule out cancer. A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is another common method of diagnosing the condition.

Treatment

Colon cancer is treated through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Surgery is the most common treatment for this type fo cancer, and it involves removing the affected area of the colon through an incision made in the abdomen. This type of surgery may be performed along with other procedures to remove any tumors that have spread into nearby lymph nodes or tissues, such as lymphadenectomy or a resection. If the entire colon has been removed, your doctor may recommend an ostomy procedure to create an opening in your abdomen so waste can leave your body.

Chemotherapy may be used to treat the condition. It cannot be removed by surgery or if it has spread to other parts of your body. Chemotherapy uses drugs that destroy cancer cells and stop them from growing or spreading further. Radiation therapy is often used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells in your body.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target tumors and kill any remaining cancer cells.

At Burjeel Medical City, our expert team of gastroenterologists, gastrointestinal surgeons, and oncologists provide treatment for colon cancer. We offer a range of treatments, from minimally invasive surgery to chemotherapy and radiation therapies. Our team can help you manage the symptoms of your condition and ensure that you receive the best possible treatment plan for your situation. We understand that dealing with colon cancer can be overwhelming, but we are here to guide you through each step.