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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.

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are a group of clonal hematopoietic disorders characterized by increased production of immature blood cells.

Types of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

There are three types of MPN:

Polycythaemia Vera (PV) is a chronic blood disorder in which the body produces too many red blood cells, leading to an increase in the volume of blood and subsequent swelling. PV can also cause anemia, with insufficient red blood cells. Excessing red blood cells can lead to blockage in blood vessels, which may cause symptoms such as leg or abdominal pain or headaches.

Essential Thrombocythaemia (ET) is a rare genetic disorder that causes an increased number of platelets in the blood. This can lead to excessive bruising and bleeding, as well as clotting issues, if too many platelets are present in the bloodstream.

Myelofibrosis (MF) is a condition where bone marrow becomes abnormal and cannot produce normal amounts of blood cells. This condition can cause anemia due to abnormal red blood cell production and excessive bleeding due to low platelet counts.

Causes of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

The causes of myeloproliferative neoplasms are not well understood. Myeloproliferative neoplasms are thought to occur when there is an imbalance between the body’s production and the destruction of blood cells.

Diagnosis

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) can be diagnosed by a variety of approaches, including,

Symptoms: Patients with anemia or thrombocytopenia may present with fatigue, headaches, weakness, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds.

Physical Examination: The presence of splenomegaly (enlarged spleen) or hepatomegaly (enlarged liver) will be noted on physical exam. Additional findings may include enlarged lymph nodes or bone marrow hypercellularity.

Laboratory Tests: A complete blood count is a common laboratory test used to diagnose MPNs, as it can indicate anemia and thrombocytopenia. Other lab tests may include liver function tests, iron studies, and serum protein electrophoresis.

Bone Marrow Biopsy: A bone marrow biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing MPNs; however, this test is invasive and can cause serious complications if not performed correctly by a trained physician who has experience performing these procedures in patients with compromised immune systems

Treatment

Treatment for MPNs depends on the disorder type and the symptoms’ severity. Treatment options may include medications, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplantation.

Medications: Medications such as hydroxyurea, anagrelide, and interferon-alpha are commonly used to reduce the production of abnormal blood cells and reduce symptoms.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy destroys abnormal cells and reduces the risk of complications. It is often used in combination with other treatments.

Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy is used to target and destroy abnormal cells. It is usually used in combination with other treatments.

Stem Cell Transplantation: Stem cell transplantation is used to replace abnormal cells with healthy ones. It is usually used in combination with other treatments.

Hematologists and Bone Marrow Transplantation experts at Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, treat Myeloproliferative Neoplasms with the latest medical advancements.

Bell’s palsy is a medical condition in which one side of the face becomes paralyzed due to facial nerve damage. This condition was named after Sir Charles Bell, a Scottish surgeon who described it for the first time in 1821.

The facial nerve controls the muscles of the face, and when it is damaged, the muscles on that side of the face weaken or become paralyzed. This causes the affected side’s face, eyelids, and mouth to be immobile.

What Causes Bell’s Palsy?

The cause of Bell’s palsy is unknown, but it appears to be related to facial nerve inflammation. It is thought to be caused by a viral infection, such as herpes simplex virus or varicella-zoster virus, which can cause facial nerve inflammation and swelling.

Other potential triggers include facial trauma, diabetes, Lyme disease, and high blood pressure.

What are the Symptoms?

Bell’s palsy symptoms include facial weakness or paralysis on one side of the face, drooping eyelids or corners of the mouth, difficulty closing the eye on the affected side, an inability to make facial expressions, and eye or mouth dryness.

How is Bell’s Palsy Treated?

This condition can be extremely distressing for the person affected because it causes them to appear drastically different from their normal selves. Fortunately, it can be treated in a variety of ways.

Some treatment may be necessary, depending on the severity of the condition, while others may be extremely beneficial.

Corticosteroid medication is the most commonly used for treatment. This medication helps reduce the severity of the symptoms by reducing inflammation of the facial nerve. Other medications, such as antivirals, may be prescribed in addition to corticosteroids.

Physical therapy is another common Bell’s palsy treatment. Physical therapy helps to strengthen and improve the range of motion of the facial muscles. This can help to alleviate symptoms and improve the appearance of the affected side of the face.

Finally, the best Bell’s palsy treatment will be determined by the severity of the condition and the individual’s overall health. Working with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment plan is essential. With the right treatment, you can lessen the severity of the symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Expert Neurologist in Abu Dhabi

Dr. Halprashanth D.S

Consultant Neurology

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Years of Experience: 11

Nationality: India

Languages Known: English, Urdu, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil

Low carbohydrate diet for diabetes typically limits total carbohydrate intake to between 130 and 150 grams per day, with at least half coming from vegetables and fruits. The remaining amount should come from whole grains, legumes and dairy products.

Did you know that restricting carbohydrates is not an excellent way to manage diabetes and may even cause hypoglycemia? 

All of the carbohydrates you consume are converted into glucose. The type and amount of sugar you consume can impact your blood glucose levels and diabetes management.

Carbohydrates come in various forms, including simple sugars (white sugar, white bread, white rice juice, and so on), complex carbohydrates (whole grain bread, brown rice, and so on), and fibers.

If you have diabetes and use insulin, you must keep track of your carbohydrate intake.

Learn which foods contain carbohydrates, how to estimate carbohydrate portions, and how to track the effect of carbohydrates on blood glucose levels.

Evidence suggests that the quality of carbohydrates, rather than the quantity, is more important for overall health and blood glucose control.

The glycemic index (GI), glycemic load, and fiber content were used to assess the quality of carbohydrates.

Foods with a lower glycemic index, in general, can help manage blood glucose levels by slowing the release of sugar into the blood.

More importantly, choosing foods high in fiber and whole grains over refined carbohydrates like white bread is better for our health and lowers our risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

It is also known that certain carbohydrate-containing foods, such as fruits and vegetables, are associated with good overall health.

Wholegrain bread and cereals are examples of low-glycemic-index foods.

Rather than fruit juices, eat whole fruits.

Eating an apple with the peel on, for example, contains more fiber and less sugar than drinking apple juice, which contains more sugar and fewer fibers.

As an alternative to white rice, try quinoa and bulgur wheat.

Low-carb sources of protein include legumes.

The carbohydrate serving size in your food is critical for blood glucose control.

Personal needs and body composition analysis are used to calculate the number of servings. This is thoroughly discussed with your dietitian and planned based on your preferences and needs.

Finally, by reducing carbohydrates or following a low carbohydrate diet for diabetes, we can reduce the calorie content of food; as a result, overweight or obese people with type 2 diabetes mellitus will benefit and lose weight, aiding blood glucose management.

Following a low carbohydrate diet for diabetes will result in good glycemic control in the long run.

Always remember to eat better, not less.

Experienced Diabetes Dietitian in Abu Dhabi

Ms. Dina Aldarweesh

Clinical Dietitian 

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Years of Experience: 4

Nationality: Jordan

Languages Known: English, Arabic