Kidney, Urinary, Gastro Intestinal, Liver

In most cases, due to late diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer, the mean survival period is less than 6 months. In such cases, management of Pancreatic Cancer should include: Palliative chemotherapy helps reduce the symptoms of pancreatic cancer thus improving the quality of life for the patient. Be sure to discuss side-effects with your Oncologist before starting. Pain management with opioid analgesics, nerve blocks and morphine (at later stages). Relief of duct blockages using a stent during ERCP…

In order to diagnose Pancreatic Cancer and to determine the staging of Pancreatic Cancer, the following tests are used by medical professional  Blood test: To check on liver and kidney functioning. Tumor marker: Blood drawn to check levels of CA 19-9. Note: not all pancreatic cancers produce this marker! Ultrasound: Abdominal ultrasound is required to check pancreas and surrounding organs. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): This is an ultrasound guided endoscopy (insertion of a thin tube with a…

The exact cause of most Pancreatic cancers is still unknown but there are established risk factors that greatly increase the likelihood of getting cancer in the pancreas. Most risk factors affect or alter the DNA of the cells that causes abnormal growth of cells; such DNA mutations can also be due to inherited genes. The most common type of pancreatic cancer is Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Risk factors of Pancreatic Cancer: Tobacco use: this includes both smoking and smokeless…

In our AsktheDoctor series, Dr Shailesh Shrikhande of Tata Memorial, Mumbai helps us better understand one of the most sudden and deadly cancers - Pancreatic Cancer. Also its relation with diabetes and the need for palliative surgery.  1.    There was a report on rising incidence of pancreatic cancer in India. What are the possible reasons? According to SEER database (2008-2012), incidence of the pancreatic cancer is static globally (including India) and incidence in India…

Here are the top 10 articles read in 2017 covering a wide range of topics from diabetes, hypertension, chemotherapy diet, risks of bedridden patients, gastritis, rheumatoid arthritis and platelets. Did you miss any of them?  1. What to Eat during Chemotherapy treatment for Cancer Patients with cancer experience a loss of appetite and a change in taste during treatment, especially chemotherapy. Here are some tasty and healthy tips provided by CPAA that can help you cope with…

Bariatric-surgery or weight-loss surgery has been shown to help improve or reverse many obesity-related conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and more. Dr. Jaydeep Palep, Bariatric Surgeon at Nanavati Hospital, provides in-depth information on how it can have a positive effect on the health of obese individuals. Bariatric surgery has emerged as a treatment option for obesity and is increasingly recognized to have benefits for glycemic management in patients…

Usha Jerome, who was diagnosed with upper rectal cancer at 62, talks candidly about her symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and how she heroically fought the darkest period of her life. Where shall I begin? Perhaps with Dr Naresh Bhat, an eminent and accomplished gastroenterologist in Bangalore. It was strange that when we met him on the morning of June 19, 2011, he was his usual charming self. Later that evening, after the colonoscopy, his expression was totally grave and grim. Even at that point,…

As part of our focus on men's health, we talk to urologist Dr. Vinit Shah about erectile dysfunction caused by cancer treatment and the strategies that may be employed to prevent and manage ED 1.    What are the most common pelvic cancer symptoms for men? Very often pelvic cancers are detected only in later stages as the organs they affect are deep seated and therefore the symptoms are often absent or silent. However one must have a high index of suspicion in all cases of…

It is estimated that nearly 15 lakh prostate cancer cases among men are detected in India every year, of which 85 per cent are stage four cancers. We speak to Dr Ajay Mehta, Director & Oncosurgeon, HCG-NCHRI Cancer Centre, Nagpur, on prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment and how to reduce risks with healthy diet and lifestyle. What is prostate cancer? Prostate is a walnut sized gland located between the bladder and the penis. Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer in men. Prostate…

Asha Sarella, a Bengaluru-based Bharatanatyam dancer, movement therapist, and a counsellor, talks about how her life changed after embracing a vegan diet. I just finished my dance practice and I feel so good. This was not the case few years ago. I had joint pains, heart burns and I was also overweight. My body would feel heavy, stiff and tired. I went to a Naturopathy (vegan) doctor with all these concerns; he examined me and asked me to do food testing for 3 days. He asked me to make some food…