Cancer

Abdominal Cancer
Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is actually a fairly common form of cancer, ranking 11th amongst cancers in total number of cases this year. However, pancreatic cancer is known for hiding under the radar. Known as the “silent” cancer, many early forms of pancreatic cancer go undetected.

To help our community better understand when to get tested, the Surgery Group of Los Angeles have made this little brochure to help you know when to speak to a doctor about a possible case of pancreatic cancer.

Stage 1: Set up a physical, talk to your doctor but you might be fine

The problem with pancreatic cancer is that the symptoms of early-stage of pancreatic cancer are so easy to confuse with every other stomach disease.

  • Pain in the abdomen or stomach
  • Bloating
  • Loss and appetite
  • Difficulty pooping

Can mean pancreatic cancer, but it could mean dehydration, hemorrhoids, or simply not enough fiber. The key is to speak to your doctor once it becomes chronic – more than two weeks. Even if it’s not pancreatic cancer you may need 

Stage 2: It’s probably fine, but talk to the doctor ASAP

If you’re developing any of these symptoms run, don’t walk to your nearest hospital. You don’t need to call 911 necessarily, but it could be an option if you are in great pain.

  • You develop signs of diabetes suddenly or your diabetes gets worse
  • Your poop starts to smell like rotting oil
  • Your poop is bone dry, and takes hours of struggling to pass

These are more serious signs of your pancreas malfunctioning, and you should see a doctor immediately.

Stage 3: Go to a doctor right now

Almost all forms of pancreatic cancer don’t need emergency room treatment. However, some symptoms are so dramatic they are signs that you require a specialist diagnosis and treatment right away.

If you start suffering from:

  • skin and eyes looking yellow (jaundice)
  • Your urine is consistently light brown or orange
  • Unexplained nausea for multiple days

Go to urgent care and let your medical provider know that you may feel that you have developed a form of pancreatic cancer.

The key is to stay calm and not jump to conclusions. Explain your symptoms with your doctor clearly and try to write down how long you’ve experienced these symptoms to help you remember them prior to your appointment.

If you or a loved one believe that you are suffering from these symptoms, speak to your doctor today.

February 21, 2023

Surgery Group LA
Early Signs of Gastric Cancer

Gastric or stomach cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the world, but due to early testing and new research the amount of people dying from stomach cancer has dropped year by year.

Detecting stomach cancer is challenging, however, due to the fact that most symptoms are similar to a host of other digestive issues.

Am I at risk for gastric cancer?

While any chronic digestive symptom should be looked over by a doctor anyways, there are some crucial risk factors that may make you more likely to have gastric cancer.

These risk factors include:

  • Being over the age of 55
  • Smoking and drinking
  • Obesity
  • Previous chronic stomach illnesses

Helicobacter pylori infection 

One infection that is especially likely to cause stomach cancer is Helicobacter pylori infection. This infection is most common in young children and can cause damage to your lining without causing obvious symptoms. 

If you suffer from chronic nausea, and stomach conditions you may be asked about Helicobacter pylori infection. Fortunately, these infections are increasingly rare in the United States due to food contamination regulations.

Early warning signs of stomach cancer

The truth is, a variety of issues could explain every symptom of stomach cancer. Bloating, back pain, trouble eating or pooping, and nausea are common symptoms.

People who suffer from these symptoms may have not followed a decent diet for a few months and are paying for it. Your sleep is way off so now your body is struggling to hold up. If you are under 45, don’t smoke or drink to clear excess, it’s probably something else.

However, if you are:

  • throwing up solid food you just ate
  • Your vomit contains blood
  • Your poop is covered in tarry blood from the inside

These signs are more common only in cases of stomach cancer or cancer-like diseases.

If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms chronically, a doctor visit is never a bad idea.

If you have financial questions, please consult this link for more information.

https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/individuals/Pages/Steps-to-Medi-Cal.aspx

We here at the Surgery Group of Los Angeles are to help you or a loved one if you have specific questions about cancer-related issues. Our team will assist you not just in operating your surgical needs, but help you make billing and insurance simple.

Please speak to a medical professional today about your gastric symptoms.

February 21, 2023

Surgery Group LA
What is Hashimoto’s disease?

If you’re reading this, chances are you might be feeling a little off lately.

Your neck may feel achy and swollen or you are suffering from:

  • Swelling around the neck, especially near your thyroid
  • Unexplained fatigue or sleepiness
  • Hair loss
  • Joint stiffness
  • Brittle nails

If you’re suffering from any of these symptoms, especially for no known reason, your Thyroid may be out of whack. And if your thyroid is out of whack, it most likely is Hashimoto’s disease.

What is Hashimoto’s disease?

Named after the surgeon who discovered it, Hashimoto’s disease is a condition when your immune system starts to automatically attack your thyroid system by mistake.

This can cause serious problems in your body. Specifically, because your thyroid’s job is to make hormones that control how hot and cold you are, even how your bones and joints heal!

Without your thyroid working, your whole body can start to turn on you.

While it is still unclear what causes your immune system to act this way, Hashimoto’s disease is more common in:

  • women,
  • people with diabetes 1, and those
  • people with other genetic disorders.

How do I treat Hashimoto’s disease?

The great news is that Hashimoto’s disease is easily treatable. Often people with Hashimoto’s disease develop no symptoms and can simply go on with their daily lives.

However, for people whose thyroid produces too little hormone, doctors will prescribe synthetic T3 or T4 hormones. If needed, you will probably also need to take this synthetic hormone for the rest of your 

Even still, if your thyroid is in bad enough shape, your doctor may decide that your thyroid is no longer able to function properly. In these cases, your doctor will usually recommend surgery.

How do I treat Hashimotos disease surgically?

Total thyroidectomy is the surgery of choice for most cases of Hashimoto’s disease. Straightaway it gives your medical team great control over the spread of the disease, and dramatically lowers the risk of relapse.

With modern robotic surgical techniques, Thyroidectomies can almost entirely be performed with multiple minimal incisions. 

These incisions are performed using robotic instruments that allow your surgeons the smallest and most efficient cuts possible.

What will life be like after Thyroid surgery?

Your thyroid surgery will usually put you out for a night, but for not much longer. You may experience a hoarse voice, and neck pain over the next few weeks. Be patient with your voice, especially after the first few days.

After surgery treatment is simple. Once your surgery is complete your doctor will prescribe you a synthetic version of the hormones your thyroid produces.

You will need to take these thyroid hormones for the rest of your life. While these hormones should cause no side effects, let your doctor know if you are experiencing:

  • pain in your bones and joints
  • Irregular heart rate
  • Feeling too hot or too cold all the time

If you or a loved one have read this article and believe you have a thyroid problem or condition, speak to a doctor right away.

They can get tested often on the same day.

January 4, 2023

Surgery Group LA
Colon: What is it?

” …Eat more spinach son, good for your Colon! 

…My doctor says I need a colonoscopy!

…Ow! She hit me right in the colon!”

As part of the Surgeon Group of LA’s simple biology tour, we introduce our lovely friend:

The Colon!

Colon:

The largest intestine inside the digestive system, the colon connects the small intestine and the anus and is a crucial part of the entire digestive system. It’s basically where all the good stuff that you need, like water and nutrients, gets absorbed from the food you eat.

Job Description: To completely absorb the nutrients, water, and energy from the partially digested food coming from your Small Intestine

Aliases: Large Intestine, the poop chute, the 5 feet poop maker

Size: 5 feet long, can be approximately 3 inches wide or as low as 1 inch wide depending on the region

Altogether the large intestine gets the food you chew up and turns it into energy. Albeit with poop too.

Myth# 1 Poop takes 72 hours to digest

The truth is, people, vary widely on how long food stays in their colons.

Generally, though, the colon spends anywhere from 12 to 48 hours turning mashed-up food into a waste product.

Myth # 2 You should poop every day

There is simply no medical evidence that backs this up.

The truth again is that people vary widely on how many times they poo, from a few times a day to once every three. If it takes you more than 72 hours in between bowel movements, it may be time to speak to a doctor.

Myth# 3 Red blood in your stool means colon cancer

Darkened, semi-clotted blood inside of your stool may perhaps be a sign of colon cancer.

However, if the blood in your stool is red, and does not come from inside your stool, it could be a sign of:

  • hernia
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Chronic constipation
  • Ulcers

Any blood in your stool = time to see a doctor.

However, most likely after a colonoscopy, your doctor will prescribe some preparation h and a high-fiber diet. No need to panic just yet.

Myth# 4 Fiber is all I need for a good colon

The truth is, you can have all the fiber in the world, but if you:

  • Constantly overweight and obese
  • Smoke
  • Excessively drink

You will highly increase your chance of developing colon problems.

Fiber or juice cleanse be damned.

And on that point.

Myth# 5 Juice cleanses work!

This is the myth that will especially tick off your doctors.

Every once in a while juice cleanses may be a way to reduce calories and increase the number of vitamins you get from fruits and vegetables. However, nearly every study done on juice cleanses show they have no effect on colon health. You’re likely better off adding some green tea and whole fruits to your diet and calling it a day.

Conclusion

With a good diet and exercise plan, checkups, and occasionally an apple or two, your colon should stay good as new. Additionally scheduling a yearly colonoscopy is recommended for adults over 45. Especially if you have colon problems in your family.

If you or a loved one have questions about colon health, schedule an appointment with your doctor today.

January 4, 2023

Surgery Group LA
How to Choose your Oncologist

After you have received your cancer diagnosis it can be a troubling and confusing time. It can feel hard to make any decision let alone an informed one.

Finding the right cancer doctor for you is crucial, which is why we have provided this checklist to help you begin your cancer doctor.

Who does your primary care physician recommend?

Of course it important that any doctor you use is:

  • Experienced in the field or specific type of cancer you worked in
  • Covered by your health insurance plan (aka preferred provider) and has admitting privileges
  • Communicative and speaks your language whether it’s how you talk or speak the language you’re most familiar with

However, get some recommendations! The first conversation with a medical professional you have will probably be the doctor who detected cancer in the first place. Ask them, who you recommend to a loved one in a similar position as my own.

What do the national and online boards have to say?

National directories and online review boards can be great if you feel you’ve entered a review echo chamber and want to expand the field, all for free!!:

  • The American Medical Association Doctor Finder – has great information on almost every licensed physician in the United States
  • The American Board of Medical Specialities – have an option called who’s certified which includes a bunch of useful information like a physician’s specialty, and location and verifies their certificate status
  • The American College of Surgeons – offers the to find a surgeon option, so you can find out which doctors have your specialty, where they operate from, and their contact info

Some non-government sites that are useful include:

  • Zocdoc.com – the great thing about Zocdoc is you can check on their site which insurance they can use – and then set you up with an appointment that same day! Great for getting in touch with an in-network doctor in a convenient way
  • Healthgrades.com – the most comprehensive of the private review options they include 19 million doctors on their listing, with 10 million ratings on their database you can find plenty of helpful patient experience to pull from
  • WebMD.com – with more than 127 million page visits a month the world’s number one symptom finder is now creating a doctor directory. 

It is important however to remember that these websites often rely on private sponsors for revenue and so the integrity of some of their recommendations may be slightly dubious.

Meeting with your new doctor

As soon as you meet your new doctor some crucial questions may include

  • Do you cover my insurance, can I confirm with my health insurance before proceeding?
  • Surgeons: How many operations do they perform of this kind a week? What is their success rate?
  • Is your doctor affiliated with a medical school – can signify they are a leader in their field in this area

Second opinions

Cancer can be treated in a series of different ways so it’s important to talk to multiple specialists before making treatment decisions. Does your doctor suggest radiation? Speak to a surgeon. Does your surgeon recommend surgery? Speak to your doctor next.

While it might feel like you need to make a decision immediately, get the second option first unless it is an emergency.

October 29, 2022

Surgery Group LA
What Detecting the BRCA1 or BRCA2 Gene Mutation means for you?

The term BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 mutation has spread throughout the breast cancer community. 

Let’s help clarify the chatter.

BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes affect the body’s process of replicating and dividing specific calls in the human body. Any mutation of these genes can cause the cells that these genes are responsible for to grow out of hand in troubling ways, causing growth and cancer.

So does having BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 mean I will die from breast cancer or ovarian cancer?

Just because you have a BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 mutation does not mean you will develop breast cancer or that you will perish from cancer.

But the truth is that BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 mutations will increase your chance of breast and ovarian cancer.

About 50 out of 100 women with BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 mutations will develop breast cancer, while 30 out of 100 women will develop ovarian cancer. 

This is compared to 7 out of 100 and less than 1 out of 100 on women without this mutation.

Signs you should be tested for the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 gene mutation:

  • One or both parents possess the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 mutation
  • You are a male with breast cancer
  • Cancer in both breasts
  • Breast cancer in parents before the age of 50

What can I do if have these mutations?

The good news is that their preventative measures you can pursue in order to increase your odds of being cancer free.

Surgery to reduce cancer risk

Prophylactic surgeries of breast tissue, as well as the ovaries and fallopian tubes respectfully, have proven to be effective methods of preventing cancers from forming.

A prophylactic mastectomy has proven to reduce the chance of breast cancer in women with BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 mutations by 90%. 

Prophylactic oophorectomy has also proven to greatly reduce the chance of ovarian cancer in women and has even proven to prevent breast cancer to a certain degree.

Drug Treatments for BRCA 1 and BRCA 2

As effective as prophylactic surgery can be, the results are also dramatic and can be too harsh to bear if there are other alternatives. Drugs like Opalarib are PARP inhibitors, that stop cancer cell ability to repair themselves and their DNA. 

While symptoms vary from person to person, Opalarib can leave weakened, and increase your chance of infection due to the nature of the drug. 

Speak to a medical professional about medical history before considering Opalarib.

While PARP inhibitors have proven effective, medical professionals are working on drugs with lesser side effects and more powerful efficacy by the day.

Speaking to a doctor is key

Dr. Euhus of John Hopkins said better than anyone, “ Recommending any preventive treatment should be based on carefully calculating the actual risk to the patient.” 

If you or a loved one believe that they have BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 mutations, it’s time to speak to a medical professional today.

October 15, 2022

Surgery Group LA
Types of Breast Cancer

Coming into breast cancer awareness month we here at the Surgery Group of Los Angeles would like to key you in on the different types of breast cancer you may face:

Early Stage Cancers

Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) is a noninvasive form of breast cancer. DCIS occurs when abnormal cells begin to form and multiply around the breast’s milk duct. 

Region: Milk Duct

Non-invasive

Highly treatable at early stages

Potential symptoms:

  • Usually, no symptoms but can include:
    • A breast lump
    • Bloody nipple discharge

Lobular Carcinoma in Situ (LCIS) is very similar to DCIS but the abnormal cells begin to form and multiply in lobules or milk glands of the breast. 

Region: Lobular (aka Milk glands)

Noninvasive but can spread to both breasts

Highly treatable at early stages

Potential symptoms:

  • Usually, no symptoms but can include:
    • A breast lump
    • Bloody nipple discharge

Triple Negative Breast Cancer is a form of cancer tumor that does not contain the three most common receptors hormones – breast cancer growth estrogen, progesterone, and Her 2/Neu Gene. 

Because of this TNBC does not respond to common triple hormone therapy.

Region: Varies

Makes up 10 – 15% of cases

Chemotherapy may be the preferred treatment

Breast Cancer during Pregnancy, while not a unique form of cancer, pregnancy brings serious complications to any breast cancer case. 

The traumatic implications this creates might make soon-to-be mothers lose hope, but doctors are working every day to ensure that any treatment plan for pregnant women will also ensure the protection of the unborn child.

Invasive forms of Breast Cancer

Medullary Carcinoma is a rare type of breast ductal cancer but it is very invasive, leading to 3-5 percent of breast cancer cases. Despite its aggressive characteristics, Medullary Carcinoma is less likely to affect the lymph nodes and has a better prognosis than other invasive cancer.

Region: Breast Ducts

Invasive

Likely to require surgery and radiation

Potential symptoms:

  • Can cause breast tissue to feel spongey

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) happens when abnormal cells that have formed about the breast ducts begin to aggressively grow beyond the ducts into other parts of breast tissue.

Region: Starts in the breast ducts but can move into other areas of the breast, and even beyond the breast

Makes up 70 – 80% of breast cancer cases

Most common breast cancer for men

Inflammatory Breast Cancer is an especially fast and aggressive breast cancer that affects the skin and lymph nodes of the breast. Symptoms are often unusual compared to other breast cancers.

Region: Skin and Lymph nodes of breast

IBC require urgent treatment, usually with chemotherapy and surgery.

Potential Symptoms:

  • Constant itching and rashes
  • Small irritations similar to bug bites
  • Skin changes like orange indentations
  • Nipple changes

Metastatic Breast Cancer, also known as Stage 4 breast cancer, means that cancer has spread into other parts of the body including the liver, lungs, bones, and brain.

Depending on the regions that cancer has traveled to symptoms will vary greatly. However metastatic cancer usually causes great pain and weakness in the area it has spread.

You are not alone. There are many different types of breast cancer, and each one has its own story. A cancer diagnosis can be a traumatic and stressful time, but doctors are here to help, if you have any questions about breast cancer and potential symptoms, speak to a doctor right away.

October 15, 2022

Surgery Group LA
What are the symptoms of thyroid problems in Women?

Thyroid glands are a crucial part of your body’s system of organs and hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism and growth. They produce:

  • Thyroxine
  • Triiodothyronine
  • Calcitonin

Having too much or too little of any of these critical hormones can lead to serious problems that can affect your daily life because of the large and often dramatic effect these hormones have in regulating your daily life.

Thyroid disorders can affect any gender and age group, but thyroid problems show themselves differently in the anatomies of women and girls. 

Because women and girls are more likely to develop thyroid issues, it’s important to know the signs, and know what to do about them.

Area of anatomyHyperthyroidismHypothyroidism
Puberty and MenstruationHeavy menstruationLight menstruation or absent period
ReproductionDecreased fertilityMissed Ovulation
Decreased fertility
Pregnancy and PostpartumMiscarriage risk increaseMiscarriage risk increase
Pregnancy complications
MenopauseEarly Onset of MenopauseAbsent Menstrual cycle
Bone healthBones may leak calcium Osteoporosis
Emotional and Mental healthUnexpected NervousnessAnxiety and DepressionHyperactivityMild or severe fatigue
Depression and Hopelessness

1 in 8 American women will develop a thyroid condition in their life, this is because of a woman’s increased chance of autoimmune disorders and the rollercoaster of hormone levels that a woman goes through compared to men.

The thyroid gland has a huge bond with the female reproductive system. When the gland is overactive (hyperthyroid)  or underactive (hypothyroidism) this can cause serious complications.

Thyroid problems can be a burden on your mental and physical health and without the right information, it may have you feeling confused as to what is going on with your body.

With most thyroid conditions, a simple prescription of hormone supplement or anti-thyroid supplement is all you need to get back on the right track. 

If you or a loved one has any questions regarding symptoms synonymous with thyroid situations then let us help you understand how we can help.

October 5, 2022

Surgery Group LA
How to cope with a cancer diagnosis

Cancer as a word is everywhere. On your newsfeed, someone in your family or a friend perhaps. Cancer seems to be all everyone seems to be talking about, and yet for the vast majority of people who get their cancer diagnosis: it’s a huge, huge surprise.

No amount of counseling, support, or information will completely remove the shock and raw wholly. Each person who goes through a cancer journey has a right to approach it in their own way, but we here at the Surgery Group of Los Angeles humbly offer these words of support and advice from our years of experience treating cancer patients.

  1. Talk to someone, who it is up to you – A trusted friend or loved one? Of course. Random person at a bar? Go for it. Your cancer support team? You betcha. Other cancer survivors? Whatever you want. Who that person is is entirely up to you. Stay authentic or work on authenticity, there is no need to be faux cheery or need to discuss deep moody topics just because you have cancer. Talking with other cancer survivors might give you insight into what parts of the cancer journey are completely normal and perhaps bond with people that might understand more than others.
  1. Focus on the treatment options and what you can control, not statistics – There is nothing wrong with learning everything you need to know about your cancer diagnosis and treatment, we recommend it. But don’t get bogged down in the year mortality rates, or which type of cancer is worse, focus on what you can control, like making sure that your treatment plan and the team are crucial and right for your diagnosis.
  2. Advocate for yourself! – Just because your doctor might be a specialist of some pedigree in this diagnosis gives them no excuse to bully or talk down to you. If you feel like your doctor is not giving you a clear and informative picture of your treatment options, and isn’t discussing the complexity of your case with you in full, move on. You know your body better than anyone and you should fight for it.
  3. Maintain who you are – It is a fact that some things will change as your cancer journey commences. You will have times when you suddenly are unable to do things. Focus on what you can do, maintain your physical regimen, or begin a new one. Keep pursuing goals and passion, you may need to focus your energy more on what really matters but keep your life as unchanged as you can.
  4. Eat well and exercise – You and your body are about to go on a journey, make sure that it’s well maintained.

In essence focus on getting healthy and staying connected to the things and people that you love and trust. It’s good advice for anyone, but in a sea of misinformation and shocking articles, please consider this a healthy reminder that this is your journey, it is unique and will have its own complexities, and you don’t have to listen to anyone but knowledge and yourself. 

If you or a loved one is processing a cancer diagnosis and would like to speak with someone who can help contact a medical professional today.

September 16, 2022

Surgery Group LA
How to do a breast self-exam

The Surgery Group of LA would like to humbly suggest that all women perform a breast self-examination every month in a communal effort to help detect breast cancer earlier and save lives. 

This is because thirty to forty percent of breast cancer cases were detected by feeling a lump. Breast self-examinations are also amazing ways for women to become more familiar with the look and feel of their breasts and to detect changes quickly if they arrive.

So how do I actually perform a breast self-examination?

A breast self-exam requires you to visually see your breasts and feel them for about 5 minutes, every month. 

The optimal time to perform one is approximately 3-7 days after the first day of your period when your breasts are less tender and lumpy.

Who needs to do them?

Women in their 20’s and 30’s are strongly urged to do self-exams, but it’s never too early or too late to start. 

This is because women aren’t required to have regular mammography screenings until age 40 and can be a quick and affordable line of detection while the risk of breast cancer is still too low to need constant medical supervision.

Woman over the age of 40 are recommended to get a mammogram every year as well, but they are also encouraged to perform a monthly self-examination to increase the chance of detection as cancer risk rise.

What do I do if I find a lump?

The first thing to remember is that some changes in the breast can be normal. 

Breast changes even if they might require some medical attention, are usually not cancer. More likely reasons include period issues, birth control pills, pregnancy complications or the pregnancy itself, aging, and menopause.

Which lumps are most likely to be cancerous?

Keep an eye out for hard and painless lumps, especially if they come with an odd or strange texture. 

The size of the change has no relation to whether it’s minor or not, or cancer or not. Any changes in verified lumps, the breast skin, and the nipple area should be checked out by a doctor.

What are common tips and mistakes?

Generally speaking, you want your hands to be clean and moisturized ideally. Doing it in the shower can be a great way for you to really get a feel without causing too much irritation. Focus on a pattern and use the pads, not the nails of your fingers. Don’t try to feel it all at one pressure, try to oscillate between soft and tough as go.

Avoid:

  • Rushing
  • Performing them right before or right during your period
  • Missing key spots near the upper chest and armpit

Performing breast self-examinations maybe anxiety inducing but they are the best way to detect changes in the breast, and not for yourself if your breasts are as they should or not. If something is happening to your breasts that is abnormal for you, make sure your doctor knows right away.

August 30, 2022

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About Surgery Group LA

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