Specialized Skin-Cancer Surgery

Certain cases of skin cancer pose difficulties because they are recurrent or located in cosmetically sensitive areas with little surrounding skin, such as the upper lip, nose, eyelids or ears. These cases lend themselves to the special type of surgery known as Moh's micrographic surgery. This outpatient procedure involves the removal of a thin horizontal disc of tissue that is deemed to be the smallest amount that could possibly remove the tumor. The piece of tissue is then examined under the microscope to look for the evidence of tumor cells on the edges of the sample. If any are found, another thin layer of tissue is removed and examined. This procedure is repeated until no evidence of cancer can be detected.

Moh's micrographic surgery is one of a number of techniques available for removing skin cancers. In the cases in which this skin-sparing procedure is indicated and can adequately remove all the cancer, it may take the place of more radical surgery that might have caused severe scarring and disfigurement. If you notice any new skin growths or changes in existing growths, have them checked by your doctor.

6 Ways to Manage High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) is called the silent killer because many people who have it don't know it. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80. Know your blood pressure and remember to check it regularly. Doing so can save your life. Here are some things you can do to help control your blood pressure.

Choose heart-healthy foods
Select low-salt, low-fat foods. Limit canned, dried, cured, packaged and fast foods, which can contain a lot of salt. Ask your doctor about the DASH eating plan.
Eat eight to 14 servings of fruits and vegetables every day.
Choose lean meats, fish and chicken.
Eat whole-grain pasta, brown rice and beans.
Eat two to three servings of law-fat or fat-free dairy products every day.
Maintain a healthy weight
Ask your health care provider how many calories to eat a day. Then stick to that number.
Ask your health care provider what weight range is healthiest for you. If you are overweight, weight loss of only 10 pounds can help lower blood pressure.
Limit snacks and sweets.
Get regular exercise.
Get up and get active
Choose activities you enjoy. Find ones you can do with friends or family.
Park farther away from building entrances.
Use stairs instead of the elevator.
When you can, walk or bike instead of driving.
Rake leaves, garden or do household repairs.
Be active for at least 30 minutes a day, most days of the week.
Manage stress
Make time to relax and enjoy life. Find time to laugh.
Visit with family and friends, and keep up with hobbies,
Limit alcohol and quit smoking
Men should have no more than two drinks a day.
Women should have no more than one drink a day.
Talk with your health care provider about quitting smoking. Smoking increases your risk for heart disease and stroke. Ask about local or community programs that can help.
Take your medications
If lifestyle changes aren't enough, your health care provider may prescribe high blood pressure medicine. Take all medications as prescribed.

Case Study

Ms Nicole Cantik, a Singaporean, had been suffering from chronic neck pain for six months. She tried medication and physiotherapy but they only gave her temporary relief from her neck pain. Ms Cantik was also unable to exercise without feeling pain after each workout.

Her MRI scan showed that she had a contained disc herniation at the C5/6 cervical disc. Two weeks after Nucleoplasty was performed on her, Ms Cantik's neck pain is completely gone.

As a result, she is now able to swim regularly and has thus regained her figure.

Courtesy By:
SANDRA SURBRUGG M.D.

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