Monthly Archives: September 2019

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Month

9/16/2019

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of infertility in females, affecting about 5 million women of reproductive age in the United States, according to the CDC. Women who suffer from PCOS can be resistant to insulin, which they cannot effectively use, even if it is still produced. PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can cause women to have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone levels.

The symptoms of PCOS can begin to develop around the first months of menstrual period when a girl starts going through puberty. PCOS can be diagnosed when some of the symptoms begin to appear, such as irregular periods, excess androgen, and polycystic ovaries. The cause of PCOS is unknown, some of the factors can be excess insulin, excess androgen, and hereditary. The effects of this can result in infertility and miscarriages.

If you or someone you know suffers from PCOS and would like a better understanding of how to treat it contact us. Our American Board Certified doctors will give you a second opinion to guide you to the best treatment option for you.

National ITP Awareness Month

9/16/2019

September is Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) Awareness Month. This disorder happens as a result of very low platelets, which are the cells that help blood clot. This disorder causes the immune system to attack and destroy platelets. Because of the low platelets, there is usually easy bruising or excessive bleeding, being most common among young women.

The signs or symptoms are not always present, but when they are it can include symptoms such as easy or excessive bruising or bleeding, blood in urine or stools, and heavy menstrual flow. This disease can sometimes be caused as a result of infections, such as HIV or hepatitis. For some, especially children ITP can begin after a viral infection such as mumps.

Some of the ways to treat ITP include medications or surgery in a severe condition. If you or someone you know has ITP, it is important to avoid playing sports and watch out for infections. If you were given a specific treatment, such as surgery, SecondOpinions.com is available 24/7 to give you an opinion that will help find the best option for you.

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

9/16/2019

According to the American Cancer Society, in 2019 about 11,060 children under the age of 15 will be diagnosed with cancer in the United States. After car accidents, the leading cause of death in children is cancer.

Cancer in children is a big problem because it can’t be treated the same way as cancer in adults. The treatments contain toxins that can affect their development. Many of the survivors suffer from lifelong damage to their organs and mental health. The causes of cancer in children, such as Leukemia and Lymphoma are unknown. Some risk factors of cancer in children are radiation exposure or exposures by parents such as smoking. Most childhood cancers are DNA changes that happen in the child’s DNA, early in their lives, even before birth. There is really no way to prevent cancer in a child. To treat cancer some of the treatments include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Radiation can cause more serious side effects than chemotherapy.

Finding the right treatments at an affordable price is very important, that is why SecondOpinions.com offers a second opinion from one of our American Board Certified doctors to give you a professional second opinion at a reasonable and affordable price. Nothing is more important than a child’s health and with all the side effects and long term effects that cancer treatments can leave, a second opinion is vital to find the right treatment for a child.

Ovarian Cancer

9/15/2019

According to the American Cancer Society, in 2019 about 22,530 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 13,980 will die from it in the United States. Ovarian cancer ranks fifth among cancers that cause death in women.

Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries and if it is not detected at an early stage it can spread to the abdomen and pelvis, which can become fatal. There are different ovarian cancer types, such as epithelial tumors and germ cell tumors. Some of the symptoms someone with ovarian cancer may experience are abdominal bloating or swelling, weight loss and discomfort in the pelvis area. Though the causes are unknown, this cancer is most common in women between the ages of 50 and 60, and in women who inherited gene mutations and have a family history of ovarian cancer. Some of the treatments used to treat ovarian cancer are surgery and chemotherapy.

If you or someone you know suffers from ovarian cancer and would like a second opinion contact us at SecondOpinions.com to guide you towards the best, reasonable treatment for you. We understand your health is important, let us help you.

National Sickle Cell Month

9/14/2019

Sickle cell disease affects an estimated 100,000 Americans, mainly affecting 1 in 13 African Americans according to the CDC. Sickle cell disease is when the red blood cells get hard, sticky, and have a shape like a C. Sickle cells die early, which causes a shortage in red blood cells. They also travel through small blood vessels, sticking and clogging the blood flow which leads to complications such as infections, acute chest syndrome, pulmonary hypertension, and stroke.

Sickle cell is a genetic condition that is usually present at birth. It is caused by both parents passing on the sickle cell genes. It causes symptoms, such as anemia, swelling, vision problems, and delayed growth. Treatments are important and they usually include medications, bone marrow or stem cell transplant, and vaccinations to help prevent infections.

Fighting sickle cell disease is hard, that is why having the right treatment is important. SecondOpinions.com believes your health is important and that’s why a second opinion at an affordable price is a must in order to find what will help you feel better.

National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month

9/10/2019

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Atrial fibrillation affects an estimated 2.7-6.1 million people in the United States. Atrial Fibrillation is a condition where there is a rapid heart rate, which increases the risk of strokes or any heart related complications. Atrial fibrillation is when the heart’s two upper chambers beat rapidly and irregularly and have no coordination with the two lower chambers.

Some of the symptoms are fast irregular palpitations, weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, and chest pain. This condition can be present occasionally, persistent, or permanent. Some of the causes include damage or abnormality in the heart’s structure, high blood pressure, heart attack, lung disease, overactive thyroid gland, exposure to stimulants, and viral infections. Some risk factors include heart disease, age, obesity, high blood pressure, or family history.

Prevention is important, that is why it is key to use the following steps: eat a healthy diet, increase physical activity, avoid smoking, reduce stress, and avoid caffeine and alcohol. Some of the treatments include cardioversion to reset the rhythm of the heart and medications to control the heart rate. SecondOpinions.com wants to help you find a treatment that will be best for your health. If you or someone you know suffers from atrial fibrillation, contact us.

Blood Cancer Awareness Month

9/1/2019

According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, in 2019 about 176,200 people are expected to be diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma- which are the three main types of blood cancer. Blood cancer, also known as hematologic cancer, starts in the bone marrow, which is where all the blood is produced.

Leukemia develops in the bone marrow creating many abnormal white blood cells. Lymphoma develops in the lymphatic system from cells called lymphocytes. There are two types of lymphoma, Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s. Hodgkin’s starts in immune cells called B cells, which make antibodies to fight off germs and have large lymphocytes called Reed-Sternberg cells in the lymph nodes. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can start in B or T cells. Myeloma begins in the blood’s plasma cells, a type of white blood cells made in the bone marrow.

Depending on the type of cancer you have, such as how fast is spreading, where it has spread, the treatment will vary. Some of the treatments include stem cell transplant, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. SecondOpinions.com wants to help you find Peace of Mind at an affordable price.