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Question: What are the most common types of heart valve disease?
Answer:The most common types of heart valve disease are:
- Aortic stenosis: narrowing of the aortic valve, restricting blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body
- Mitral regurgitation: the mitral valve does not close properly, causing blood to leak backward into the left atrium
- Mitral stenosis: the mitral valve becomes stiff or narrowed, obstructing blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle
- Aortic regurgitation: the aortic valve doesn't close tightly, allowing blood to flow back into the left ventricle
- Tricuspid regurgitation: the tricuspid valve leaks, causing blood to flow backward into the right atrium
- Pulmonary valve stenosis: narrowing of the pulmonary valve, which limits blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs
Each type can lead to complications like heart failure or stroke if not managed properly, so it’s important to talk with your health care provider about the right treatment for you.
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Question: How much weight can I expect to lose after surgery?
Answer:You can generally expect to lose 10 to 20 pounds in the first few months after surgery. It takes 12 to 18 months to lose 60 to 70% of your pre-surgery weight.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerGenerally speaking, bariatric sleeve surgery patients experience rapid weight loss within the first few months post-surgery, losing between 10 to 20 pounds. From there, it normally takes 12 to 18 months for patients to lose between 60 to 70% of their pre-surgery weight. Weight loss will slow down slightly after the first few months post-surgery. However, losing weight too quickly can be jarring to the body and harder to maintain.
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Question: Does cancer show up in blood work?
Answer:Yes, certain types of cancer can show up in blood work through markers that indicate the presence of cancer cells or other abnormalities. Early detection through blood tests and other screenings can lead to timely treatment, which significantly improves the chances of recovery.
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Question: How can I prevent cancer?
Answer:Many types of cancer can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco and protecting yourself from excessive sun exposure. Regular check-ups and screenings are also powerful tools in catching potential issues early, making treatment more effective.
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Question: How many types of cancer are there?
Answer:Cancer is not a single disease but a group of related diseases. There are over 100 different types of cancer, classified based on the type of cell or tissue they originate from. Here are some of the major types of cancer:
Continue ReadingCollapse Answer- Carcinomas: Originate in the skin or tissues that line or cover internal organs (breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, etc.)
- Central nervous system (CNS) cancers: Begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord (glioblastoma and astrocytoma)
- Germ cell tumors: Arise from the reproductive cells (testicular cancer and ovarian cancer)
- Leukemias: Cancers of the blood-forming tissues, such as bone marrow. These lead to large numbers of abnormal blood cells entering the bloodstream (acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), etc.)
- Lymphomas: Begin in the cells of the immune system. They typically form in lymph nodes or lymphatic tissue (Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma)
- Myelomas: Cancers that originate in the plasma cells of bone marrow (multiple myeloma, etc.)
- Sarcomas: Originate in connective or supportive tissues such as bone, cartilage, fat, muscle or blood vessels (bone cancer, fat tissue cancer, etc.)
Each of these types can have various subtypes, further expanding the total number of cancers. The diverse nature of cancers allows for tailored treatment options, contributing to more effective and personalized care.
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Question: Is cancer genetic?
Answer:Some cancers have a genetic component, meaning they can run in families. However, having a genetic predisposition doesn't guarantee you'll develop cancer. With advances in genetic testing, people can now assess their risk and take preventive measures, leading to earlier detection and better management options.
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Question: What are some common treatment options for cancer?
Answer:Cancer treatment varies based on the type and stage of cancer, but the main options include:
- Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells; can be used alone or in combination with other treatments
Continue ReadingCollapse Answer- Hormone therapy: Blocks or removes hormones that fuel certain cancers, like breast and prostate cancer
- Immunotherapy: Boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer (Includes checkpoint inhibitors and CAR T-cell therapy)
- Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells; Can be external or internal (brachytherapy)
- Surgery: Removes cancerous tissue from the body and is often used for localized cancers.
- Targeted therapy: Focuses on specific molecules involved in cancer growth and is usually less harmful to normal cells compared to chemotherapy.
- Stem cell transplant: Replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells and is often used for blood-related cancers like leukemia.
These treatments can be used alone or in combination, depending on the patient's condition, to maximize effectiveness and improve outcomes.
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Question: What causes cancer?
Answer:Cancer arises from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Key causes include:
- Biological factors:
- Age: Risk increases with age due to accumulated cellular damage.
- Hormones: Hormonal changes can influence certain cancers.
- Immune system dysfunction: A weakened immune system may not detect abnormal cells.
Continue ReadingCollapse Answer- Environmental factors:
- Chemical Exposures: Long-term exposure to harmful substances like asbestos.
- Radiation: UV rays and high radiation levels can damage DNA.
- Tobacco smoke: A leading cause, including second-hand smoke.
- Genetic factors:
- Inherited mutations: Certain genes, like BRCA1/2, can increase cancer risk.
- Spontaneous mutations: Random DNA changes during cell division.
- Lifestyle factors:
- Diet: Poor diet choices can increase cancer risk.
- Physical Inactivity: Linked to higher cancer risks.
- Obesity: Associated with several types of cancer.
- Pathogens:
- Bacteria: Helicobacter pylori can lead to stomach cancer.
- Viruses: HPV and hepatitis B/C are linked to cervical and liver cancers.
Understanding these causes can guide preventive measures and reduce cancer risk.
- Biological factors:
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Question: What is cancer?
Answer:Cancer is a condition where some of the body's cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. The good news is that many advancements in cancer research and health care are helping us better understand and treat cancer, improving outcomes for many people every day.
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Question: Does family history increase my risk of heart disease?
Answer:Because of genetics, family history can play a role in your heart disease risk, but it’s not the only factor to consider.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerIf close relatives have had heart disease, particularly at a younger age, your likelihood of developing it may be higher. But remember, genetics are just one piece of the puzzle. You can offset many risks with lifestyle changes like regular exercise and routine preventive care.