BACK to NEWS
Back to Ask the Expert Archive Directory

Who is At an Increased Risk for Skin Cancer and What Should You Look For?

Any personal history of previous skin cancer, a family history of skin cancer, or history of excess sun exposure, especially one or more episodes of blistering sunburn prior to the age of eighteen (18) puts you at an increased risk of developing skin cancer. Also, fair skinned individuals especially with blonde or red hair and blue or green eyes are at increased risk.
Regular use of sunscreen, broad brimmed hats and the avoidance of unnecessary sun exposure will lower your overall risk of skin cancer.

Fortunately, you can do periodic self-examinations of your skin and report any new or changing skin lesion to your dermatologist or family physician. Early detection and timely treatment gives a very good prognosis.

James V. O'Connell, M.D.
Diplomate, American Board of Dermatology & Dermatopathology
Member, South Bay Independent Physicians Medical Group, Inc.

What is the Status of Spinal Replacement Surgery?

Disc replacement surgery has been studied for some time now, initially in Europe, and now in the United States. Currently, there are three different metal or metal and plastic disc replacements that are being studied under F.D.A. protocols.

In the near future, six local spine surgeons will begin implanting prosthetic discs in the lower lumbar spine within a study approved by the F. D. A. at Little Company of Mary Hospital. We will be implanting a metal on metal disc produced by Danek Medtronic, the largest spinal device manufacturer. This type of disc replacement surgery will preserve motion of a damaged disc and would take the place of fusion surgery.

James M. Loddengaard, M.D.
Diplomate, American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Member, South Bay Independent Physicians Medical Group, Inc.

What is Melanoma?

This is the most lethal form of skin cancer; if undetected it can metastasize (spread) to other organs and can be fatal.
One should always look for signs of skin cancer. There is a simple mnemonic way of remembering the signs of malignancy.

A-Asymmetry: looks oval, ellipsoid, irregular or a bizarre shape.
B-Bleeding: spontaneous bleeding
C-Color: appearance of darkness and change of colors
D-Diameter: growth pattern is rapid

Always use sunscreen protective measures, including wearing a hat, applying SPF lotion #30 or above and see your doctor regularly for a check up.

Frank Y. An, M.D.
Diplomate, American Board of Family Medicine
Member, South Bay Independent Physicians Medical Group, Inc.

The answer is a most definite, “yes”. However, as with all medical procedures, there are some risks. A very rare risk of contracting an eye infection occurs in less than one out of 1,000 cases. When it does happen, antibiotics can usually clear up the infection quickly.

After cataract surgery patients are almost always very happy as they report that they can see very clearly again, just as they once could many years before.

Matthew L. Hecht, M.D.
Diplomate, American Board of Ophthalmology
Member, South Bay Independent Physicians Medical Group, Inc.

The mortality rate from breast cancer has dropped 25% in the last 12 years. This is really good news for a lot of women and their families. It means that thousands more women are surviving their disease and can expect to live life to the full. What made the difference for these women? It was not just one change in the way we diagnose and treat breast cancer that dropped that mortality rate. It is many small steps adding together. But there are two important things that you can do -- make sure you know if you have a family history of breast cancer and tell your family doctor about it, and get your mammograms regularly if you are a woman over 40. Tell your mother, tell your sisters, tell your daughters, tell your neighbors – we are getting better at curing this disease. Don’t be afraid. Get in there, get screened.

Thyra Endicott, MD
Diplomate, American Board of Radiology/Radiation Oncology
Member, South Bay Independent Physicians Medical Group, Inc.

From major league stadiums to small-town courts, America’s favorite pastimes make great memories for many. But for more than 42,000 athletes, those memories are ruined by eye injuries, the vast majority of which were preventable.

Injuries range from abrasions of the cornea and bruises of the eyelids to internal eye injuries, such as retinal detachments and internal bleeding. Many of these injuries lead to vision loss and permanent blindness.

The thousands of eye injuries each year aren’t only from basketball, baseball, football and hockey. Soccer, tennis, golf and water sports are also dangerous to the eyes. Each activity has its own specific protective eyewear, so when selecting eyewear make sure they are appropriate for your sport.

Today’s athletes can choose from various typed of sturdy, lightweight and effective eyewear. When properly fitted, eyewear does not hinder performance and can prevent 90 percent of sports eye injuries.

So when participating in sports, be sure to:

Select protective eyewear that is appropriate for the sport
Be sure eyewear has polycarbonate lenses or shields
Have eyewear properly fitted by an eye care professional

Whatever your game, whatever your age, you need to protect your eyes. See your Eye MD today for appropriate protective eyewear.

Aarchan R. Joshi, M.D.
Diplomate, American Board of Ophthalmology
Member, South Bay Independent Physicians Medical Group, Inc.