Prognosis is a medical term that refers to the expected outcome of a disease, such as cancer. It’s a way for doctors to estimate how the disease may progress and what treatment options may be most effective. It’s important to understand that a prognosis is not a definite outcome. It’s an estimate based on many …
Cancer is a scary and overwhelming diagnosis, and one of the first steps in the treatment process is staging. Staging is the process of determining how much cancer is in a person’s body and where it is located. It helps doctors determine the best treatment options for each patient, and can also be used to …
When a lump or bump is found on a physical exam or a tumor/nodule/lesion is seen on imaging, it can be concerning. But how do we know for sure if it’s a malignant tumor vs a benign tumor? The answer is a biopsy. A biopsy is a procedure in which a small piece of the …
As a physician, I often hear the fear and uncertainty in my patients’ voices when they are first diagnosed with melanoma. It’s a serious and often deadly form of skin cancer, and it can be difficult to know where to turn for help. But I want my patients to know that there is hope, and …
Cancer treatment is never easy. Between appointments, medications and side effects, there’s a lot to navigate. Immunotherapy, also called immuno-oncology, offers an approach that is promising for many types of cancer. But what exactly is this treatment and how do you know if it’s right for you? How Immunotherapy Works Called a biological therapy, immunotherapy is a …
In Florida, we love our golf. With over 1,200 courses throughout the state, Florida can make a strong claim for Golf Capital of the World. Not Just Sunburn While no one would argue that golf isn’t a fun pastime, our year-round access to the sun-drenched links comes with an increased risk for a serious and …
Uveal melanoma is a type of cancer that affects the eye and is distinct from the more common cutaneous melanoma that affects the skin. It is a rare but aggressive cancer with a low tumor mutational burden and a 1-year overall survival rate of about 50% in patients with metastatic uveal melanoma. This means that …
Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is a type of cancer that begins in the lining of the stomach. It is the fifth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The incidence of gastric cancer varies by geographic region and population, with higher rates in Eastern Asia, South America, …
It was a typical Wednesday afternoon when Mrs. Smith walked into her oncologist’s office for her latest round of chemotherapy. As the nurse prepared to administer the treatment, Mrs. Smith turned to her doctor with a curious look on her face. “Doctor, I’ve been wondering something,” she said. “I know chemotherapy is important for treating …