Category Archives: Health

What to Eat Before and After a Surgery? Guidelines for Pre and Post-Surgery Meals

Dr. Soumita Biswas, Chief Nutritionist, Aster RV Hospital

A medical procedure such as surgery, can be a traumatic experience for the body. The low movement period along with a predominant shift towards healing can lead to muscle loss, inflammation, and other conditions in the body. Adopting certain dietary habits before and after your surgery can help you recover faster and lessen the chance of unwanted complications. The general surgeon in Bangalore will be able to help guide you on what to expect from your surgery.

Note that every medical procedure may have its own set of guidelines for pre and post-operative meals. Talk to your team to know the best diet to aid your recovery.

Before Surgery Dietary Guidelines

Before your surgery, your general surgeon in Bangalore will explain the procedure and what you can expect. You may also receive certain nutritional guidelines at this time. Certain foods may offer you better benefits in terms of recovery and nutritional composition. The night before your surgery you may be advised to fast for 10 to 12 hours before surgery to reduce the risk of nausea and vomiting after surgery.

Some of the best food options before surgery include:

• Protein such as eggs, chicken, legumes, tofu, and cottage cheese
• Healthy carbohydrates such as buckwheat, quinoa, and rice
• Fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin C and other nutrients that aid healing such as bell peppers, citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables etc.
• Healthy fats such as avocado oil, olive oils, cold-pressed oil
• Eating a healthy diet prevents fat accumulation which can lead to weight gain during low-mobility days after surgery. Additionally, these nutrients aid healing and reduce the risk of infections. You may also be advised to avoid alcohol and tobacco to avoid complications during surgery.

After Surgery Dietary Guidelines

The type of surgery you have had will likely impact your post-operative diet. Cataract surgery or Lasik surgery may have different requirements as compared to bypass surgery. Additionally, laparoscopic surgery may require you to include more fluids for the first couple of days and stick to lighter food groups such as lean meat and dry toast to help your body recover while Lasik surgery may not have such strict requirements.

In either case, always follow your doctor’s recommendations to aid recovery and reduce the risk of complications. Here, we bring you some general nutrition guidelines following surgery.

You may be required to eat a liquid or soft diet for the first couple of days after surgery. This helps avoid constipation and reduces the stress on the digestive system.

Eat smaller portions of meals more frequently throughout the day. Instead of three big meals, you may be advised to have six or seven smaller meals.

Avoid extra hot or extra cold meals. Stick to a balanced temperature for all dishes.

After a few days, your diet may become more diverse. Some tips to keep in mind include:

• Eat whole foods such as millets, legumes, whole-wheat bread, brown rice, and oatmeal that offer a steady glucose release. Avoid processed and packaged foods which may lead to inflammation in the body.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. These offer adequate fiber to help your bowel movement without increasing the risk of constipation. Additionally, the nutritional composition of fruits and vegetables works wonders in balancing your energy, sugar levels, promoting wound healing and reducing the risk of infections.
• Consume lean protein which is easy to digest and essential for wound healing and post-surgery recovery. Healthy protein options after surgery are chicken, fish, tempeh, cottage cheese, unsweetened yogurt, and plant-based protein powders.
• Keep your body well hydrated. Fluids are an important requirement to aid healing after surgery. Lack of fluid intake can increase the chances of constipation. To ensure you have enough water through the day, place a jug of water at your bedside table and keep sipping small amounts of water at regular intervals. In case of nausea and lack of appetite, having ginger-infused water can help. Avoid sugary drinks available in the market as they can impede recovery and increase inflammation in the body.
• Following a healthy diet after surgery can help your body heal, reduce the risk of fat or weight gain, and allow for a healthy digestive system.

Dr. Pradeep Moonot performs India’s first minimally invasive cheilectomy surgery

Dr. Pradeep Moonot, a leading orthopaedic surgeon in Mumbai, has successfully performed the first minimally invasive cheilectomy surgery in India using a 1.9 mm nanoscope. This marks a significant milestone in the field of orthopaedic surgery in India, as it represents a major breakthrough in the treatment of such foot disorders.

59-year-old (ABC), a patient suffering from mild arthritis of the great toe, and subsequently developed extra bone growth (osteophytes) at the top part of the great toe joint, which was severely painful and he had complete restrictions in his foot movement (range of motion).

Cheilectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat hallux rigidus, a condition that affects the big toe joint and causes pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Traditionally, cheilectomy has been performed as an open surgery, which involves making a large incision and removing the affected bone. This can lead to significant scarring, pain, and a long recovery period.

But for the first time in India, Dr Pradeep Moonot has introduced a minimally invasive cheilectomy procedure. Elaborating about the procedure Dr Moonot said “We made use of a disposable 1.9mm nanoscope which has been used for the first time in India. The extra bumps of bone were removed by using special tools under X-ray guidance. We made two incisions on the skin which were less than 1 cm each, resulting in minimal scarring, less pain, no risk of infection and a faster recovery. Post operatively the joint cartilage looks good with no severe arthritis and thus the decision to perform the Cheilectomy procedure was a great success. The patient revived a complete range of motion where the surgery became a huge success. This is a significant milestone in the field of orthopaedic surgery, and I believe that this technique has the potential to revolutionize the way we treat foot disorders.

Dr. Moonot, who has extensive experience in minimally invasive surgery, recently performed over 6 back-to-back Total Ankle replacement surgeries, which is also the first in India.

Dr Moonot further added” Minimally invasive techniques have revolutionized the field of orthopaedic surgery, and I am thrilled to be at the forefront of introducing this technology in India. Patients have significant improvement with quicker recovery, as compared to several weeks of downtime required with traditional open surgeries.”

Dr. Moonot is a leading orthopaedic surgeon and has performed numerous successful surgeries over the course of his career. He is dedicated to staying at the forefront of the latest surgical techniques and technologies to provide his patients with the best possible outcomes.

Unprecedented Psoriasis Results: 92% Success Rate with Steroid-Free ARCTIVA™ Cream

SOLON, Ohio (July 13, 2023) – ARCTIVA™ Psoriasis Cream is an innovative solution for psoriasis sufferers, according to a third-party consumer panel. The independent study produced 47 data points over 60 days. It showed that 92% of users experienced calmer, more moisturized skin and significantly reduced psoriasis symptoms using the proprietary cream.

ARCTIVA Psoriasis Cream is a steroid-free, medicated formulation which features 2% salicylic acid as an FDA-approved active ingredient. It is the only psoriasis product enhanced with HYDROSURF™—a powerful blend of fermented ingredients that are ideal for products targeting dry skin conditions such as psoriasis. The formula also features key vitamins, essential oils and botanicals. The unique blend of synergistic ingredients provides significant relief of itching, redness and flaking. Consistent use of the cream led to continued improvement of psoriasis symptoms throughout the study.

“Our proprietary ARCTIVA Psoriasis Cream has been formulated with essential ingredients to provide deep relief and hydration to psoriasis sufferers,” said Vic Peroni, chief operating officer of ARCTIVA Wellness. “The study’s compelling results demonstrate that we have succeeded in developing an effective, steroid-free psoriasis solution to alleviate pain and irritation.”

The ARCTIVA™ Psoriasis Cream study revealed that users experienced significant improvements:

• After one day, 89% experienced soothed skin
• Within two weeks, 81% had less flakes and sloughing, while 89% experienced less itching
• Within 60 days, 92% experienced calmer, more moisturized skin

ARCTIVA Psoriasis Cream is manufactured in the U.S. and comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee. It can be purchased online at arctivaskin.com and Amazon.

Apex group of Hospitals celebrated Thank You Week on the occasion of National Doctors Day

Mumbai- Every year 1st July is celebrated as Doctor’s Day i.e. National Doctor’s Day. On this day all people, whose lives are connected with one or the other doctor, thank the doctor. Apex Group of Hospital, Borivali is celebrating the “Thank You Week” & “Gratitude Week” from July 1 to July 7 as a day to thank the doctors for their efforts in bringing him into this world and keeping him healthy.

Giving more information about this, Dr. Tanvi Shah, Director of Apex Group of Hospitals said, ” Practicing medicine is considered as one of the noblest professions in the world, so in this initiative, a large canvas was placed in five hospitals of the Apex Hospital Group to write messages of gratitude. More than 200 patients and their relatives have also expressed gratitude for it. This included the patients and their relatives who were treated during the Corona pandemic. We celebrate Doctor’s Day every year but this year we decided to celebrate this day for a whole week and this initiative got a great response from the patients and their relatives. It is only when a patient falls ill that he visits a doctor in a clinic or hospital. Once the patient recovers and goes home, his communication with the doctor ends. It is necessary to increase communication between doctors and patients to explain the health problems of your family. In the same spirit, we have implemented this different activity on the occasion of Doctor’s Day to increase the relationship between the patient and the doctor. We conducted a gratitude meeting between doctors and patients in this activity. On this occasion Homage was paid to the doctors who lost their lives in the fight against COVID during the pandemic in the country.”

National Doctor’s Day serves as a reminder of the immense dedication and selflessness that doctors bring to their noble profession is the key message of this event added by Dr. Tanvi Shah from Apex group of Hospitals. Apex Group of Hospitals is a chain of Hospitals managed and run by expert Medical Professionals with experience of 25 years. Currently Apex group of Hospitals manages more than 350+ beds and provides qualitative healthcare services to the people of Mumbai and surrounding areas. Apex Hospitals is located in Borivali, Kandivali & Mulund.

One in million case at HOSMAT saves child

Bengaluru 5 July 2023– This small 4-year-old boy from West Bengal was born with a malformation in brain & spine (lipomyelomeningocele with chiari malformation). There was visible swelling in the lower spine region at birth, which was painful for the mother to see and the family to accept the child. Mother had not undergone proper antenatal checkups. The child had undergone three surgeries (one after the other) at the age of 2 in a charitable hospital but there was no reprieve for the family as the problem persisted. This child was refused treatment at many centres and the child was in severe agony with headache.

One midnight, HOSMAT Neurosurgeon Dr S R Patil got a call from a known person with a request to manage this case. The patient came in extreme pain at the stroke of midnight. After seeing the scans & reports Dr Patil re-evaluated the child with MRI and saw previous problems recurred and persisted. But he took it as a challenge to set right past mistakes by other doctors. As already three surgeries had been performed on the child & again operating on 4-year-old, was not that easy by any means. Child had a risk of losing power in both legs. (paralysis). The family was counselled in detail and help in financial aspects was sought from HOSMAT management.

After careful consideration & deliberations three operations were to be performed to address the headache & spine issues which were done with many challenges with advanced gadgets and intensive monitoring of the child.

Today at HOSMAT we are glad that the child is normal & doesn’t complain of headache & spine pain also. Child is walking, running and playing.

Moral & learnings:

1) Such issues can be avoided if Prenatal diagnosis is done right
2) postnatal correction of such issues is very challenging but can be done provided family understands complexity
3) managing such a complex case needs good team work and armamentarium support from the Institute.

New York Breast Health Welcomes Board-Certified Breast Surgeon Dr. Kap-Jae Sung

Elmhurst, NY, July 3, 2023- New York Breast Health (NY Breast Health) is pleased to announce the addition of board-certified breast surgeon Kap-Jae Sung, MD, FACS. Dr. Sung will practice at 88-06 55th Avenue, Elmhurst, NY 11373.

“We are very excited to enhance our breast cancer care at NY Breast Health with the expertise of Dr. Kap-Jae Sung,” said Jeff Vacirca, MD, CEO. “His addition to our team aligns with our mission to provide world-class breast care to our patients in the Queens community.”

Dr. Sung was inspired to pursue medicine after reading ” Arch of Triumph” by Erich Maria Remarque. “Dr. Ravic inspired me to help people with sickness,” Dr. Sung said. As a breast surgeon, Dr. Sung’s approach to patient care combines his extensive clinical expertise with a strong foundation in basic science knowledge. Dr. Sung has extensive experience performing breast surgery procedures, including core needle biopsy of the breast, ultrasound guidance, breast cyst aspiration, breast biopsy, excision of breast tumor, mammosite balloon placement for brachytherapy, and mastectomy.

Dr. Sung received his Doctor of Medicine and Master of Medicine degrees from Seoul National University in Korea. Dr. Sung completed his Residency at Seoul Red Cross Hospital and his Surgical Residency at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center. He has been consistently recognized as one of the Best Doctors in New York.

Dr. Sung is fluent in English and Korean. In his leisure time, he enjoys pursuing his passion for golf. Dr. Sung is excited about the opportunity to collaborate with his highly skilled colleagues at NY Breast Health, fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment dedicated to delivering exceptional care to patients. “I strongly believe that the road to recovery requires a team approach, “Dr. Sung said. “It is a commitment from both myself and my patient that helps get them back to work and play as quickly as possible.”

To make an appointment with Dr. Sung, call 718-881-1133. For more information, please visit nybreasthealth.com.

40-Year-Old Woman Receives New Lease On Life After Hip Replacement Surgery

Delhi: A team headed by Dr Pankaj Walecha, Specialist Hip And Knee Surgeon, Apollo Spectra, Delhi successfully performed a hip replacement surgery on a 40-year-old teacher from Uttar Pradesh battling TB arthritis for the last 20 years. The patient, who experienced unbearable hip pain, was unable to maintain balance or take even 10 steps can walk without any difficulty now. She has resumed her daily routine with ease and leads a normal life after surgery.

Neelu, Mishra, a teacher by profession from Jaunpur, UP. She had to struggle through her youth owing to tuberculosis arthritis at around 20 years ago. She had hip pain, was limping, and couldn’t walk properly. She took opinions of many doctors in UP but she was advised to take pain medications & manage her life like that. She kept on looking for solutions so that she can take care of her family & especially her two daughters. In her pursuit to live a pain free life, she came across Dr Pankaj Walecha at Apollo Spectra Hospital, New Delhi where after a successful hip surgery, she could walk freely again.

Dr Pankaj Walecha, Specialist Hip, And Knee Surgeon, Apollo Spectra, Delhi said, “On arrival, She could not walk even few steps. The patient had immense hip pain, used a walker while walking, and has great difficulty in getting up from bed or a chair. She couldn’t even lift her right leg without supporting it with her hand. There was pain as she tried to turn on her left side, was unable to get a good night sleep also. Her hip joint was jammed, and no rotational movement hence the pain on moving. With a clear history of tuberculosis (TB) of hip joint in her young age, & X-rays showing a damaged hip joint, she was a clear case of Tubercular hip arthritis?. Tuberculosis (TB) is seen in a large number of patients in India. People generally think that TB affects only the lungs but It has the potential to impact any joint of our body & it can cause severe damage to the joint leading to secondary arthritis. According to a study published in 2014, Tubercular arthritis accounts for approximately 1-3% of all cases of tuberculosis & it primarily involves large weight bearing joints of the body like Hips, knees & ankles. Dr Walecha, counselled the whole family before the surgery about the outcome of the surgery & the need of starting Anti tubercular treatment (ATT) again, at least for a period of 3 months after the surgery. Its very important to prevent the reactivation go the disease. After a complete check up, finally the day arrived & Neelu was taken up for surgery. She was successfully operated on 4th April, 2022 at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Karol Bagh, New Delhi.”*

Dr Pankaj Walecha added, “In Total Hip replacement (THR) surgery, damaged ball & socket of the hip joint are replaced with artificial ball & socket (fig ). Although hip replacement surgery can be cemented (special kind of bone cement is used to fix the parts in the body) or Uncemented (uncemented implants have a special kind fo surface finish so they snugly fit into the bone & within few weeks get integrated to the bone). Uncemented THR is performed more commonly. First of all the damaged hip joint is approached using smallest incision possible for that patient (Minimally Invasive Surgery or MIS). Minimum muscles are damaged in this process & this muscle preserving approach helps the patients in recovering faster. Then the damaged femoral head is removed to expose the acetabulum. THR has four components- Acetabula cup or socket, which is made up of titanium & is fixed to the acetabula after clearing the dead bone. This socket can be fixed to the bone with special screws if needed. Second part is Highly Cross Linked Polyethylene Liner, which is a special type of plastic which is fitted on to this socket. After this attention is shifted to the thigh bone or femur. Uncemented Femoral stem preparation is done & a well-fitting stem is implanted. Fourth part is the Ceramic ball head, which is mounted on the femoral stem. This completes the implantation part. When this surgery is performed using muscle preserving techniques or MIS then most of the patients do not complain of much pain after the surgery. In this surgery, its ensured that leg length of the both sides is equal after the surgery.

In case of Neelu also, both her legs were equal after the surgery & she was delighted to see that after the surgery. The uncemented cup got very good hold in the bone & did not require any screws for fixation, Uncemented stem was implanted in good position, using ceramic head on highly cross linked polyethylene liner. Surgery lasted for almost one hour & she was, Ade to stand & walk with in 24 hours of surgery. She could do stair climbing after 36 hours of surgery & was happily discharged from the hospital after 72 hours of operation. At 4 weeks after surgery she could walk long distances & at 6 weeks she could do light jogging also. Imagine how her life changed in matter of 4-6 weeks, from severe pain even in getting up from bed to jogging. Isn’t it amazing !!

Here is our message to patients who have been living with arthritis due to any reason- A pain free active life is possible for all of you irrespective of your age or disease. Even if you are young, after hip replacement surgery with the modern implants & modern surgical techniques patients can have normal life without any major lifestyle restrictions. These modern implants are designed to last for 20-25 years after the surgery & after that a revision hip replacement surgery can be performed with good success rates.

“I had a sharp pain in my hips and couldn’t even take 10 steps. As I grew, my health deteriorated. There was a time I felt hopeless as I couldn’t walk, sit or stand on my own. I required a walker and my family’s support. I am a teacher and couldn’t even climb the stairs of the school. My life had become miserable. I had never heard about TB arthritis before. I didn’t have any idea regarding how to go about it. But, I thank Dr Pankaj Walecha & the team of doctors for their prompt treatment. It is because of them that I could walk again. The hip pain has vanished after the surgery and I can walk, run, drive, and sit without any difficulty. I am happy as I can live an independent life now,” concluded the patient Neelu, Mishra.

New Arctiva™ Steroid-free Skincare Revolutionizes Eczema and Psoriasis Market

SOLON, Ohio – A new skincare brand has made a breakthrough in eczema and psoriasis treatment for the almost 40 million Americans suffering from ineffective solutions. ARCTIVA™ is a new line of clean, steroid-free skincare products that is the first to combine clinically proven active ingredients with proprietary HYDROSURF™ glycolipid technology and other natural, cruelty-free ingredients.

ARCTIVA is science backedARCTIVA’s active ingredients—colloidal oatmeal in the eczema cream and salicylic acid in the psoriasis cream—target symptom conditions such as itching, redness, flaking, irritation or scaling. The products also include beneficial vitamins, botanicals and essential oils to help soothe and hydrate skin. It is the only product line that features proprietary HYDROSURF glycolipid technology, a powerful blend of fermented ingredients with origins in Antarctica’s glacial lakes.
“With ARCTIVA’s revolutionary formulas, consumers finally have highly effective, steroid-free treatment options for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis,” said Vic Peroni, chief operating officer of Arctiva Wellness. “The use of clinically proven active ingredients with our proprietary HYDROSURF glycolipid technology and other key ingredients is a uniquely synergistic combination that’s never been done before in formulations for these skin conditions.”

ARCTIVA’s clean formulations use the highest quality, vegan-friendly ingredients, along with no fragrances, parabens, phthalates or sulfates. The products are manufactured in the United States and available immediately. The initial launch includes an eczema cream and psoriasis cream which can be purchased on Amazon or arctivaskin.com.

Consumers interested in trying ARCTIVA can take advantage of an introductory 20% off and a 60-day money-back guarantee. For more information about ARCTIVA or to purchase products, visit arctivaskin.com.

Can mouth breathing cause dark circles?

Dr. Palak Dengla, Chief Physiotherapist

Do you like to sleep with a snoring person or dine with a noisy eater? Most of us would say a NO! It is commonly found that people who snore in their sleep and who make noise while eating, are mouth breathers.

Mouth breathing and nasal breathing are two different ways of inhaling and exhaling air. People with nasal congestion, deviated nasal septum, adenoids, enlarged tonsils, stress, sleep apnea, childhood faulty breathing habits, forward head posture (IT Professionals), chronic sinusitis, asthma, allergic rhinitis are generally found to be chronic mouth breathers.

Under the eyes can have multiple causes, including genetic factors, lifestyle habits, and underlying health conditions. However, there are some possible indirect correlations between mouth breathing and under-eye dark circles:

Nasal Congestion

Chronic nasal congestion can lead to mouth breathing as a compensatory mechanism. When the nasal passages are congested, the veins around the eyes may dilate, resulting in a bluish tint or dark appearance. This can contribute to the appearance of under-eye dark circles.

Poor Sleep Quality

Mouth breathing during sleep, such as in cases of sleep apnea or chronic snoring, can lead to disrupted sleep patterns and poor sleep quality. Inadequate sleep can cause blood vessels to dilate, leading to fluid accumulation and the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.

Fatigue and Stress

Chronic mouth breathing, and associated sleep disruptions can lead to fatigue and increased stress levels. Fatigue and stress can contribute to the appearance of under-eye dark circles and worsen their visibility.

Allergic Reactions

Mouth breathing may be more common in individuals with allergies or allergic rhinitis, which can cause nasal congestion and eye irritation. Allergic reactions can lead to inflammation, fluid retention, and increased visibility of under-eye dark circles.

Chronic mouth breathing – particularly during childhood, can lead to various issues related to facial development and oral health. Nasal breathing helps maintain proper tongue posture against the palate, which is essential for normal dental arch development, facial aesthetics, and the prevention of malocclusion.

Self-Check

Hold the mouth close together with your hands and breathe only from the nose for more than 30 sec. If you can hold, then there is no structural defect present. It is only a modifiable mouth breathing pattern which can be changed with continuous practice of nasal breathing.

Asthma symptoms, allergic rhinitis, sleep, mood imbalances, baggy under eyes, can be significantly improved if the sufferer learns how to breathe through their nose and not through their mouth. I have seen this to be true in my practice of more than 12 years especially for chronic sinusitis and asthmatics.

Treatment

• Humming, unilateral and both nostrils. (15min/day)
• Buteyko breathing technique
• Alternate nostril breathing

If you frequently experience difficulties breathing through your nose or suspect you have a chronic mouth breathing habit, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional, such as an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) and a nasal breathing rehabilitation specialist who can provide appropriate evaluation and guidance.

To echo, the nose is for breathing and the mouth is for eating and talking – never the two should be confused. “If you don’t use your nose, you lose it!

Understanding Bone Marrow Cancer

Dr. Rayaz Ahmed, Director, Department of Haematology and BMT, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi 

Overview

At the centre of the bones is a soft, spongy material called the bone marrow. It consists of stem cells that give rise to RBCs, WBCs and platelets.

When these stem cells start growing abnormally or at an accelerated rate, bone marrow cancer may happen. Different types of cancer can develop in the bone marrow, such as leukaemia, multiple myeloma, lymphoma, etc.

Types

Bone marrow cancer is of the following types based on the cells affected:

1. Leukaemia

Leukaemia is the type of cancer in which uncontrolled proliferation of WBCs occurs. These WBCs may be immature or mature and interfere with the body’s regular functioning. The body’s defence mechanism gets disrupted, increasing susceptibility to infections. Leukaemia is further divided into:

Acute Leukaemia:

In acute leukaemia, immature WBCs, called blasts, proliferate rapidly.(more than or equal to 20% in blood or Bone marrow)

Chronic Leukaemia:

In chronic leukaemia cases, more mature cells rapidly multiply.

2. Multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is the type of cancer that affects plasma cells. Normal Plasma cells are responsible for making antibodies.

3. Lymphoma

Lymphoma is the type of cancer in which lymphocytes rapidly multiply, forming tumours that compromise the body’s immune system. Lymphoma is of two types:

1. Hodgkin’s lymphoma – affecting B lymphocytes
2. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma – involving B or T lymphocytes

Symptoms

Symptoms develop depending on the type of cancer, its location, severity, and how aggressive its progression is.

Leukaemia

Leukaemia is a cancer of the WBCs. Symptoms that patients with leukaemia would present are:

• Bone pain
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Unexplained weight loss of more than 10% body weight in a short period without specifically trying
• Petechiae on the skin (pinpoint red dots)
• Weakness and fatigue
• Frequent infections since the body’s defence mechanisms are affected
• Fever and chills
• Liver and spleen enlargement
• Bruising easily
• Night sweats

Multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a common type of bone marrow cancer. Some of the symptoms are:

• Weakness and fatigue
• Increased susceptibility to infections
• Increased frequency of urination
• Confusion, increased thirst
• Pain in the bone and increased risk of fracture
• Unexplained weight loss of more than 10% body weight in a short period without specifically trying
• Nausea and vomiting
• Backache, Bony pain
• Fracture(Pathological fractures)
• Renal failure

Lymphoma

Lymphoma presents with the following symptoms:

• A persistent cough that doesn’t subside
• lymph nodes enlargement in neck,axillary, groin
• Itchy skin, the appearance of rashes or skin lumps
• Fever, weight loss, night sweats
• Loss of appetite
• Pain in the abdomen
• An enlarged spleen gives rise to a feeling of bloated all the time.

Causes

Causes of bone marrow cancer or non-specific. However, some contributing factors may be:

• Immunocompromised individuals (post-transplant or those taking immunosuppressant drugs, HIV patients)
• Exposure to harmful radiation, chemicals, fumes, pesticides
• Genetic predisposition
• Smoking and drinking
• Obesity

Diagnosis

The doctor first assesses the medical history familial history and performs a physical examination. Following tests are advised to diagnose bone marrow cancer:

• Blood and urine tests: These are done to assess kidney function, electrolyte levels, and blood cell count. A CBC (complete blood count), tumour markers, and a complete metabolic profile may help diagnose bone marrow cancer.
• A biopsy of the bone marrow may help check for the presence of cancer cells.
• Specific scans such as x-rays, PET scans, CT scans, and MRI may help detect changes in the bone structure.

The confirmatory test for bone marrow aspiration & biopsy since it provides information about the specific type of cancer. Imaging techniques help assess how much the disease has progressed. In case of suspected lymphoma, lymph node  biopsy is mandatory

Treatment

The treatment of bone marrow cancer depends on multiple factors such as age, the extent of spread of cancer and the overall health of the affected individual. Considering the above factors, the doctor may advise the following treatment options:

• Chemotherapy: Specific drugs are injected into the body to find and destroy cancer cells.

• Radiation therapy: This treatment aims to reduce the size of tumour cells, lower pain, and kill cancer cells by delivering high-energy beams to a targeted organ.

• Transplant: The cancerous bone marrow can be transplanted with a healthy one. This procedure is also known as stem cell transplant. It is combined with chemotherapy and radiation therapy to prevent the risk of cancer relapse in the new and healthy bone marrow.

• Targeted drug therapy (Immunotherapy): These drugs specifically target cancer cells, unlike chemotherapy.

• Biological therapy: Immune system of the affected individual can help destroy cancer cells.(CART-T cell therapy)

Complications

If cancer is untreated, it can prove fatal owing to reduced immunity, weakness and increased susceptibility to infections.

Risk Factors

Risk factors contributing to bone marrow cancer are non-specific, and the factors given below may have a role to play:

• Compromised immune system
• Excessive exposure to harmful radiation, chemicals, fumes, pesticides
• Familial history of cancer

• Smoking and drinking
• Obesity

Prognosis

The prognosis of patients having bone marrow cancer is highly individual specific. It depends on how an individual responds to therapy and has a lot to do with their willpower, mental health, the extent of spread of cancer and underlying conditions.

Adult Acute Leukaemia are curable in 40-70% cases (childhood acute leukaemia – 80-90%)

-Lymphoma are curable 50-60% cases

-Low grade lymphoma, life can be prolonged from 10-20 yrs

– Multiple Myeloma life can be prolonged 5-8 yrs