Patient can’t accept Doc’s good news

March 15, 2012 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am uncertain how familiar you are with AIDS but I sure am hoping you can help. I’ve had HIV tests but they have all come back negative. From what I have been told and have read, one can still have AIDS that eventually turns into cancer. Can you tell me how this is diagnosed?

I have asked my physician about it and he had blood work drawn from me but he hasn’t said anything. I am certain that I have it and nobody will listen to me. I feel like I am losing my mind. There are things I need and want to do before I buy the farm. Please help!?! If you have any questions, please let me know. Thank you.
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Filed Under: Daily Column, Leading Letter Tagged With: ,

Just what is a sarcoma?

February 7, 2012 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: What is peripheral nerve sheath spindle cell sarcoma? Is it a cancer you get if you have had radiation therapy for a tumor? What is the treatment? What is the prognosis?

DEAR READER: Sarcomas are a less common form of cancer and come in two types: bone and soft tissue. There are various forms of benign (non-cancerous) bone and soft tissue tumors; however, when the term sarcoma is used, it is because the tumor is malignant (cancerous). Common sarcomas (also sometimes called malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors) include neurofibrosarcomas, neurogenic sarcomas, and malignant schwannomas.

Spindle cell tumors and spindle cell sarcomas are named for the appearance of their cells under a microscope. They can be carcinaomas, sarcomas or sarcomatoids [Read more...]

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The virtues of asparagus

July 29, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I recently read an article on the Internet regarding the healing powers of asparagus. It is supposed to really be a super cancer-killer. Have you heard anything about this, or is it more Internet hype? It seems to me that if it is all it is said to be, the AMA or FDA would be endorsing it, wouldn’t they?

DEAR READER: Asparagus contains a protein known as histone, believed to be active in controlling cell growth. This may be the connection to which you refer. It is high in folate and vitamins K and C, and may provide the digestive tract with unique health benefits. It is purported to fight depression, lower cholesterol, contain antifungal and antiviral qualities, prevent kidney stones and bladder and urinary tract infections, [Read more...]

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Cold water, warm water: It’s all the same

May 25, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have read that drinking the appropriate amount of water each day is good for my health. I also see a lot of information about how much water is enough. Now I get an email from a friend who forwarded a message that drinking cold water with a meal is bad for heath but drinking warm water with a meal is good for it.

Does it matter whether I drink cold or warm water with a meal? Does it matter whether I drink cold or warm water without a meal? Thank you.
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Another Rare Cancer On The Rise

April 13, 2009 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
Would you please write a column about Merkel cell carcinoma? I was diagnosed with this and understand the enormity of it. There is a lack of knowledge about it in medical circles as well as the general population. I feel people need to be made aware of Merkel cell, its symptoms, treatment and survival rates.
I find myself in the fight for my life all because no one recognized a small pencil lead sized imperfection on my face as a Merkel cell carcinoma. Please write a column and make everyone aware of this horrible condition. [Read more...]

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Rare Cancer Misdiagnosed As Harmless Bowel Condition

April 9, 2009 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I would like to see you devote some space to a rare cancer called carcinoid cancer which is formed by neuroendocrine tumors. My husband was diagnosed with metastasizing carcinoid cancer in 2006.

The mascot for these patients is the zebra because the disease is often misdiagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and other bowel ailments. Because of the difficulty in getting a proper diagnosis, the motto is “If you think it’s a horse, think again”.

My husband’s case is unusual because his primary tumor was located around the descending aorta, not the liver, as is typical. The cancer has since spread to his lungs and bones. He is a valiant warrior and tries to live a normal life in spite of the devastating side effects. As far as we know there is no cure. Treatment is usually surgery to reduce the tumors or a drug called Sandostatin. [Read more...]

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Radiation Therapy Can Cause Skin Damage

March 13, 2009 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
You have had several letters about cancer survivors and their experiences with side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. I would like to add mine.

In 2004 I had a 0.5 centimeter high grade ductal carcinoma-in-situ removed. Upon three recommendations, I underwent 35 radiation treatments. Toward the end of the treatments I began to experience skin problems, namely burning, that continued to get worse — especially on completion of the radiation. At times my face, arms and upper body were extremely red and burned.

Everyone I consulted (dermatologist, oncologist, allergist, and more) said that the radiation had nothing to do with it. At that point, I couldn’t even walk in the sun or drive in a car without my arms and face burning. Nausea also become a problem. [Read more...]

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Daily Column

March 12, 2009 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I had a mastectomy at the end of 2005. The drain was removed 30 days later. Following that, I developed a seroma. Subsequently, I had to have it drained about every three weeks. Then in March 2006 I had a pulmonary embolism and was put on warfarin. I was advised at that time I had to continue it indefinitely because of a personal history of superficial phlebitis and family history of related conditions.

To date I still have a seroma which must be drained once a month and now my surgeon wants to do another surgery to see what is wrong. Have you ever heard of this problem?

DEAR READER:
A seroma is simply a build-up of fluid that usually follows surgery, especially mastectomy (breast removal). In most cases it disappears on its own. Some seromas may need to be drained, occasionally more than once. [Read more...]

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Could Itchy Skin Be Due To Rare Type Of Cancer?

March 3, 2009 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
You have written about itchy skin several times in the past and on occasion indicate that it might be due to serious condition. Invariably, I get excited thinking, “Oh, yes, he’s finally going to talk about mycosis fungoides/Sezary syndrome!” Each time, however, is a let down. Let me share my experience.

My father suffered unnecessarily, I think, because he was misdiagnosed for several years with psoriasis when it was actually Sezary syndrome. Mycosis fungoides and Sezary syndrome are two forms of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (cancer).

I believe my father died because a surgeon operated on his back without realizing how fragile his skin was from the Sezary syndrome. I think that a lack of information created a situation that could have been handled differently, and perhaps, my father would still be here. [Read more...]

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Gynecologist Disagrees With Routine Ca125

February 20, 2009 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I read your column of January 20th and take exception to your comments. You recommended an annual CA125 blood test for all women as a preventive step toward reducing the risk of cancer-related death. I feel you are entirely wrong and must share my reasons.

I am a practicing gynecologist and do not order a routine CA125. This is a non-specific test that can generate abnormal results for a number of reasons, to include fibroids and endometriosis. If I referred each abnormality to my local oncologists, they would throw up their arms in dismay, having to sort out a plethora of possibilities in an attempt to determine the real cause for the elevated readings. This is an expensive process and would take precious hours.

I implore you to write a retraction. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Daily Column Tagged With: ,
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