Dr. Tarjani Dave, Consultant Ophthalmologist at LV Prasad Eye Institute explains what is Mucormycosis or Black Fungus, the symptoms associated with it, why there was a spike in the second wave of Covid cases in India and how to prevent another spike in the future.
Why is Mucormycosis called the “black fungus”?
Mucormycosis is caused by a fungus called Mucor that is found all around us - in the oral and respiratory lining of all healthy individuals, soil, water and air. It commonly affects…
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In this webinar we spoke with Dr. Nilesh Nolkha, Consultant Rheumatologist and Clinical Immunologist addressed some of the most common questions on Lupus as part of the “Know Lupus” series. Dr. Nilesh Nolkha answers the following questions (marked with timestamps on the youtube recording) 03:52 What is Lupus? 05:30 What are the signs and symptoms of Lupus 10:00 How is Lupus diagnosed? Are there any tests for this? 12:00 What are the treatment options for Lupus? 16:05 Can a Lupus patient…
Management of Pediatric Cancer While the main goal of pediatric cancer is to try to get rid of the cancer as soon as possible, it is equally important that the child is made comfortable during their treatment process. This is called supportive care or symptom management. This comprehensively includes managing all health issues during this period such as infections, pain, side-effects of drugs and treatment, nutrition, vaccinations, stress etc. The side-effects of Chemo and Radiation therapy…
The various treatments of pediatric cancers or childhood cancers are tabulated below Cancer Type Treatment Options Lymphoma Chemotherapy, Monoclonal antibodies and Stem cell Transplant. For Hodgkin’s lymphoma, radiation therapy is used. Leukemia Chemotherapy, Radiation, Bone marrow or Stem cell Transplant. Neuroblastoma Surgery, Chemotherapy, Radiation, Immunotherapy, Retinoid therapy and Stem cell Transplant. Retinoblastoma Enucleation with orbital implant…
Tests for Childhood Cancers/ Pediatric Cancers Tests will depend on the symptoms and signs observed on physical examination. Further diagnostic workup will be prescribed accordingly. Each childhood cancer and their respective test have been listed below. Cancer Type Tests Lymphoma CBC, Chest X-ray, Biopsy of the lump, Bone marrow aspiration, CT scan Leukemia Thorough physical exam of liver, spleen and lymph nodes, CBC with differentials, Bone marrow test. Neuroblastoma…
Types of Childhood Cancers The common types of Childhood cancers are: Lymphoma Leukemia Neuroblastoma Retinoblastoma Wilm’s tumor or Nephroblastoma Brain tumors Bone Cancers like Osteosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma Soft tissue cancers like Rhabdomyosarcoma References: National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/types/childhood-cancers
Prevention There is not much one can do to prevent childhood cancers. There are a few risk factors that can be avoided such as preventing the child’s exposure to smoke(second hand), excessive sun, toxic fumes, radiation and hazardous chemicals. Prevent Obesity by encouraging healthy eating habits and physical activity to stay fit. If there is a known inherited gene defect, prophylactic surgery may be considered. Currently there is no screening for childhood cancers.
Symptoms of Pediatric/ Childhood Cancers Many symptoms and signs can be non-specific in kids and often be due to other illnesses. The Pediatric Oncology Resource Center uses an apt acronym (CHILDCANCER) to describe the symptoms: Continued, unexplained weight loss Headaches, often with early morning vomiting Increased swelling or persistent pain in the bones, joints, back, or legs Lump or mass, especially in the abdomen, neck, chest, pelvis, or armpits Development of excessive bruising,…
Although the exact etiology of childhood cancer remains unknown, there are may risk factors that can predispose children for developing cancer. These are broadly categorised as: Genetic - Certain cancers like Retinoblastoma and Wilm’s tumor have a genetic link, which means that the children are born with a specific gene mutation inherited from a parent. Not all childhood cancers occur from an inherited mutation but can be due to a mutation that occurs early in life, maybe even in the womb. Such…
