LEADING MEDICINE SP RING/SUM M ER 2022
Lung Cancer Screenings Can Save Lives
Emergency Care, Urgent Care or Primary Care: Know Where to Go When Is the Right Time for
JOINT
REPLACEMENT?
YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INNOVATIONS, NEWS, AND TIPS IN THE CLEAR LAKE AREA AND SOUTHEAST HOUSTON
LUNG CANCER SCREENINGS CAN SAVE LIVES
W
hile survival rates for other cancers have improved over the years, lung cancer statistics have lagged dramatically behind. The overall five-year survival rate for lung cancer is 18.6%, compared to 64.5% for colorectal cancer, 89.6% for breast cancer, and 98.2% for prostate cancer, according to Dr. Ravikanth the American Lung Association. Papani Lung cancer — the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. — is often not found until the cancer is at an advanced stage. “One of the biggest challenges in reducing lung cancer deaths has been finding an effective screening method to catch the disease earlier, when it’s more treatable,” said Dr. Ravikanth Papani, board-certified pulmonologist with Houston Methodist Pulmonary Specialists at Clear Lake. Screening for lung cancer makes it is possible to identify nonsmall cell lung cancer at an early stage when it is more treatable. “Research has shown low-dose spiral computed tomography (CT) scans to be effective in detecting cancer and reducing deaths among heavy smokers,” Papani added.
DO YOU NEED A SCREENING?
Not everyone is a candidate for a lung cancer screening. CT scans do carry the risk of radiation exposure, as well as finding growths that turn out not to be cancer — also called “false positives” — which can lead to unnecessary biopsies and undue worry for patients. In addition, not all health insurance plans cover the cost of this screening. Your doctor may recommend a low-dose CT scan for lung cancer screening if you’re age 50 to 77 and have a history of heavy smoking. This includes current and former smokers who have a history of smoking at least one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years. “If you’re a current or former smoker, have a discussion with your doctor about your individual lung cancer risk factors and whether you’d benefit from a lung cancer screening,” Papani said.
Connect with Your Doctor
If you have concerns about your risk for lung cancer, you should talk with your doctor. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ravikanth Papani, call 346.427.4090.
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GET HELP TO QUIT Stopping use of tobacco products can make a significant difference in lowering your risk for lung cancer and other cancers. Here are some tips to help improve your chance of success: Get help with the mental part of addiction. This may include support groups and telephone counseling as well as the support of loved ones. Tackle the physical aspects of quitting. This often involves use of nicotine replacement therapy (gum, lozenges, patches, inhalers, nasal sprays, etc.). Find a method that works with your lifestyle or smoking patterns. Talk with your health care provider about prescription medication, if necessary. The antidepressant bupropion can help relieve withdrawal symptoms, while varenicline works by interfering with nicotine receptors in the brain.
WHAT HAPPENS
When You Lose Your Voice?
H
ave you ever felt like you had a frog in your throat or had a scratchy voice when you were sick? Vocal hoarseness occurs when a person has difficulty Dr. Ryan Ridley speaking or there is a change in pitch or intonation. A person’s voice sounds weak, breathy or strained. You may be surprised to learn there are several medical conditions that can cause you to lose your voice.
NOT JUST A FROG IN YOUR THROAT
When there is something wrong with your voice, it is usually a problem affecting your vocal cords. “Normally, a person’s vocal cords open and close seamlessly and produce sound as they vibrate. When they become irritated or swollen, the cords do not close properly. This affects your vocal quality,” explained Dr. Ryan Ridley, board-certified otolaryngologist (ENT) with Houston Methodist ENT Specialists at Clear Lake. Here are a few conditions that can affect your voice: Acute laryngitis is the most common cause of vocal loss or distress and typically goes away after a few days. Sufferers complain of a weak voice, a tickling feeling in the throat, or a dry or sore throat. Treatment: Because it is often caused by a viral infection or irritation from vocal overuse, people are advised to drink plenty of fluids and rest until symptoms improve. Chronic laryngitis can be caused by acid reflux disease, low-grade infections and inhalers used by asthma sufferers. Treatment: People suffering from laryngitis for more than two weeks or who get laryngitis often should contact their doctor.
See an ENT Specialist
An ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist with Houston Methodist ENT Specialists can help diagnose and treat conditions affecting your voice. Visit houstonmethodist.org/ent-clearlake for more information or call 832.783.1170 to schedule an appointment.
Vocal nodules and polyps are commonly caused by vocal misuse or overuse. This can include speaking in noisy places, using an incorrect pitch (too high or too low), or vocal strain, such as singing along at a concert or yelling at a sports event. “People suffering from vocal nodules or polyps experience hoarseness, breathiness, shooting pain from ear to ear, decreased pitch range and body fatigue,” Ridley added.
Treatment: Depending on the severity, size of the polyp or nodule, and how long a person has the condition, an otolaryngologist may recommend complete vocal rest, surgery, or behavioral changes such as quitting smoking. “If you suffer from vocal hoarseness for more than two weeks or are coughing up blood, having difficulty breathing or swallowing, or have a lump in your neck, seek medical care immediately,” Ridley said.
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When Is the Right Time for
Joint Replacement? J
oint pain from arthritis can interfere with your everyday activities and limit your ability to work, play and enjoy life. Arthritis is a common problem, and Dr. J. Sawyer you’ll find a multitude Croley of medications and treatments designed to provide relief and improve mobility. But how do you know if the timing is right to get a hip or knee replacement? “You know it’s time to take action when pain prevents you from doing everyday activities, whether that’s playing golf, doing yardwork or going for a walk around your neighborhood,” said Dr. J. Sawyer Croley, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Clear Lake. When knee or hip pain bothers you every day, keeps you awake at night and affects your quality of life, it’s time to see a doctor. Although the decisions and the time frames are different for everyone, the path to treatment usually starts with talking to your primary care doctor or an orthopedic specialist. They can evaluate your joint pain and develop a treatment plan that’s customized for you.
EVALUATING JOINT PAIN
First, you may go through an assessment of pain and discuss your ability to function in everyday activities. Your doctor will order X-rays, do a physical exam and ask questions about your joint pain. Next, they may ask the following questions to evaluate the severity of your condition and determine the next steps: Do you have frequent or intense joint pain with activity?
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DON’T LET JOINT PAIN SLOW YOU DOWN Are you dealing with joint pain in your daily routine? You don’t have to accept joint pain as part of your life. You have the power to overcome the obstacles standing in your way so you can focus on the benefits of treatment. Break free from limitations and common misconceptions, such as: I’m too young to have joint problems. Reality: It’s not uncommon to have arthritis in your 40s and 50s. Early diagnosis can help provide relief and prevent worse problems from developing in the future. Joint pain is part of aging. Reality: Joint pain is very common, especially as you age, but it doesn’t have to prevent you from doing the things you love. I don’t have time for a long recovery. Reality: Advanced treatment techniques and targeted physical therapy make it possible to recover quickly and return to light activities within a few weeks. Having joint replacement surgery is a decision that can change your life. Choosing the right treatment path can result in decreased pain, better mobility and improved quality of life.
Do you have difficulty walking, standing up or bending over? Are you experiencing stiffness and a limited range of motion? Do you have inflammation, stiffness and swelling in the joint? Do you suffer pain while at rest or does pain keep you up at night? Have you been experiencing symptoms for a long time? Are your symptoms getting worse? Does your pain persist even after taking over-the-counter pain medications?
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Are you suffering side effects from pain medications? Is joint pain wearing you down mentally and emotionally?
EXPLORING TREATMENT OPTIONS As a next step, your doctor may recommend conservative and nonsurgical treatments to relieve your joint pain. Medications and steroid injections may help reduce pain. Using a brace or doing physical therapy can help provide stability, build strength and maintain range of motion. Losing extra weight is also very helpful by taking the pressure off your joints.
Make an Appointment
“We recommend a conservative approach to managing hip and knee pain, which means we’ll suggest other treatments before talking about surgery,” Croley said. Nonsurgical treatment options are intended to help you stay active and function better with joint pain. However, sometimes they don’t provide enough relief, or they may stop working after a while. Seeing an orthopedic specialist can help you understand all your options, including when to consider joint replacement surgery.
PLANNING YOUR JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY
If you’re a candidate for joint replacement surgery, you’ll discuss with your doctor the next steps involved in planning your surgery. Taking a proactive approach in the weeks and months before surgery can help set you up for a speedy recovery. “We spend time on physical therapy and discussing expectations about pain to help you prepare for surgery,” Croley added.
Take the next step and schedule an evaluation with an orthopedic specialist. Visit houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics/ clearlake or call 713.363.9090 to schedule an appointment.
Recovery times are different for every patient, but most people go home the same day of surgery and are back to work in six to eight weeks. The bulk of the recovery happens in the first two months after surgery, but it’s common to continue making progress with strength and mobility up to 12 months after surgery.
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Emergency Care, Urgent Care, or Primary Care:
KNOW WHERE TO GO W Dr. Charanjeev Mann
hen you’re in pain or feeling very ill, where should you go for medical care? Choosing the right place at the right time can help you get the care you need — and possibly save you time and money. “If you have a chronic medical condition, such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma, your doctor can advise you about related symptoms that may require emergency, urgent, or routine care,” said Dr. Charanjeev Mann, board-certified internal medicine specialist at Houston Methodist Primary Care Group at Pasadena.
EMERGENCY CARE
VIRTUAL URGENT CA
“Call 911 or go to the nearest hospital if you believe a situation is life-threatening,” Mann added. Symptoms that generally signal an emergency include:
Make an appointment with a Virtual Urgent Care doctor fo
Coughs, cold or flu Allergic reaction with trouble breathing, swelling or hives
Pregnancy-related issues, such as severe cramping or bleeding Constipation or diarrhea
Chest pain or squeezing sensation in the chest
Poisoning or suspected overdose Fevers
Broken bones, especially those protruding through the skin
Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
Head, neck or spine injury
Sudden slurred speech, visual changes or weakness on one side of the body
Heartburn
Pink or red eyes Intense pain, including severe headache or abdominal pain
Suicidal thoughts
Loss of consciousness
Uncontrolled bleeding
Major burns or electric shock
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The above conditions can also be addressed with a primary care doctor. If you can’t get in to see your doctor immediately, you can visit one of our same-day clinics.
AL URGENT CARE
PRIMARY CARE OFFICE VISIT
ent Care doctor for nonlife-threating illnesses, such as:
Make an appointment with your primary care provider for the following:
Sinus infections
Minor health concerns
Managing health conditions (diabetes, asthma, heart disease, etc.)
Sore throat or strep throat
Preventive and routine care
Referrals to specialty care
Urinary tract infection (women only)
Screenings and vaccinations
Find Care Fast
Emergency Care: Visit houstonmethodist.org/er to find emergency care near you. If you are experiencing a serious or life-threatening medical emergency, please call 911. Virtual Urgent Care: Access nonemergency urgent care 24/7 via video visit. Download the MyMethodist app or visit houstonmethodist.org/virtual-care to learn more. Same-Day Clinics: Same-day sick visits for many common health conditions are also available. Visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/same-day-clinics or call 713.394.6724 to schedule an appointment. Office Visit: To find a provider, visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/southeast or call 713.394.6724 to schedule an appointment with a doctor at Houston Methodist Primary Care Group at Clear Lake.
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KEEP YOU MOVING without joint pain
Live life without joint pain.
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At Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Clear Lake, we know that joint pain affects every part of your life. With treatment plans customized for you, our specialists offer a full range of advanced nonsurgical and surgical techniques. Our expert joint care includes:
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• Innovative pain control methods • Physical therapy to improve mobility and range of motion • The latest technology, including minimally invasive surgical techniques that help reduce recovery time
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