LEADING MEDICINE FA LL 2021
7 Reasons to See a Neurologist
Unexplained Chest, Back or Abdomen Pain Could Be an Aneurysm
MAMMOGRAM FAQs
Your Breast Cancer Screening Questions Answered Visit houstonmethodist.org/lmn/fall-2021 to read more online.
YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INNOVATIONS, NEWS AND TIPS IN THE CLEAR LAKE AREA AND SOUTHEAST HOUSTON
IN THIS ISSUE - FALL 2021
3
7 Reasons to See a Neurologist If you’re experiencing troubling neurological symptoms, such as chronic pain, severe headaches, dizziness or memory loss, it’s important to take your symptoms seriously and get help.
4
Your Breast Cancer Screening Questions Answered As life continues to return to normal, remember to include scheduling your annual screening mammogram to the to-do list. Get tips to help you prep for your mammogram and what to know about your breast imaging options and results.
6
Breast Cancer in Younger Women When you’re in your 20s, 30s and 40s breast cancer is definitely not part of the plan. Learn if you may be at risk for breast cancer and what steps to take if you have symptoms.
4 7
Unexplained Chest, Back or Abdomen Pain Could Be an Aneurysm An aneurysm is a bulge in an artery, a vein or the heart wall. Learn more about what causes an aortic aneurysm, how it’s treated and the symptoms to watch for.
Growth Continues at Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital
H
ouston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital continues to expand both its physical footprint and its service offerings to meet the changing health care needs of Clear Lake region residents. The latest project to be completed is the hospital’s Medical Office Building 4, located on the west side of the campus. The six-story, 150,000-square-foot building, which opened on May 10, is the new home of Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Clear Lake as well as the hospital’s physical therapy and rehabilitation facilities. The building includes new office and clinical space for doctors across a range of medical specialties and gives the hospital additional capacity to bring new doctors to the area. Houston Methodist Clear Lake has plans to add as many as 40 new physicians in the near future. “This year is definitely all about growth,” said Dan Newman, Houston Methodist Clear Lake CEO. “And the opening of Medical Office Building 4 is our biggest milestone. It gives us a state-of-the-art orthopedics and sports medicine facility as well as room for the latest and most advanced physical therapy and rehabilitation equipment and techniques. It enables us to grow our physician base and expand our services in a variety of specialties too. That flexibility is important as we continue to respond to community needs.”
2 LEADING MEDICINE IN CLEAR LAKE AND SOUTHEAST HOUSTON
A Strategic Plan for Growth
The developments in 2021 are part of a long-term strategy that will eventually include an expansion of the hospital itself. “Our goal is to create the ‘hospital of choice’ for both providers and residents across the Clear Lake region — one that offers a comprehensive level of services to meet the community’s needs,” said Newman. “We’re certainly proud of the new facilities we’ve opened, and we’re not done growing yet.” Visit houstonmethodist.org/locations/clear-lake to learn more or call 281.523.2000 to find a doctor.
7
REASONS TO SEE A NEUROLOGIST
I
f you’re dealing with chronic pain, severe headaches, dizziness, memory loss or other troubling symptoms, you may wonder, “Is this all in my head?” It’s important to take your symptoms Dr. Bingzhong seriously, even when Chen you’re not sure what’s going on. Your doctor may recommend seeing a neurologist, a specialist who treats diseases of the brain and spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles. A neurologist can perform a neurological exam to assess your strength, coordination, sensation, reflexes, vision and mental status. The exam may help uncover the cause of your symptoms or rule out certain neurological conditions. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s important to get help:
1
Severe or sudden headaches. “Headaches, including migraines, are a common reason to see a neurologist, especially when symptoms include sensitivity to light, vomiting or changes in vision,” said Dr. Bingzhong Chen, a neurologist with Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital.
2
Vision changes. If you experience sudden or intermittent vision loss, blurred or double vision, this could be a sign of a stroke or other neurological problems, and should not be ignored.
3
Chronic or neuropathic pain. “Pain that persists or comes and goes over a long period of time can be extremely difficult to manage,” said Chen. “Neuropathic pain occurs when the nervous system misfires and sends pain signals to the brain.” This can cause shooting or burning pain and a “pins and needles” feeling.
4
Numbness or tingling. Numbness or tingling that occurs on one
side of the body or comes on suddenly could be a sign of a stroke or other serious condition.
5
Dizziness. Experiencing bouts of dizziness or difficulty keeping your balance could be a sign of something more serious. Disequilibrium is a sensation of losing your balance, while vertigo makes you feel like the room is spinning around you.
6
Movement problems. Difficulty walking, shuffling your feet, muscle weakness, tremors and unintentional jerks can all be signs of a nervous system problem.
7
Memory problems or confusion. “Worsening memory problems, personality changes or mixing up words
could be signs of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia,” said Chen.
WORKING TOGETHER
Neurological conditions of the brain or spine can lead to daily living struggles. Our team of specialists, including boardcertified neurologists, neurosurgeons, spine specialists, pain management specialists, and rehabilitation and occupational therapists, work together to tailor treatment to individual needs.
WHAT DOES A NEUROLOGIST TREAT? A neurologist has specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of neurologic disorders, such as: A lzheimer’s disease and other dementias B rain injury and concussion Brain tumors Epilepsy Migraine headaches Multiple sclerosis P arkinson’s disease and other movement disorders
Peripheral neuropathy Sleep disorders Spinal cord injury Stroke T remors and movement disorders
Learn More
To learn more or request an appointment with a neurologist or other highly trained specialist at Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital, visit houstonmethodist.org/spine/clearlake or call 281.523.3355.
CHECK OUT OUR DIGITAL MAGAZINE AT HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/NEWSROOM/NEWSLETTERS 3
MAMMOGRAM FAQs
YOUR BREAST CANCER SCREENING QUESTIONS ANSWERED
W
hen life is busy, it’s easy to put everyone else’s needs before your own. But it’s important to make time for yourself — and your annual screening mammogram. If you’re not sure when to start getting mammograms or what to expect, we’re here to help. Dr. Esther Dubrovsky, a breast surgeon with Dr. Esther Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Clear Dubrovsky Lake, answered some common questions women have about getting mammograms.
PREPARING FOR YOUR MAMMOGRAM When should I start getting screening mammograms and how often?
Your doctor may recommend annual mammograms starting at age 40 if you have an average risk for breast cancer. Ask your doctor about your risk for breast cancer and the screening schedule that’s right for you.
Why should I get an annual mammogram?
Getting regular mammograms makes it possible to detect breast cancers when they are small and easier to treat. It’s also helpful to be able to review your mammogram history and track any changes in the breasts over time.
What do I need to know about scheduling my mammogram?
It may be helpful to avoid scheduling a mammogram the week before your period, when breasts may be more tender. However, it’s important to get in for a mammogram whenever it works with your schedule.
What should I wear for my exam?
Life is busy and it’s OK if you show up as you are for your mammogram. Wearing a two-piece outfit makes it easier to remove your top for your mammogram and it’s best to avoid wearing deodorant, powders or lotions. You’ll be offered wipes to remove deodorant, if needed.
Learn More Online Visit us online at houstonmethodist.org/lmn/fall-2021 to read more about Houston Methodist services and screening options.
4 LEADING MEDICINE IN CLEAR LAKE AND SOUTHEAST HOUSTON
TYPES OF MAMMOGRAPHY AND BREAST IMAGING Whether you need a screening mammogram or other breast imaging test, we have the technology and expertise to guide you through the next steps.
B reast MRI is an extremely sensitive test to look for breast cancer and may also be used for breast cancer treatment planning.
D mammogram is a highly efficient and 3 accurate digital technology used to identify smaller tumors sooner for earlier breast cancer detection.
C ontrast-enhanced mammogram is an alternative to breast MRI that uses an injection of dye to see if there’s abnormal blood supply in the breast.
Breast ultrasound is an imaging test that can determine if a lump or mass is filled with fluid.
olecular breast imaging (MBI) is a technique M used to identify tumors in dense breasts.
Does my insurance cover a mammogram?
Most major insurance plans cover an annual screening mammogram, but it’s important to call and verify your coverage.
further testing. A diagnostic mammogram may be ordered after a screening mammogram shows a questionable area, if you feel a lump in your breast or have other symptoms.
CREATING A COMFORTABLE EXPERIENCE
GETTING YOUR RESULTS
What should I expect during my visit?
Who will review my images?
You can get a mammogram done quickly. Prior to your appointment, you’ll be asked to complete your registration through the patient portal MyChart. After checking in, you’ll be escorted to a private room to change into a robe before meeting with the mammography technologist.
What happens during a screening mammogram?
The technologist will ask you some questions related to your health, including birth control, family history of breast cancer and any symptoms you may be experiencing. These questions are important to help make sure we’re doing the right type of mammogram. Next, you’ll be asked to stand in front of a 3D mammography machine and the technologist will take X-rays of two different views of each breast.
Are mammograms painful?
Some women may find the breast compression to be uncomfortable or painful, but the experience is different for everyone. The compression takes about 10 seconds for each image, and our technologists are trained to listen to you and make the experience as comfortable as possible.
UNDERSTANDING MAMMOGRAM TECHNOLOGY
Board-certified breast radiologists are specially trained to interpret breast mammogram results.
How will I get my results?
Once reviewed by a doctor, you can view your results in the patient portal. If further testing is needed, a staff member will contact you to share findings and schedule additional imaging.
What does it mean to have dense breast tissue on a mammogram?
Density refers to how much fibrous tissue is in the breast. Having high density on a mammogram makes it more difficult to see a mass. In some cases, we may order a breast ultrasound in addition to a mammogram for women with high breast density.
What if I get called back for a second mammogram?
Getting called for a second mammogram doesn’t mean you have cancer. It means we need more information to see what’s going on. When you come in for a diagnostic mammogram, a breast radiologist will meet with you to share the results and answer your questions.
What is a 3D mammogram?
A 3D mammogram is the latest, most advanced technology to detect breast cancer with the greatest accuracy. 3D technology uses a low dose of radiation, yet allows for more targeted views that help find small cancers.
What is the purpose of a screening mammogram vs. diagnostic mammogram?
A screening mammogram is done when you have no symptoms of breast cancer. The purpose is to find cancers in an early stage before you can feel a lump. If we find an irregularity on a screening mammogram, you may be asked to come back for
Scheduling Your Mammogram To schedule your mammogram at Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Clear Lake, visit houstonmethodist.org/breast-care-clearlake or call 281.333.8858.
HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/CLEARLAKE 5
BREAST CANCER IN YOUNGER WOMEN
B
reast cancer may be far from your mind when you’re in your 20s, 30s and 40s. Life is busy with plans for your career, family, travel and more — and a diagnosis of breast cancer is definitely not part of the plan. Hearing the words “you have breast cancer” can be a shock.
Dr. Jitesh Joshi
UNIQUE CHALLENGES FOR YOUNGER WOMEN
Although breast cancer is more common in older women, nearly 1 in 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer are younger than age 45.* “Younger women going through breast cancer diagnosis and treatment often have unique issues and can benefit from additional layers of support and care,” said Dr. Jitesh Joshi, oncologist with Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Clear Lake. Here’s why: 1. Breast cancer in younger women is more likely to be hereditary. Genetic testing and counseling can help women and their families work together to navigate breast cancer prevention. 2. Breast cancer in younger women is more likely to be found at a later stage. These cases are often more aggressive and difficult to treat. Focusing on early detection and a personalized treatment plan are critical steps in the fight against breast cancer. 3. Younger women dealing with breast cancer often have unique issues. This may include special concerns about breast surgery and reconstruction, body image, fertility and more. Working with a care team you trust is essential when navigating the complexities of cancer treatment.
ARE YOU AT RISK?
“Knowing your risk for breast cancer can lead to important early discussions with your doctor about breast cancer screening, genetic testing and other preventive measures,” said Joshi. If you’re age 45 or younger, your risk for breast cancer may be higher if you have:
Raise Your Hand
F amily history of breast cancer. Having close relatives who were diagnosed with breast cancer before age 45 or diagnosed with ovarian cancer at any age. G enetic risk. Having family members with a mutation in a “cancer” gene. R ace/ethnicity. African-American women are more likely to develop cancer at a younger age, so should consider starting mammograms at age 35 if they have family history of breast cancer. P ast radiation therapy. Receiving radiation therapy to the breast or chest during childhood or early adulthood. B reast density. Having dense breast tissue may increase your breast cancer risk.
IS IT BREAST CANCER?
If you find a lump or have other breast changes as a young woman, it is most likely due to another reason and not breast cancer. However, you should always get your symptoms checked. Warning signs of breast cancer include a new lump in the breast; irritation, pain or swelling in the breast; dimpling of breast skin; nipple discharge, red or flaky skin; and changes in the shape or size of the breast. * Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Contact your doctor if you notice any changes in your breasts or if you have questions about your risk for breast cancer. Visit houstonmethodist.org/womens-services/locations/clear-lake/breast-care-center to schedule your mammogram. The newly remodeled Breast Care Center offers a calm, spa-like setting with ample, conveniently located parking. The ability to undergo a mammogram and, if necessary, an ultrasound or MRI on the same day is available with our full-time, dedicated breast radiologists.
6 LEADING MEDICINE IN CLEAR LAKE AND SOUTHEAST HOUSTON
UNEXPLAINED CHEST, BACK OR ABDOMEN PAIN
COULD BE AN ANEURYSM
I
f the term “aneurysm” is Greek to you, you’re right. The word is derived from the Greek and means “widening.” Medically speaking, an aneurysm refers to a bulge in an Dr. Joseph artery, a vein or the heart Naoum wall. When such a bulge occurs in the aorta, it is known as an aortic aneurysm.
BALLOONING UNDER PRESSURE
“The major artery in the chest and abdomen, the aorta extends from the heart, delivering oxygen-rich blood to smaller arteries throughout the body,” said Dr. Joseph Naoum, a vascular surgeon and interventional cardiologist at Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center at Clear Lake. But sometimes a weak spot develops along its wall. As blood flows through, the weakened area balloons out. Sometimes this ballooning occurs in the thoracic aorta (the chest), but mostly in the abdominal aorta. Eventually, this ballooned area may rupture under the force of flowing blood. If not repaired immediately, a ruptured aneurysm can cause death.
REASONS FOR WEAKENING
Aortic aneurysms can develop from a multitude of contributing factors. High blood pressure, atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries), smoking and other inflammatory processes are often responsible for aneurysmal dilatation. But an aortic aneurysm can also be caused by an inherited or congenital disorder, a traumatic injury (pseudoaneurysm) and, in rare cases, by certain infections. Although aneurysms are most common in middle-aged or older people, the condition can strike younger adults as well.
EARLY DETECTION AND TREATMENT
“In its early stages, an aneurysm has no symptoms,” said Naoum. “In many cases, the bulge or dilatation is discovered unexpectedly during a routine physical exam or radiographic imaging, such as an X-ray, ultrasound, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or a CT (computed tomography) scan.” Routine screening is usually performed with ultrasonography. With the ease and speed of new CT scans, the entire aorta can be screened without the use of intravenous contrast. “If the aneurysm is small and causes no symptoms, a physician may simply monitor its growth,” shared Naoum. “The larger it grows, the more likely it is to burst and need immediate emergency attention.” If an aneurysm is larger than 5 to 5.5 cm, is growing rapidly or causing pain, open surgery to replace the diseased vessel with a synthetic graft or by using a less invasive endovascular approach is the treatment of choice. An endovascular approach is a minimally invasive procedure in which a graft is threaded through a large artery in the leg to the site of the aneurysm, avoiding the need for openabdominal surgery.
ON THE ALERT
!
Call your doctor if you experience these symptoms: P ain in the chest, neck, back and/or abdomen may be signs of an aortic aneurysm. The pain may be sudden and sharp. B ack pain, diminished appetite, weight loss, a feeling of fullness after eating a small meal, nausea, vomiting and a pulsating mass in the abdomen may be signs of an abdominal aneurysm.
Schedule an Appointment
If your primary care doctor suggests seeing a vascular or heart specialist, call 713.DEBAKEY. Or visit houstonmethodist.org/debakey/clear-lake to learn more about the services we offer. HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/CLEARLAKE 7
NON PROFIT US POSTAGE
PAID
TWIN CITIES MN PERMIT NO 31657
Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital 18300 Houston Methodist Dr. Houston, TX 77058 houstonmethodist.org/clearlake
If you prefer to not receive future communication from Houston Methodist, please email optout@houstonmethodist.org or call 713.790.3333. IMAGES MAY BE FROM ©GETTY AND/OR ©HOUSTON METHODIST.
LEADING MEDICINE IN GREATER HOUSTON
713.394.6724
HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/CLEARLAKE
Early Detection Starts With Your
ANNUAL MAMMOGRAM Advanced Breast Screenings Close to Home
AP
NAS
Y.
KW
HO
1
T. FC
THO
ME
UP
R. T D DIS
Clear Lake
At Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Clear Lake, our specialists review your mammogram history and track results over time — detecting changes earlier. That’s why getting your mammogram starting at age 40 — or earlier, if you have a family history — is so important.
SU R
OAD
ON UST
AR
NAS
PE R
R BAY
45
D.
CE SPA
K PAR
DR.
Our Breast Care Center offers:
• The latest 3D mammogram technology • Board-certified breast imaging radiologists
• Acceptance of most major insurance plans
Your health is our priority. To better protect you, we took it one step further by requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for all of our physicians, staff and employees.
Scan the QR code, visit houstonmethodist.org/breast-care or call 281.333.8858 to schedule your mammogram today. We do not require a doctor’s order for your annual screening mammogram.
facebook.com/houstonmethodist
twitter.com/methodisthosp
youtube.com/methodisthospitalhou
houstonmethodist.org/blog