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Ask a Doctor Advancements in medicine translate to more options – and better outcomes – for patients. Here, local physicians answer an array of questions. Edited By EVERETT SULLIVAN
four years for people between age 40 to 64 and one to two years after age 65. And, when you do go in, talk to your doctor. Ask questions. Discuss concerns. Most importantly, follow any treatment recommendations. By following these steps, you can help guarantee that you see life to the fullest – now and in the future. DR. BRUCE GERSHENHORN
CANCER TREATMENT CENTERS OF AMERICA Q: What are the risk factors for lung cancer?
DR. SUHAIL ALLAQABAND
AURORA ST. LUKE’S AND AURORA GRAFTON
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
Q: What is a common type of heart valve disease, and what are the potential treatments?
A: One of the most common heart valve conditions is called aortic stenosis, when the aortic valve – which is the main valve through which the blood flows out of the heart – becomes stiffened and narrowed. Ten years ago, the only option for heart valve disease was openheart surgery. In the last 10 years, we have experienced great innovation – now we can fix many heart valve problems through minimally invasive, catheter-based procedures. For aortic stenosis, we have a procedure called transcatheter aortic valve replacement, where we insert a catheter [a small,
flexible tube] through a blood vessel to access the heart and implant a new heart valve. All of our patients prefer these catheter-based procedures compared to open-heart surgery. It’s truly a revolution in treatment. Ten years ago, we wouldn’t have dreamt of fixing heart valves without open-heart surgery, and now catheter-based procedures are the standard of care. And there are many new procedures in clinical trials, so the next five to ten years are going to be big in these kinds of valve repairs. DR. MARK FREEDMAN
EYE CARE SPECIALISTS Q: How can I help ensure that I have good vision as I grow older?
A: Good vision is key to maintaining a healthy, independent lifestyle. Will you see a bright,
clear future or a retirement clouded by an eye disease? The picture is often up to you, since 80% of vision loss is preventable or curable with prompt diagnosis and treatment. My partners and I regularly utilize OCT laser scans of the retina and optic nerve to detect sight-threatening conditions. We implement laser and minimally invasive surgery procedures to reduce the need for glaucoma drops. We remove and replace cloudy cataracts with lens implants that restore vision to levels not seen in years. And we perform sight-saving injection treatment for diabetic and macular degeneration patients. But these revolutionary advances are of no benefit if you don’t take action. Many people downplay, deny or are unaware of any vision threat. That’s why it’s vital to schedule comprehensive, dilated eye exams – usually every two to
A: Each year, more than 230,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer in the United States. Understanding certain risk factors for lung cancer may help you take measures to reduce the likelihood of developing the disease. About two out of three lung cancer cases are diagnosed in people over age 65, and most people are older than 45. The average age at diagnosis is 71. Individuals with an immediate family member who has or had lung cancer may be more prone to developing the disease. Smoking is widely considered the leading cause of lung cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work increase their risk of developing lung cancer by 20% to 30%. Radon is a scentless gas found in some houses and is a cause of lung cancer. Knowing the risk factors for lung cancer is key to taking steps to help prevent the disease. March 2020 63