Doctor Column

Snapshot of Mouth Sores, and Mouth Cancer June 5, 2024 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Mouth sores are tender or painful lesions that appear on the inside of your mouth. They can appear on the tongue, gums, inner cheeks, roof of the mouth, or be found on the inside of the lip. The lesions damage the mucous membrane, a delicate tissue that lines the inside of the mouth making it difficult to swallow, eat, and talk. The ABCDs of Breast Density: What Is It? Could Dense Breast Tissue Increase the Risk of Cancer? September 5, 2023 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Breast cancer is the second common cancer in the United States after skin cancer. It’s more common than lung, prostate, or colorectal cancers. It accounts for 14% of cancers in the U. S. with 300,900 new cases anticipated in 2023 according to the National Cancer Institute. Bladder Cancer How the Type, Size, and Location of Bladder Cancer Influence Your Survival August 25, 2023 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD In January of 2023, the American Cancer Society estimated there’ll be about 82,290 new cases of bladder cancer, and about 16,710 deaths from bladder cancer in the United States. Men are about three times more likely to be stricken by bladder cancer (BLCA) than women. A previous article discussed the symptoms, and diagnosis of bladder cancer. This article will discuss how grading and staging of the tumor predict your survival, and treatment. Bladder Cancer Symptoms and Diagnosis — Early Diagnosis is a Key to Survival August 15, 2023 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Bladder cancer ranks as the fourth most common form of cancer among men, and sixth among women. Men get it three times more frequently compared to women, although women may be diagnosed when their cancer is at a more advanced stage. Smoking is the most significant risk factor for bladder cancer; and the presence of blood in the urine is a red alert, a danger sign, signaling doctors to rule out cancer as the underlying reason for this bloody finding. Liquid Biopsies In Cancer: Seek and Destroy May 25, 2023 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD The best chance for patience winning the battle against cancer, in addition to a healthy lifestyle, is early detection, and precise, treatment of this death-dealing disease. Liquid biopsy, (LB), is a term first used around 2010. It’s a blood test that detects and analyzes circulating tumor cells and their products released by cancer cells into the blood. Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment March 25, 2023 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD As noted in a previous post, “The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped endocrine gland located in the neck below the Adam’s apple and in front of the windpipe It consists of right and left thyroid lobes joined together by a narrow strip of thyroid tissue called the isthmus. Thyroid Cancer and Jared Kushner. Four Major Types of Thyroid Cancer March 15, 2023 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Jared Kushner, the 42 year old former White House senior advisor, and son-in-law of ex-President Donald J. Trump, revealed in his 2022 book “Breaking History” that he had been treated for thyroid cancer. He was diagnosed as having thyroid cancer in October 2019 when a biopsy performed at Walter Reed Hospital tested positive for thyroid cancer. Can Phytochemical (Phyto) Plant Foods Reduce Cancer Risk? October 5, 2021 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD “One in three people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.;” reports the American Cancer Society (ACS). We can cut down on the odds of getting cancer by incorporating colorful, “phyto” foods into our diet. Why It Is Important to Understand the Different Stages of Cancer August 25, 2021 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimated that in 2020 there will be 1.8 million new cancer cases diagnosed and 606,520 cancer deaths in the United States. Cancer staging and grading of these tumors are important guidelines for doctors and patients in dealing with the treatment and outcomes of this disease. “Am I Going to Get Cancer?” Cancer in Families March 15, 2019 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD JoAnn, a 67 year old retired secretary, experienced abdominal pain that at times radiated to the back which she dismissed as indigestion. Usually energetic, she uncharacteristically complained of fatigue and, from time to time, itchiness “all over my body.”

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