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January 24th, 2015 · Leave a Comment
Weekend Wellness: Gleason score indicates grade of prostate cancer
By lizatorborg 
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I am 73 and just had a prostate biopsy that showed a malignant tumor with a Gleason score of 8. Is this an indication of an aggressive cancer and if so, what are my treatment options?
ANSWER: Gleason score indicates the grade of your prostate cancer. The higher the Gleason score, the more aggressive the cancer is likely to be. 
Of the factors related to prostate cancer that doctors take into consideration when deciding on treatment, Gleason score is probably the most important one. In most cases, treatment with radiation and hormonal therapy or with surgery is recommended based on a Gleason score of 8.
The Gleason score was developed in the 1960s by a pathologist named Donald Gleason. It has stood the test of time, and doctors now rely on it to predict how likely prostate cancer is to grow and spread.
For most kinds of cancer, tumor grade is determined by looking at individual cancer cells through a microscope using a high level of magnification to examine the details of those cells. Gleason score is different. With this method, a pathologist examines prostate tissue samples under a microscope using low magnification to observe the patterns of the cancer cells. Read the rest of this entry »
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Tags: Dr Jeffrey Karnes, Dr Karnes, Gleason score, prostate biopsy, Prostate Cancer, Weekend Wellness
January 23rd, 2015 · Leave a Comment
By Dana Sparks 
Does having a cancer biopsy increase the chances your cancer will spread? We’ll explore this topic with cancer surgeon Dr. KMarie Reid Lombardo on the next Mayo Clinic Radio. Also on Mayo Clinic Radio, we’ll talk with OB/GYN specialist Dr. Sean Dowdy about the latest advances in preventing, detecting and treating cervical cancer. Please join us.
Myth or Fact: Having a biopsy of my cancer will cause it to spread.
Mayo Clinic Radio is available on iHeart Radio.
Click here to listen to the program on Saturday at 9:05 a.m. and follow #MayoClinicRadio.
Listen to this week’s Medical News Headlines: News Seg January 24, 2015 (right click MP3)
To find and listen to archived shows, click here.
Mayo Clinic Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program highlighting health and medical information from Mayo Clinic. The show is taped for rebroadcast by some affiliates.
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Tags: Cancer Biopsy, Cervical Cancer, Dr KMarie Reid Lombardo, Dr. Sean Dowdy, Mayo Clinic Radio
January 23rd, 2015 · Leave a Comment
Measles Can Almost Always be Prevented With a Vaccine
By Dana Sparks
USA Today - "An outbreak of measles that began at Disneyland before Christmas is disrupting lives in six states. Arizona became the latest state to report a case of measles related to Disneyland when a woman in her 50s was diagnosed. The outbreak has spread to Utah, Washington, Colorado, Oregon and across the border to Mexico."
Measles is a childhood infection caused by a virus. Once quite common, measles can now almost always be prevented with a vaccine. Signs and symptoms of measles include cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes, sore throat, fever and a red, blotchy skin rash. Also called rubeola, measles can be serious and even fatal for small children. While death rates have been falling worldwide as more children receive the measles vaccine, the disease still kills more than 100,000 people a year, most under the age of 5. Learn more:
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Tags: Infectious Diseases, measles, Vaccination
January 23rd, 2015 · Leave a Comment
By Sam Smith 
Rochester, Minn. — A new breast imaging technique pioneered at Mayo Clinic nearly quadruples detection rates of invasive breast cancers in women with dense breast tissue, according to the results of a major study published this week in the American Journal of Roentgenology.
Molecular Breast Imaging (right) detected 3.6 times as many invasive cancers as digital mammography (left) in the latest study of more than 1,500 women with dense breast tissue. About half of screening-age women have dense breast tissue, which digital mammography renders the same whitish shade as tumors. Results are published in the American Journal of Roentgenology.
Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI) is a supplemental imaging technology designed to find tumors that would otherwise be obscured by surrounding dense breast tissue on a mammogram. Tumors and dense breast tissue can both appear white on a mammogram, making tumors indistinguishable from background tissue in women with dense breasts. About half of all screening-aged women have dense breast tissue, according to Deborah Rhodes, M.D., a Mayo Clinic Breast Clinic physician and the senior author of this study.
MBI increased the detection rate of invasive breast cancers by more than 360 percent when used in addition to regular screening mammography, according to the study. MBI uses small, semiconductor-based gamma cameras to image the breast following injection of a radiotracer that tumors absorb avidly. Unlike conventional breast imaging techniques, such as mammography and ultrasound, MBI exploits the different behavior of tumors relative to background tissue, producing a functional image of the breast that can detect tumors not seen on mammography.
The study, conducted at Mayo Clinic, included 1,585 women with heterogeneously or extremely dense breasts who underwent an MBI exam at the time of their screening mammogram.
MEDIA CONTACT: Joe Dangor or Sam Smith, Mayo Clinic Public Affairs, 507-284-5005, newsbureau@mayo.edu Read the rest of this entry »
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Tags: Breast Cancer, Dr Amy Conners, Dr Deborah Rhodes, Dr Michael O'Connor, mammogram, MBI, Minnesota news release, Molecular Breast Imaging, News Release, radiology, supplemental screening
January 23rd, 2015 · Leave a Comment
Magic mouthwash: Effective for mouth sores resulting from chemotherapy?
By Dana Sparks
Magic mouthwash: Effective for mouth sores resulting from chemotherapy?
Some forms of chemotherapy and radiation therapy cause painful mouth sores. Magic mouthwash may provide relief.
Research shows higher breast cancer risk for women with atypical hyperplasia
New findings may change screening and prevention recommendations for women with atypical hyperplasia of the breast.
Overview of Mayo Clinic Cancer Research
The Mayo Clinic Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center with a multisite presence. Its three campuses — in Scottsdale, Ariz., Jacksonville, Fla., and Rochester, Minn. — give the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center a broad geographic reach, enabling it to serve diverse patient populations around the world.
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Tags: atypical hyperplasia, Chemotherapy, Living With Cancer Blog, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Mouth Sore
January 23rd, 2015 · Leave a Comment
Treating Sinus Infections Without Antibiotics
By Dana Sparks
Tomah, WI - People often want antibiotics to tackle a sinus infection but that
might not be the best treatment since most infections are caused by viruses. Antibiotics fight bacteria, not viruses.
There are also complications that can develop with dependency on these drugs. The more antibiotics are used the less effective they can become, with possible side effects like dizziness, stomach problems and rashes.
Instead of turning to antibiotics, Alan Conway, M.D., family physician at Mayo Clinic Health System – Franciscan Healthcare in Tomah, suggests some alternative methods of treatment. Dr. Conway says, “First of all, you should give yourself enough rest. Your body needs the time to fight the infection with full force, especially in the first few days when symptoms are the most severe.”
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Tags: antibiotics, Dr Alan Conway, Mayo Clinic Health System, sinus infection
January 22nd, 2015 · Leave a Comment
Diabetes: Testing for Early Indicators
Many people first learn they have diabetes through blood tests done for another condition or as part of a routine physical exam. But in some cases, diabetes may not be detected before damage to your eyes, kidneys or other organs has occurred. That’s why the American Diabetes Association recommends adults have a fasting blood glucose test at age 45. If the test results are normal, repeat the test every three years. If your results are borderline, have a fasting blood sugar test every year. Your health care provider may also test for diabetes based on your symptoms or risk factors.
Mayo Clinic Health System family medicine provider Steven Adamson, M.D., says, "Although the amount of sugar in your blood fluctuates, the range is relatively narrow," says . "After fasting all night, most people have levels between 70 and 100 milligrams of glucose per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). That’s the equivalent of about one teaspoon of sugar in a gallon of water. If you consistently have fasting glucose levels above 125 mg/dL, you likely have diabetes."
Dr. Adamson shares tests that can detect diabetes: Read the rest of this entry »
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Tags: Diabetes, Dr Steven Adamson, Glucose test, Mayo Clinic Health System
January 22nd, 2015 · Leave a Comment
By Dana Sparks
GERD: Can certain medications increase severity?
Center for Congenital Heart Disease
Alzheimer's: Managing sleep problems
Allergy medications and pregnancy: What's safe?
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Tags: Allergy Medications, Alzheimer's, Congenital Heart Disease, GERD, Heart Failure, Sleep, Thursday Consumer Health Tips
January 21st, 2015 · Leave a Comment
Mayo Clinic to host Science Conference for area students on Jan. 27
By Bob Nellis 
Mayo Clinic researchers have invited approximately 200 area eighth grade and high school students to the 16th Biennial Celebration of Research, a daylong conference for students interested in learning about careers in science.
The keynote address, "Harnessing Viruses to Attack Cancer," will be presented by Eva Galanis, M.D., a professor of oncology and chair of the Department of Molecular Medicine at Mayo Clinic. This year's theme, "Going Viral," pertains to Dr. Galanis’ research and clinical efforts on using modified viruses to develop novel therapeutics for cancer treatment.
Students are scheduled to attend from Albert Lea, Altura, Austin, Blooming Prairie, Caledonia, Chatfield, Dover, Elgin, Eyota, Faribault, Grand Meadow, Houston, Kasson, Kenyon, Lanesboro, Lewiston, Lyle, Mantorville, Mazeppa, Millville, Northfield, Owatonna, Peterson, Pine Island, Plainview, Rochester, Rushford, Southland, Stewartville, Winona and Zumbrota. Read the rest of this entry »
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Tags: Celebration of Research, Dr Eva Galanis, High School Science Conference, Minnesota news release, News Release, oncology
January 21st, 2015 · Leave a Comment
Mayo Clinic News Network Highlights 1/21/15
By Dana Sparks
Mayo Clinic News Network Highlights include:
- Frostbite
- Adult Acne
- Alternative Medicine
Journalists: The video is in the downloads. Click here for script.
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Tags: adult acne, alternative medicine, frostbite, Weekly Highlights
January 20th, 2015 · Leave a Comment
Mayo Clinic Response to President Obama’s Precision Medicine Initiative
ROCHESTER, Minn -- Acting Director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine, Richard Weinshilboum M.D., says, "We are pleased and heartened that President Obama plans to increase federal funding for precision or individualized medicine, which Mayo Clinic views as integral to the future of health care. 
We eagerly await more details of the initiative and look forward to contributing however we can. The Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine has been a leader in this field for many years and opened the world's first integrated, multidisciplinary Individualized Medicine Clinic for patients with rare or undiagnosed diseases and patients with cancers."
For more information about the Mayo Clinic Center For Individualized Medicine: http://mayoresearch.mayo.edu/center-for-individualized-medicine/
MEDIA: To interview Dr. Weinshilboum contact Sam Smith or Karl Oestreich, Mayo Clinic Public Affairs, 507-284-5005, newsbureau@mayo.edu.
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About Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to medical research and education, and providing expert, whole-person care to everyone who needs healing. For more information, visit http://www.mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic or http://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/.
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Tags: Dr. Richard Weinshilboum, Mayo Center for Individualized Medicine, Minnesota news release, News Release, precision medicine, State of the Union Address
January 20th, 2015 · Leave a Comment
Five Genomics Innovations from Mayo Clinic and the Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
By Sam Smith
Individualized medicine, also known as personalized medicine or precision medicine, means tailoring diagnosis and treatment to each patient to optimize care. Patients have experienced this kind of care for 150 years at Mayo Clinic, where teams of specialists have always worked together to find answers.
Now, at a time when we can routinely sequence a whole human genome and better understand the function of genes, individualized medicine at Mayo Clinic has been taken to the molecular level. We're using genomics and other sequencing technologies to more effectively and precisely diagnose, treat, predict and eventually prevent disease.
And that's what the Center for Individualized Medicine is all about — solving the clinical challenges of today and tomorrow by bringing the latest discoveries from the research laboratory to your doctor's fingertips in the form of new genomics-based tests and treatments.
MEDIA CONTACT: Sam Smith, Mayo Clinic Public Affairs, 507-284-5005, newsbureau@mayo.edu Read the rest of this entry »
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Tags: A-Team, biobank, Center for Individualized Medicine, CIM, genomics, individualized Medicine clinic, Mayo Medical Laboratories, MML, State of the Union
January 20th, 2015 · Leave a Comment
Avoid Risk of Pill-Induced Esophagitis
By Dana Sparks
Typical instructions on a bottle of medication often suggest pills should be taken with a full glass of water and that the person taking the pills not lie down for 30 minutes. Mayo Clinic experts say it's essential you pay attention to those directions because if you don’t you could be at risk of a very painful condition called pill-induced esophagitis. [TRT 2:15]
Journalists: A broadcast quality video package and additional b-roll video are available in the downloads. To access the script, click here.
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Tags: Dr Karthik Ravi, esophagitis, HL, Medication, pills, Pkg
January 20th, 2015 · Leave a Comment
How to Save Your Sight – Treat Glaucoma – Live with Declining Vision
By Dana Sparks
#Glaucoma Twitterchat TODAY at #ABCDrBchat 1-2 p.m. ET
@ArthurSitMD @NatEyeInstitute will join ABC’s Dr. Richard Besser
Glaucoma is a challenge for Baby Boomers, but how early in life can glaucoma appear? The answer may surprise you. Mayo Clinic expert Arthur Sit, M.D., is a nationally regarded ophthalmologist and researcher on glaucoma, and he'll join the chat along with experts from the NEI National Eye Health Education Program. Click here to learn more about Dr. Sit’s research.
Read more about symptoms of glaucoma.
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Tags: abcDrBchat, Dr Arthur Sit, glaucoma, Social Media, Twitter Chat
January 20th, 2015 · Leave a Comment
Tuesday Q and A: Several factors affect long-term DVT treatment plan
By lizatorborg
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Eleven years ago I developed deep vein thrombosis, which led to a pulmonary embolism. A vena cava filter was put in place, and I’ve been on warfarin since that time. Will I ever be able to discontinue warfarin and take aspirin instead? Would changing my diet allow me to eventually stop taking warfarin?
ANSWER: This is a very common and important question for people in your situation. How long you need to continue to take warfarin depends on several factors. They include the circumstances surrounding the development of your deep vein thrombosis and whether you have had any recurrences since then. As you and your doctor consider your long-term treatment plan, your medical history and your preferences should be taken into consideration, too.
Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, happens when a blood clot forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body, usually in your legs. DVT is a serious condition because the blood clot can break loose, travel through your bloodstream and become stuck in your lungs, blocking blood flow. This condition, called a pulmonary embolism, can be life-threatening if it is not treated right away. When a DVT results in pulmonary embolism, it is known as venous thromboembolism. Read the rest of this entry »
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Tags: anticoagulants, Blood Thinners, Deep Vein Thrombosis, Dr Rajiv Pruthi, DVT, pulmonary embolism, Tuesday Q and A, warfarin