Surgeon removes eight pound, foot long tumor from man’s liver

Large liver tumor example

Man turned away by 3 surgeons

Marcus Muhich had a tumor in his liver that weighed 8 pounds and was a foot long. He had been turned down by three surgeons who said his tumor was inoperable.

The man was ultimately referred to a surgeon at Loyola University.

It’s now been two years since Dr. Margo Shoup, chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology at Loyola University Medical Center removed Mr. Muhich’s tumor. He is cancer free and calls Dr. Shoup a “miracle worker”.

The tumor was so large it was pressing against the man’s vena cava – a major artery that supplies blood flow to the heart. Three surgeons at major academic hospitals told Muhich the tumor couldn't be removed.

Because the cancerous liver tumor was pressing on the man’s vena cava, he was having an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation.

The 8 pound tumor was felt by a cardiologist when Muhich sought care for his heart rhythm disturbance.

Dr. Shoup was able to determine the cancer had not spread, even though it was large.

The chances of rupture of the vena cava and liver during surgery would have meant Muhich could bleed to death, but Dr. Shoup removed the tumor without complication.

Now the man is cancer free, his heartbeat is normal and there were no major surgery complications.

"The recovery was not difficult at all," Muhich said. "It hurt very little.

It’s been two years since the 8 pound, foot long tumor was removed. "Since he has reached the two-year point without a recurrence, his prognosis is excellent," Shoup said.

How did the man end up at Loyola University for surgery? -  Sarita Gilligan, Muhich’s sister said, "We truly believe God sent us there."

Source: Loyola University

Image credit: Wikimedia commons

Top College Health Issues

College students face a variety of potential health issues

College can have a negative effect on health

Many students find starting college has a negative effect on their health. Between socializing and keeping up with classes online they become too busy to eat right or sleep well. They face new levels of stress about tests and project deadlines. In addition, contagious illnesses spread much faster in the relatively close quarters of college campuses. Students should be aware of the biggest health issues they face, and follow the recommendations below to stay healthy.

 Stress is a primary concern for college students

Stress and anxiety are primary concerns as students become anxious over grades, adjusting to a new life on campus, and making new friends. They may become depressed and even have suicidal thoughts. College campuses' student health offices can advise on how to deal with specific issues, and help students find counseling if necessary. For any stress level, exercise helps to release endorphins, a feel-good hormone and stress-fighter. Even simply taking a 30-minute walk a few times a week will help students relax and bear stress more easily.

Unhealthy Eating

Eating disorders are among the top concerns among students in all college campuses nationwide. Students may resort to eating to cope with high stress, avoid eating to conform to cultural expectations of body image, or may develop disordered eating because of other underlying issues. Dieting often leads to serious eating disorders, such as bulimia and anorexia, which may have long-term health effects on young people's bodies.

Many students simply make poor food choices that lead to unhealthy weight gain. Eating sensibly is the key to preventing eating disorders and keeping healthy. Students shouldn't overindulge on junk food, but eat healthy meals three times a day.

Alcohol Abuse

Excessive drinking (particularly among underage students) remains a great concern as students continue to suffer alcohol poisoning and other issues related to binge drinking. Depression and alcoholism often go hand in hand and may become serious health concerns as young people develop addictions. Excessive drinking may lead to other risky behaviors, such as sexual violence and drunk driving. Students should never drink alcohol in an unsafe environment and avoid drinking to the point of heavy intoxication.

Illness

Sexually transmitted diseases may spread fast among students engaging in unsafe sex. In many cases, students become infected from casual encounters at drinking parties. Young people should avoid sex with unfamiliar partners or at least protect themselves by using condoms.

Students get colds, flu, and respiratory infections in the fall that often last until spring as the germs are passed around throughout the student body. During the cold weather season, students are advised to get flu shots. Many campuses offer them free of charge or at a great discount. Simple preventative measures, such as washing hands, taking vitamins, and getting adequate sleep will also help boost immunity and speed recovery.

College life is stressful, no doubt about it. However, these are the best years for young people to learn to be independent and to make responsible decisions. Students can enjoy the college years best by making healthy choices and avoiding health risks that can have long-term effects on their lives.

Author: Marina Salsbury
Image credit: Morguefile

Marijuana use might double the chances of driving accidents

Marijuana use linked to crashes

Marijuana use linked car accidents

Research suggests if you use marijuana you may be at twice the risk of having a motor vehicle accident, compared to people who don’t use cannabis.

Researchers at Columbia University performed a meta-analysis of nine epidemiologic studies, finding people who tested positive for marijuana were twice as likely to have a car accident. The chances of a mishap while driving increased with frequency of marijuana use and concentration of the drug in the urine.

The scientists say the finding is important because of findings from a 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health that showed over 10 million people age 12 or older had driven under the influence of an illicit drug in the year prior to the survey.

Guohua Li, MD, DrPh, professor of Epidemiology at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, and senior author says the finding should be interpreted with caution, because the research doesn’t prove cause.

Marijuana most frequently found drug linked to car crashes

Li says, “…if the crash risk associated with marijuana is confirmed by further research, this is likely to have major implications for driving safety and public policy. It also would play a critical role in informing policy on the use of medical marijuana”.

In the study, marijuana was the most frequently found drug detected following a motor vehicle accident.  More than 11% of the general driver population tested positive for non-alcohol drugs. In twenty-eight percent of fatalities, non-alcohol drugs were found in the urine or bloodstream of drivers.

In 8 out of 9 studies, the researchers found marijuana users were more like to be involved in a driving accident. Li says, “…it is urgent that we better understand the role of marijuana in causing car accidents”, that would have implications for public policy for medical marijuana. The study suggests marijuana users are twice as likely to have a driving accident, compared to non-users.

Source: Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health

Image credit: Morguefile