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Fibroids are small growths in the uterus, and the condition is so common that around 1 in 3 women develops them at some point in their life. In many cases, fibroids don’t need to be removed, and they often shrink over time, especially after menopause. Many women only detect by chance that they have uterine fibroids during a routine checkup. However, once you know that you have fibroids, you might be anxious, especially for women of childbearing age who may have concerns about the possible effects on their fertility.
In this article, Dr Keerti Khetan, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at CK Birla Hospital, will discuss what fibroids are and what causes them? She will also discuss different options for fibroid removal surgery and what are the different conditions when you need treatment?
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Fibroids are common, but it is difficult for doctors to determine who has them because not everyone has symptoms. According to various estimates, fibroids can affect between 20-80% of the female population under the age of 50.
Although fibroids can sometimes grow to a larger size, they are often very small. Many people with fibroids don’t know they have them. People with asymptomatic fibroids should consult with doctors for a better understanding of their fibroids.
Several factors are responsible for your chances of developing fibroids, including:
Fibroids are diagnosed during a regular health check-up by doctors. These fibroids can also be observed during a gynecologic exam, a pelvic exam, or prenatal care. Sometimes heavy bleeding and other symptoms related to fibroids may alert your doctor to examine fibroids as a part of the diagnosis. With the help of different tests, a doctor may confirm fibroids, and these tests are:
Although people with no symptoms sometimes do not require any surgery, some show symptoms and these individuals may require surgery. Following are some of the symptoms of fibroids, including-
You should consult your doctor if you experience any kind of discomfort or pain. Fibroids are treatable, and with the help of treatment, your symptoms can be improved.
There are mainly four types of fibroids found in the uterus-
Your doctor will create a treatment plan for you after taking into consideration your medical history, your age, and the size of fibroids. A doctor may also suggest a combination of treatments for you.
A doctor may prescribe you different medications to regulate your hormone levels and shrink fibroids.
Traditional surgical procedures involve:
If you have multiple fibroids, very deep fibroids, or large fibroids, the doctor may do open abdominal surgery to remove the fibroids. The scars after the abdominal surgery can affect future fertility.
This surgery is performed to remove the uterus, the only permanent solution for fibroids. Hysterectomy is major surgery, and it may affect your fertility.
In this procedure, the doctor will put a small catheter in the uterine artery or radial artery. This small catheter will help in blocking the flow of blood from the uterine artery to the fibroids. The loss of blood flow will automatically shrink the fibroids and will improve your fibroids symptoms.
RFA is a safe and effective treatment option for women with symptomatic fibroids. RFA can deliver through transvaginal, transcervical, or laparoscopic approaches.
Not everyone with fibroids needs surgery. In most cases, people with no symptoms of fibroids can consult with a doctor to know the need for any treatment. Try not to leave these fibroids untreated. In some cases of fibroids, a doctor can treat it successfully with medication, such as hormonal birth control pills. The doctor may also suggest pain relievers and other management strategies to ease fibroid symptoms. After menopause, fibroids can shrink or disappear by themselves, so women nearing menopause having no severe symptoms may opt to postpone treatment after doctors’ consultation.
Fibroids surgery can be a life-changing step for women whose fibroids and their symptoms are conflicting with their quality of life. Surgeries can improve many aspects of a woman’s health and life. For any information regarding uterine fibroids, you can book your appointment or call at +91 124 4882248.
In general, you can not prevent fibroids, but you can reduce the risk of having fibroids by maintaining healthy body weight and getting regular pelvic examinations.
Ans. Yes, you can get pregnant if you have uterine fibroids. Before planning pregnancy, you can go for pelvic examinations and other health check-ups. If you are diagnosed with fibroids, your doctor will suggest to you how to move forward by a monitoring plan for the fibroids. In some cases, fibroids can trigger infertility, and it can be difficult to point out the exact cause of infertility. But women with fibroids can become pregnant after receiving proper fibroid treatment.
Ans. There are some home remedies, and natural treatments for fibroids, including:
Ans. The benefits of fibroid removal surgery depend on the type of surgery, and it may vary from person to person. In hysterectomy surgery, fibroids will never grow back. Some possible benefits are relief from pain and reduced bleeding.
Shoulder pain can start from the shoulder joint itself or maybe its surrounding muscles, tendons or ligaments. Shoulder pain affects the movement or activities of the arm or shoulder.
Several diseases and conditions such as gallbladder disease or heart disease that affect structures in the abdomen or chest can also cause shoulder pain. When shoulder pain is due to some other causes is called referred pain.
Usually, people try different shoulder pain relief exercises and physical therapy exercises for shoulder pain without proper guidance from an Shoulder Pain doctor. It is always advisable to consult with a shoulder pain specialist before taking any home remedies for shoulder and neck pain or shoulder pain relief exercises. It’s because the shoulder pain could be some underlying health issues, or sometimes it could worsen your shoulder pain. You can connect with our expert shoulder specialist at the CK Birla Hospital in Gurgaon for the best treatment options and recommendations.
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Several conditions and factors can contribute to shoulder pain. The most common cause is rotator cuff tendinitis (which affects the muscles and the tendons that help in moving shoulder joints).
Other causes of shoulder pain include:
Depending upon the possible causes, symptoms may vary from person to person. These symptoms include:
Some signs that need medical attention are;
If you are having similar issues related to shoulder pain or looking for an expert for shoulder pain relief, you might connect with Dr Praveen Tittal, leading shoulder specialist in Gurgaon, or book an appointment with the CK Birla Hospital today.
You can do a few things and avoid a few things to relieve shoulder pain by yourself. If your shoulders still hurt the same, seek medical attention.
Things you should consider;
Things you should avoid;
In case you are experiencing any kind of shoulder pain or you want to get immediate shoulder pain relief visit the shoulder specialist today. For more information, book an appointment with our expert orthopaedic surgeons at the CK Birla Hospital or call us at +91 124 4882248.
Ques: How do I get my shoulder to stop hurting?
Ans: Here are tips for helping shoulder pain to get better:
Ques: What are some Indian home remedies for shoulder pain relief?
Ans: Following are some of the best home remedies for shoulder pain relief:
Ques: What is the best pain reliever for shoulder pain?
Ans: There are many options for pain relievers for shoulder pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen are also helpful in relieving shoulder pain. Before taking any medications, consult an expert shoulder surgeon.
Ques: What is the main cause of shoulder pain?
Ans: The most common cause of shoulder pain is when rotator cuff tendons are trapped under the bony area in the shoulder. The tendons become damaged or inflamed. This condition is known as rotator cuff tendinitis or bursitis.
Through the course of life, a woman’s body undergoes several changes. While some changes are natural, others can be unexpected and anxiety-inducing such as breast lumps. If you feel a lump in your breasts, the first thought that you are likely to have is that of breast cancer. While breast cancer is the most common cancer in India accounting for nearly 14% prevalence, it is not the only disease leading to lumps. Benign (non-cancerous) breast lumps are also highly common. However, benign or malignant, scarless removal of breast lump is possible.
A breast lump is a localised growth of tissue within the breast. These tissues may or may not be cancerous.
When a woman experiences this atypical growth, she, expectedly, have upheavals of emotions including fear, worry and panic. The next thought in line follows the breast lump removal that again causes distress. It is because according to popular opinion, a breast lump removal surgery leaves a lasting scar that can impact your self-image.
Nonetheless, advances in medical science have evolved and introduced a new technology for scarless removal of breast lump – Vaccum Assisted Breast Biopsy.
In this article, Dr Rohan Khandelwal, leading breast surgeon at the CK Birla Hospital, explores this technology, vacuum assisted breast biopsy indications and weighs its pros and cons.
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Vacuum assisted breast biopsy (VABB) is an innovative tissue sampling technique. It is a dynamic procedure in which your surgeon can remove a sample of breast tissue through minimal access.
Vacuum assisted breast biopsy allows surgeons to access breast abnormalities (benign and malignant) through a small and single incision without leaving any scars.
A breast biopsy is indicated when a patient displays symptoms of breast abnormality or when she undergoes her routine screening based on her risk factors of the concerned disease. However, an open breast biopsy is not considered a highly preferable option among patients as it causes an altered appearance of your breast which can be a distressing experience.
As vacuum assisted breast biopsy is a scarless breast surgery intervention. VABB is indicated for both diagnostic and therapeutic reasons.
Vacuum assisted breast biopsy indications include:
Vacuum assisted breast biopsy is indicated for the patients lower probability of coming for a follow-up procedure. It may also be recommended in case the patient feels extremely restless and anxious.
Breast lump removal as a vacuum assisted excision biopsy is done with the use of state-of-the-art medical equipment.
Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy for breast lump is a minimally invasive procedure. The removal is done under the influence of anaesthesia to numb the pain. It can be performed in three ways:
A mammogram exam is used to create real-time images of the insides of your breast. After you are given anaesthesia, your breast surgeon will first locate the breast tissues with the help of an ultrasound. After your surgeon has precisely located the tissues, he/she utilises the vacuum assisted instrument and inserts a special biopsy needle in your breast. Then, he/she draws out several tissue samples.
After taking enough tissue samples, your surgical team may insert a small titanium marker clip into your breast. This is not be done for every patient. This step is offered to patients who have a higher likelihood of follow-up surgery. A small marker clip makes it easier for the surgeon to locate the area of abnormality later.
After the tissue sampling is done, your surgeon will only sterilise the area. Stitches are not required in this procedure. If the procedure is being for diagnostic purposes, the sample will be sent to the laboratory for analysis. If the procedure has been to treat an abnormality, the healing period of your treatment journey will begin.
In this procedure, your surgeon uses both mammogram exam followed by an ultrasound to more accurately locate the breast lump tissues.
This guidance type is preferred when the abnormal tissue growth is too small to be visualised only through a mammogram. The rest of the procedure follows the same steps as done with the mammogram-guided scarless breast surgery.
When the breast lump tissues are even smaller, an MRI guidance is used that allows the surgical team receives higher levels of precision to accurately insert the needle. A small needle is placed in your arm to insert a specific liquid dye to enable your surgical team to visualise the lump.
Proceeded surgery is similar as mentioned above.
VABB is a very advantageous technique in comparison with open surgical biopsy. Some of the common benefits of this procedure include:
Scarless removal of breast lump through vacuum assistance is a highly safe method. However, as with other surgical procedures, this biopsy also has the possibility of certain risks and complications.
Common side-effects include:
Your surgical team will closely monitor your condition and observe you for a while to avoid any complications, should they occur. Your breast surgeon will give personalised instructions on how to care for your breast.
Scarless removal of breast lump is already a boon for patients with benign breast disease. However, the added benefits and comfort of vacuum-assisted procedure enhances their treatment journey largely.
To know more about scarless breast surgery, book an appointment with Dr Rohan Khandelwal, a leading breast surgeon in Gurgaon or visit the CK Birla Hospital.
Ques: Can you get breast lump surgery with no scarring?
Ans: Yes, scarless breast surgery is progressing intervention. Various techniques are available for this procedure for enhanced patient experience and satisfaction.
Ques: Is vacuum assisted breast biopsy painful?
Ans: No, since the procedure is performed under anaesthesia, you will not feel any pain. However, you can expect to experience a slight amount of discomfort.
Ques: How long does a vacuum assisted biopsy take?
Ans: Vacuum assisted biopsy is a simple procedure that lasts only a few hours. You may be able to go home the same day if no complications arise.
Ques: When should a benign breast lump be removed?
Ans: A benign breast lump such as one caused by fibroadenoma should be removed at the earliest to alleviate symptoms and avoid the risk of complications or long-term implications of the disease.
A healthy pregnancy diet is essential for both the mother and the baby because what a woman eats and drinks during pregnancy is the ultimate source of nutrition for her baby. Experts recommend that a pregnant woman’s diet should include a mixture of healthy foods and beverages to provide vital nutrients for the growth and development of the baby.
In this article, Dr Deepika Aggarwal, a leading gynaecologist at CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon, will discuss a healthy pregnancy diet, including what a pregnant woman should eat and what to avoid, and why.
There is no fancy formula for a healthy diet during pregnancy. The basic principles of a healthy diet during pregnancy remain the same: eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. However, there are certain nutrients in the pregnancy diet that deserve special attention.
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Pregnant women tend to get numerous tips about the dos and don’ts from various sources like family, friends and the internet. Some expectant mothers believe that they have to eat for two but that’s not true. Quality matters more than quantity. So, instead of eating too much unhealthy food, the key is to focus on healthy food to ensure that you and your baby get all the required nutrients.
Listed below are some essential nutrients required during pregnancy:
Starches are a good source of vitamins and fibre. They will help you to satiate without having too many calories. Carbohydrates are a macronutrient that your body uses as an energy source for muscles and organs such as the heart, lungs, and brain.
Abundant sources are vegetables (sweet potatoes, corn, and potatoes), bread, pasta, rice, and fruits. Foods that contain carbohydrates in smaller amounts include milk, yoghurt, and legumes such as beans.
Protein is vital for a baby’s growth during pregnancy. Have at least three to four daily servings in a day. Healthy animal protein sources include- fish, lean meat, chicken, and eggs. All pregnant women, and vegans, in particular, should consider the following foods to be good sources of protein:
You need to have a healthy daily intake of calcium. Pregnant females require approximately 1 gram of calcium per day. The deficiency of calcium during pregnancy may affect bone metabolism or may affect fetal growth.
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yoghurt are high in calcium. Some foods rich in calcium include soymilk, soybeans, Chinese cabbage, bok choy, broccoli, okra, beans, mustard greens, kale, and soy nuts.
Whole grain products like whole-grain bread, rice, whole-wheat pasta, fruits, vegetables, legumes like beans and lentils are high in fibre. Women usually develop constipation during pregnancy; so consuming lots of fibre is effective in minimizing this risk. Eating an adequate amount of fibre during pregnancy reduces the risk or severity of haemorrhoids.
During pregnancy, healthy fats are essential for a baby’s brain and eye development. A good source of healthy fats are nuts, avocados, and plant-based oils (including sunflower, corn, soybean, and olive oils).
Some types of fish such as salmon, tuna, herring, and trout are rich sources of good fat. Fat is very high in calories, so eating much or eating too often can lead to obesity.
During pregnancy, 40-90 grams of fat each day is sufficient for a healthy diet routine. Eating too much-saturated fat can also increase the level of cholesterol in your blood.
Zinc is an essential trace element. It is helpful in growth and development, cell integrity, and various biological functions such as protein synthesis and nucleic acid metabolism.
Hence, zinc is vital for the development of the baby. The best sources of zinc are chicken, turkey, beans, peanut butter, nuts, ham, shrimp, crabs, oysters, red meat, fish, dairy products, sunflower seeds, ginger, onions, bran, wheat germ, rice, pasta, cereals, eggs, lentils, and tofu.
Your body uses iron to make haemoglobin, which carries oxygen to your tissues. During pregnancy, you need twice as much iron as you would normally. Low iron levels in early and mid-pregnancy can lead to iron deficiency anaemia and increase the risk of low birth weight and other pregnancy complications.
It can be tough to meet your iron needs with meals alone, especially if you are a vegetarian or vegan. Those who are non-vegetarians can consume lean red meat to increase the amount of iron in the diet. For vegetarians, dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, dried fruit, like raisins and apricots, will be a great option.
Folate (vitamin B) helps to prevent neural tube defects, brain and spinal cord abnormalities. Folic acid supplements can reduce the risk of premature birth. Folate is extremely important for the foetus, especially in the first trimester. Taking folates in the form of dietary supplements might not be enough.
Extra vitamin supplements may be required to complete the daily recommended dosage. For women planning to get pregnant, the international guidelines suggest the addition of 400 micrograms of folate to their diet in the form of vitamin supplements prior to pregnancy, and 600 micrograms daily during pregnancy.
You can find folate in broccoli, brussels sprouts, leafy green vegetables (such as cabbage, kale, spring greens and spinach), peas, chickpeas, and kidney beans.
Watch the video in which one of the top obstetricians & gynaecologists explains the importance of Folic acid during pregnancy:
Even with a healthy diet, you can miss out on some essential nutrients. Taking prenatal vitamins daily- ideally at least three months before conception, can fill the nutritional gap in the body.
Your doctor can recommend special dietary supplements if you are strictly vegetarian or have a chronic illness. If you want to take any herbal supplements during pregnancy, take advice from your doctor.
Here is the list of foods to eat during pregnancy that are considered good food for pregnancy.
1. Vegetables and fruits
Vegetables and fruits are full of nutrients. Adding a variety of these to your diet will likely provide you with most of the vitamins, minerals, and fibre that you and your baby need. Eating fruits and vegetables also help to prevent constipation, a common symptom during pregnancy.
2. Eggs
Most of the nutrients that a person needs can be found in eggs. Eggs are rich in protein and high-quality fat and they are very important for pregnant women. They are one of the few sources that offer choline which is important for brain and heart development.
Neural tube defects and lack of proper brain function can be the result when choline isn’t taken adequately. So, 1-2 eggs per day, at least 4 times a week is good to be included in the diet regime.
3. Dark and green leafy vegetables
Kale, spinach, broccoli and other green leafy vegetables contain lots of Vitamin A, C, K, iron, folate, calcium, and potassium. The antioxidants and plant compounds in green vegetables help avoid anaemia and improve the immune system. This also helps in bringing down chances of low birth weight. Consuming any one of these food options every day is a good choice.
4. Dairy products
The child in the womb need lots of protein and calcium. Dairy products can contribute the required amount of protein in form of whey and casein. These products are also rich in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc.
Vitamin B requirements can also be met with the consumption of dairy products. Expectant mothers can take yoghurt, which also helps in maintaining the health of the digestive system. If you can get probiotic yoghurt, this could be a great way to maintain good digestive health during pregnancy.
5. Legumes
Vegetarian food lovers can find all protein, iron, folate, and calcium in legumes. Plant-based foods like beans, soybeans, peanuts, and chickpeas can ensure the pregnant mother gets enough B9 or folate.
This vitamin is essential to ensure low birth weight and neural tube defects are ruled out. Opting from these various choices for 1 serving per day, 4 times a week is recommended.
6. Oily fish such as Salmon
The abundance of omega 3 fatty acids in Salmon makes it a vital food for pregnant women. Long-chain omega 3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA, are very crucial during pregnancy.
These play a critical role in the development of the brain and eyes of your baby. Salmon is also one of the very few sources of Vitamin D found in nature. Include oily fish in your diet 3 times a week.
7. Whole grains
Fibres, vitamins and proteins are found in proper amounts in whole grains. Calorie requirements are high from the 4th month of pregnancy and whole grains like oats and quinoa help in meeting these needs.
8. Lean meat
More iron in the diet is required during pregnancy, particularly during the 3rd trimester, Iron is essential to deliver oxygen to the cells. A lack of iron in the diet may lead to severe anaemia, premature delivery and low birthweight. Lean meat, which includes, beef and pork are a must during pregnancy.
9. Berries
Vitamin C, fibre and good carbs are abundant in berries. Vitamin C is needed to absorb iron and a lack of Vitamin C can mean the iron you consume in your diet may not be absorbed by the body and therefore can go to waste. Berries are also of low GI, and perfect for expectant mothers who are worried about their increasing sugar levels.
10. Avocados
Monosaturated fatty acids required during the antenatal period can be met by including avocados in your diet. Avocados also contain the essential B vitamins, Vitamin K, E and C. Acidity experienced during pregnancy can be soothed with this fruit.
11. Dried fruits or nuts
An assorted variety of dried fruits is a tasty snack and can provide all nutrient requirements to expectant women. Prunes are an excellent source of Vitamin K, potassium and sorbitol. Dates are an abundant source of iron and fibre. Consuming dates every day in the 3rd trimester can help in faster dilation of the cervix.
Some foods are considered not so good during pregnancy for you and your baby’s health. These are:
It is equally important to debunk some common myths related to eating during pregnancy.
Myth 1: Avoid eating to treat nausea
Some women are under the impression that avoiding eating during pregnancy can reduce morning sickness. This is a myth believed by many, on the contrary, taking a dry toast right in the morning even before getting out of bed can reduce the chances of morning sickness.
Cravings and aversions to certain food items are common in pregnancy. Cravings are often the body’s way of saying that it is lacking in certain types of nutrients. It is perfectly okay to indulge moderately, however, do not overdo it.
Myth 2: When pregnant, eat for two
Eating for two during pregnancy is a common misbelieve. A pregnant woman does not need to eat twice as much. The calorie requirement of the body during pregnancy increases gradually over the period. In the first trimester, a pregnant woman needs almost the same amount of calories as she would have had in a non-pregnant stage.
The maximum calorie requirement reaches its peak in the third trimester, up to 500 calories only. Weight gain of 10- 15 kgs is considered to be ideal, according to the pre-pregnancy BMI, the amount of ideal weight gain may vary slightly.
Having a healthy, balanced and nutritious diet during pregnancy is extremely important not only for the health of the mother but also for the baby. The calorie requirements of a pregnant woman increase by 300 to 500 calories during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
Diet having a lack of certain important nutrients can affect the growth of the baby adversely. A healthy diet during pregnancy helps in keeping the pregnant woman healthy, adequate growth of the baby, uneventful delivery and an effective and healthy weight loss post-delivery.
Your growing baby is just waiting to sip all of these high nutrient foods from your complete pregnancy diet. For more information on a healthy pregnancy diet or any personal enquiry with Dr Deepika Aggarwal, you can book an appointment or call at +91 124 4882248.
Ans: If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, then you should avoid eating raw papaya. Raw or unripe papaya contains a latex substance that may cause uterus contractions. Papaya or papaya enzymes are sometimes responsible for soothing indigestion, which is common during pregnancy.
Ans: It’s always important to eat healthily and a balanced diet, and it is even more essential during pregnancy because the food you eat is the only source of nutrients for the baby. However, several women don’t get enough iron, calcium, vitamin D, folate, or protein during pregnancy. If a pregnant woman does not eat enough, it can lead to malnutrition. That means the body is not getting enough calories to maintain good health.
Ans: No, it’s a myth that a pregnant woman must eat for two. During pregnancy, the body increases the need for nutrition and calories. Always ask your doctor about the recommended weight gain during pregnancy. After the doctor’s consultation, follow a pregnancy diet plan for eating nutritious foods to gain a healthy weight during your pregnancy.
Ans: Craving for sweets during pregnancy may indicate the result in a drop in blood sugar. To avoid this situation, you must eat small and frequent meals. These small meals may help you to avoid eating too much sugar.
With the rising conversation about women’s sexual health, a lot of focus of late has been placed on vaginal hygiene as well. Vaginal health is a vital part of healthcare as it is where some of the deadliest transmittable diseases find an ideal breeding place. Sometimes the problems are mostly limited to itching and some amount of manageable discomfort. But other times it can be the stepping stone for a bigger, more difficult-to-deal condition. Vaginitis falls under this category. To know more about this condition and its types, read on…
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Vaginitis is a medical condition that affects a female’s vagina. It is an inflammation that occurs in the vagina which leads to frequent discharge, vaginal itching and sometimes pain. This happens when there is an unusual change in the pH balance or an infection in the vaginal region, which is home to good bacteria that keep the vagina clean. For post-menopausal women, reduced oestrogen levels or some kind of skin disorder can also cause vaginitis.
There are different types of vaginitis that can happen to women. These are:
In this case, there is an overgrowth of the bacteria that is naturally found in your vagina. This leads to a natural imbalance.
These are also a type of vaginitis and the most common form. Here the main cause is Candida albicans, a fungal infection. Candida fungi normally live in the vagina, mouth and digestive tract in all men and women.
These are caused by sexually transmitted parasites. There are three STI Vaginitis variants:
Therefore, vaginitis is an umbrella term that describes various disorders that are linked to infection or inflammation in the female vagina. Meanwhile, vulvovaginitis is the condition where there is an inflammation in the external female genitalia that includes both the vagina and vulva.
The cause of vaginitis will purely depend on the type of vaginitis you have. But when you assess all the variants of vaginitis, the following will be the primary factors that you may want to consider:
The significant symptoms of Vaginitis are:
To summarise, the causes & symptoms of Vaginitis
| S. No. | Major Causes of Vaginitis | Main Symptoms of Vaginitis |
| 1 | Hormonal disbalance due to pregnancy, birth control or menopause | Change in colour, odour or amount of vaginal discharge. |
| 2 | Unsafe sex and STIs or warts due to this | Vaginal itching or irritation |
| 3 | Steroid medication | Painful intercourse |
| 4 | Uncontrolled diabetes | Painful urination |
| 5 | Using too many vaginal hygiene products or damp clothing | Vaginal Bleeding |
The real question is to determine when you need help. The simple answer is whenever you experience vaginal discomfort accompanied by symptoms like:
You Can Also Read: Chlamydia: The Silent STI you didn’t even know about
Good hygiene is the best option to prevent vaginitis and relieve symptoms. Follow these alerts and you might just steer clear of these infections:
While the matter at hand is sensitive, this is one condition where you have to come clean with your Gynaecologist. Make sure you mention these explicitly when consulting your physician. Any or all of these can be a sure-shot indicator for your doctor to take the right course of treatment.
| S.No. | Unpleasant Vaginal Odour |
Vaginal Discharge With Itching |
| 1. |
Sexual Partner with STI |
Recurrence of old infection |
| 2. |
Sudden fever or chills |
Pain in the pelvic region |
| 3. |
Vaginal irritation during sex |
Painful urination or bleeding |
The CK Birla Hospital provides a judgement-free comfort zone for patients to talk freely about their concerns. With compassionate care at its core, our doctors prioritise patient’s comfort and well-being above everything else. To book an appointment with our sexual health expert.
Ans: Some women have vaginal discharge every day, while others experience it less often. Normal vaginal discharge is usually clear or milky and may have a subtle odour that is neither unpleasant nor foul. It’s also important to know that vaginal discharge changes during a woman’s menstrual cycle.
Ans: Vaginal discharge is normal, but to prevent vaginal infections that can begin to abnormal discharge, you can follow these tips:
Ans: Vaginal discharge is a natural and healthy bodily function. It is how the body cleanses and protects the vagina. For example, it is normal for secretion to increase with sexual arousal and ovulation. Exercise, taking birth control pills, and emotional stress can also trigger a discharge.
Ans: Several pregnant women experience vaginal discharge, which is usually not associated with pregnancy. However, most pregnant women discharge sticky, white or pale yellow mucus by the beginning of the first trimester and throughout pregnancy. The increase in hormones and vaginal blood flow leads to vaginal discharge.
Ans: Different colours of vaginal discharge indicate different reasons for the health of a woman including;
Ans: Different types of infections can cause itching or abnormal discharge from the vagina. Abnormal discharge means abnormal colour and smell, which is associated with itching or irritation.
Ans: To stop the excess vaginal discharge, you can do the following things;
Behavioural problems in children are so common nowadays. There are times when they do not behave properly. They can go through different phases and moods as they grow older and become more independent. Several reasons are responsible for behavioural problems in children, like anger, tiredness, overexcitation, or frustration. If behavioural problems in children are causing you or your child to suffer or bother the rest of the family, it is very important to take care of this issue. Understanding the underlying problem will surely help the child’s behavioural issues.
Both toddlers and adolescents go through a lot of changes in their growth phases. As a parent, no not worry about it. These behavioural changes will usually ease as they grow up. When a child starts schooling, the child slowly starts learning different things. These things are how to behave, how to process things, how to react, etc. If the behavioural problems in children continue for a long time and affect the child’s mental health, then asking for external help is a good option.
There are many causes of behavioural problems in children, such as;
Other than these few external things related to the child’s home life and family relations may add to behaviour disorder. These could be,
Sometimes, the child throws tantrums at you or shows destructive or aggressive behaviour- this is usually nothing to worry about. The symptoms to look out for are:
If your child is in these moods throughout the day, and this continues for a long time. Then you could take advice to the best child specialists near you.
If you have noticed that your child is facing some behavioural issues, you can discuss them with a child specialist. A medical professional can evaluate the child by performing functional behavioural assessments based on different strategies and techniques to identify and address any behavioural issue in the child.
Hardly, a child below the age of five can be diagnosed with a behavioural disorder. They may, though, show early warning signs of the following:
Sometimes, behavioural problems in children can be manageable at home. As a parent, there are a few things that you can do to address these problems.
Practice those habits which you want your child to follow. If you do something which you do not believe in probably will not work with your child. Children notice their parents when they do not mean what they are saying.
As a parent, tell your child that if they have decided to do something, continue to do it until you achieve it.
Kids need consistency. If you react to your kid’s behaviour differently on different days, you create confusion for them. Everyone close to the child must treat the child in the same way.
When your child is doing annoying things on repetition, your frustration and anger can build up. But try to stay relaxed, and make your child understand the issue and switch to other things where you can both enjoy or feel good about it.
Sometimes, kids have mixed thoughts, and they are afraid to talk to their parents. Consider talking to them about their day to day life and what is going around it, such as new school, friends, and their likes & dislikes. Try to ask them why they are annoyed or behaving a certain way, and work with them to overcome the problem.
Hitting or giving punishment may stop your kid for that moment. This action will not have a positive effect on the child’s mind. Kids always learn from examples so, if you hit the child, you’re showing them that hitting is acceptable for every bad behaviour.
When a child’s behaviour is challenging, and they do not understand their mistakes. Discuss it with your child and correct your child. Try to make them understand both the positive and negative side of it.
Rewarding for good behaviour can switch your child’s behaviour from doing something wrong. For example, offer them their favourite food or cartoon show for good behaviour. When your kid behaves well, tell them how you are feeling and praise them.
When something happens in a child’s life, they find it difficult to understand the situation. For example, changing schools, a new baby born in the family, relocating to a different city, or something similar to these things.
Children always remember how their parents are reacting to their behaviour in the past. If you make them a habit of taking bribes, they will expect the same every time for everything.
Sometimes kids show tantrums to get attention. The child may disturb you while you’re having a conversation with someone, or the child will start crying while playing or cuddle you and need your company. Try to address them whenever you think it is good to appreciate them.
Children do understand when their parents are not in a good mood. In this situation, try to talk to your child about the problem in an easy way. So they do not feel left alone. Try to cheer up in front of them.
If your child is having behavioural problems, then do not sit back, just ask your doctor to help it out. In most cases, child counselling is the best way to resolve behavioural problems. For more information on behavioural problems in children, you can book an appointment with the best paediatric specialists at the CK Birla Hospital.
The size of a breast tumor can give doctors an idea of the severity of a breast cancer case. Staging cancer based on this information, the condition of the lymph nodes, and metastases are essential for determining the disease extent, treatment options, and prognosis. Other factors which help to plan the cancer treatment include the tumor’s location, whether it has spread outside the breast, the appearance of cancer cells, and the presence of hormone receptors.
Let us discuss breast cancer tumor size and stages through the tumor size chart in this article and also how tumour size can affect cancer staging? We will also highlight other factors contributing to cancer staging, its treatment, and a person’s outlook.
TNM is the most popularly used staging system for breast cancer, where;
• T = the size of the primary tumor
• N = if cancer has spread to close neighbouring lymph nodes
• M = if the cancer is metastatic (cancer has spread to distant parts of the body)
T=Tumor Size
To measure the tumor size before surgery, doctors rely on imaging examinations.
Standard breast imaging methods are:
• Mammogram: It is the film mammography used to image breast tissue. If you’ve been postmenopausal, have fatty breast tissue, or have been pregnant, this can be much accurate. With dense breast tissue, digital mammography is more reliable.
• Breast ultrasound: Ultrasound used to help diagnose breast lumps or other abnormalities. In ultrasound imaging, sound waves produce pictures of the breast. It is deemed less accurate than mammography.
• Breast MRI: A breast MRI is needed to measure if the breast tissue is dense or if your biopsy shows the mass is extensive than expected. Although MRI can give a clear picture of your tumor, it tends to exaggerate its actual three-dimensional size.
After analysing imaging examinations, a breast surgeon can approximate the tumor’s size. In some breast cancer cases determining the tumor’s size can be easy, but it can be more challenging in others. Not all breast tumours are easy and circular in shape. For example, the tumor could be in a potato shape, with hard to see all the dimensions. Some even have more irregular edges making it hard to estimate the total diameter.
| T-1 | 0 to 2 cm |
| T-2 | 2 to 5 cm |
| T-3 | Bigger than 5 cm |
| T-4 | The tumour can be of any size which is growing into the chest wall. This category covers inflammatory breast cancer. |
N=Lymph Node Status
Because cancer can get into your lymphatic system, the lymph nodes closest to your tumor must examine for cancer and micrometastasis.
Your surgeon can check your lymph nodes by palpating (touching) the skin just above the lymph node and noting what they notice.
| N-0 | Can not feel swollen nodes. |
| N-1 | Can feel some swelling that can be cancerous nodes. |
| N-2 | The lymph nodes are lumpy, swollen, and bunched together. |
| N-3 | Swollen lymph nodes are close to the collarbone. |
M=Metastasis
Metastasis indicates that cancer spreads to a different body part from where it started and further affects cancer stages.
| M-0 | A sample of the lymph nodes was surgically removed and analyzed, and they are cancer-free. |
| M-1 | Nodes contain cancer cells or micrometastases. The tumour has lost cells beyond its original location, and cancer is found in other parts of the body. |
Tumour size
Through biopsies and imaging examinations, a surgeon can identify the approximate measurement of the tumor. It is necessary to have the actual tumor size to make the best treatment decisions.
After the lumpectomy or mastectomy process, combine the removed breast tissue with the biopsy tissue to examine the actual size of the lump. The pathological measure of the tumor is the standard for tumor size. Your post-operative pathology report summarizes your complete diagnosis of breast cancer.
1. Hormone receptor status
While breast cancer staging, doctors examine tumor cells for the presence of hormone receptors. Receptors are proteins that respond to the estrogen and progesterone hormones. Doctors describe breast cancer as estrogen receptors (either estrogen receptor-positive or ER-positive). They also refer to breast cancer as progesterone receptors (either positive progesterone receptors or PR positive). Hormone therapy is usually the most effective treatment for cases with hormone receptors.
2. HER2 status
The next factor to include in breast cancer staging is HER2 status. The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) gene could play a role in breast cancer development.
HER2 receptors protein helps in controlling the growth, division, and repair of healthy breast cells. Doctors test HER2 status to see if this receptor is above normal levels and then call it HER2 positive cancer. Targeted therapies generally work best in such cases.
3. Cancer cell appearance
How the cancer cells appear or differentiate is another factor in cancer staging. Under the microscope, doctors group cancer cells according to their appearance to noncancerous cells. Those cancer cells that are close to matching healthy cells are considered low grade. These cancer cells grow more slowly. Cancer cells that appear very different from normal cells are acknowledged as a high grade, and they tend to grow faster.
Tumor size is an essential factor to determine the breast cancer stage. Despite this factor, doctors also consider several other factors, including:
• Age
• General health
• Personal preferences when suggesting treatment options
Early breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve a person’s outlook. However, different people have different experiences with breast cancer.
Breast cancer tumor size is one of the most important determining factors for breast cancer staging. Early diagnosis of breast cancer helps your doctor to prepare more efficient and effective treatment for you. If you have any further queries related to signs or symptoms of breast cancer, book an appointment with our Breast cancer Doctors or call us at +91 124 4882248.
Diabetes occurs when your body cannot absorb the glucose (sugar) in your cells and use it for energy, leading to a build-up of extra glucose in the blood. Poorly controlled diabetes can have serious outcomes and damage different organs and tissues in the body, including the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves. Diabetes has multiple long-term complications that develop gradually over a period of time. The longer a person is diabetic and the lesser control he has on his blood sugar, the higher is the risk of complications.
In this article, Dr Tushar Tayal, one of the best diabetologists/Critical care specialists at CK Birla Hospital, will discuss serious and long term complications of diabetes mellitus and how to prevent complications of diabetes?
Following your diabetes treatment plan requires constant commitment. But your efforts are worth it. Careful diabetes care can reduce the risk of serious and even fatal complications.
There are a few things that are related to type 1 diabetes complications, including;
There are a few things that are related to type 2 diabetes complications, including;
There are several kidney complications of diabetes (diabetic nephropathy) that may develop gradually over months or years. These kidney complications of diabetes may include:
Older people are more likely to have other health problems that affect their diabetes and make it more difficult to control. Some conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and peripheral vascular disease.
Older people with diabetes are likely to have high blood sugar for a longer period, which leads to more damage and complications to their blood vessels.
Older people with diabetes are more affected by complications, and complications can be more difficult to manage.
Being less mobile and less active can make it difficult for older people to adopt healthy lifestyle measures to help manage their diabetes. Likewise, other medical conditions such as arthritis can affect an older person’s ability to cook healthy meals or be physically active.
Unfortunately, diabetes makes older people more prone to eye damage, kidney disease, and the risk of needing an amputation.
A doctor advised that, for adults, at least once a year checkup is necessary for the following complications of diabetes mellitus:
It is important to consult your doctor right away whenever you feel you show any signs or symptoms of diabetes complications. For more information on long term complications of diabetes mellitus or any personal enquiry with Dr. Rajeev Gupta, you can book an appointment or call at +91 1244882248.
The gallbladder is a small pouch-like, a pear-shaped organ found just under the liver and on the right side of your abdomen. This small organ is responsible for storing bile juice produced by the liver. Bile juice is useful for the process of digestion. The gallbladder, however, is highly susceptible to being affected by cancer cells. Gallbladder cancer is one of the most common cancers in India with nearly 10% of the global burden.
In this article, with insights from Dr Vinay Samuel Gaikwad, a leading surgical oncologist in Gurgaon, we will explore everything you may need to know about gallbladder cancer.
Table of Contents
Gallbladder cancer occurs when the cells in the gallbladder mutate and spread at an abnormal rate. The cancer cells may remain in the organ or even spread outside the gallbladder.
The outer wall of the gallbladder is made up of four layers of tissue:
Cancer begins to grow in the inner layer, that is, the mucosal layer and spreads through the outer layers. This cancer can further spread through your tissues, lymph nodes or blood.
This cancer is not usually detected in its stages due to its asymptomatic character. However, common symptoms include:
Some of the above-given symptoms may overlap with symptoms of other digestive conditions. Hence it is important to consult a healthcare provider at the earliest for a thorough and accurate diagnosis.
Gallbladder cancer progresses through five stages:
Stage 0: When the cancer is confined to the inner layer of the gallbladder
Stage 1: When cancer has spread to the muscle layer
Stage 2: When the cancer cells have spread to the connective tissue
Stage 3: When cancer has metasised to the nearby organs and lymph nodes
Stage 4: When the cancer has advanced to the lymph nodes and organs located far from the gallbladder
The most common type is adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that starts in the glandular cells of your body.
Other types of gallbladder cancers include papillary adenocarcinoma, adenosquamous carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and carcinosarcomas. These types, however, are extremely rare.
The exact reason why gallbladder cancer occurs is yet unknown to medical science. Researchers and doctors believe that healthy cells inside the gallbladder mutate in their DNA and begin to multiply abnormally leading to the growth of cancer.
Though the precise reason for gallbladder cancer is undefined, we do know that some people are more vulnerable to developing this cancer than others.
Gallbladder cancer is more prevalent in women as compared to men. Other risk factors for why gallbladder cancer occurs include:
Gallbladder cancer, popularly termed as ‘an Indian disease’, is highly prevalent in the northern parts of India. The incidence of gallbladder cancer in India is reported at 9/100000 in women.
The probable cause for this alarming incidence is the prevalance of gallstones. Gallstones and cancer have found to be interrelated. It has been noted that nearly 95% gallbladder cancer patients have suffered from gallstones. Researches believe that the chronic irritation caused by the stones leads to the eventual development of cancer.
It is, thus, suggested that in case a person suffers from large gallstones, the treatment protocol should include the removal of the gallbladder in order to avoid the probability of cancer.
Another reason for this cancer, especially in the Indian population, is the sedantary and unhealthy lifestyle habits that includes nutrient deficient diet and a lack of physical activity.
Due to it asymptomtic nature, this cancer is not diagnosed early on. In most cases, this cancer is identified on the onset of gallstones or other disorders.
In order to diagnose your condition, your oncologist will perform the following gallbladder cancer test:
Your oncologist may also administer other lab tests such as Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) assay and CA 19-9 assay.
In addition to the above gallbladder cancer test, your oncologist may order overall physical health checks, endoscopic ultrasound, biopsy and diagnostic laparoscopy to diagnose cancer.
The treatment protocol will depend on the type of cancer, stage of cancer, if the cancer has spread, your overall health and the severity of your symptoms. You will receive treatment through a multidisciplnary care team which will include surgical oncologist, medical oncologist, gastrenterologist and radition oncologist.
In most cases, more than one treatment protocols are used in a combination for effective outcomes. Listed below are some common treatment methods for gallbladder cancer:
It is not highly likely to prevent gallbladder cancer. However, you can take cautious steps to decrease your risk. Some expert-approved tips include:
The disease burden of gallbladder cancer is uncommon. Nonetheless, its incidence in India is preferably high. It is important for patients to understand that timely detection can help in seeking timely and effective treatment in the long run.
If you have higher risk for gallbladder cancer or if you are experiencing bothersome symptoms, visit the CK Birla Hospital, best hospital for gallbladder cancer in India.
Ques: How fast does gallbladder cancer grow?
Ans: If the cancer is not addressed in its early stages, it can grow at an alarming speed.
Ques: Can stage 4 gallbladder cancer be cured?
Ans: Gallbladder cancer only be cured if it has not spread beyond the primary organ. Stage 4 can, thus, can be effectively treated.
Ques: How long can a person live with gallbladder cancer?
Ans: The survival rate depends on the type, stage and spread of cancer as well as patient’s overall health.
