Understanding Malaria: Symptoms, Prevention, and the Critical Need for Early Action

Despite major advancements in global healthcare, malaria continues to be a significant public health challenge across many regions. This life-threatening disease affects millions of people annually, making awareness about how it spreads and how it presents in the human body one of our strongest shields against it. By understanding the nature of malaria, recognizing its initial warning signs, and taking prompt action, we can collectively work toward controlling and ultimately eliminating this disease. How Malaria Spreads Malaria is an infectious disease caused by a microscopic parasite. It does not spread directly from person to person like a cold or flu.…

Understanding Prostate Cancer: Symptoms and Diagnostic Steps

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men worldwide. Like many underlying conditions, catching it early significantly improves the success of treatment and long-term recovery. Because the prostate gland plays a direct role in the urinary system, the earliest red flags almost always show up during your normal bathroom routine. Knowing what signs to look for and understanding the clinical roadmap to a diagnosis can help you take control of your health. The Early Symptoms: What to Look For In its initial stages, prostate cancer primarily manifests as changes or difficulties in urination. This happens because a…

Chronic Snoring and Nasal Blockage in Children: When is Surgery the Best Option?

As parents, watching your child struggle with persistent health issues can be incredibly stressful. If your little one suffers from chronic snoring, frequent throat or ear infections, or constant nasal congestion, the root cause might lie in their adenoids and tonsils. When these lymphoid tissues swell or become oversized, they can significantly impact a child's quality of life and overall development. Fortunately, medical intervention can provide effective relief. Understanding Adenoids and Tonsils Both adenoids and tonsils are part of the body's immune system, consisting of lymphoid tissue designed to help fight off infections. Tonsils are clearly visible at the back…

Understanding HER2 Receptors in Breast Cancer Treatment

A breast cancer diagnosis comes with a lot of medical terminology, and one of the most critical factors doctors look at is receptor status. Among these, the HER2 (Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2) receptor plays a foundational role in determining how a specific tumor behaves and how it should be treated. What are HER2 Receptors? HER2 receptors are proteins found on the surface of breast cells. In a healthy body, these proteins control how your cells grow and divide. However, in about 25% to 30% of breast cancer patients, the cancer cells have an abnormally high number of these…

Navigating Breast Cancer Treatment: When and Why Chemotherapy is Needed

A breast cancer diagnosis marks the beginning of a complex and highly personalized medical journey. When building an effective treatment protocol, oncologists typically rely on a combination of different approaches, including surgery, radiation therapy, and systemic treatments. Among these, chemotherapy stands out as a foundational tool used to combat cancer cells throughout the body. Understanding when and why chemotherapy is recommended can bring clarity and reassurance to patients and their families. The Role of Chemotherapy in Treatment Plans Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment, meaning it uses powerful medications delivered through the veins to target and eliminate rapidly growing cancer cells.…

Session by Ms. Lekshmipriya Manoj at the National Conference of the Society of Physician Assistants, Kochi

Congratulations Ms. Lekshmipriya Manoj (Physician Assistant, Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Dr. KMC Hospital, Chengannur) for her presentation - ‘Beyond the Scalpel: Why Endoscopic Vein Harvesting is the future of Infection free Coronary Revascularisation’ at the National Conference of the Society of Physician Assistants held at Kochi.

Understanding Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight

Imagine a condition that slowly steals your vision from the edges inward, without any warning signs or pain. This is exactly how glaucoma operates, earning it the reputation of being the "silent thief of sight." Because the changes happen so gradually, many people do not even realize they are losing their vision until significant damage has already occurred. Understanding what glaucoma is, recognizing who is at risk, and knowing how to catch it early are the most critical steps in protecting your eyesight. What is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that occurs when the fluid pressure inside the…

Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy: Beyond the Tingling Sensation

Have you ever experienced a persistent tingling in your feet or a sharp, pin-prick sensation that just won't go away? These are more than just minor annoyances; they are often the early warning signs of a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the nerves in your hands and feet are damaged. While it can affect various parts of the body, symptoms typically begin in the feet. Over time—depending on the underlying cause—this sensation can progress from the soles of your feet upward toward your knees and eventually begin to affect your hands as well. Recognizing the Symptoms…

Beyond the Red Carpet: Understanding the Reality of Plastic Surgery

There is a common misconception that plastic surgery is an exclusive luxury reserved only for celebrities and the ultra-wealthy. In reality, plastic surgery is a vast medical specialty that plays a crucial role in reconstructive health and daily medical care. Understanding the breadth of this field helps clear the myths surrounding who these procedures are for and how much they actually cost. More Than Just Aesthetics While "cosmetic surgery" is often what makes the headlines, it is actually just one sub-specialty or part of the much larger field of plastic surgery. Most of a plastic surgeon's work involves reconstructive procedures…

Diabetic Retinopathy: How Diabetes Affects Your Vision

Diabetes is a condition that impacts the entire body, primarily by causing gradual blockages in the blood vessels. One of the most critical areas affected by these vascular changes is the eye, specifically a structure called the retina. The retina acts much like the film in a camera, located at the back of the eye to capture images. When the blood flow to the retina is compromised due to diabetes, it leads to a condition known as Diabetic Retinopathy. Recognizing the Symptoms While Diabetic Retinopathy is a serious condition, it is often referred to as a silent threat because many…

Cancer Awareness Seminar and Emergency First Aid Training Programme at Sree Pookkottu Karayogam, Azhikkal

Dr. KM Cherian Institute of Medical Sciences, Chengannur, in association with Lalji Foundation, organized the Cancer Awareness Seminar and Emergency First Aid Training Programme at Sree Pookkottu Karayogam Hall, Azhikkal The Cancer Awareness Seminar was led by Dr. Nithun V. Ashok (Consultant Oncologist, Dr. KMC Hospital, Chengannur), while the Emergency First Aid Training Programme was conducted by Dr. Vishal Mohan (Consultant in Emergency Medicine)

The Role of Hormone Therapy in Breast Cancer Treatment

The treatment journey for breast cancer is often a multi-step process. While surgery and chemotherapy are widely discussed, hormone therapy (also known as endocrine therapy) is another critical treatment method that significantly improves long-term outcomes for many patients. Its primary goal is to prevent the cancer from returning by targeting the very hormones that can fuel its growth. How Does Hormone Therapy Work? Breast cancer cells are often "hormone-receptor-positive." This means they have special receptors on their surface—specifically for estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR). These hormones act like fuel, encouraging the cancer cells to grow and multiply. Hormone therapy works…

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