Could thyroid radiofrequency ablation be the right treatment for my thyroid nodules?

Hearing that you have a thyroid nodule can be unsettling. While most thyroid nodules are benign (noncancerous), they can still cause uncomfortable symptoms or become noticeable enough to affect your confidence. If you have a benign thyroid nodule that’s causing problems, you may not need surgery to find relief. Thyroid radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment that […]

What happens to your body after a parathyroidectomy?

If you are considering parathyroid surgery, you likely have many questions – including what to expect after the procedure: “How will my body change after my parathyroid glands are removed? What does recovery from a parathyroidectomy look like?” The good news is that parathyroidectomy is a safe procedure and has positive outcomes. But it’simportant to know what to expect immediately following parathyroid gland removal […]

Colonoscopy by a general surgeon: colon cancer screening close to home

As a board-certified general surgeon, I want patients to know that they have options nearby for colon cancer screening, especially if you have ever wondered what kind of doctor performs a colonoscopy. Many patients are surprised to learn they can schedule a colonoscopy with a general surgeon close to home. A colonoscopy is one of the most effective tools […]

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How to choose between radiation or surgery for prostate cancer

Getting diagnosed with prostate cancer can feel overwhelming.  Some prostate cancers grow slowly and don’t need treatment right away. In those cases, doctors may recommend active surveillance, sometimes called watchful waiting, which means carefully watching the cancer over time. This often includes regular PSA blood tests and sometimes a prostate biopsy every year or two. If treatment is needed, radiation therapy and surgery (called a […]

When is it time to consider hospice?

When someone you love is nearing the end of life, it’s never easy. Knowing when and how to begin hospice care, though, can help ease the transition. If a friend or family member is diagnosed with a serious medical condition, such as cancer or heart disease, the first step is usually to find the most appropriate way of treating that […]

What causes skin cancer?

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer globally, affecting millions each year. Understanding its causes is crucial for prevention and early detection. Read along as we explore the primary factors that contribute to skin cancer development. The role of ultraviolet (UV) radiation UV radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer. It damages the DNA in skin cells, leading to […]

How Does Surgery Work to Treat Cancer?

When someone is diagnosed with cancer, one of the first questions they may ask is: How will it be treated? There are many ways to treat cancer, and surgery is one of the most common options. Surgery has been used to treat cancer for many years. For some people, it is the first and most important step in their treatment […]

Who is a candidate for histotripsy?

Histotripsy is an innovative, non-invasive treatment that uses focused ultrasound waves to destroy liver tumors without the need for incisions or needles. This procedure offers hope to patients seeking alternatives to traditional cancer treatments. But who exactly is eligible for histotripsy? Let’s explore the criteria, benefits and considerations to determine candidacy.​ Understanding histotripsy Histotripsy employs high-intensity ultrasound […]

Raising awareness for lymphedema

March is Lymphedema Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding of this condition and how it impacts patients. Our lymphatic system plays a crucial role in regulating fluid levels in our bodies and filtering out harmful organisms. When this system becomes damaged or ineffective, it can lead to swelling known as lymphedema. What is lymphedema? Causes […]

Is thyroid cancer treatable?

Any type of cancer diagnosis is scary. If you’ve been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, it’s important to know that you have options and the disease is treatable. The five-year survival rate for the most common types of thyroid cancer is higher than 90 percent! How is thyroid cancer treated? After you’ve been diagnosed with thyroid cancer […]

What is a lumpectomy? 

A lumpectomy is one of the most common surgeries for treating breast cancer. It’s a procedure where only the cancerous part of the breast and a small amount of surrounding healthy tissue are removed. This surgery is often referred to as breast-conserving surgery because it allows you to keep most of your breast. If you or a loved […]

What every person should know about lung cancer

The American Cancer Society estimates that 234,580 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed this year in the United States. That includes 7,700 of our friends and neighbors here in Georgia. While lung cancer often gets overshadowed by other forms of cancer, it is incredibly common. In fact, it’s the second most common form […]

What is a low-dose CT and why is it important?

In modern medicine, technology plays a vital role in diagnosing and monitoring health conditions with greater precision and less risk to patients. One such advancement is the low-dose CT (computed tomography) scan (LDCT), which has become an invaluable tool in diagnostic imaging. But what exactly is a LDCT, and how does it differ from traditional […]

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Understanding the signs and symptoms of breast cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, but early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes and survival rates. Screening mammograms are capable of detecting the earliest stages of breast cancer before any physical symptoms appear, but being aware of the signs and symptoms is crucial for prompt medical consultation when that is not the case. Here’s what you should know about recognizing the signs and symptoms of […]

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer among men in the United States. While it’s common, though, it’s actually very treatable because it grows slowly. This year, nearly 300,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the United States. That number includes more than 9,600 cases in Georgia alone. That’s a lot of new […]

What is thyroid cancer?

Thyroid cancer doesn’t get a lot of headlines, but each year in the United States, thousands of people are diagnosed with the disease. This year alone, the American Cancer Society estimates that 44,020 new cases of thyroid cancer will be diagnosed. Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the thyroid gland. It’s what’s […]

How is cancer surgery used as part of treatment?

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 2 million people in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer in 2024. Of that number, approximately 60 percent will have cancer surgery as part of their treatment plan. When it comes to cancer, surgery can be used in many ways. For one, surgery may be […]

How is lung cancer diagnosed?

The American Cancer Society estimates that 234,580 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in 2024, including more than 7,000 cases here in Georgia. But how is lung cancer diagnosed? When you think about cancer, some of the most common cancers probably come to mind—like breast cancer and colorectal cancer. Thanks to innovations over […]