Lymphedema: New and Emerging Treatments
Presented by: Stanley Rockson, MD
The Allan and Tina Neill Professor of Lymphatic Research and Medicine; Chief of Consultative Cardiology
Stanford University Medical Center
Lecture Overview:
- Lymphedema is a chronic debilitating disease characterized by swelling in affected limbs and inflammation.
- Approximately 10 million Americans have lymphedema, following cancer therapy, recurrent infections, injuries or vascular surgery.
- When treated early, lymphedema can be managed successfully, but there is no cure.
Hand Arthritis: When Do I Need Surgery?
Presented by: Amy Ladd, MD
Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery (Hand Surgery) and by courtesy of Medicine (Immunology & Rheumatology) and Surgery
Stanford University Medical Center
Lecture Overview:
- Arthritis of the fingers and thumb afflicts most adults.
- There are a number of non-surgical treatments for arthritis. Working with a hand therapist may improve patients’ function and decrease their pain.
- Surgery is worthwhile for patients who experience loss of function, pain or deformity in the hand.
“If you’re lucky to live long enough, you will get arthritis,” according to Amy Ladd, MD, professor of orthopaedic surgery (hand surgery) at Stanford in a presentation on hand arthritis. Speaking before a room full of arthritis sufferers at the Redwood City Public Library, Ladd outlined the treatment options available, and how to determine when surgery is needed.
Cancer Stem Cells: The Origin of Cancer
Presented by: Irving Weissman, MD
The Virginia & D.K. Ludwig Professor for Clinical Investigation in Cancer Research, Professor of Developmental Biology and by courtesy of Biology
Stanford University Medical Center
Lecture Overview:
- Cancer stem cells have the ability to self-renew and replenish the growing cancer. They can grow indefinitely and spread to other organs through the blood stream.
- Cancer stem cells are at the heart of treating cancer. To eliminate cancer, it is these cells that treatment must eradicate.
- Cancer stem cell research is a likely source of future cancer treatments. Knowledge about these cells will play a pivotal role in developing better ways to combat the disease.
Contemporary Surgical Treatment Of Facial Nerve Paralysis
Presented by: Sam P. Most, MD, FACS
Chief, Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Associate Professor, Departments of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Surgery (Plastic)
Stanford University Medical Center
Lecture Overview:
- The facial nerve structure is highly complex. Damage to just one nerve can cause paralysis and difficulties with speech, eating and drinking, nasal obstruction, visual obstruction, eye irritation and blindness.
- Facial nerves have the ability to regenerate, but the process can take between 12 and 18 months.
- There are a number of surgical techniques to bring movement and functionality to patients with facial nerve damage and paralysis.
Facial nerves give us the ability to show emotions. They allow us to move our eyes, lips, and nose. And they give us the ability to produce tears and saliva. In fact, they are at the very heart of human expression, according to Stanford facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Sam Most, MD.
Neck Pain: The Latest in Evaluation and Surgery
Presented by: Ivan Cheng, MD
Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Stanford University Medical Center
Lecture Overview:
Neck pain is extremely common and most often stems from the wear and tear of normal aging- Most neck pain without serious pathology does not need to be treated surgically; physical therapy, exercise and rest are usually recommended first
- Surgery for neck pain benefits only a small percentage of patients
- While fusion has been the primary surgical option, today certain conditions can be treated with implants that preserve range of motion
Anatomically speaking, your head is something like a bowling ball perched on top of a stick. In that respect, it’s no wonder that neck pain is one of the most common ailments patients report to their doctor.
User’s Guide to the Shoulder
Presented by: Emilie Cheung, MD
Assistant Professor, Orthopaedic Surgery
Stanford University Medical Center
Lecture Overview:
The anatomy of the shoulder is complex, flexible and elegant, but it can be damaged by trauma, overuse and the wear and tear of aging- Problems arise from a variety of causes, from sports to bursitis, tendonitis and bone spurs
- Rotator cuff tears or inflammation are the most common sources of shoulder pain and problems
- Nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy should be the first option for treating tears and other shoulder damage
- Minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery can be used to treat many shoulder conditions
