Abnormalities of the pancreas and other parts of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are often discovered on standard imaging studies. In fact, one-quarter of the population over 60 years old has some abnormality of the pancreas that may need further evaluation for a possible precancerous lesion.

“Endoscopic ultrasound – which is considered one of the best imaging procedures of the pancreas – provides high-resolution images of the entire pancreas,” explains Thomas Kowalski, MD, associate professor of Medicine, Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, and medical director of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Jefferson Digestive Disease Institute. “It allows the doctor to perform a needled biopsy, the removal of tissue or fluid for examination under the microscope of any abnormalities.”

When: Friday May 1, 2009
           11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Who: All Adults Age 18 and Above

Limited Registration: CALL 1-800-JEFF-NOW TO REGISTER

In recognition of Oral, Head & Neck Cancer Awareness Week
April 27- May 3

Each year, 550,000 people in the United States experience heart failure, the leading cause of cardiovascular mortality. In fact, 80 percent of people over 65 have some form of heart failure. But heart failure is not just a disease of the elderly – it can strike in any age group.

“High blood pressure, familial genetics, viral infections or early coronary disease are among the common causes of heart failure in younger people,” says Paul J. Mather, MD, Director of the Advanced Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplant Center at the Jefferson Heart Institute.

“Younger people may experience symptoms that don’t seem like heart failure, like belly swelling or bronchitis.”

Heart failure occurs when the lower chambers of the heart are not able to pump blood effectively. If a heart muscle has been damaged by conditions such as long-term high blood pressure, heart disease, heart valve or heart muscle problems, then the heart has more trouble pumping.

When diagnosed early, heart failure can be treated effectively with medications and lifestyle accommodations. However, heart failure that has progressed to advanced stage is a multi-organ disease process that requires aggressive treatment.

To learn more, visit the Advanced Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplantation website.

James J. Evans, MD, is Associate Professor, Department of Neurological Surgery, Jefferson Medical College (JMC) of Thomas Jefferson University; Co-Director, Jefferson Center for Minimally Invasive Cranial Base Surgery and Endoscopic Neurosurgery; and Diplomate of the American Board of Neurological Surgery.

Question: A few years ago, I had surgery to remove a pituitary tumor. The tumor has reappeared and my surgeon is suggesting a newer, less-traumatic procedure. What is this new kind of surgery?

Answer: Advanced technology and innovative techniques have dramatically changed the outcome for patients with cranial base (skull) and brain tumors. Previously, tumors were oft en inaccessible or required extensive and lengthy surgeries. Now, minimally invasive cranial base surgery gives surgeons better tumor access, enabling more-complete removal.

The Jefferson Center for Minimally Invasive Cranial Base Surgery and Endoscopic Neurosurgery is one of the most comprehensive in the Delaware Valley. Instead of reaching tumors with quite-invasive surgery that often requires facial reconstruction, we access them through the nose and mouth with endoscopes (basically, tiny telescopes) guided by computer navigation systems. We can remove tumors safely, with fewer complications and less risk.