Testicular germ cell tumors: review of contemporary evaluation and management

Article Abstract:

Treatment for testicular cancer has been more successful than treatment for most other types of cancer. Much continues to be learned about the origin of testicular tumors, and a familiar tendency is strongly suggested. Other risk factors include the presence of undescended or atrophied testes. This information could be useful for screening family members of men with existing cancer, or with undescended or atrophied testes, which could lead to early diagnosis and improved prognoses. To date, there no screening method that is suitable for widespread screening. Testicular biopsy is a sensitive technique, but is not justified for those at risk without symptoms. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging are currently being investigated for screening purposes, and have had good preliminary results. Self-examination for testicular abnormalities is also useful, but few of the young men surveyed were familiar with this procedure. A thorough understanding of the extent of the cancer is necessary before treatment can be planned. Biochemical markers in the blood are determined to help identify the type of tumor and the most appropriate treatment. Standard markers used in testicular cancer are alpha fetoprotein and beta human chorionic gonadotropin. Computerized tomography is the best imaging technique for visualizing metastases, and can be used with all patients. Surgery may be performed (orchiectomy, excision of the testicle), and testicular tumors are very sensitive to radiation therapy. Patients with stage I disease have a 5-year survival rate of greater than 95 percent. For patients with stage II, average survival is between 85 and 90 percent. Because therapeutic results have been so excellent, the advisability of decreasing the extent of therapy has currently been discussed. Current regimens of radiation and chemotherapy (especially cisplatin) have been so successful, the possibility of reducing initial lymph node dissections and radiation dosages may be valid. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Surgery, Cancer, Cancer treatment, Radiotherapy, Testicular cancer

---

Airway evaluation in children with use of ultrafast CT: pitfalls and recommendations

Article Abstract:

Ultrafast computed tomography (CT) is a special technique using X-rays to show detailed images of structures. It can be used to produce a cross-sectional image of the airway, which requires high speed as well as high resolution. There are a number of techniques for using ultrafast CT. Two of these are cine CT (low-resolution) and high-resolution CT. Twenty children with respiratory difficulties were examined, 11 using both cine CT and high-resolution CT, six using only cine CT and three using only high-resolution CT. The children were also examined using endoscopy. Endoscopic results showed six patients with normal anatomy and the other 14 having various problems. The cine CT agreed with the findings from endoscopy in 10 of 17 cases. The high-resolution CT was in agreement with the endoscopy in 10 of 14 cases. A combination of both techniques resulted in agreement with endoscopy in 10 of 11 cases. The results indicate that the inaccuracies of cine CT alone are often caused by improper technique. High-resolution has some inherent problems that affect its accuracy. However, the two techniques used in conjunction can be quite accurate in diagnosing problems of the airway. This is important, since no general anesthesia is needed for these techniques. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Methods, CT imaging, CAT scans, Respiratory tract diseases, Airway (Medicine), Airway

---

Evaluation of renal function

Article Abstract:

Renal (kidney) function is often evaluated by measuring serum (blood) creatinine levels. These levels increase when renal function is impaired. However, renal function may be substantially impaired before serum creatinine levels begin to rise. The May 1991 issue of Radiology includes a study by Deray et al. examining the effect of ioxaglate, a radiopaque contrast agent, on renal function. The glomerular filtration rate (GMR), which is used to determine the rate at which the kidneys filter out substances for excretion, was measured after ioxaglate injection. GMR can be used to estimate clearance rate, a sensitive indicator of renal function. The accuracy of clearance rate evaluations varies with the material examined. When urine collection cannot be properly done, blood levels of the substance may be measured. The rate of disappearance of the substance from the blood can then be used to estimate GFR. Creatinine levels are still the easiest to monitor, but are also less sensitive in determining renal functioning. GFR is a more complex, but more accurate, diagnostic method. Further use of more sensitive techniques will also allow more complete evaluation of the effects of ioxaglate and other drugs on renal functioning. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Usage, Abnormalities, Diagnosis, Kidneys, Kidney, Kidney diseases, Glomerular filtration rate, editorial, Ioxaglate

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Tuberculosis: a growing concern for dentistry? Titanium applications in dentistry
• Abstracts: Septic encephalopathy: evidence for altered phenylalanine metabolism and comparison with hepatic encephalopathy
• Abstracts: Variation in journal peer review systems: possible causes and consequences. Changes to Manuscripts During the Editorial Process
• Abstracts: Effect of long-term triphasic oral contraceptive use on glucose tolerance and insulin secretion
• Abstracts: Mammographically detected breast cancer: results with conservative surgery and radiation therapy. Breast cancer control: challenge or chimera

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.