- 151.1k views
Pancreatic Cancer- The Silent Killer World Pancreatic day
The diagnosis of cancer of the pancreas is difficult and often late. The symptoms are not terribly specific and this is why the diagnosis is often at an advanced stage. Symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of skin and whites of the eyes), light-colored stools, dark urine, pain in the upper or middle abdomen and or back, unexplained weight loss, feeling tired, and poor appetite. With the exception of jaundice and color of stools and urine, none of these symptoms and signs are specific indicators that something is wrong, and even these are often late signs of disease (meaning by the time they occur the cancer is Stage I or greater.) There is one brand new, promising blood marker (GPC1) that may be helpful for detection. The definitive diagnosis requires confirmation by radiologic studies and or tissue biopsy of cancerous tissue. Sometimes a gastroenterologist will discover the disease with endoscopic techniques. Pancreatic cancer has a very high mortality and the later it is diagnosed (more advanced the stage) the poorer the survival.
About the Speaker

DR. VIJAY KUMAR KONTHAM
Consultant Radiation Oncologist and Pain and Palliative Care Physician, Yashoda Hospitals
Upcoming Case Discussions
Preparing your Practice for Adoption of AI
Preparing Your Practice for Adoption of AI" involves building a foundation of digital literacy, data readiness, and ethical awareness among clinicians and staff. Successful integration starts with identifying key workflows where AI can enhance efficiency, accuracy, or patient outcomes. It’s essential to choose tools that align with your practice’s goals while ensuring transparency, security, and compliance. Training, change management, and continuous evaluation are critical to fostering trust and long-term adoption. Ultimately, AI should support—not replace—the human touch in medicine.
Acne: Disorders and Treatment Approaches
Acne is a common dermatological condition caused by clogged pores, excess sebum production, bacterial growth, and inflammation. It can manifest as blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, or cysts, often leading to scarring if untreated. Various factors, including hormonal changes, diet, stress, and genetics, influence its severity. Treatment approaches range from topical and oral medications, such as retinoids, antibiotics, and hormonal therapy, to advanced procedures like chemical peels and laser therapy. A personalized skincare regimen, along with lifestyle modifications, plays a crucial role in managing and preventing acne.
Management of Postoperative Pain: Best Practices for GP’s
Effective management of postoperative pain is crucial for promoting recovery and preventing complications. General practitioners should start by assessing pain severity using appropriate scales, then tailor the treatment plan based on the patient's medical history and the type of surgery. A combination of pharmacological approaches, such as non-opioid analgesics (e.g., NSAIDs) and opioids when necessary, should be used to minimize pain while reducing the risk of addiction. Multimodal strategies, including physical therapy and non-pharmacological techniques like cold therapy or mindfulness, can further enhance pain relief. Close follow-up is essential to adjust the treatment as needed and ensure the patient's pain is well-controlled.
Approach to Child with Status Epilepticus
Status epilepticus (SE) in children is a neurological emergency defined as a seizure lasting >5 minutes or recurrent seizures without recovery between episodes. Initial assessment includes airway, breathing, and circulation stabilization, followed by rapid glucose and electrolyte correction. First-line treatment involves benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam or midazolam). If seizures persist, second-line agents like phenytoin, levetiracetam, or valproate are administered. Refractory SE requires ICU admission and continuous infusion of anesthetics like midazolam or thiopental. Etiology must be identified (e.g., infection, metabolic, structural, or toxic causes). Prompt intervention reduces risk of neurological damage and improves outcomes. Continuous EEG monitoring may be necessary.
Diabetes and Stem Cells: What Does the Future Hold?
The future of diabetes treatment may be revolutionized by stem cell research, offering hope for a long-term cure. Scientists are developing stem cell therapies that could regenerate insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, potentially restoring natural insulin production in people with type 1 diabetes. Early clinical trials have shown promising results, with some patients reducing or eliminating their need for insulin injections. While challenges like immune rejection and long-term efficacy remain, continued advancements suggest stem cell therapy could significantly change diabetes management in the coming years.