Sexuality and fertility of young women suffering from breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignant tumor among women in the world. In Poland, it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women between the age of 25 and 44. The course of the disease in young women is more aggressive. As a result more aggressive anti-cancer therapies are used. BC treatment is associated with the occurrence of numerous adverse effects and long-term complications. Among them, sexuality and fertility disorders deserve special attention in the group of young patients. The aim of this study is to review on the occurrence of sexual dysfunction and fertility disorders among young patients suffering from BC. The impact of BC treatment on the occurrence of these disorders has been analyzed. This review emphasizes also possible methods of sexual dysfunction and potential options of fertility protection which may be used in women who want to get pregnant after the end of the treatment. This review is based on available data from medical publications and guidelines from 1987 to 2019, addressing issues of sexuality and fertility in young patients with breast cancer. Young patients suffering from BC experience a variety of sexuality and fertility disorders. Sexual dysfunction includes among others: reduced libido, dyspareunia and difficulty in reaching an orgasm. The reason of the deterioration of the quality of sexual life is complex. Among the emotional factors, the most important role is played by changes in appearance, such as hair loss or breast amputation. Organic causes include dryness or loss of vaginal elasticity. The risk of fertility disorders is primarily associated with the use of cytotoxic drugs, causing premature ovarian failure and inducing amenorrhea. Chemotherapeutic agents with the highest risk of gonadotoxicity are alkylating drugs. Oncofertility is a branch of medicine combining oncology and reproductive medicine. Fertility protection of women who desire bearing a child after treatment is possible thanks to various methods of preservation. These include cryopreservation of embryos and oocytes, ovarian suppression with the use of GnRH analogs, ovarian transposition, freezing and transplantation of ovarian tissue. The most recommended method is embryo cryopreservation at present. Available data suggest no increased risk of cancer recurrence due to pregnancy in women after BC treatment

Mindfulness and its influence on quality of life and immune response in women with breast cancer

Mindfulness therapy is a psychological process, which main purpose is to concentrate attention on internal and external stimuli in the present moment. Practising mindfulness is correlated with well-being, greater energy and enthusiasm as well as the ability to cope with stressful situations. Breast cancer accounts for 22% of all malignant tumors in women. It is characterized by the highest mortality rate among all malignancies in this group. Diagnosis, applied treatment and changes in the women’s lifestyle may have a negative impact on their psyche. Symptoms such as depression, anxiety and fatigue often appear in patients diagnosed with breast cancer. These can lead to a decreased well-being and lower quality of life. Studies show that Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) therapy has a positive impact on the quality of life of patients suffering from breast cancer. What is more, those patients may have a worse immune response and less natural killers cells activity (NKCA) than people who doesn not have a cancer disease. MBSR can re-establish NKCA and improve immune response. Patients who have noticed an improvement in their well-being during and after MBSR therapy showed higher NKCA. There is no doubt that MBSR therapy reduces the level of fatigue, depression and anxiety. Moreover, patients who undergo MBSR therapy are less afraid of a relapse and have less reactivity to the emotional stress

Romantic Name for a Deadly Condition: Kissing Aneurysms of the Pericallosal Artery – A Case Report

Background: Kissing aneurysms are two independent but adjacent aneurysms protruding from two contralateral arterial locations. This report describes a successfully treated case of kissing aneurysms at the Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Gdansk. Case: A 45-year-old asymptomatic woman was diagnosed with unruptured bilateral aneurysms located in the pericallosal-callosomarginal division. Her medical history included a previous intracranial aneurysm and arterial hypertension. The patient underwent a successful treatment by surgical clipping and was discharged in good condition; neither disability nor neurologic deficit was noticed upon discharge. Surgical wound healing was complicated by an infection and resulted in a reoperation for the patient. Conclusion: The etiology of kissing aneurysms is still unknown and the best treatment method stills remains unclear. Thus, every case has to be carefully and individually assessed by an interdisciplinaryteam. As a result, patient transfer to an experienced neurosurgical center could be beneficial

Braf protein mutation and its significancy within patients with melanoma

Introduction and purpose:   This review aims to analyze BRAF mutation significancy and its influence on progression and therapy methods within patients with melanoma.  Material and method:  This review was mainly based on articles collected in Pubmed in years 2004-2018. The research was done by looking through keywords as follows “braf kinase”, “braf mutation”, “melanoma” “wemurafenib”.  Results:  The selected studies have demonstrated that it is justified to identify patient with BRAF mutation due to it’s influence on treatment’s method choosing.  Conclusions:  Citied researches have proven BRAF mutation significancy in growth and progressions of many malignant tumors. Further tests are likely to not only prolong life expectancy within patients with melanoma, but also being a source of crucial knowledge about tumors development.&nbsp

Comparison of HPV testing and cervical cytology in prevention of cervical cancer

Introduction and purpose  This article aims to compare two guiding methods of cervical cancer screening: cervical cytology  and HPV testing. The objective is to provide information on which method  is currently more relevant in the early detection of precancerous lesions and and therefore should  be more frequently used.        Materials and method  This review was mainly based on articles from around the world collected in Pubmed in 2003-2022, medical books and websites. The research was done by looking through keywords as follows: “cervical cancer”, “cytology”, “HPV testing”.  Results  All selected studies have demonstrated that HPV testing is a more appropriate indicator for initial  high-grade CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) than cytology.  Conclusions  According to the cited researches, the public health system should definitely pay more attention  to HPV testing as the first stage of cervical cancer screening. Moreover,  it should clarify by comparing all advantages and disadvantages of methods, which further diagnostic pathway is the most effective and has the best outcomes for the patients.   Keywords  cervical cancer, cervical screening, cytology, HPV primary screening, HPV testing  &nbsp

Multiple myeloma and kidney disease

Abstract   Background: Multiple myeloma is a clonal plasma cell neoplasm which affects 1% of all malignancies. In this article we reviewed epidemiology, symptoms with particular attention to renal failure and its manifestation in multiple myeloma (MM). Material and methods: This paper was based on medical articles collected in PubMed from 2001 to 2022, medical websites and books. The research has been done by looking through key words such as: „multiple myeloma”, „myeloma cast nephropathy”, „bortezomib”, „RANKL” Results: Multiple myeloma has indolent course and many patients present renal disorders at the moment of diagnosis. The use of novel therapies can reverse renal failure. Conclusions: Treatment of the patients with MM and kidney disease is challenging for health care professionals. Doctors have to adjust treatment to provide the best therapeutic effects

Vitamin D toxicity – causes, symptoms and diagnosis

Abstract:  Introduction and purpose: This review aims to analyze causes, symptoms and diagnosis of overdosing vitamin D resulting in vitamin D toxicity (VDT).  Material and method: This paper was based on medical articles collected in Pubmed from 2008 to 2021 year. The research has been done by looking through keywords such as “vitamin D” “toxicity”.  Results: The review of studies showed that manifestation of VDT is mainly associated with hypercalcemia and its course can range from asymptomatic to life-threatening, including death. We also draw attention to inappropriate use and widespread of vitamin D products.  Conclusion: There is a high demand for medical health workers to advise patients on possible effects of inappropriate use of vitamin D products and its toxicity. Medical practitioners should be attentive to quickly identify VDT.&nbsp

Monkeypox - review

Introduction and purpose:  This review aims to analyze the current information about monkeypox and the virus which causes the disease.  Material and method: This review was based on articles collected in PubMed and published in the years 2012-2022 The research was done by looking through keywords as follows: „monkeypox”; „zoonosis”;„tecovirimat” Results: The selected studies have demonstrated that the monkeypox virus is a high-danger pathogen that causes a disease important to public health. More research on this topic has to be done to prevent and better comprehend the potential threat.  Conclusions:  According to the cited research, public health systems should be aware of practical methods to reduce the risk of monkeypox spreading. It is crucial to monitor the spreading of the monkeypox disease and create effective preparation. Moreover, governments should develop strategies to prevent their population.&nbsp

Creatine supplementation and its influence on human organism

Background: Creatine supplementation is one of the most popular methods of improving athletic performance. In this article we reviewed its positive and negative influence on human organism. Materials and Methods: This paper was based on medical articles collected in PubMed from 1998 to 2019. The research has been done by looking through the key words such as: “creatine”, “supplementation”, “influence”, “kidney”, “renal effects”. Results: Creatine supplementation has no negative influence on renal function. Moreover it appears to have a positive effect on some aspects of metabolism. Conclusions: According to the available knowledge, creatine supplementation in appropriate doses is safe. &nbsp