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

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

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

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

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

Pregnancy-associated breast cancer - diagnosis, treatment and outcomes for women and their offspring

Introduction: Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) is the most common malignancy in pregnant women with an incidence of 1 in 3-10 thousand pregnancies. It is mostly defined as breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy or within 1 year postpartum. The number of PABCs is going to raise due to the trend of delaying childbearing. Purpose: This review summarizes data on the occurrence and characteristics of PABC. The analysis comprises diagnosis and proper treatment of BC during pregnancy. Prognosis of women and their offspring are emphasized. Material and methods: The review is based on publications mainly from 2010 to 2019 and 5 articles from 1994-2008 collected on the PubMed.  Results: The sensitivity of breast ultrasonography (USG) in pregnancy is 70-100% and it is considered as safe for the fetus. Staging evaluation in pregnant women consists of chest x-ray, liver USG and non-contrast bone MRI. 71-88% of PABCs are invasive ductal carcinomas. Treatment consists of breast surgery regardless of time and optionally, chemotherapy from the 2nd trimester. Radiotherapy, tamoxifen and trastuzumab are contraindicated in PABC. Therapeutic abortion does not improve oncological outcome. Overall prognosis is similar for both pregnant and non-pregnant patients with similar type and stage of BC. The rate of congenital malformations is 1,3% for both children of PABC patients treated with chemotherapy and born from women without chemotherapeutic treatment. The most frequent obstetrical complication of PABC treatment is preterm delivery. Conclusions: Pregnancy does not impact oncologic outcome, if the treatment is appropriate. PABC patients have survival rates consistent with the stage of disease. Proper treatment of PABC does not increase the risk of congenital malformations and is relatively safe for the fetus. 

Ranula as an early symptom of Sjögren’s syndrome

Introduction and purpose:  Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease affecting exocrine glands, mainly salivary glands. A ranula is a type of retention cyst associated with salivary extravasation that develops within the large salivary glands. The most common reason of developing ranula is trauma of bottom of the oral cavity. Damaging the sublingual gland, due to changes in Sjögren’s syndrome, may lead to the development of ranula. The aim of this review is to analyze the possible impact of ranulas on early diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome. Material and method: This review was based on articles collected in PubMed and published in the years 2003-2021 and books from 2009 and 2018. Articles were chosen using keywords such as "Sjögren's syndrome", "ranula", “mucocele” and "early diagnosis". Results: Ranulas are considered to be early clinical signs of Sjögren's syndrome. Undergoing diagnostic imaging in patients with ranulas allows to diagnose Sjögren's syndrome in early stage and implement appropriate therapy. Conclusion: Identification of ranula should suggest implementation of diagnostics of Sjögren's syndrome using imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasonography. Early diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome is crucial to start the adequate treatment and get better results. It is recommended to include imaging tests in the diagnostic criteria of adolescent and adult SS in order to facilitate the diagnosis at an earlier stage of the disease

Male breast cancer - a review on risk factors, tumor characteristics, diagnostics and treatment

Introduction and purpose: Male breast cancer (MBC) is estimated to less than 1% of all breast cancer cases worldwide. A lifetime risk of developing MBC amounts to 1:1000. The data on breast cancer in men is limited. This review aims to analyze information on risk factors, diagnostics and treatment in men suffering from breast cancer.  Material and method: This review was based on available data collected in PubMed and published in the years 2001-2022. The research was done by looking through keywords as follows: “breast cancer”, “male breast cancer”, “risk factors” and “treatment”. Results: Male breast cancer usually manifests as a painless, retroareolar mass in the breast. Risk factors include advanced age, hormonal imbalance, exposure to radiation and a positive family history. A significant risk increase in MBC development occurs in BRCA2, CHEK2, PALB2 and ATM genes mutations. G2 ductal carcinoma with no special type is most often diagnosed. Dominating subtype is luminal A cancer, while HER2 protein overexpression is extremely rare. Radical mastectomy or breast conserving therapy remain surgical therapeutic options. The most preferred endocrine therapy is tamoxifen. The choice of chemotherapy in men is based on the same criteria as in women.  Conclusions: Delayed diagnosis and tumor characteristics are associated with a much worse prognosis for men compared to women. Therefore, further clinical research is crucial in order to improve the diagnostic possibilities and treatment targeted at men with this type of cancer

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