J Buon
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In this article we present the opinions of some eminent Roman physicians about cancer. We emphasize the points of view of Galen, famous Roman physician of Greek origin whose doctrines dominated medicine for more than 15 centuries. We then cite the opinions about cancer of some other outstanding physicians of that period like Celsus, Pliny, Leonidis of Alexandria, Aretaeus of Cappadocia, Soranus of Ephesus etc. We also quote some examples of cancer and we describe what those physicians thought of its pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment.
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The objective of this study was to evaluate the palliation of pain of bone metastases with biphosphonates and different radiotherapy protocols in 372 cancer patients. ⋯ When combined with palliative radiotherapy, biphosphonates did not have any additive effects on pain palliation in the management of painful bone metastases. In addition, a single radiotherapy fraction provides equal pain palliation as multiple fractions.
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Case Reports
Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis presenting as bilateral sensorineural deafness and unilateral facial palsy.
This paper describes the case of a 56-year-old man with a history of small cell lung cancer under chemotherapy, who presented with left-sided peripheral facial palsy and progressive bilateral sensorineural deafness due to leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LMC). Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the petrosal bones and posterior cranial fossa revealed 2 solid lesions in the internal acoustic meatuses bilaterally and LMC of the skull base. Whole brain radiation therapy and methotrexate intrathecally were applied to the patient.
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Surgery remains the primary curative treatment for patients who have early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The proper use of surgical resection depends on a careful assessment of the extent of disease and the cardiopulmonary function. Because lung cancer is more common in patients who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it is important to select carefully those patients who can safely undergo potentially curative therapy, thereby minimizing postoperative morbidity and mortality. This article discusses the preoperative pulmonary assessment for patient selection, the preparation of high-risk patients, special surgical considerations, and patient management in the immediate postoperative period.
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To retrospectively assess prognostic factors and patterns of relapse in patients with oral tongue cancer treated by adjuvant radiotherapy (RT). ⋯ Local failure was the most important problem concerning the final outcome. High local recurrence rates and poor survival rates are important issues in the management of oral tongue cancer. Further strategies should be directed to enhancing cure rates.