UV Safety Month: Protecting Your Skin and Health This Summer

July is UV Safety Month, a crucial time to raise awareness about the importance of protecting your skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays. As the sun shines brighter and we spend more time outdoors, it’s essential to understand how UV exposure can affect our skin and overall health. At Premier Surgical Associates, with locations in Knoxville, Cleveland, and Johnson City, TN, we emphasize the importance of prevention, early detection, and treatment of skin tumors and skin cancers.

The Dangers of UV Radiation

UV radiation from the sun is the primary cause of skin damage and can lead to serious health issues, including skin cancer. There are two main types of UV rays that affect the skin:

• UVA Rays: These rays penetrate deep into the skin and are responsible for premature aging and wrinkles. They can also contribute to the development of skin cancer.
  
• UVB Rays: These rays primarily affect the outer layer of the skin and are the main cause of sunburn. They play a significant role in the development of skin cancer.

Both types of UV rays can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations and the potential development of skin cancers, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Preventing Sun Damage

Protecting your skin from UV radiation is crucial to prevent sun damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer. Here are some effective strategies to keep your skin safe:

• Apply Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply it generously 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.
  
• Wear Protective Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses can provide additional protection against UV rays. Look for clothing with a high UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating.
  
• Seek Shade: Avoid direct sunlight during peak hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest. Seek shade under umbrellas, trees, or shelters.
  
• Avoid Tanning Beds: Tanning beds emit UV radiation that can be just as harmful as the sun. Choose sunless tanning products instead.

The Importance of Early Detection

Despite taking preventive measures, it’s essential to remain vigilant for signs of skin damage and skin cancer. Early detection is key to successful treatment. Regular self-examinations and professional skin checks with your dermatologist can help identify potential issues early. Look for the following warning signs:

• New Growths: Pay attention to any new moles or growths on your skin.
• Changes in Existing Moles: Monitor moles for changes in size, shape, color, or texture.
• Non-Healing Sores: Watch for sores that do not heal or persist for more than a few weeks.
• Itching or Bleeding: Be aware of moles or growths that itch, bleed, or become tender.

Treatment of Skin Tumors and Skin Cancers

At Premier Surgical Associates, we provide comprehensive treatment options for skin tumors and skin cancers. If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, our experienced team is equipped to treat your issue using advanced techniques. The most common types of surgeries used to treat skin cancers include:

• Excision: The growth and its surrounding border of tissue are removed.
• Curettage and Electrodesiccation: The growth is scraped off and the tumor site is treated with an electric needle to destroy remaining cancer cells. This technique is normally for smaller lesions.
• Lymph Node Surgery:  Lymph nodes are removed to check for cancer or if cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes.

UV Safety Month serves as a timely reminder of the importance of protecting your skin from harmful UV radiation. By taking preventive measures and being proactive about early detection, you can reduce the risk of sun damage and skin cancer. If you notice any suspicious changes in your skin, don’t hesitate to reach out to Premier Surgical Associates for expert care and treatment.

Stay safe this summer and protect your skin. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at one of our offices in Knoxville, Cleveland, or Johnson City, TN. Your skin health is our priority.

The post UV Safety Month: Protecting Your Skin and Health This Summer first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Healthcare professional Kim Johnson has always kept an eye on her health. With a diagnosis of melanoma (skin cancer) in her past, she now takes preventive measures for herself and her family, including routine exams.

After genetic testing revealed multiple cancer-causing mutations, Johnson underwent a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery to prevent the development and spread of cancer cells in her breast tissue.

Thanks to the expert team at Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville, Johnson is a living  testament to the benefits of taking action in the right moment.

To protect her young family Kimberly had preventative breast cancer surgery after genetic testing showed her at high risk of the disease.

Living Faithfully

It was after turning 40 and having her first mammogram that Johnson began to think about her breast health and family history of breast cancer. After the mammogram was inconclusive, Johnson was referred to the Parkwest Comprehensive Breast Center, located at Parkwest Medical Center.

She underwent a 3D ultrasound and a biopsy of tissue was taken for testing. The biopsy was negative for cancerous tissues, which meant she wasn’t facing a cancer diagnosis – a welcome piece of news.

Knowing her grandmother and two aunts had previously battled breast cancer and wanting to be an example for her sisters, Johnson decided to pursue genetic testing at the Breast Center. The non-invasive tests indicated rare genetic mutations that put her at a high risk of developing breast cancer and other cancers later in life.

A Big Decision

“It was concerning, and I was surprised at the initial results,” Johnson shares. “I have a twin sister who ended up having the same genetic mutation as I did. I have a younger sister who could also have been at risk.

“My thoughts immediately went to my family. I want to stay around for my kids. None of us knows the number of days we have left. I wanted to increase the likelihood of being around for my family.”

At age 42 and already having had children, Johnson was a candidate for a preventive mastectomy. In this procedure, the breast is removed to prevent the development of cancer in high-risk women.

Her surgeon was William C. Gibson, MD, FACS, Premier Surgical general surgeon at Parkwest Medical Center. Dr. Gibson says that without intervention, the genetic mutations linked to cancer and Johnson’s strong family history would have put her at about 75 percent risk of developing breast cancer and possibly other cancers.

Dr. William Gibson specializes in Breast Cancer Surgery.

It was after much conversation, prayer and research that Johnson decided to have preventive surgery. In March 2023, she underwent a bilateral prophylactic nipple- sparing mastectomy. Both breasts were surgically removed and implants were later inserted.

“I’m grateful to have caught and identified the risk before it turned into cancer,” Johnson says. “I have no regrets.”

Worth the Risk

Post-operation, Johnson’s risk of developing cancer went from 75 to 1 percent, says Dr. Gibson. “Kimberly did extremely well. We did thorough imaging and testing to make sure no cancer was present. Because none was present, we could take preventive steps and address the risk on the front end. If cancer had been present and we were treating existing cancer cells, that would be a different story.”

He added, “Those who could benefit from genetic testing are typically people with a strong family history of cancer, or women who have already had a cancer diagnosis before age 50. Anyone who is curious about it should consult their primary care physician.”

Confidence at Parkwest and Beyond

Johnson says, “I knew Dr. Gibson would be meticulous with my case; he is amazing to work with. This was a big decision to make but I had no trouble going through with the surgery under his care because I had all confidence in him. He also helped me find peace of mind. My faith and belief in God gave me hope and helped guide some of these big decisions,” she says. “I know surgery is not for everyone. There are so many factors that come into play. I encourage people to be in tune with their bodies and use that knowledge to empower them to take healthy steps for themselves.”

Dr. William Gibson is a general surgeon with the Premier Surgical Associates office at Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville, TN. He specializes in the surgical treatment of breast cancers. To request an appointment with Dr. Gibson, please call (865) 690-5263.

The post Genetic Testing and Preventative Surgery Brighten Outlook for Knox Mom first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death among Americans, accounting for over 47,000 deaths in 2020.

Like any other type of cancer, pancreatic cancer develops when the cells in an organ start to grow abnormally. The majority of pancreatic cancer cases originate in the head of the pancreas. The most common type of pancreatic cancer is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. This cancer is made up of the cells that create pancreatic ducts, which channel digestive enzymes from the pancreas tissue to the intestine.

There is no specific cause of pancreatic cancer, but experts agree that smoking is the main risk factor. A diet excessively high in dietary fat and protein, a sedentary lifestyle, and having a high body mass index can also increase one’s risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Although many cases of pancreatic cancer occur after the age of 45 (about two-thirds develop over the age of 65), it can affect anyone at any age.

Signs and Symptoms

Dr. David Roife
Surgical Oncologist

Surgical Oncologist Dr. David Roife with Premier Surgical at Fort Sanders Regional explains that the early stages of pancreatic cancer often do not cause any signs or symptoms. “A typical presentation is painless jaundice. It’s usually people going about their day, and all of a sudden, their friends or family say ‘hey why do you look yellow?’ They go to an emergency room and get a scan, and that’s the way it first turns up.”

Having any of the following signs and symptoms listed below does not automatically mean you have pancreatic cancer, but they are symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention:

• Belly or back pain
This is the most common symptom of pancreatic cancer.

As the tumor grows, it can start pressing on the nearby organs, causing pain. It may also spread to the surrounding nerves, causing the back pain.

• Weight loss
Unexplained or unintended weight loss is very common in people with pancreatic cancer. They may have very little to no appetite at all.

• Nausea and vomiting
The tumor can press on the far end of the stomach, making food harder to get through. This causes nausea, vomiting, and pain that can get worse after eating.

• Large lump under the rib cage
Pancreatic cancer can cause blockage of the bile duct. This causes the bile to build up in the gallbladder, causing it to enlarge. This can be felt through a physical exam as a large lump just right under the rib cage.

•Early Detection
Dr. David Roife urges early detection when it comes to pancreatic cancer. He says, “Pancreatic cancer is one of the hardest cancers to diagnose early because of the location of where it grows. It typically does not cause any symptoms until it’s already advanced or spread to spread to other organs, which means surgery is not an option for many patients unfortunately.”

“Early detection is one of the most sought after areas of research right now. Once you have it detected, it is important to get treated at a high volume center where the physicians are experienced in dealing with pancreatic cancer, as it involves a team of many kinds of different doctors and specialists to treat you properly including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.”

If you are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, surgical consultation should be a part of your workup to assess if the tumor is capable of being removed. Surgical removal of pancreas cancer is the only chance of a durable cure.

The surgeons of Premier Surgical Associates of Knoxville and Cleveland, TN, like surgical oncologist Dr. Roife, are experienced in diagnosing and treating pancreatic cancer. To request an appointment with Dr. David Roife at Premier Surgical Fort Sanders call (865) 524-3695 or visit https://www.premiersurgical.com/fort-sanders-premier-appointment-request/.

The post Pancreatic Cancer: Signs and Symptoms first appeared on Premier Surgical.

But what is involved in screening?
Parkwest Comprehensive Breast Center offers high quality services, an outstanding staff and the latest in screening technology. If an abnormality is detected, the Breast Center follows a woman through all her testing and in some cases, treatment.

How Does Breast Cancer Screening Work?
A mammogram is a specialized medical imaging tool that uses a low-dose X-ray system to see inside the breast. It’s a quick and easy test that can save your life.

In addition to imaging, Parkwest Breast Center provides a Lifetime Breast Cancer Risk Assessment at the time of a mammogram. From that assessment, practitioners may recommend that certain patients who may be at a high risk of developing cancer seek genetic counseling and testing, especially if they have a family history of cancer. Patients can begin the genetic counseling process that day while at the Breast Center if they choose.

What is Genetic Counseling?
William C. Gibson, MD, FACS, general surgeon at Premier Surgical at Parkwest Medical Center, says, “I spend time counseling and discussing the risk of developing breast cancer with those who may have a high risk due to a genetic mutation.”

Who Should Seek Genetic Testing?
Dr. Gibson advises, “A lot of times, the genetic mutation is not discovered until after someone receives a cancer diagnosis. This is why we recommend that family members of someone diagnosed with a breast cancer abnormality also seek genetic testing and counseling.”

When is Surgery Recommended?
A prophylactic (preventive) mastectomy, or removal of one or both breasts, is a surgery women may undergo when they test positive for the BRCA gene.

Dr. Gibson says, “For some, the decision to pursue preventive surgery is right for them. My role as a counselor is to explain the risk and statistics of malignancy. We also follow young women whose mothers have been diagnosed with breast cancer and present genetic testing as an option.”

Dr. Gibson says, “Whether or not you have family history and genetic mutation, be diligent with annual mammograms. These screenings detect cancer early, and early detection leads to good outcomes and excellent long term survival.”

The post Is Genetic Testing Right for Me? first appeared on Premier Surgical.

This year, it is estimated that over 53,000 adults in the United States will be diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

Thyroid cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer in women. It’s the type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the thyroid, the butterfly-shaped gland that can be found at the base of the neck.

Signs and symptoms of the disease don’t usually show up until the cancer progresses. Some of the most common symptoms of thyroid cancer include a lump that can be felt through the skin in your neck, increasing hoarseness of the voice, pain in the neck and throat, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

Like most types of cancers, there are better treatment outcomes for thyroid cancer if they are detected and treated early.

Are you at risk?

Since there are usually no signs or symptoms during the early stage of the disease, it’s important to get checked especially if you’re at risk.

You may be at risk of thyroid cancer if you are:

• a female

Thyroid cancer is very common among women. In fact, women are diagnosed with 3 of every 4 cases of thyroid cancer.

• between the ages of 20 and 55

Although thyroid cancer can occur at any age, about two-thirds of all cases are found among those between the ages of 20 and 55.

• have exposure to radiation

Moderate levels of radiation to the head and neck may increase the risk of certain types of thyroid cancer including follicular and papillary thyroid cancer.

Radiation exposure could be from having radiation therapy for lymphoma in the head and neck, low to moderate-doses of x-ray treatments done before 1950, and exposure to ionizing radiation from atomic weapons testing during the 1950s and 1960s.

• have a diet low in iodine

Iodine is needed for normal thyroid function. A diet low on this can cause thyroid issues, which can potentially increase the risk of thyroid cancer.

• had a breast cancer

Some studies have shown that breast cancer survivors have a high chance of developing thyroid cancer especially those who were diagnosed at a young age.

If you suspect that you have thyroid cancer, don’t hesitate to see a specialist. Remember, as soon as it is detected and treated, the better is the outcome.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thyroid-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20354161

https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/thyroid-cancer/risk-factors

The post Are You At Risk for Thyroid Cancer? first appeared on Premier Surgical.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Tennova Healthcare is using the occasion to call attention to the role of genetic testing in the fight against the disease.

Genetic testing has quickly become a more mainstream practice—both for human interest about one’s ancestry, and for the purpose of understanding how that ancestry might increase your risk for certain diseases, such as breast cancer.

Dr. Jessica Vinsant

“Genetic testing may be recommended for a person already diagnosed with cancer, especially if there are other factors to suggest the cancer might have been caused by an inherited mutation,” says Jessica Vinsant, M.D., a general surgeon and medical director of the Tennova Breast Center at North Knoxville Medical Center and Physician’s Regional Medical Center. “Genetic testing might also be advised for people with a family history of certain types of cancer, to see if they carry a gene mutation that increases their risk.”

An example is testing for changes in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes (which are known to increase the risk of breast cancer and some other cancers) in a woman whose mother and sister had breast cancer, especially if it was diagnosed before age 50. According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women with a BRCA gene mutation are seven times more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 30 times more likely to get ovarian cancer, when compared with women without the gene mutations.

Should all women be tested for the BRCA gene mutation? The experts say, absolutely not.

“It’s important to keep in mind that gene mutations are only a small part of the breast cancer story,” Dr. Vinsant says. “While it is true that having an immediate family member with breast cancer can increase your risk of being diagnosed, it is also true that about 80 percent of women who get breast cancer have no family history of the disease. There are many other factors—some inside and some outside of your control.”

Because BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are relatively rare in the general population, most experts agree that genetic testing of individuals should be performed only when the person’s individual or family history suggests the possible presence of a harmful mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women with the following risk factors should seek genetic counseling to determine if genetic testing is indicated:

• A family history of someone having a positive BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation
• Breast cancer diagnosed before age 50 years
• Cancer in both breasts in the same woman
• Ovarian, tubal or peritoneal cancer at any age in a family member
• Two or more family members with breast cancer
• Both breast and ovarian cancers in a single family member
• Cases of male breast cancer in a family member
• People of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry

“Beyond BRCA genes, there are more than 30 gene mutations associated with various types of hereditary cancer,” Dr. Vinsant explains. “Tremendous information can be gained through genetic testing, but it is important to work with your physician to ensure you pursue the right options for you.

“Genetic testing has a role in breast cancer prevention, but in no way does it reduce the need for vigilance,” she adds. “Recommended screenings like mammograms, a healthy diet, regular exercise and a no-smoking policy are still the most critical tools for cancer prevention. Genetic testing is another tool for early intervention and managing increased risk, and should be used judiciously.”

If you meet the criteria set by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, talk with your doctor about the best prevention and testing for you. For more information call 1-855-TENNOVA (836-6682) or visit Tennova.com.

The post Is Breast Cancer Genetic Testing Right for You? first appeared on Premier Surgical.

When asked what the most common type of cancer is, most people guess breast or lung cancer. But the leading cause of cancer is actually skin cancer. However, the good news is that with early detection and treatment, skin cancer is often very curable.

The physicians at Premier Surgical Associates in Knoxville recognize how crucial it is to encourage everyone in East Tennessee to educate themselves, and have created a special webpage about melanoma and other skin cancers. Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells, often occurring on sun-damaged skin. There are three main types of skin cancer—basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, with melanoma being the most aggressive and deadly form.

The new webpage is located in the Surgical Specialties section of Premier Surgical’s website and provides information on the risk factors for skin cancer and the most common types of surgery to remove skin cancers. Links, such as to the National Cancer Institute, provide further information on what you need to know about melanoma.

Perhaps most importantly, Premier Surgical encourages everyone to learn the “ABCDE” method of self examination for potentially problematic moles or lesions.

A – Asymmetry: The two halves of the mole do not match.

B – Border: The edges are uneven, ragged or blurred.

C – Color: Harmless moles are one color, often brown. Different shades of tan, black, or even pink, purples or white colors can indicate cancer.

D – Diameter: If a mole is larger in diameter than ¼ inch (the size of a pencil eraser), and especially if it is growing, it should be evaluated.

E – Evolving: Be on the alert when a mole starts to change in any way – size, shape, color, or symptoms such as bleeding, itching or crusting.

When it comes to skin cancer, awareness saves lives. Visit the Premier Surgical Associates Melanoma and Skin Cancers webpage so that you can protect yourself, and your loved ones. It never hurts to have a suspicious spot or mole checked out—early detection is key to the removal of non-malignant skin cancers before they become problematic, and to successful treatment of malignant melanomas.

Premier Surgical Associates is the largest General and Vascular surgical group in the Knoxville region—providing comprehensive surgical care for skin cancer and other specialties—with referrals from across the entire East Tennessee region. To learn more about our physicians and specialties, visit Premier Surgical Associates online.

The post Premier Surgical Launches New Skin Cancer Webpage first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Premier Surgical colorectal surgeon Gregory Midis, MD, FACS, points to better education about colon cancers, risk factors, symptoms, and early detection. “People are definitely more aware of the importance of having a screening colonoscopy starting at age 50, or earlier if you’re at risk for colon cancer,” Midis says.

“Physicians are required to educate patients about the colon screening guidelines,” says Midis. “They discuss it with their patients, so most people can’t say they don’t know about colon screenings. It’s just a matter of patients making the decision to do it.”

“There’s also more in-depth genetic testing available for people at risk who may have inherited colon cancers,” says Midis. “There’s a better awareness in the medical community that inherited colon cancers may require a different surgical strategy, potentially removing the entire colon, instead of just part of it.”

There can be a variety of reasons people neglect that all-important screening colonoscopy. Besides plain and simple procrastination, Midis says there is some misinformation about the discomfort involved.

Midis says the test is simple and can save lives. “There is very little excuse not to have a colonoscopy,” he says. “Don’t put it off.”

As in the case of patient Michelle Henry, the initial symptoms of colon cancer can sometimes be mistaken for irritable bowel syndrome, or even hemorrhoids. That’s another reason patients may put off getting a colonoscopy, and getting the right diagnosis.

“With IBS you often have acid reflux and belly pain, and there are some crossover symptoms,” Midis explains. “With hemorrhoids you have rectal bleeding, which can also be a sign of colon cancer.”

Midis says in the majority of cases, those symptoms and conditions are not related to colon cancer. “But if you are someone who has a high risk of colon cancer and you develop symptoms, why take chances?” Midis says. “Have it checked out.”

With early screening, colon cancers can often be detected before severe symptoms develop. Midis says by the time a person does have symptoms, “the train has left the station.”

Midis emphasizes that early detection is the key to better odds at beating the disease. “We should detect and address a colon polyp before it becomes too large to be removed by a scope,” Midis says. “If there is adequate enough detection time, issues can be addressed before surgery is necessary.”

Midis says the bottom line is that colon cancer is very treatable, if it’s caught early. Talk to your doctor about scheduling a colonoscopy, and to learn more about oncology services at Premier Surgical visit our Surgical Oncology webpage.

The post Surgeon Says Early Detection = Better Odds for Beating Colon Cancer first appeared on Premier Surgical.