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Most cases of vertigo arise from conditions affecting the ear, its tissues and its nerves.

Vertigo is a condition with many mimics and many causes, but also with many effective treatments, said Scott L. Kay, MD, FACS. The key to stopping the spinning, the board-certified ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist added, is confirming that what a person is experiencing actually is vertigo and then identifying the cause in order to choose the therapy best suited for that patient.

Scott L. Kay, MD, FACS Princeton Otolaryngology Associates

“Many people use the term vertigo to describe other conditions or sensations, such as dizziness, being light-headed, or having poor balance. Those conditions could indicate significant medical issues and should be evaluated, but they are not vertigo, which is the sensation that you are spinning or that everything around you is spinning,” said Dr. Kay, the founder of Princeton Otolaryngology Associates.

He added that the spinning sensation often is accompanied by a sense of being unsteady or off-balance, and can lead to nausea and vomiting. “Vertigo can be very disturbing, disorienting and even debilitating,” said Dr. Kay, who regularly evaluates patients with vertigo at Princeton Otolaryngology’s offices in Monroe and Plainsboro.

“While we have a number of sophisticated tests that we can use to assess people who present with vertigo,  the diagnosis usually can be made at the first office visit by taking a thorough history and performing a physical examination,” Dr. Kay said.

Dr. Kay said that the most common causes of vertigo include:

• Acute labyrinthitis, which is inflammation of the inner ear’s semi-circular canals, a labyrinth of looping tissues and sacs that orient the body to motion and help you maintain your balance;
• Acute vestibular neuronitis, which is inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which also plays an important role in preserving balance;
• Benign positional paroxysmal vertigo (BPPV), which occurs when tiny calcium crystals break away from their normal location in the inner ear and travel to the semi-circular canals; and,
• Meniere’s disease, a disorder of the inner ear.

Other, less-common causes of vertigo include vestibular migraine; vascular compromise; “third window” syndromes, such as superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome;  tumors; temporomandibular joint disorders; cervical disorders; anxiety and other emotional/psychiatric conditions; and certain drugs, he said.

‘Vertigo is a very treatable condition. The key is to identify the underlying cause and select the appropriate therapy based on that cause. ’ — Scott L. Kay, MD, FACS

Looking at Duration to Determine Causation

The duration of symptoms is an important factor to consider in identifying the cause of vertigo, Dr. Kay said, noting that he also is interested in what preceded the onset of symptoms and may have triggered them.

“When a person has repeated episodes of vertigo that last for several seconds at a time and that tend to begin when the person changes position, BPPV goes to the top of the list of suspected causes. One of the classic presentations of BPPV involves a brief period of vertigo when a person sits up after having been in bed all night, or even when the person rolls over in bed from one side to the other,” he said.

By contrast, when a person has vertigo that lasts for several hours, is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, and is severe enough to making walking difficult, acute labyrinthitis or acute vestibular neuronitis are likely causes, Dr. Kay said. He added that these conditions are the result of a viral infection. In some — but not all — cases, the person may have recently had or still be experiencing a cold, flu-like symptoms or some other obvious illness that now is affecting the inner ear.

“In rare instances, these symptoms can indicate a stroke, although in such cases the patient usually is experiencing other neurological symptoms, as well, such as weakness on one side, a drooping face, or difficulty speaking,” Dr. Kay said, stressing that people should seek immediate medical attention if they have symptoms of stroke.

The vertigo induced by Meniere’s disease typically lasts longer than that caused by BPPV but, in most cases, not as long as the spinning brought on by acute labyrinthitis or acute vestibular neuronitis.

“With Meniere’s, the vertigo can last for a few hours, and generally is accompanied by hearing loss, tinnitus — or ‘ringing in the ear’ — and a sense of fullness in one ear,” Dr. Kay said before adding that Meniere’s is a chronic condition with episodes that can be triggered by a variety of factors, such as eating a meal rich in salt, sugar, or the flavor enhancer monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Beyond taking a thorough history to explore the duration of vertigo and potential precipitating factors, Dr. Kay also performs a physical examination on each patient and often does a hearing test in his office. While those steps are sufficient to make a diagnosis and select a treatment plan for most patients, Dr. Kay also is able to perform another in-office test when further information is needed. This test is called videonystagmography, or (VNG). In this evaluation, the patient puts on a pair of goggles and follows the movement of a bouncing ball that appears on the goggles’ screen. The test tracks a type of involuntary eye movement, called nystagmus, that can provide important clues to the cause of the person’s vertigo. This also includes caloric stimulation, which involves gently introducing a small amount of cold air, and then warm air, into each ear, while monitoring the eyes for signs of nystagmus. The test is used to identify potential damage to the acoustic nerve, which helps control hearing and balance. Test results also can reveal potential brain stem issues, which are uncommon causes of vertigo.

Tailoring the Treatment to the Cause

With the cause of vertigo identified, Dr. Kay is able to prescribe treatments that will be effective for the overwhelming majority of patients.

“Acute labyrinthitis and acute vestibular neuronitis typically resolve on their own over time. However, the impact of those conditions can be significant, particularly early on in their course, and steroids work well to reduce the underlying inflammation,” Dr. Kay said.

He also will use the antihistamine meclizine, which affects the central nervous system and is available in over-the-counter formulations including Antivert, Bonine and Dramamine Less Drowsy Formula. Diazepam, known by the brand name Valium, also can work well in certain cases, the ENT noted.

Steroids and diuretics also can play a role in the management of Meniere’s disease, and in this case can be given either orally or through injection directly into the ear, Dr. Kay said.

Meanwhile, more than 90% of people experiencing BPPV can obtain relief from learning and regularly practicing simple physical maneuvers that help reposition the tiny crystals that have found their way into the inner ear’s semi-circular canals, according to Dr. Kay. He said that a number of medications have proven effective in treating vestibular migraine, but that a period of trial and error often is needed to determine which medication works best for a given patient.

The Bottom Line

“Vertigo is a very treatable condition,” Dr. Kay said. However, because of the subjective nature of vertigo, it can be difficult for patients to accurately describe what they are experiencing and, as a result, for non-specialist physicians to correctly identify the underlying cause and thus choose the most appropriate treatment.

“Most cases of vertigo arise from conditions affecting the ear, its tissues and its nerves. For that reason, I urge people experiencing vertigo to be evaluated by an ear, nose and throat specialist, because the training we receive as ENTs and the high volume of vertigo cases we manage make us uniquely suited to assess and treat the condition.

“I have had two bouts of labyrinthitis over the course of my life, so I know how miserable vertigo can be. What I want others who are experiencing vertigo to know is that help is at hand, and that with the right diagnosis, we are able to select a therapy that will stop the spinning for the great majority of people.”

*****

Dr. Kay received his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. He then completed two years of general surgery residency at Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia and Mount Sinai Medical Center, and a residency in otolaryngology/head and neck surgery at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City. This was followed by a year-long fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh, where he also received training in endoscopic sinus surgery. Dr. Kay founded Princeton Otolaryngology Associates in 1993, and for almost 30 years has offered the full range of ENT services, providing expert care to thousands of people from Middlesex and Mercer counties and surrounding communities.

For more information about the evaluation and treatment of vertigo and the other services provided by Princeton Otolaryngology Associates, or to make an appointment to see Dr. Kay at the practice’s Monroe or Plainsboro offices, call 609-445-4445 or visit www.drscottkay.com.

In vitro fertilization can increase the chances that a couple conceives.

According to the National Institutes of Health, one in eight American couples struggle with infertility, and many of them will turn to a range of fertility treatments to help them build their family. One popular approach is in vitro fertilization (IVF), which accounts for an estimated 4 million births in the U.S. annually and has proven to be an effective option for the right candidate.

“By definition, in vitro fertilization refers to the fertilization of an egg by a sperm outside of the body,” said Susan Wolf, MD, reproductive endocrinologist at Hasbrouck Heights-based University Reproductive Associates (URA). “Normally every month, a woman recruits a whole cohort (group) of eggs, and the one most responsive to hormones from the brain gets ovulated while the rest get wasted. Through IVF, we simply retrieve some of the other eggs in that cohort.”

She noted that this process in no way causes women to go into early menopause, a common misconception. “We’re simply manipulating a woman’s natural menstrual cycle so that we can get more eggs in one month to increase the chances of a pregnancy.”

From Dr. Wolf’s experience, IVF can be an optimal approach in many circumstances. “For example, it can be a good option for women with blocked fallopian tubes,  for couples in which the male partner has a very low sperm count, or for patients who have unexplained infertility and have tried other methods and failed,” she said. “In addition, for a woman with certain medical conditions, IVF can enhance her chances of having a healthy pregnancy.”

According to Dr. Wolf, women undergoing IVF begin the process with a several-weeks-long suppression phase, during which their ovaries are quieted to avoid a single egg from developing. “We then put them on 10-14 days of injections of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH, the same hormone emitted by the brain each month), with the goal of developing as many eggs as possible,” she said. When the eggs mature, the eggs are extracted from the follicles and inseminated with sperm in the lab; the best quality embryo will be transferred to her uterus several days later, at the time when it would have been released from her fallopian tubes into her uterus naturally.

In vitro fertilization refers to the fertilization of an egg by a sperm outside of the body.

Increasing the Chances of Success

As part of the IVF process, Dr. Wolf said that several measures can be taken to increase the chances of a healthy and successful pregnancy.

“We start with a series of prenatal tests to ensure that the patient is as healthy as she can be,” Dr. Wolf said. Among other things, “We screen for infectious diseases, liver disease, anemia, do tests to see if they are carriers of various genetic diseases, and ensure that they have all of their vaccines. If both partners test positive for the same genetic disease, it can increase the baby’s risk of inheriting that disease. To avoid that, we have the option of screening embryos to prevent parents from passing genetic diseases on to their children.

“As part of their preparation for IVF, we also assess patients for chronic medical issues such as diabetes, check their uterine cavity, remove any fibroids or polyps that can jeopardize the implantation of an embryo or increase the risk of pre-term labor,” Dr. Wolf said. “We’ll additionally address anatomical problems that can reduce the success of IVF, such as the presence of swollen fallopian tubes.

“Finally, because one-third of embryos produced by women under 30 are abnormal and that number only increases as women age, the process of pre-implantation genetic testing can help ensure that embryos have the right number of chromosomes and thereby identify genetic disorders such as Down Syndrome and others,” Dr. Wolf said. “Among transferred embryos that have been genetically tested, implantation rates are about 60%, and if an embryo tested normally but doesn’t implant, there’s other testing we can do. The older a woman is, the more beneficial the pre-implantation testing, so we encourage this option.”

Providing Care and Compassion

“Overall, we understand that fertility treatments like IVF can be overwhelming and emotional for patients, so we take a very individualized approach to their treatment and provide the utmost care and compassion,” Dr. Wolf said. “Each patient is assigned a nurse she can ask questions of, our IVF coordinators are a great resource for patients, and our physicians work collaboratively on each patient’s case and are always here to answer questions and help inform and educate patients so that they can be active participants in the process.”

As for Dr. Wolf’s favorite part of her job? “I love a positive pregnancy test!” she said.

Dr. Wolf encourages couples struggling with infertility not to give up. “Achieving a successful pregnancy isn’t always a straight path, but there are many options,” she said. “The most important thing is to stay positive, keep an open mind and know that the URA team is here to help.”

For More Information

With locations in Hasbrouck Heights, Hoboken and Wayne, University Reproductive Associates has been helping patients complete their journey to a joyful pregnancy for over three decades. For more information, call 201-288-6330 or visit uranj.com.

 — By Susan Bloom

Physicians, board members, staff and community supporters gather outside the Norman and Denise Guilloud Cardiovascular Center to acknowledge the approval that allows Hunterdon Medical Center to perform elective angioplasty.

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On Feb, 22, 2021, Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation to allow Hunterdon Healthcare System and 10 other hospitals without cardiac surgery programs to be able to provide elective angioplasty services.

Angioplasty is a procedure in which a small balloon is inserted to open a blocked artery and restore blood flow to the heart. A heart attack can occur if that blood flow becomes completely blocked.

In 2004, Hunterdon Medical Center added primary angioplasty services and has been providing emergency cardiac services to patients, but under New Jersey law was not legally allowed to offer the same procedure if the care was needed for a non-emergent case.

On Dec. 2, 2021, Hunterdon Medical Center received the official approval and Gerald Granduke of Lebanon was the first patient to have an elective angioplasty procedure performed by William Schafranek, M.D., interventional cardiologist, Hunterdon Cardiovascular Associates.

“For more than 10 years, Hunterdon Healthcare physicians, the board of trustees, staff, patients and local government officials have been lobbying for this bill to be passed so our residents can have fair and equal access to critical preventive cardiovascular health care in their community. Today that day has come,” said Hunterdon Healthcare President and CEO Patrick J. Gavin.

Cardiologist Glen Tonnessen, M.D., Hunterdon Cardiovascular Associates, added, “This was a long road to get to today. There were countless people who were involved, and it is because of their dedication and perseverance to make this procedure available to our patients that we can celebrate. Today, our interventional cardiologists and their patients will not need to be transferred to another hospital to get the care they need.”

In 2015, Hunterdon Healthcare opened the Norman and Denise Guilloud Cardiovascular Center, which includes two cardiac catheterization labs, a cardiac critical care unit, 20 private patient rooms, expanded space for cardiac imaging and state-of-the-art cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services.

“No other health concern affects more people in Hunterdon County than cardiovascular disease. It is the county’s leading cause of death and its incidence is on the rise due, in part, to the growing number of area residents between the ages of 45 and 64. With the addition of elective angioplasty at Hunterdon Medical Center, we are now able to take cardiac care to a new level,” said Assemblyman Roy Freiman, Legislative District 16, who was instrumental in helping pass legislation to enable the procedures.

To learn more about cardiovascular services throughout Hunterdon Healthcare, visit hunterdonhealthcare.org.

Many people obtain adequate relief from seasonal allergies by limiting their exposure to pollen and using over-the-counter medications.

If the return of warmer weather also means a return to the nasal congestion, watery eyes and nagging cough of seasonal allergies, Scott Kay, MD, has a three-step plan for breathing easy and seeing clearly this spring.

Scott Kay, MD, Princeton Otolaryngology Associates

1) Minimize exposure. “Tree pollen is the predominant allergen from March until the end of June,” said Dr. Kay, a board-certified ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist and the founder of Princeton Otolaryngology Associates. The challenge with limiting exposure to tree pollen, he adds, is its wind-borne pervasiveness, a phenomenon well known to anyone who has left the house one fine March or April morning to find that their black or red or white car has been “painted” green overnight.

While the grass allergies that hold sway from June through September typically become more bothersome with prolonged time outdoors, tree pollen is so ubiquitous in the spring that it is hard to avoid even if you’re not spending the day on the golf course or working on your lawn, he said. Nonetheless, Dr. Kay said, basic steps such as greater reliance on air conditioning rather than open windows in the home and car can help — particularly if you clean the air conditioning vents at the start of the season.

Along with time of year, time of day plays a role in terms of exposure, according to Dr. Kay. He  said that tree pollen counts tend to rise with the sun, climbing through the morning. As a result, people particularly bothered by tree pollen may want to make some adjustments to their daily routines, such as switching from a pre-work jog to a post-work run.

2) Engage in smart self-care. Patient education is a major component of the care Dr. Kay provides when seasonal allergy sufferers come to see him at Princeton Otolaryngology Associates’ offices in Monroe and Plainsboro, and the ENT specialist said that his counseling emphasizes the importance of consistent, proper use of allergy medications.

“There are some excellent over-the-counter allergy medicines available, but their effectiveness can be diminished by the way people use them,” he said. “If you find an allergy medication that works for you, it’s important that you take it every day throughout the allergy season. Too often, people start an over-the-counter medication when their  symptoms are really bothersome but stop taking the medication once they feel better. This puts them on a roller coaster of symptoms going up and down. You are better off staying on what works for you until the season has passed.”

And what works for most people? Dr. Kay recommends starting with an over-the-counter steroid nasal spray. He said that proper technique is important. “In spraying the medication into your nostril, you want to direct the flow away from the center of your nose. While ensuring that all of the medication is delivered inside the nostril itself, you want to aim up and at an outward angle, totally within the nostril, but in the general direction of the eyes’ tear ducts.” He added that this approach minimizes the likelihood of irritating the septum in between the nostrils, which can result in nosebleeds.

Dr. Kay said that the “next best” over-the-counter medications for seasonal allergy sufferers are antihistamines, including non-sedating options such as Claritin (loratadine) and Allegra (fexofenadine) and antihistamines that may have a modest sedating effect, such as Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Xyzal (levocetirizine).

“Antihistamines are a lot like types of flowers or flavors of ice cream — whichever one you like best is the one that’s right for you,” Dr. Kay said. He added that antihistamines known to be sedating can have highly varied effects from one person to the next,  with some people not noticing any drowsiness and others feeling quite sleepy.

Besides which medications to use and how to use them, Dr. Kay said that attention to overall health is an important component of self-care for allergies, as it is for so many medical conditions. “Our susceptibility to allergies is determined in part by the degree to which our bodies are experiencing inflammation, which in turn can be driven by stress,” said the physician, who has been honored as a “Top Doctor” for more than a dozen consecutive years.

3) Know when to see the doctor. Many people obtain adequate relief from seasonal allergies by limiting their exposure to pollen and using over-the-counter medications, Dr. Kay said. But when those approaches provide no or minimal improvement, there’s nothing to be gained and a lot of quality of life to be lost by deciding to “just live with it,” the otolaryngologist said.

Barring very pronounced symptoms or a complicated medical history, a primary care physician is the best doctor for most people to see initially, he added. If the approach recommended by a primary care physician doesn’t yield meaningful improvement after it has been given adequate time to work, seeing a specialist may be in order.

“Both ear, nose and throat specialists and allergists/immunologists have extensive experience treating seasonal allergies, and the choice of which type of specialist to see involves both practical and clinical considerations,” Dr. Kay said. The ENT physician explained that he works closely with area allergists, referring patients to those colleagues and receiving referrals from them based on patients’ specific situations and needs.

He added that real-world factors such as proximity to a doctor’s office, ability to secure an appointment without a long wait, and insurance coverage help shape many patients’ decisions on whether to see an ENT or allergist. In terms of medical considerations, people who have multiple allergies; who have allergy symptoms beyond the ear, nose, and throat; who require allergy shots or other immunotherapy; or who need extensive testing to determine the cause of allergies, may be best served by seeing an allergist. Conversely, Dr. Kay said, when a patient has or is suspected of having an ear, nose or throat condition that can aggravate the impact of allergies, or when the patient is experiencing ENT issues secondary to the allergies themselves, such as sinusitis or hearing issues caused by extensive congestion, an otolaryngologist may be the best choice.

“Regardless of which type of physician you see first or ultimately turn to for care, the most important thing is to get the help you need,” Dr. Kay said. “There is a great deal we  can do for people, and if over-the-counter medications haven’t helped, it’s not cause to be discouraged, it’s cause to make an appointment.”

‘There is a great deal we can do for people, and if over-the-counter medications haven’t helped, it’s not cause to be discouraged, it’s cause to make an appointment.’ Scott Kay, MD, Princeton Otolaryngology Associates

Dr. Kay’s Approach to Evaluating and Treating Seasonal Allergies

A thorough medical and allergy history is the first step in Dr. Kay’s evaluation of people who see him for seasonal allergies. This step includes a review of the patient’s year-round allergy experience, the otolaryngologist said.

“New Jersey is a great place to live, but it’s the absolute worst when it comes to seasonal allergies,” Dr. Kay said. “There’s a reason we’re called ‘the Garden State,’ and our abundance of greenery means that different allergies are ‘in bloom’ year-round.” He explained, as noted earlier, that tree pollen is the main culprit from March through June, when it gives way to the grass allergies that dominate the summer months. Ragweed comes to the fore in mid-August, lasting until the first killing frost. In October, as the leaves turn color and begin to fall, leaf mold allergy makes its presence felt. With winter’s arrival, dust allergies are exacerbated by closed windows and forced-air heating systems.

After identifying the type, extent and timing of a patient’s allergies, Dr. Kay performs a physical examination, including using a nasal endoscope to take a close look at the nose for inflammation, infection secondary to the allergies, or polyps or other anatomic features that may contribute to congestion.

When his examination identifies significant inflammation or related issues, Dr. Kay often will prescribe a regimen of short-term systemic steroids along with a nasal steroid spray, a nasal antihistamine spray,  and a type of medication called a leukotriene inhibitor. “With this regimen, we’re attacking the problem from four different angles to get control of the situation,” Dr. Kay said, adding that once a patient feels better and the nasal passages look better, he discontinues some of the medicines. “This approach is effective in the overwhelming majority of cases,” he said.

Surgery — A Last Resort, But a Good Option for Selected Patients

After receiving his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and completing a residency in otolaryngology/head and neck surgery at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, Dr. Kay completed a year-long fellowship in endoscopic sinus surgery. That specialized training and his 29 years in practice give Dr. Kay deep expertise and extensive experience in performing minimally invasive nasal procedures.

“I always consider surgery a last resort, and the great, great majority of seasonal allergy sufferers and people with similar conditions will never need a procedure, but for those few who do, surgical intervention can have a dramatic impact on their quality of life and well-being,” he said.

Depending on a patient’s situation, in-office surgical options range from removal of nasal polyps to a cryoablation procedure to freeze a nerve that contributes to a condition called vasomotor rhinitis. With this condition, environmental irritants, changes in weather, or even certain foods and drinks can cause the blood vessels in the nose to expand, producing swelling, congestion and, in some cases, mucus drainage.

For more information about the evaluation and treatment of seasonal allergies and the other services provided by Princeton Otolaryngology Associates, or to make an appointment to see Dr. Kay at the practice’s Monroe or Plainsboro offices, call 609-445-4445 or visit www.drscottkay.com

Know the warning signs of cancer and how to detect the disease as early as possible.

The phrase “Knowledge is power” is applicable both to reducing your risk for cancer and to detecting the disease in its earliest stages, when it can be treated most effectively.

Take this brief quiz to see how well you understand cancer risk factors, warning signs and prevention strategies, and to learn what steps the medical oncologists and hematologists of Regional Cancer Care Associates, LLC, or RCCA, recommend to protect your health.

1: Research has shown that higher levels of physical activity can reduce the risk of breast cancer in:

A: Premenopausal women, but not postmenopausal women

B: Postmenopausal women, but not premenopausal women

C: Both premenopausal and postmenopausal women

D: Neither premenopausal or postmenopausal women

May Abdo-Matkiwsky, DO

Answer: C. “Researchers analyzed 38 studies on factors that increase or decrease breast cancer risk. The women in those studies who were the most physically active had a risk for breast cancer that was 12% to 20% lower than the risk of the least physically active women.(1) That analysis and another that examined 139 studies (2) have shown that greater physical activity reduces breast cancer risk in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women,” said May Abdo-Matkiwsky, DO, a medical oncologist and hematologist who practices in RCCA’s Sparta office.

‘Moving matters, and it’s never too late to get going.’  May Abdo-Matkiwsky, DO, RCCA Sparta Office

2: Having a colonoscopy reduces the average person’s risk of dying from colorectal cancer by roughly:

A: 33%

B: 50%

C: 67%

D: 75%

Seth Berk, MD

Answer: C. Seth Berk, MD, a medical oncologist and hematologist who practices in RCCA’s Moorestown office, said, “A study in The New England Journal of Medicine that followed more than 88,000 people over 22 years found that those who had a colonoscopy were 67% less likely to die from colorectal cancer than people who had not undergone this screening test.” (3)

‘If you’ve deferred a colonoscopy or other cancer screening during the past year due to COVID concerns, make your appointment now.’  Seth Berk, MD, RCCA Moorestown office

 3. Melanoma occurs only in those areas of the skin that are or have been exposed to sunlight.

A: True

B: False

Julianna Childs, DO

Answer: B. “Melanoma can appear anywhere on your body,” said Julianna Childs, DO, a medical oncologist and hematologist who practices with RCCA in Cape May Court House and Marmora. The cancer specialist explains that melanoma lesions can appear in the scalp, under fingernails, in the anus or rectum, in mucous membranes, and even in the eye. She adds that all people are at risk for melanoma, regardless of their skin tone or color.

‘See the dermatologist for evaluation of any mole that is changing in size, shape, elevation, or color.’ Julianne Childs, DO, RCCA Cape May Court House and Marmora offices

4: Guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommend screening for lung cancer with a low-dose CT scan for people:

A: Who are age 50 to 80 years old and who have a 20-pack-per-year or greater smoking history and who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.

B: Age 35 years and older who have ever smoked.

C: Who have ever smoked and who have at least one first-degree relative with lung cancer.

D: Who have ever smoked or currently smoke, and who have a persistent, productive cough.

Ian Horkheimer, MD

Answer: A. “The USPSTF, which is a highly respected panel of experts, recommends (4)  screening by low-dose CT scan for those ages 50 to 80 who have smoked 20 packs or more each year and who currently smoke or who stopped smoking within the last 15 years,” said Ian Horkheimer, MD, a medical oncologist and hematologist who practices in RCCA’s Little Silver office. “A review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association earlier this year assessed more than 220 papers on this topic and found consistent evidence that such screening reduces the risk of dying from lung cancer.” (5)

‘Stopping smoking is the single best thing you can do to reduce your risk of lung cancer, but having a low-dose CT scan also is crucial for current smokers and those who have quit in the last 15 years.’  Ian Horkheimer, MD, RCCA Little Silver office

For more information about Regional Cancer Care Associates, visit RCCA.com or call 844-474-6866.

References

1. Pizot C, Boniol M, Mullie P, et al. Physical activity, hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer risk: A meta-analysis of prospective studies. Eur J Cancer. 2016; 52:138-154.
2. Hardefeldt PJ, Penninkilampi R, Edirimanne S, Eslick GD. Physical activity and weight loss reduce the risk of breast cancer: A meta-analysis of 139 prospective and retrospective studies. Clin Breast Cancer. 2018; 18(4):e601-e612.
3. Nishihara R, Wu K, Lockhead P, et al. Long-term colorectal-cancer incidence and mortality after lower endoscopy. N Engl J Med. 2013; 369:1095-105.
4. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: Screening for lung cancer: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2021;325:962-970.
5. Jonas DE, Reuland DS, Reddy SM, et al. Screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography: Updated evidence report and systematic review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. JAMA. 2021;325:971-987