Thyroid cancer is often diagnosed at a younger age than other adult cancers with the average age of diagnosis being 51.

This cancer is about 3 times more common in women than in men, and nearly 70% more common in Caucasian people than in people of color. In fact, African Americans have the lowest rate.

What is thyroid cancer?

Thyroid cancer starts in the thyroid gland, the gland that makes hormones to help regulate your metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.

People can develop thyroid nodules at any age, but they occur most commonly in older adults. Fewer than 1 in 10 adults have thyroid nodules that can be felt by a doctor. 

The main types of thyroid cancer are:

• Differentiated (including papillary, follicular, and Hürthle cell)
• Medullary
• Anaplastic (an aggressive cancer)

What are the signs and symptoms of thyroid cancer?

Thyroid cancer can cause any of the following signs or symptoms:

• A lump in the neck, sometimes growing quickly
• Swelling in the neck
• Pain in the front of the neck, sometimes going up to the ears
• Hoarseness or other voice changes that do not go away
• Trouble swallowing
• Trouble breathing
• A constant cough that is not due to a cold

Find answers at UCR Health

If you have any of these signs or symptoms, talk to your doctor right away. Many can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions or even other cancers of the neck area. Lumps in the thyroid are common and are usually benign. Still, if you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor so the cause can be found and treated early.

To speak with a UCR Health physician, please visit https://www.ucrhealth.org/make-an-appointment/ or give us a call at 1-844-827-8000.

About UCR Health

UCR Health is comprised of a team of physicians, specialists, and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving people’s health. With five medical offices located throughout the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley, UCR Health is growing to meet the healthcare needs of the region, bringing innovative, culturally sensitive medical care to the community. Established alongside the School of Medicine at the University of California, Riverside, UCR Health’s patient-centered primary care and specialty services deliver university-based healthcare excellence and innovation to all communities.

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Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the most advanced stage of infection caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV attacks the immune system making your body more susceptible to infections and diseases. 

Transmission 

AIDS/HIV is primarily transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk, etc., containing the virus. One of the most common ways of transmission is unprotected sexual contact. Unprotected intercourse with an infected person can transmit the disease which is why having multiple sexual partners can increase the risk of AIDS. Another form of transmission is through the sharing of needles or syringes containing the blood of someone who may be infected. It is important for hospitals to keep sterilized needles and do multiple screenings for people who may be receiving blood transfusions. Needles are also commonly shared between people who inject drugs. 

Symptoms

Although symptoms of HIV may not be as noticeable or harmful, symptoms of AIDS can cause severe damage to the immune system that can lead to more harmful infections or cancer. Some main symptoms listed before are: 

• Recurrent Infections, many people with AIDS begin to have frequent and severe infections despite having a healthy immune system. Infections can include pneumonia, specifically those affecting the lungs, tuberculosis, candidiasis, meningitis, etc. 
• Rapid Weight Loss, as many infections may cause the body’s inability to absorb nutrients needed to maintain your weight and health
• Extreme fatigue and tiredness
• Persistent Diarrhea, which can last more than a month  
• Red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches under the skin, mouth, nose, or eyelids

Many symptoms can be recognized as AIDS/HIV but the only way to diagnose it is by getting tested. Tests such as an antigen/antibody test help detect the virus through the antigens in HIV. If you come in contact with anyone with this disease, it is always important to test even if you do not have any present symptoms. 

Treatments 

As the HIV/AIDs virus and treatments are still evolving and being researched, there is currently no cure. However, many ways exist to help control the virus and slow down the symptoms. 

One of the main treatment options is Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). ART is a combination of two or more medicines in different drug classes to account for different drug resistances and maximize suppression of virus in the blood. The treatments of ART help keep your immune system strong, reduce your chances of infection, reduce the chances of developing treatment-resistant HIV, and lower chances of transmission. It is important to talk to your physician about which HIV antiretroviral therapy will work best for you. As ART is a treatment option, prevention methods and stopping the virus from entering your body is the most effective method of stopping HIV. 

World AIDS Day

December 1st is the observance of World AIDS Day every year. This day shows those living with HIV/AIDS that there is support for them. We as a community must end AIDS as a public threat by 2030 and end the stigma behind people living with AIDS.  During this day, many walks help raise money to increase HIV/AIDS testing and treatments. To learn more information about World AIDS Day, CLICK HERE.

To learn more about AIDS:

• Mayo Clinic - HIV/AIDS
• HIV.gov - Symptoms of HIV

About UCR Health

UCR Health is comprised of a team of physicians, specialists, and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving people’s health. With five medical offices located throughout the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley, UCR Health is growing to meet the healthcare needs of the region, bringing innovative, culturally sensitive medical care to the community. Established alongside the School of Medicine at the University of California, Riverside, UCR Health’s patient-centered primary care and specialty services deliver university-based healthcare excellence and innovation to all communities.

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Dr. Sarcon is board-certified in Internal Medicine and a member of Heart Rhythm Society and American College of Cardiology. She brings unique life experiences and passion for advancing science and inspiring the future generation in medicine. She is also excited to bring much needed services in Cardiology, particularly in Electrophysiology to Riverside County and its community. In addition, she is fluent in English and Spanish.

“Imagine yourself in the patient’s shoes,” Dr. Sarcon said when she was asked what her patient philosophy is. She added, "I have worked and lived in many places, internationally and within the United States. I appreciate diverse cultures and backgrounds. My education has allowed me to relocate and learn not only about medicine, but people in places I have lived in." Outside of medicine, she enjoys traveling and horseback riding.

Contact us at 1-844-827-8000 or click here to schedule an appointment today!

About UCR Health

UCR Health is comprised of a team of physicians, specialists and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving people’s health. With five medical offices located throughout Inland Empire and Coachella Valley, UCR Health is growing to meet the healthcare needs of the region, bringing innovative, culturally sensitive medical care to the community. Established alongside the School of Medicine at the University of California, Riverside, UCR Health’s patient-centered primary care and specialty services deliver university-based healthcare excellence and innovation to all communities.

The post [Staff Highlight] Anna Sarcon, MD, FACC appeared first on UCR Health.

What Does the Thyroid Do?

The thyroid is a small gland found at the base of the neck. It almost looks like the shape of butterfly wings. It is responsible for producing hormones that play a role in the metabolism, growth, and development of the human body. 

What Are the Different Types of Thyroid Disorders?

There are a number of thyroid disorders, among which the most prevalent are:

• Hyperthyroidism: constituted by an overactive thyroid, hyperthyroidism is when there is an excessive production of hormones made by the thyroid gland which can cause symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, increased sweating, irritability, muscle weakness and a rapid or irregular heartbeat. 
• Hypothyroidism: constituted by an underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism is when not enough thyroid hormone is produced leading to symptoms such as unexplained weight gain, feeling cold, a slow heart rate, a puffy face and dry or thinning hair. 
• Hashimoto's disease: caused by an inflammation of the thyroid gland due to the immune system attacking it. The swelling of the thyroid can typically be seen or felt and can potentially lead to hypothyroidism.
• Thyroid cancer: a mass found on the thyroid which can typically be seen or felt as a lump at the base of one's throat. Thyroid cancer can cause symptoms such as pain, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, frequent coughing, and hoarseness in one’s voice. However, less than 10% of thyroid nodules are cancerous in adults and most types of thyroid cancer are treatable if detected early.

How Can I tell if I have a Thyroid Disorder?

Aside from the symptoms listed above, another way to tell if something is up with your thyroid is by taking a sip of water and as you swallow look for any bulges or protrusions in your throat area. Be sure not to confuse the Adam’s apple for a lump! If you suspect that you may have an issue with your thyroid, contact your primary care physician. To schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with a UCR Health physician, click here or give us a call at 1-844-827-8000.

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Nandini Gowda, MD, who recently became board certified in Obesity Medicine and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, had started a weight loss clinic at UCR Health Citrus Tower this past year.

Dr. Gowda, MD specializes in Adult Medicine, Breast Cancer, Diabetes, Internal Medicine, Men’s Health, Preventative Medicine, Primary Care, Well Women Care, and Women’s Health Services at the UCR Health Multispecialty Center. She received her board certification at The American Board of Internal Medicine. She has taught Ambulatory Clinic Practice with an emphasis on Women’s Health to Residents in resident programs that include Internal Medicine, Family Practice, and Preventive Medicine at Loma Linda University School of Medicine. She is fluent in both English and Kannada.

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Dr. Gowda also serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Health Science at the UCR School of Medicine. She completed her M.B.B.S (M.D. equivalent degree) at the Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences in Mysore, India, before completing her Internal Medicine Residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center and the University of Illinois College of Medicine. Prior to becoming a faculty member at UCR School of Medicine, Dr. Gowda served as an Internal Medicine physician at the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System and as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Loma Linda School of Medicine School from 2013 to 2019. Dr. Gowda has made seven outstanding posters, lectures, and oral presentations on various health-related issues covering multiple research topics such as vaginitis, anemia, and hyperlipidemia regarding providing the best possible care to patients coping with different health conditions from diverse backgrounds. 

Dr. Gowda's patient philosophy emphasizes providing a collaborative and supportive environment to address patients' unique and complex healthcare needs holistically. Her patients are empowered to share their lived experiences and express any concerns they may have regarding care. Through fostering such a clinical practice, she believes that patients can best understand diagnoses and receive treatments while remaining in control of their lives. As a healthcare provider at UCR Health, Dr. Gowda works together with her patients to deliver care at the center and bring health home to the greater Inland Empire community. 

The post Nandini Gowda, MD // UCR Health’s April Physician of the Month appeared first on UCR Health.

Stephanie Rodriguez is the new administrative assistant for SOM Internal Medicine and will provide administrative support to the FAO and Clinical Chairs. Her pronouns are she/her/hers. Stephanie earned a B.A. in Spanish Language and Linguistics from UC Santa Cruz. She has extensive experience providing administrative support, and has served in various educational entities. In her free time, she enjoys stationery projects. Stephanie shared that she is grateful and excited to be a part of our team.   

Cesar Nava is the new financial analyst for School of Medicine Internal Medicine and will provide financial management and administrative support to the FAO and Clinical Chairs. His pronouns are he/him/his. Cesar has earned a B.S. in Health Care with a concentration in Management and a M.S. in Health Service Administration from Cal State San Bernardino. Cesar has been with UCR School of Medicine since 2018 and has gained experience to best service the School of Medicine. In his free time, he enjoys to spend time with his family and outdoor activities. Cesar is appreciative about this opportunity and looks forward to being a team player for UCR School of Medicine. 

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