- Cancer Care, Plastic Surgery & Skin Care, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThey go by many names: beauty marks, birthmarks and moles. Whether you love them or hate them, there are many reasons you may consider having one or more of your moles removed. According to Plastic Surgeon Devinder Singh, MD, of AAMG Plastic Surgery, reasons for mole removal vary, including: To lessen irritation when wearing makeup, jewelry or clothing. To reduce problems when shaving. To smooth skin and improve appearance. To determine a diagnosis. But, these seemingly harmless spots on the skin may be hiding a deadly disease: skin cancer. These marks are made up of pigment-producing cells that can develop into a tumor. In other cases, cancer cells from different tumors can spread to other parts of the body, including the skin. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and can affect anyone at any age. More than three-and-a-half million people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year—that’s more than the incidence of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers combined. “These spots can appear simply because they’re part of your genetic make-up, or they can appear due to sun exposure,” explains Dr. Singh, chief and medical director of plastic surgery at Anne Arundel Medical Center. And while most beauty spots aren’t harmful, Dr. Singh recommends seeing a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon to have them examined. “Your age and the condition of your skin determine how often you should go for an examination,” he says. “The chance of your moles turning into cancer increases with more exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light.” How can you tell if a beauty mark is just a harmless spot or a mark masking cancer cells? “Only your doctor can identify if a spot is cancerous,” says Dr. Singh. “But there are several warning signs that may indicate skin cancer.” To do a self-check of your moles, Dr. Singh recommends using the ABCDE method: A for Asymmetry: One half of the mark is different from the other half. B for Border Irregularity: The edges are notched, uneven or blurred. C for Color: The color is uneven. Shades of brown, tan and black are present. D for Diameter: The diameter is greater than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser). E for Evolving: There is change in size, color or shape, or symptoms such as itching or bleeding begin. “If you notice any of these, you should see your doctor immediately. Even if the mole doesn’t need to be removed right away, you can have it removed for preventative purposes,” says Dr. Singh. Contributor Devinder Singh, MD, is chief and medical director of plastic surgery at Anne Arundel Medical Center.
- News & Press Releases, OrthopedicsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogCyrus Lashgari, MD, orthopedic surgeon with Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists, was recently elected to be a member of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) society. Only 11 orthopedic surgeons in the state of Maryland are part of this prestigious invitation-only organization. ASES is an association of leading national and international orthopedic surgeons who specialize in surgery of the shoulder and elbow. Through educational programs and by encouraging research, the organization seeks to foster and advance the science and practice of shoulder and elbow care. ASES consists of 661 members. Dr. Lashgari is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. After graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Dartmouth College, Dr. Lashgari completed medical school at New York University, where he graduated with the Golver C. Arnold surgical award and honors from the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Society. He completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at Washington University, and there earned the Resident Teacher’s award. He is a founding member of the Association of Clinical Elbow and Shoulder Surgeons and co-chair of the Mid-Atlantic Shoulder Surgeon Case Conference. As an ASES member, Dr. Lashgari will serve as a reviewer for the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery.
- Men's Health, Women's Health, Pediatrics, Uncategorized, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogPasadena residents Cristina and Matt knew they were in good hands, but they’ve seen more of the inside of a hospital than any new parent should. When their eleven week old son, Beckett, was diagnosed with a lung infection caused by RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), the Pediatric Department became their second home for seven days. When Beckett got RSV, he was extremely ill with a high fever, coughing and sneezing. When we realized he was going to be there for a little bit longer than we thought, Nurse Tim attached a little sound machine to the crib in the room. He also gave us a fleece blanket to make Beckett’s stay a little more comfortable. One of the lead nurses, Melanie, also provided a bouncy seat, Beckett’s favorite, as well as some toys and a rocking chair for us to help comfort him. They are absolutely amazing people with huge hearts. You can tell they all love their jobs and are passionate about children. In addition to Beckett being sick, his father and I were too. The incredible part is that the kind nurses supported us too. We traded shifts with him so we could get rest to be healthy for him. My husband would come at dinner to trade and the nurses would keep an eye on Beckett so Matt and I could grab a bite to eat in the cafeteria together. They have a room called the “nourishment center.” It’s a way for parents to get things like juices, yogurts, bagels, and crackers to avoid having to travel to the cafeteria multiple times—a way to feel a sense of home. Having Beckett so incredibly ill was the scariest thing we’ve gone through, especially being first time parents, but having the doctors and nurses in a pediatric setting was a true blessing. We couldn’t have survived the week without their support. We trusted our newborn was in wonderful caring hands. I also have to say that Pediatrics Department is probably the most adorable place on the face of the earth. It has a whole nautical sailor theme. It’s so cute. If I were a kid it definitely wouldn’t be as scary going there.
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