- SpecialtyOur experienced and multidisciplinary team is here for you when you need gynecologic cancer treatment. Cancer doesn’t wait and you shouldn’t either. Our team is ready to meet you and discuss your treatment options using leading methods and tools., Patient Testimonials “From my initial appointment, I found the team approachable and very reassuring. Their responsiveness to answering my call, all my questions and addressing my concerns left a strong impression of relief for me.” “I sought a second opinion, and I am so glad I did. Dr.Jones and her team welcomed me.” “I really appreciate the level of proactive and thorough care Dr. Lambrou and his team provided me during an uncertain time.”, Why Choose Luminis Health for Gynecologic Cancer Care? Our compassionate care team helps you through all phases of diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. We offer: Knowledgeable, compassionate board-certified doctors. Our providers are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic diseases and work as a team to care for you. Technology that's at the forefront of care . Our surgeons use minimally invasive techniques like the da Vinci surgical system. The da Vinci surgical system is a minimally invasive surgery method where the surgeon controls a robotic arm. A personalized treatment plan . Our reproductive specialists and cancer surgeons work together to create a treatment plan that's right for you. Genetic counseling. Gynecologic cancers can be related to genes passed through your family. We can test for these genes if you have a strong family history of the disease. Cancer support services to help your well-being. Cancer is a major life event. If you or a loved one has cancer, we're here to help you every step of the way. We offer many different services and resources designed to fit your needs and give you a better, more comfortable experience. Research. We are dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and patient care. Our gynecological oncologists are members of NRG Oncology and work with doctors across the country on research trials, allowing us to offer promising new treatments that aren't widely available. Fertility-sparing treatment. For patients who wish to have children, we offer fertility-sparing treatment options., Screenings and vaccines for cervical cancer Cervical cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer in women under 50. You can help avoid cervical cancer with regular screenings. Two screening tests can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early: Pap test, which is an annual screening test that shows cell changes on the cervix. Human papillomavirus (HPV) test, which looks for HPV that causes cell changes. The best way to prevent cervical cancer is to have the HPV vaccine as an adolescent. Centers for Diseases Control guidance recommends HPV vaccination for everyone up to age 26. Some older adults can benefit from vaccination, too. Talk to your provider about whether the HPV vaccine is right for you.0
- Our Team Is Here for YouAt Luminis Health, we take your concerns about fertility as seriously as you. We take the time to discuss your desire to have biological children and your options following your cancer diagnosis.Your treatment will include cancer and fertility specialists, nurses, clinical social workers, and more. We hold your hand and guide you through each step of your journey — toward health and your exciting future.TreatmentConditions/Services/Treatments PagePreserving Fertility When Treating CancerMany women confronting cancer face anxiety beyond what their diagnosis means for their own health. If a woman plans to start or grow her family, she worries about what her cancer means for that big, important life plan.Depending on the type of cancer and where it's located, cancer treatments can impact long-term fertility. These include radiation, chemotherapy, and surgeries. But there are many ways to adjust cancer treatments in ways that preserve fertility and support women's family goals.0
- Behavioral Health, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMore than 38 million girls and boys under age 19 participate in organized sports each year in the United States. Among these kids, injury—from minor sprains to broken bones—is common. In fact, one in three young athletes will miss practice or games due to an injury. When athletes are injured, they want to get back in the game as soon as possible. The doctors treating them will determine the best way to repair their injuries and may prescribe pain medications. This is where some young people can fall into the trap of opioid addiction. A National Crisis Over the past two decades, addiction to opioids, which includes narcotic painkillers like Vicodin, OxyContin and Percocet—as well as heroin—has soared across the nation. In Anne Arundel County, 1,083 overdoses of heroin and other opioids were reported in 2018, according to the county Health Department. In 2015, then-Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh declared a public health emergency related to heroin abuse and Maryland Governor Larry Hogan called it a statewide crisis, creating the Heroin and Opioid Emergency Task Force. Prescription narcotic abuse is often a first step to heroin addiction. Narcotic painkillers are easy to get hooked on, and when people can’t get enough pain medication from doctors to satisfy their need, they may turn to street sources. A shocking 80 percent of all heroin users made the switch to heroin after abusing narcotic painkillers, according to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. “Substance abuse disorder can happen unexpectedly. Opioid addiction can start with a simple tooth extraction or sports injury. If the pain medication is not taken as prescribed by a doctor, the tolerance level for the drug increases and you will need more of the drug to get the same effect,” says Keshia Brooks, supervisor of prevention education and family wellness at Pathways, Anne Arundel Medical Center’s (AAMC) substance abuse disorder treatment facility. The Danger for Athletes A study in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that boys who participate in organized sports have a higher chance of being prescribed narcotics and a higher chance of abusing them than boys who do not play sports. However, girls are more likely to be prescribed narcotics and to abuse them than boys, whether or not they play sports. Kwasi Sharif, MD, pain management physician with AAMG Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists, urges patients to consider alternative ways to manage their pain. That could include physical therapy, exercise or other medications that are not opioids. He adds that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends non-opioid treatment for chronic pain, outside of cancer treatment, palliative care and end-of-life care. “If parents and their student athlete decide on use of opioids, it is crucial that they use the lowest possible effective dosage to reduce risks of opioid use disorder and overdose,” Dr. Sharif says. Programs at Pathways Outpatient Opioid Detox Program This program allows patients to safely withdraw from opioids over a period of three to six days, followed by ongoing professional support in recovery. For more details, visit PathwaysProgram.org or call 443-481-5400. Family Wellness Workshop A therapeutic and educational program for family members of adults or teens with substance use disorders brings together family members for on-site group therapy, educational sessions and personal growth. The program equips family members with communication skills, relapse prevention strategies and coping mechanisms for ongoing recovery. Full-day and weekend sessions are available. Call 410-573-5449 or visit PathwaysProgram.org for a complete schedule. Alcohol and Drug Education Program This program teaches adolescents about the current drug trends. It also provides training for parents on how to use Narcan, an opioid overdose reversing drug. This is a free program for Anne Arundel County teens ages 13-18 and their parents. For more details, please call 410-573-5422. Be Cautious About Narcotics “If a child is dealing with a sports injury and needs medication for pain, parents should first educate themselves on the various types of pain medications available and their side effects,” Keshia says. If a physician prescribes an opioid for your child, have a conversation with the physician about the medication, she says. If possible, be the one to monitor and dispense it to your child. “If given an opioid, ask about how long the pain medication should be taken before it can become a problem for the child,” Keshia says. “Parents should also ask what else is available besides opioids that will help with the pain. Can the child take a Tylenol or Ibuprofen?” If you do have leftover pills from an opioid prescription, ask your pharmacy if they accept unused pills, or take them to a medication disposal box. AAMC has two medication disposal drop boxes to dispose of unused or expired medications. The drop boxes are at MedPark Professional Pharmacy, located in the AAMC Sajak Pavilion, suite 170, 2002 Medical Parkway, Annapolis, Md., and at Arnold Professional Pharmacy, 1460 Ritchie Highway, Arnold, Md. READ MORE: Anne Arundel Medical Center installs drop boxes for unused or expired medications Medication Disposal The Anne Arundel County Police Department has drop boxes at four locations for the safe disposal of unused, expired or unwanted medications. Residents can drop off medications at any time daily at the following four district stations: Northern District located at 939 Hammonds Lane in Baltimore, Maryland. Southern District located at 35 Stepneys Lane in Edgewater, Maryland. Eastern District located at 204 Pasadena Road in Pasadena, Maryland. Western District located at 8273 Telegraph Road in Odenton, Maryland. Communication Is Key “It is very important that parents talk to their children about opioids,” Keshia says. “Many news reports, social media, advertisements and commercials can contribute to the start of a conversation about drugs. Parents can explain to the child how some medications, especially opioids, can affect you in a negative way if not taken as prescribed and abused.” She advises parents to discuss the signs and symptoms of substance abuse. “Talk about what drug abuse really is: Taking medication without permission from the parents or the doctor, taking someone else’s medication, taking too much medication, or sharing medication with friends. Discuss the number of overdoses and deaths that opioids have caused right in their own community,” Keshia says. “This conversation should happen when you are teaching a child right from wrong, and should gradually increase in knowledge and understanding as the child grows up.” Keshia also urges parents to educate themselves on what opioids are and what an overdose looks like, as well as take advantage of Narcan training opportunities. “Sports injuries are just one of many paths young people can follow to addiction, but we have to fight this crisis on all fronts, and we don’t want parents left saying, ‘I wish I knew,’” says AAMC Chief Medical Officer Mitchell Schwartz, MD. “Beyond educating parents, we’re encouraging area primary care providers, who are often on the front lines of treating sports-related and other injuries, to know the best practices for prescribing narcotics.” “And one of the most important roles the hospital can play in the community is to talk openly about this, removing the stigma associated with addiction so people aren’t ashamed to get help for themselves or their loved ones,” adds Dr. Schwartz. Removing the stigma is a big step toward ending the crisis. AAMC’s Pathways Treatment Center offers individualized substance abuse and mental health treatment. Call 443-481-5400 for more information. Authors Keshia Brooks, BSPH, MBA, is a prevention education coordinator at Pathways, AAMC’s substance abuse and mental health treatment facility. You can reach her office at 410-573-5400. Dr. Kwasi Sharif, MD, is a pain management physician with AAMG Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists. You can reach him at 410-268-8862. Mitchell Schwartz, MD, is AAMC’s chief medical officer. Originally published Nov. 17, 2015. Last updated Aug. 26, 2019.0
- Community, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIf you’re finally traveling to see friends or family this summer — or just hitting the road for some R&R — it’s still important to weigh the COVID-19 risks. But with careful planning (and some mask wearing, social distancing and handwashing) it might be OK to now book that long-awaited trip. First, Check Travel Restrictions Before you finalize your plans, check online for travel restrictions. Some places aren’t yet open to travelers or could require you to get a COVID test before arrival. And, even if travel is allowed, it’s smart to check infection rates where you’re going to make sure there isn’t a local spike in cases. If You’re Not Vaccinated The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say it’s safe to travel within the U.S. if you’re fully vaccinated and follow safety precautions. If you’re not vaccinated, they recommend you delay your trip. However, if you have to travel before then, you should: Get tested one to three days before you leave Quarantine for 10 days after you return home (or seven days with another negative test after your trip) Protect Yourself in Transit If you’re headed through a public transit hub such an airport, keep in mind it might be crowded. Even with signs reminding everyone to stay six feet apart, that might not always happen in lines, at busy gates and on shuttles. Take the following safety measures: Consider eye protection. You might want to wear protective glasses or a face shield in addition to your mask. Keep distance. Leave seats open between you and other travelers when possible. Mask up. Wear a mask in airports and transit stations, and on shared transportation like planes, trains, buses and taxis. Wash your hands often. Don’t forget to scrub up after touching common surfaces like turnstiles, touchscreens and handrails. Stay Safe at Your Destination Unfortunately, COVID isn’t taking a vacation just yet, and new variants are circulating. Keep taking the safety measures you take at home while on your trip. You might want to pick a destination with plenty of fun outdoor activities so you can enjoy yourself with a lower risk of virus transmission. If you’re headed to a beach or swimming pool, keep in mind that while the CDC hasn’t noted any reports of the virus spreading through water itself, the virus can still be passed through the air in a crowd of people. Prepare for the Unexpected When you’re packing your bags, think ahead. You might want to bring a few extra items to ease your mind and reduce your risk while you’re on the go. That could include: Extra masks in case yours get wet or dirty Harder-to-find safety gear like protective eyewear Sanitizing wipes to use on tables or counters And don’t forget the snacks. In some areas, transit food courts might be overcrowded or not yet fully open. If you’re traveling by car, bringing your own food can also cut down the need to go into busy markets or restaurants near hot vacation spots. Finally, Aim for Flexibility Travel advice continues to change as we learn new information about COVID. If you’re heading out for a trip soon, stay up to date on the news and ready to adjust your trip if needed. And remember, with so many people eager to travel, you may hit delays on the road or at rental car locations. But getting the chance to safely venture out, hug family and friends, and recharge a bit after the year we’ve had is well worth it. Authors Dr. Michael Glickman practices family medicine on Kent Island.0
- Why Trust Luminis Health With Your Breast Biopsy?We're your one stop for every aspect of breast health, from routine screening to diagnosis and treatment. We:Are breast health specialists. We're one of the largest breast health centers in Maryland.Have nurse navigators to coordinate your care. That means there's always a friendly, helping hand to walk you through any screening tests and treatment.Get you in and out quickly. We provide quick results and short wait times.ScreeningConditions/Services/Treatments PageBreast BiopsyIf we find something concerning (such as a lump or nipple discharge) during your breast exam or mammogram, we may recommend a breast biopsy. What Is a Breast Biopsy?A breast biopsy is a procedure where we take a small sample of tissue from the breast and look at the cells under a microscope. The biopsy helps us figure out if cancer cells are present. Most biopsies do not find cancer.You may be awake or asleep during your biopsy, depending on what kind of biopsy your doctor recommends. For some biopsies, we'll extract the tissue with a needle. For others, a surgeon may make an incision to remove all or part of a lump.Recovery time from the biopsy depends on the kind of anesthesia we use. If we put you to sleep with general anesthesia, we'll take you to a room and discharge you from there, usually the same day. If you have local anesthesia, you'll be free to go as soon as your provider okays it.Sore or tender breasts are common after the biopsy. You should hold off on any strenuous exercise for a few days. Over-the-counter pain medication (as recommended by your doctor) and a supportive bra can help.0
How can we help?
Common Searches
Common Searches
Log in with MyChart
Access personalized site features & view your health records.
Learn more about MyChartDon’t have a MyChart account?
Your Account
View your Dashboard
Messages
Billing Summary
Find Care
Schedule Appointment
My Care Team
My Record
Appointments
Medications
Insurance Summary
Log in with MyChart
Access personalized site features & view your health records.
Learn more about MyChartDon’t have a MyChart account?