MSA Breast Care Center

from Muskegon Surgical Associates, P.L.C.

The general surgeons at Muskegon Surgical Associates, P.L.C. have experience in evaluating breast abnormalities by physical exam, as well as incorporating radiologic studies and your risk factors. They do not just look at your x-rays.

A "lump" on physical exam can be benign (non-cancerous) or indeterminate (maybe/maybe not). Our focus is on the best diagnostic approach for your particular situation. Our surgeons may use a number of different biopsy techniques, depending on the findings. These include total excision, needle or core biopsy, ultrasound or mammographic-guided biopsy. Some can be done at the initial visit; others have to be scheduled for a subsequent date.

"Abnormal" mammograms are the most common reason for patients to be referred to our Breast Care Clinic. Only about one out of 15 abnormal mammograms actually represent anything that proves to be a malignancy. Obviously, one wants to err on the side of caution. We try to perform biopsies in the most minimally-invasive manner; however, there is still a place for excisional ("open" or via an incision) biopsies, depending on the circumstances.

If you have breast cancer, our surgeons are experienced in the techniques for staging and removing the cancer, including breast conservation, sentinel node biopsy, preparing the breast for brachy therapy (localized radiation), as well as coordinating reconstruction with plastic surgeons. All of this depends on your particular cancer, physical exam, and many other factors that govern the best choice. Sometimes you have several options, and our surgeons will explain the pros and cons of each. Our surgeons have helped thousands of women in West Michigan survive the diagnosis.

The Breast Care Center at Muskegon Surgical Associates, PLC works with all primary care or family physicians. If you and your physician decide that a surgical consult is necessary, the Breast Care Center, with Dick L. Kamps, M.D., James J. Rice, M.D., Veronica R. Petty, M.D. and Greg A. Myers, M.D., is located at Muskegon Surgical Associates, PLC. www.msapc.com.

Think About Your Drink

by Linda Donley, from the Offices of James R. Donley, DDS

When you are thirsty, what do you reach for?

Most of us will reach for a can or bottle of pop or a sports drink. Soft drinks make up 27 percent of all beverages Americans drink. This adds up to $54 billion dollars being spent on pop and sports beverages per year.

Teenagers are some of the biggest beverage drinkers around, which causes concern. Teenagers drink twice as much pop as milk, which means they may not be getting the vitamins, minerals and protein they need.

Soft drinks and sports drinks give us unhealthy additives as well as a large dose of sugars that can cause tooth decay. The sugars contained in these beverages combine with the bacteria in the mouth to produce acid which can cause decay. If you are a drink "sipper," more damage is done to the teeth as you are exposing them to these damaging effects over a longer period of time. Even if you drink "diet" pop, you will not be immune as the acid in pop can erode away the enamel on your teeth as well as cause decay.

What can you do to reduce your risk of decay? First, you need to cut down on the amount of these beverages. Below are some other solutions for you.

- Drink water

- Chew sugarless gum sweetened with Xylitol

- Use "TheraMints" after drinking

- Drink soft and sports drinks as a part of your meal instead of sipping all day

- Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly every day.

No one is saying that you need to eliminate all soft drinks and sport drinks from your diet. However, you do need to cut down on their use and have regular dental visits. To have a customized decay preventive program set up for you, call us at (231) 744-6661.

Dr. Donley and staff can be reached at (231) 744-6661. Their offices are at 166 N. Causeway in North Muskegon.

Periodontal Disease

by Monica J. Lakatos, D.D.S., Northshore Dental Associates

Periodontal (gum) disease is a chronic infection of the gum tissue which can be mild or severe. In the mild form, gingivitis, the gums are red, tender, and bleed easily. In the severe form, the teeth become loose and the gums recede leading to tooth loss.

This disease can affect people of any age, but is usually found in adults and especially seniors who may have limited dexterity for home hygiene practices and who may have several contributing factors for the disease.

There are several causes of gum disease and many contributing factors. Research has shown that 30 percent of the population may be genetically susceptible to gum disease. There will soon be genetic tests to identify these people who then can have interventive treatment to maintain their teeth.

There are many contributing factors to the development of periodontal disease. These include:

- Poor nutrition - A diet low in nutrients compromises the immune system and makes it harder to fight off infection of any kind.

- Smoking and use of smokeless tobacco - This is a significant risk factor for periodontal disease. Nicotine acts as a vasoconstrictor, basically lowering the blood supply to the gums. This compromises healthy tissue and has a negative impact on the success of periodontal treatments.

- Pregnancy - Maintaining optimum oral health during pregnancy is important because the hormones of pregnancy affect all the tissues of the body, including the gums. It has also been shown that pregnant women with periodontal disease are seven times more likely to deliver pre-term, low birth weight babies.

- Stress - Stress is linked to many health issues. One of the first ways stress shows in your body is with bleeding gums. Stress also makes it harder for the body to fight infection.

- Clenching and grinding - If you grind your teeth at night or clench your teeth during the day, the excessive force loosens the ligaments that hold your teeth in place which can result in periodontal disease and tooth loss.

- Diabetes - If you are diabetic, you are at a higher risk of developing infections of any kind, including periodontal disease. Uncontrolled diabetes can make periodontal disease worse and uncontrolled periodontal disease can in turn negatively affect diabetic management.

If you have any of the above named contributing factors for periodontal disease, it does not mean that your teeth are doomed. It just means that you need to be more stringent in your home care and maintain regular professional care. Inform your dentist of changes in your health which could increase your risk of periodontal disease.

Monica J. Lakatos, D.D.S., at Northshore Dental Associates, 1179 Whitehall Road in North Muskegon, can be reached at (231) 744-6100.