Thursday, July 29, 2010
Featured Diseases and Medical Practices at Mass General
Ron with his son
Episode 3: patient Ron Haynes' rare brain tumor - Esthesioneuroblastoma Esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB), also called olfactory neuroblastoma, is a rare cancer of the upper part of the nasal cavity. It develops in nerve tissue associated with the sense of smell and can occur in people of any age. The cause is unknown. Although an esthesioneuroblastoma generally grows slowly, it can sometimes become a fast-growing tumors that can metastasize (spread) even many years after treatment of the initial tumor. Recurrent or metastatic tumors can be difficult to treat successfully. When diagnosed in its early stages, esthesioneuroblastoma can often be treated successfully with surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy.
- Learn more about Mass General's Brain Tumor Center
- Learn more about innovations in technologies, techniques and treatments for brain tumors
- Learn about our program for parents with cancer: The Marjorie E. Korff Parenting At a Challenging Time (PACT) Program
- Learn about ways to give to the Cancer Center
Martin with his MGH caregiver, Kim Parks, DO
Episode 5: patient Marvin Pollet has a rare heart disease - Cardiac amyloidosis. Amyloidosis refers to a family of diseases in which there is a buildup of proteins called amyloids in body tissues and organs. These proteins slowly replace normal tissue, leading to failure of the involved organ. Cardiac amyloidosis ("stiff heart syndrome") occurs when the protein deposits take the place of normal heart muscle. It is the most typical type of restrictive cardiomyopathy. Cardiac amyloidosis may affect the way electrical signals move through the heart, causing arrhythmias and heart blockages.
- Learn more about Mass General's heart failure and cardiac transplant program
- Learn more about the Mass General Transplant Center
Michael
Episode 6: newborn Michael Cyr is born with a congenital malformation - Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return (TAPVR). TAPVR is a congenital (present at birth) heart defect. Due to abnormal development of the fetal heart during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy, the vessels that bring oxygen-rich (red) blood back to the heart from the lungs are improperly connected.
- Explore Mass General's Heart Center
Other MGH areas and medical practices featured in "Boston Med"
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Nursing education and training
Preparing future health care professionals
Trauma, Emergency Surgery and Surgical Critical Care
Pediatric Critical Care Medicine/PICU
Obstretrics and Gynecology/Labor and Delivery