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Ulcerative Colitis: Patient Education: FAQs about UC

Teaser: 

Are the symptoms permanent?
Although there are effective and safe medications for treating ulcerative colitis (UC), this disease cannot be cured. This means that your best chance of staying in remission is to continue on your prescribed medical therapy, even when you are feeling well.

Coping with UC?
...

Ulcerative Colitis: Patient Education: Living with UC

Teaser: 

Are the symptoms permanent?
Although there are effective and safe medications for treating ulcerative colitis (UC), this disease cannot be cured. This means that your best chance of staying in remission is to continue on your prescribed medical therapy, even when you are feeling well.

Coping with UC?
...

Ulcerative Colitis: Patient Education: About UC

Teaser: 

What is UC
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic relapsing and remitting inflammatory condition of the large intestine. (Inflammation is a localized protective reaction of tissue to irritation, injury, or infection. It is characterized by pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes loss of function.)


Ulcerative means a loss of the surface lining, and colitis means inflammation of that lining or mucosa. The inflammation is caused by an abnormal invasion of white blood cells into the mucosa. The exact cause of this attack is not known, but it is thought that a combination of genetic and environmental factors causes the immune system to react aggressively against the normal bacteria that inhabit the colon...

Photography: Many Windows into Memories

Photography: Many Windows into Memories

Teaser: 

Dr.Michael Gordon Michael Gordon, MD, MSc, FRCPC, Medical Program Director, Palliative Care, Baycrest Geriatric Health Care System, Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.

It was magical: the images coming to life at the bottom of the plastic tray filled with Kodak developer. First the blacks came and then the grays, as they coalesced into the picture I witnessed the excitement anticipated from scanning the negative and then the contact sheet that had all 24 pictures from the roll of film on it.

A Non-Healing Facial Lesion

A Non-Healing Facial Lesion

Members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada may claim one non-certified credit per hour for this non-certified educational program.

Mainpro+® Overview
Teaser: 

Francesca Cheung, MD CCFP, is a family physician with a special interest in dermatology. She received the Diploma in Practical Dermatology from the Department of Dermatology at Cardiff University in Wales, UK. She is practising at the Lynde Centre for Dermatology in Markham, Ontario and works closely with Dr. Charles Lynde, MD FRCPC, an experienced dermatologist. In addition to providing direct patient care, she acts as a sub-investigator in multiple clinical studies involving psoriasis, onychomycosis, and acne.

Abstract
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of non-melanoma skin cancer that arises from basal cells found in the lower layer of the epidermis. It is the most common type of skin cancer in humans, but they rarely metastasize. If BCC is left untreated and progresses, it may lead to significant morbidity and cosmetic disgurement. In nearly all cases, the recommended treatment modality for BCC is surgery. Small and superficial BCC may respond to local immune-modulating therapies. For tumors that are more difficult to treat or those in which tissue preservation is essential, Mohs micrographic surgery should be considered. Radiation therapy can be used for advanced and extended BCC and in those patients for whom surgery is contraindicated. Photodynamic therapy is usually used as an adjunct in BCCs with poorly defined border, in cases which oculoplastic surgery will be extensive or difficult, or in recurrent BCCs with tissue atrophy or scar formation. Oral vismodegib has been approved for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced basal cell carcinoma who are not candidates for surgery or radiation and for those with metastatic disease. The prognosis for BCC is generally great with 100% survival rate for localized cases.
Keywords: Basal cell carcinoma, Nonmelanoma skin cancer, Hedgehog intracellular signalling pathway, Imiquimod 5% cream, 5-Fluorouracil 5% cream.

Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma: Screening and Diagnosis

Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma: Screening and Diagnosis

Members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada may claim one non-certified credit per hour for this non-certified educational program.

Mainpro+® Overview
Teaser: 

Fatemeh Akbarian, MD,1 Mehdi Aarabi, MD,2 Ali Vahidirad, MD,3 Mehrdad Ghobadi, MD,4 Mohaddeseh Ghelichli MD,5
Mohammad A. Shafiee, MD, MSc, FRCPC,6

1Dermatologist, Research Fellow, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON. 2Research Fellow, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON. 3,4,5Joint, Bone, Connective Tissue Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. 6Division of General Internal Medicine, Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.

Abstract
Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma has the highest morbidity and mortality among different types of skin cancers; as one of the most common malignancies in the world. Early detection and diagnosis of Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma followed by adequate surgical excision are the most important tasks in management of this potentially curable skin cancer. Screening methods and diagnostic criteria including clinical and dermoscopic findings will be discussed in this article.
Keywords: Melanoma, Dermoscopy, UV Exposure, Epiluminescence Microscopy (ELM).

A Rare Case of Spontaneous Frontal Sinus Pneumocele Associated with Pneumocephalus Presenting with Severe Headache

A Rare Case of Spontaneous Frontal Sinus Pneumocele Associated with Pneumocephalus Presenting with Severe Headache

Members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada may claim one non-certified credit per hour for this non-certified educational program.

Mainpro+® Overview
Teaser: 

P.K. Shenoy, MD, FRCS, DLO, FACS, ENT Service Chief, Campbellton Regional Hospital, Campbellton, NB, Canada.
Ahmad Khatib, MD, L.M.C.C, is a family physician and an ER physician, Campbellton Regional Hospital, Campbellton, New Brunswick, Canada.

Abstract
A rare case of severe headache presenting with spontaneous pneumocephalus secondary to frontal sinus pneumocele is described. To the best of our knowledge this is the second case presented in the English literature. Clinical presentation, management, and outcome are discussed.
Keywords: spontaneous pneumocephalus, pneumocele, frontal sinus, osteoma, headache.

The Development of a Replacement Pathology Service in a Community Hospital in Quebec Using Telepathology and Supportive Service Corridors

The Development of a Replacement Pathology Service in a Community Hospital in Quebec Using Telepathology and Supportive Service Corridors

Teaser: 

I.W. Kuzmarov MD FRCS(c),Director of Professional and Hospital Services, Santa Cabrini Hospital, Department of Surgery (Urology) McGill University.
S Trifiro MD FRCPC,Department of Pathology, Santa Cabrini Hospital,

Bich N. Nguyen MD FRCPC,Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Montreal Hospital Centre.

Abstract
Santa Cabrini Hospital is composed of 369 acute care beds, with a separate pavilion providing services for 100 long term care patients. The hospital is situated in the northeastern part of Montreal, and provides services to an area that encompasses approximately 750,000 people.
Keywords: pathology service, community hospital, telepathology, Quebec.

Potentially Fatal Necrotising Fasciitis of the Head and Neck: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Potentially Fatal Necrotising Fasciitis of the Head and Neck: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada may claim one non-certified credit per hour for this non-certified educational program.

Mainpro+® Overview
Teaser: 

P.K. Shenoy, MD, FRCS, DLO, FACS, ENT Service Chief, Campbellton Regional Hospital, Campbellton, NB, Canada.
K. Bali, MD, MS, Deputy Head, Ear Nose and Throat Department, Al Ain Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

Abstract
A case of necrotising fasciitis of the neck originating from odontogenic infection is presented. Clinical features including pathogenesis and treatment are discussed along with a review of the literature.
Keywords: necrotising fasciitis, flesh eating bacterial disease, synergistic necrotizing cellulitis, killer bug disease, fasciitis necrotans, surgical débridement, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, multi-organ failure, toxic shock syndrome, Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy (DIC), Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotising Fasciitis (LRINEC).

A Moustache for a Good Cause

A Moustache for a Good Cause

Members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada may claim one non-certified credit per hour for this non-certified educational program.

Mainpro+® Overview
Teaser: 

Francesca Cheung, MD CCFP, is a family physician with a special interest in dermatology. She received the Diploma in Practical Dermatology from the Department of Dermatology at Cardiff University in Wales, UK. She is practising at the Lynde Centre for Dermatology in Markham, Ontario and works closely with Dr. Charles Lynde, MD FRCPC, an experienced dermatologist. In addition to providing direct patient care, she acts as a sub-investigator in multiple clinical studies involving psoriasis, onychomycosis, and acne.

Abstract
Impetigo is a gram-positive bacterial infection of the superficial layers of the epidermis. There are two forms of impetigo: bullous and nonbullous. Diagnosis of impetigo is usually based solely on the history and clinical presentation. Culture and sensitivity results can help the physician choose appropriate antibiotic therapy. Treatment of impetigo typically involves local wound care, along with antibiotic therapy, either topical alone or in conjunction with systemic therapy. For mild or localized cases, topical mupirocin or topical fusidic acid applied 2 to 3 times daily for 7 to 10 days are adequate treatment. Systemic antibiotics are indicated for widespread, complicated, or severe cases associated with systemic manifestations of impetigo. Beta-lactam antibiotics remain an appropriate initial empiric choice, with coverage against both Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. For patients with recurrent impetigo or Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriers, topical mupirocin cream or ointment can be applied inside the nostrils 3 times daily for 5 days each month to reduce colonization in the nose.
Keywords: Impetigo, Staphylococcus aureus, Group A beta hemolytic streptococci Bullous impetigo, Nonbullous impetigo.