An 18-year-old female, who attends a state university about…
An 18-year-old female, who attends a state university about 90 miles away from home, is brought to her family physician’s office after her parents brought her home because of a mumps epidemic at the university. During the office visit, the patient complained of fever, malaise, myalgia, and anorexia. She also had an earache and, due to the swelling of her jaw, reported that it was difficult to chew and swallow. A physical examination found the classic findings of mumps. Both sides of the woman’s face were swollen consistent with bilateral infectious parotitis. Given her recent exposure to other students diagnosed with mumps, the family physician concluded that the patient had mumps and diagnosed her with bilateral infectious parotitis, but could not find evidence of any complications in other body systems. The patient was sent home and was advised to avoid contact with people outside her family. Thetreatment included analgesics and warm compresses to the parotid area to relieve swelling and reduce symptoms. No medications are known to be effective in treating this viral infection.
Read DetailsThis is a 56-year-old female who has biopsy-proven malignant…
This is a 56-year-old female who has biopsy-proven malignant melanoma of the left upper arm on the shoulder. The pathology diagnosis was superficial spreading malignant melanoma. The patient is brought to the hospital outpatient department for excision of the 2.5 × 1.5 cm lesion. She will be seen in the office in 14 days for suture removal and a discussion on what further treatment might be indicated. [blank]
Read DetailsA 38-year-old male with known chronic viral hepatitis result…
A 38-year-old male with known chronic viral hepatitis resulting from hepatitis B is seen in the outpatient infectious disease clinic to be evaluated for therapy. The patient also has cirrhosis of the liver with suspected early stages of liver failure. His liver disease continues to be monitored. The patient is a known heroin addict in remission and has been taking methadone faithfully on a long-term basis through a program at this university medical center. All of these factors were considered when a combination of antiviral agent interferon-alpha plus lamivudine treatment was chosen and will be initiated at his next visit, scheduled in one week. [blank] [blank] [blank]
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