Author: Andrew Parker, MD
Andrew Parker, MD
Dr. Andrew Parker is a board-certified internal medicine physician with over 10 years of clinical experience. He earned his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and has worked at leading hospitals including St. Mary’s Medical Center. Dr. Parker specializes in patient education and digital health communication. He now focuses on creating clear, accessible, and evidence-based medical content for the public.
What It Is, Symptoms, and Treatment Options Stage 3 stomach cancer is considered an advanced form of the disease. At this point, cancer cells have penetrated deeply into the muscular layers of the stomach wall, spread to nearby lymph nodes, and may invade surrounding tissues or organs. However, the cancer has not yet metastasized to distant parts of the body. With timely diagnosis and proper treatment, patients at this stage still have a chance to manage the disease and improve survival outcomes. Overview of Stage 3 Stomach Cancer The stomach is located in the upper middle part of the abdomen,…
What is lymphoma? Causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention Lymphoma refers to a group of cancers affecting the lymphatic system. The two main types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Because it originates in the lymphatic system, the disease can spread easily to other tissues and organs throughout the body. Common sites of metastasis include the liver, bones, and lungs. Although lymphoma can occur at any age, it is one of the most common cancers in children and adolescents. Importantly, many forms of lymphoma are treatable. Overview What Is Lymphoma? Lymphoma, also known as lymphatic cancer, is a general term for…
What Is Pharyngeal Cancer? Key Facts About HPV-Positive Throat Cancer Pharyngeal cancer (also called nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal cancer depending on location) refers to malignant tumors in the throat region caused by abnormal growth of squamous cells. Around 15,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States each year, and the majority are HPV-positive. Tumors unrelated to HPV are usually linked to heavy tobacco use or excessive alcohol consumption. Main symptoms include persistent sore throat, foul odor in the mouth/throat, and difficulty swallowing. Diagnosis is confirmed by biopsy of the affected tissue. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or…
Cecal Cancer: What You Need to Know What Is Cecal Cancer? Cecal cancer is a type of colorectal cancer that develops in the cecum, the first section of the large intestine where the small intestine connects to the colon. About 20% of colorectal cancers originate in the cecum. Unlike cancers in other parts of the colon, cecal cancer is often detected incidentally during a colonoscopy. Because it rarely causes specific early symptoms, diagnosis is frequently delayed until the disease has progressed. Overview of Cecal Cancer Cecal cancer is a malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract. The cecum is the shortest portion…
Leukemia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Methods Leukemia is a type of blood cancer caused by an abnormally high number of white blood cells in the body. Although leukemia is a serious disease, advances in treatment have improved survival rates and the chances of long-term remission. Overview of Leukemia Leukemia is a type of blood cancer characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal blood cells. This uncontrolled proliferation occurs in your bone marrow, the tissue responsible for producing several types of blood cells with different functions: White blood cells: Help the body fight off foreign pathogens. Red blood cells: Carry oxygen…
Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC). What It Is, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer, accounting for more than 90% of all malignant kidney tumors. In many cases, RCC is detected incidentally during imaging tests for unrelated health conditions, as the disease often causes no symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms occur, they typically include flank pain, blood in the urine (hematuria), or a palpable abdominal mass. Understanding Renal Cell Carcinoma What is renal cell carcinoma? Renal cell carcinoma is a cancer that originates in the lining of the small…
Placental Cancer (Choriocarcinoma): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Placental cancer, also known as choriocarcinoma, is a rare but highly aggressive type of cancer that develops from placental tissue inside a woman’s uterus, most often after pregnancy. Although it is uncommon, advances in modern medicine have led to highly effective treatments with an excellent prognosis for most patients—especially when detected early. Understanding Choriocarcinoma What is Choriocarcinoma? Choriocarcinoma is a rare, fast-growing cancer that originates from placental cells. It belongs to a group of disorders known as gestational trophoblastic diseases (GTD). This cancer typically starts in the placenta—the organ that nourishes a…
Stage 2 Uterine Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment What Is Stage 2 Uterine Cancer? If you’ve been diagnosed with uterine cancer, your doctor will determine what stage it is (stage 1, 2, 3 or 4). Staging helps assess how far the cancer has progressed and what treatment options are appropriate. There are two main types of uterine cancer: Endometrial cancer – the most common form, starting in the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium). Uterine sarcoma – a rare type that begins in the muscle layer of the uterus or surrounding tissues. Understanding Stage 2 Uterine Cancer Doctors usually…
Pituitary Tumors: What They Are and How Dangerous They Can Be A pituitary tumor is a generally benign (noncancerous) mass that develops in the pituitary gland—most commonly in its anterior lobe. Although it is not classified as cancer, a pituitary tumor can still disrupt the gland’s normal hormone production and lead to a variety of health problems. Treatment often involves surgery, radiation therapy, or a combination of both. What Is the Pituitary Gland? The pituitary gland is a pea-sized structure located at the base of the brain, just behind the nose, and connected to the hypothalamus. It has two distinct…
What Is Colorectal Cancer? Can It Be Prevented? Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the colon (large intestine) or rectum. It is one of the most common cancers worldwide. If left untreated, colorectal cancer can spread to other parts of the body. Thanks to screening tests and early treatment options, the number of deaths from colorectal cancer has declined significantly. Understanding Colorectal Cancer What Is Colorectal Cancer? Colorectal cancer begins in the colon (large intestine), a long tube that carries digested food to the rectum. The wall of the colon and rectum is made up of mucous…