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10TH SEPTEMBER 2024


Science brings hope for headache sufferers


New treatments mean the future looks bright for headache sufferers, says Dr Mark Weatherall of the London Headache Centre Headaches are universal. Most


of us experience occasional mild tension-type headaches, but these rarely cause any major problems. More severe, recurrent head- aches, however, are a different story. Migraines cause debilitating head pain, associated with other features such as nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to lights, noise and movement. Many migraine sufferers are


dismissed by doctors; it’s all too common for them to be told that they just have to learn to live with their headaches. As Dr Mark Weatherall, consultant


neurologist and headache specialist at the London Headache Centre, points out, this is almost never true. “In the past few years, we’ve seen new treatments emerge based on modern migraine science. Tese are having an enormously positive impact upon the lives of people who take them.” Yet despite these scientific


advances, there remains no substi- tute for time spent with a healthcare professional who can listen atten- tively, make a diagnosis, suggest proactive lifestyle modifications and present you with a range of effective treatment options. “Even if the new treatments aren’t


right for you, it’s always helpful to talk about your headaches with


someone who understands the


science, can make a diagnosis and come up with a treatment plan,” concludes Dr Weatherall. “Te old myth that nothing can be done for people who suffer from headaches has never been less true.”


Hopeful horizons for lung cancer patients


Lung cancer treatment has made great strides in recent years, offering patients more effective options and better outcomes. Traditional treat- ments like surgery, chemotherapy and radiation are still used, but newer approaches are making a big difference. Targeted therapies, for example, attack specific mutations in cancer cells, leading to fewer side effects and better results. Immuno- therapy is another breakthrough, helping the body’s immune system fight cancer more effectively. Tese treatments aim to prolong life and, in some cases, cure lung cancer. In London, a new clinical trial


recently got underway with a novel, mRNA-based, vaccine, which is designed to prime the immune system to recognise and fight cancer cells. Tis is a promising develop- ment and while still in the experi- mental stage, this trial could pave the way for new strategies in lung cancer treatment, offering hope to many patients.


New Familes & Family Health 25


Dr Dionysis Papadatos-Pastos is


a central London-based consultant oncologist


with an interest in lung cancer, mesothelioma and thymic tumours


Get in touch: Dr Weatherall sees patients at the London


Headache Centre, and at locations in Kensington and Buckinghamshire. For details of consultation times and costs, visit londonheadachecentre.co.uk


Contact Dr Papadatos-Pastos


at E: enquiries@oncologist.london T: 020 7616 7667 oncologist.london


DR DIONYSIS PAPADATOS-PASTOS


The best-kept secret in benign prostate enlargement – HoLEP. But what is it?


HoLEP stands for ‘holmium laser enucleation of the prostate’ — here’s what you need to know


HoLEP is a minimally invasive surgical technique in the treatment of men with benign prostate enlarge- ment. In fact, it’s the recommended treatment option for men with very big prostates, although it’s effec- tive for prostates of all sizes. A laser is used to peel the prostate away from its capsule, like removing the orange fruit from its skin, leaving a wide open channel at the end. Tis peeling means minimal tissue is left behind that could cause recurrence of urinary symptoms. As a result, the retreatment rate is as low as 1% at 10 years compared to up to one in five men with more standard procedures1 Post-operatively,


. patients typi-


cally experience significant improve- ment in urinary symptoms, such as urine flow. HoLEP boasts advan- tages including reduced blood loss and quicker recovery compared to traditional methods. After surgery, a urinary catheter is usually removed the following day. HoLEP is consid- ered the most effective and durable surgical options for managing BPH, enhancing quality of life for many patients.


1 Gilling et al. British Journal of Urology International, 2011.


Excellence in breast care


Miss Christina Choy is an experienced oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgeon


She’s worked in the field of breast malignant diseases and benign conditions for over 20 years. With her broad background training and work experience in both public and private hospitals overseas, including Australia


and Hong Kong and


various UK breast units, she appre- ciates the value of both NHS and private. Under the current pressure on NHS resources, private health- care contributes valuable help to provide rapid one-stop assessment and a quick diagnosis. Genetic tests for family-history cancer risk are also available. Miss Choy works in a number of


Mr Michael Nkwam has private consulting rooms at


HCA UK at The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9BS; Shirley Oaks Hospital, Poppy Lane, Surrey CR9 8AB; and Chelsfield Park Hospital, Bucks Cross, Kent BR6 7RG


Secretary: Tracey Andrews, E: secnkwam@outlook.com, T: 07590 963 377


state-of-the-art private breast insti- tutions, including King Edward VII Hospital, the London Clinic, Prin- cess Grace Hospital, Harley Street Clinic, Chelsea Outpatient (HCA) and One Welbeck. To achieve the best outcomes, a dedicated team with multidisciplinary approaches is essential. Miss Choy works with outstanding plastic surgeons, highly trained and compassionate breast nurses and excellent consultant radi- ologists, patholo- gists and oncolo- gists. A screening mammogram is available for self and GP referral. King Edward VII and Princess Grace Hospitals will start contrast-enhanced mammog r aphy,


MISS CHRISTINA CHOY


DEDICATED BREAST TEAM AT KING EDWARD VII HOSPITAL – LEFT TO RIGHT – LYDIA (SUPERINTENDENT MAMMOGRAPHER), MISS CHOY (BREAST SURGEON SPECIALIST), JEAN (CNS), AMELIA (HEAD OF WOMEN’S HEALTH), DR MALHOTRA (CONSULTANT RADIOLOGIST),FATIMA (SECRETARY), DANA (MAMMOGRAPHER)


which has a higher diagnostic rate and is good news for those who suffer from claustrophobia with breast MRI machines.


Appointment T: 01245 241346


(same-day or next-day appointments are available). E: secretary@privatemedicalmanagement.com or visit londonbreastcare.com


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