The Penn Gamma Knife® Center -- Blade-Free Brain Surgery

Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a powerful and precise surgical option for patients suffering from brain tumors and other serious brain disorders. The technique is non-invasive, effective, safe and does not require an incision, making it the optimal treatment for a wide variety of conditions including benign and malignant brain tumors, blood vessel malformations, trigeminal neuralgia and tremor. The Penn Gamma Knife Center at Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia's regional leader in Gamma Knife radiosurgery, recently celebrated its fourth anniversary. In addition, Penn Neurology and Neurosurgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) are now ranked 15th in the United States by U.S.News & World Report. They are the only neuroscience programs in the region to be recognized. Learn More

Acupuncture to Supplement Cancer Treatment

To support the physical and psychosocial wellbeing of cancer patients during and after treatments, the Integrative Medicine and Wellness Program at the Abramson Cancer Center now offers an acupuncture service. The service is provided by Jun J. Mao, MD, part of the Symptom and Palliative Care Service at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Board certified in family medicine and acupuncture, Dr. Mao has particular expertise in managing cancer and treatment-related symptoms including nausea, pain, neuropathy, fatigue, insomnia and psychological distress using acupuncture in the context of conventional care. Acupuncture services are available at the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine. For more information, please call 215-615-5858. Integrative Medicine and Wellness at the Abramson Cancer Center

Treatment for Chronic Foot Ulcers: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy aids healing of chronic foot ulcers for patients with diabetes, according to a recent report by the American Diabetes Association. The findings show that patients who received hyperbaric oxygen therapy were twice as likely to achieve complete healing as those who received conventional treatment alone. As one of the most comprehensive hyperbaric therapy programs in the nation, Penn Medicine is a leader in advancing oxygen therapy for a variety of conditions, including diabetic foot and leg wounds. Learn More American Diabetes Association Article

GI Cancer Prevention

Gastrointestinal cancer is a broad term that refers to cancer affecting an organ in the gastrointestinal tract, including:

• Esophageal cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Gallbladder cancer
• Liver cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Colon cancer
• Rectal cancer
• Anal cancer

Though not preventable, there are some simple ways to reduce the risk of GI cancer:

• Do not smoke. Smoking increases the risk of GI cancer and other types of cancer.
• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet─ rich in fruits and vegetables and low in sodium and fat.
• Get the recommended colon cancer screening beginning at age 50 and continuing at the recommended intervals.

Penn Medicine offers a multidisciplinary approach to the evaluation and treatment of patients diagnosed with GI cancer. Penn gastroenterologists work in collaboration with the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania to offer patients the best treatment while preserving quality of life. To make an appointment or schedule a screening with a Penn gastroenterologist, call 800-789-PENN (7366) or log on to PennMedicine.org.

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GI Cancer

Take the LIVESTRONG™ Challenge

Join Penn's Abramson Cancer Center and The Cancer Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for the PHILADELPHIA LIVESTRONG™ CHALLENGE on August 21 and 22, 2010 at Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell. Participants can ride, run or walk to help raise funds for the Lance Armstrong Foundation and its mission to inspire and empower people affected by cancer. Join the movement that's making a difference for people affected by cancer. It's possible if we all work together.

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Join the team!

Look Your Best with Help from Penn Medicine's Skin Care Program

Skin is the largest organ of the human body. Penn Medicine's Skin Care Program offers an integrated approach to skin wellness and care by using the latest treatments, enhancements and restoration. All services are provided by certified medical aestheticians. Summer specials on select products are available.

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