Question

For each scenario, propose a detailed diagnosis and a treatment strategy – diet, medication, therapeutic measures, etc. – that properly addresses the condition. Include an explanation of the diagnosis/treatment and whether you agreed with your group or believe other options might be more appropriate.
1. A 40-year-old, obese female complains of shortness of breath, chest pains and tingling in her extremities (legs, arms). Her blood pressure reading is 190/100, and tests report moderately elevated levels of blood cholesterol. She mentions taking daily doses of aspirin.   
2. A 60-year-old male smoker has an aggravated cough lasting several months accompanied with sputum. Chest X-rays reveal 2 large masses and several small masses in each lung. He also noticed a decline in his memory.
3. A 30-year-old male complains of abdominal pain and blood in his urine. A heavy drinker and smoker, he also has a sedentary lifestyle (accountant). Tests show abnormal liver enzyme levels, and X-rays shows spots on his lungs.   
4. A 65-year-old female complains of a lump in her left breast, bone pain, and headaches. Tests reveal low blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, enlarged heart, and tumor masses in lymph nodes, brain, and bone.
5. Which type of cancer do you think is the worst? Explain your response.
6. Which carcinogen do you think causes the most problems? Explain your response.
7. You are developing a new cancer screening test to either diagnose disease earlier or determine what treatment is best. What would it do, and how would it work?
8. Which treatment strategy available today do you think has the greatest impact? Explain your response.
9. You are head of a drug company that is going to make a cancer drug. What cancer would it treat, and how would it be better than current therapies?

Answer 1

1. A 40-year-old, obese female complains of shortness of breath, chest pains and tingling in her extremities (legs, arms). Her blood pressure reading is 190/100, and tests report moderately elevated levels of blood cholesterol. She mentions taking daily doses of aspirin.   

Diagnosis: Angina pectoris.

Rationale: Angina pectoris is a type of chest pain associated with the poor flow of blood. Chest pain, chest tightness are the common symptoms. Decreased flow of blood leads to a lack of oxygen supply to the muscles which results in shortness of breath. Poor flow of blood makes the blood vessel narrow which results in increased blood pressure and tingling sensation of arms and legs.

Treatment Strategy:

Diet:

Diet low in salt and saturated fat to minimize cholesterol levels. Limit salt intake and increase intake of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and fat-free diet.

Lifestyle modifications:

• Minimize stress.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Regular exercises.

Medication:

• Medication such as nitroglycerine, aspirin, beta blockers, and calcium channel blockers usually prescribed.
• Angioplasty and stenting to improve the blood flow of the heart.
• CABG if needed.