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Adenocarcinoma of The Pancreas Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of cancer of the pancreas. This cancer may be difficult to detect because the pancreas is hidden behind other organs and because there may be no symptoms in the first stages. If symptoms are present, they may include nausea, weight loss, abdominal pain or jaundice. To learn more, go to:

• Memorial Hermann Cancer Center
• The Cancer Information Network
• The Pancreatic Duct

Cancer and Brain Tumors
Brain tumors can be among the most frightening forms of cancer for patients and their families. Tumors can affect a person's speech, daily activities, personality and coordination, not to mention the way he or she interacts with others. Patients and their families will want to learn more about brain tumors and potential accompanying circumstances soon after diagnosis. Information is available in our Cancer section.

• National Cancer Institute Brain Tumor Home Page
• Brain-Tumor.com

Careers in Nursing
As nationwide nursing shortages escalate, Memorial Hermann is keeping pace with attractive programs and training aimed at retaining a dedicated workforce. To learn more, see Memorial Hermann nursing programs.

Chiari Malformation
When a child has recurring, severe headaches, a congenital defect known as Chiari Malformation could be the reason. This rare condition is present when a portion of the brain pushes downward into the spinal canal, potentially affecting everything from feeling and sensation to heart rate, blood pressure and breathing. Read about the Memorial Hermann case involving Chiari Malformation shown on Houston Medical. [ CASE SUMMARY ]

CPR
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) saves lives. When accidents occur, CPR can restore breathing and circulation in victims until professional medical help arrives. Administering CPR is a skill everyone can master, and one that parents should learn. It might save your child's life. To learn more, go to: Memorial Hermann CPR.

Hand Surgery
Complete use of your hands and fingers is something most people take for granted. But, what if you lost fingers in an accident? What if they could actually be replaced with some of your own toes to regain lost mobility and functionality? Read about the Memorial Hermann case featured on "Houston Medical" where toes became fingers. [ CASE SUMMARY ]

Infertility
Memorial Hermann Infertility Services help patients overcome problems with conception and dispel myths about the condition. Physicians who specialize in treating infertility pay particular attention to the emotional well-being of patients. To learn more, go to Memorial Hermann Infertility.
    

MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging allows physicians to see into the body more clearly than with most any other imaging procedure. This technique offers more precise detail than x-ray without exposing a patient to radiation. MRI can be used to view any part of the body, from soft tissue to the brain to the inside of joints or bones. To learn more, click an MRI section below.

• Magnetic resonance imaging of the body
• Magnetic resonance imaging of the head
• Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine

Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic surgery makes it possible to rebuild or repair broken or damaged bones, joints and muscles of the body. Transforming a broken leg or arm back into a useful, working body part is just part of a day's work for an orthopedic surgeon. The results can be nothing short of miraculous for patients who might otherwise face a lifetime of disability. For more information, visit:

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons / American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Osteosarcoma in Children
Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer and is found predominantly in children and young adults. In children, osteosarcoma frequently is found in the bones in and around the knee. To learn more, go to:

• Osteosarcoma
• Osteosarcoma Patient Information
• Cancer Center

Other links:

• Kids Health.org
• Genomelink.org
• Medline Plus

Pediatric Epilepsy
Epilepsy can produce psychological and social problems that may be nearly as significant as the seizures which accompany it. For children, living with epilepsy can mean a life with reduced physical activity and social consequences ranging from ridicule by other children to trouble dating as they grow up. [ CASE SUMMARY ]

For more information, visit:

• Epilepsy
• The Texas Comprehensive Epilepsy Center

Premature Infant Complications
By definition, premature infants face an uphill battle for survival. Infections, breathing and heart problems are just some of the difficulties they face. Read about the struggle of one infant and his family at Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center chronicled on "Houston Medical." [ CASE SUMMARY ]

Shattered Dreams/Teen Drinking and Driving
"Shattered Dreams" teaches teens about the perils of drinking and driving. Targeting high school students, the program was begun by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to illustrate in graphic terms what happens during and after an alcohol-related crash.

A "Shattered Dreams" production takes place in front of students and continues throughout a school day, depicting elements like the crash, arrest of the driver, family notifications and even toe-tagging of the deceased. Police, EMS and emergency room personnel are included in the demonstration.

The "grim reaper" also makes his way through the school during the day, tapping a student every 15 minutes to symbolize death, illustrating how frequently a victim is killed or injured in Texas by a drunk driver. A next-day assembly with students discusses the production and includes emergency and law enforcement personnel who participated.

For more information on bringing "Shattered Dreams" to your school, click on: http://www.tabc.state.tx.us/educa/shatdreams.htm

Support for Grieving Parents
Memorial Hermann offers support for grieving parents, whose loss of a child may feel unbearable. For information on available support groups or ways to deal with the grief of losing a child, call Memorial Hermann's Health Information Resource Line at 713-222-CARE (2273).

Trauma Surgery
Trauma surgery requires that doctors make sense from chaos and order from seemingly out-of-control medical emergencies. In the adrenaline-charged world of trauma surgery, a missed clue or a lost minute may mean death instead of life. Part investigation, part preservation and repair, trauma surgery is the front lines of medicine, where the operating room meets everyday life. To learn more, click below:

• American Association for the Surgery of Trauma
• American Trauma Society

Vascular Surgery
Vascular surgery involves the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases that affect veins, arteries and the lymphatic system. Degenerative arterial diseases make up a significant proportion of the practice due in large part to prevalent dietary and lifestyle habits in society as well as increased occurrence of other risk factors. To learn more, see Vascular Web.