DEAR DR. ROACH: Is it possible for X-rays and a CT scan to miss advanced lung cancer? My brother worked two days before he died. He went to the hospital, was admitted to hospice and died the next day. I wonder if he knew at least a year ago, but didn’t tell anyone. He said […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am in my mid-50s and in good health (I don’t take any medications). I rarely get sick with colds or flu. I have been vaccinated with all the common vaccinations for our childhood. With all the immigrants coming into our country, I am wondering if any have been given childhood vaccinations […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I had symptoms of lightheadedness, so my doctor ordered an EKG and sent me to a cardiologist. They did a heart monitor for a week and said I have inappropriate sinus tachycardia but that I don’t need any treatment. I’m still having symptoms. What can I do? — B.V. ANSWER: Inappropriate sinus […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I read an article about a study the Mayo Clinic did using 20 mg tablets of sildenafil for pulmonary arterial hypertension and that it improved walking distance by 75%. Is there an upper age limit for a person using this medication for pulmonary hypertension? — D.L. ANSWER: Pulmonary hypertension is different from […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have been following all the concerns about exposure to measles but have not seen anything mentioned that it is dangerous for pregnant women to be exposed. In 1966, doctors felt that I was exposed during my third month of pregnancy, and our daughter was born with severe brain damage. The child […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My girlfriend has necrobiosis lipoidica. She suffers from this on her shins, as did her mother. She is not diabetic. We cannot find good information on how to rid her of this. The information we find is not about cures, but treatments that mask the symptom, such as steroids. We cannot even […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 66-year-old woman. I had a hysterectomy and removal of one ovary. For the past six months, I have had brown vaginal discharge. Should I be concerned? — L.M. ANSWER: Any change in vaginal symptoms after years is probably worth a discussion with your doctor. Certainly, this one is. In […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have Parkinson’s disease, and balance is an issue. I have been using a cane on the right side, my weak leg side. I have seen videos that say a cane should be used on a person’s uninjured side. I tilt to the right and catch my balance without cane support in […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My wife does a lot of container gardening. I am continually being bitten by chiggers. I have been using an over-the-counter anti-itch cream that helps soothe the bites, but it doesn’t eliminate the symptoms. Is there anything to prevent the infestation or end the long-term itching? — J.F.K. ANSWER: Never having lived […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m a 70-year-old female who had a stress test, echocardiogram and carotid study. I passed all tests. My cholesterol is 173, with my HDL 56, LDL 95.6 and triglycerides 108. My blood pressure is 110/64. The cardiologist put me on 5 mg of Crestor. He feels this will help my numbers. He […]