San Diego Health

Understanding Skin Cancer: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Most people love sunny days, and San Diego has plenty of them. However, all that sunshine can increase the risk of skin cancer. The most common type of cancer, skin cancer affects up to 1 in 5 people in the United States, and that number is even higher in areas that get a lot of sunshine. Fortunately, skin cancer can often be detected early when it is most treatable and, with the correct treatment, survival rates can exceed 90%. In this video, San Diego Health host Susan Taylor talks with Scripps Cancer Center dermatologist Benjamin Kelley, MD, about skin cancer risk factors, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Pelvic Disorders in Women

Pelvic floor disorders are common, but many people hesitate to talk about symptoms like leakage, pressure or prolapse. The pelvic floor supports key organs, and when it weakens, problems can develop. In this episode, Varuna Raizada, MD, a urogynecologist at Scripps Clinic, explains what the pelvic floor does, common disorders and who's at risk. Dr. Raizada discusses diagnosis, treatment options — including physical therapy, estrogen cream and surgery — plus lifestyle changes, at-home exercises and when it's time to see a doctor.

What Is a Mini Stroke

A mini-stroke — also called a transient ischemic attack, or TIA — can feel like a stroke, but symptoms often fade within minutes. That can make it easy to brush off, but a TIA is a serious warning sign of a possible major stroke. In this episode, Mary Kalafut, MD, a neurologist at Scripps Clinic, explains what a mini-stroke is, what causes it, how it's diagnosed and treated and what to do right away — plus steps you can take to lower your risk.

What is Glomerular Disease?

Glomerular disease affects the kidney's filtering units and can lead to inflammation or scarring that makes it harder to remove waste and excess fluid. Zhabiz Solhjou, MD, a nephrologist at Scripps Clinic, breaks down the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Solhjou also explains who's most at risk, the difference between primary and secondary glomerular disease and how the Scripps glomerular disease clinic helps protect kidney function.

Cardiomyopathy: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Cardiomyopathy is a serious condition that affects the heart muscle, making it harder for the heart to pump blood the way it should. Rajeev Mohan, MD, a cardiologist specializing in advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology at Scripps Clinic, explains the different types of cardiomyopathy — including stress-induced "broken heart syndrome" — and what symptoms to watch for. Dr. Mohan also walks through how cardiomyopathy is diagnosed, the latest treatment options (from medications to implanted devices and surgery) and when it's time to see a doctor.