Pharmacological management of chronic constipation in older adults.

Chronic constipation in older adults has multiple etiologies, and many of these factors are interrelated. An initial medical history and physical examination can provide relevant clues to the causes of the problem. The Rome III classification system of functional constipation is useful in clinical practice to help clinicians identify symptoms and confirm a diagnosis.

Management of radiation dermatitis in a patient after mastectomy.

Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing chemotherapy and radiation are at high risk of developing acute radiation dermatitis. The purpose of this case study is to explore an alternative topical therapy for skin toxicity in the post-radiation care of a patient with a history of breast cancer. The patient, a 54-year-old white female, was treated by modified radical mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation.

Skin toxicity during breast irradiation: pathophysiology and management.

Radiotherapy is a critical component in the treatment of breast cancer, a disease that is estimated to have affected 203,500 US women in 2002. According to the data from some series, an estimated 90% of patients treated with radiotherapy for breast cancer will develop a degree of radiation-induced dermatitis. This review describes the indications and techniques of radiotherapy for breast cancer.