From tackling persistent verrucas to ominous cancer screenings, Dr Jeff answers your health questions
DR JEFF FOSTER is The Sun on Sunday’s GP and is here to help YOU.
dr jeff, The 43-year-old divides his time between working as a GP in Leamington Spa, Warks, and running his H3 Health clinic, which is the first of its kind in the UK to deal with hormonal issues in both men and women.
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See h3health.co.uk and email drjeff@the-sun.co.uk.
Q: I have had a wart on my foot for more than a year. I’ve tried over the counter products but they didn’t help.
My GP doesn’t freeze them. What can I do? I am a 55 year old man.
Mark Crowther, Bermondsey, London
A: Warts are caused by a viral infection affecting a specific area of the skin layer, resulting in a warty appearance.
They often persist for several years, can spread to other areas, and are stubborn to treat.
Most over-the-counter treatments have had limited success. If they are particularly bothersome, we recommend patients see a podiatrist.
Verruca treatments are not generally covered by the NHS. Available options include localized freezing or heat therapies, which are more successful than over-the-counter treatments
Q: THREE weeks ago, my doctor ordered me to have a blood test that showed high levels of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA).
An examination found that I had an enlarged prostate. So I was sent for an MRI scan, an ultrasound scan of my kidneys and a cystoscopy, which was never discussed with me.
I have told my GP and the specialist that I have no problems and everything is as usual. i am 52
If I’m not having problems, why are all these tests necessary? There is a family history of prostate cancer but I have been led to believe it is not inherited.
John Walker, Hull
A: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men (next to skin cancer) and if we live long enough we will all get it.
The prostate specific antigen test is a non-specific blood test that we use to find out if someone may have an abnormal prostate. The problem with this is that he is unable to distinguish between an inflamed, enlarged or cancerous prostate.
As such, the PSA test is not used as the NHS’s national screening programme.
This does not mean that the PSA test does not matter, but rather that we must carefully interpret the results.
Many patients with early-stage prostate cancer may have elevated PSA but have no symptoms because the cancer has not yet spread outside of the prostate itself and caused secondary complications.
The reason for having all of these tests now, even if you’re feeling well, is to make sure you’re getting prostate cancer caught early enough so that treatment is more likely.
The earlier you detect cancer, the better the outcome.