Riya Baibhawi

Decoding Heart Emergencies: Cardiac Arrest Vs Heart Attack

Heart Health

The terms 'cardiac arrest' and 'heart attack' are often used interchangeably, but they refer to two distinct medical emergencies with different causes and treatments. Both conditions are life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Here, it is important to note that both emergencies are linked to Coronary Heart Diseases (CHD), which are responsible for 1 in every 3 deaths across the world. 

<h2>How Is A Heart Attack Different From A Cardiac Arrest? </h2>

<h2>Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)</h2>A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, typically by a blood clot in a coronary artery. This blockage prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching that part of the heart muscle, causing damage or eventual death of that muscle tissue. 

Common symptoms include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, and pain in the arm, back, or jaw. Symptoms can vary and may be less obvious in some individuals.

Treatment for a heart attack often involves medications to dissolve the clot, restore blood flow, or prevent further clots, along with procedures like angioplasty or stenting. Lifestyle changes and cardiac rehabilitation are also recommended for recovery.

<h2>Cardiac Arrest</h2>Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating effectively due to an electrical malfunction in the heart. This leads to a loss of heart rhythm (arrhythmia), such as ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia, and prevents the heart from pumping blood to the rest of the body.

Symptoms include sudden collapse, loss of consciousness, and absence of pulse or breathing. Cardiac arrest often occurs without warning and is an immediate medical emergency.

Immediate treatment involves cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation (using an automated external defibrillator or AED) to restore a normal heart rhythm. Prompt medical intervention is crucial for survival and recovery.

<table class="redcator-table-advance"><tbody><tr><td><strong>ASPECT</strong></td><td><strong>Cardiac Arrest</strong></td><td><strong>Heart Attack</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Definition</td><td>Sudden loss of heart function due to an electrical malfunction</td><td>Blockage of blood flow to a part of the heart muscle due to a blocked artery</td></tr><tr><td>Cause</td><td>Electrical malfunction in the heart's rhythm (arrhythmia) </td><td>Plaque buildup in the coronary arteries (atherosclerosis)</td></tr><tr><td>Symptoms</td><td>Sudden collapse, loss of consciousness, no pulse, no breathing </td><td>Chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, pain in arm or jaw</td></tr><tr><td>Onset</td><td>Immediate and abrupt; occurs suddenly without warning </td><td>Gradual; may start with mild symptoms that worsen over time</td></tr><tr><td>Immediate Treatment</td><td>Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation (if needed) </td><td>Medication to dissolve clots, angioplasty, or stent placement; sometimes surgery</td></tr><tr><td>Long-Term Management</td><td>Focus on addressing the underlying cause of arrhythmia, such as implantable defibrillators or medication </td><td>Lifestyle changes, medications, and possible surgical interventions to manage coronary artery disease</td></tr><tr><td>Prevention</td><td>Regular cardiovascular check-ups, managing risk factors, and addressing arrhythmias </td><td>Healthy diet, regular exercise, managing cholesterol and blood pressure, quitting smoking</td></tr><tr><td>Prognosis</td><td>High risk of sudden death if not treated immediately; survival often depends on prompt intervention </td><td>Varies; many people recover with treatment, though heart damage can occur if not treated promptly</td></tr></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody></table>

<h2>How Can You Prevent Heart Emergencies</h2>

Both heart attack and cardiac arrest can be caused due to Coronary or ischemic heart disease (CHD). Therefore, it is pivotal to maintain good heart health. Following are the precautionary tips you can use to prevent CHD, as per World Health Organization (WHO).

<strong>Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet: </strong>Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. Reduce intake of salty meats, processed foods, and sugary snacks. Opt for natural seasonings like calamansi juice and vinegar instead of high-sodium condiments, and drink water instead of sweetened beverages.

<strong>Manage Your Weight: </strong>Achieve and maintain a healthy weight by aiming for a BMI below 25 and reducing central obesity. Cutting 500 calories from your daily intake can help you lose about half to one kilogram per week.

<strong>Increase Physical Activity: </strong>Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, such as brisk walking or gardening. Regular physical activity helps manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight.

<strong>Avoid Tobacco: </strong>Refrain from smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke. Quitting tobacco reduces your risk of heart disease significantly over time.

<strong>Limit Alcohol Consumption: </strong>Although occasional drinking is common, avoid alcohol entirely to minimize cardiovascular risk. There is no safe level of alcohol consumption for heart health.

<strong>Monitor Blood Pressure and Sugar Levels: </strong>Regularly check your blood pressure and blood sugar with a healthcare provider. Unchecked high blood pressure can damage your heart. If diagnosed with hypertension or diabetes, adhere to your treatment plan and involve your loved ones in your health journey.

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The terms 'cardiac arrest' and 'heart attack' are often used interchangeably, but they refer to two distinct medical emergencies with different causes and treatments. Both conditions are life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Here, it is important to note that both emergencies are linked to Coronary Heart Diseases (CHD), which are responsible for 1 in every 3 deaths across the world. How Is A Heart Attack Different From A Cardiac Arrest? Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, typically by a blood clot in a coronary artery. This blockage prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching that part of the heart muscle, causing damage or eventual death of that muscle tissue. Common symptoms include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, and pain in the arm, back, or jaw. Symptoms can vary and may be less obvious in some individuals.Treatment for a heart attack often involves medications to dissolve the clot, restore blood flow, or prevent further clots, along with procedures like angioplasty or stenting. Lifestyle changes and cardiac rehabilitation are also recommended for recovery.Cardiac ArrestCardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating effectively due to an electrical malfunction in the heart. This leads to a loss of heart rhythm (arrhythmia), such as ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia, and prevents the heart from pumping blood to the rest of the body.Symptoms include sudden collapse, loss of consciousness, and absence of pulse or breathing. Cardiac arrest often occurs without warning and is an immediate medical emergency.Immediate treatment involves cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation (using an automated external defibrillator or AED) to restore a normal heart rhythm. Prompt medical intervention is crucial for survival and recovery.ASPECTCardiac ArrestHeart AttackDefinitionSudden loss of heart function due to an electrical malfunctionBlockage of blood flow to a part of the heart muscle due to a blocked arteryCauseElectrical malfunction in the heart's rhythm (arrhythmia) Plaque buildup in the coronary arteries (atherosclerosis)SymptomsSudden collapse, loss of consciousness, no pulse, no breathing Chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, pain in arm or jawOnsetImmediate and abrupt; occurs suddenly without warning Gradual; may start with mild symptoms that worsen over timeImmediate TreatmentCardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation (if needed) Medication to dissolve clots, angioplasty, or stent placement; sometimes surgeryLong-Term ManagementFocus on addressing the underlying cause of arrhythmia, such as implantable defibrillators or medication Lifestyle changes, medications, and possible surgical interventions to manage coronary artery diseasePreventionRegular cardiovascular check-ups, managing risk factors, and addressing arrhythmias Healthy diet, regular exercise, managing cholesterol and blood pressure, quitting smokingPrognosisHigh risk of sudden death if not treated immediately; survival often depends on prompt intervention Varies; many people recover with treatment, though heart damage can occur if not treated promptlyHow Can You Prevent Heart EmergenciesBoth heart attack and cardiac arrest can be caused due to Coronary or ischemic heart disease (CHD). Therefore, it is pivotal to maintain good heart health. Following are the precautionary tips you can use to prevent CHD, as per World Health Organization (WHO).Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. Reduce intake of salty meats, processed foods, and sugary snacks. Opt for natural seasonings like calamansi juice and vinegar instead of high-sodium condiments, and drink water instead of sweetened beverages.Manage Your Weight: Achieve and maintain a healthy weight by aiming for a BMI below 25 and reducing central obesity. Cutting 500 calories from your daily intake can help you lose about half to one kilogram per week.Increase Physical Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, such as brisk walking or gardening. Regular physical activity helps manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight.Avoid Tobacco: Refrain from smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke. Quitting tobacco reduces your risk of heart disease significantly over time.Limit Alcohol Consumption: Although occasional drinking is common, avoid alcohol entirely to minimize cardiovascular risk. There is no safe level of alcohol consumption for heart health.Monitor Blood Pressure and Sugar Levels: Regularly check your blood pressure and blood sugar with a healthcare provider. Unchecked high blood pressure can damage your heart. If diagnosed with hypertension or diabetes, adhere to your treatment plan and involve your loved ones in your health journey.

decoding heart emergencies: cardiac arrest vs heart attack

Health and Me

Supriya Ramesh

Credits: Canva

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When it comes to chronic diseases, your genes might have a say, but they are not everything. A massive review of 483 studies shows that seven everyday habits can seriously shrink your risk of developing long-term health problems, even if your DNA is not exactly on your side. These habits make up Life’s Simple 7, backed by the American Heart Association, and they do more than just protect your heart; they help pretty much your whole body run better.

If you smoke, stopping is hands down the best thing you can do for your health. Cigarettes do not just mess with your lungs; they quietly wreck your heart, blood vessels, and even your brain. The toxins cause chaos all over, raising your chances of everything from strokes to high <span>blood pressure</span>. But the good part is that the moment you stop, your body starts to bounce back.

Think of sitting too much like being stuck in slow traffic; every system gets backed up. Regular movement, even just 30 minutes a day five times a week, can make a real difference. It lifts your mood, improves your circulation, keeps your <span>blood sugar</span> steady, and helps with weight control. Whether you like dancing in your living room, cycling, or walking your dog around, just keep your body in motion.

No one is asking you to live off green vegetables. Just get more real food on your plate like fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins. These foods fight inflammation, fuel your metabolism, and keep blood sugar swings in check. Give up on unnecessary ingredients and sugar overloads. 

It is not about squeezing into skinny jeans. Carrying extra fat, especially around your waist, raises your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic issues. Managing your weight with good food and regular activity keeps pressure off your organs and helps dial down the kind of inflammation that quietly fuels disease.

High blood pressure rarely shows up with warning signs, but it can do real damage behind the scenes. It strains your heart, wears out your arteries, and messes with your kidneys. Staying in the healthy range often comes down to the basics like moving more, eating less salt, getting enough potassium, and managing stress where you can.

If your blood sugar runs high for too long, it starts harming everything from your nerves to your kidneys. A <span>healthy diet</span> and regular movement can keep it under control, even if diabetes runs in the family. Swap out white bread for whole grains, eat meals at regular times, and try not to include sugar in everything.

Not all cholesterol is evil, but the bad kind can clog up your arteries like gunk in a pipe. However, you can raise your good cholesterol and lower the bad with a few key choices, like eating more fibre, cutting back on saturated fats, and getting moving. The result is smoother circulation and a lower risk of heart problems.

You cannot pick your genes, but you can choose your habits. These seven lifestyle changes are a powerful strategy to delay or even prevent chronic diseases, regardless of hereditary risks. 

chronic disease

genetic risk

heart health

blood pressure

cholesterol

blood sugar

exercise

healthy diet

smoking cessation

When it comes to chronic diseases, your genes might have a say, but they are not everything. A massive review of 483 studies shows that seven everyday habits can seriously shrink your risk of developing long-term health problems, even if your DNA is not exactly on your side. These habits make up Life’s Simple 7, backed by the American Heart Association, and they do more than just protect your heart; they help pretty much your whole body run better.Here is how each one works:1. Quit SmokingIf you smoke, stopping is hands down the best thing you can do for your health. Cigarettes do not just mess with your lungs; they quietly wreck your heart, blood vessels, and even your brain. The toxins cause chaos all over, raising your chances of everything from strokes to high blood pressure. But the good part is that the moment you stop, your body starts to bounce back.2. Move MoreThink of sitting too much like being stuck in slow traffic; every system gets backed up. Regular movement, even just 30 minutes a day five times a week, can make a real difference. It lifts your mood, improves your circulation, keeps your blood sugar steady, and helps with weight control. Whether you like dancing in your living room, cycling, or walking your dog around, just keep your body in motion.3. Eat Nutritious Food No one is asking you to live off green vegetables. Just get more real food on your plate like fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins. These foods fight inflammation, fuel your metabolism, and keep blood sugar swings in check. Give up on unnecessary ingredients and sugar overloads. 4. Watch Your WeightIt is not about squeezing into skinny jeans. Carrying extra fat, especially around your waist, raises your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic issues. Managing your weight with good food and regular activity keeps pressure off your organs and helps dial down the kind of inflammation that quietly fuels disease.5. Keep Blood Pressure in CheckHigh blood pressure rarely shows up with warning signs, but it can do real damage behind the scenes. It strains your heart, wears out your arteries, and messes with your kidneys. Staying in the healthy range often comes down to the basics like moving more, eating less salt, getting enough potassium, and managing stress where you can.6. Steady That Blood SugarIf your blood sugar runs high for too long, it starts harming everything from your nerves to your kidneys. A healthy diet and regular movement can keep it under control, even if diabetes runs in the family. Swap out white bread for whole grains, eat meals at regular times, and try not to include sugar in everything.7. Mind Your CholesterolNot all cholesterol is evil, but the bad kind can clog up your arteries like gunk in a pipe. However, you can raise your good cholesterol and lower the bad with a few key choices, like eating more fibre, cutting back on saturated fats, and getting moving. The result is smoother circulation and a lower risk of heart problems.You cannot pick your genes, but you can choose your habits. These seven lifestyle changes are a powerful strategy to delay or even prevent chronic diseases, regardless of hereditary risks. 

these lifestyle tweaks can cut chronic disease risk, even with bad genes

Tanya Dutt

Diagnostic Anomaly: Rare Condition Turned Man’s Penis 'Rock Hard' Into Bone

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<em>Diagnostic Anomaly' is a Health And Me Series, where we dive deep into some of the rarest of <span rel="noindex">rare diseases</span>. Here, we trace such diseases and what causes them. We also try to bring case studies around the same.</em>

It started with what seemed like a routine emergency room visit. A man in his 60s walked in after falling on his backside, complaining of knee pain. But when he also mentioned discomfort in his groin, doctors decided to investigate further. What they found stunned even seasoned physicians: X-rays revealed bone formation inside his penis.

This extraordinary case led to a diagnosis of penile ossification, a rare and majorly understood medical anomaly where bone forms within the soft tissue of the penis. Only about 40 of such cases have ever been documented in medical literature. The condition, while rare, is a window into the complex play between chronic inflammation, metabolic disorders, and tissue response in the human body.

<h2><span rel="noindex">What Is Penile Ossification</span>?</h2>

Penile ossification is the development of 'extraskeletal' bone tissue within the shaft of the penis. Unlike the baculum, a penile bone found in many mammals including dogs, bats and gorillas humans do not have a natural penile bone. So when ossification occurs in human males, it is considered a pathological response, not a biological norm.

This abnormal process typically results from metaplasia, a condition in which one type of tissue transforms into another as an adaptive, but misguided, response to chronic stress or injury. In this case, soft connective tissues in the penis begin to harden and calcify, forming actual bone.

<h2>How It Is Linked to Peyronie’s Disease?</h2>

In many cases, penile ossification has been associated with Peyronie’s disease, a condition that causes fibrous scar tissue to develop inside the penis. This scar tissue can lead to curvature during erections, discomfort, and even sexual dysfunction. In the current case, while the patient declined follow-up and a complete diagnostic workup, physicians suspected Peyronie’s disease may have contributed to the ossification process.

Peyronie’s disease affects about 1 in 10 men, primarily between the ages of 40 and 70, and its exact cause is still debated. It’s thought to develop following trauma—either acute or from repetitive microtrauma—that causes bleeding and inflammation inside the penis. The body tries to heal this damage with scar tissue, and in rare cases, this process can spiral into ossification.

While Peyronie’s is a common thread in reported cases of penile ossification, it's not the only one. Researchers have linked the condition to:

<ul><li>End-stage renal disease, which can cause calcium-phosphate imbalances.</li><li>Metabolic disorders, including diabetes.</li><li>Repeated trauma, either from accidents, certain sexual activities, or aggressive treatments.</li><li>Chronic inflammation, possibly from autoimmune issues or infections.</li></ul>

Any of these conditions can prime soft tissue to start calcifying, setting the stage for ossification.

In this case, however, physicians were left in the dark. The patient left the hospital against medical advice and did not return for further evaluation. That means key tests—such as blood work to assess calcium levels, kidney function, and inflammation markers—were never performed. As a result, the exact cause of his penile bone formation remains unknown.

<h2>How Does It Present, and What Does It Feel Like?</h2>

Men with penile ossification often report painful erections, difficulty during intercourse, and significant psychological distress. Some describe their penis as feeling abnormally rigid or even "like bone," which, as this case illustrates, may not be a metaphor. Curvature can become extreme—approaching 90 degrees in some documented cases—and may not respond to conservative treatments like verapamil injections or physical therapy.

This is not just a sexual or cosmetic concern. In many cases, the condition severely impairs quality of life, making intimacy difficult or impossible and leading to emotional distress, depression, and anxiety.

<h2>How Is Penile Ossification Diagnosed?</h2>

Because the condition is so rare, misdiagnosis is common. Penile ossification may initially be mistaken for calcified plaques, common in Peyronie’s, or even dismissed as a psychological issue. However, pelvic X-rays or penile ultrasound can clearly show the presence of bony structures within the penis. CT scans and MRI may be used in more advanced cases to assess the extent of ossification.

In this patient’s case, the diagnosis came almost by accident—an X-ray taken to assess potential fractures in the pelvis ended up capturing the penile bone formation.

<h2>Treatment and Managing the Physical and Emotional Burden</h2>

Treatment for penile ossification depends on severity and cause. If the bone formation is limited and not causing significant distress, conservative management may include:

<ul><li>Topical anti-inflammatories</li><li>Oral pain relievers</li><li>Steroid or verapamil injections</li></ul>

In more advanced cases, shockwave therapy—using focused sonic waves to break down hardened tissue—may offer relief. Surgical intervention, including penile reconstruction or prosthesis, might be considered when curvature or ossification causes severe dysfunction.

That said, treatment outcomes vary. And because so few cases exist, there's limited consensus on best practices. What’s clear is that patients benefit from a multidisciplinary approach, involving urologists, endocrinologists, and mental health professionals.

Although penile ossification is rare, it's likely underdiagnosed, especially among men who delay seeking help due to embarrassment, stigma, or misinformation. Recognizing the early signs—such as painful erections or significant curvature—can help men get diagnosed sooner, before the ossification worsens.

It’s also a reminder that the body can respond to injury in unexpected ways. Something as seemingly routine as a fall, combined with underlying health issues, may trigger a rare and life-altering condition. For physicians, this case underscores the importance of listening carefully to patient complaints, even those that seem tangential to the original reason for a visit.

The patient who walked into the ER that day may never know what caused the bone to grow in his penis. And since he opted out of treatment, we may never know how his condition progressed. But his case joins a short list of documented penile ossification instances, each one helping to shed light on a condition that many doctors have never seen—and many patients never knew existed.

As research continues and awareness grows, the hope is that men suffering from this painful and rare condition can find answers, support, and a path to recovery that respects both their physical and emotional well-being because in medicine, even the rarest cases matter.

rare diseases

penile ossification case

rare bone condition

ossified penis

what is penile ossification

unusual medical case

penile calcification

bone growth in penis

rock hard

Diagnostic Anomaly' is a Health And Me Series, where we dive deep into some of the rarest of rare diseases. Here, we trace such diseases and what causes them. We also try to bring case studies around the same.It started with what seemed like a routine emergency room visit. A man in his 60s walked in after falling on his backside, complaining of knee pain. But when he also mentioned discomfort in his groin, doctors decided to investigate further. What they found stunned even seasoned physicians: X-rays revealed bone formation inside his penis.This extraordinary case led to a diagnosis of penile ossification, a rare and majorly understood medical anomaly where bone forms within the soft tissue of the penis. Only about 40 of such cases have ever been documented in medical literature. The condition, while rare, is a window into the complex play between chronic inflammation, metabolic disorders, and tissue response in the human body.What Is Penile Ossification?Penile ossification is the development of 'extraskeletal' bone tissue within the shaft of the penis. Unlike the baculum, a penile bone found in many mammals including dogs, bats and gorillas humans do not have a natural penile bone. So when ossification occurs in human males, it is considered a pathological response, not a biological norm.This abnormal process typically results from metaplasia, a condition in which one type of tissue transforms into another as an adaptive, but misguided, response to chronic stress or injury. In this case, soft connective tissues in the penis begin to harden and calcify, forming actual bone.How It Is Linked to Peyronie’s Disease?In many cases, penile ossification has been associated with Peyronie’s disease, a condition that causes fibrous scar tissue to develop inside the penis. This scar tissue can lead to curvature during erections, discomfort, and even sexual dysfunction. In the current case, while the patient declined follow-up and a complete diagnostic workup, physicians suspected Peyronie’s disease may have contributed to the ossification process.Peyronie’s disease affects about 1 in 10 men, primarily between the ages of 40 and 70, and its exact cause is still debated. It’s thought to develop following trauma—either acute or from repetitive microtrauma—that causes bleeding and inflammation inside the penis. The body tries to heal this damage with scar tissue, and in rare cases, this process can spiral into ossification.Triggers for OssificationWhile Peyronie’s is a common thread in reported cases of penile ossification, it's not the only one. Researchers have linked the condition to:End-stage renal disease, which can cause calcium-phosphate imbalances.Metabolic disorders, including diabetes.Repeated trauma, either from accidents, certain sexual activities, or aggressive treatments.Chronic inflammation, possibly from autoimmune issues or infections.Any of these conditions can prime soft tissue to start calcifying, setting the stage for ossification.In this case, however, physicians were left in the dark. The patient left the hospital against medical advice and did not return for further evaluation. That means key tests—such as blood work to assess calcium levels, kidney function, and inflammation markers—were never performed. As a result, the exact cause of his penile bone formation remains unknown.How Does It Present, and What Does It Feel Like?Men with penile ossification often report painful erections, difficulty during intercourse, and significant psychological distress. Some describe their penis as feeling abnormally rigid or even "like bone," which, as this case illustrates, may not be a metaphor. Curvature can become extreme—approaching 90 degrees in some documented cases—and may not respond to conservative treatments like verapamil injections or physical therapy.This is not just a sexual or cosmetic concern. In many cases, the condition severely impairs quality of life, making intimacy difficult or impossible and leading to emotional distress, depression, and anxiety.How Is Penile Ossification Diagnosed?Because the condition is so rare, misdiagnosis is common. Penile ossification may initially be mistaken for calcified plaques, common in Peyronie’s, or even dismissed as a psychological issue. However, pelvic X-rays or penile ultrasound can clearly show the presence of bony structures within the penis. CT scans and MRI may be used in more advanced cases to assess the extent of ossification.In this patient’s case, the diagnosis came almost by accident—an X-ray taken to assess potential fractures in the pelvis ended up capturing the penile bone formation.Treatment and Managing the Physical and Emotional BurdenTreatment for penile ossification depends on severity and cause. If the bone formation is limited and not causing significant distress, conservative management may include:Topical anti-inflammatoriesOral pain relieversSteroid or verapamil injectionsIn more advanced cases, shockwave therapy—using focused sonic waves to break down hardened tissue—may offer relief. Surgical intervention, including penile reconstruction or prosthesis, might be considered when curvature or ossification causes severe dysfunction.That said, treatment outcomes vary. And because so few cases exist, there's limited consensus on best practices. What’s clear is that patients benefit from a multidisciplinary approach, involving urologists, endocrinologists, and mental health professionals.Although penile ossification is rare, it's likely underdiagnosed, especially among men who delay seeking help due to embarrassment, stigma, or misinformation. Recognizing the early signs—such as painful erections or significant curvature—can help men get diagnosed sooner, before the ossification worsens.It’s also a reminder that the body can respond to injury in unexpected ways. Something as seemingly routine as a fall, combined with underlying health issues, may trigger a rare and life-altering condition. For physicians, this case underscores the importance of listening carefully to patient complaints, even those that seem tangential to the original reason for a visit.The patient who walked into the ER that day may never know what caused the bone to grow in his penis. And since he opted out of treatment, we may never know how his condition progressed. But his case joins a short list of documented penile ossification instances, each one helping to shed light on a condition that many doctors have never seen—and many patients never knew existed.As research continues and awareness grows, the hope is that men suffering from this painful and rare condition can find answers, support, and a path to recovery that respects both their physical and emotional well-being because in medicine, even the rarest cases matter.

diagnostic anomaly: rare condition turned man’s penis 'rock hard' into bone

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It is true that <span>lung cancer</span> is commonly seen among smokers. About 85 per cent of all lung cancers are directly related to tobacco use, especially smoking. However, nearly 10–20 per cent of lung cancers each year occur in people who have never smoked or who have smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime.

It is also the fifth most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Even if you have never smoked in your life, there is a possibility that you may still get lung cancer. While smoking has traditionally been seen as the leading culprit, other risk factors are increasingly being recognised.

<strong>Pollution, Family History and Hidden Risks</strong>

“We have seen that there are many other factors which may lead to the development of lung cancers. The most important ones are <span>air pollution</span>, especially in Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent," says Dr Kamran Ali, Principal Consultant, Lung Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi. He explains that pollutants from vehicles and industry, such as benzene and heavy metals, can contribute to lung cancer risk.

Long-term exposure to polluted air may cause persistent inflammation in the lungs, weakening the immune system and making it easier for cancer cells to grow. He warns about exposure to <span>radon gas</span>, which is found in soil and can sometimes creep into homes.

Long-term exposure to second-hand smoking or third-hand smoking also increases risk, says Dr Ali, pointing out that many people underestimate these dangers. He adds that genetic susceptibility also plays a role: "If your parents have lung cancer or your sibling has lung cancer, it does increase the risk of lung cancer for you as well.”

He also explains a lesser-known cancer, saying, “There is a separate intake entity called mesothelioma which arises from the surface of the lung. It is not from the lung itself. It is from the surface of it which is associated with asbestos.” Although asbestos is now banned, it was previously used in roofing and packaging industries. Dr Ali cautions against exposure to other heavy metals like chromium.

<strong>How Non-Smoker Lung Cancer Differs</strong>

Non-smoker lung cancers are slightly different from smokers’ lung cancers. “Classically, non-smokers’ lung cancer is usually an <span>adenocarcinoma</span>, which is found in the outer third of the lung surface,” he explains, adding that it often presents more vaguely than smoking-related cancers: “It also presents as a vague or a diffuse involvement of the lung rather than like a nodule or a mass.”

Dr Ali says it is typically slow-growing and less likely to spread to other parts of the body compared to lung cancer in smokers.

<strong>Watch for the Silent Signs</strong>

So lung cancer is a silent killer. If you have symptoms like a cough that worsens over time or a cough that does not go away, blood while you cough, unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, or chest pain, you need to consult your local <span>thoracic surgeon</span>. The expert stresses that <span>early detection</span> is critical for effective treatment.

<strong>Prevention Starts with Awareness</strong>

To lower your risk, Dr Ali shares these preventive measures:

<ul><li>Refrain from venturing out of your house when the air pollution level is in a severe state outside.</li><li>If necessary to go outside, use an N95 mask in polluted areas.</li><li>You should use air purifiers indoors to filter out harmful particles.</li><li>Incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet.</li><li>Drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated.</li><li>You can practise some appropriate breathing exercises to enhance your lung function.</li><li>If you have a strong family history of lung cancer, you must meet a thoracic surgeon or oncologist to get yourself evaluated.</li></ul>

lung cancer

non smokers

air pollution

second hand smoke

adenocarcinoma

early detection

thoracic surgeon

radon gas

asbestos exposure

It is true that lung cancer is commonly seen among smokers. About 85 per cent of all lung cancers are directly related to tobacco use, especially smoking. However, nearly 10–20 per cent of lung cancers each year occur in people who have never smoked or who have smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime.It is also the fifth most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Even if you have never smoked in your life, there is a possibility that you may still get lung cancer. While smoking has traditionally been seen as the leading culprit, other risk factors are increasingly being recognised.Pollution, Family History and Hidden Risks“We have seen that there are many other factors which may lead to the development of lung cancers. The most important ones are air pollution, especially in Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent," says Dr Kamran Ali, Principal Consultant, Lung Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi. He explains that pollutants from vehicles and industry, such as benzene and heavy metals, can contribute to lung cancer risk.Long-term exposure to polluted air may cause persistent inflammation in the lungs, weakening the immune system and making it easier for cancer cells to grow. He warns about exposure to radon gas, which is found in soil and can sometimes creep into homes.Long-term exposure to second-hand smoking or third-hand smoking also increases risk, says Dr Ali, pointing out that many people underestimate these dangers. He adds that genetic susceptibility also plays a role: "If your parents have lung cancer or your sibling has lung cancer, it does increase the risk of lung cancer for you as well.”He also explains a lesser-known cancer, saying, “There is a separate intake entity called mesothelioma which arises from the surface of the lung. It is not from the lung itself. It is from the surface of it which is associated with asbestos.” Although asbestos is now banned, it was previously used in roofing and packaging industries. Dr Ali cautions against exposure to other heavy metals like chromium.How Non-Smoker Lung Cancer DiffersNon-smoker lung cancers are slightly different from smokers’ lung cancers. “Classically, non-smokers’ lung cancer is usually an adenocarcinoma, which is found in the outer third of the lung surface,” he explains, adding that it often presents more vaguely than smoking-related cancers: “It also presents as a vague or a diffuse involvement of the lung rather than like a nodule or a mass.”Dr Ali says it is typically slow-growing and less likely to spread to other parts of the body compared to lung cancer in smokers.Watch for the Silent SignsSo lung cancer is a silent killer. If you have symptoms like a cough that worsens over time or a cough that does not go away, blood while you cough, unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, or chest pain, you need to consult your local thoracic surgeon. The expert stresses that early detection is critical for effective treatment.Prevention Starts with AwarenessTo lower your risk, Dr Ali shares these preventive measures:Refrain from venturing out of your house when the air pollution level is in a severe state outside.If necessary to go outside, use an N95 mask in polluted areas.You should use air purifiers indoors to filter out harmful particles.Incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet.Drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated.You can practise some appropriate breathing exercises to enhance your lung function.If you have a strong family history of lung cancer, you must meet a thoracic surgeon or oncologist to get yourself evaluated.

lung cancer is not just a smoker’s disease; here is what is putting you at risk

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