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Tiger mosquitoes blamed for spread of dengue fever: ‘Most invasive species’

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Tiger mosquitoes blamed for spread of dengue fever: ‘Most invasive species’

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As dengue fever continues to spread throughout Europe, experts are blaming an invasive mosquito species as the culprit.

Known as “tiger mosquitoes,” the insects — of the species name Aedes albopictus — have spread into 13 EU countries, according to an alert from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

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Elitza Theel, PhD, director of Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Minnesota, confirmed that tiger mosquitoes are a “known vector” for dengue virus and can transmit the virus to individuals who have not previously been infected.

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“This mosquito species is concerning for a number of reasons, including that it is considered the most invasive species in the world,” she told Fox News Digital.

“Although typically considered a tropical mosquito, it is able to survive in cooler climates.”

Tiger mosquitoes — the species Aedes albopictus — have spread into 13 EU countries, according to an alert from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. (iStock)

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The mosquito species is moving further and further north globally as temperatures grow warmer, the expert said. 

“Tiger mosquitoes are also rather aggressive, biting both humans and animals at any time of the day, rather than just at dawn or dusk, which is typical of other mosquito species,” Theel warned.

Health officials claimed that climate change is one of the factors contributing to the spread of these insects.

UNDERSTANDING THE SEVERITY OF THE MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASE DENGUE

“Europe is already seeing how climate change is creating more favorable conditions for invasive mosquitoes to spread into previously unaffected areas and infect more people with diseases such as dengue,” said Andrea Ammon, ECDC director, in a press release from the agency.

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“Increased international travel from dengue-endemic countries will also increase the risk of imported cases, and inevitably also the risk of local outbreaks,” she continued. 

“This mosquito species is concerning for a number of reasons.”

“Personal protective measures combined with vector control measures, early detection of cases, timely surveillance, further research and awareness-raising activities are paramount in those areas in Europe most at risk.”

What is dengue fever?

Dengue fever is a virus spread through bites from an infected mosquito. 

It is common in the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Islands, among other countries, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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Each year, up to 400 million people are infected, the CDC said.

There is a vaccine available for U.S. children between 9 and 16 years of age who have previously tested positive for dengue and are living in areas where the infection is common.  (iStock)

Typical symptoms include aches and pains (in the eyes, muscles, joints or bones), nausea, vomiting and rash, usually experienced within two weeks of being bitten.

Most people experience symptoms for two to seven days before recovering.

“It’s typically a more mild illness, but can be severe, causing headaches, joint pain, fever, abdominal pain and even death,” Dr. Mark Fischer, regional medical director of International SOS, a leading medical and security services company, told Fox News Digital. 

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MYSTERIOUS ILLNESS TRIGGERED BY TICK BITE COULD AFFECT THOUSANDS, YET MANY DOCTORS ARE UNAWARE OF IT

“One of the reasons for the higher rate of infection is due to the fact that the tiger mosquito, the carrier of dengue, has adapted to living in urban environments and alongside humans,” said Pennsylvania-based Fischer.

There is not currently a medication to treat dengue, the CDC noted. 

“This species … has established populations in several [U.S.] states.”

Infected people are advised to rest, take acetaminophen for pain and fever, stay hydrated and see a doctor.

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There is a vaccine available for U.S. children between 9 and 16 years of age who have previously tested positive for dengue and are living in areas where the infection is common. 

Dengue fever in the US

While dengue fever is most prevalent in the tropics and subtropics, experts warn that it’s also rising globally.

“Based on information from the National Invasive Species Information Center, this species of mosquito was first identified in the United States in 1985 and has established populations in several states,” Fischer told Fox News Digital.

Typical symptoms include aches and pains (in the eyes, muscles, joints or bones), nausea, vomiting and rash, usually experienced within two weeks of being bitten by an infected mosquito. (iStock)

There does not currently seem to be an immediate threat of tiger mosquitoes to the U.S., however, noted Fischer.

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“That said, with climate change affecting the globe and tiger mosquitoes thriving in warm temperatures and in urban cities, it is possible that they can become an increasing danger in the coming months and years,” he said.

In 2024, there were 1,984 dengue cases in the U.S., according to CDC data.

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Most of those were reported by people who had been infected outside the country before returning.

“Although this species of mosquito is currently found in the U.S., at present it is considered a nuisance mosquito, because the viruses it is competent to transmit are not circulating or endemic in the United States,” Theel said.

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Other risks of mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are considered the world’s deadliest animal because they transmit so many dangerous pathogens, with dengue being the most common — “over 390 million infections annually worldwide,” Theel noted.

While dengue is one of the “most concerning viral pathogens” that mosquitoes transmit, Theel warned that they also transmit malaria, which causes over 240 million infections each year and remains a serious problem in Africa and regions of southeast Asia. 

Mosquitoes are considered the world’s deadliest animal because they transmit so many dangerous pathogens. Dengue is the most common — “over 390 million infections annually worldwide,” one expert noted. (iStock)

“These mosquitoes can also transmit other viruses, like Chikungunya virus and Zika virus, to humans — and dirofilaria, a parasitic nematode, to both dogs and humans,” she said.

“The West Nile Virus, St. Louis Encephalitis virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus are some of the mosquito-borne viruses that we are concerned with annually in the U.S., all of which can lead to severe neurologic disease and sequelae,” Theel added.

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“Each year, one million people die from mosquito-related illness, so these insects do pose a serious threat to global health.”

Depending on where in the world they reside, some people may be more at risk for some of these illnesses than others, said Fischer. 

“It is important to check your local government resources to see which, if any, of these diseases you may be most susceptible to and make sure you are taking proper precautions to avoid mosquito-borne illness,” he advised.

“Each year, one million people die from mosquito-related illness, so these insects do pose a serious threat to global health.”

Prevention of mosquito-borne disease

In its alert, the ECDC called for “efficient but eco-friendly tools to manage mosquito populations” and recommended “removing stagnant water in gardens or balconies where mosquitoes breed.”

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“It’s important to wear insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin or lemon and eucalyptus oil, as these ingredients are the most effective at repelling mosquitoes and other insects,” Fischer advised. 

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“Those who live in areas with mosquito populations should try to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially at dusk and in the evening, when mosquitoes are most active, to avoid getting bitten on exposed skin.”

Keeping screens on windows and doors is also a good way to prevent insects from entering and potentially causing the spread of disease, he said. 

Individuals should always use EPA-registered insect repellent when outdoors in areas where mosquitoes and ticks are prevalent, an expert advised. (iStock)

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“If you live in an area that has a high level of mosquito-borne diseases, you should use mosquito nets when sleeping and eliminate any standing water in and around the home, since still bodies of water are breeding grounds for the insects,” Fischer recommended.

                               

“Individuals should always use EPA-registered insect repellent when outdoors in areas where mosquitoes and ticks are prevalent — particularly at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active,” Theel recommended. 

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“If camping or spending prolonged time outdoors and in forested areas, individuals could consider treating their clothing with permethrin to repel insects as well.”

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Health

Common pain relievers may raise heart disease and stroke risk, doctors warn

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Common pain relievers may raise heart disease and stroke risk, doctors warn

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Many might assume that over-the-counter (OTC) medications are generally safer than stronger prescription drugs, but research shows they can still present risks for some.

Certain common OTC painkillers have been linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart attacks.

Potential risk of NSAIDs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — which are used to reduce pain, fever and inflammation — have been pinpointed as the class of medicines most linked to elevated cardiovascular risk.

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“This is because they reduce the production of certain chemicals called prostaglandins,” Maryam Jowza, M.D., an anesthesiologist at UNC Health in North Carolina, told Fox News Digital. “These chemicals are involved in inflammation, but they are also involved in other body functions, such as influencing the tone of blood vessels.”

Certain common OTC painkillers have been linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart attacks. (iStock)

Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, echoed the potential risk of NSAIDs. 

“They can lead to high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke via fluid retention and salt retention,” he told Fox News Digital. “This increases volume, puts a strain on the heart and raises blood pressure.”

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Common examples of NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, diclofenac, indomethacin and celecoxib.

Randomized trials found that ibuprofen caused the biggest spikes in blood pressure, followed by naproxen and then celecoxib. 

“In general, the increase in blood pressure is more likely with higher doses and longer duration of treatment,” said Jowza, who is also an associate professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at the UNC School of Medicine.

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NSAIDs can also increase stroke risk, especially at high doses and with long-term use, the doctor added. 

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Diclofenac was linked to the highest cardiovascular risk, the doctor cautioned. Ibuprofen can also raise blood pressure and has been associated with a higher heart attack and stroke risk, but not as high as diclofenac. Naproxen carries a lower cardiovascular risk than ibuprofen or diclofenac, but is not entirely risk-free.

NSAIDs have been pinpointed as the class of medicines most linked to elevated cardiovascular risk. (iStock)

“The practical takeaway is that diclofenac is generally the least favorable choice in patients with elevated cardiovascular risk, and all NSAIDs should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration,” Dr. Nayan Patel, pharmacist and founder of Auro Wellness in Southern California, told Fox News Digital.

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Aspirin is an exception — although it is an NSAID, it actually reduces the risk of clots when taken at a low dose for prevention, under a doctor’s guidance. However, it can increase bleeding risk and blood pressure at high doses.

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Non-NSAIDs safer, but not risk-free

Non-NSAID pain relievers are commonly used for everyday aches, headaches and fever, but not swelling. They act mainly on the brain’s pain signals, not inflammation, according to medical experts.

Acetaminophen, the most common non-NSAID pain reliever, is also linked to an increase in blood pressure, although to a lesser extent, according to Jowza. 

“All NSAIDs should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration.”

“Acetaminophen was once thought to have little to no cardiovascular effects, but more recent evidence suggests it can increase blood pressure, especially with higher doses used in the long term,” she said, emphasizing the importance of blood pressure monitoring. “Its effect on stroke risk is less clear.”

Which groups are most vulnerable?

The groups at greatest risk, according to doctors, are those with existing health conditions, such as high blood pressure, prior stroke or heart disease, diabetes or kidney problems.

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“These groups are also more likely to experience NSAID-related fluid retention and destabilization of blood pressure control,” Patel said.

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Cardiovascular risk is generally higher for people 75 and older, the doctors agreed.

“Age amplifies risk largely because baseline cardiovascular risk increases with age, and kidney function reserve tends to decline,” Patel said. “Older adults are also more likely to be on antihypertensives, diuretics, antiplatelets or anticoagulants, so NSAIDs can destabilize blood pressure control and add safety complexity.”

Warning signs

Anyone experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness or numbness, severe headache, confusion, slurred speech or vision changes should see a doctor immediately, Jowza advised.

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“These symptoms can point to a heart attack or stroke,” she warned. “Other symptoms of concern that may not develop as rapidly, like new swelling in the legs, should also prompt medical attention.”

Anyone experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness or numbness, severe headache, confusion, slurred speech or vision changes should see a doctor immediately, a doctor advised. (iStock)

“Patients should also seek medical advice if they notice signs of fluid retention or kidney stress, such as rapidly rising blood pressure, swelling in the legs, sudden weight gain over a few days, reduced urine output or worsening shortness of breath,” Patel added.

Safer alternatives

For those at higher risk, Patel recommends non-NSAID approaches whenever possible. 

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“For many patients, this means starting with non-drug strategies such as heat or ice, physical therapy and activity modification,” he told Fox News Digital. “If medication is needed, acetaminophen is generally preferred over oral NSAIDs from a cardiovascular standpoint, although regular use should still be monitored in people with hypertension.”

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For localized joint or muscle pain, the doctor said topical NSAIDs can offer “meaningful relief” with “far lower” risk.

“Overall, pain management in high-risk patients should emphasize targeted therapy, conservative dosing and close blood pressure monitoring.”

Bottom line

The doctors emphasized that the overall risk is “very low” for people taking OTC pain relievers on a short-term basis, but it rises with long-term, high-dose use.

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“I would not hesitate to use an occasional dose if it were a low-risk individual with no prior history of heart attack or stroke,” Jowza said. “I also think short-term use in diabetics and hypertensives who are well-controlled is acceptable.”

Although aspirin is an NSAID, it actually reduces the risk of clots when taken at a low dose for prevention, under a doctor’s guidance. (iStock)

For those taking NSAIDs, the doctor suggested using “guard rails” — such as regularly testing blood pressure and kidney function, and setting limits on dosing — to make treatment as safe as possible.

Patel agreed that for most healthy individuals, occasional NSAID use “does not carry a meaningful cardiovascular risk.”

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“The concern is primarily with repeated or chronic use, higher doses, and use in people with underlying cardiovascular, kidney or blood pressure conditions,” he confirmed to Fox News Digital.

“That said, large population studies show that cardiovascular events can occur early after starting NSAIDs, particularly at higher doses, which is why even short-term use should be approached cautiously in higher-risk patients.”  

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Flu hospitalizations hit all-time weekly high in densely populated state, officials warn

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Flu hospitalizations hit all-time weekly high in densely populated state, officials warn

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The New York State Department of Health has announced the highest number of flu hospitalizations recorded in a single week.

The state confirmed the uptick in hospital visits in a press release on Jan. 2, as flu cases continue to rise in the region and nationwide.

New York State, including New York City, has consistently tracked the highest numbers of recorded respiratory illness cases in the country for the last few weeks, according to CDC data. Several other states have climbed to the “very high” category for respiratory activity as well, as of the week ending Dec. 27.

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The most recent data from the New York health department showed a total of 4,546 hospitalizations from Dec. 26, 2025, to Jan. 2, 2026 – a week-over-week increase of nearly 1,000. The prior week, the department announced the highest number of flu cases ever recorded in a single seven-day period.

The New York State Department of Health reported a total of 4,546 hospitalizations from Dec. 26, 2025, to Jan. 2, 2026. (iStock)

In a statement, New York’s Acting Commissioner of Health Dr. James McDonald noted the severity of this flu season compared to previous years.

“Almost 1,000 more people were admitted to a hospital during this most recent seven-day period compared to the prior week,” he confirmed. “There is still time to get a flu shot, and remember, flu can be treated with antiviral medication if started within 48 hours of symptom onset [as] your doctor deems appropriate.”

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Health officials are pushing for Americans to consider getting the flu vaccine, as experts consider it to be a top line of defense for preventing viral exposure and spread.

Flu symptoms can include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat and runny nose. (iStock)

In a previous interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Neil Maniar, professor of public health practice at Boston’s Northeastern University, emphasized that it’s not too late to get the flu vaccine, as peak season typically occurs in January.

“The vaccine still provides protection against serious illness resulting from the subclade K variant that seems to be going around,” he said.

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Even healthy individuals can become seriously ill from the flu, Maniar noted, “so a vaccine is beneficial for almost everyone.”

“Individuals typically start to develop some degree of protection within a few days and gain the full benefit within about two weeks, so now is the time for anyone who hasn’t gotten the vaccine yet.”

“The vaccine still provides protection against serious illness resulting from the subclade K variant that seems to be going around,” one doctor said. (iStock)

Flu symptoms can include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat and runny nose.

A mutation of influenza A H3N2, called subclade K, has been detected as the culprit in rising global cases, causing more intense symptoms and higher risk of spread.

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“It’s becoming evident that this is a pretty severe variant of the flu,” Maniar said. “Certainly, in other parts of the world where this variant has been prevalent, it’s caused some severe illness, and we’re seeing an aggressive flu season already.”

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New York State recommends taking preventive actions to avoid flu infection. These include washing hands often; avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth; avoiding close contact with sick people; cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces; and staying home when feeling sick.

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Not all cancers should be treated right away, medical experts say — here’s why

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When someone gets a cancer diagnosis, the initial reaction is usually to undergo treatment as quickly as possible — but for some types of disease, doctors may recommend a more conservative approach.

For certain cancers, immediate or aggressive treatment can cause more harm than good, according to multiple medical experts.

For example, treating slow-growing tumors with surgery, radiation or chemotherapy could create significant side effects without a survival benefit.

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“The fact that so many cancers will never kill you is not a justification for not knowing, because there is still plenty of room for ‘watchful waiting,’ as well as interventions that may improve quality of life even if they don’t extend life,” Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, told Fox News Digital.

This is especially true as targeted cancer treatments emerge, which are more personalized and less likely to cause severe side effects, according to the doctor.

For precancerous, very early-stage breast conditions, careful monitoring may be more prudent than immediate surgery, research shows. (iStock)

“The fact that cancers are occurring earlier is a justification for heightened screenings, not the opposite,” Siegel added. “Information is power — what you do with that information is based on clinical judgment and the art of medicine.”

Below are some types of cancer that may not warrant treatment, according to research and doctors’ guidance.

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No. 1: Prostate cancer (low-risk)

While some types of prostate cancer should be treated right away, others are better addressed by “watchful waiting,” according to Sanoj Punnen, M.D., a urologic oncologist with Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Health System. 

“With respect to prostate cancer, for most low-risk cancers (Gleason 6 or grade group 1), we recommend initial observation and surveillance rather than immediate treatment,” he told Fox News Digital.

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The Gleason score is a grading system that ranks prostate cancer cells in terms of how abnormal they are, with 6 being the lowest grade and 10 being the highest grade (barely resembling normal cells).

“For high-grade tumors like Gleason 8, 9 or 10, we believe they progress quickly, so we recommend treatment to prevent the risk of metastasis,” said Punnen, who is also vice chair of research and a professor with the Desai Sethi Urology Institute at UHealth. “For low-risk tumors, we think they pose little risk, so we recommend just observation.”

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“The fact that cancers are occurring earlier is a justification for heightened screenings, not the opposite.”

“But in the end, we can’t be sure, so our approach to observation includes serial monitoring of cancer status with PSA, MRI and occasional biopsy to ensure the tumor isn’t progressing.”

No. 2: Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) 

Also known as stage 0 breast cancer, DCIS is a non-invasive disease marked by abnormal cells in the lining of the breast milk ducts. The “in situ” is Latin for “in the original place,” which indicates that the cancer has not spread outside the milk ducts.

For this precancerous, very early-stage breast condition, careful monitoring may be more prudent than immediate surgery, research shows.

While some types of prostate cancer should be treated right away, others are better addressed by “watchful waiting,” according to a urologic oncologist. (iStock)

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A 2024 study by the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that active monitoring for DCIS resulted in similar quality of life, mental health and symptom progression over a two-year period compared to a standard surgical approach.

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“These results suggest that in the short term, active monitoring is a reasonable approach to management of low-risk DCIS,” the lead researcher said in a press release. “If longer-term follow-up supports the safety of active management from a cancer outcome standpoint, this approach could be considered as an option for women with this condition.”

“But it is also critical that we understand how women feel when they are living with this ‘watch and wait’ approach and how it impacts their overall quality of life.”

Other research has suggested that women with low-risk DCIS did not have a higher rate of invasive cancer after two years of active monitoring, although each patient should discuss their individual risk level with an oncologist.

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No. 3: Indolent (slow-growing) lymphomas

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a type of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system, which includes the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, bone marrow and other tissues. 

Indolent lymphomas are those that “grow and spread slowly,” according to the American Cancer Society.

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The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends watchful waiting for asymptomatic, slow-growing follicular lymphoma, as a means of avoiding the toxicity of chemotherapy and immunotherapy until it’s absolutely necessary.

The Lymphoma Research Foundation confirms that doctors recommend “active surveillance” for some patients with slow-growing lymphoma.

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Indolent lymphomas are those that “grow and spread slowly,” according to the American Cancer Society. (iStock)

“This approach may be started after the initial diagnosis or after relapse, depending on the situation,” the foundation states on its website. “Active treatment is started if the patient begins to develop lymphoma-related symptoms or if there are signs that the disease is progressing.”

Treatment should be started right away for aggressive (fast-growing) lymphomas.

No. 4: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia

One of the most common adult leukemias, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) originates in white blood cells (lymphocytes) in the bone marrow and then spreads to the bloodstream, according to the American Cancer Society.

CLL tends to grow slowly, with many patients experiencing no symptoms for years. Eventually, the cancer calls can spread to the lymph nodes, liver and spleen.

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Some studies have shown that early treatment for CLL does not improve survival rates compared to observation, and that the benefits may not outweigh the risks.

In a 2023 study presented at the European Hematology Association 2023 Congress in Frankfurt, Germany, researchers found that early treatment did not prolong overall survival compared to a placebo in patients with early, asymptomatic CLL.

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“I believe it’s fair to conclude that ‘watch-and-wait’ should remain the standard of care in the era of targeted drugs,” said researcher Petra Langerbeins, M.D., when presenting the findings.

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No. 5: Low-grade endometrial cancer

For most patients with endometrial cancer, surgery is the first treatment, which entails removing the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries, according to the American Cancer Society.

However, in certain patients with low-grade cancer, such as older people, those with “frailty” and people with major health issues, doctors may recommend deferring surgery, which can pose a high risk.

The American Thyroid Association’s guidelines officially recommend active surveillance for very low-risk microcarcinomas. (iStock)

In cases where the patient has medical comorbidities or wants to preserve fertility, hormone treatment may be used instead of surgery, per the ACS.

“It’s usually also considered for cancer that is lower-grade, low-volume and slow-growing,” the above source stated.

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No. 6: Some early kidney cancers

In cases of kidney cancer with small tumors (≤3 cm) or benign lesions, doctors may recommend monitoring them instead of undergoing surgery for removal.

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The American Urological Association confirms that active surveillance is an option for some small renal masses (localized tumors).

“I believe it’s fair to conclude that ‘watch-and-wait’ should remain the standard of care in the era of targeted drugs.”

Deferred treatment is particularly recommended for older patients or those with “significant comorbidities,” research shows.

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“Shared decision-making about active surveillance should consider risks of intervention/competing mortality versus potential oncologic benefits of intervention,” the UAU states in its guidance.

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Data from the Delayed Intervention and Surveillance for Small Renal Masses (DISSRM) Registry showed that patients with active surveillance had a 99% or greater cancer-specific survival rate — virtually the same as patients who received immediate treatment.

No. 7: Small papillary thyroid cancers

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), the most common type of thyroid cancer, may not warrant treatment for small tumors measuring 1 centimeter (10 mm) or less, which are called microcarcinomas.

A young multiracial female is undergoing a diagnostic medical imaging procedure in a state-of-the-art hospital setting with CT simulator. The image illustrates the use of cutting-edge technology for healthcare and treatment in a modern medical environment. The portrayal highlights precision, care, and the sophistication of contemporary medical practices. (iStock)

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Research found that when using active surveillance for 10 to 20 years, less than 10% experienced significant growth, only 5% developed lymph node spread and there were no thyroid-cancer deaths.

The American Thyroid Association’s guidelines officially recommend active surveillance for very low-risk microcarcinomas.

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While many patients with low-risk tumors can safely delay treatment, this does not apply to all cancers or all patients. 

As cancer behavior and personal health factors vary widely, patients should consult their doctor to determine the most appropriate course of care based on their individual risk level.

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