Posted on July 10th, 2008
Pancreatic cysts are abnormal, sac-like pockets of fluid on or within your pancreas. Though it may be alarming to learn you have a pancreatic cyst, the good news is that most pancreatic cysts aren’t cancerous — and many don’t even cause symptoms.
In fact, many pancreatic cysts aren’t technically cysts at all. Called pseudocysts, these pockets of fluids aren’t lined with the type of cells found in true cysts. Instead, a pseudocyst’s walls may include cells normally found in other organs, such as the stomach, intestines and the pancreas itself. Pseudocysts are never cancerous.
Your doctor may want to take a sample of the pancreatic cyst fluid to determine whether it’s malignant or benign. If your cyst is or can become cancerous, treatment involves surgical removal.
Symptoms
You may have pancreatic cysts, including pseudocysts, but experience no symptoms. When signs or symptoms do occur, they typically include: Read the rest »
Posted on July 8th, 2008
Vaginal hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus through your vagina. Vaginal hysterectomy involves a shorter time in the hospital, lower cost and faster recovery than does the most common alternative, abdominal hysterectomy. However, if the uterus is enlarged, vaginal hysterectomy may not be possible.
Any type of hysterectomy usually includes removal of the cervix as well as the uterus, often along with one or both ovaries and fallopian tubes (salpingo-oophorectomy). All these organs are located in your pelvis and are part of your reproductive system.
How you prepare
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Posted on July 4th, 2008
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of your brain is interrupted or severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Within a few minutes, brain cells begin to die. Stroke is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment of a stroke is crucial. Early treatment can minimize damage to your brain and potential stroke complications. The good news is that strokes can be treated, and many fewer Americans now die of strokes than was the case 20 or 30 years ago. Improvement in the control of major risk factors for stroke — high blood pressure, smoking and high cholesterol — is likely responsible for the decline.
Symptoms
Watch for these stroke symptoms if you think you or someone else is having a stroke: Read the rest »
Posted on July 4th, 2008
Ganglion cysts are noncancerous fluid-filled lumps (cysts) that most commonly develop along the tendons or joints of your wrists or hands. They may also appear in your feet.
It’s not clear what causes a ganglion cyst to develop. It grows out of a joint, similar to a balloon on a stalk, and seems to occur when the tissue that surrounds a joint or a tendon bulges out of place. Inside the cyst is a thick, sticky fluid similar to that found in joints or around tendons.
In most cases, ganglion cysts will cause you no pain and require no treatment. Often, they go away on their own. When you do need treatment for ganglion cysts — due to pain or interference with joint movement or for cosmetic concerns — it usually consists of removing the fluid from the ganglion cyst or surgically removing the cyst.
Ganglion cysts generally are: Read the rest »
Posted on July 3rd, 2008
An electrocardiogram is used to monitor your heart. Each beat of your heart is triggered by an electrical impulse generated from special cells in the right upper chamber of your heart. An electrocardiogram — also called an ECG or EKG — records these electrical signals as they travel through your heart. Your doctor can use an electrocardiogram to look for patterns among these heartbeats and rhythms to diagnose various heart conditions.
An electrocardiogram is a non-invasive, painless test. You doctor will likely report the results of your electrocardiogram the same day it’s performed.
An electrocardiogram is a painless, noninvasive way to diagnose many common types of heart problems. Your doctor may use an electrocardiogram to detect irregularities in your heart rhythm, heart defects, or problems with the supply of blood and oxygen to your heart. An electrocardiogram can also confirm if you’re having a heart attack or if you’ve had a heart attack in the past. Read the rest »
