Facts you should know about Felty's syndrome Felty's syndrome is a complication of long-standing rheumatoid arthritis. Patients with Felty's syndrome can have more infections than the average person and can develop leg ulcers. The cause of Felty's syndrome is not known. Felty's syndrome is diagnosed by the presence of three conditions: rheumatoid arthritis, an enlarged spleen, and an abnormally low...
Endometrial Biopsy Pain, Uses, Results, Recovery Time, and Complications
What is endometrial biopsy procedure? Readers Comments 100 Share Your Story The uterus (womb) is lined by a special type of tissue known as the endometrium. Endometrial biopsy, or endometrial sampling, is a technique of removing a piece of tissue from the inner lining of the uterus. The sample of tissue is analyzed under a microscope in the laboratory by...
Earache: 11 Effective Home Remedies
What home remedies can relieve earaches? Use self-care measures to relieve earache pain. Most earaches are not medical emergencies and can often be treated at home. You can try one or a few of the following remedies before visiting a doctor Warm compresses: Warm compresses held against the back of the ear can help relieve the inflammation and pain. Take...
What Is the Difference Between a Total and Radical Hysterectomy?
What are the different types of hysterectomy? Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. It is the second most commonly performed surgery in non-pregnant women. A total hysterectomy involves the removal of the whole uterus and cervix, whereas a radical hysterectomy is the removal of the whole uterus and its adjacent...
16 Endometriosis Symptoms: Treatment, Causes, 4 Stages, Surgery & Diagnosis
Endometriosis definition and facts Readers Comments 14 Share Your Story Picture of Endometriosis Endometriosis is the abnormal growth of cells (endometrial cells) similar to those that form the inside of the uterus but in a location outside of the uterus. Endometriosis is most commonly found on other organs of the pelvis. The exact cause of endometriosis has not been identified. Endometriosis...
Is an Electromyogram (EMG) Painful? Definition & Procedure
What is an electromyogram? Readers Comments 100 Share Your Story An EMG is often performed when patients have unexplained muscle weakness. An electromyogram (EMG) is a test that is used to record the electrical activity of muscles. When muscles are active, they produce an electrical current. This current is usually proportional to the level of muscle activity. An EMG is...
Endoscopy vs. Colonoscopy: Differences Between Non-Surgical GI Imaging Procedures
Endoscopy vs. colonoscopy: What’s the difference? Sometimes endoscopes are cameras on long tubes, but in recent years technology has allowed doctors to mount cameras in small pills to reduce the risk of complications and unpleasantness. Both endoscopy and colonoscopy are nonsurgical procedures that involve use of a flexible tube with a light and camera to examine parts of the digestive...
Esophageal Cancer Symptoms, Treatment, Causes & Prognosis
Esophageal cancer facts Readers Comments 2 Share Your Story Difficulty swallowing and cough are symptoms of esophageal cancer. The esophagus is a muscular tube-like structure (about 10 inches long in adults) that connects the mouth to the stomach and is the first part of the gastrointestinal tract. Cancer or malignant cells are abnormally formed or mutated body cells that may...
What Are the Early Warning Signs of Pancreatic Cancer?
What are the early warning signs of pancreatic cancer? Pancreatic cancer does not show early signs and symptoms, and only starts to show warning signs in once it has grown. Pancreatic cancer does not show its signs and symptoms in its early stages. Only when it has grown large enough, it begins to exhibit its warning signs and symptoms. But...
Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis: Get the Facts
What is XDR TB? Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR TB) is a relatively rare type of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB). It is resistant to almost all drugs used to treat TB, including the two best first-line drugs: isoniazid and rifampin. XDR TB is also resistant to the best second-line medications: fluoroquinolones and at least one of three injectable drugs (i.e., amikacin,...