No, a computed tomography (CT) scan cannot tell with certainty whether a lung nodule is cancerous. It can only indicate an abnormal spot in the lung that is opaque. This opaque spot may or may not be cancer. No, a computed tomography (CT) scan cannot tell with certainty whether a lung nodule is cancerous. It can only indicate an abnormal...
Heart Valve Surgery: Get Facts on Risks and Recovery
Introduction to Heart Valve Surgery Diseased heart valves can be treated both surgically (traditional heart valve surgery) and non-surgically (balloon valvuloplasty). What Happens During Traditional Heart Valve Surgery? Readers Comments 5 Share Your Story During traditional heart valve surgery, a surgeon will make an incision down the center of your sternum (breastbone) to get direct access to your heart. The...
Can I Get Pregnant Just After My Period Has Finished?
Getting pregnant just after your period is unlikely, but it’s not impossible. Getting pregnant just after your period is unlikely, but it’s not impossible. However, the chances of getting pregnant are low right after the periods compared to a few days or a week in the menstrual cycle: If a woman has sex without using contraception, she may get pregnant...
Caring for Teeth With Braces or Retainers: Facts on Cleaning
Braces, wires, springs, rubber bands, and other appliances can attract food and plaque, which can stain your teeth if not brushed away. Most orthodontists recommend brushing after every meal or snack with fluoride toothpaste and carefully removing any food that may have gotten stuck in your braces. Some orthodontists will also prescribe or recommend a fluoride mouthwash, which can get...
Shoulder Bursitis Pain, Exercise, Test, Surgery, Physical Therapy & Pictures
Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa. Injury or inflammation of a bursa around the shoulder joint causes shoulder bursitis.Source: WebMD What is shoulder bursitis? Readers Comments 22 Share Your Story A bursa is a tiny fluid-filled sac that functions as a gliding surface to reduce friction between tissues of the body. The plural of bursa is bursae. There are 160...
Can Squamous Cell Carcinoma Spread to Lymph Nodes?
Can squamous cell carcinoma spread to lymph nodes? It's possible for squamous cell carcinoma to spread to lymph nodes. Unlike other types of carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma can spread from its original site to the lymph nodes, e.g. in the neck or around the collarbone. Squamous cells are thin, flat cells found in tissues that form the surface of the...
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS, SEID) Symptoms, Treatment, Definition & Tests
Facts you should know about chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID) Readers Comments 33 Share Your Story Non-refreshing sleep is a symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is defined by two major criteria, chronic severe fatigue for at least 6 months not caused by a diagnosable disease or relieved with rest and...
Can Rheumatoid Arthritis Affect Pregnancy?
RA affects pregnancy in various ways Yes, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects pregnancy. Most of the pregnant women with RA have low disease activity during pregnancy (60%) and may achieve remission by the third trimester as well. Few women may have worse or high disease activity. RA can lead to complications like preterm birth, raised blood pressure (preeclampsia), and low birth...
Bug Bites and Stings: Learn About Symptoms and Treatments
Bug bites and stings facts* *Bug bites and stings facts medically edited by: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Although many bug bites are relatively harmless, there are some that can lead to debilitating or deadly diseases Keep insects away by using structures such as screens and netting; wear long sleeve shirts and long pants when possible, and use insect repellents...
What Should I Know Before Getting Breast Implants? Types, Risks & Complications
What should I know about breast augmentation (breast implants)? Augmentation of the breast consists of the insertion of a silicone bag (prosthesis) under the breast (submammary) or under the breast and chest muscle (subpectoral) and then filling the bag with saline (saltwater). Smooth implants have less chance of rippling (waviness of skin) than textured (roughened) implants. Smooth implants have a...