breast cancer

Placenta previa facts Placenta previa occurs in about 4 out of every 1,000 pregnancies beyond the 20th week of gestation. Placenta previa is the attachment of the placenta to the wall of the uterus in a location that completely or partially covers the uterine outlet (opening of the cervix). Bleeding after the 20th week of …

Acetaminophen vs. ibuprofen for pain quick comparison of differences Acetaminophen (Tylenol and many other brand names) and ibuprofen (Advil) are used to manage mild to moderate pain and fever. These drugs belong to different drug classes. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever (analgesic) and fever reducer (antipyretic), and ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen are available …

What is breast cancer staging? Breast Cancer Treatments: Radiation Therapy The stage of a cancer refers to the extent to which it has spread within the body at the time of diagnosis. Staging of cancers is typically done using a variety of tests and imaging studies to look for the extent of the cancer. To accurately determine the stage of …

Sinus Infection vs. Allergies: What’s the difference? Sinus infections are marked by nasal congestion, pressure and headaches. Both sinus infections and allergies (allergic rhinitis) cause symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose and fatigue. Sinus infection (known as sinusitis) is inflammation of the sinuses, caused by infection from bacteria, viruses, and/or fungi (molds). A sinus infection that lasts three to …

Melanoma facts Picture of Melanoma Skin Cancer Melanoma is a cancer of melanocytes, cells that produce the pigment melanin. Although most melanomas develop on the skin, they can originate in almost any organ including the eye, brain, and lymph nodes. It is not unusual for patients or their spouses to recognize cutaneous (skin) melanomas. Caught early, most melanomas can be …

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) facts* Picture of Knee Joint *Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) facts written by Charles P. Davis, MD, PhD Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a disease where the tissue lining the joints and tendons grow abnormally to produce a noncancerous mass or tumor. There are two types: local (nodular) and diffuse. Local involves one area of the joint …

What is morning sickness? Share Your Story Morning sickness usually begins in the 9th week of pregnancy. Morning sickness is the term used to refer to the symptoms that a pregnant woman may have during her 1st, 2nd, or 3rd trimester of pregnancy.  Common symptoms of morning sickness in early pregnancy that can occur at any time of day are; nausea, and  …

What is sciatica? Picture of Sciatica Symptoms The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It’s rooted in the lower back and extends through the rump, providing nerve endings through the leg. Sciatica or sciatic nerve pain is centered on the lower back, and the cause is usually from a ruptured disc in the spinal column that irritates …

Measles facts Measles on a child's back by Watney Collection/Phototake A virus causes measles, a potentially serious disease that spreads easily. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. Measles symptoms and signs include dry cough, conjunctivitis, runny nose (coryza), and high fever. Many patients will get sick 7 to 14 days after exposure and will start with a prodrome of …

What are oral digestive enzymes? Oral digestive enzymes are complex proteins naturally produced by the body to help digest and breakdown the foods we eat. The pancreas is the organ responsible for making and secreting digestive enzymes. Oral digestive enzymes are used when the pancreas is unable to produce enough digestive enzymes. The main digestive enzymes are: Proteases for digesting …