Instruction: What is Ectopic Pregnancy?

Response: Ectopic pregnancy: An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs outside the womb (uterus). It is life-threatening to the mother. In most pregnancies, the fertilized egg travels through the fallopian tube to the womb (uterus). If the movement of the egg is blocked or slowed through the tubes, it can lead to an ectopic pregnancy. Things that may cause this problem include: - Birth defect in the fallopian tubes - Scarring after a ruptured appendix - Endometriosis - Having had an ectopic pregnancy in the past - Scarring from past infections or surgery of the female organs The following also increase risk of an ectopic pregnancy: - Age over 35 - Getting pregnant while having an intrauterine device (IUD) - Having your tubes tied. This is more likely 2 or more years after the procedure - Having had surgery to untie tubes to become pregnant - Having had many sexual partners - Some infertility treatments Sometimes, the cause is unknown. Hormones may play a role. The most common site for an ectopic pregnancy is within 1 of the 2 fallopian tubes. In rare cases, ectopic pregnancies can occur in the ovary, abdomen, or cervix. An ectopic pregnancy can occur even if you use birth control. You may have early pregnancy symptoms, such as breast tenderness or nausea. Other symptoms may include: - Abnormal vaginal bleeding - Low back pain - Mild cramping on one side of the pelvis - No periods - Pain in the lower belly or pelvic area If the area around the abnormal pregnancy ruptures and bleeds, symptoms may get worse. They may include: - Fainting or feeling faint - Intense pressure in the rectum - Low blood pressure - Pain in the shoulder area - Severe, sharp, and sudden pain in the lower abdomen The health care provider will do a pelvic exam. The exam may show tenderness in the pelvic area. A pregnancy test and vaginal ultrasound will be done. HCG is a hormone normally produced during pregnancy. Checking the blood level of this hormone can diagnose pregnancy. If the blood level of HCG is not rising fast enough, your provider may suspect an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is life threatening. The pregnancy cannot continue to birth (term). The developing cells must be removed to save the mother's life. If the ectopic pregnancy has not ruptured, treatment may include: - Surgery - Medicine that ends the pregnancy, along with close monitoring by your doctor You will need emergency medical help if the area of the ectopic pregnancy breaks open (ruptures). Rupture can lead to bleeding and shock. Treatment for shock may include: - Blood transfusion - Fluids given through a vein - Keeping warm - Oxygen - Raising the legs If there is a rupture, surgery is done to stop blood loss and remove the pregnancy. In some cases, the doctor may have to remove the fallopian tube. One out of three women who have had 1 ectopic pregnancy are later able to have a baby. Another ectopic pregnancy is more likely to occur. Some women do not become pregnant again. The likelihood of a successful pregnancy after an ectopic pregnancy depends on: - The woman's age - Whether she has already had children - Why the first ectopic pregnancy occurred Call your provider if you have: - Abnormal vaginal bleeding - Lower abdominal or pelvic pain Most forms of ectopic pregnancy that occur outside the fallopian tubes are probably not preventable. You may be able to reduce your risk by avoiding conditions that may scar the fallopian tubes. These steps include: - Practicing safer sex by taking steps before and during sex, which can prevent you from getting an infection - Getting early diagnosis and treatment of all infections caused by sexual relations (STDs) - Stopping smoking Updated by: Irina Burd, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What is Ectopic Pregnancy?

Response: How to diagnose Ectopic pregnancy?: The health care provider will do a pelvic exam. The exam may show tenderness in the pelvic area. A pregnancy test and vaginal ultrasound will be done. HCG is a hormone normally produced during pregnancy. Checking the blood level of this hormone (quantitative HCG blood test) can diagnose pregnancy. If the blood level of HCG is not rising fast enough, your doctor may suspect an ectopic pregnancy. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What causes Ectopic Pregnancy?

Response: Ectopic pregnancy: An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs outside the womb (uterus). It is life-threatening to the mother. In most pregnancies, the fertilized egg travels through the fallopian tube to the womb (uterus). If the movement of the egg is blocked or slowed through the tubes, it can lead to an ectopic pregnancy. Things that may cause this problem include: - Birth defect in the fallopian tubes - Scarring after a ruptured appendix - Endometriosis - Having had an ectopic pregnancy in the past - Scarring from past infections or surgery of the female organs The following also increase risk of an ectopic pregnancy: - Age over 35 - Getting pregnant while having an intrauterine device (IUD) - Having your tubes tied. This is more likely 2 or more years after the procedure - Having had surgery to untie tubes to become pregnant - Having had many sexual partners - Some infertility treatments Sometimes, the cause is unknown. Hormones may play a role. The most common site for an ectopic pregnancy is within 1 of the 2 fallopian tubes. In rare cases, ectopic pregnancies can occur in the ovary, abdomen, or cervix. An ectopic pregnancy can occur even if you use birth control. You may have early pregnancy symptoms, such as breast tenderness or nausea. Other symptoms may include: - Abnormal vaginal bleeding - Low back pain - Mild cramping on one side of the pelvis - No periods - Pain in the lower belly or pelvic area If the area around the abnormal pregnancy ruptures and bleeds, symptoms may get worse. They may include: - Fainting or feeling faint - Intense pressure in the rectum - Low blood pressure - Pain in the shoulder area - Severe, sharp, and sudden pain in the lower abdomen The health care provider will do a pelvic exam. The exam may show tenderness in the pelvic area. A pregnancy test and vaginal ultrasound will be done. HCG is a hormone normally produced during pregnancy. Checking the blood level of this hormone can diagnose pregnancy. If the blood level of HCG is not rising fast enough, your provider may suspect an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is life threatening. The pregnancy cannot continue to birth (term). The developing cells must be removed to save the mother's life. If the ectopic pregnancy has not ruptured, treatment may include: - Surgery - Medicine that ends the pregnancy, along with close monitoring by your doctor You will need emergency medical help if the area of the ectopic pregnancy breaks open (ruptures). Rupture can lead to bleeding and shock. Treatment for shock may include: - Blood transfusion - Fluids given through a vein - Keeping warm - Oxygen - Raising the legs If there is a rupture, surgery is done to stop blood loss and remove the pregnancy. In some cases, the doctor may have to remove the fallopian tube. One out of three women who have had 1 ectopic pregnancy are later able to have a baby. Another ectopic pregnancy is more likely to occur. Some women do not become pregnant again. The likelihood of a successful pregnancy after an ectopic pregnancy depends on: - The woman's age - Whether she has already had children - Why the first ectopic pregnancy occurred Call your provider if you have: - Abnormal vaginal bleeding - Lower abdominal or pelvic pain Most forms of ectopic pregnancy that occur outside the fallopian tubes are probably not preventable. You may be able to reduce your risk by avoiding conditions that may scar the fallopian tubes. These steps include: - Practicing safer sex by taking steps before and during sex, which can prevent you from getting an infection - Getting early diagnosis and treatment of all infections caused by sexual relations (STDs) - Stopping smoking Updated by: Irina Burd, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What causes Ectopic Pregnancy?

Response: How to diagnose Ectopic pregnancy?: The health care provider will do a pelvic exam. The exam may show tenderness in the pelvic area. A pregnancy test and vaginal ultrasound will be done. HCG is a hormone normally produced during pregnancy. Checking the blood level of this hormone (quantitative HCG blood test) can diagnose pregnancy. If the blood level of HCG is not rising fast enough, your doctor may suspect an ectopic pregnancy. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What are the symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy?

Response: What are the symptoms of Ectopic pregnancy?: You may have early pregnancy symptoms, such as breast tenderness or nausea. Other symptoms may include: - Abnormal vaginal bleeding - Low back pain - Mild cramping on one side of the pelvis - No periods - Pain in the lower belly or pelvic area If the area around the abnormal pregnancy ruptures and bleeds, symptoms may get worse. They may include: - Fainting or feeling faint - Intense pressure in the rectum - Low blood pressure - Pain in the shoulder area - Severe, sharp, and sudden pain in the lower abdomen. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What are the symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy?

Response: Ectopic pregnancy (Symptoms): At first, an ectopic pregnancy might not cause any signs or symptoms. In other cases, early signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy might be the same as those of any pregnancy - a missed period, breast tenderness and nausea. If you take a pregnancy test, the result will be positive. Still, an ectopic pregnancy can't continue as normal. Light vaginal bleeding with abdominal or pelvic pain is often the first warning sign of an ectopic pregnancy. If blood leaks from the fallopian tube, it's also possible to feel shoulder pain or an urge to have a bowel movement - depending on where the blood pools or which nerves are irritated. If the fallopian tube ruptures, heavy bleeding inside the abdomen is likely - followed by lightheadedness, fainting and shock. When to see a doctor Seek emergency medical help if you experience any signs or symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, including: - Severe abdominal or pelvic pain accompanied by vaginal bleeding - Extreme lightheadedness or fainting - Shoulder pain. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What are the symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy?

Response: Ectopic pregnancy: An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs outside the womb (uterus). It is life-threatening to the mother. In most pregnancies, the fertilized egg travels through the fallopian tube to the womb (uterus). If the movement of the egg is blocked or slowed through the tubes, it can lead to an ectopic pregnancy. Things that may cause this problem include: - Birth defect in the fallopian tubes - Scarring after a ruptured appendix - Endometriosis - Having had an ectopic pregnancy in the past - Scarring from past infections or surgery of the female organs The following also increase risk of an ectopic pregnancy: - Age over 35 - Getting pregnant while having an intrauterine device (IUD) - Having your tubes tied. This is more likely 2 or more years after the procedure - Having had surgery to untie tubes to become pregnant - Having had many sexual partners - Some infertility treatments Sometimes, the cause is unknown. Hormones may play a role. The most common site for an ectopic pregnancy is within 1 of the 2 fallopian tubes. In rare cases, ectopic pregnancies can occur in the ovary, abdomen, or cervix. An ectopic pregnancy can occur even if you use birth control. You may have early pregnancy symptoms, such as breast tenderness or nausea. Other symptoms may include: - Abnormal vaginal bleeding - Low back pain - Mild cramping on one side of the pelvis - No periods - Pain in the lower belly or pelvic area If the area around the abnormal pregnancy ruptures and bleeds, symptoms may get worse. They may include: - Fainting or feeling faint - Intense pressure in the rectum - Low blood pressure - Pain in the shoulder area - Severe, sharp, and sudden pain in the lower abdomen The health care provider will do a pelvic exam. The exam may show tenderness in the pelvic area. A pregnancy test and vaginal ultrasound will be done. HCG is a hormone normally produced during pregnancy. Checking the blood level of this hormone can diagnose pregnancy. If the blood level of HCG is not rising fast enough, your provider may suspect an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is life threatening. The pregnancy cannot continue to birth (term). The developing cells must be removed to save the mother's life. If the ectopic pregnancy has not ruptured, treatment may include: - Surgery - Medicine that ends the pregnancy, along with close monitoring by your doctor You will need emergency medical help if the area of the ectopic pregnancy breaks open (ruptures). Rupture can lead to bleeding and shock. Treatment for shock may include: - Blood transfusion - Fluids given through a vein - Keeping warm - Oxygen - Raising the legs If there is a rupture, surgery is done to stop blood loss and remove the pregnancy. In some cases, the doctor may have to remove the fallopian tube. One out of three women who have had 1 ectopic pregnancy are later able to have a baby. Another ectopic pregnancy is more likely to occur. Some women do not become pregnant again. The likelihood of a successful pregnancy after an ectopic pregnancy depends on: - The woman's age - Whether she has already had children - Why the first ectopic pregnancy occurred Call your provider if you have: - Abnormal vaginal bleeding - Lower abdominal or pelvic pain Most forms of ectopic pregnancy that occur outside the fallopian tubes are probably not preventable. You may be able to reduce your risk by avoiding conditions that may scar the fallopian tubes. These steps include: - Practicing safer sex by taking steps before and during sex, which can prevent you from getting an infection - Getting early diagnosis and treatment of all infections caused by sexual relations (STDs) - Stopping smoking Updated by: Irina Burd, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What are the treatments of Ectopic Pregnancy?

Response: Ectopic pregnancy (Treatment): A fertilized egg can't develop normally outside the uterus. To prevent life-threatening complications, the ectopic tissue needs to be removed. If the ectopic pregnancy is detected early, an injection of the drug methotrexate is sometimes used to stop cell growth and dissolve existing cells. It's imperative that the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy is certain before this treatment is undertaken. After the injection, your doctor will monitor your blood for the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). If the HCG level remains high, you might need another injection of methotrexate. In other cases, ectopic pregnancy is usually treated with laparoscopic surgery. In this procedure, a small incision is made in the abdomen, near or in the navel. Then your doctor uses a thin tube equipped with a camera lens and light (laparoscope) to view the area. Other instruments can be inserted into the tube or through other small incisions to remove the ectopic tissue and repair the fallopian tube. If the fallopian tube is significantly damaged, it might need to be removed. If the ectopic pregnancy is causing heavy bleeding or the fallopian tube has ruptured, you might need emergency surgery through an abdominal incision (laparotomy). In some cases, the fallopian tube can be repaired. Typically, however, a ruptured tube must be removed. Your doctor will monitor your HCG levels after surgery to be sure all of the ectopic tissue was removed. If HCG levels don't come down quickly, an injection of methotrexate may be needed. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What are the treatments of Ectopic Pregnancy?

Response: What are the treatments for Ectopic pregnancy?: Ectopic pregnancy is life-threatening. The pregnancy cannot continue to birth (term). The developing cells must be removed to save the mother's life. You will need emergency medical help if the area of the ectopic pregnancy breaks open (ruptures). Rupture can lead to bleeding and shock, an emergency condition. Treatment for shock may include: - Blood transfusion - Fluids given through a vein - Keeping warm - Oxygen - Raising the legs If there is a rupture, surgery is done to stop blood loss and remove the pregnancy. In some cases, the doctor may have to remove the fallopian tube. If the ectopic pregnancy has not ruptured, treatment may include: - Surgery - Medicine that ends the pregnancy, along with close monitoring by your doctor. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What are the treatments of Ectopic Pregnancy?

Response: Ectopic pregnancy: An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs outside the womb (uterus). It is life-threatening to the mother. In most pregnancies, the fertilized egg travels through the fallopian tube to the womb (uterus). If the movement of the egg is blocked or slowed through the tubes, it can lead to an ectopic pregnancy. Things that may cause this problem include: - Birth defect in the fallopian tubes - Scarring after a ruptured appendix - Endometriosis - Having had an ectopic pregnancy in the past - Scarring from past infections or surgery of the female organs The following also increase risk of an ectopic pregnancy: - Age over 35 - Getting pregnant while having an intrauterine device (IUD) - Having your tubes tied. This is more likely 2 or more years after the procedure - Having had surgery to untie tubes to become pregnant - Having had many sexual partners - Some infertility treatments Sometimes, the cause is unknown. Hormones may play a role. The most common site for an ectopic pregnancy is within 1 of the 2 fallopian tubes. In rare cases, ectopic pregnancies can occur in the ovary, abdomen, or cervix. An ectopic pregnancy can occur even if you use birth control. You may have early pregnancy symptoms, such as breast tenderness or nausea. Other symptoms may include: - Abnormal vaginal bleeding - Low back pain - Mild cramping on one side of the pelvis - No periods - Pain in the lower belly or pelvic area If the area around the abnormal pregnancy ruptures and bleeds, symptoms may get worse. They may include: - Fainting or feeling faint - Intense pressure in the rectum - Low blood pressure - Pain in the shoulder area - Severe, sharp, and sudden pain in the lower abdomen The health care provider will do a pelvic exam. The exam may show tenderness in the pelvic area. A pregnancy test and vaginal ultrasound will be done. HCG is a hormone normally produced during pregnancy. Checking the blood level of this hormone can diagnose pregnancy. If the blood level of HCG is not rising fast enough, your provider may suspect an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is life threatening. The pregnancy cannot continue to birth (term). The developing cells must be removed to save the mother's life. If the ectopic pregnancy has not ruptured, treatment may include: - Surgery - Medicine that ends the pregnancy, along with close monitoring by your doctor You will need emergency medical help if the area of the ectopic pregnancy breaks open (ruptures). Rupture can lead to bleeding and shock. Treatment for shock may include: - Blood transfusion - Fluids given through a vein - Keeping warm - Oxygen - Raising the legs If there is a rupture, surgery is done to stop blood loss and remove the pregnancy. In some cases, the doctor may have to remove the fallopian tube. One out of three women who have had 1 ectopic pregnancy are later able to have a baby. Another ectopic pregnancy is more likely to occur. Some women do not become pregnant again. The likelihood of a successful pregnancy after an ectopic pregnancy depends on: - The woman's age - Whether she has already had children - Why the first ectopic pregnancy occurred Call your provider if you have: - Abnormal vaginal bleeding - Lower abdominal or pelvic pain Most forms of ectopic pregnancy that occur outside the fallopian tubes are probably not preventable. You may be able to reduce your risk by avoiding conditions that may scar the fallopian tubes. These steps include: - Practicing safer sex by taking steps before and during sex, which can prevent you from getting an infection - Getting early diagnosis and treatment of all infections caused by sexual relations (STDs) - Stopping smoking Updated by: Irina Burd, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: How to diagnose Ectopic Pregnancy?

Response: How to diagnose Ectopic pregnancy?: The health care provider will do a pelvic exam. The exam may show tenderness in the pelvic area. A pregnancy test and vaginal ultrasound will be done. HCG is a hormone normally produced during pregnancy. Checking the blood level of this hormone (quantitative HCG blood test) can diagnose pregnancy. If the blood level of HCG is not rising fast enough, your doctor may suspect an ectopic pregnancy. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: How to diagnose Ectopic Pregnancy?

Response: Ectopic pregnancy (Diagnosis): If your doctor suspects an ectopic pregnancy, he or she might do a pelvic exam to check for pain, tenderness, or a mass in the fallopian tube or ovary. A physical exam alone usually isn't enough to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy, however. The diagnosis is typically confirmed with blood tests and imaging studies, such as an ultrasound. With a standard ultrasound, high-frequency sound waves are directed at the tissues in the abdominal area. During early pregnancy, however, the uterus and fallopian tubes are closer to the vagina than to the abdominal surface. The ultrasound will likely be done using a wandlike device placed in your vagina (transvaginal ultrasound). Sometimes it's too soon to detect a pregnancy through ultrasound. If the diagnosis is in question, your doctor might monitor your condition with blood tests until the ectopic pregnancy can be confirmed or ruled out through ultrasound - usually by four to five weeks after conception. In an emergency situation - if you're bleeding heavily, for example - an ectopic pregnancy might be diagnosed and treated surgically. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: How to diagnose Ectopic Pregnancy?

Response: Ectopic pregnancy: An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs outside the womb (uterus). It is life-threatening to the mother. In most pregnancies, the fertilized egg travels through the fallopian tube to the womb (uterus). If the movement of the egg is blocked or slowed through the tubes, it can lead to an ectopic pregnancy. Things that may cause this problem include: - Birth defect in the fallopian tubes - Scarring after a ruptured appendix - Endometriosis - Having had an ectopic pregnancy in the past - Scarring from past infections or surgery of the female organs The following also increase risk of an ectopic pregnancy: - Age over 35 - Getting pregnant while having an intrauterine device (IUD) - Having your tubes tied. This is more likely 2 or more years after the procedure - Having had surgery to untie tubes to become pregnant - Having had many sexual partners - Some infertility treatments Sometimes, the cause is unknown. Hormones may play a role. The most common site for an ectopic pregnancy is within 1 of the 2 fallopian tubes. In rare cases, ectopic pregnancies can occur in the ovary, abdomen, or cervix. An ectopic pregnancy can occur even if you use birth control. You may have early pregnancy symptoms, such as breast tenderness or nausea. Other symptoms may include: - Abnormal vaginal bleeding - Low back pain - Mild cramping on one side of the pelvis - No periods - Pain in the lower belly or pelvic area If the area around the abnormal pregnancy ruptures and bleeds, symptoms may get worse. They may include: - Fainting or feeling faint - Intense pressure in the rectum - Low blood pressure - Pain in the shoulder area - Severe, sharp, and sudden pain in the lower abdomen The health care provider will do a pelvic exam. The exam may show tenderness in the pelvic area. A pregnancy test and vaginal ultrasound will be done. HCG is a hormone normally produced during pregnancy. Checking the blood level of this hormone can diagnose pregnancy. If the blood level of HCG is not rising fast enough, your provider may suspect an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is life threatening. The pregnancy cannot continue to birth (term). The developing cells must be removed to save the mother's life. If the ectopic pregnancy has not ruptured, treatment may include: - Surgery - Medicine that ends the pregnancy, along with close monitoring by your doctor You will need emergency medical help if the area of the ectopic pregnancy breaks open (ruptures). Rupture can lead to bleeding and shock. Treatment for shock may include: - Blood transfusion - Fluids given through a vein - Keeping warm - Oxygen - Raising the legs If there is a rupture, surgery is done to stop blood loss and remove the pregnancy. In some cases, the doctor may have to remove the fallopian tube. One out of three women who have had 1 ectopic pregnancy are later able to have a baby. Another ectopic pregnancy is more likely to occur. Some women do not become pregnant again. The likelihood of a successful pregnancy after an ectopic pregnancy depends on: - The woman's age - Whether she has already had children - Why the first ectopic pregnancy occurred Call your provider if you have: - Abnormal vaginal bleeding - Lower abdominal or pelvic pain Most forms of ectopic pregnancy that occur outside the fallopian tubes are probably not preventable. You may be able to reduce your risk by avoiding conditions that may scar the fallopian tubes. These steps include: - Practicing safer sex by taking steps before and during sex, which can prevent you from getting an infection - Getting early diagnosis and treatment of all infections caused by sexual relations (STDs) - Stopping smoking Updated by: Irina Burd, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What is Appendicitis?

Response: Appendicitis: Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is a small pouch attached to the large intestine. Appendicitis is a very common cause of emergency surgery. The problem most often occurs when the appendix becomes blocked by feces, a foreign object, or rarely, a tumor. The symptoms of appendicitis can vary. It can be hard to diagnose appendicitis in young children, older people, and women of childbearing age. The first symptom is often pain around the belly button or mid upper abdomen. Pain may be minor at first, but becomes more sharp and severe. You may also have a loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and a low-grade fever. The pain tends to move into the right lower part of your belly. The pain tends to focus at a spot directly above the appendix called McBurney point. This most often occurs 12 to 24 hours after the illness starts. Your pain may be worse when you walk, cough, or make sudden movements. Later symptoms include: - Chills and shaking - Hard stools - Diarrhea - Fever - Nausea and vomiting Your health care provider may suspect appendicitis based on the symptoms you describe. Your provider will do a physical exam. - If you have appendicitis, your pain will increase when your lower right belly area is pressed. - If your appendix has ruptured, touching the belly area may cause a lot of pain and lead you to tighten your muscles. - A rectal exam may find tenderness on the right side of your rectum. A blood test will often show a high white blood cell count. Imaging tests may also help diagnose appendicitis. Imaging tests include: - CT scan of the abdomen - Ultrasound of the abdomen Most of the time, a surgeon will remove your appendix as soon as you are diagnosed. If a CT scan shows that you have an abscess, you may be treated with antibiotics first. You will have your appendix removed after the infection and swelling have gone away. The tests used to diagnose appendicitis are not perfect. As a result, the operation may show that your appendix is normal. In that case, the surgeon will remove your appendix and explore the rest of your abdomen for other causes of your pain. Most people recover quickly after surgery if the appendix is removed before it ruptures. If your appendix ruptures before surgery, recovery may take longer. You are also more likely to develop problems, such as: - An abscess - Blockage of the intestine - Infection inside the abdomen (peritonitis) - Infection of the wound after surgery Call your provider if you have abdominal pain in the lower-right portion of your belly, or other symptoms of appendicitis. Updated by: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Clinical Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What causes Appendicitis?

Response: Appendicitis (Summary): Summary The appendix is a small, tube-like organ attached to the first part of the large intestine. It is located in the lower right part of the abdomen. It has no known function. A blockage inside of the appendix causes appendicitis. The blockage leads to increased pressure, problems with blood flow, and inflammation. If the blockage is not treated, the appendix can burst and spread infection into the abdomen. This causes a condition called peritonitis. The main symptom is pain in the abdomen, often on the right side. It is usually sudden and gets worse over time. Other symptoms may include - Swelling in the abdomen - Loss of appetite - Nausea and vomiting - Constipation or diarrhea - Inability to pass gas - Low fever Not everyone with appendicitis has all these symptoms. Appendicitis is a medical emergency. Treatment almost always involves removing the appendix. Anyone can get appendicitis, but it is more common among people 10 to 30 years old. NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What causes Appendicitis?

Response: Appendicitis (Symptoms and Causes): The most common symptom of appendicitis is pain in your abdomen.If you have appendicitis, you’ll most often have pain in your abdomen thatbegins near your belly button and then moves lower and to your right gets worse in a matter of hours gets worse when you move around, take deep breaths, cough, or sneeze is severe and often described as different from any pain you’ve felt before occurs suddenly and may even wake you up if you’re sleeping occurs before other symptomsOther symptoms of appendicitis may includeloss of appetite nausea vomiting constipation or diarrhea an inability to pass gas a low-grade fever swelling in your abdomen the feeling that having a bowel movement will relieve discomfortSymptoms can be different for each person and can seem like the following conditions that also cause pain in the abdomen:abdominal adhesions constipation inflammatory bowel disease, which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, long-lasting disorders that cause irritation and ulcers in the GI tract intestinal obstruction pelvic inflammatory disease. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What causes Appendicitis?

Response: Appendicitis: Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is a small pouch attached to the large intestine. Appendicitis is a very common cause of emergency surgery. The problem most often occurs when the appendix becomes blocked by feces, a foreign object, or rarely, a tumor. The symptoms of appendicitis can vary. It can be hard to diagnose appendicitis in young children, older people, and women of childbearing age. The first symptom is often pain around the belly button or mid upper abdomen. Pain may be minor at first, but becomes more sharp and severe. You may also have a loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and a low-grade fever. The pain tends to move into the right lower part of your belly. The pain tends to focus at a spot directly above the appendix called McBurney point. This most often occurs 12 to 24 hours after the illness starts. Your pain may be worse when you walk, cough, or make sudden movements. Later symptoms include: - Chills and shaking - Hard stools - Diarrhea - Fever - Nausea and vomiting Your health care provider may suspect appendicitis based on the symptoms you describe. Your provider will do a physical exam. - If you have appendicitis, your pain will increase when your lower right belly area is pressed. - If your appendix has ruptured, touching the belly area may cause a lot of pain and lead you to tighten your muscles. - A rectal exam may find tenderness on the right side of your rectum. A blood test will often show a high white blood cell count. Imaging tests may also help diagnose appendicitis. Imaging tests include: - CT scan of the abdomen - Ultrasound of the abdomen Most of the time, a surgeon will remove your appendix as soon as you are diagnosed. If a CT scan shows that you have an abscess, you may be treated with antibiotics first. You will have your appendix removed after the infection and swelling have gone away. The tests used to diagnose appendicitis are not perfect. As a result, the operation may show that your appendix is normal. In that case, the surgeon will remove your appendix and explore the rest of your abdomen for other causes of your pain. Most people recover quickly after surgery if the appendix is removed before it ruptures. If your appendix ruptures before surgery, recovery may take longer. You are also more likely to develop problems, such as: - An abscess - Blockage of the intestine - Infection inside the abdomen (peritonitis) - Infection of the wound after surgery Call your provider if you have abdominal pain in the lower-right portion of your belly, or other symptoms of appendicitis. Updated by: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Clinical Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What are the symptoms of Appendicitis?

Response: Appendicitis (Symptoms): The symptoms of appendicitis can vary. It can be hard to diagnose appendicitis in young children, older people, and women of childbearing age. The first symptom is often pain around the belly button or mid upper abdomen. Pain may be minor at first, but becomes more sharp and severe. You may also have a loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and a low-grade fever. The pain tends to move into the right lower part of your belly. The pain tends to focus at a spot directly above the appendix called McBurney point. This most often occurs 12 to 24 hours after the illness starts. Your pain may be worse when you walk, cough, or make sudden movements. Later symptoms include: - Chills and shaking - Hard stools - Diarrhea - Fever - Nausea and vomiting. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What are the symptoms of Appendicitis?

Response: Appendicitis (Symptoms): Signs and symptoms of appendicitis may include: - Sudden pain that begins on the right side of the lower abdomen - Sudden pain that begins around your navel and often shifts to your lower right abdomen - Pain that worsens if you cough, walk or make other jarring movements - Nausea and vomiting - Loss of appetite - Low-grade fever that may worsen as the illness progresses - Constipation or diarrhea - Abdominal bloating The site of your pain may vary, depending on your age and the position of your appendix. When you're pregnant, the pain may seem to come from your upper abdomen because your appendix is higher during pregnancy. When to see a doctor Make an appointment with a doctor if you or your child has worrisome signs or symptoms. Severe abdominal pain requires immediate medical attention. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What are the symptoms of Appendicitis?

Response: Appendicitis (Symptoms and Causes): The most common symptom of appendicitis is pain in your abdomen.If you have appendicitis, you’ll most often have pain in your abdomen thatbegins near your belly button and then moves lower and to your right gets worse in a matter of hours gets worse when you move around, take deep breaths, cough, or sneeze is severe and often described as different from any pain you’ve felt before occurs suddenly and may even wake you up if you’re sleeping occurs before other symptomsOther symptoms of appendicitis may includeloss of appetite nausea vomiting constipation or diarrhea an inability to pass gas a low-grade fever swelling in your abdomen the feeling that having a bowel movement will relieve discomfortSymptoms can be different for each person and can seem like the following conditions that also cause pain in the abdomen:abdominal adhesions constipation inflammatory bowel disease, which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, long-lasting disorders that cause irritation and ulcers in the GI tract intestinal obstruction pelvic inflammatory disease. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What are the treatments of Appendicitis?

Response: What are the treatments for Appendicitis?: Most of the time, a surgeon will remove your appendix as soon as you are diagnosed. If a CT scan shows that you have an abscess, you may be treated with antibiotics first. You will have your appendix removed after the infection and swelling have gone away. The tests used to diagnose appendicitis are not perfect. As a result, the operation may show that your appendix is normal. In that case, the surgeonwill remove your appendix and explore the rest of your abdomen for other causes of your pain. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What are the treatments of Appendicitis?

Response: Appendicitis (Treatment): Doctors typically treat appendicitis with surgery to remove the appendix. Surgeons perform the surgery in a hospital with general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend surgery if you have continuous abdominal pain and fever, or signs of a burst appendix and infection. Prompt surgery decreases the chance that your appendix will burst.Health care professionals call the surgery to remove the appendix an appendectomy. A surgeon performs the surgery using one of the following methods:Laparoscopic surgery. During laparoscopic surgery, surgeons use several smaller incisions and special surgical tools that they feed through the incisions to remove your appendix. Laparoscopic surgery leads to fewer complications, such as hospital-related infections, and has a shorter recovery time. Laparotomy. Surgeons use laparotomy to remove the appendix through a single incision in the lower right area of your abdomen.After surgery, most patients completely recover from appendicitis and don’t need to make changes to their diet, exercise, or lifestyle. Surgeons recommend that you limit physical activity for the first 10 to 14 days after a laparotomy and for the first 3 to 5 days after laparoscopic surgery. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What are the treatments of Appendicitis?

Response: Appendicitis (Treatment): Appendicitis treatment usually involves surgery to remove the inflamed appendix. Before surgery you may be given a dose of antibiotics to prevent infection. Surgery to remove the appendix (appendectomy) Appendectomy can be performed as open surgery using one abdominal incision about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) long (laparotomy). Or the surgery can be done through a few small abdominal incisions (laparoscopic surgery). During a laparoscopic appendectomy, the surgeon inserts special surgical tools and a video camera into your abdomen to remove your appendix. In general, laparoscopic surgery allows you to recover faster and heal with less pain and scarring. It may be better for people who are elderly or obese. But laparoscopic surgery isn't appropriate for everyone. If your appendix has ruptured and infection has spread beyond the appendix or you have an abscess, you may need an open appendectomy, which allows your surgeon to clean the abdominal cavity. Expect to spend one or two days in the hospital after your appendectomy. Draining an abscess before appendix surgery If your appendix has burst and an abscess has formed around it, the abscess may be drained by placing a tube through your skin into the abscess. Appendectomy can be performed several weeks later after controlling the infection. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: How to diagnose Appendicitis?

Response: Appendicitis (Exams and Tests): Your health care provider may suspect appendicitis based on the symptoms you describe. Your provider will do a physical exam. - If you have appendicitis, your pain will increase when your lower right belly area is pressed. - If your appendix has ruptured, touching the belly area may cause a lot of pain and lead you to tighten your muscles. - A rectal exam may find tenderness on the right side of your rectum. A blood test will often show a high white blood cell count. Imaging tests may also help diagnose appendicitis. Imaging tests include: - CT scan of the abdomen - Ultrasound of the abdomen. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: How to diagnose Appendicitis?

Response: Appendicitis (Diagnosis): To help diagnose appendicitis, your doctor will likely take a history of your signs and symptoms and examine your abdomen. Tests and procedures used to diagnose appendicitis include: - Physical exam to assess your pain. Your doctor may apply gentle pressure on the painful area. When the pressure is suddenly released, appendicitis pain will often feel worse, signaling that the adjacent peritoneum is inflamed. Your doctor also may look for abdominal rigidity and a tendency for you to stiffen your abdominal muscles in response to pressure over the inflamed appendix (guarding). Your doctor may use a lubricated, gloved finger to examine your lower rectum (digital rectal exam). Women of childbearing age may be given a pelvic exam to check for possible gynecological problems that could be causing the pain. - Blood test. This allows your doctor to check for a high white blood cell count, which may indicate an infection. - Urine test. Your doctor may want you to have a urinalysis to make sure that a urinary tract infection or a kidney stone isn't causing your pain. - Imaging tests. Your doctor may also recommend an abdominal X-ray, an abdominal ultrasound or a computerized tomography (CT) scan to help confirm appendicitis or find other causes for your pain. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: How to diagnose Appendicitis?

Response: Appendicitis (Diagnosis): Most often, health care professionals suspect the diagnosis of appendicitis based on your symptoms, your medical history, and a physical exam. A doctor can confirm the diagnosis with an ultrasound, x-ray, or MRI exam.A health care professional will ask specific questions about your symptoms and health history to help rule out other health problems. The health care professional will want to knowwhen your abdominal pain began the exact location and severity of your pain when your other symptoms appeared your other medical conditions, previous illnesses, and surgical procedures whether you use medicines, alcohol, or illegal drugsHealth care professionals need specific details about the pain in your abdomen to diagnose appendicitis correctly. A health care professional will assess your pain by touching or applying pressure to specific areas of your abdomen.The following responses to touch or pressure may indicate that you have appendicitis:Rovsing's sign Psoas sign Obturator sign Guarding Rebound tenderness Digital rectal exam Pelvic examDoctors use lab tests to help confirm the diagnosis of appendicitis or find other causes of abdominal pain.Blood tests. A health care professional draws your blood for a blood test at a doctor’s office or a commercial facility. The health care professional sends the blood sample to a lab for testing. Blood tests can show a high white blood cell count, a sign of infection. Blood tests also may show dehydration or fluid and electrolyte imbalances.Urinalysis. Urinalysis is testing of a urine sample. You will provide a urine sample in a special container in a doctor’s office, a commercial facility, or a hospital. Health care professionals can test the urine in the same location or send it to a lab for testing. Doctors use urinalysis to rule out a urinary tract infection or a kidney stone.Pregnancy test. For women, health care professionals also may order blood or urine samples to check for pregnancy.Doctors use imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis of appendicitis or find other causes of pain in the abdomen.Abdominal ultrasound. In an ultrasound, a health care professional uses a device, called a transducer, to bounce safe, painless sound waves off of your organs to create an image of their structure. He or she can move the transducer to different angles to examine different organs.In an abdominal ultrasound, a health care professional applies a gel to your abdomen and moves a hand-held transducer over your skin. A health care professional performs this procedure in a doctor’s office, an outpatient center, or a hospital, and you don’t need anesthesia.A radiologist reviews the images, which can show signs ofa blockage in your appendiceal lumen a burst appendix inflammation other sources of abdominal painHealth care professionals use an ultrasound as the first imaging test for possible appendicitis in infants, children, young adults, and pregnant women.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI machines use radio waves and magnets to produce detailed pictures of your body’s internal organs and soft tissues without using x-rays.A health care professional performs the procedure in an outpatient center or a hospital. A radiologist reviews the images. Patients don’t need anesthesia, although a health care professional may give light sedation, taken by mouth, to children and people with a fear of small spaces. A health care professional may inject a special dye, called contrast medium, into your body.In most cases, you’ll lie on a table that slides into a tunnel-shaped device. The tunnel may be open ended or closed at one end.An MRI can show signs ofa blockage in your appendiceal lumen a burst appendix inflammation other sources of abdominal painWhen diagnosing appendicitis and other sources of abdominal pain, doctors can use an MRI as a safe, reliable alternative to a computerized tomography (CT) scan.2CT scan. CT scans use x-rays and computer technology to create images.A health care professional may give you a solution to drink and an injection of contrast medium. You’ll lie on a table that slides into a tunnel-shaped device that takes the x-rays. X-ray technicians perform CT scans in an outpatient center or a hospital. Radiologists review the images.Patients don’t need anesthesia, although health care professionals may give children a sedative to help them fall asleep for the test.A CT scan of the abdomen can show signs of inflammation, such asan enlarged or a burst appendix an appendiceal abscess a blockage in your appendiceal lumenWomen of childbearing age should have a pregnancy test before having a CT scan. The radiation from CT scans can be harmful to a developing fetus. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What is Ear Infections?

Response: Ear Infections in Children (What are the symptoms of an ear infection?): There are three main types of ear infections. Each has a different combination of symptoms. - Acute otitis media (AOM) is the most common ear infection. Parts of the middle ear are infected and swollen and fluid is trapped behind the eardrum. This causes pain in the ear—commonly called an earache. Your child might also have a fever. - Otitis media with effusion (OME) sometimes happens after an ear infection has run its course and fluid stays trapped behind the eardrum. A child with OME may have no symptoms, but a doctor will be able to see the fluid behind the eardrum with a special instrument. - Chronic otitis media with effusion (COME) happens when fluid remains in the middle ear for a long time or returns over and over again, even though there is no infection. COME makes it harder for children to fight new infections and also can affect their hearing. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What is Ear Infections?

Response: Ear Infections in Children (How can I tell if my child has an ear infection?): Most ear infections happen to children before they’ve learned how to talk. If your child isn’t old enough to say “My ear hurts,” here are a few things to look for: - Tugging or pulling at the ear(s) - Fussiness and crying - Trouble sleeping - Fever (especially in infants and younger children) - Fluid draining from the ear - Clumsiness or problems with balance - Trouble hearing or responding to quiet sounds. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What causes Ear Infections?

Response: Ear Infections in Children (How can I tell if my child has an ear infection?): Most ear infections happen to children before they’ve learned how to talk. If your child isn’t old enough to say “My ear hurts,” here are a few things to look for: - Tugging or pulling at the ear(s) - Fussiness and crying - Trouble sleeping - Fever (especially in infants and younger children) - Fluid draining from the ear - Clumsiness or problems with balance - Trouble hearing or responding to quiet sounds. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What causes Ear Infections?

Response: Ear Infections in Children (Why are children more likely than adults to get ear infections?): There are several reasons why children are more likely than adults to get ear infections. Eustachian tubes are smaller and more level in children than they are in adults. This makes it difficult for fluid to drain out of the ear, even under normal conditions. If the eustachian tubes are swollen or blocked with mucus due to a cold or other respiratory illness, fluid may not be able to drain. A child’s immune system isn’t as effective as an adult’s because it’s still developing. This makes it harder for children to fight infections. As part of the immune system, the adenoids respond to bacteria passing through the nose and mouth. Sometimes bacteria get trapped in the adenoids, causing a chronic infection that can then pass on to the eustachian tubes and the middle ear. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What causes Ear Infections?

Response: Ear Infections in Children (What are the symptoms of an ear infection?): There are three main types of ear infections. Each has a different combination of symptoms. - Acute otitis media (AOM) is the most common ear infection. Parts of the middle ear are infected and swollen and fluid is trapped behind the eardrum. This causes pain in the ear—commonly called an earache. Your child might also have a fever. - Otitis media with effusion (OME) sometimes happens after an ear infection has run its course and fluid stays trapped behind the eardrum. A child with OME may have no symptoms, but a doctor will be able to see the fluid behind the eardrum with a special instrument. - Chronic otitis media with effusion (COME) happens when fluid remains in the middle ear for a long time or returns over and over again, even though there is no infection. COME makes it harder for children to fight new infections and also can affect their hearing. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What are the symptoms of Ear Infections?

Response: Ear Infections in Children (How can I tell if my child has an ear infection?): Most ear infections happen to children before they’ve learned how to talk. If your child isn’t old enough to say “My ear hurts,” here are a few things to look for: - Tugging or pulling at the ear(s) - Fussiness and crying - Trouble sleeping - Fever (especially in infants and younger children) - Fluid draining from the ear - Clumsiness or problems with balance - Trouble hearing or responding to quiet sounds. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What are the symptoms of Ear Infections?

Response: Ear Infections in Children (What are the symptoms of an ear infection?): There are three main types of ear infections. Each has a different combination of symptoms. - Acute otitis media (AOM) is the most common ear infection. Parts of the middle ear are infected and swollen and fluid is trapped behind the eardrum. This causes pain in the ear—commonly called an earache. Your child might also have a fever. - Otitis media with effusion (OME) sometimes happens after an ear infection has run its course and fluid stays trapped behind the eardrum. A child with OME may have no symptoms, but a doctor will be able to see the fluid behind the eardrum with a special instrument. - Chronic otitis media with effusion (COME) happens when fluid remains in the middle ear for a long time or returns over and over again, even though there is no infection. COME makes it harder for children to fight new infections and also can affect their hearing. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What are the symptoms of Ear Infections?

Response: What are Ear Infections?: Ear infections are the most common reason parents bring their child to a doctor. Three out of four children will have at least one ear infection by their third birthday. Adults can also get ear infections, but they are less common. The infection usually affects the middle ear and is called otitis media. The tubes inside the ears become clogged with fluid and mucus. This can affect hearing, because sound cannot get through all that fluid. If your child isn't old enough to say "My ear hurts," here are a few things to look for - Tugging at ears - Crying more than usual - Fluid draining from the ear - Trouble sleeping - Balance difficulties - Hearing problems Your health care provider will diagnose an ear infection by looking inside the ear with an instrument called an otoscope. Often, ear infections go away on their own. Your health care provider may recommend pain relievers. Severe infections and infections in young babies may require antibiotics. Children who get infections often may need surgery to place small tubes inside their ears. The tubes relieve pressure in the ears so that the child can hear again. NIH: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What are the treatments of Ear Infections?

Response: What are the treatments for Ear infection - acute?: Some ear infections clear on their own without antibiotics. Often, treating the pain and allowing the body time to heal itself is all that is needed: - Apply a warm cloth or warm water bottle to the affected ear. - Use over-the-counter pain relief drops for ears. Or, ask the provider about prescription eardrops to relieve pain. - Take over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain or fever. Do NOT give aspirin to children. All children younger than 6 months with a fever or symptoms of an ear infection should see a provider. Children who are older than 6 months may be watched at home if they do NOT have: - A fever higher than 102F (38.9C) - More severe pain or other symptoms - Other medical problems If there is no improvement or if symptoms get worse, schedule an appointment with the provider to determine whether antibiotics are needed. ANTIBIOTICS A virus or bacteria can cause ear infections. Antibiotics will not help an infection that is caused by a virus. Most providers don't prescribe antibiotics for every ear infection. However, all children younger than 6 months with an ear infection are treated with antibiotics. Your health care provider is more likely to prescribe antibiotics if your child: - Is under age 2 - Has a fever - Appears sick - Does not improve in 24 to 48 hours If antibiotics are prescribed, it is important to take them every day and to take all of the medicine. Do NOT stop the medicine when symptoms go away. If the antibiotics do not seem to be working within 48 to 72 hours, contact your provider. You may need to switch to a different antibiotic. Side effects of antibiotics may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Although rare, serious allergic reactions may also occur. Some children have repeat ear infections that seem to go away between episodes. They may receive a smaller, daily dose of antibiotics to prevent new infections. SURGERY If an infection does not go away with the usual medical treatment, or if a child has many ear infections over a short period of time, the provider may recommend ear tubes: - A tiny tube is inserted into the eardrum, keeping open a small hole that allows air to get in so fluids can drain more easily. - Usually the tubes fall out by themselves. Those that don't fall out may be removed in the provider's office. If the adenoids are enlarged, removing them with surgery may be considered if ear infections continue to occur. Removing tonsils does not seem to help prevent ear infections. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What are the treatments of Ear Infections?

Response: Ear Infections in Children (How is an acute middle ear infection treated?): Many doctors will prescribe an antibiotic, such as amoxicillin, to be taken over seven to 10 days. Your doctor also may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, or eardrops, to help with fever and pain. (Because aspirin is considered a major preventable risk factor for Reye’s syndrome, a child who has a fever or other flu-like symptoms should not be given aspirin unless instructed to by your doctor.) If your doctor isn’t able to make a definite diagnosis of OM and your child doesn’t have severe ear pain or a fever, your doctor might ask you to wait a day or two to see if the earache goes away. The American Academy of Pediatrics issued guidelines in 2013 that encourage doctors to observe and closely follow these children with ear infections that can’t be definitively diagnosed, especially those between the ages of 6 months to 2 years. If there’s no improvement within 48 to 72 hours from when symptoms began, the guidelines recommend doctors start antibiotic therapy. Sometimes ear pain isn’t caused by infection, and some ear infections may get better without antibiotics. Using antibiotics cautiously and with good reason helps prevent the development of bacteria that become resistant to antibiotics. If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic, it’s important to make sure your child takes it exactly as prescribed and for the full amount of time. Even though your child may seem better in a few days, the infection still hasn’t completely cleared from the ear. Stopping the medicine too soon could allow the infection to come back. It’s also important to return for your child’s follow-up visit, so that the doctor can check if the infection is gone. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: How to diagnose Ear Infections?

Response: Ear infection (middle ear) (Diagnosis): Your doctor can usually diagnose an ear infection or another condition based on the symptoms you describe and an exam. The doctor will likely use a lighted instrument (an otoscope) to look at the ears, throat and nasal passage. He or she will also likely listen to your child breathe with a stethoscope. Pneumatic otoscope An instrument called a pneumatic otoscope is often the only specialized tool a doctor needs to make a diagnosis of an ear infection. This instrument enables the doctor to look in the ear and judge whether there is fluid behind the eardrum. With the pneumatic otoscope, the doctor gently puffs air against the eardrum. Normally, this puff of air would cause the eardrum to move. If the middle ear is filled with fluid, your doctor will observe little to no movement of the eardrum. Additional tests Your doctor may perform other diagnostic tests if there is any doubt about a diagnosis, if the condition hasn't responded to previous treatments, or if there are other persistent or serious problems. - Tympanometry. This test measures the movement of the eardrum. The device, which seals off the ear canal, adjusts air pressure in the canal, thereby causing the eardrum to move. The device quantifies how well the eardrum moves and provides an indirect measure of pressure within the middle ear. - Acoustic reflectometry. This test measures how much sound emitted from a device is reflected back from the eardrum - an indirect measure of fluids in the middle ear. Normally, the eardrum absorbs most of the sound. However, the more pressure there is from fluid in the middle ear, the more sound the eardrum will reflect. - Tympanocentesis. Rarely, a doctor may use a tiny tube that pierces the eardrum to drain fluid from the middle ear - a procedure called tympanocentesis. Tests to determine the infectious agent in the fluid may be beneficial if an infection hasn't responded well to previous treatments. - Other tests. If your child has had persistent ear infections or persistent fluid buildup in the middle ear, your doctor may refer you to a hearing specialist (audiologist), speech therapist or developmental therapist for tests of hearing, speech skills, language comprehension or developmental abilities. What a diagnosis means - Acute otitis media. The diagnosis of "ear infection" is generally shorthand for acute otitis media. Your doctor likely makes this diagnosis if he or she observes signs of fluid in the middle ear, if there are signs or symptoms of an infection, and if the onset of symptoms was relatively sudden. - Otitis media with effusion. If the diagnosis is otitis media with effusion, the doctor has found evidence of fluid in the middle ear, but there are presently no signs or symptoms of infection. - Chronic suppurative otitis media. If the doctor makes a diagnosis of chronic suppurative otitis media, he or she has found that a persistent ear infection resulted in tearing or perforation of the eardrum. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: How to diagnose Ear Infections?

Response: Ear Infections in Children (How can I tell if my child has an ear infection?): Most ear infections happen to children before they’ve learned how to talk. If your child isn’t old enough to say “My ear hurts,” here are a few things to look for: - Tugging or pulling at the ear(s) - Fussiness and crying - Trouble sleeping - Fever (especially in infants and younger children) - Fluid draining from the ear - Clumsiness or problems with balance - Trouble hearing or responding to quiet sounds. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: How to diagnose Ear Infections?

Response: What are Ear Infections?: Ear infections are the most common reason parents bring their child to a doctor. Three out of four children will have at least one ear infection by their third birthday. Adults can also get ear infections, but they are less common. The infection usually affects the middle ear and is called otitis media. The tubes inside the ears become clogged with fluid and mucus. This can affect hearing, because sound cannot get through all that fluid. If your child isn't old enough to say "My ear hurts," here are a few things to look for - Tugging at ears - Crying more than usual - Fluid draining from the ear - Trouble sleeping - Balance difficulties - Hearing problems Your health care provider will diagnose an ear infection by looking inside the ear with an instrument called an otoscope. Often, ear infections go away on their own. Your health care provider may recommend pain relievers. Severe infections and infections in young babies may require antibiotics. Children who get infections often may need surgery to place small tubes inside their ears. The tubes relieve pressure in the ears so that the child can hear again. NIH: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What is Cervical Cancer?

Response: Cervical cancer (Who gets cervical cancer?): Each year, about 12,000 women in the United States get cervical cancer. Cervical cancer happens most often in women 30 years or older, but all women are at risk. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What causes Cervical Cancer?

Response: Cervical cancer (Causes): Cervical cancer begins when healthy cells acquire a genetic change (mutation) that causes them to turn into abnormal cells. Healthy cells grow and multiply at a set rate, eventually dying at a set time. Cancer cells grow and multiply out of control, and they don't die. The accumulating abnormal cells form a mass (tumor). Cancer cells invade nearby tissues and can break off from a tumor to spread (metastasize) elsewhere in the body. It isn't clear what causes cervical cancer, but it's certain that HPV plays a role. HPV is very common, and most women with the virus never develop cervical cancer. This means other factors - such as your environment or your lifestyle choices - also determine whether you'll develop cervical cancer. The type of cervical cancer that you have helps determine your prognosis and treatment. The main types of cervical cancer are: - Squamous cell carcinoma. This type of cervical cancer begins in the thin, flat cells (squamous cells) lining the outer part of the cervix, which projects into the vagina. Most cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. - Adenocarcinoma. This type of cervical cancer begins in the column-shaped glandular cells that line the cervical canal. Sometimes, both types of cells are involved in cervical cancer. Very rarely, cancer occurs in other cells in the cervix. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What causes Cervical Cancer?

Response: Cervical cancer (Causes): Worldwide, cervical cancer is the third most common type of cancer in women. It is much less common in the United States because of the routine use of Pap smears. Cervical cancer starts in the cells on the surface of the cervix. There are 2 types of cells on the surface of the cervix, squamous and columnar. Most cervical cancers are from squamous cells. Cervical cancer usually develops slowly. It starts as a precancerous condition called dysplasia. This condition can be detected by a Pap smear and is 100% treatable. It can take years for dysplasia to develop into cervical cancer. Most women who are diagnosed with cervical cancer today have not had regular Pap smears, or they have not followed up on abnormal Pap smear results. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV (human papillomavirus). HPV is a common virus that is spread through sexual intercourse. There are many different types (strains) of HPV. Some strains lead to cervical cancer. Other strains can cause genital warts. Others do not cause any problems at all. A woman's sexual habits and patterns can increase her risk of developing cervical cancer. Risky sexual practices include: - Having sex at an early age - Having multiple sexual partners - Having a partner or many partners who take part in high-risk sexual activities Other risk factors for cervical cancer include: - Not getting the HPV vaccine - Being economically disadvantaged - Having a mother who took the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy in the early 1960s to prevent miscarriage - Having a weakened immune system. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What causes Cervical Cancer?

Response: Cervical cancer: Cervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cervix, the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb). Most cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Cervical cancer is the easiest gynecological cancer to prevent with regular screening tests and vaccination. It is also very curable when found and treated early. Learn more about cervical cancer at the National Cancer Institute. Cervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cervix, the lower, narrow part of the uterus. It happens when the body's cervical cells divide very fast and grow out of control. These extra cells form a tumor. Each year, about 12,000 women in the United States get cervical cancer. Cervical cancer happens most often in women 30 years or older, but all women are at risk. Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by a high-risk type of HPV. HPV is a virus that is passed from person to person through genital contact, such as vaginal, anal, or oral sex. If the HPV infection does not go away on its own, it may cause cervical cancer over time. Other things may increase the risk of developing cancer following a high-risk HPV infection. These other things include: You may not notice any signs or symptoms of cervical cancer. Signs of advanced cervical cancer may include bleeding or discharge from the vagina. These symptoms may not be caused by cervical cancer, but the only way to be sure is to see your doctor. Women should start getting screened at age 21. You can get a Pap test to look for changes in cervical cells that could become cancer-ous if not treated. If the Pap test finds major changes in the cells of the cervix, your doctor may suggest more tests to look for cancer. Women between the ages of 30 and 65 can also get an HPV test with your Pap test to see if you have HPV. The Pap test and the HPV test look for different things. A Pap test checks the cervix for abnormal cell changes that, if not found and treated, can lead to cervical cancer. Your doctor takes cells from your cervix to examine under a microscope. How often you need a Pap test depends on your age and health history. Talk with your doctor about what is best for you. Learn more about Pap tests on our Pap test page. An HPV test looks for HPV on a woman's cervix. Certain types of HPV can lead to cervical cancer. Your doctor will swab the cervix for cells. An HPV test is not the same as the HPV vaccine. According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), women ages 30 to 65 can combine the HPV test with a Pap test every 5 years. The USPSTF does not recommend the HPV test for women under age 30. Learn more about HPV and the HPV test on our HPV page. How often you need to be screened depends on your age and health history. Talk with your doctor about what is best for you. Most women can follow these guidelines: If you had a hysterectomy, you should follow these guidelines: You can lower your risk of getting cervical cancer with the following steps. The steps work best when used together. No single step can protect you from cervical cancer. The best ways to prevent cervical cancer include: HPV vaccines are approved for girls and young women from 9 through 26. Experts recommend that all girls get an HPV vaccine before any sexual activity, by the time they are 11 or 12. The Gardasil 9 HPV vaccine gives the most protection against cervical cancer for girls and women. Some girls younger than 15 may be able to get just two doses of the HPV vaccine, but others may need three doses of the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women. Talk to your doctor to find out how many doses are best for you. Yes. You can still benefit from the HPV vaccine if you have already had sexual contact before getting all three doses. This only applies if you have not been infected with the HPV types included in the vaccine. For more information about cervical cancer, call the OWH Helpline at 1-800-994-9662 or contact the following organizations:. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What are the symptoms of Cervical Cancer?

Response: Cervical cancer (What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?): You may not notice any signs or symptoms of cervical cancer. Signs of advanced cervical cancer may include bleeding or discharge from the vagina. These symptoms may not be caused by cervical cancer, but the only way to be sure is to see your doctor. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What are the symptoms of Cervical Cancer?

Response: Cervical cancer (Symptoms): Early-stage cervical cancer generally produces no signs or symptoms. Signs and symptoms of more-advanced cervical cancer include: - Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause - Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odor - Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that concern you. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What are the symptoms of Cervical Cancer?

Response: Cervical cancer (Symptoms): Most of the time, early cervical cancer has no symptoms. Symptoms that may occur include: - Abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods, after intercourse, or after menopause - Vaginal discharge that does not stop, and may be pale, watery, pink, brown, bloody, or foul-smelling - Periods that become heavier and last longer than usual Cervical cancer may spread to the bladder, intestines, lungs, and liver. Often, there are no problems until the cancer is advanced and has spread. Symptoms of advanced cervical cancer may include: - Back pain - Bone pain or fractures - Fatigue - Leaking of urine or feces from the vagina - Leg pain - Loss of appetite - Pelvic pain - Single swollen leg - Weight loss. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What are the treatments of Cervical Cancer?

Response: Cervical Cancer (Treatment Option Overview): - There are different types of treatment for patients with cervical cancer. - Four types of standard treatment are used: - Surgery - Radiation therapy - Chemotherapy - Targeted therapy - New types of treatment are being tested in clinical trials. - Treatment for cervical cancer may cause side effects. - Patients may want to think about taking part in a clinical trial. - Patients can enter clinical trials before, during, or after starting their cancer treatment. - Follow-up tests may be needed. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What are the treatments of Cervical Cancer?

Response: Cervical cancer (Treatment): Treatment of cervical cancer depends on: - The stage of the cancer - The size and shape of the tumor - The woman's age and general health - Her desire to have children in the future Early cervical cancer can be cured by removing or destroying the precancerous or cancerous tissue. This is why routine Pap smears are so important to prevent cervical cancer. There are surgical ways to do this without removing the uterus or damaging the cervix, so that a woman can still have children in the future. Types of surgery for early cervical cancer include: - Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP): Uses electricity to remove abnormal tissue - Cryotherapy: Freezes abnormal cells - Laser therapy: Uses light to burn abnormal tissue A hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus but not the ovaries) is not often done for cervical cancer that has not spread. It may be done in women who have had repeated LEEP procedures. Treatment for more advanced cervical cancer may include: - Radical hysterectomy, which removes the uterus and much of the surrounding tissues, including lymph nodes and the upper part of the vagina. - Pelvic exenteration, an extreme type of surgery in which all of the organs of the pelvis, including the bladder and rectum, are removed. Radiation may be used to treat cancer that has spread beyond the cervix or cancer that has returned. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer. It may be given alone or with surgery or radiation. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What are the treatments of Cervical Cancer?

Response: Cervical cancer (Treatment): Treatment for cervical cancer depends on several factors, such as the stage of the cancer, other health problems you may have and your preferences. Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of the three may be used. Surgery Early-stage cervical cancer is typically treated with surgery to remove the uterus (hysterectomy). A hysterectomy can cure early-stage cervical cancer and prevent recurrence. But removing the uterus makes it impossible to become pregnant. Your doctor may recommend: - Simple hysterectomy. The cervix and uterus are removed along with the cancer. Simple hysterectomy is usually an option only in very early-stage cervical cancer. - Radical hysterectomy. The cervix, uterus, part of the vagina and lymph nodes in the area are removed with the cancer. Minimally invasive surgery may be an option for early-stage cervical cancer. Surgery that preserves the possibility of becoming pregnant also may be an option, if you have very early-stage cervical cancer without lymph node involvement. Radiation Radiation therapy uses high-powered energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be used alone or with chemotherapy before surgery to shrink a tumor or after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be given: - Externally, by directing a radiation beam at the affected area of the body (external beam radiation therapy) - Internally, by placing a device filled with radioactive material inside your vagina, usually for only a few minutes (brachytherapy) - Both externally and internally Premenopausal women may stop menstruating and begin menopause as a result of radiation therapy. If you might want to get pregnant after radiation treatment, ask your doctor about ways to preserve your eggs before treatment starts. Chemotherapy Chemotherapy uses medications, usually injected into a vein, to kill cancer cells. Low doses of chemotherapy are often combined with radiation therapy, since chemotherapy may enhance the effects of the radiation. Higher doses of chemotherapy are used to control advanced cervical cancer that may not be curable. Follow-up care After you complete treatment, your doctor will recommend regular checkups. Ask your doctor how often you should have follow-up exams. Supportive (palliative) care Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on providing relief from pain and other symptoms of a serious illness. Palliative care specialists work with you, your family and your other doctors to provide an extra layer of support that complements your ongoing care. When palliative care is used along with all of the other appropriate treatments, people with cancer may feel better and live longer. Palliative care is provided by a team of doctors, nurses and other specially trained professionals. Palliative care teams aim to improve the quality of life for people with cancer and their families. This form of care is offered alongside curative or other treatments you may be receiving. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: How to diagnose Cervical Cancer?

Response: How to diagnose Cervical cancer?: Precancerous changes of the cervix and cervical cancer cannot be seen with the naked eye. Special tests and tools are needed to spot such conditions: - A Pap smear screens for precancers and cancer, but does not make a final diagnosis. - The human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA test may be done along with a Pap test. Or it may be used after a woman has had an abnormal Pap test result. It may also be used as a main test. - If abnormal changes are found, the cervix is usually examined under magnification. This procedure is called colposcopy. Pieces of tissue are removed (biopsied) during this procedure. This tissue is then sent to a lab for examination. - A procedure called cone biopsy may also be done. If cervical cancer is diagnosed, the health care provider will order more tests. These help determine how far the cancer has spread. This is called staging. Tests may include: - Chest x-ray - CT scan of the pelvis - Cystoscopy - Intravenous pyelogram (IVP) - MRI of the pelvis. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: How to diagnose Cervical Cancer?

Response: Cervical cancer (Diagnosis): Screening Cervical cancer that is detected early is more likely to be treated successfully. Most guidelines suggest that women begin screening for cervical cancer and precancerous changes at age 21. Screening tests include: - Pap test. During a Pap test, your doctor scrapes and brushes cells from your cervix, which are then examined in a lab for abnormalities. A Pap test can detect abnormal cells in the cervix, including cancer cells and cells that show changes that increase the risk of cervical cancer. - HPV DNA test. The HPV DNA test involves testing cells collected from the cervix for infection with any of the types of HPV that are most likely to lead to cervical cancer. This test may be an option for women age 30 and older, or for younger women with an abnormal Pap test. Diagnosis If cervical cancer is suspected, your doctor is likely to start with a thorough examination of your cervix. A special magnifying instrument (colposcope) is used to check for abnormal cells. During the colposcopic examination, your doctor is likely to take a sample of cervical cells (biopsy) for laboratory testing. To obtain tissue, your doctor may use: - Punch biopsy, which involves using a sharp tool to pinch off small samples of cervical tissue. - Endocervical curettage, which uses a small, spoon-shaped instrument (curet) or a thin brush to scrape a tissue sample from the cervix. If the punch biopsy or endocervical curettage is worrisome, your doctor may perform one of the following tests: - Electrical wire loop, which uses a thin, low-voltage electrical wire to obtain a small tissue sample. Generally this is done under local anesthesia in the office. - Cone biopsy, which is a procedure that allows your doctor to obtain deeper layers of cervical cells for laboratory testing. A cone biopsy may be done in a hospital under general anesthesia. Staging If your doctor determines that you have cervical cancer, you'll have further tests to determine the extent (stage) of your cancer. Your cancer's stage is a key factor in deciding on your treatment. Staging exams include: - Imaging tests. Tests such as X-rays, CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) help your doctor determine whether your cancer has spread beyond your cervix. - Visual examination of your bladder and rectum. Your doctor may use special scopes to see inside your bladder and rectum. Stages of cervical cancer include: - Stage I. Cancer is confined to the cervix. - Stage II. Cancer is present in the cervix and upper portion of the vagina. - Stage III. Cancer has moved to the lower portion of the vagina or internally to the pelvic side wall. - Stage IV. Cancer has spread to nearby organs, such as the bladder or rectum, or it has spread to other areas of the body, such as the lungs, liver or bones. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What is Ovarian Cancer?

Response: Ovarian cancer: Ovarian cancer is cancer that begins in the ovaries. The ovaries make female hormones and produce a woman's eggs. Ovarian cancer is a serious cancer that is more common in older women. Treatment is most effective when the cancer is found early. Screening for ovarian cancer is not recommended for most women. Learn more about ovarian cancer at the National Cancer Institute. Ovarian cancer forms in tissues of the ovary. (An ovary is one of a pair of female reproductive glands in which the ova, or eggs, are formed.) Tumors in the ovaries can be benign, which means they are not cancer, or they can be malignant, which means they are cancer. Cancers that start in the ovaries can spread to other parts of the body. This is called metastasis. Cancer that starts in the ovaries and spreads to other parts of the body is still called ovarian cancer. Around one in every 60 women in the United States will develop ovarian cancer. Most ovarian cancers are diagnosed in women over 60, but this disease can also affect younger women. Among women in the United States, ovarian cancer is rare. Most ovarian cancers are diagnosed among women ages 55 to 64, but ovarian cancer can also affect younger women. Women with a high risk of ovarian cancer are those with a harmful mutation on the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. These mutations can be found with a blood test. Women with a family or personal history of breast or ovarian cancer also have a higher risk of ovarian cancer. If you have family members in multiple generations with breast cancer or ovarian cancer, see your doctor to learn more about your risk of ovarian cancer. Research shows that certain steps, such as surgery to remove the ovaries and the fallopian tubes, may help prevent ovarian cancer in women who are at high risk. The sooner ovarian cancer is found and treated, the better your chance for recovery. But ovarian cancer is hard to detect early, because its symptoms are also the symptoms of many other illnesses. The following may be symptoms of ovarian cancer if they continue or get worse over time: If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. He or she can determine if the cause is cancer or something else. Your doctor also may ask you to visit a gynecologic oncologist. This is a doctor who focuses on cancers of the female pelvis. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against screening women who are not at high risk for ovarian cancer. The USPSTF found that testing for ovarian cancer may do more harm than good. Current testing methods, like pelvic exams, ultrasound, and blood tests, can lead to "false positives" (results that say a woman has ovarian cancer when she really does not have ovarian cancer). These incorrect results can lead to surgeries that are not needed and that can be risky. Some women, like those who are at high risk, can talk to their doctor about their risk and what they can do to help prevent ovarian cancer. For more information about ovarian cancer, call the OWH Helpline at 1-800-994-9662 or contact the following organizations:. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What causes Ovarian Cancer?

Response: Ovarian cancer (Causes): It's not clear what causes ovarian cancer, though doctors have identified factors that can increase the risk of the disease. In general, cancer begins when a cell develops errors (mutations) in its DNA. The mutations tell the cell to grow and multiply quickly, creating a mass (tumor) of abnormal cells. The abnormal cells continue living when healthy cells would die. They can invade nearby tissues and break off from an initial tumor to spread elsewhere in the body (metastasize). Types of ovarian cancer The type of cell where the cancer begins determines the type of ovarian cancer you have. Ovarian cancer types include: - Epithelial tumors, which begin in the thin layer of tissue that covers the outside of the ovaries. About 90 percent of ovarian cancers are epithelial tumors. - Stromal tumors, which begin in the ovarian tissue that contains hormone-producing cells. These tumors are usually diagnosed at an earlier stage than other ovarian tumors. About 7 percent of ovarian tumors are stromal. - Germ cell tumors, which begin in the egg-producing cells. These rare ovarian cancers tend to occur in younger women. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What causes Ovarian Cancer?

Response: Ovarian cancer (Risk factors): Factors that can increase your risk of ovarian cancer include: - Older age. Ovarian cancer can occur at any age but is most common in women ages 50 to 60 years. - Inherited gene mutations. A small percentage of ovarian cancers are caused by gene mutations you inherit from your parents. The genes known to increase the risk of ovarian cancer are called breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2). These genes also increase the risk of breast cancer. Other gene mutations, including those associated with Lynch syndrome, are known to increase the risk of ovarian cancer. - Family history of ovarian cancer. People with two or more close relatives with ovarian cancer have an increased risk of the disease. - Estrogen hormone replacement therapy, especially with long-term use and in large doses. - Age when menstruation started and ended. Beginning menstruation at an early age or starting menopause at a later age, or both, may increase the risk of ovarian cancer. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What causes Ovarian Cancer?

Response: Ovarian cancer: Ovarian cancer is cancer that begins in the ovaries. The ovaries make female hormones and produce a woman's eggs. Ovarian cancer is a serious cancer that is more common in older women. Treatment is most effective when the cancer is found early. Screening for ovarian cancer is not recommended for most women. Learn more about ovarian cancer at the National Cancer Institute. Ovarian cancer forms in tissues of the ovary. (An ovary is one of a pair of female reproductive glands in which the ova, or eggs, are formed.) Tumors in the ovaries can be benign, which means they are not cancer, or they can be malignant, which means they are cancer. Cancers that start in the ovaries can spread to other parts of the body. This is called metastasis. Cancer that starts in the ovaries and spreads to other parts of the body is still called ovarian cancer. Around one in every 60 women in the United States will develop ovarian cancer. Most ovarian cancers are diagnosed in women over 60, but this disease can also affect younger women. Among women in the United States, ovarian cancer is rare. Most ovarian cancers are diagnosed among women ages 55 to 64, but ovarian cancer can also affect younger women. Women with a high risk of ovarian cancer are those with a harmful mutation on the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. These mutations can be found with a blood test. Women with a family or personal history of breast or ovarian cancer also have a higher risk of ovarian cancer. If you have family members in multiple generations with breast cancer or ovarian cancer, see your doctor to learn more about your risk of ovarian cancer. Research shows that certain steps, such as surgery to remove the ovaries and the fallopian tubes, may help prevent ovarian cancer in women who are at high risk. The sooner ovarian cancer is found and treated, the better your chance for recovery. But ovarian cancer is hard to detect early, because its symptoms are also the symptoms of many other illnesses. The following may be symptoms of ovarian cancer if they continue or get worse over time: If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. He or she can determine if the cause is cancer or something else. Your doctor also may ask you to visit a gynecologic oncologist. This is a doctor who focuses on cancers of the female pelvis. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against screening women who are not at high risk for ovarian cancer. The USPSTF found that testing for ovarian cancer may do more harm than good. Current testing methods, like pelvic exams, ultrasound, and blood tests, can lead to "false positives" (results that say a woman has ovarian cancer when she really does not have ovarian cancer). These incorrect results can lead to surgeries that are not needed and that can be risky. Some women, like those who are at high risk, can talk to their doctor about their risk and what they can do to help prevent ovarian cancer. For more information about ovarian cancer, call the OWH Helpline at 1-800-994-9662 or contact the following organizations:. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What are the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?

Response: Ovarian cancer (Symptoms): Early-stage ovarian cancer rarely causes any symptoms. Advanced-stage ovarian cancer may cause few and nonspecific symptoms that are often mistaken for more common benign conditions. Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may include: - Abdominal bloating or swelling - Quickly feeling full when eating - Weight loss - Discomfort in the pelvis area - Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation - A frequent need to urinate When to see a doctor Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you. If you have a family history of ovarian cancer or breast cancer, talk to your doctor about your risk of ovarian cancer. Your doctor may refer you to a genetic counselor to discuss testing for certain gene mutations that increase your risk of breast and ovarian cancers. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What are the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?

Response: Ovarian cancer (Symptoms): Many people with early ovarian cancer have no signs or symptoms of the condition. When present, symptoms are often nonspecific and blamed on other, more common conditions. Some people with ovarian cancer may experience the following: [2] [6] Bloating Difficulty eating or early satiety Pelvic or lower abdominal pain Back pain Abnormal vaginal bleeding Digestive symptoms such as nausea and vomiting; constipation; indigestion; and/or acid reflux Weight loss or weight gain Increased urinary frequency or urgency Tiredness Shortness of breath The Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) provides the following list of features that have been reported in people with this condition. Much of the information in the HPO comes from Orphanet, a European rare disease database. If available, the list includes a rough estimate of how common a feature is (its frequency). Frequencies are based on a specific study and may not be representative of all studies. You can use the MedlinePlus Medical Dictionary for definitions of the terms below. Signs and Symptoms Approximate number of patients (when available) Abnormality of metabolism/homeostasis - Autosomal dominant inheritance - Breast carcinoma - Dysgerminoma - Ovarian papillary adenocarcinoma -. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.


Instruction: What are the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?

Response: Ovarian cancer (What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?): The following may be symptoms of ovarian cancer if they continue or get worse over time: If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. He or she can determine if the cause is cancer or something else. Your doctor also may ask you to visit a gynecologic oncologist. This is a doctor who focuses on cancers of the female pelvis. If your symptoms worsen or feel concerning, seek help from a healthcare professional.