Preparing For Ovarian Cyst Surgery

Preparing For Ovarian Cyst Surgery
By Ovette Kline

When you have been diagnosed with an ovarian cyst, whether benign or malignant, it often comes as a shock; even more so if you are told that you have to endure a surgery in order for it to be removed. However, today, the procedure for ovarian cyst surgery has changed. Laparoscopy, which involves a small incision and a thin tube with a light on it, has allowed this once cumbersome surgery to become quick and easy in terms of the procedure as well as the recovery time.
Preparing for a laparoscopic ovarian cyst surgery is the same as if you were preparing for the open surgery, which is still used if necessary. You will need to refrain from using any medications that may thin the blood, such as aspirin, Coumadin, Plavix and ibuprofen. You will also be asked to endure a series of tests, most of which are non-invasive. These tests usually include a CT scan, an ultrasound; a chest, abdominal and lower intestinal x-ray; urine and blood tests and a general physical exam. Your doctor may also wish to extract some fluid from your pelvic cavity for testing.
Finally, you will be asked to refrain from eating and drinking. Most doctors ask that you not eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before your surgery; however, it is generally recommended that you abstain from eating or drinking for at least 8 hours prior to your ovarian cyst surgery.
Ovarian cyst removal using laparoscopy allows for a quicker recovery; generally around 1-2 weeks. In fact, most women are able to return to work within this time period. There are, however, some professions that require more physically demanding work from the woman that could delay her return to work for up to 3 weeks after a laparoscopic surgery.
The irritations that ovarian cysts often cause can be greatly reduced when you know how to manage the problem. Be sure to visit http://www.ovariancysttreatment.org and explore ways to relieve yourself of the pain.
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Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer Symptoms - Learning to Listen to Your Body

Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer Symptoms - Learning to Listen to Your Body
By Darrell D Price

Do you think you may have symptoms of ovarian cancer? I will provide you with an informative overview of the symptoms, and signs, as well as point you to sources that can further explain the stages of this often-deadly disease.
While there are different types of tumors that a woman can get in the ovaries, the symptoms tend to be classical in that they are all similar. Symptoms in themselves do not indicate whether they are malignant or benign, but only serve as a warning sign that something is clearly wrong.
The latest statistics from the American Cancer Society seem to indicate that the survival rate for women with this type of cancer seems to remain unchanged for the past several years. Approximately 16,000 women were diagnosed with this form of cancer in 2004. The survival rate really depends on what stage the cancer is detected.
For instance, almost seventy percent of all women diagnosed with cancer of the ovaries, are not diagnosed until they have advanced into stage III. Some have even advanced to stage IV before the disease was caught and treatment plan was implemented. Most women have a greater survival rate or 90% if they are diagnosed in time whereas the rate decreases proportionally with the advancement of each stage.
Treatment like many other types of cancer will depend upon how far the cancer has mastasized into other parts of the body such as the abdominal midsection.
The ovaries are two small almond shaped organs that exists within the lower part of the abdominal region in the uterus - one on each side. They are practically hidden very deep. This is one of the primary reasons why it is difficult to detect cancer in the beginning stages. The next best thing is to be familiar with the symptoms and signs.
Typical ovarian cancer symptoms that serve as a warning flag include:
-- Changes in weight. One may increase or decrease weight without making any dietary changes.
-- Bladder changes that result in uncontrolled urinary movements.
-- Gastrointestinal inconsistencies i.e., frequent indigestion, upset stomach, or excessive chronic gas buildup.
-- Discomfort and pain in the pelvic area.
-- Postmenopausal bleeding
-- Ovary pain during and prolonged after sexual intercourse.
-- Always having a feeling of a full stomach.
-- Feeling weak or overly fatigued.
Remember: Symptoms of ovarian cancer usually do not show up until the cancer has reached the advanced stages. Getting medical attention is crucial if you experience any of these symptoms that last longer than two weeks.
Doctors have several techniques for diagnosing this type of cancer. They include a simple rectal and pelvic examination to check for irregularities. Ultrasounds have been used as a tool to spot ovarian malignancies. Blood test can also aid in detection where the doctor looks for elevated levels of CA125 with values in excess of 35 u/ml. Studies have shown that this test is not as effective in pre-menopausal women.
Transvaginal sonography is a another method used. Your doctor will prescribe the best method of screening and detection based on your age, whether or not you are pre or post-menopausal, and on whether you have other disease factors such as liver disease or other conditions that affect early accurate detection.
Finally, an ovarian pap test known as laparoscopy. This new way of detecting pre-cancerous cells provides a detailed view of what is taking place by collecting cells from the ovaries and abdomen. Treatment for ovarian cancer depends on the type and stage of the disease, your age and general health and other factors your doctor will discuss with you.
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Common Signs of Colon Cancer

Common Signs of Colon Cancer
By Naomi West

Colon cancer is a medical problem that is quite lethal and is regarded as one of the hardest cancers to distinguish when in the early levels. When this cancer spreads it will extend to the whole colon as well as the rectum and it might spread to other essential organs in in the body.
There are certain types of measures that can be taken to address colon cancer - but the risks of survival are weakened when the person is in the late stage of it. For better chances of survival it is crucial to discover how to recognise the early symptoms of colon cancer. The earlier you can get the treatment you demand the higher your chance is to survive and beat it.
The more standard early symptoms is rectal bleeding. However, this might normally be mixed up with hemorrhoids. This is not the time to be taking any risks or guessing your medical condition. Rather you need to talk to your doctor and let them find out for you what the problem is.
Blood contained in your bowel movements is another common misdiagnosed sign. Sometimes the blood can be dry and it can be challenging to find or forgotten easily. This bleeding is usually an indication that there is a tumor contained in the colon or the rectum.
There are other more subtle signs that individuals never seem to discover because they are not hurtful or scary in anyway. Narrow stools over a long period of time could be a sign of a tumor. The narrow shape of the waste in your body is induced when it is trying to make its way round the tumor.
If you have been feeling constipated and bloated for a long period of time then you should confer with your doctor. Also nausea and vomiting can take place and seems to happen without any obvious reason. You may also experience that you perpetually have to eliminate a bowel - but can't seem to. All of this is induced by the tumor in your rectum or colon.
Make sure that you contact your doctor and have a complete exam if you are feeling any of these troubles. Early detection can increase your survival rate and serve you to live your life in ease.
Learn how to find Early Symptoms of Colon Cancer and what you can do to Prevent Colon Cancer.
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