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An abdominal aortic aneurysm, also called AAA or triple A, is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of the aorta (the largest artery in the body) resulting in an abnormal widening or ballooning greater than 50 percent of the normal diameter (width).
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Abdominal vascular catastrophes fall into two categories, hemorrhage (rupture) or occlusion (blockage) of the blood vessels in the abdomen. Hemorrhage-related vascular catastrophes are most often due to rupture of aneurysms and have obvious signs.
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Achalasia is a disorder of the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach (esophagus), which affects the ability of the esophagus to move food toward the stomach.
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Your Achilles tendon is a large band of tissue in the back of your ankle. You use it almost every time you move. But repeated stress can make the tendon more prone to injury. A complete tear through the tendon is known as an Achilles tendon rupture.
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Acne is a disorder that causes outbreaks of skin lesions commonly called pimples. Acne lesions occur mostly on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. It is the most common skin disease. Although acne is not a serious health threat, severe acne can lead to disfiguring and permanent scarring.
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Acoustic neuroma, also referred to as vestibular schwannoma, is a noncancerous tumor that may develop from an overproduction of Schwann cells that press on the hearing and balance nerves in the inner ear.
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Acquired brain injury (ABI) occurs when a sudden, external, physical assault damages the brain. It is one of the most common causes of disability and death in adults.
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Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is a term used to describe a group of conditions resulting from acute myocardial ischemia (insufficient blood flow to heart muscle) and ranging from unstable angina (increasing, unpredictable chest pain) to myocardial infarction (heart attack).
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Gastritis is a condition in which the stomach lining—known as the mucosa—is inflamed. The stomach lining contains special cells that produce acid and enzymes, which help break down food for digestion, and mucus, which protects the stomach lining from acid. When the stomach lining is inflamed, it produces less acid, enzymes, and mucus.
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Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a cancer of the blood in which too many lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, are produced by the bone marrow and by organs of the lymph system.
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Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood usually in which too many granulocytes, a type of white blood cell, are produced in the bone marrow.
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Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is due to a traumatic injury that either results in a bruise (also called a contusion), a partial tear, or a complete tear (called a transection) in the spinal cord. SCI is a common cause of permanent disability and death in children and adults.
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This extreme stiffness in the shoulder can occur at any age. It affects approximately 2 percent of Americans, most often between 40 to 60 years of age.
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Hair loss is believed to be primarily caused by a combination of the following: Aging Change in hormones Illness Family history of baldness Burns Trauma Untreated ringworm of the scalp Vitamin A excess Protein or iron deficiency Rapid weight loss
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Amputation is an acquired condition that results in the loss of a limb, usually from injury, disease, or surgery.
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Anemia is a common blood disorder that occurs when there are fewer red blood cells than normal, or there is a low concentration of hemoglobin in the blood.
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Angina pectoris (or simply angina) is recurring chest pain or discomfort that happens when some part of the heart does not receive enough blood and oxygen.
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Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of arthritis that affects the spine. "Ankylosing" means stiff or rigid, "spondyl" means spine, and "itis" refers to inflammation. The disease causes inflammation of the spine and large joints, resulting in stiffness and pain.
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The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most common ligaments to be injured. The ACL is often stretched and/or torn during a sudden twisting motion (when the feet stay planted one way, but the knees turn the other way).
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An aortic dissection, although uncommon, begins with a tear in the inner layer of the aortic wall of the thoracic aorta.
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Aortoiliac occlusive disease occurs when your iliac arteries become narrowed or blocked. The aorta, your body's main artery, splits into branches at about the level of your belly button. These branches are called the iliac arteries.
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An arrhythmia (also referred to as dysrhythmia) is an abnormal rhythm of the heart, which can cause the heart to pump less effectively.
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Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases are characterized by pain, swelling, and limited movement in joints and connective tissues in the body.
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Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory lung disease involving recurrent breathing problems.
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Ataxia describes a lack of muscle coordination during voluntary movements, such as walking or picking up objects. A sign of an underlying condition, ataxia can affect your movements, your speech, your eye movements and your ability to swallow.
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Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis caused by a build-up of plaque in the inner lining of an artery.
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Atrial fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia. With atrial fibrillation, the electrical signals in the atria (the two small chambers of the heart) are fired in a very fast and uncontrolled manner.
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A condition in which the electrical signals come from the atria at a fast but regular rate, often causing the ventricles to contract faster and increase the heart rate.
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Some congenital heart defects allow blood to flow between the right and left chambers of the heart because an infant is born with an opening in the septal wall that separates the right and left sides of the heart.
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Avascular necrosis (also called osteonecrosis, aseptic necrosis, or ischemic bone necrosis) is a disease that results from the temporary or permanent loss of blood supply to the bone. When blood supply is cut off, the bone tissue dies and the bone collapses.
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Low back pain can range from mild, dull, annoying pain, to persistent, severe, disabling pain in the lower back. Neck pain is pain that occurs in the area of the seven cervical vertebrae in the neck area.
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Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which normal cells that line the esophagus, called squamous cells, turn into cells not usually found in humans, called specialized columnar cells
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Basal cell cancer, a type of non-melanoma skin cancer, usually appears as a small, fleshy bump or nodule on the head, neck, or hands.
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There are many benign bone tumors that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview.
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Tendonitis of the shoulder is an inflammation of the rotator cuff and/or biceps tendon. Shoulder tendonitis is usually the result of a tendon being pinched by surrounding structures.
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Biliary cirrhosis is a rare form of liver cirrhosis, caused by disease or defects of the bile ducts.
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Biliary cirrhosis is a rare form of liver cirrhosis, caused by disease or defects of the bile ducts.
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Bladder cancer occurs when there are abnormal, cancerous cells growing in the bladder. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), 70,530 cases of bladder cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2010.
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Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that develops in the osteoblast cells that form the outer covering of bone. It occurs most often in children, adolescents, and young adults.
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Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that develops in the osteoblast cells that form the outer covering of bone. It occurs most often in children, adolescents, and young adults. Approximately 900 new cases of osteosarcoma are reported each year in the U.S. It occurs slightly more often in males than in females, and represents more than one-third of all bone tumors.
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"Bone spur" is a general term used to describe a knobby, abnormal bone growth. Bone spurs are also known as osteophytes.
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Boutonnière deformity is an injury to the tendons in your fingers that prevents the finger from straightening. The middle joint of the injured finger bends down, while the fingertip bends back. This is the characteristic shape of a boutonnière deformity.If not treated the deformity can result in permanent deformity.
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Brachial plexus dysfunction (brachial plexopathy) is a form of peripheral neuropathy. It occurs when there is damage to the brachial plexus, an area where a nerve bundle from the spinal cord splits into the individual arm nerves.
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The brachial plexus is a network of nerves in the neck and shoulder. These nerves carry signals that tell the arm and hand to move.
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When the heart beats too slowly, it is called bradycardia, a type of arrhythmia.
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A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue in the brain. The tumor can either originate in the brain itself (primary brain tumor), or come from another part of the body and travel to the brain (metastatic or secondary tumor).
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Breast cancer is a cancer that starts in the tissues of the breast. There are several types of breast cancer, including ductal carcinoma, lobular carcinoma, Paget's disease and inflammatory breast cancer.
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Broken blood vessels can be seen easily because they tend to lie under a layer of transparent skin. Blood vessels often break due to injury or trauma. Occasionally, broken blood vessels cause minor pain upon contact. Broken blood vessels can occur anywhere on the body
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Brown Spots (age spots, lentigos) are spots on the skin that are darker (usually brown) than the surrounding skin. Brown Spots often appear on areas of the skin with the most exposure to the sun.
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A bursa is a closed, fluid-filled sac that functions as a cushion and gliding surface to reduce friction between tissues of the body.
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Cardiogenic shock is a state in which the heart has been damaged so much that it is unable to supply enough blood to the organs of the body.
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Cardiomyopathy is any disease of the heart muscle in which the heart loses its ability to pump blood effectively. In some instances, heart rhythm is disturbed and leads to arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).
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Carotid artery disease, also called carotid artery stenosis, occurs when the carotid arteries, the main blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood to the brain, become narrowed.
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Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve is compressed as it passes through an opening from the wrist to the hand called the carpal tunnel.
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Celiac disease is a digestive disease that damages the small intestine because of a sensitivity to gluten, which is found in wheat, rye, barley, and oats
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If abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix spread deeper into the cervix, or to other tissues or organs, the disease is then called cervical cancer, or invasive cervical cancer. Cervical cancer occurs most often in women younger than the age of 55.
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A broken (fractured) bone in your neck or spine can be very serious. In some cases it can lead to paralysis or death. A cervical fracture is usually caused by sudden, forceful impact.
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Whiplash is an injury to the neck caused by the neck bending forcibly forward and then backward, or vice versa. The injury usually involves the muscles, discs, nerves, and tendons in the neck.
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Having a pain in your chest can be scary, but does not always mean that you are having a heart attack. There can be many other causes, including: heart problems, panic attacks, digestive problems, sore muscles, lung diseases, or costochondritis - an inflammation of joints in your chest.
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Cholangitis is an inflammation of the bile duct system that is usually related to a bacterial infection. The bile duct system is the drainage system that carries bile from the liver and gallbladder into the area of the small intestine called the duodenum. The infection may occur suddenly or may be chronic.
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Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder wall and nearby abdominal lining. Cholecystitis is usually caused by a gallstone in the cystic duct, the duct that connects the gallbladder to the hepatic duct. Other causes of cholecystitis may include the following:
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Two main types of fats (lipids) are found in the blood, cholesterol and triglycerides (lipoproteins). Cholesterol is an essential component found in all human cell membranes. Triglycerides are necessary to help transfer energy from food into body cells.
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Sometimes called Codman's tumor, a chondroblastoma is a rare type of benign (noncancerous) bone tumor that originates from cartilage. Cartilage is the specialized, gristly connective tissue that is present in adults and the tissue from which most bones develop. Cartilage plays an important role in the growth process. There are many different types of cartilage that are present throughout the body.
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Chondrosarcoma is a type of cancer that develops in cartilage cells. Cartilage is the specialized, gristly connective tissue that is present in adults and the tissue from which most bones develop.
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Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a cancer of the blood in which too many lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, are produced by the bone marrow and by organs of the lymph system.
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Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a cancer of the blood in which too many granulocytes, a type of white blood cell, build up in the bone marrow.
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Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when the leg veins do not allow blood to travel back to the heart. (Arteries carry blood away from the heart, while veins carry blood to the heart).
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Chronic liver disease is marked by the gradual destruction of liver tissue over time
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Claw hand is a condition that causes curved or bent fingers. This makes the hand appear like the claw of an animal.
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Cleft lip and cleft palate occur early in pregnancy when the sides of the lip and the roof of the mouth do not fuse together as they should. A child can have cleft lip, cleft palate, or both. Cleft lip and cleft palate together are more common in boys. It is also important to know that most babies born with a cleft are otherwise healthy with no other birth abnormalities.
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Similar to cruciate ligament injuries, an injury to the collateral ligament causes the knee to pop and buckle, causing pain and swelling. The symptoms of a collateral ligament injury may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
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Colorectal cancer is malignant cells found in the colon or rectum. The colon and the rectum are parts of the large intestine, which is part of the digestive system.
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A concussion is an injury to the head area that may cause instant loss of awareness or alertness for a few minutes up to a few hours after the traumatic event. Although they range from mild to severe, they are serious injuries that can harm the way the brain works.
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Congenital anomalies are deformities that are present at birth. Any type of deformity in a newborn infant can become a challenge for the child as he/she grows.
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Heart failure, also called congestive heart failure, is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough oxygenated blood to meet the needs of the body's other organs.
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Constipation is a condition in which a person has uncomfortable or infrequent bowel movements. Generally, a person is considered to be constipated when bowel movements result in passage of small amounts of hard, dry stool, usually fewer than three times a week.
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Coronary heart disease, or coronary artery disease (CAD), is characterized by the accumulation of fatty deposits along the innermost layer of the coronary arteries. The fatty deposits may develop in childhood and continue to thicken and enlarge throughout the life span.
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Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that is a chronic condition that may recur at various times over a lifetime. It usually involves the small intestine, most often the lower part called the ileum, but can also affect the large intestine and the entire digestive tract, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, duodenum, appendix or anus.
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Cubital tunnel syndrome feels similar to the pain that occurs from hitting the "funny" bone in your elbow. The "funny" bone in the elbow is actually the ulnar nerve, a nerve that crosses the elbow.
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De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is an inflammation of tissue at the base of the thumb. Strong fibers called tendons lead into the thumb. The tendons can become irritated. This can cause pain and swelling.
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Deep veins lead to the vena cava, your body's largest vein, which runs directly to your heart. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in one of the deep veins. Usually, DVT occurs in your pelvis, thigh, or calf, but it can also occur less commonly in your arm, chest, or other locations.
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A depressive disorder is a whole-body illness, involving the body, mood, and thoughts, and affects the way a person eats and sleeps, feels about himself or herself, and thinks about things. It is not the same as being unhappy or in a blue mood.
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Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), also called hip dysplasia, is a lifelong condition, shared by one in 1,000 people. Because DDH patients are born with an altered hip anatomy, the joint doesn’t develop the normal wear patterns over the years. This leads to “wear and tear” arthritis at a relatively early age.
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Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder resulting from the body's inability to make enough, or to properly use, insulin. It used to be called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).
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Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most frequent form of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. The cavity of the heart is enlarged and stretched (cardiac dilation) causing the heart to become weak and not pump normally.
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Kneecap dislocation occurs when the triangle-shaped bone covering the knee (patella) moves or slides out of place. The problem usually occurs toward the outside of the leg.
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Distal median nerve dysfunction is a form of peripheral neuropathy that affects the movement of or sensation in the hands.
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In the colon, some people have small pouches that bulge outward through weak spots. Diverticular disease is an inflammation or infection in the pouches, known as diverticula, which are located in the colon.
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An ulcer is an open sore, or lesion, usually found on the skin or mucous membrane areas of the body.
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Dupuytren's contracture, also called Dupuytren's disease, usually begins with a thickening of the skin in the palm of the hand, which may develop into a hard lump or thick band that eventually could cause the fingers to contract, or pull into the palm.
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Dysphagia is a term that means "difficulty swallowing." It is the inability of food or liquids to pass easily from the mouth, into the throat, and down into the esophagus to the stomach during the process of swallowing.
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Dystonia is a disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that cause slow repetitive movements or abnormal postures. The movements may be painful, and some individuals with dystonia may have a tremor or other neurologic features. There are several different forms of dystonia that may affect only one muscle, groups of muscles, or muscles throughout the body. Some forms of dystonia are genetic but the cause for the majority of cases is not known.
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Elbow dislocations are joint injuries that force the ends of your bones out of position. The cause is often a fall or a blow, sometimes from playing a contact sport.
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There are many types of elbow problems that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional.
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An enchondroma is a type of benign (non-cancerous) bone tumor that originates from cartilage. Cartilage is the specialized, gristly connective tissue that is present in adults and the tissue from which most bones develop.
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Endocarditis is an inflammation of your heart's inner lining. The most common type, bacterial endocarditis, occurs when germs enter your heart and can damage your heart valves.
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Epilepsy is a neurological condition involving the brain that makes people more susceptible to having recurrent unprovoked seizures. It is one of the most common disorders of the nervous system and affects people of all ages, races and ethnic background.
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Esophageal cancer is cancer that develops in the esophagus, the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach.
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Tremor is an unintentional, somewhat rhythmic, muscle movement involving to-and-fro movements (oscillations) of one or more parts of the body. Essential tremor (previously called benign essential tremor) is the most common form of abnormal tremor. Although it may be mild and nonprogressive in some people, in others the tremor is slowly progressive, starting on one side of the body but eventually affecting both sides.
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Ewing sarcoma is a cancer that occurs primarily in the bone or soft tissue. Ewing sarcoma can occur in any bone, but it most often it is found in the long bones such as the femur (thigh), tibia (shin), or humerus (upper arm). It can involve the muscle and the soft tissues around the tumor as well. Ewing sarcoma cells can also spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body including the bone marrow, lungs, kidneys, heart, adrenal gland, and other soft tissues.
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Excess or unwanted fat that does not respond to exercise and dieting. Most commonly referred to as fat surrounding the abdomen,legs, hips, thighs, arms, neck, chin,back…etc.
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Most people diagnosed with asthma will experience asthma symptoms when exercising. In addition, some who are not diagnosed with asthma will experience asthma symptoms, but only during exercise.
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As you age your skin begins to reduce collagen production and loses the ability to retain moisture resulting in wrinkles, age spots and dryness. Your skin also becomes thinner and loses fat, making it less plump and smooth.
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Foot pain is often caused by improper foot function. There are many types of foot problems that affect the heels, toes, nerves, tendons, ligaments, and joints of the foot.
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A ganglion cyst is a firm, fluid-filled lump that can suddenly appear on the front or back of the wrist or at the base of a finger.
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Gangrene is the death of tissues in your body and happens when a part of your body loses its blood supply.
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Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining. While the lining of the stomach is quite strong and can withstand strong acid, drinking too much alcohol, eating spicy foods, or smoking can cause the lining to become inflamed and irritated.
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder that is caused by gastric acid flowing from the stomach into the esophagus.
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Gastroparesis is a stomach disorder in which the stomach takes too long in emptying its contents. If food remains in the stomach for too long, it can cause problems such as bacterial overgrowth from the fermentation of the food. The food can also harden into solid masses, called bezoars, that may cause nausea, vomiting, and, sometimes, obstruction in the stomach. This can be dangerous if they block the passage of food into the small intestine.
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A giant cell tumor is one that is made up of a large number of benign (non-cancerous) cells that form an aggressive tumor - usually near the end of the bone near a joint. The location of a giant cell tumor is often in the knee, but can also involve the bones of the arms and the legs, or the flat bones such as the sternum (breastbone) or pelvis.
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Gout is characterized by inflamed, painful joints due to the formation of crystal deposits at the joints. It also known as the disease of kings and the king of diseases because it was associated with overindulgence of rich foods and wine.
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Children have open growth plates, also called epiphysis, located at the end of the long bones. Injury to the growth plate can lead to limb length discrepancies or angular deformities.
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There are many common hand problems that can interfere with activities of daily living (ADLs), including: arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, ganglion cysts and more.
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A headache is pain or discomfort in the head or face area. Headaches vary greatly in terms of pain location, pain intensity, and how frequently they occur.
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A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when one or more regions of the heart muscle experience a severe or prolonged lack of oxygen caused by blocked blood flow to the heart muscle.
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Heart block is a problem that occurs with the heart's electrical system. This system controls the rate and rhythm of heartbeats.
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Coronary heart disease, or coronary artery disease (CAD), is characterized by the accumulation of fatty deposits along the innermost layer of the coronary arteries.
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Although many people think of heart disease as a man's problem, women can and do get heart disease. In fact, heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. It is also a leading cause of disability among women.
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Heart murmurs may be caused by a number of factors or diseases, including: defective heart valves, holes in the heart walls, pregnancy, fever and anemia.
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When heart valves fail to open and close properly, the implications for the heart can be serious, possibly hampering the heart's ability to pump blood adequately through the body. Heart valve problems are one cause of heart failure.
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder that is caused by gastric acid flowing from the stomach into the esophagus.
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This condition occurs when an abnormal growth of bone occurs where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone. It’s caused by long-term strain on the plantar fascia and muscles of the foot, especially in obese people or joggers.
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Hemorrhoids are veins, normally present in and around the anus and lower rectum, that have become swollen due to stretching under pressure. These are very common in both men and women, and about half the population have hemorrhoids by age 50.
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Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver, resulting in liver cell damage and destruction.
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As we age, the intervertebral disc may lose water and become dried out. As this happens, the disc compresses. This may lead to the deterioration of the tough outer ring allowing the nucleus, or the inside of the ring, to bulge out.
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High blood pressure, or hypertension, directly increases the risk of coronary heart disease (heart attack) and stroke (brain attack).
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High blood cholesterol is a significant risk factor in heart disease. Lowering blood cholesterol through increased physical activity, weight loss, smoking cessation, and proper diet lowers that risk.
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The strong, flexible ring of cartilage attached to the edge of your hip socket called the labrum is torn. This can cause pain, catching, clicking, or locking in the joint.
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Hodgkin disease causes the cells in the lymphatic system to abnormally reproduce, eventually making the body less able to fight infection. Hodgkin disease cells can also spread to other organs.
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Huntington's disease is an inherited disease that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. Huntington's disease has a broad impact on a person's functional abilities and usually results in movement, thinking and psychiatric disorders.
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Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy occurs when the muscle mass of the left ventricle of the heart is thicker than normal, or the wall between the two ventricles (septum) becomes enlarged and obstructs the blood flow from the left ventricle.
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Iliotibial band syndrome is an inflammatory condition caused when a band of tissue rubs over the outer bone of the knee. Although iliotibial band syndrome may be caused by direct injury to the knee, it is most often caused by the stress of long-term overuse, such as sometimes occurs in sports training and, particularly, in running.
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Infertility is defined by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) as a disease of the reproductive system that impairs the body's ability to perform the function of reproduction.
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Ischemic cardiomyopathy results when the arteries that bring blood and oxygen to the heart are blocked. There is usually a buildup of cholesterol and other substances, called plaque, in the arteries that bring oxygen to heart muscle tissue.
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Over half of all newborns develop some amount of jaundice, a yellow coloring in their skin, during the first week. This is usually a temporary condition, but may be a more serious sign of another illness. Jaundice is caused by the breakdown of red blood cells. As the old cells are broken down, hemoglobin is changed into bilirubin and removed by the liver.
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Most cancers are named after the part of the body where the cancer first begins, and kidney cancer is no exception. Kidney cancer begins in the kidneys -- two large, bean-shaped organs -- one located to the left, and the other to the right of the backbone.
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A kidney stone is a solid piece of material that forms from crystallization of excreted substances in the urine. The stone may remain in the kidney or break loose and travel down the urinary tract.
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Laryngeal cancer includes cancerous cells found in any part of the larynx--the glottis, the supraglottis, or the subglottis.
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Lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow, is characterized by pain on the outside (lateral side) of the elbow. The pain is caused by damage to the tendons that bend the wrist backward away from the palm.
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Leg artery disease (peripheral arterial disease or PAD) can cause discomfort or pain when you walk. While the pain most often occurs in the calf it can also occur in your hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, shins, or upper feet. This pain is called intermittent claudication.
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The medical term for high blood cholesterol and triglycerides is lipid disorder. Such a disorder occurs when you have too many fatty substances in your blood.
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When cells in the liver become abnormal, grow out of control, and form a cancerous tumor, the disease is called primary liver cancer. Primary liver cancer is also called malignant hepatoma or hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Low back pain can range from mild, dull, annoying pain, to persistent, severe, disabling pain in the lower back. Pain in the lower back can restrict mobility and interfere with normal functioning.
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A lumbar strain is an injury to the lower back, which results in damaged tendons and muscles that spasm and feel sore.
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Lung cancer is the most common type of cancer in both men and women in this country. According to the American Cancer Society, almost 220,000 people are diagnosed with it each year. It is the leading cause of cancer death.
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Whenever the normal drainage pattern in the lymph nodes is disturbed or damaged (as often happens during surgery to remove the lymph nodes), severe swelling of the arm may occur. Radiation may also damage lymph nodes and cause swelling of the arm.
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There’s no need to suffer in silence anymore. Nearly 1 in 5 American men over age 18 experience some form of sexual dysfunction, ranging from loss of interest in sex, to the inability to attain or maintain an erection, to premature ejaculation and finally, difficulty reaching climax and orgasm.
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Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. Often the first sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, color or feel of a mole. Most melanomas have a black or black-blue area. Melanoma may also appear as a new mole. It may be black, abnormal looking.
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Mallet finger is a deformity of a finger caused when the extensor tendon is damaged. This generally occurs when a ball or other object strikes the tip of the finger or thumb and the force damages the thin tendon that straightens the finger.
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Medial epicondylitis, also known as golfer's elbow, baseball elbow, suitcase elbow, or forehand tennis elbow, is characterized by pain from the elbow to the wrist on the inside (medial side) of the elbow.
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Melanoma is a disease of the skin in which cancer cells are found in the melanocytes, the cells that produce color in the skin or pigment known as melanin. Melanoma usually occurs in adults, but it may occasionally be found in children and adolescents.
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Melasma is a very common skin disorder causing dark skin discoloration that appears on sun-exposed areas of the face. A uniform brown color is usually seen over the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip. It is most often symmetrical (matching on both sides of the face). Sun exposure is a strong risk factor for melasma.
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Merkel cell cancer is also known as neuroendocrine cancer of the skin, or trabecular cancer. Characterized by firm, shiny skin lumps, this rare cancer develops on or just beneath the skin and in the hair follicles.
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The mesenteric arteries are the arteries that supply blood to your large and small intestines. Ischemia occurs when your blood cannot flow through your arteries as well as it should, and your intestines do not receive the necessary oxygen to perform normally. Mesenteric ischemia usually involves the small intestine, but it may also involve other intra-abdominal organs such as the colon, liver, and stomach.
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Metabolic syndrome is a condition that includes the presence of a cluster of risk factors specific for cardiovascular disease. Metabolic syndrome significantly raises the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and/or stroke.
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Mitral valve prolapse, also known as click-murmur syndrome, Barlow's syndrome, balloon mitral valve, or floppy valve syndrome, is the bulging of one or both of the mitral valve flaps (leaflets) into the left atrium during the contraction of the heart.
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Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is an uncommon, progressive neurological disorder that affects many areas of your brain and nervous system. Multiple system atrophy may cause ataxia or parkinsonism. This condition frequently impairs body systems that modulate your blood pressure, heart rate and bladder function (autonomic function.)
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Myeloma cells collect in the bone marrow and the outer layer of the bone. Because the cells begin in the blood plasma, myeloma is not a bone cancer, but is cancer that affects bones.
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Myeloma bone disease is cancer that affects certain white blood cells called plasma cells. It represents about 1 percent of all cancers in the United States, and about four to five out of every 100,000 people are diagnosed with it each year.
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A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when one or more regions of the heart muscle experience a severe or prolonged lack of oxygen caused by blocked blood flow to the heart muscle.
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Neck laxity occurs when collagen fibers found in the skin are pulled apart due to aging. Skin loses its natural, youthful firmness and begins to appear loose and saggy.
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Because of its location and range of motion, it is often left unprotected and subject to injury. Neck pain can result from many different causes - from injury to inflammatory disease.
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Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a cancer in the lymphatic system. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma causes the cells in the lymphatic system to abnormally reproduce, eventually causing tumors to grow. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma cells can also spread to other organs.
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Fatty liver disease means that you have fat deposits inside your liver. These deposits may keep your liver from doing a good job of removing toxins from your blood. People who drink too much alcohol may also have fat in their liver, but that’s not the same as fatty liver disease.
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Obesity has a far-ranging negative effect on health. People who are overweight or obese are at increased risk for developing many different health conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and bone and joint disease.
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Bursitis of the tip of the elbow occurs when the fluid-filled sac in the elbow becomes irritated or inflamed.
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Oral cancer is cancer found in the oral cavity (the mouth area) and the oropharynx (the throat area at the back of the mouth). Oral cancer is estimated to be diagnosed in almost 36,720 US adults in 2009, according to the American Cancer Society.
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Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a chronic degenerative joint disease that affects mostly middle-aged and older adults. Osteoarthritis is characterized by the breakdown of joint cartilage.
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Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) occurs when a small piece of bone and cartilage in a part of a joint separates from the bone around it. OCD is most common in the knee joint, but it can happen in other joints such as the elbow and ankle.
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Also called osteocartilaginous exostoses, osteochondroma is an overgrowth of cartilage and bone near the end of the bone near the growth plate. This type of overgrowth can occur in any bone where cartilage eventually forms bone.
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Also called osteocartilaginous exostoses, osteochondroma is an overgrowth of cartilage and bone near the end of the bone near the growth plate. This type of overgrowth can occur in any bone where cartilage eventually forms bone. Most commonly, it affects the long bones in the leg, the pelvis, or scapula (shoulder blade).
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Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), also known as brittle-bone disease, is a genetic (inherited) disorder characterized by bones that break easily without a specific cause.
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Osteomyelitis is an inflammation or swelling of bone tissue that is usually the result of an infection. Osteomyelitis, or bone infection, may occur for many different reasons and can affect children or adults.
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Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease in which there is a loss of bone mass and destruction of bone tissue. This process causes weakening of the bones and makes them more likely to break. The bones most often affected are the hips, spine, and wrists.
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Ovarian cancer is a disease in which malignant cells are found in an ovary. There are three types of ovarian tumors, named for the tissue in which they are found: epithelial cell, germ cell and stromal cell.
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Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer death in men and women in the U.S. According to the American Cancer Society, 43,140 new cases of pancreatic cancer and 36,800 deaths were expected in 2010.
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Pancreatitis is the inflammation and autodigestion of the pancreas. Autodigestion describes a process whereby pancreatic enzymes destroy its own tissue leading to inflammation
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Parkinson's disease (PD or, simply, Parkinson's) is the most common form of parkinsonism, a group of motor system disorders. It is a slowly progressing, degenerative disease that is usually associated with the following symptoms, all of which result from the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells:
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Jumper's knee, also known as patellar tendonitis, is a condition characterized by inflammation of the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to shin bone (tibia). The condition may be caused by overuse of the knee joint, such as frequent jumping on hard surfaces.
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Runner's knee, also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome, is a condition characterized by dull pain around the front of the knee (patella), where it connects with the lower end of the thigh bone (femur).
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An ulcer is an open sore, or lesion, usually found on the skin or mucous membrane areas of the body.
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Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac (membrane) that surrounds the heart.
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Claudication is pain, tired or weak feeling that occurs in your legs, usually during activity such as walking. The symptoms typically begin when you start to exercise, and go away a short time after you rest.
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Peripheral neuropathy is a disease of the nerves in your feet. It may make you unable to sense pain. Lack of pain makes you more likely to injure yourself without knowing it.
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Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a slow and progressive circulation disorder. It may involve disease in any of the blood vessels outside of the heart and diseases of the lymph vessels - the arteries, veins, or lymphatic vessels.
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Although rare, most pituitary tumors are noncancerous (benign). However, because of the location of the pituitary gland, at the base of the skull, many pituitary tumors will press against the optic nerves, causing vision problems.
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The plantar fascia is a ligament-like band running from your heel to the ball of your foot. If your foot moves incorrectly, the plantar fascia may become strained. The fascia may swell and its tiny fibers may begin to fray, causing plantar fasciitis.
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (also called PCOS or Stein Leventhal syndrome) is the most common hormonal and reproductive problem affecting women of childbearing age. It's estimated that about 5 percent of women in the U.S. have this disorder.
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The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is also a common ligament to become injured in the knee. However, the PCL injury usually occurs with sudden, direct impact, such as in a car accident or during a football tackle.
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The posterior tibial tendon runs along the inside of the ankle and foot. If this tendon is strained, your foot may hurt when it moves forward to push off the ground. Or you may feel pain when your heel shifts from side to side.
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Progressive supranuclear palsy is a rare brain disorder that causes serious problems with walking, balance and eye movements resulting from the deterioration of cells in areas of your brain that control movement.
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There are usually no specific signs or symptoms of early prostate cancer. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal exam (DRE) can provide the best chance of identifying prostate cancer in its earliest stages, but these tests can have drawbacks.
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Pulmonary hypertension is a lung disorder in which the blood pressure in the pulmonary artery rises far above normal levels.
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Pyloric stenosis is a problem that affects babies between 2 and 8 weeks of age and causes forceful vomiting that can lead to dehydration. It is the second most common problem requiring surgery in newborns.
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Raynaud's phenomenon is a disorder characterized by decreased blood flow - usually to the fingers, and less frequently to the ears, toes, nipples, knees, or nose.
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Angiomas are common noncancerous skin growths that vary in size occurring anywhere on the body. Angiomas tend to be inherited and usually occur after the age of 30. Common complications include, bleeding if injured, changes in appearance and psychological stress.
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Repetitive motion injuries, also called repetitive stress injuries, are temporary or permanent injuries to muscles, nerves, ligaments, and tendons caused by performing the same motion over and over again.
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Rheumatic heart disease is a condition in which permanent damage to heart valves is caused by rheumatic fever. The heart valve is damaged by a disease process that generally begins with a strep throat caused by streptococcus A bacteria, that may eventually cause rheumatic fever.
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Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that causes inflammation of the joints. The inflammation can become so severe that the function and appearance of the hands, as well as other parts of the body, can become affected. In the hand, rheumatoid arthritis may cause deformities in the joints of the fingers, making it difficult to move the fingers.
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A broken rib, or fractured rib, is a common injury that occurs when one of the bones in your rib cage breaks or cracks.
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An injury to the rotator cuff, such as a tear, may happen suddenly when falling on an outstretched hand or develop over time due to repetitive activities. Rotator cuff tears are also due to aging.
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A scar is the body's natural way of healing and replacing lost or damaged skin. A scar is usually composed of fibrous tissue. Scars may be formed for many different reasons, including as a result of infections, surgery, injuries, or inflammation of tissue
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Sciatica, also known as lumbar radiculopathy, is a pain that originates along the sciatic nerve, which extends from the back of the pelvis down the back of the thigh.
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Scoliosis is a type of spinal deformity and should not be confused with poor posture. Spinal curvature from scoliosis may occur on the right or left side of the spine, or on both sides in different sections.
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A sebaceous adenoma is a small bump found on the face, scalp, belly, back, or chest. A sebaceous adenoma may be a sign of more serious internal disease
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Sever’s is an irritation of the area where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel. Constant pulling on the Achilles tendon causes the area to become inflamed. This condition is painful, but with proper care it can be treated.
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Shin splints involve damage to one of two groups of muscles along the shin bone that cause pain. The location of the shin splint pain depends on which group of muscles is damaged.
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Tendonitis of the shoulder is an inflammation of the rotator cuff and/or biceps tendon. Shoulder tendonitis is usually the result of a tendon being pinched by surrounding structures.
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You have one long collarbone (clavicle) on top of each shoulder. The collarbone is attached to your shoulder blade (scapula). These bones hold your arms in place and help them move.
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The shoulder joint is the most frequently dislocated major joint of the body - often caused by a significant force that separates the shoulder joint's ball (the top rounded portion of the upper arm bone, or humerus) away from the joint's socket (glenoid).
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Impingement syndrome is caused by the excessive squeezing or rubbing of the rotator cuff and shoulder blade.
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Although the shoulder is the most movable joint in the body, it is also an unstable joint because of its range-of-motion. Because the ball of the upper arm is larger than the socket of the shoulder, it is susceptible to injury.
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A shoulder separation, also called a sprain, occurs when the ligaments that hold the clavicle to the roof of the shoulder tear.
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A condition in which the heart rate is faster than normal because the sinus node is sending out electrical impulses at a rate faster than usual.
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Skin cancer is a malignant tumor that grows in the skin cells.
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A SLAP tear is an injury to a part of the shoulder joint called the labrum. The labrum is the cuff of cartilage that extends the socket part of the shoulder blade to better accept the ball end of the arm bone.
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Sleep apnea is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that is far more common than generally understood. Sleep apnea occurs in all age groups and both genders.
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Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is due to a traumatic injury that can either result in a bruise (also called a contusion), a partial tear, or a complete tear (called a transection) in the spinal cord.
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Spinal stenosis causes narrowing in your spine. The narrowing can occur at the center of your spine, in the canals branching off your spine and/or between the vertebrae, the bones of the spine.
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Spondylolisthesis is an overuse injury seen generally among those playing recreational and organized sports. The majority of sports and overuse injuries are due to minor trauma involving soft tissue injuries - injuries that affect the bone, muscles, ligaments, and/or tendons.
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Squamous cell skin cancer (sometimes referred to as a type of non-melanoma skin cancer) may appear as nodules, or as red, scaly patches of skin. They often appear on sun-exposed parts of the body.
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Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is cancer that starts in any part of the stomach. The exact cause of stomach cancer is not known, although there are many risk factors believed to contribute to cells in the stomach becoming cancerous.
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Fractures are breaks in the bone that are often caused by a blow or a fall. A fracture may be classified as a simple fracture (a thin fracture that may not run through the entire bone), or a compound fracture, in which the broken bone protrudes through the skin.
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Stroke, also called brain attack, occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted. Disruption in blood flow is caused when either a blood clot blocks one of the vital blood vessels in the brain (ischemic stroke), or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, spilling blood into surrounding tissues (hemorrhagic stroke).
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A condition in which the heart rate speeds up due to a series of early beats from an atrial or junctional pacemaker site above the ventricles.
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Syncope is a temporary loss of consciousness and muscle tone caused by inadequate blood supply to the brain. Syncope is better known as fainting.
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With synovitis of the hip, the synovium (lining of the joint) is inflamed (painful and swollen). With arthritis, a large amount of the articular cartilage (firm tissue covering the “ball” and “socket” of your hip) is damaged.
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Tenosynovitis is the inflammation of the lining of the tendon sheaths which enclose the tendons. The tendon sheath is usually the site which becomes inflamed, but both the sheath and the tendon can become inflamed simultaneously.
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Cancer that develops in a testicle is called testicular cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that in the year 2010 about 8,480 new cases of testicular cancer will be diagnosed in the United States. An estimated 350 men will die of testicular cancer in the year 2010.
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A thoracic aortic aneurysm, also called TAA, is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of the aorta (the largest artery in the body), resulting in an abnormal widening or ballooning greater than 50 percent of the normal diameter (width).
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If you have thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), the nerves or blood vessels just below your neck are compressed, or squeezed. It can be between the muscles of your neck and shoulder or between the first rib and collarbone.
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The anterior tibial tendon helps control the front of your foot when it meets the ground. If this tendon is strained, you may feel pain when you go down stairs or walk or run on hills.
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Meniscus tears can occur during a rotating movement while bearing weight, such as when twisting the upper leg while the foot stays in one place during sports and other activities.
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Torticollis, also known as wryneck, is a twisting of the neck that causes the head to rotate and tilt at an odd angle.
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Tendonitis, inflammation of a tendon (the tough cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones) can affect any tendon, but is most commonly seen in the wrist and fingers.
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Trigger finger is an irritation of the sheath that surrounds the flexor tendons. When you try to straighten your finger, it will lock or catch before popping out straight. If trigger finger is severe, your finger may become locked in a bent position.
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A bursa is a closed, fluid-filled sac that functions as a cushion and gliding surface to reduce friction between tissues of the body. When the bursa becomes inflamed, the condition is known as bursitis.
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Turf toe is a sprain of the big toe joint usually resulting from injury during sports activities. The injury is generally caused by excessive upward bending of the big toe joint from either jamming the toe, or repetitive injury when pushing off repeatedly when running or jumping.
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Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in which the inner lining of the large intestine (colon or bowel) and rectum become inflamed. Inflammation usually begins in the rectum and lower (sigmoid) intestine and spreads upward to the entire colon.
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The normal amount of body hair varies widely among women. Usually, a woman grow fine hair on her lips, chin, chest, abdomen, or back. However, women can grow coarse, dark hairs in these areas similar to hair growth pattern more typical of men.
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Urinary incontinence (UI) is the loss of urine control, or the inability to hold your urine until you can reach a restroom.
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Cancers that occur in each part of the uterus have their own names, such as cervical cancer or endometrial cancer, but are sometimes broadly defined as uterine cancer because the structure is part of the uterus.
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Cancer of the vagina, a rare kind of cancer in women, is a disease in which malignant cells are found in the tissues of the vagina. According to the American Cancer Society, about 2,300 cases of vaginal cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2010.
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Arteries bring oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body and veins return oxygen-poor blood back to your heart.
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A hemangioma is a type of birthmark. It is the most common benign (noncancerous) tumor of the skin. A hemangioma is also known as a port wine stain, strawberry hemangioma, and salmon patch.
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A ventricular septal defect is an opening in the ventricular septum, or dividing wall between the two lower chambers of the heart known as the right and left ventricles. VSD is a congenital (present at birth) heart defect.
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Vulvar cancer is a malignancy that can occur on any part of the external organs, but most often affects the labia majora or labia minora. Cancer of the vulva is a rare disease, which accounts for 0.6 percent of all cancers in women, and may form slowly over many years.
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A condition characterized by abnormal electrical pathways in the heart that cause a disruption of the heart's normal rhythm (arrhythmia).
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Abdominal ultrasound examination is an easy and accurate way to diagnosis and measure the size of the aneurysm. The abdominal ultrasound is a noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) procedure. An ultrasound is something like the sonar used in ships at sea or airplanes and dolphins. As sound waves bounce off objects or organs, they can show location, size, and shape of the organ.
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For the ABI, your physician measures your blood pressure in your ankle and in your arm. Your physician will compare the two numbers to determine your ABI. The ankle-arm pressure index (also known as the Ankle/Brachial Index or ABI) compares the systolic blood pressure of the ankle to that of the arm (brachial).
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A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue from the body for examination. If cancer is present, the specialist can usually tell what kind of cancer it is and identify genetic markers or hormone receptors that may help determine the most effective cancer treatment.
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Blood pressure is a measurement of the force applied to the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood. It is read as the higher number over the lower number.
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Bone marrow biopsy and aspiration is the removal of soft, spongy tissue (bone marrow) and a small amount of liquid (liquid marrow) from inside bone for examination. It is done to diagnose and monitor blood cancers.
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Bone Scan is used to determine if prostate cancer has spread (metastasized) to the bones.
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Bravo capsule monitors and measures the amount of backward flow (gastroesophageal reflux) of food and acid from the stomach into the throat (esophagus). These measurements allow a doctor to evaluate heartburn and acid reflux symptoms and plan the best treatment.
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Uses magnetic and radio waves (instead of X-rays) to produce very detailed, cross-sectional images of the breast, usually using a contrast material (gadolinium DTPA) that is injected into a small vein in the arm before or during the exam.
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Unlike imaging tests that are based on changes tumors cause in breast structure, nuclear scans are used to examine changes in breast tissue metabolism.
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An imaging method in which high-frequency sound waves are used to look inside the breast.
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Genetic testing can be used to help clarify a person’s risk for developing cancer. It does not diagnose a disease in a person.
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Cardiac catheterization is performed to evaluate heart function, the presence of heart disease, and the need for further treatment.
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Cardiac event monitor is a small recording device used to detect abnormal heart rhythms. It is activated by the person, usually with a simple press of a button, when experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, lightheadedness, heart racing and/or fluttering. It is worn during normal daily activities, even when sleeping.
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A variety of heart imaging techniques – MRI, CT and PET – are used to give doctors a clearer picture of the heart and coronary arteries, allowing better management of heart and coronary artery disease.
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Cardiac MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses a special camera to evaluate the structures and function of the heart. Pictures of the heart are created using a magnetic field, radio waves and computers.
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Carotid artery imaging is the most common vascular laboratory study. Improvements in technology have made this a convenient and rapid screening test for patients with cerebrovascular symptoms and for patients who are about to undergo major cardiovascular surgery.
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CCK-HIDA scan is procedure used to check the function and the condition of the gallbladder and the ducts leading in and out of it. It can help determine if a person has form of gallbladder disease or if the gallbladder is functioning properly.
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Colonoscopy is a test that uses a thin flexible tube with a camera and a light (colonoscope) to look at the inside of the entire colon.
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A CT (computerized tomography) or CAT scan is an X-ray technique that produces images of your internal organs that are more detailed than those produced by conventional X-ray exams.
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A coronary computed tomography angiogram (CTA) is used to detect blockages in the vessels that supply blood to the heart (coronary arteries). During the test, a contrast dye is injected into a vein while a CT scanner takes high-resolution, three-dimensional pictures of the heart. Unlike a normal picture, these images can be broken down to show just the blood vessels. This can help the physician to see if there is a blockage, which is the principle cause of heart attack and sudden cardiac death.
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CT Urography uses computed tomography (CT) to view and assess abnormalities and dysfunction in the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, and the tubes that carry urine form the kidneys to the bladder (ureters).
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Cystoscopy is a procedure used to detect abnormalities in the lower urinary tract, including the urethra, prostate, and bladder. This test can assist in identifying problems with the urinary tract, such as early signs of cancer.
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Defecography is a procedure that uses an x-ray to look at the shape and position of the rectum as it empties. It is used to evaluate what occurs when a person is emptying their bowels.
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A bone density test that uses special X-rays (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry [DEXA]) to diagnose or determine risk for osteoporosis.
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Digital mammography, also called full-field digital mammography (FFDM), is a mammography system in which the x-ray film is replaced by solid-state detectors that convert x-rays into electrical signals.
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Digital Rectal Exam is done to check for problems with organs or other structures in the pelvis and lower belly.
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Echocardiography is a diagnostic test that uses ultrasound waves to create an image of the heart muscle, the heart valves and other cardiac structures. It is used to evaluate their size, shape, functionality or pathologies.
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Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) is a test that checks for problems with the electrical activity of the heart. The test converts this activity into line tracings (waves) that can be seen on a monitor and printed out on paper. The interpretation of the spikes and dips in the lines (waves) help a doctor to detect and locate the source of heart problems.
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Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) uses a bendable, telescope-like instrument (endoscope) to detect any abnormalities, such as blockages or tumors, in the tubes that drain the liver (bile ducts) and the pancreas.
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Endoscopic ultrasound is a procedure used to obtain images and information about the digestive tract and the surrounding tissue and organs. Endoscopy refers to the insertion of a long flexible tube through the mouth or the rectum. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the organs and structures inside the body
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Esophageal manometry is a test to measure how well the tube that connects the throat to the stomach (esophagus) works when swallowing.
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Fluoroscopy is the study of moving body structures, similar to an X-ray “movie.” A continuous X-ray beam is passed through the body part being examined, and is transmitted to a TV-like monitor so that the body part and its motion can be seen in detail.
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Gastric emptying scan is used to measure how fast food empties from the stomach and enters the small intestine.
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HIDA scan is procedure used to check the function and the condition of the gallbladder and the ducts leading in and out of it. It can help determine if a person has form of gallbladder disease or if the gallbladder is functioning properly.
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Holter monitor is a small device used to detect abnormal heart rhythms. It does so by continuously recording the heart's rhythms typically over a period of 24 to 48 hours during normal activity, including sleep. A doctor uses the information from the recording to see if there are any underlying heart problems.
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Concussion that include loss of consciousness or amnesia are particularly concerning. In order to assist in accurately assessing the severity of the injury, physicians at Cooper are utilizing a diagnostic tool called ImPACT© (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing).
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Intravenous Pyelogram is a special x-ray used to view and assess abnormalities and dysfunction in the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, and the tubes that carry urine form the kidneys to the bladder (ureters).
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KUB (kidneys, ureters, and bladder) Abdominal X-Ray typically uses a single x-ray image to look for problems with the kidneys or bladder.
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Lipid profile is a group of tests that looks at the different kinds of fats in the blood, which can indicate a person's risk for heart disease or the hardening, narrowing, or blockage of the arteries (atherosclerosis). The test measures the amount of cholesterol, a fat needed by the body to maintain the health of the cells, and triglycerides, a fat that stores energy until the body needs it.
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Liver biopsy uses a needle to get a small sample of liver tissue. The tissue is prepared and viewed under a microscope to help a physician make a specific diagnosis and determine the seriousness of the condition.
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Lumbar puncture is a procedure to collect and examine the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid). It can be used as both a test to help diagnose cancer and a way to treat it.
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Lymphadenectomy is surgery to remove lymph nodes closest to a tumor to find out if the cancer has spread (cancer staging).
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Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is designed to evaluate blood vessels using a special camera. Pictures of the blood vessels are created using a magnetic field, radio waves and computers. No x-rays or radiation are used to create the images. The interpretation of the highly-detailed images helps a doctor to detect and locate problems with the blood vessels that may be causing reduced blood flow.
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Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a special type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam that produces detailed images of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas.
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Utilizing high field strength and ultra short bore open systems, we provides a full range of diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging services.
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Modified barium swallow uses a special x-ray to look for problems with swallowing problems in the mouth and throat. The test checks what types of foods and liquids are safe to swallow.
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Non-invasive vascular testing utilizes various types of technology to evaluate the health of blood vessels at rest and sometimes with exercise. These procedures are generally painless and can help to determine if blood vessel disease is present, the location, and severity.
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A nuclear stress test is used to gather information about how well the coronary arteries provide blood flow to the heart muscle (myocardium) during physical activity and at rest.
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Paracentesis is a procedure that uses a needle to remove fluid in the stomach (abdomen). This fluid may be removed to relieve symptoms, such as abdominal pressure, or to be examined in a laboratory.
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The PET/CT scanner combines two imaging tools -- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computerized Tomography (CT) – for a “fused” image that provides complete information on disease activity and location within the body.
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Post-Void Residual Volume evaluates the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination.
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Pulse Volume recording is an easy, non-invasive and accurate way to diagnosis and measure the blood flow within the blood vessels or arteries. Its purpose is to help locate blockages in the arteries.
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Retrograde Pyelogram is a special x-ray used to view and assess abnormalities and dysfunction in the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, and the tubes that carry urine form the kidneys to the bladder (ureters).
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Performed as an adjunct to a suspicious mammogram, SenoBright highlights areas of unusual blood flow patterns to help identify the presence of cancer using a contrast agent and X-ray exposures.
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Sitz marker study is used to see how fast food is moving through the intestines.
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Spiral CT Scan combines many x-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate detailed cross-sectional views and three-dimensional images of normal and abnormal structures inside the body.
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Stress echo is a test that evaluates how the heart functions when it's made to work harder through exercise or by a medicine that makes it beat faster. The test produces images, both before and immediately following exercise, that are very helpful in detecting a variety of heart problems, especially decreased blood flow (coronary artery disease).
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A tilt table test can help determine the cause of fainting spells. This procedure attempts to cause fainting by creating abnormal changes in the patient’s blood pressure and/or the pulse by changing their position from lying to standing.
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A transesophageal echo (TEE) test is done to assess the overall function of the heart, particularly the heart valves. During a TEE, an ultrasound wand (transducer) is placed in a long, thin, flexible tube (endoscope) and is guided down the throat into esophagus.
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Treadmill stress test evaluates how the coronary arteries function at delivering adequate blood flow to the heart muscle. when it's made to work harder.
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An ultrasound is technology which allows doctors to "see" inside a patient without resorting to surgery.
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Upper GI series is a procedure that uses x-rays to help diagnose problems of the upper gastrointestinal tract, which includes the swallowing tube (esophagus), stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum).
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Urinary Flow Test evaluates the rate and amount of urine that leaves the body.
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The venous duplex scan is a noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) ultrasound procedure. An ultrasound is something like the sonar used in ships at sea or airplanes and dolphins. As sound waves bounce off objects or organs, they can show location, size, and shape of the organ.
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Video capsule endoscopy uses a tiny, pill-sized wireless camera to take pictures of the digestive tract after it is swallowed. The camera takes thousands of pictures that are sent to a small recording device worn on a belt around the waist. A doctor will review these pictures at a later time in order to make a diagnosis.
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An X-ray is a painless test that produces images of the structures inside your body.
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The following is information regarding abdominoplasty which is important to review, understand and discuss with family and/or friends before choosing to proceed with this surgery.
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Abdominoplasty entails removing most of the skin and fat between the belly button and pubic hair in a horizontal oval or elliptical shape. The fascia, which overlies the abdominal muscles, will be tightened with permanent sutures.
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Acupuncture has been successfully used for over 2000 years to treat a wide variety of conditions. In fact, more people have been treated with acupuncture than all other therapies combined.
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Angioplasty with stent placement is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed to open clogged arteries and restore blood flow to the heart. It involves the temporary insertion and blowing up of a tiny balloon where the artery is clogged.
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Ankle fusion is a surgical procedure where the three bones that make up the ankle joint (the talus, the tibia, and the fibula) are held together with metal implants, allowing them to heal and grow into one bone.
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Ankle replacement is surgery designed to relieve pain and restore mobility by replacing the damaged parts of the three bones that make up the ankle joint (the talus, the tibia, and the fibula) with artificial parts (prosthetics).
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Anorectal manometry is a procedure to help determine the cause of chronic constipation, stool accidents, or other bowel problems by measuring how the muscles and nerves work inside the rectum.
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Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery replaces the ACL, a small but important ligament in the center of the knee, with a new ligament often taken from a person’s own body (autograft) or from a donated source (allograft).
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Antibiotics are powerful medicines that fight bacterial infections. Used properly, antibiotics can save lives. They either kill bacteria or keep them from reproducing.
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Aortic dissection repair is surgery to mend a tear in the inner wall of the large blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the vital organs (aorta). This type of tear causes bleeding into and along the wall of the aorta.
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Aortic root repair or replacement is surgery to treat an enlargement or ballooning (aortic aneurysm) near where the large blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the vital organs (aorta) meets the heart (aortic root).
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Aortic valve repair is surgery to mend the valve that keeps oxygenated blood flowing from the heart into the largest artery in the body (aorta). The repair may be done by reshaping part of the valve to allow it to open and close more completely or by using patches.
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Aortic valve replacement is surgery to remove the valve that keeps oxygenated blood flowing from the heart into the largest artery in the body (aorta). The new valve may be a mechanical valve, made of metal and plastic, or biological valve, which is taken from donated human or animal tissue.
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Apheresis is a procedure to withdraw blood from a person and separate it to remove a specific type of cell, such as plasma or platelets. The desired component is collected in a special bag, and the remaining components are returned to the donor.
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The following is information regarding arm reduction surgery, also known as brachioplasty. It is important that you review, understand and discuss with family or friends this information before choosing to proceed with surgery.
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Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique to assess - and in most cases, treat - a range of conditions affecting the joints. The procedure allows the surgeon to see inside a joint without having to make a large incision.
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Ascending aortic repair or replacement is surgery to treat an enlargement or ballooning (aortic aneurysm) of the large blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the vital organs (aorta). This procedure is done to prevent the aneurysm from rupturing.
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Biceps tenodesis surgery is a procedure to remove the damaged section of the biceps tendon, a long cord-like structure which is located in the front of the shoulder, which may be causing pain or reduced range of motion.
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Biologic therapy (immunotherapy) uses the immune system, the body's main defense against infection and disease, to fight cancer.
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Biventricular pacemaker involves the surgical placement of a small, battery-operated device that helps maintain a normal and coordinated heartbeat by sending electrical impulses to the heart.
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The following is information regarding blepharoplasty surgery which is important to review, understand and discuss with family and/or friends before choosing to proceed with this surgery.
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Combination of plastic and reconstructive procedures for people who have lost massive amounts of weight (75 to 100 lbs or more). Procedures performed can include: tummy tuck, arm lift, body lift, thigh lift and liposuctionin.
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A bone stimulator is used to encourage faster growth and healing of a broken bone.
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BOTOX Cosmetic is an injectable treatment that effectively relaxes the muscles in the face, thereby limiting its pull on the skin's surface and smoothing out any wrinkles usually around and between the eyes and up into the forehead.
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Brachytherapy involves placing radiation directly inside the body, as close as possible to the cancer cells. With brachytherapy, you can get a higher total dose of radiation to treat a smaller area and in a shorter time than is possible with external radiation therapy.
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The following is information regarding breast augmentation which is important to review, understand and discuss with family or friends before choosing to proceed with this surgery.
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Breast reconstruction surgery recreates all or part of a breast that has been surgically removed (mastectomy). This is done using a breast implant, made of silicone or saline, or tissue from another part of the body.
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The purpose of breast reconstruction with an implant is to restore the shape and volume of the breast which has been altered by mastectomy.
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One of the technologies frequently used by interventional pulmonologists is a bronchoscope – a device that uses specialized scopes to look into the lungs. At Cooper University Health Care, two kinds of bronchoscopes – rigid and flexible – are available, so physicians can choose the device that is the safest and most effective for each patient’s needs.
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By raising the forehead skin, altering muscles and removing excess tissue, a brow lift can soften facial lines, raise the eyebrows and restore a softer, more pleasing appearance/performed laparoscopically with few incisions.
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Bursectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a small, fluid-filled sac (bursa) within a joint when it becomes inflamed (bursitis). The bursa act as cushions for bones, and the muscles and tendons which are located near them.
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Butt lift surgery (gluteoplasty) lifts and tightens the skin of the buttocks. Excess skin is removed and the surrounding tissue repositioned to create a more youthful and pleasing body contour.
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Cardiac catheterization septal ablation is a procedure used to treat a thickening and stiffness (hypertrophic myopathy) of the muscle (septum), which divides the walls of the heart.
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Cardiac catheterization with ASD closure device involves the placement of a permanent implant that closes a hole (atrial septal defect or ASD) in the heart wall. An implant consists of a clam shell like device that is permanently placed through the hole by a thin, flexible tube (catheter).
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Cardiac catheterization with VSD closure device is a procedure to close a hole (ventricular septal defect or VSD) in the wall (septum) that separates the heart’s left and right ventricles (pumping chambers).
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Cardioversion is a procedure in which an electrical shock is delivered to the heart to convert an irregular or fast heart rhythm (arrhythmia) back to normal. It is most often performed with electrodes placed on the outside of the chest.
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Cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) insertion involves the surgical placement of a small, electronic device used to regulate and continuously monitor the electrical activity of the heart. Its job is to deliver an electrical shock to the heart when the heart rate becomes dangerously fast (fibrillates). It can also record and store information about the heart rhythm for the physician to review.
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Carotid angioplasty is a procedure to reopen a clogged carotid artery in the neck. The carotid artery supplies the brain with much of its blood supply.
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Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery angioplasty with stenting (CAS) are procedures performed to treat carotid artery disease in certain circumstances. Carotid artery disease, also called carotid artery stenosis, occurs when the carotid arteries, the main blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood to the brain, become narrowed.
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A carpal tunnel release is surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve located inside the carpal tunnel, an area on the palm side of the wrist that supplies sensation to the thumb, index, middle, and half the ring finger.
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A cast is a protective shell often made from plaster or fiberglass that encases a bone to hold it in place until healed. By limiting motion, a cast can also help relieve pain and swelling, and protect the bone from further harm.
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Facet joints are small joints at each segment of the spine that provide stability and help guide motion. The facet joints can become painful due to arthritis, a back injury or stress to the back. A cervical facet joint injection involves injecting a small amount of local anesthetic (numbing agent) and/or steroid medication, which can anesthetize the facet joints and block the pain.
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A cheek lift or mid-facelift restores fullness to the cheek, softens deep lines extending from the corner of the nose to the corner of the mouth (nasolabial folds) and raises the outer portion of the eyebrow.
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Chemical peels uses a solution to improve the skin's appearance by reducing or eliminating fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth, correcting uneven skin color, remove pre-cancerous skin growths, and soften acne or treat the scars caused by acne. It can be done on the face, neck, chest, hands, arms, and legs.
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Chemoembolization is a targeted treatment for liver cancer that works by delivering a high dose of cancer-killing medicine (chemotherapy) directly to the tumor while cutting off its blood supply (embolization).
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Chemotherapy uses medicine to stop or slow the growth of cancer cells. This medicine can be given through a blood vessel (infusion), such as a vein (intravenously or IV) or artery, injected directly into the body or taken by mouth in the form of a pill or liquid.
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Closed reduction is the non-surgical approach to put back a broken bone or dislocated joint into its original position using physical manipulation from outside the body.
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Compression garments are stretchy, elasticized garments used to control pain and swelling caused by a back-up of lymph fluid (lymphedema) following a cancer treatment. The garments put pressure on a swollen area and help to move the fluid out.
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Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is surgery to create new routes around narrowed and blocked blood vessels (arteries) in order to allow sufficient blood flow to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the heart. During CABG, a healthy blood vessel (artery or vein) from the body is connected (grafted) to a blocked coronary artery.
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Corticosteroid injections are used to reduce painful swelling and irritation (inflammation) in a joint. They are injected into the area with a needle.
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Cryosurgery uses sub-zero temperatures to freeze and destroy tumors in a variety of sites, including breast, brain, kidney, prostate, and liver. The tumor is not removed and the destroyed cancer is left to be reabsorbed by the body.
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The CyberKnife is the world’s first and only radiosurgery system designed to pinpoint and destroy tumors in the body. In many cases, the treatment offers new hope to patients who were considered untreatable or inoperable, who may be looking for an alternative to surgery, or who have been previously exposed to the maximum allowable dose of radiation but still require further treatment.
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Cystectomy is surgery to remove all or part of the bladder.
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Debridement is the removal of unhealthy tissue from a wound to promote healing, to reduce the chance of infection, and to help determine the extent of damage in the area.
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During deep brain stimulation surgery a thin electrode is implanted within a specific area of the brain and connected to a battery- operated neurostimulator (similar to a pacemaker). The neurostimulator is surgically placed in the chest wall usually one to two weeks after electrode placement.
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Dermabrasion uses a rapidly rotating brush or diamond wheel (burr) to remove irregularities in the top layers of skin to create a smoother and more youthful appearance.
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Discectomy is surgery to remove all or part of a cushion that helps protects the spine. These cushions, called discs, separate the bones in the spine (vertebrae).
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Dupuytren's surgical release is performed to relieve the tightening and inward bending of one or more fingers as a result of abnormal connective tissue (fascia) growth and thickening in the palm (Dupuytren's contracture).
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Reconstruction for birth defects such as absent ear; cosmetic for repairing protruding ears.
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Elbow replacement is surgery to replace the damaged or diseased bones that make up the elbow joint with artificial parts (prostheses), typically made of metal and plastic.
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Endoscopic band ligation is a procedure to treat enlarged blood vessels in the throat (esophagus) by placing elastic bands around them. These enlarged vessels in the throat have abnormally thin walls, which can burst and cause life-threatening bleeding.
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Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) uses a bendable, telescope-like instrument (endoscope) to detect any abnormalities, such as blockages or tumors, in the tubes that drain the liver (bile ducts) and the pancreas
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Endoscopic stenting involves the placement of hollow tubes (stents) in many areas of the digestive tract to open a blockage caused by narrowing, stones, tumors or other problems. These blockages may prevent food from passing through the digestive tract, interfering with digestion, nutrition, and overall health.
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Endoscopic surveillance is done at periodic intervals to look for abnormal cell in the lining of the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach (esophagus). This surveillance is done in people with a disorder of the lining of the esophagus (Barrett's esophagus), who are at a significantly higher risk of developing esophageal cancer.
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Endovascular aortic repair is surgery to treat a weakened and enlarged area (aortic aneurysm) in the large blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the vital organs (aorta). The procedure is performed inside the aorta (endovascular) using thin, long tubes (catheters) and a tube composed of fabric supported by a metal mesh (stent graft), which is used to reinforce the weakened area and allow blood to pass through.
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Endovascular repair is surgery to fix a weakened part (thoracic aortic aneurysm) in the main artery (aorta) that carries blood from the heart to the lower half of the body. Less invasive than open surgery, it involves placing a strong tube that can bend inside the aorta to create a new path for blood flow, bypassing the weakened section. If otherwise left untreated, this weakened part could bulge and potentially rupture, leading to extensive internal bleeding that may be fatal.
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Esophageal endoscopic dilation is a procedure to stretch (dilate) a narrowed area of the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach (esophagus).
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Excision is a common and simple surgical technique used to remove skin cancer as well as a portion of healthy skin surrounding it.
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External radiation therapy (also called external beam radiation therapy) delivers a beam of high-energy X-rays directly to your tumor to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth. A machine outside the body produces the radiation.
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Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is a non-invasive procedure that uses shock waves to break up kidney stones so they can easily pass through the urinary tract.
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The goal of face lift surgery is to partially reverse the signs of aging which are due to skin laxity, fat accumulation and loss of facial contour due to skin sagging.
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Fat transfer is a procedure in which fat is removed from one area of the body, usually the waist, abdomen, or thighs, and then injected into very specific areas of the face in order to reshape certain features or restore volume.
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To correct wrinkles and scars by temporarily plumping of filling out the skin depression. Conditions that respond well to collagen include marionette lines, frown lines, lines around the mouth, worry lines, crows feet, smile lines and facial scarring from acne or injury.
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The Gamma Knife® Perfexion™ is dedicated to the treatment of patients with brain disorders such as cancers and tumors, vascular abnormalities, functional disorders and ocular disorders. It is actually not a knife at all, but a radiosurgery medical instrument that uses 192 precisely targeted beams of gamma radiation to painlessly treat the specific area with minimal effect on the surrounding healthy tissue.
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Ganglion cyst removal is surgical procedure to remove a fluid-filled lump or sac on the skin of the wrist, finger, or foot. The cyst is attached to a tendon or a joint through its fibers.
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Gluten-free diet is the avoidance of foods that contain gluten. Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye. This includes everything from the obvious like breads and pastas to the not so apparent, like lip balms and lotions.
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A halo brace holds the head and neck in a fixed position to prevent movement and lessen pain while the neck heals from an injury, much like a plaster cast keeps the bones in a broken arm as still as possible while they heal.
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Hip replacement is a surgical procedure to replace the damaged or diseased parts of hip joint with new artificial parts (prosthesis) made of metal, ceramic, plastic, or various combinations of these materials.
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Hip Resurfacing Patients suffering from hip pain due to arthritis, dysplasia or avascular necrosis can benefit from the BIRMINGHAM HIP Resurfacing System's conservative approach to treatment.
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Holmium Laser Enucleation uses a laser to remove all or part of the prostate with fewer risks or complications of a prostatectomy.
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Hormone therapy uses man-made (synthetic) hormones or other medications to prevent cancer cells from getting or using the hormones they need to grow and spread. As part of the diagnosis process, tests are done to determine if the cancer cells have certain hormone receptors.
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Each year, more than 500,000 American men receive vasectomies for permanent birth control. Most local medical centers offer minimally invasive vasectomies, but only Cooper University Hospital performs the in-line vasectomy.
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Intense pulsed light treatment (IPL) is highly effective for the treatment of skin conditions associated with aging, an active life-style, and sun damage.
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An intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is placed inside the heart to reduce how hard the heart needs to work to pump blood. The device inflates a small balloon right after the heart pumps, and deflates it just before the heart beats again to provide the needed pressure to help circulate blood to the heart and the rest of the body.
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Intravesical therapy uses special medications placed directly into the bladder to destroy cancer cells. This medication may be a liquid chemotherapy drug, which kills cancer cells, or a type of bacteria (BCG), which causes the body's own natural defenses (immune system) to attack the bladder cancer (biologic therapy).
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Knee replacement is a surgical procedure to replace all or part of the worn, diseased, or damaged surfaces in the knee joint with new artificial parts (prosthesis) made of metal and plastic.
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Kyphoplasty is a safe and effective way to relieve pain and stabilize spine fractures [vertebral compression fractures], the most common type of osteoporotic fracture. Spine fractures can lead to chronic pain, long-term disability, and even death.
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External Genitalia Abnormalities
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Labral repair is a surgical procedure used to correct damage to the ring of cartilage (labrum) that surrounds the cup or socket in the shoulder joint for the end of the arm bone (humerus) to move smoothly and securely.
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Bariatric surgery is a tool that enhances a person’s ability to lose weight and keep it off. Surgical weight loss procedures reduce the size of the stomach and restrict the amount of food a person can eat.
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The LARIAT procedure uses a minimally invasive catheter procedure to close the left atrial appendage in the heart to treat patients with atrial fibrillation (A Fib) who cannot take blood thinners, which puts them at a very high risk for stroke.
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Laser Photovaporization of the Prostate uses a high-powered laser to vaporize and precisely remove excess prostate tissue.
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Laser resurfacing uses a special intense beam of light (laser) to remove the outer layer of skin (epidermis) so that the new skin, which is smoother and tighter, can flourish and grow in its place.
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The laser is a surgical tool which is used to resurface areas of the skin which have been damaged by surgery, trauma, acne or the environment.
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Laser therapy uses a narrow beam of intense light to kill cancer cells. Although laser therapy is used most often to treat cancers on the surface of the body or the lining of internal organs, it can also be used to relieve certain symptoms of cancer, such as bleeding or a blockage, or to reduce swelling and limit the spread of tumor cells.
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Liposuction is most effective for removing localized fat deposits in body areas that do not respond to dieting or exercising. Liposuction is not intended as a substitute for weight loss, but rather is a contouring procedure.
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A liquid face lift is a non-surgical treatment that is used to lift, plump, smooth, and re-contour the face through the use of injectable skin fillers, such as Juvederm®, Restylane®, Perlane®, and fat transfer. These fillers are often used in conjunction with each other as well as Botox® cosmetic.
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Loose body removal surgery is used remove small loose pieces of debris, typically bone or cartilage, that have torn away from their original location and float around a joint causing pain, swelling, and locking.
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The purpose of a lower body lift is to improve the contour and tone of the abdomen, inner and outer thighs and buttocks.
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MammoSite® is a type of high dose rate brachytherapy — radiation placed inside the body as close as possible to the cancer cells — used for breast cancer. With MammoSite® brachytherapy, you can get a higher total dose of radiation to treat a smaller area and in a shorter time than is possible with external radiation therapy.
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Most women with breast cancer have some type of surgery to treat the main breast tumor. The purpose of surgery is to remove as much of the cancer as possible. Mastectomy is the medical term for the surgical removal of one or both breasts, partially or completely.
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Mastopexy is an elective procedure performed to correct sagging of the breasts and laxity of breast skin.
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Maze is surgery to treat a common irregular heart rhythm disorder (atrial fibrillation) that causes a rapid and disorganized heartbeat. The goals of the treatment are to regain a normal heart rhythm, control the heart rate, prevent blood clots, and reduce the risk of stroke.
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Meniscus transplant surgery is done to replace the damaged or missing meniscus, the c-shaped cartilage ring found on both the inside and outside of the knee between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia), with a new meniscus from a human cadaver donor (allograft).
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Mini-Whipple is surgery used to treat cancer of the pancreas. The procedure involves the removal of part of the pancreas and the digestive system, including the gallbladder, nearby lymph nodes, and part of the small intestine.
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Mitral valve repair is surgery to repair the valve that controls blood flow through the left side of the heart. Unlike mitral valve replacement surgery, this procedure leaves a person with their own functioning tissue, and doesn't require blood-thinning medication over the long term.
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Mohs Micrographic Surgery is an advanced technique for treating various types of skin cancer. Mohs Micrographic Surgery is a state-of-the art treatment for skin cancer in which the physician serves as surgeon, pathologist and reconstructive surgeon.
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Nasal surgery includes any surgery performed on the outside or inside of the nose.
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Neck lift is a procedure to restore a tight, youthful appearance to skin under the chin and neck area. This procedure may provide dramatic results on its own or when performed in conjunction with other procedures, such as liposuction.
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Neobladder is surgery to create a new bladder following the removal of a cancerous bladder (cystectomy). A new bladder is made from a piece of the intestine and attached to the neck of the channel that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body (urethra).
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Neuroendoscopy describes the use of a small fiber-optic camera attached to an endoscope to gain access to the brain, spine and peripheral nervous system using a "minimally invasive" approach. Endoscopes look like small telescopes but are actually more like small microscopes since they allow illumination and visualization of objects up close rather than far away.
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Physical therapy can help a person regain mobility after cancer surgery and boost a body’s tolerance to certain cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.
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Open reduction internal fixation is surgery to repair a break or crack (fracture) in a bone using screws, pins, plates and sometimes rods that anchor it to another bone. This is done to keep the bone stable so that it can heal the right way.
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An orthopedic brace is used to provide the support necessary to keep a joint in its proper alignment while the muscles and bones heal following an injury or surgery.
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Orthopedic rehabilitation is for individuals who have undergone a musculoskeletal (bone or joint) injury or surgery, or who have been diagnosed with a degenerative joint disease to help restore mobility while reducing pain and other complications.
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Orthotics are used to support, align, prevent, or correct the function of movable parts of the body. Most common, shoe inserts are orthotics that help to correct an abnormal or irregular walking pattern.
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Pacemaker insertion involves the surgical placement of a small, battery-operated device that helps maintain a normal heartbeat by sending electrical impulses to the heart. It consists of two parts; a battery (generator) and one or more wires (electrodes). The pacemaker is usually implanted in the upper chest and the leads are threaded through a vein into the heart.
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Pain management is medical care designed to alleviate or reduce chronic or severe pain, which can affect people physically and emotionally.
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Percutaneous ethanol injection uses a very thin needle to inject pure alcohol directly in to the liver to kill cancer cells. The alcohol is injected through the skin (percutaneously) with the help of visual imaging (ultrasound or CT scan).
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Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy is surgery to remove large or irregularly shaped stones in the kidney or in the tube that drains urine from the kidney to the bladder (ureter).
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Percutaneous Nephrostomy is a procedure to drain urine from the body by inserting a small, flexible plastic tube (catheter) through the skin into the kidney.
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Pericardial window is surgery to drain fluid that has accumulated around the heart by creating an opening in the sac that surrounds the heart (pericardium). This procedure helps the heart pump effectively.
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Pericardiocentesis is a procedure to remove fluid from around the heart using a needle. The fluid may then be sent to a laboratory for tests to look for signs of infection or other conditions such as cancer.
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Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) uses special drugs (photosensitizers) and certain kind of light to kill cancer cells. The photosensitizer is either put into the bloodstream through a blood vessel (intravenously) or put on the skin.
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Plasmapheresis is the process of separating certain cells from the plasma in the blood by a machine, returning only the desires cells to the patient. Plasmapheresis can be used to remove excess antibodies from the blood.
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Platelet rich plasma is a method of concentrating platelets (the body's repairmen for damaged tissue) from a person’s own blood and then injecting it directly into an injured area.
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Interventional pulmonologists can use a pleuroscope to look directly into the pleural space, identify problems and obtain tissue samples. With pleuroscopy, a patient is sedated and the scope is passed into the pleural space through a small incision in the chest wall.
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Preventive mastectomy (also called prophylactic mastectomy or risk-reducing mastectomy) is the surgical removal of one or both breasts. It is done to prevent or reduce the risk of breast cancer in women and men who are at high risk of developing the disease.
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Prostate seed implantation is a type of low dose rate brachytherapy — radiation placed inside the body as close as possible to the cancer cells — used for prostate cancer. With prostate seed implantation, you can receive a higher total dose of radiation to treat a smaller area and in a shorter time than is possible with external radiation therapy.
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Prostate-Specific Antigen Test is used to screen men for prostate cancer by measuring the amount of a particular protein (prostate-specific antigen) in the blood.
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Prostatectomy is surgery to remove all or part of the prostate gland.
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Prostheses are artificial body parts that replace a missing extremity, such as arms or legs. Artificial limbs may be needed for a variety of reasons, including disease, accidents, and congenital (birth) defects.
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Proton-pump inhibitors is a medication that is used to reduce the production of acid in the stomach to prevents ulcers and to treat ulcers that already exist in the stomach or swallowing tube (esophagus).
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Punch excisions is a procedure that uses a round, sharp tool (punch biopsy tool) to remove acne scars. The tool comes in various diameters so the physician can match the tool to the size of the scar being treated.
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Radiofrequency ablation uses heat transmitted through a needle placed into a tumor to kill cancer cells. Imaging techniques such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to help guide a needle into the tumor.
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Radiofrequency thermal coagulation (RFTC) provide relief of chronic, intractable low back pain that is primarily due to arthritis in the facet joints. RFTC uses electrical impulses to first identify the nerve controlling the pain. The nerve is then “burned” with radio waves and heat.
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Radiopharmaceuticals are cancer drugs that contain radioactive materials. They target cancer cells, giving off radiation that kills these cells while sparing healthy tissue. Learn more >
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Called radiosurgery, treatment with either the Gamma Knife or the CyberKnife combines image-guidance and computer-controlled robotics for a highly effective alternative to open surgery or conventional radiation.
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The goal of nasal surgery is to improve nasal symmetry, improve nasal alignment, create a more ideally proportioned nose and to improve the harmony between the nose and other facial structures. When internal septal surgery is performed, the goal is to remove nasal airway obstruction and improve nasal breathing. In any given patient, these goals may be only partially met.
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Robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery being used at Cooper for some cardiac, lung, gynecologic and urologic problems including cancer.
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In robotic lung cancer surgery, the surgeon operates through small incisions in the chest to remove the tumor and a certain amount of surrounding healthy tissue from the affected lobe. (The right lung is made up three lobes, while the left lung is made up of two.)
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Robotic-assisted cancer surgery (da Vinci ™ Surgical System) uses computer technology that becomes an extension of the surgeon’s wrists, hands and fingers to remove cancer in a delicate, precise manner while preserving surrounding nerves and tissues.
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Rotator cuff repair is surgery to fix a severely torn rotator cuff, which is the group of muscles and tendons that hold the bones of the shoulder in place and help in movement of the arm, such as raising the arms overhead.
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Bariatric surgery is a tool that enhances a person’s ability to lose weight and keep it off. Surgical weight loss procedures reduce the size of the stomach and restrict the amount of food a person can eat. Some bariatric procedures also change the way the body absorbs food and turns it into energy (metabolism). Most procedures are performed using minimally invasive, laparoscopic techniques.
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With SAVI® , radiation is delivered from inside the breast directly to the area where cancer is most likely to recur. Brachytherapy delivers radiation from inside the body to treat many types of cancers.
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Sclerotherapy is a procedure used to remove spider veins and smaller varicose veins. It involves an injection of a solution directly into the vein.
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Scoliosis surgery is designed to improve a severe spinal curve and to keep it from getting worse by permanently joining the bones (vertebrae) together.
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Shock wave lithotripsy is used for the treatment of kidney and ureteral stones. Cooper’s equipment provides optimal access to stones of any size in any location and can perfectly match the energy focus to the size of the stone.
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Shoulder manipulation is a procedure where the arm is forcibly stretched in various positions to relieve stiffness and pain caused by frozen shoulder.
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Shoulder joint replacement surgery is performed to replace the damaged ends of the upper arm bone and shoulder bone with artificial components (prostheses) when the joint is severely damaged by such degenerative joint diseases as arthritis, or in complex cases of upper arm bone fracture.
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During the procedure, Cooper’s specially trained surgeon uses an endoscope, a minimally-invasive medical device that is both camera and cutting blade.
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Smoothbeam is an advanced, multi-effect, non-ablative laser treatment that heats collagen, the upper dermis of the skin, and stimulates new collagen formation.
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Spinal fusion is surgery to permanently join together two bones (vertebrae) in the spine, eliminating motion between them. It involves placing extra bone (bone graft) to fill the space between two spinal vertebrae, held in place with plates, screws or rod, and over time heal into a single, solid bone.
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Splints are used to hold a part of the body stable and motionless to decrease pain and prevent further injury. Splints can be adjusted to accommodate swelling from injuries easier than enclosed casts.
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Stool softeners are used to relieve constipation. They work by moistening the stool, making it easier to pass.
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Strapping and taping are techniques used to limit movement or prevent abnormal movement in an injured joint. It is typically used on knees, elbows and ankles to provide support.
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Stump shrinkers are an elastic wrap or compression sock worn on the residual limb following amputation to reduce or prevent swelling and to help properly shape the stump.
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Subacromial decompression is a surgical procedure used to relieve pressure on the tendons in the rotator cuff, a group of muscles in the shoulder that lift the arm, in order to relieve pain, popping, numbness, and tingling.
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Subcision is a method of treating deep facial scars, mainly resulting from severe acne, by releasing and breaking up the fibrous bands securing them to the skin.
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The S-ICD® System is the only defibrillator designed to provide life-sustaining therapy to patients at risk of sudden cardiac arrest without device implantation in the heart. The device is implanted under the skin instead of being threaded through the veins and there are no parts that reside in or on the heart. Cooper was one of only 35 medical centers in the U.S. — and the only one in New Jersey — to participate in the original clinical trial for this device and is training physicians from around the country in its use.
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Suction lipectomy is a procedure which removes fat cells through small incisions utilizing surgical suction catheters.
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Targeted therapy uses certain medications or specially created substances to seek out and attack cancer cells to stop them from growing and spreading. This approach is typically less harmful to normal, healthy cells.
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Tendon repair is surgery to fix damage or a tear in the cord-like bands of fibrous tissue that connect muscles to bones. The shoulder, elbow, knee, and ankle joints are the most commonly affected by tendon injuries.
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The most common treatment to relieve an excess build up of fluid in the chest cavity is called a thoracentesis.
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Trans-tracheal oxygen therapy is a superior method of delivering oxygen directly into the lungs through a small, flexible catheter that passes from the lower neck into the trachea or windpipe. Most patients can have the small catheter installed in 15 to 20 minutes with only local anesthesia and without being hospitalized.
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Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR), is the gold standard for replacing the aortic valve for severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis. However, AVR is only available to patients who are healthy enough to undergo this type of surgery.
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Transfusions are used to replace or replenish whole blood or certain components of the blood, such as red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. This treatment will not cure cancer but may be used as part of cancer treatment.
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Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) is a procedure to create a new pathway between two blood vessels in the liver to reroute blood flow. A small, tubular metal device (stent) is placed inside this pathway to keep it open and allow better blood flow in the liver, stomach, swallowing tube (esophagus), and intestines, and then back to the heart.
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Transurethral Incision of the Prostate (TUIP) is minimally-invasive surgery to relieve moderate to severe urinary problems caused by prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH).
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Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy is a non-surgical approach that uses heat directed at the prostate to safely destroy enlarged tissue.
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Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radio frequency energy waves delivered through fine needles to heat and destroy (albate) obstructive prostate tissue.
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Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is surgery to remove excess prostate tissue that may be causing moderate to severe urinary problems caused by prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH).
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Tricuspid valve repair is surgery to fix the valve that controls blood flow through the right side of the heart. It is preferred to repair a heart valve rather than replace the valve when possible. This procedure leaves a person with their own functioning tissue, which doesn't require blood-thinning medication over the long term.
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Trigger finger release is surgery to enlarge the narrow part of the tunnel (tendon sheath) where the long strings (tendons) that run from the muscles in the forearm to the end of each finger allowing the fingers to bend and straighten, pass through.
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Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction is surgery to restore function and stability in the elbow by replacing a damaged band of tough, fibrous tissue (ligament) with a tendon from somewhere else in the body.
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Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction is surgery to restore function in the thumb by reconnecting a torn band of tough, fibrous tissue (ligament) to the bones at the base of the thumb.
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Ulnar nerve transposition is surgery to relieve pressure on one of the three main nerves (ulnar) in the arm by moving it from behind the elbow to the front.
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Ureteric Stenting involves the insertion of a thin, plastic, flexible drainage tube (stent) in the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder (ureter). This is placed there in order to temporarily relieve an obstruction in urine flow, which if left untreated could lead to unwanted pressure build-up in the kidneys.
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Uteroscopic Stone Removal is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove stones in the tube that drains urine from the kidney to the bladder (ureter).
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When varicoceles are present, the veins are large and lack internal valves. As a result, the blood flow goes backward into the testicles in the venous system causing a buildup of heat, pressure and poor oxygenation of the sperm producing tissue.
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A Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer (VLNTx) is microsurgical procedure where normal lymph nodes and their associated adipose tissue is transferred to a region of the body that suffers from lymphedema as a means to i.) decrease limb size; ii.) alleviate subjective symptoms of "heaviness", "achiness" and early fatigue; iii.) potentially reduce daily compression requirements; and iv.) slow progression of the disease.
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After a vasectomy, up to 5 percent of men decide they want to have children. These men have two options: surgical reversal or sperm extraction. Dr. Marmar has performed more than 1,000 outpatient microsurgical vasectomy reversals and office-based sperm aspirations for in-vitro fertilization.
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Vbeam is a laser treatment for skin condition that causes redness from broken or inflamed blood vessels. It can also successfully diminish fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production within the skin.
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Bariatric surgery is a tool that enhances a person’s ability to lose weight and keep it off. Surgical weight loss procedures reduce the size of the stomach and restrict the amount of food a person can eat. Some bariatric procedures also change the way the body absorbs food and turns it into energy (metabolism). Most procedures are performed using minimally invasive, laparoscopic techniques.
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Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat problems in the chest.
