Cervical Cancer

Many women pass symptoms of cervical cancer off as PMS. Often by the time symptoms accumulate the cancer is far progressed. Symptoms of cervical cancer include: unusual heavy discharge, pelvic pain that is not related to the menstrual cycle, dysuria, bleeding between cycles or after intercourse or a pelvic exam.

Increased risk factors include having multiple sexual partners or a partner with multiple sexual partners, having many children, being on birth control pills for extended time - however studies have shown that a woman's risk is dramatically reduced after ceasing taking them and a lack of pap smears

Once an abnormal pap smear result is received a biopsy will be performed to give a more definitive diagnosis. Once cervical cancer is found, CT and MRI's are often done to ensure the cancer has not spread, causing metastatic disease. A PET scan could be performed to stage the cancer and help plan the best radiation or chemotherapy to fight the cancer after surgery.

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancers. With regular pap smears cervical cancer can be prevented in most cases. Survival rates have gone up tremendously since more and more women get an annual pap smear.

Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is an organ that secretes insulin and glucagon and also aids in digestion.

Symptoms most often include left upper quadrant abdominal pain, fever, nausea and vomiting. This disease is often is a result of gallbladder dysfunction or alcoholism.

Treatment for pancreatitis usually includes IV pain medication due to the severe abdominal pain. It also requires IV fluids and withholding food to attempt to keep the pancreas inactive. This allows time for the inflamed pancreas to resolve. If medication does not work, then the next steps include removing gallstones or to place a stent in the pancreas and to drain fluid from around the pancreas. This is done oftentimes in Radiology under fluoro during a procedure called ERCP or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

This disease is treatable and nearly all recover. However, there is a small percentage that can develop chronic pancreatitis as well.