Examination and Diagnosis

A prognosis is a professional prediction about how a disease or medical condition is likely to progress and what the outcome might be. It is based on a patient’s current health, medical history, and test results. A prognosis helps guess how well a patient might recover, the potential for complications, and the overall future of their health.

A colonoscopy is a medical procedure used to examine the inside of the colon, which is the large intestine, and rectum. During the procedure, a long, flexible tube with a camera on the end, called a colonoscope, is gently inserted through the rectum and into the colon. The camera allows doctors to view and take pictures of the colon's lining on a monitor. Colonoscopies are commonly used to check for signs of conditions such as colorectal cancer, polyps, or inflammation. They are also used to investigate symptoms like abdominal pain, bleeding, or changes in bowel habits. The procedure can help diagnose issues early and guide treatment decisions.

An amylase test is a medical test used to measure the level of amylase, an enzyme, in the blood or urine. Amylase helps break down carbohydrates into simpler sugars during digestion. This test is often used to diagnose or monitor conditions related to the pancreas, such as pancreatitis, which is the inflammation of the pancreas, or other digestive issues. High levels of amylase in the blood or urine can indicate that the pancreas is inflamed or not working properly, while normal levels show that these conditions are not present.

Electromyography (EMG) is a test that measures the electrical activity in muscles and nerves. During the test, small sensors called electrodes are placed on the skin or inserted into the muscle. These electrodes identify electrical signals produced by muscle activity, which are then recorded and displayed on a screen or printed on paper. EMG is used to diagnose muscle and nerve disorders, such as muscle weakness or nerve damage, by showing how well the muscles and nerves are working.

Fluoroscopy is a medical imaging technique that uses X-rays to create continuous video images of the inside of the body. During the procedure, a special X-ray machine takes ongoing X-ray images while a special dye is used to make certain areas more visible. These images are shown on a monitor, allowing doctors to see and check the movement and function of organs, bones, and other structures as they happen. Fluoroscopy is commonly used for examining the digestive system, helping certain medical procedures, and evaluating joint and bone issues.

Hysteroscopy is a medical procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera, called a hysteroscope, to look inside the uterus. The hysteroscope is inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterus. This allows doctors to examine the inside of the uterus to diagnose and treat various conditions, such as abnormal bleeding, polyps, or fibroids. The procedure can also be used to take tissue samples or remove abnormal growths. Hysteroscopy is often done in a hospital or clinic setting and helps doctors get a clear view of the lining of the uterus and decide on the best treatment.

Myelography is a medical imaging procedure that uses a special dye and X-rays to look at the spinal cord and the surrounding structures. During this test, a contrast dye is injected into the space around the spinal cord, often through a needle inserted into the lower back. This dye makes the spinal cord and nerves show up clearly on X-ray images. The contrast dye used in myelography is generally safe, though it may cause some temporary discomfort or mild reactions in a small number of people. Myelography helps doctors diagnose problems such as herniated discs, spinal tumors, or narrowing of the spinal canal by providing detailed pictures of the spine.

A pregnancy test is a simple test used to determine if a woman is pregnant. It works by detecting the presence of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine or blood, which is produced during pregnancy. Pregnancy tests can be done at home with a kit or at a medical setting. Home tests usually involve placing a sample of urine on a test strip or stick, which changes color if hCG is identified. Blood tests, performed by healthcare professionals, are more precise and can identify pregnancy earlier.

A stool test is a medical test that examines a sample of stool, which is the solid waste produced by the digestive system, to help diagnose various health conditions. The sample is usually collected at home and then sent to a lab. Stool tests can help identify issues such as infections, digestive disorders, or signs of diseases like colorectal cancer. The test checks for things like blood, bacteria, or other substances that might indicate a problem in the digestive system.

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the brain. Small sensors called electrodes are placed on the scalp to identify and measure the brain's electrical signals. These signals are then displayed on a computer screen or printed. EEG is commonly used to diagnose and monitor brain disorders, such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, and other conditions that affect brain function. The test does not involve any surgery or needles and helps doctors understand how the brain is working.

An autopsy is a medical procedure performed after death to examine a body and identify the cause of death. During the autopsy, a specialized doctor carefully examines the organs and tissues of the person who has passed away. This examination may include looking at body tissues under a microscope and analyzing fluids. Autopsies help to confirm diagnoses, understand disease progression, and identify any underlying conditions that helped cause the person's death. These procedures can be essential for medical, legal, or family reasons, such as resolving questions about the cause of death.

A mammogram is an X-ray image of the breasts used to check for signs of breast cancer or other abnormalities. During the test, the breast is gently pressed between two plates to flatten it, and then X-ray pictures are taken. Mammograms help identify breast cancer early, often before any symptoms appear, which can make treatment more effective. They are commonly used for routine breast cancer screening in women.

Mammography is a type of X-ray imaging test used specifically to examine the breasts. It helps in identifying breast cancer or other abnormalities by taking detailed images of the breast tissue. During the procedure, the breast is gently pressed between two flat plates to spread out the tissue, allowing for clearer images. Mammography is typically used for regular check-ups or to examine any unusual changes or symptoms in the breast.

Endoscopy is a medical procedure used to look inside the body using a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope. The endoscope has a small camera and light at the end, which allows doctors to see the inside of organs or spaces on a screen. This procedure is often used to examine areas such as the digestive system, lungs, or urinary system. Endoscopy helps in diagnosing and sometimes treating conditions by allowing doctors to view and often take samples from inside the body without making large cuts.

Gastroscopy is a medical procedure where the inside of the stomach is examined using a thin, flexible tube with a camera, called an endoscope. This tube is passed through the mouth and down the throat into the stomach. Gastroscopy is used to diagnose and treat conditions such as ulcers, inflammation, tumors, and bleeding in the upper digestive system. The procedure allows doctors to see the lining of the throat, stomach, and the beginning of the small intestine.

Ophthalmoscopy is a medical test that allows doctors to look at the inside of the eye, including the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels. This is done using a tool called an ophthalmoscope, which shines a light into the eye and magnifies the view. The test helps to diagnose and monitor eye conditions such as glaucoma, retinal diseases, and other issues affecting vision. By examining these parts of the eye, doctors can also notice signs of systemic health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure.

Sigmoidoscopy is a medical procedure used to examine the inside of the lower part of the large intestine, known as the sigmoid colon. During this procedure, a doctor uses a flexible tube with a light and camera at the end, called a sigmoidoscope, which is inserted through the rectum. The tube allows the doctor to see and check for problems such as inflammation, polyps, or tumors in the sigmoid colon and the rectum. Sigmoidoscopy helps diagnose conditions like colorectal cancer or other digestive issues and can be used to take samples for biopsy or remove polyps if needed.

Ultrasonography is a medical imaging technique that uses sound waves to create pictures of the inside of the body. During this procedure, a device called a transducer sends extremely fast sound waves into the body, and these waves bounce off tissues and organs. The returning sound waves are then captured and turned into images displayed on a screen. Ultrasonography is commonly used to examine organs, monitor pregnancies, and help certain medical procedures. It is a safe method that does not involve any surgery or needles and does not use radiation, making it a useful tool for evaluating various health conditions.

Prenatal diagnosis refers to medical tests and procedures performed during pregnancy to check for any potential health issues or conditions in the unborn baby. These tests can help identify problems early, such as genetic disorders, structural abnormalities, such as heart defects, or growth issues. This allows for better planning and management of the pregnancy. Prenatal diagnosis can include various methods such as ultrasounds, blood tests, and amniocentesis, which involves checking a small amount of fluid from around the baby for any problems. The goal is to ensure the baby's health and address any concerns before birth.

Palpation is a medical technique where a healthcare provider uses their hands to feel the body. This helps them check the size, shape, texture, and consistency of body parts, as well as detect any abnormalities. Palpation is commonly used to examine organs, muscles, and tissues to identify issues such as swelling, tenderness, or lumps. It is an essential part of a physical examination and helps decide the next steps for further examinations or treatment.

A Papanicolaou smear, commonly known as a Pap test or Pap smear, is a test used to identify abnormal cells in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. During the test, cells are gently scraped from the cervix and examined under a microscope. This test helps to find early signs of cervical cancer or cells that could become cancerous in the future, allowing for early treatment if needed. The Pap smear is an important part of routine gynecological care and can significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer through early identification and treatment.