Guides you through choosing a test to check for colorectal cancer. Looks at symptoms of colorectal cancer. Covers stool tests, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and virtual colonoscopy. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.
A colostomy is a surgical procedure that is done when part of the large intestine (colon or rectum) has been removed and the remaining bowel cannot function normally. The colostomy may be temporary, until the colon or rectum heals, or it may be permanent if the entire lower colon or rectum was removed. In colostomy...
Learn how a colostomy is done and what to expect after surgery.
A colostomy is surgery to make an opening in the skin on the belly and connect your bowel (colon) to that opening. The opening is called a stoma. After surgery, stool will no longer leave your body through your anus. It will go through the stoma and into a plastic bag. The bag is attached to the stoma. The surgery can...
Anatomy of the colon and rectum The large intestine (colon) extends from the cecum to the anus and includes the ascending colon, the transverse colon, the descending colon, the sigmoid colon, and the rectum. Colon cancer site Cancer is shown in a section of the descending colon. Colon section removed Surgery removes the...
Colostomy irrigation is a procedure that gives people with a colostomy more control over the elimination of waste. Irrigation stimulates the intestine to function at a regular time and is generally done at the same time every day or every other day. In this procedure, an irrigation cone and tube are connected to the...
Colostomy irrigation gives people who have a colostomy more control over eliminating waste. This method lets you eliminate waste at a planned time. Irrigation is usually done at the same time every day or every other day. An irrigation cone and catheter are connected to the stoma. (The stoma is the exposed end of the...
A colostomy pouch (or bag) is worn on the outside of the body to collect waste that normally passes through the digestive system. The pouch is needed after a portion of the colon has been surgically removed.
Colostrum is a sticky, thick, yellowish liquid produced by a woman's breasts toward the end of pregnancy and during the first few days after delivery of her baby. Colostrum contains protein, minerals, and vitamins as well as valuable antibodies, which help protect the baby against disease. Women who breastfeed transfer...
Colposcopy lets a doctor look at your vulva, vagina, and cervix. If the doctor sees a possible problem, they can take a small sample of tissue. Then another doctor studies the tissue under a microscope. This is called a biopsy. Most women have this procedure after they have abnormal results from a Pap test. During the...
Colposcopy is a test to look at the vagina and cervix through a lighted magnifying tool (colposcope). The colposcope magnifies the view 2 to 60 times so the doctor can see any problems that would be missed by the naked eye. A camera can be hooked to the colposcope to take pictures or videos of the vagina and cervix for...
Botanical names: Tussilago farfara How It Works Mucilage, bitter glycosides, and tannins are considered the major constituents of coltsfoot. 4 These are thought to give the herb anti-inflammatory and antitussive (cough prevention and treatment) activity. 5 Coltsfoot also contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, potentially...
You may choose to breastfeed and use a bottle for some of your baby's feedings. It is best to wait until your baby has been breastfeeding well for several weeks before you try feeding your baby from a bottle. Sometimes the shape of the nipple plays a part in how well your breastfed baby adjusts to bottle feedings. Many...
Here are some ways you can help comfort your child who has a respiratory illness (such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection or a cold): Ask your doctor if your child can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help relieve fever (if present). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the...
Botanical names: Symphytum officinale How to Use It Fresh, peeled root or dried root, approximately 3.5 ounces (100 grams), is simmered in 1 pint (500 ml) of water for ten to fifteen minutes to prepare comfrey for topical use. 4 Cloth or gauze is soaked in this liquid, then applied to the skin for at least 15 minutes...
Comfrey is a plant also known as Ass Ear, Black Root, Blackwort, Bruisewort, Consolidae Radix, Consound, Consoude, Consuelda, Gum Plant, Healing Herb, Herbe aux Charpentiers, Herbe à la Coupure, Knitback, Knitbone, Langue-de-Vache, Oreille d'Âne, Salsify, Slippery Root, Symphytum officinale, or Wallwort. Comfrey...
Get tips and support for getting back on track with healthy eating.
Learn what to think about and plan for when you're getting ready to quit using tobacco.
Pressure injuries are usually caused by unrelieved pressure on the skin. They often form on skin that covers bony areas. The most common sites are the back of the head and ears, the shoulders, the elbows, the lower back and buttocks, the hips, the inner knees, and the heels. Pressure injuries may also form in places...
The common bile duct is the tube that connects the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. The liver produces bile that is stored in the gallbladder and released into the intestine to help digest fat.
Primary Remedies Arsenicum album A person who has frequent colds, sore throats, and chest problems—with burning pain and feelings of weakness, restlessness, and anxiety—may benefit from this remedy. The person’s head may feel hot while the rest of the body is cold, and problems can be worse near midnight. The nose often...
Coughing. Aching Sneezing. Take a few simple actions to knock out the annoying common cold. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful. Drink those fluids Get plenty of water and other clear fluids to help thin mucus. Take extra vitamin C Studies have shown 1 to 4 grams a...
The way you act and the things you do when you're stressed—these are called coping strategies. Negative coping responses Some coping strategies or responses are not as helpful as others. For example, negative coping responses may feel good in the short-term, but they are temporary distractions. In the long run, they...
If you need to give yourself injections, or shots, at home, you may have some questions or concerns. You might need to inject medicine under the skin (subcutaneous). Or you might inject it into a muscle (intramuscular). Either way, these tips may help address your concerns.
Many people believe things that aren't true about gay, lesbian, and bisexual people. Here are some questions people sometimes have. Question: Can gay, lesbian, and bisexual people change their sexual orientation? Can they get some kind of treatment? Answer: Like heterosexuals, gay, lesbian, and bisexual people don't...
The three most common sites of swollen lymph nodes are the neck, armpit, and groin.
Many insects, such as the following, cause mild reactions: Bedbugs. Kissing bugs. Chiggers. Fleas. Flies. Mites. Mosquitoes. Nonpoisonous spiders. Ticks. Scabies. Lice. For more information on lice, see the topic Body Lice, Head Lice, or Pubic Lice. Some insects are more likely than others to cause...
Birthmarks are colored marks on the skin that are present at birth or develop shortly after birth. They can be many different sizes, shapes, and colors, including brown, tan, black, blue or blue-gray, pink, white, red, or purple. Some birthmarks appear on the surface of the skin, some are raised above the surface...
Provides information on common hernias, including abdominal, incisional, and umbilical hernias. Briefly covers symptoms and treatment with surgery.
This summary provides oncology clinicians with an overview of key topics in communication in cancer care. The goal is to facilitate more effective communication between cancer clinicians and the patients and families they care for. The summary explores the following topics: Discussion of the literature on the goals and...
