An abscess in the abdomen (intra-abdominal abscess) is diagnosed by correlating findings on imaging studies with the signs and symptoms present. Read more on symptoms of intra-abdominal abscesses. Other laboratory findings will further confirm the diagnosis.

Laboratory Tests

Blood tests may reveal :

• raised white blood cell counts
• anemia
• abnormal levels of liver enzymes

Absence of these findings, especially in elderly and debilitated patients, does not rule out intra-abdominal abscess completely.

A blood culture is an important investigation in diagnosing intra-abdominal abscess. Multiple bacterial growths found in blood culture or the presence of bacterial species like Bacteroides in a blood culture are highly suggestive of an intra-abdominal abscess. Peritoneal fluid culture and blood culture are also important in choosing the antibiotics for specific antibiotic treatment.

continue reading Intra-Abdominal Abscess Diagnosis, Antibiotics, Drainage, Surgery

Testing for Ovarian Cancer

Early diagnosis of ovarian cancer is rare because of the absence of symptoms in the early stages and the lack of reliable screening methods to detect ovarian cancer specifically. A Pap smear has no role to play in the detection of ovarian cancer unless it has metastasized to the cervix or vagina. Surgical diagnosis and staging should be done as soon as possible, with minimum pre-operative tests, when a pelvic mass is suspected to be ovarian cancer.

While a clinical history of vague gastrointestinal symptoms or abnormal vaginal bleeding may be correlated with ovarian cancer after it is diagnosed, it is rare where these symptoms immediately raise the concern ovarian cancer. High risk women should be monitored and the presence of these symptoms should prompt immediate investigation. Read more on ovarian cancer risks.

continue reading Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis – Blood Tests, Scans, Biopsy

Screening Test and Cervical Cancer Detection

Clinical History

The symptoms of cervical cancer generally appear in the advanced stage, while the early stages are largely asymptomatic (without symptom). Early diagnosis greatly increases the success of the prescribed treatment and therefore the prognosis. Read more on cervical cancer prognosis.

Symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain, which are often neglected, should be taken into account and investigated. Routine screening is the ideal approach and regular pap smears can detect pre-cancerous changes. Women who are at risk should ensure more regular visits and specialized screening measures. Read more on cervical cancer risks.

continue reading Cervical Cancer Diagnosis, Screening – Pap Smear, Scans, Biopsy

Detecting Polyps in the Intestine

Colorectal polyps may be felt during digital examination of the rectum in some patients. In the event of minor blood loss (bleeding polyp), a fecal occult blood test may confirm a the presence of blood in the stool. This is, however, non-specific for intestinal polyps and other causes of blood in the stool need to be considered.

continue reading Diagnosis of Intestinal Polyps and Treatment (Surgery)

A woman presenting with abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially postmenopausal bleeding, requires a thorough investigation to confirm or rule out the diagnosis of uterine cancer. Early detection of endometrial cancer improves the chances of successful treatment of the disease. If detected early enough, complete cure is possible with appropriate treatment.

continue reading Diagnosing Uterine Cancer – Tests, Scans and Biopsy