Discusses non-Hodgkin lymphoma, cancer of the cells of the lymph system. Covers what causes it and symptoms. Covers treatment, including chemotherapy. Offers home treatment tips to help manage side effects like diarrhea and fatigue.

Discusses polycystic ovary syndrome, a problem in which female hormones are out of balance. Discusses PCOS early symptoms like heavy bleeding or facial hair. Also covers more serious symptoms like miscarriages or infertility. Includes info on treatment.

The sedimentation rate (sed rate) blood test measures how quickly red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle in a test tube in one hour. The more red cells that fall to the bottom of the test tube in one hour, the higher the sed rate. When inflammation is present in the body, certain proteins cause red blood cells to stick...

What is child abuse and neglect? Child abuse means doing something that hurts a child. Neglect means not giving or doing something that a child needs. There are different types of abuse and neglect. Physical abuse. This includes hitting, kicking, shaking, pinching, and burning. It may leave bruises, cuts, or other marks...

Discusses stool analysis, a test used to look for bacteria, parasites, or blood in the digestive tract. Covers why and how it is done. Looks at risks. Covers normal and abnormal results.

A vitamin B12 test measures the amount of vitamin B12 in the blood. The body needs this B vitamin to make blood cells and to maintain a healthy nervous system. Vitamin B12 is found in animal products such as meat, shellfish, milk, cheese, and eggs. Most people who eat animal products are not likely to develop vitamin...

Helicobacter pylori tests are used to detect a Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori) infection in the stomach and upper part of the small intestine ( duodenum). H. pylori can cause peptic ulcers. But most people with H. pylori in their digestive systems do not develop ulcers. Four tests are used to detect H. pylori: Blood...

What is shift work sleep disorder? What problems can it cause? Shift work sleep disorder is trouble sleeping because you work nights or rotating shifts. You also may have this problem if you have trouble staying awake or alert when you are supposed to work your shift. You may not be able to sleep during the day, and you...

Discusses blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test. Covers why and how it is done. Includes how to prepare for the test. Covers risks. Explains results of the test. Covers what affects results.

Tests for erection problems can help you find out why you can't have or maintain an erection. This problem is called erectile dysfunction, or impotence. It's a common problem. Most erection problems are caused by a mix of blood vessel, nerve, or psychological issues. To find the cause, your doctor will first ask about...

A folate test measures the amount of folate in the blood. Folate is one of many B vitamins. The body needs folate for normal growth and to make red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and platelets. Folate also is important for the normal development of a baby (fetus). Folate can be measured in the liquid...

An iron test checks the amount of iron in the blood. Iron (Fe) is a mineral needed for hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Iron is also needed for energy, good muscle, and organ function. About 70% of the body's iron is bound to hemoglobin in red blood cells. The rest is bound to other...

A sweat test, also called a sweat chloride test, measures the amount of chloride in sweat. It is done to help diagnose cystic fibrosis. Normally, sweat on the skin surface contains very little chloride. People with cystic fibrosis have a high level...

Covers basic information about a pill (medication) abortion.

Discusses cause and symptoms of ovarian cancer. Covers diagnosis, including discovery during pelvic exam or ultrasound. Looks at treatment with chemotherapy or surgery, or both. Discusses chances of getting ovarian cancer.

What is a fungal nail infection? A fungal nail infection is an infection that occurs when a fungus gets into your fingernail, toenail, or nail bed. Fungi can infect your nails through small cuts in the skin around the nail or through the opening between the nail and nail bed. If you're healthy, the infection probably...

Discusses procedure (also called EGD or esophagogastroduodenoscopy) used to check the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine for problems. Covers why it is done, how it is done, and how it feels. Discusses what results could mean. Looks at risks.

Discusses the decision about when to start dialysis. Includes what kidney failure is, the treatment for it, and reasons why you might or might not want to start dialysis. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.

A phosphate test measures the amount of phosphate in a blood sample. Phosphate is a charged particle (ion) that contains the mineral phosphorus. The body needs phosphorus to build and repair bones and teeth, help nerves function, and make muscles contract. Most (about 85%) of the phosphorus contained in phosphate is...

Anoscopy, proctoscopy, and sigmoidoscopy tests allow your doctor to look at the inner lining of your anus, your rectum, and the lower part of the large intestine (colon). These tests are used to look for abnormal growths (such as tumors or polyps), inflammation, bleeding, hemorrhoids, and other conditions (such as...

A rheumatoid factor (RF) blood test measures the amount of the RF antibody present in the blood. Normally, antibodies are produced by the immune system to help destroy and get rid of invading bacteria and viruses that can cause disease. But the RF...

A prolactin test measures the level of the hormone prolactin, which is made by the pituitary gland, in your blood. Pregnant women have high levels of prolactin, which helps make breast milk. During pregnancy, prolactin levels increase by 10 to 20 times. After the baby is born, prolactin stays high if you are...

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.

Explains liver biopsy, also called percutaneous liver biopsy, a test used to look for liver diseases like hepatitis, cirrhosis, hemochromatosis, and cancer. Covers how to prepare and what to expect. Includes what results mean. Also lists risks.

Marijuana, also called cannabis, is a drug that's made of the leaves, flowers, and buds of the cannabis plant. Medical marijuana can help treat symptoms like pain, nausea, and lack of appetite. It may be used by people who have health problems like cancer, AIDS, or multiple sclerosis. Is medical marijuana helpful and...