Medical Encyclopedia

Welcome. Our Medical Encyclopedia contains over 13,000 pages of medical and legal information covering anatomy, physiology, diseases, conditions, surgery, treatment options and other areas of interest to patients, consumers and their families. The content on this site is from trusted, peer-reviewed resources such as The National Institutes of Health, URAC-accredited HealthGate Data Corp., and Nucleus Medical Art, a leading creator of educational medical illustrations and animations.

Search our web site by clicking on the medical and legal topics below. To the upper left is a search field where you can type in keywords and phrases. To the immediate left are more medical topics and categories. At the bottom left are categories of educational medical illustrations.

Torn Rotator Cuff Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Birthing Complications: Shoulder Dystocia with Brachial Plexus Injury Pregnancy Complications Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities Back Pain I (Conditions)

Brain Trauma - Axonal Shear Injury Back Pain II (Diagnosis and Treatment) Brain Physiology Whiplash Neck Injury (Contre Coup) Spinal Cord Injury Heart Arrhythmia - Rhythm Disorders

Traumatic Brain Injury Gallbladder Surgery - Cholecystectomy Brain Anatomy Cerebral Palsy Overview Shortened Cervix in Second Trimester - Premature Birth Knee Injury - Meniscus

Hip Replacement Cerebral Hypoxia Shoulder Dislocation Cardiac Conduction System Preterm Labor and Premature Birth Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)

Fibromyalgia Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Problems Trauma, Burn, Shock, and Injury Shoulder Anatomy Ligament Sprains and Strains

Central Cord Syndrome Ligament Injuries Knee Problems Tendinitis, Bursitis, and Impingement Syndrome Heart Bypass Surgery and Coronary Angioplasty Procedure Encephalitis and Meningitis

Osteochondritis Dissecans Arnold-Chiari Malformation Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Atherosclerosis Shoulder Fracture Small Cell Lung Cancer

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Chondromalacia of the Knee Joint Coronary Artery Disease Cervical Cancer Burns Shoulder Separation

Spinal Cord Infarction Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis) Oral Cancer Scoliosis Cirrhosis of the Liver

Abortion, Miscarriage and Breast Cancer Risk Mitral Valve Prolapse Inflammatory Breast Cancer Cancer of the Uterus (Uterine Cancer) Arthritis of the Shoulder Central Pain Syndrome

High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy - Preeclampsia Cerebral Aneurysm Stroke Colon and Rectal Cancer Arthritis of the Knee Retinal Detachment

LASIK Eye Surgery Gallstones

VIEW FULL LIST OF OVER 150 TOPICS…

OVARIAN CANCER "THE SILENT KILLER"

IN MEMORY OF ALYCE MARIE SIGURDSON DEDICATED TO HER LOVING FAMILY

Each year more than 25,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Of these, more than 14,000 will die. The lifetime risk of ovarian cancer in women with no family history of the disease is approximately one in 70 (1.4%). Some studies, however, show that it may be as low as one in 55 (1.8%). Because there are rarely any symptoms during the early stages of ovarian cancer, victims don't even know they have it. Once symptoms do appear, the cancer has progressed so far that one's chance of survival is dramatically reduced.

Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer and fifth most common cause of cancer death among women. Over half the cases of ovarian cancer in the United States are detected in women over the age of 65, and most are diagnosed at 60. However, every women is at risk. Ovarian cancer has a very high mortality rate, because it often goes undetected until it is quite advanced.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Have your physician perform a transvaginal ultrasound and a CA-125-II test at least once every year. Early detection is the key to your survival. Being proactive can very well mean the difference between life and death.

EARLY DETECTION OF OVARIAN CANCER www.ovariandetection.org

WHAT IS OVARIAN CANCER: www.healthandage.com

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS OF OVARIAN CANCER
-Age
The incidence of this cancer rises with age. The American cancer society recommends an annual pelvic exam for all women over the age of forty (40), in hopes it may increase early detection
-Birth Control Pills
Taking birth control pills appears to reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Additionally the longer they are taken the lower the risk, but the risk of breast cancer is higher while on the pill.
-Diet
Eating a diet high in fat, especially animal fats has been shown to increase the risk of ovarian cancer. It is higher in western, affluent countries where high fat diets are eaten.
-Ethnicity
White women in Europe and North America have a higher incidence of ovarian cancer, it is lowest in blacks and Asian women in their native countries.
-Genetic Background
As with most cancers a family history of ovarian cancer increases the risk. Women who inherit a genetic mutation found in the BRCA1 and 2 genes have a 64% risk of inheriting the disease. The mutation can be found in people of many ethnic backgrounds, but is higher in Asheknazi Jews (from eastern and central Europe).
-Pregnancy/Reproductive History
Women with no children/pregnancies or who had their first pregnancy after the age of 35 are at higher risk of ovarian cancer. It is also more common in women who had an early puberty (before age 12) or late menopause (after 50). Women who have used fertility drugs may also be at higher risk.

WHAT IS CA-125?
The CA-125 (carbohydrate antigen) is a substance produced by the endometrium, fallopian tubes, and the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).

CA-125 is a used as a tumor marker. Elevated amounts of CA-125 in a woman's blood and body fluids may increase when cancer of the ovaries is present.

FAQ ABOUT CA-125 and THE NEW CA-125II www.monitor.net

LYSOPHOSPHATIDIC ACID ("LPA") v. CA-125
In 1998, researchers at the Cleveland Clinic were among those suggesting LPA as a potential biomarker for ovarian cancer. They published their findings in the Journal of the American Medical Association, comparing the accuracy of LPA with CA125 in detecting ovarian cancer. In the study, LPA levels from 48 healthy control women, 48 women with ovarian cancer, 36 women with other gynecologic cancers, 17 women with benign gynecologic diseases, 11 women with breast cancer and 5 women with leukemias were tested for levels of LPA and CA125. Elevated plasma LPA levels were detected in:

nine of 10 patients with stage I ovarian cancer;

24 of 24 patients with stage II, III, and IV ovarian cancer;

and 14 of 14 patients with recurrent ovarian cancer.

Women in the ovarian cancer groups had significantly higher plasma LPA levels than women in the healthy control group. LPA was also useful in detecting 33 of 36 other types of gynecologic cancers. The researchers stressed that these data, however encouraging, were preliminary and ongoing studies will determine the future use of LPA in detecting ovarian cancer.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON OVARIAN CANCER www.nlm.nih.gov cancer.gov www.cancercare.org www.csudh.edu www.slip.net www.cancerlinksusa.com www.ovca.org www.reutershealth.com www.cancersource.com www.umm.edu ovariancancer.jhmi.edu members.shaw.ca www.paraplatin.com

Pre-Pregnancy Planning Discusses the importance of Folic Acid, Pre-pregnancy check-ups and disease screenings, all of which are vital to your newborn's health.

Prenatal Care www.nlm.nih.gov

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Pregnancy

CMV Antibody test should be done in the early stage of pregnancy www.modimes.org

Dangerous Drugs for Unborn Babies

During Pregnancy AVOID the following:

Accutane & Other Retinoids www.marchofdimes.com

Cocaine www.marchofdimes.com

Alcohol www.marchofdimes.com

Smoking www.marchofdimes.com

© Patton Law Practice • 8300 Hayden Road - Suite 207 | Scottsdale, AZ 85258 | • tel: 480.905.9208. | 888.905.9208-Toll Free • email: david.patton@azbar.org
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The information on this website is for information purposes only and is not intended to be medical or legal advice. The viewer should consult a healthcare professional or an attorney to obtain medical or legal advice, respectively, about a particular case or situation.

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Free Case Consultation Search Medical & Legal Information Medical Topics VIEW FULL LIST OF 150+ TOPICS… Axonal Shear Injury Back Pain - Conditions Back Pain Treatment Brain Anatomy Brain Physiology Cerebral Palsy Overview Deep Vein Thrombosis Gallbladder Surgery Hip Replacement Knee Injury - Meniscus Pregnancy Complications Shoulder Dystocia Spinal Cord Injury Traumatic Brain Injury Whiplash Neck Injury Medical Categories Aging and Health Alternative Health Diagnostic and Surgical Procedures Diseases, Conditions and Injuries Food and Nutrition Kids' and Teens' Health Medications Men's Health Mental Health Parents' Health Seniors' Health Sexuality and Health Sports and Fitness Travel and Health Women's Health Medical Illustrations Abdomen Anatomy Back and Spine Cancer Cardiology Foot and Ankle Head and Neck Hip Knee Neurology Nursing Home Ob/Gyn Orthopedics Pediatrics Plastic Surgery Shoulder Surgery Urology	Medical Encyclopedia Welcome. Our Medical Encyclopedia contains over 13,000 pages of medical and legal information covering anatomy, physiology, diseases, conditions, surgery, treatment options and other areas of interest to patients, consumers and their families. The content on this site is from trusted, peer-reviewed resources such as The National Institutes of Health, URAC-accredited HealthGate Data Corp., and Nucleus Medical Art, a leading creator of educational medical illustrations and animations. Search our web site by clicking on the medical and legal topics below. To the upper left is a search field where you can type in keywords and phrases. To the immediate left are more medical topics and categories. At the bottom left are categories of educational medical illustrations. Torn Rotator Cuff Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Birthing Complications: Shoulder Dystocia with Brachial Plexus Injury Pregnancy Complications Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities Back Pain I (Conditions) Brain Trauma - Axonal Shear Injury Back Pain II (Diagnosis and Treatment) Brain Physiology Whiplash Neck Injury (Contre Coup) Spinal Cord Injury Heart Arrhythmia - Rhythm Disorders Traumatic Brain Injury Gallbladder Surgery - Cholecystectomy Brain Anatomy Cerebral Palsy Overview Shortened Cervix in Second Trimester - Premature Birth Knee Injury - Meniscus Hip Replacement Cerebral Hypoxia Shoulder Dislocation Cardiac Conduction System Preterm Labor and Premature Birth Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) Fibromyalgia Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Problems Trauma, Burn, Shock, and Injury Shoulder Anatomy Ligament Sprains and Strains Central Cord Syndrome Ligament Injuries Knee Problems Tendinitis, Bursitis, and Impingement Syndrome Heart Bypass Surgery and Coronary Angioplasty Procedure Encephalitis and Meningitis Osteochondritis Dissecans Arnold-Chiari Malformation Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Atherosclerosis Shoulder Fracture Small Cell Lung Cancer Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Chondromalacia of the Knee Joint Coronary Artery Disease Cervical Cancer Burns Shoulder Separation Spinal Cord Infarction Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis) Oral Cancer Scoliosis Cirrhosis of the Liver Abortion, Miscarriage and Breast Cancer Risk Mitral Valve Prolapse Inflammatory Breast Cancer Cancer of the Uterus (Uterine Cancer) Arthritis of the Shoulder Central Pain Syndrome High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy - Preeclampsia Cerebral Aneurysm Stroke Colon and Rectal Cancer Arthritis of the Knee Retinal Detachment LASIK Eye Surgery Gallstones VIEW FULL LIST OF OVER 150 TOPICS…	OVARIAN CANCER "THE SILENT KILLER" IN MEMORY OF ALYCE MARIE SIGURDSON DEDICATED TO HER LOVING FAMILY Each year more than 25,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Of these, more than 14,000 will die. The lifetime risk of ovarian cancer in women with no family history of the disease is approximately one in 70 (1.4%). Some studies, however, show that it may be as low as one in 55 (1.8%). Because there are rarely any symptoms during the early stages of ovarian cancer, victims don't even know they have it. Once symptoms do appear, the cancer has progressed so far that one's chance of survival is dramatically reduced. Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer and fifth most common cause of cancer death among women. Over half the cases of ovarian cancer in the United States are detected in women over the age of 65, and most are diagnosed at 60. However, every women is at risk. Ovarian cancer has a very high mortality rate, because it often goes undetected until it is quite advanced. WHAT YOU SHOULD DO Have your physician perform a transvaginal ultrasound and a CA-125-II test at least once every year. Early detection is the key to your survival. Being proactive can very well mean the difference between life and death. EARLY DETECTION OF OVARIAN CANCER www.ovariandetection.org WHAT IS OVARIAN CANCER: www.healthandage.com WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS OF OVARIAN CANCER -Age The incidence of this cancer rises with age. The American cancer society recommends an annual pelvic exam for all women over the age of forty (40), in hopes it may increase early detection -Birth Control Pills Taking birth control pills appears to reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Additionally the longer they are taken the lower the risk, but the risk of breast cancer is higher while on the pill. -Diet Eating a diet high in fat, especially animal fats has been shown to increase the risk of ovarian cancer. It is higher in western, affluent countries where high fat diets are eaten. -Ethnicity White women in Europe and North America have a higher incidence of ovarian cancer, it is lowest in blacks and Asian women in their native countries. -Genetic Background As with most cancers a family history of ovarian cancer increases the risk. Women who inherit a genetic mutation found in the BRCA1 and 2 genes have a 64% risk of inheriting the disease. The mutation can be found in people of many ethnic backgrounds, but is higher in Asheknazi Jews (from eastern and central Europe). -Pregnancy/Reproductive History Women with no children/pregnancies or who had their first pregnancy after the age of 35 are at higher risk of ovarian cancer. It is also more common in women who had an early puberty (before age 12) or late menopause (after 50). Women who have used fertility drugs may also be at higher risk. WHAT IS CA-125? The CA-125 (carbohydrate antigen) is a substance produced by the endometrium, fallopian tubes, and the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). CA-125 is a used as a tumor marker. Elevated amounts of CA-125 in a woman's blood and body fluids may increase when cancer of the ovaries is present. FAQ ABOUT CA-125 and THE NEW CA-125II www.monitor.net LYSOPHOSPHATIDIC ACID ("LPA") v. CA-125 In 1998, researchers at the Cleveland Clinic were among those suggesting LPA as a potential biomarker for ovarian cancer. They published their findings in the Journal of the American Medical Association, comparing the accuracy of LPA with CA125 in detecting ovarian cancer. In the study, LPA levels from 48 healthy control women, 48 women with ovarian cancer, 36 women with other gynecologic cancers, 17 women with benign gynecologic diseases, 11 women with breast cancer and 5 women with leukemias were tested for levels of LPA and CA125. Elevated plasma LPA levels were detected in: nine of 10 patients with stage I ovarian cancer; 24 of 24 patients with stage II, III, and IV ovarian cancer; and 14 of 14 patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. Women in the ovarian cancer groups had significantly higher plasma LPA levels than women in the healthy control group. LPA was also useful in detecting 33 of 36 other types of gynecologic cancers. The researchers stressed that these data, however encouraging, were preliminary and ongoing studies will determine the future use of LPA in detecting ovarian cancer. FURTHER INFORMATION ON OVARIAN CANCER www.nlm.nih.gov cancer.gov www.cancercare.org www.csudh.edu www.slip.net www.cancerlinksusa.com www.ovca.org www.reutershealth.com www.cancersource.com www.umm.edu ovariancancer.jhmi.edu members.shaw.ca www.paraplatin.com Pre-Pregnancy Planning Discusses the importance of Folic Acid, Pre-pregnancy check-ups and disease screenings, all of which are vital to your newborn's health. Prenatal Care www.nlm.nih.gov Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Pregnancy CMV Antibody test should be done in the early stage of pregnancy www.modimes.org Dangerous Drugs for Unborn Babies During Pregnancy AVOID the following: Accutane & Other Retinoids www.marchofdimes.com Cocaine www.marchofdimes.com Alcohol www.marchofdimes.com Smoking www.marchofdimes.com
© Patton Law Practice • 8300 Hayden Road - Suite 207 \| Scottsdale, AZ 85258 \| • tel: 480.905.9208. \| 888.905.9208-Toll Free • email: david.patton@azbar.org Free Case Consultation Are you or a loved one a victim of medical negligence? Do you need the help of an experienced medical malpractice attorney? Let us help you with your medical malpractice, medical product liability and other medical legal cases by filling out our form. The information on this website is for information purposes only and is not intended to be medical or legal advice. The viewer should consult a healthcare professional or an attorney to obtain medical or legal advice, respectively, about a particular case or situation. Copyright © 2009 EBSCO Publishing. All Rights Reserved. Support Medical Illustrations & Medical Animations Copyright © 2009 Nucleus Medical Art. All Rights Reserved.