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August 30, 2019



Common Medical Abbreviations List (Acronyms and Definitions)

Medically Reviewed on 7/25/2019
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What should I know about medical abbreviations? What do they mean?

Have you ever wondered why you can't read the doctor's note or the letters and numbers on a prescription? Health care professionals often quickly scribble notes with important medical information that they would like a patient to reference in regard to the type of current, or recently diagnosed disease, syndrome, or other health condition(s). Have you ever see the doctor's notes in your medical record and found peculiar abbreviations and jargon? Do you wonder what the letters and numbers mean on your prescriptions or other items related to a disease, syndrome, or disorder?

Doctors and other health care professionals commonly use a list of abbreviations, acronyms, and other medical terminology as a reference to rapidly search and accurately record information about, and give instructions to their patients. There is no standard or approved list used by health care professionals to search for medical acronyms or abbreviations. Therefore, it is important to understand the context in which the abbreviation or term has been used.
Abbreviations, acronyms, and medical terminology are used for many conditions, and for instructions on medication prescribed by your doctor. This is a short list of common abbreviations you may have seen on a doctor's notepad; a prescription drug package or bottle; lab or other test results; or in your doctor's notes.
Use this list as a resource for common abbreviations and acronyms used in the health care community, to quickly search and answer your questions about those letters and numbers of a drug your doctor has prescribed to you, or other notes from your doctor or other medical professionals.
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A - Medical abbreviations

  • a.c.: Before meals. As in taking a medicine before meals.
  • a/g ratio: Albumin to globulin ratio.
  • ACL: Anterior cruciate ligament. ACL injuries are one of the most common ligament injuries to the knee. The ACL can be sprained or completely torn from trauma and/or degeneration.
  • Ad lib: At liberty. For example, a patient may be permitted to move out of bed freely and orders would, therefore, be for activities to be ad lib.
  • AFR: Acute renal failure
  • ADHD: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
  • ADR: Adverse drug reaction. If a patient is taking a prescription drug to treat high blood pressure disease
  • AIDS: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome
  • AKA: Above the knee amputation.
  • Anuric: Not producing urine. A person who is anuric is often critical and may require dialysis.
  • ANED: Alive no evidence of disease. The patient arrived in the ER alive with no evidence of disease.
  • ADH: Antidiuretic hormone
  • ARDS: Acute respiratory distress syndrome.
  • ARF: Acute renal (kidney) failure
  • ASCVD: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. A form of heart disease.
3/24

B - Medical abbreviations

  • b.i.d.: Twice daily. As in taking a medicine twice daily.
  • bld: Blood. Blood was visible on the patient’s scalp.
  • Bandemia: Slang for elevated level of band forms of white blood cells.
  • Bibasilar: At the bases of both lungs. For example, someone with a pneumonia in both lungs might have abnormal bibasilar breath sounds.
  • BKA: Below the knee amputation.
  • BMP: Basic metabolic panel. Electrolytes(potassium, sodium, carbon dioxide, and chloride) and creatinine and glucose.
  • BP: Blood pressure. Blood pressure is recorded as part of the physical examination. It is one of the "vital signs."
  • BPD: Borderline personality disorder. A personality disorder.
  • BSO: Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. A BSO is the removal of both of the ovaries and adjacent Fallopian tubes and often is performed as part of a total abdominal hysterectomy.

SLIDESHOW

Physical Exam: Why Does Your Doctor Do That?See Slideshow
4/24

C - Medical abbreviations

  • C&S: Culture and sensitivity, performed to detect infection.
  • C/O: Complaint of. The patient's expressed concern.
  • cap: Capsule.
  • Ca: Cancer; carcinoma. For example, a patient who undergoing treatment for cancer should assure that they are eating and drinking enough fluids daily, both during and after treatment.
  • CABG. Coronary artery bypass graft. A surgery involving the heart.
  • CBC: Complete blood count.
  • CC: Chief complaint. The patient's main concern.
  • CDE: Complete dental (oral) evaluation.
  • cc: Cubic centimeters. For example, the amount of fluid removed from the body is recorded in ccs.
  • Chem panel: Chemistry panel. A comprehensive screening blood test that indicates the status of the liver, kidneys, and electrolytes.
  • CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure. A treatment for sleep apnea.
  • COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
  • CT: Chemotherapy. A type of treatment therapy for cancer.
  • CVA: Cerebrovascular accident (Stroke).
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D - Medical abbreviations

  • D/C or DC: Discontinue or discharge. For example, a doctor will D/C a drug. Alternatively, the doctor might DC a patient from the hospital.
  • DCIS: Ductal Carcinoma In Situ. A type of breast cancer. The patient is receiving treatment for Ductal Carcinoma In Situ.
  • DDX: Differential diagnosis. A variety diagnostic possibilities are being considered to diagnose the type of cancer present in the patient.
  • DJD: Degenerative joint disease. Another term for osteoarthritis.
  • DM: Diabetes mellitus.
  • DNC, D&C, or D and C: Dilation and curettage. Widening the cervix and scrapping with a curette for the purpose of removing tissue lining the inner surface of the womb (uterus).
  • DNR: Do not resuscitate. This is a specific order not to revive a patient artificially if they succumb to illness. If a patient is given a DNR order, they are not resuscitated if they are near death and no code blue is called.
  • DOE: Dyspnea on exertion. Shortness of breath with activity.
  • DTR: Deep tendon reflexes. These are reflexes that the doctor tests by banging on the tendons with a rubber hammer.
  • DVT: Deep venous thrombosis (blood clot in large vein).
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E - Medical abbreviations

  • ETOH: Alcohol. ETOH intake history is often recorded as part of a patient history.
  • ECT: Electroconclusive therapy. A procedure used to control seizures(convulsions).
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F - Medical abbreviations


SLIDESHOW

The 14 Most Common Causes of FatigueSee Slideshow
8/24

G - Medical abbreviations

  • g: gram, a unit of weight. The cream is available in both 30 and 60 gram tubes.
  • GOMER: Slang for "get out of my emergency room."
  • GvHD: Graft vs. host disease. It is complicated by the syndromes of acute and chronic graft-vs-host disease (GVHD).
  • gtt: Drops.
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H - Medical abbreviations

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I - Medical abbreviations

  • I&D: Incision and drainage.
  • IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease. A name for two disorders of the gastrointestinal (BI) tract, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
  • ICD: Implantable cardioverterdefibrillator
  • ICU: Intensive care unit. The patient was moved to the intensive care unit.
  • IM: Intramuscular. This is a typical notation when noting or ordering an injection (shot) given into muscle, such as with B12 for pernicious anemia.
  • IMP: Impression. This is the summary conclusion of the patient's condition by the healthcare professional at that particular date and time.
  • ITU: Intensive therapy unit
  • in vitro: In the laboratory
  • in vivo: In the body
  • IPF: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. A type of lung disease.
  • IU: International units.
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J - Medical abbreviations

  • JT: Joint.
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K - Medical abbreviations

  • K: Potassium. An essential electrolyte frequently monitored regularly in intensive care.
  • KCL: Potassium chloride.
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L - Medical abbreviations

  • LCIS: Lobular Carcinoma In Situ. A type of cancer of the breast. The patient is receiving treatment for Lobular Carcinoma In Situ.
  • LBP: Low back pain. LBP is one of most common medical complaints.
  • LLQ: Left lower quadrant. Diverticulitispain is often in the LLQ of the abdomen.
  • LUQ: Left upper quadrant. The spleen is located in the LUQ of the abdomen.
  • Lytes: Electrolytes (potassium, sodium, carbon dioxide, and chloride).
14/24

M - Medical abbreviations

  • MCL: Medial collateral ligament.
  • mg: Milligrams.
  • M/H: Medical history
  • ml: Milliliters.
  • MVP: Mitral valve prolapse.
15/24

N - Medical abbreviations

  • N/V: Nausea or vomiting.
  • Na: Sodium. An essential electrolyte frequently monitored regularly in intensive care.
  • NCP: Nursing care plan
  • npo: Nothing by mouth. For example, if a patient was about to undergo a surgical operation requiring general anesthesia, they may be required to avoid food or beverage prior to the procedure.
  • NSR: Normal sinus rhythm of the heart
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O - Medical abbreviations

  • O&P: Ova and parasites. Stool O & P is tested in the laboratory to detect parasitic infection in persons with chronic diarrhea.
  • O.D.: Right eye.
  • O.S.: Left eye.
  • O.U.: Both eyes.
  • ORIF: Open reduction and internal fixation, such as with the orthopedic repair of a hip fracture.
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P - Medical abbreviations

  • P: Pulse. Pulse is recorded as part of the physical examination. It is one of the "vital signs."
  • p¯: After meals. As in take two tablets after meals.
  • p.o.: By mouth. From the Latin terminology per os.
  • p.r.n.: As needed. So that it is not always done, but done only when the situation calls for it (or example, taking a pain medication only when having pain and not without pain).
  • PCL: Posterior cruciate ligament.
  • PD: Progressive disease. Patients at risk of developing progressive disease of the kidneys include those with proteinuria or hematuria.
    PERRLA: Pupils equal, round, and reactive to light and accommodation.
    PFT: Pulmonary function test. A test to evaluate the how well the lungs are functioning.
  • PERRLA: Pupils equal, round, and reactive to light and accommodation.
  • Plt: Platelets, one of the blood forming elements along with the white and red blood cells.
  • PMI: Point of maximum impulse of the heart when felt during examination, as in beats against the chest.
  • PMS: Premenstrual syndrome
  • PT: Physical therapy
  • PTH: Parathyroid hormone
  • PTSD: Post-traumatic stress syndrome
  • PUD: Peptic ulcer disease. A type of ulcer of the stomach.
18/24

Q - Medical abbreviations

  • q.d.: Each day. As in taking a medicine daily.
  • q.i.d.: Four times daily. As in taking a medicine four times daily.
  • q2h: Every 2 hours. As in taking a medicine every 2 hours.
  • q3h: Every 3 hours. As in taking a medicine every 3 hours.
  • qAM: Each morning. As in taking a medicine each morning.
  • qhs: At each bedtime. As in taking a medicine each bedtime.
  • qod: Every other day. As in taking a medicine every other day.
  • qPM: Each evening. As in taking a medicine each evening.
19/24

R - Medical abbreviations

  • RA: Rheumatoid arthritis. A type of joint disease.
  • RDS: Respiratory distress syndrome
  • R/O: Rule out. Doctors frequently will rule out various possible diagnoses when figuring out the correct diagnosis.
  • REB: Rebound, as in rebound tenderness of the abdomen when pushed in and then released.
  • RLQ: Right lower quadrant. The appendixis located in the RLQ of the abdomen.
  • ROS: Review of systems. An overall review concerns relating to the organ systems, such as the respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurologic systems.
  • RUQ: Right upper quadrant. The liver is located in the RUQ of the abdomen.
20/24

S - Medical abbreviations

  • s/p: Status post. For example, a person who had a knee operation would be s/p a knee operation.
  • SAD: Season affective disorder. A type of depression that occurs during the winter months when there is little light.
  • SOB: Shortness of breath.
  • SQ: Subcutaneous. This is a typical notation when noting or ordering an injection (shot) given into the fatty tissue under the skin, such as with insulin for diabetes mellitus.
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T - Medical abbreviations

  • T: Temperature. Temperature is recorded as part of the physical examination. It is one of the "vital signs."
  • T&A: Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
  • t.i.d.: Three times daily. As in taking a medicine three times daily.
  • tab: Tablet
  • TAH: Total abdominal hysterectomy
  • TAH: Total abdominal hysterectomy. A type of surgery to remove a woman’s uterus, Fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
  • THR: Total hip replacement
  • TKR: Total knee replacement
  • TMJ: Tempomandibular joint
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U - Medical abbreviations

  • UA or u/a: Urinalysis. A UA is a typical part of a comprehensive physical examination.
  • U or u**: Unit. Mistaken as the number 0 or 4, causing a 10-fold overdose or greater (for example, 4U seen as "40" or 4u seen as "44"); mistaken as "cc" so the dose is given in volume instead of units (for example, 4u seen as 4cc).
  • ULN: Upper limits of normal
  • URI: Upper respiratory infection, such as sinusitis or the common cold
  • ut dict: As directed. As in taking a medicine according to the instructions that the health care professional gave in the office or in the past
  • UTI: Urinary tract infection
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V - Medical abbreviations

  • VSS: Vital signs are stable. This notation means that from the standpoint of the temperature, blood pressure, and pulse, the patient is doing well.
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W - Medical abbreviations

  • Wt: Weight. Body weight is often recorded as part of the physical examination.

X - Medical abbreviations

  • XRT: Radiotherapy (external). A type of treatment that uses radiation.

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Physical Exam: Why Does Your Doctor Do That?

Reviewed on 10/10/2017


1/15

Give You an Exam Each Year

You may not look forward to your annual doctor’s visit, but the yearly exam can play a crucial part in your ongoing health. Your doctor knows this, and uses that time to check for any symptoms or signs of health problems—and catch them while there’s still time to do something about them.
Yearly physical examinations can help spot high blood pressure, STIs including HIV/AIDS, and high cholesterol. They’re good ways to remember your immunization schedule, too. But perhaps the most important job of the yearly doctor’s visit is to screen for a variety of cancers, many of which are more easily treated—with better survival odds—if they are found early.
2/15

Press Your Tummy

Your abdomen is important to your health. It’s where your liver, stomach, intestines and other vital organs live. So your doctor will prod a bit, testing to make sure everything is healthy. This is to make sure nothing is too tender, too big, or too firm.
Along with the tummy-touching, a doctor will want to examine your skin, the shape of your abdomen, and how it moves as you breathe in and out. The doctor will probably also listen to the abdomen, as some bowel problems can be heard with a stethoscope.
3/15

Poke Something Into Your Ear

Doctors use a device called an otoscope (or auriscope) to peer into your ears. If your hearing is troubled or you have an ear ache, this handy device can literally shed light on the problem. Remember—ear canals are dark places! That’s why doctors cast light on them and magnify them in this way.
Some of the problems a doctor may spy with an otoscope include too much ear wax, swollen ear canals, irritated eardrums, and fluid that may signal infection. Beyond helping your doctor see, many otoscopes live a dual life as air-puffers. A doctor can puff a little air into your ear to find out if you’ve been having troubles with pressure differences between the middle ear and the atmosphere.
4/15

Press Your Tongue Down Like That

A mouth can say a lot about your health without even speaking. Doctors know this, so looking into your mouth with a tongue depressor and a flashlight or head lamp is typical during physical examination.
So what can looking into your mouth tell your doctor? Well, if your tongue has a growth or a white spot, it may lead to cancer. Your throat and the back of your mouth can suggest how healthy your teeth are too. Your tonsils could be inflamed, which happens when you have acute tonsillitis. Abscesses may be spotted as well. Dental problems like periodontal disease or cracked, broken or missing teeth can be addressed. Whitish coatings of oral surfaces or the presence of other lesions may indicate signs of infection or other underlying health problems.
5/15

Light Up Your Eyes

We usually don’t want bright lights flashed into our eyes. During a doctor’s visit, though, this can save you from huge problems down the road. By shining a light in your eye, a doctor can watch to see how much your pupil gets smaller (constricts). Your doctor is looking to make sure those tiny black spots in the center of your eye stay round, and that each eye reacts to the light in the same way. By doing this test, a doctor can check for high blood pressure, glaucoma, diabetes, or certain eye problems.
6/15

Listen to Your Heart, Lungs, and Neck

A doctor’s stethoscope is so important that these handy hearing devices are immediately recognized by most people. A stethoscope magnifies sounds like your heart beat. Making sure your heart is in good working order is perhaps the primary job of a stethoscope. It is also used to listen to your lungs and neck.

Heart:

By listening carefully to your heartbeat, a doctor can know right away if you have a heart murmur, which is another word for an unusual wooshing or swishing sound in your heart. Most murmurs are normal, but some can indicate problems such as a fever, anemia, high blood pressure, or an overactive thyroid. Murmurs can also indicate a variety of problems with heart valves. The stethoscope can let the doctor know immediately if the heart is not beating normally.

Lungs

The stethosope can let your doctor hear sounds like crackles, rales (sounds like rattling or crumpling cellophane) or detect no sounds in the lungs where some should be present. The various sounds can help your doctor screen for and/or diagnose lung problems.

Neck

By listening to the sides of the neck with a stethoscope, your doctor can screen for carotid narrowing by detecting a carotid bruit, an abnormal swooshing sound in the carotid artery.
7/15

Squeeze That Cuff Around Your Arm

It’s important to get your blood pressure checked regularly. To do that, a doctor or nurse cuffs your upper arm and tightens it. This is to measure how much force your veins are using to pumping your blood.
This is the only convenient, reliable way to watch out for high blood pressure, because the condition is known for showing few symptoms. That’s how it earned the nickname “the silent killer.” High blood pressure can raise your risk of stroke, heart failure, and heart attacks, but it is manageable with medication and lifestyle changes.
If you have been assessed as having high blood pressure, you will want to check your own blood pressure at home regularly between doctor visits. The American Heart Association recommends tracking your medication, your blood pressure level, and to bring any questions to the doctor if they occur to you.
8/15

Telling You to Turn Your Head and Cough

When your doctor asks you to cough, it means you’re being checked for a hernia. Coughing tightens your stomach muscles, and when that happens someone with an inguinal hernia may find that a part of their intestines or abdominal fat starts bulging through the lower abdomen. Your doctor can feel this by placing a hand on your scrotum while you cough.
This condition can be present at birth, or it may be caused by straining, such as when you lift a heavy object. It can cause pain and discomfort by itself, and it can also lead to more serious problems. Your doctor will probably encourage you to undergo surgery, the only effective treatment for this issue.
That explains the coughing part. But why turn your head? That’s actually pretty simple. Your doctor doesn’t want to be coughed on!
9/15

Track Your Height and Weight

Tracking your height and weight helps your doctor assess your body mass index (BMI). This is an estimate of your total body fat, and can tell your doctor if you’re at a heightened risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, gallstones, type 2 diabetes and other ailments.
This is also a good way to track your weight from year to year. Your doctor can see whether you’ve been losing weight or gaining it, and recommend helpful medical advice either way.
10/15

Draw Blood

Sometimes our bodies don’t show many symptoms when they’re sick. The blood can tell the story that may not be obvious from any other source. Signs of liver disease, thyroid disease, and kidney disease can be picked up from bloodwork, as can high cholesterol and other medical problems.
It’s never enjoyable to learn that your body isn’t functioning the way it should, but blood tests can tell you early, which can save you from much more serious health complications down the road. Discovering what ails you early can also save you money in the long run.
11/15

Tap Your Kneecap

You’ve probably seen your doctor pull out that funny, triangular, rubber hammer before. And you know what comes next—a firm tap below the kneecap and (usually) your leg jerks up. But not always. Sometimes this reflex test finds a problem with your reflexes rooted in your nerves. The nerves to your legs are carried through your lower back, and sometimes compression will hamper or slow your reflexes. So even though your doctor isn’t anywhere near your back when tapping that tendon, this exercise may actually unearth a lower back problem. This test can also detect thyroid problems, as delayed relaxation after testing is found in about 75% of patients with hypothyroidism.
12/15

Tap Your Back

You may wonder why your doctor is thumping your back like a ripe melon. That tapping action has a name: “percussion.” And just like a drum, your lungs have air that carries sound. That sound can let your doctor know if there is liquid inside your lungs, which can happen if you are sick. Fluid in your lungs can signify emphysema, heart failure, or cancer.
13/15

Track Your Heart Rate

How fast your heart beats can reveal a lot about your health. And tracking it over time can help your doctor anticipate future problems.
A normal resting heart rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute (BPM). This can vary depending on a lot of things, like how much caffeine you’ve had recently, how active you’ve been in the last two hours, and whether or not you’re anxious or stressed.
Usually a low resting heart rate suggests good physical fitness. But that’s not always the case. A heart rate that is at the very low end of the range or below can signify something is wrong with the way your heart is transmitting electrical signals. This is more likely if you also notice fatigue and occasional dizziness.
If your heartbeat is regularly at our above the high end of this range, you may be at a higher risk of heart disease. It can even signify you’re more likely to die at a younger age than average. All those heartbeats take their toll. Exercise helps reduce your resting heart rate, though, as does maintaining a healthy cholesterol level.
14/15

Slide a Finger ‘Up There’

Yeah, this one is a little awkward. You probably dread being digitally penetrated by your doctor. But getting a digital rectal examination (DRE) should be a very small worry compared to developing colorectal cancer, which is one thing this test can detect.
Catching colorectal cancer early makes a huge difference in outcome. The five-year survival rate of colorectal cancer patients is 90% if the cancer is found at or before the “local” stage, when it is confined to one colon or rectal wall. Other tests should be used for a complete screening, but the DRE is one important and relatively easy way to test for this.
But the DRE is not limited to spotting colorectal cancer. For women, this test can detect abnormalities in the uterus and ovaries, including other cancers. Men benefit from this procedure as it ensures prostate health as well, and can detect prostate cancer.
15/15

Take Urine Samples

Peeing in a cup is a routine part of an annual physical examination. Your doctor knows that urine can reveal a lot about your body. Everything from the color to the odor can give off clues about your health, but lab results of the chemical composition of urine offer even more information.
If your urine is very dark, you may be dehydrated. If it is flaky or cloudy, that may be a sign of a urinary tract infection. And if protein is discovered in the urine, that can be a sign of kidney inflammation. Diabetics may be tipped off to high blood pressure if ketones are found in the urine. Nitrite and white blood cells (leukocytes) can be signs of bacterial infection. Bladder problems and kidney stones can also be spotted through this test.

Physical Exam: Why Does Your Doctor Do That?

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What Kind of Doctor Do I Need? Find a Specialist

Reviewed on 7/30/2016


1/22

Finding the Right Doctor for You

Finding the right doctor can be a frustrating challenge. Our bodies’ systems are connected in complicated ways. Knowing which specialist is right for which ailment often requires time, research, and expertise. In the following slides, our experts will show you who treats what medical need, introducing many of the common—and surprising—types of doctors, including cardiologists, gynecologists, and bariatricians.
2/22

Do You Need a Specialist?

For many, the decision to bring in a medical specialist is determined by one’s health care plan. HMOs require patients to first see a primary care physician, who may then refer them to a specialist. On the other hand, PPO health plans require no referral, allowing patients to choose their own specialist.
3/22

Family Physician, Internist, or General Practitioner?

Most people first bring their medical concerns to a primary care physician. There are three main types of primary care physician:

Family Physician

Family physicians treat patients of any age and gender. They often specialize in treating children, women, or the elderly.

Internist

Internists typically treat adults, and are usually found in clinics and hospitals. They are trained in treating all of the body’s major organ systems.

General Practitioner

General practitioners often decide whether patients can be treated generally, or whether they need a specialist. General practitioners treat patients of all ages and genders.
4/22

Know Your Doctor: Cardiologist

Cardiologists specialize in the heart and its related system, including blood vessels.

Diseases and Conditions that Cardiologists Treat

  • Coronary artery disease
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • High cholesterol
  • Irregular heart beat (arrhythmia)
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Heart murmurs
5/22

Know Your Doctor: Allergist (Asthma & Allergy Specialist)

Allergists diagnose and treat allergies, asthma and other immune system diseases using allergy tests and other diagnostics.

Common Home and Food Allergies

Allergists help identify the cause of allergies, which can be many, including:
  • Dust
  • Medicines
  • Foods
  • Pets
  • Pollen
  • Latex and other substances
6/22

Know Your Doctor: Bariatrician

Bariatricians help patients lose weight. They treat obesity and related disorders.

Diseases and Conditions Bariatricians Treat

  • Obesity
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol
  • Other lipid disorders
7/22

Know Your Doctor: Psychologist vs Psychiatrist

Both psychologists and psychiatrists treat mental health. Both talk you through problems, and both often work together. There are important differences, though.

Differences Between Psychologists and Psychiatrists

  1. Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs). Psychologists are doctors of science who have studied the mind and human behavior (PhDs and PsyDs).

  2. Because they are medical doctors, psychiatrists can prescribe medicine, while psychologists cannot.
8/22

Know Your Doctor: Pediatrician

Pediatricians specialize in treating children. From immunization and child development to minor health problems and serious diseases, pediatricians are trained for a variety of child-related health needs.

Pediatrician Age Limit

Pediatricians typically treat patients from birth to young adulthood. The exact cutoff varies from doctor to doctor. By age 18, a child can begin seeing an adult primary care physician, but some pediatricians will continue to treat young adults until they graduate college, or until age 21.
9/22

Know Your Doctor: Rheumatologist

A rheumatologist is either an internist or a pediatrician who is specially trained to treat autoimmune conditions and musculoskeletal diseases.

Diseases and Conditions Rheumatologists Treat

  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Arthritis
  • Lupus
  • Gout
10/22

Know Your Doctor: Neurologist

Neurologists treat disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, as well as the “sensory receptors” of the body, including the eyes, ears, and skin.

Diseases and Conditions Neurologists Treat

  • Stroke
  • Headache disorders
  • Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders
  • Speech disorders
  • Multiple Sclerosis
11/22

Know Your Doctor: Podiatrist

Podiatrists are Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) rather than MDs. They treat the feet, including the toes, heels, and ankles. Some podiatrists perform surgeries.

Diseases and Conditions Podiatrists Treat

  • Ingrown toenails
  • Flat feet
  • Bunions
  • Gout
  • Smelly feet
  • Athlete’s foot
12/22

Know Your Doctor: Orthopedic Surgeon

Orthopedic surgeons treat injuries and diseases of the body’s bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. As a result, orthopedic surgeons perform various surgeries.

Orthopedic Surgery Treatments

  • Fusion: The use of grafts or metal rods to fuse bones together into a single bone
  • Joint Replacement: The replacement of a natural joint with a prosthesis
  • Soft Tissue Repair: The mending of tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues
  • Osteotomy: A technique for correcting bone deformities by cutting and moving the bone
13/22

Know Your Doctor: Gynecologist

Gynecologists specialize in women’s reproductive health. Some are specialists who focus on certain conditions or diseases, while others work as primary caregivers for women.

Diseases and Conditions Gynecologists Treat

  • Ovarian cysts, tumors and polyps
  • Pelvic pain
  • Toxic shock syndrome
  • Urinary tract infection (UTI)
  • Infertility
  • Fibroids
14/22

Know Your Doctor: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS or OMFS) specialize in conditions of the mouth, jaw, and face. An OMS is like an orthopedic surgeon for the face.

OMS Surgical Treatments

  • Facial reconstruction
  • TMJ surgery (jaw joint surgery)
  • Tooth extraction
  • Dental implant surgery
  • Removal of cysts and tumors from the jaw, mouth, and face
15/22

Know Your Doctor: Urologist

Urologists are surgical specialists who deal with diseases of both the male and female urinary tract, including the kidneys. Urologists also treat the male reproductive organs.

Diseases and Conditions Urologists Treat

  • Urinary incontinence
  • Urinary tract infection (UTI)
  • Kidney stones
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Overactive bladder
  • Prostate cancer
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Know Your Doctor: Endocrinologist

Endocrinologists treat gland and hormone conditions and diseases.

Diseases and Conditions Endocrinologists Treat

  • Diabetes
  • Infertility
  • Osteoporosis
  • Lack of growth
  • Thyroid diseases
17/22

Know Your Doctor: Oncologist

Oncologists treat the various forms of cancer.

Types of Oncologists

  • Radiation Oncologist: Radiation oncologists use radiation therapy for cancer treatment
  • Surgical Oncologist: Surgical oncologists remove tumors and perform some biopsies
  • Gynecologic Oncologist: Gynecologic oncologists treat uterine, cervical, and other cancers of the female reproductive organs
  • Medical Oncologist: Medical oncologists treat cancer with targeted therapies and chemotherapy
  • Pediatric Oncologist: Pediatric oncologists treat childhood cancers
  • Hematologist-Oncologist: A hematologist-oncologist treats blood cancers like leukemia
18/22

Know Your Doctor: Otolaryngologist (ENT)

Otolaryngologists are sometimes called ear, nose, and throat doctors (ENTs). They treat those body parts, as well as related body parts in the head and neck.

Diseases and Conditions Otolaryngologists Treat

  • Tinnitus
  • Smell disorders
  • Swallowing disorders
  • Facial deformities
  • Hearing loss
19/22

Know Your Doctor: Pulmonologist

Pulmonologists treat the lungs and related body parts.

Diseases and Conditions Pulmonologists Treat

  • Cystic fibrosis
  • COPD (chronic obstructive lung disease)
  • Emphysema
20/22

Know Your Doctor: Gastroenterologist

Gastroenterologists treat the various parts of the digestive system, including the stomach, intestines, esophagus, liver, pancreas, colon, and rectum.

Diseases and Conditions Gastroenterologists Treat

  • Liver disease
  • Celiac disease
  • Colon polyps
  • IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
  • GERD
  • Gastroenterologists also perform endoscopic services, including colonoscopy
21/22

Know Your Doctor: Dermatologist

Dermatologists treat diseases and conditions of the skin, hair, and nails.

Diseases and Conditions Dermatologist Treat

  • Skin cancer (melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma)
  • Vitiligo
  • Acne
  • Cysts
  • Warts
  • Eczema
22/22

Leading Your Team of Physicians

When it comes to your health, playing an active role is important. Knowing the roles of the various medical specialists can help you make the best decisions when looking for care and treatment options.

Take the Lead With Your Health Care

  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your doctors want you to understand your health care options.
  • Make sure all of your doctors know your health history.
  • Bring a list of medications you are taking each time you visit a new doctor.
  • Remember that it may take more than one specialist to treat complex medical conditions.

What Kind of Doctor Do I Need? Find a Specialist

This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information: Disclaimer
© 1996-2019 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
Source slideshow at OnHealth
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Signs of Cancer in Women: Symptoms You Can't Ignore

Reviewed on 10/16/2014


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See Your Doctor

Women are usually more diligent than men when it comes to their own health care. But many women ignore symptoms that may be indicative of cancer. If a new health problem arises please get it checked out. The sooner a problem is explained the sooner treatment can be begun. Many forms of cancer can be cured if they are found early.
The following slides discuss some of the symptoms women should talk to their doctor about if they experience them. Just because a woman has these symptoms does not mean she has cancer, but it is important to have a doctor's evaluation to rule it out.
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No.1 - Unexplained Weight Loss

Unexplained weight loss could be a symptom of a cancer. Many women would be pleased to lose weight without trying, but when a woman loses weight without diet or exercise this should be checked out. Cancer cells often use much of the body's energy supply, which can lead to this weight loss. A doctor will run tests to rule out cancer and determine if the weight loss is caused by another condition such as an overactive thyroid.
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No. 2 - Bloating

Many women experience bloating as a normal part of their monthly cycle. But if bloating includes every day and lasts for several weeks, consult your doctor. Signs of ovarian cancer include bloating and other digestive issues, abdominal or pelvic pain, feeling full quickly even if you have not eaten much, and urinary urgency. Your doctor can order a CT scan and perform blood tests to aid in diagnosis.
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No 3. - Breast Changes

Women are told to do regular breast self-exams and check for lumps, but there are other breast changes to look out for. Symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer include redness and thickening of the skin on the breast. Many women have lumps that come and go during their cycle. A new lump that does not go away for about a month, but instead is slowly enlarging needs to be checked out right away. Other breast changes might include a rash that persists for weeks, changes in the nipple, or discharge when you are not breastfeeding. Tell your doctor about any breast changes you notice. Your doctor will examine your breasts and may order tests such as a mammogram, ultrasound, MRI, and biopsy.
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No. 4 - Between-Period Bleeding or Other Unusual Bleeding

If you normally have regular periods, bleeding in between periods is a cause for concern that needs to be checked. So does bleeding after menopause. An early sign and symptom of endometrial cancer is often spotting between periods.
Women also tend to ignore bleeding from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which can be mistaken for menstrual bleeding. GI bleeding may be a sign of colorectal cancer.
Tell your doctor about either of these types of bleeding. Your doctor may order an ultrasound or biopsy to check for endometrial or colorectal cancers.
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No. 5 - Skin Changes

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. Moles that are changing, irregular in shape or color, or asymmetrical are common signs of skin cancer. But other skin changes can be signs too, including changes in skin pigmentation, bleeding, or excessive scaling. Because melanoma, a form of skin cancer, can be aggressive, don't wait more than a few weeks after noticing changes in a mole to see a doctor.
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No. 6 - Difficulty Swallowing

Difficulty swallowing may be a symptom of a gastrointestinal (GI) cancer, such as esophageal cancer. Tell your doctor about your symptoms. Your doctor will perform a physical, and will likely order tests such as a chest X-ray or endoscopy.
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No. 7 - Blood in the Wrong Place

See a doctor if you notice blood in any "wrong" place. Blood in stool may be something benign such as a hemorrhoid, or it may be a sign of colon cancer. In this case, your doctor may order a colonoscopy. Blood in the urine may be mistaken for menstrual blood, but it could be bladder or kidney cancer. Coughing up blood should also be mentioned to your doctor.
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No. 8 - Gnawing Abdominal Pain and Depression

When depression is coupled with abdominal pain, it may be a symptom of pancreatic cancer. The connection is not completely understood but if you experience these symptoms tell your doctor to rule out possible cancer, and to get treatment for depression if needed.
10/16

No. 9 - Indigestion

When indigestion is not due to an identifiable cause such as a fatty meal or pregnancy, this may be a cause for concern. Unexplained indigestion may be an early sign of cancer of the esophagus, stomach, or throat.
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No. 10 - Mouth Changes

White patches inside the mouth or white spots on the tongue may be signs of a precancerous condition called leukoplakia that can lead to oral cancer. This condition is more common in smokers. Tell your doctor or dentist if you notice these patches.
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No. 11 - Pain

Unexplained pain may be a sign of cancer. Most of the time it is not, but pain that persists and has no known cause should be checked by a doctor.
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No. 12 - Changes in Lymph Nodes

Enlarged lymph nodes or lumps on your lymph nodes under your armpit or in your neck may be a sign of possible cancer. If the lump is increasing in size and has been present for over a month, see a doctor. It may be due to an infection, but it could be a sign of something else such as cancer.
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No. 13 - Fever

Fever that is unexplained such as by a cold or flu could be a sign of cancer. An early sign of some blood cancers such as leukemias and lymphomas is fever. Fever may also occur when a cancer has spread (metastasized) from the original site to other parts of the body.
Also alert your doctor if you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) or a change in the color of your stool.
If you have unexplained fever your doctor may order a chest X-ray, CT scan, MRI, or other tests.
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No. 14 - Fatigue

Fatigue is a symptom of many illnesses and medical conditions, but it can also be a sign of some cancers such as leukemia or some colon or stomach cancers. Tell your doctor if you experience unexplained fatigue.
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No. 15 - Persistent Cough

If you do not have a cold, allergies, the flu, and you have a prolonged cough lasting more than three to four weeks, consult your doctor, especially if you smoke. Your doctor will examine your throat, check your lung function, and possibly order X-rays.

Signs of Cancer in Women: Symptoms You Can't Ignore


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