Inguinal Hernia occurs in the abdominal wall in the groin area and it can appear on one or both sides of the groin. Some of the causes are: heavy lifting, excessive weight gain, pregnancy, or performing activities that put pressure on the abdominal muscles such as severe coughing. Surgery is the only treatment option for hernia. Many different types of surgery exist.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins that develop in the anal canal. They can be internal or external. They are caused by increased pressure on the veins in the pelvic and rectal area. As the pressure increases, the veins become swollen causing the surrounding tissue to stretch. There are numerous treatment options for internal and external hemorrhoids.
Breast Masses
Every woman should be familiar with her breast tissue by doing monthly self-breast exams. If any changes are noted like breast lumps or breast pain, you should have the suspicious lump evaluated by a physician or clinician. It is recommended that a self-breast exam be performed once a month, one week after the menstrual period begins. Most breast changes or masses are benign (non-cancerous). However, it is still very important to see a physician or clinician for a further evaluation as soon as you notice any breast changes.
Although breast masses and lumps are more common in women, it is possible for men to develop them as well. Our general surgeon can evaluate both males and females for any suspicious lumps or changes that may develop in the breast tissue.
Pigmented Lesions
We all wish to have beautiful, smooth, flawless skin. Unfortunately, sometime little spots, bumps, moles and growths can appear causing a lot of frustration and sometimes concern. Luckily, a majority of these spots, bumps, moles and growths are harmless, but it is still recommended to have them evaluated by a physician. The General Surgeon at American Health Center is available to evaluate anyone with moles, skin growths, or skin tags. Medicinal treatments are available as well as minor in-office procedures.
Access Health Center also offers Glyderm skin care products for teenagers and adults! Call our office for more information and a FREE sample bag!!
Proctoscopy
Proctoscopy is an examination of the last part of the large intestine (rectum) to detect any diseases or abnormalities.
Rectal Bleeding
Rectal bleeding is usually a sign that there is something that needs to be evaluated. Most of the time it’s minor and it can be easily diagnosed and treated. However, rectal bleeding can also be a sign of more serious causes like rectal or colon cancer. Other causes can include: hemorrhoids, inflammation of the rectum or colon, polyps, and weak rectal tissue that mostly occurs in older adults. It is important to seek a medical evaluation once the first sign of rectal bleeding occurs.
Thyroid Nodules
Thyroid Nodules are lumps or abnormal growths in the thyroid gland. In most cases, they are benign (non-cancerous). When a nodule appears to be cancerous, surgical treatment is needed. Most thyroid nodules are very small and do not cause any symptoms. Larger nodules can be felt and can cause symptoms such as: difficulty swallowing, pain in the throat, difficulty breathing, fatigue, depression, memory problems, constipation, nervousness, increased heartbeat, excessive sweating and weight loss. Different types of treatment are available for thyroid nodules and they depend on how the nodule affects the patient.
Gall Bladder
The gall bladder is a small sac that is located right under the liver. Gallstones are very hard stones that are made of cholesterol and other substances that form in the gall bladder. This occurs when the gall bladder does not empty properly or there is excess cholesterol in the bile. In most cases, there are no symptoms, but if symptoms develop, they are very mild. The most common symptom is pain in the right quadrant or upper midsection of the abdomen. Nausea and vomiting can also be associated with gall bladder problems.
Appendix
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, which is a 3-6 inch sac attached to the large intestine (colon). It is located in the lower right area of the abdomen. Appendicitis can occur due to bacterial growth, which causes the appendix to become swollen and infected. The most common symptom of appendicitis is abdominal pain. Nausea and vomiting can also occur. Appendectomy (removal of the appendix) is the only treatment option for appendicitis. Since the appendix has no known function in the human body, removing it will not cause any harm to the patient.
