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Constipation and diarrhea are often experienced by people with cancer. When you are constipated, you may have fewer bowel movements than what is normal for you. Your bowel movements may be hard or dry, and more difficult to pass. When your platelet counts are low (thrombocytopenia), constipation may increase your risk of rectal bleeding. You may notice blood in the toilet after you move your bowels.

Low blood cell counts (cytopenias) can be caused by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These cancer treatments target rapidly dividing cancer cells. The treatments can also affect other rapidly dividing cells, such as those in your bone marrow. You may experience low white blood cell count (neutropenia), low red blood cell count (anemia) or low platelet count (thrombocytopenia). A blood test called a Complete Blood Count (CBC) checks your levels of each blood cell type.

As a patient in a health care setting, you are at risk of getting an infection while you are being treated for something else. Patients and their loved ones can play a role in asking and reminding health care providers to wash their hands. Your hands can spread germs too, so protect yourself by washing your hands often. Hand-washing is one of the most important ways to prevent infections.

Pleural effusion is often referred to as “fluid in the lungs” or “water on the lungs.” It is a buildup of excess pleural fluid in the chest cavity and the outside of the lungs.

Diastolic dysfunction of the left or right ventricle of the heart (main pumping chambers) occurs when the ventricle becomes stiff or relaxes slowly or incompletely. This can happen for a variety of reasons, and results in problems with filling the ventricles with an adequate amount of blood or causing increased back pressure. This usually occurs before there are problems with the pumping function.

The bronchial provocation test evaluates how sensitive the airways in your lungs are. A spirometry breathing test is done before and after you inhale a mist.

A CT or CAT scan is a shortened name for computerized tomography. A CT scan takes pictures of the inside of the body. The pictures are more detailed than a typical x-ray. During a CT scan of the sinuses pictures are taken of cross sections or slices of the sinuses. The sinuses are air-filled cavities in your head. Ct scans can identify problems with your sinuses. Your doctor will use this information to determine the best treatment for you.

A Sniff Test (also called a Diaphragm Fluoroscopy ) is done to evaluate the function of your diaphragm.

Your health care provider has scheduled you for a procedure at National Jewish Health that requires intravenous (IV) contrast. The contrast will be given as an injection in a vein using an IV.
 

This is sometimes called a Small Bowel Series. This will help your doctor identify possible problems and the best treatment. This study involves the drinking of barium which will be about two cups. The barium will show your small intestines on the x-ray. A series of x-rays will be taken to follow the path of the barium through your small intestine.

The barium swallow is a study that is completed in radiology. The test evaluates the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that goes from the throat to the stomach. This will help your doctor identify possible problems and the best treatment. This study is sometimes called an Esophagram.

The Tailored Barium Swallow Study is a special study that is completed in radiology. The test evaluates the mouth and the throat while swallowing. The test shows where foods and liquids go when a person swallows. It helps clinicians to identify the reasons for swallowing problems and to determine if there are ways to keep swallowing safe. A videotape is made that shows the food/liquid in the mouth, moving over the tongue, through the pharynx or throat and into the esophagus.

The UGI is a study that is completed in radiology and is sometimes known as a GI series. The test evaluates the stomach. This will help your doctor identify possible problems and the best treatment. This study also involves the drinking of barium much like the barium swallow/esophagram study.

A VQ scan is a test that shows how the air goes into the lungs. It also shows how blood circulates through the lungs. Your doctor will use this information to determine the best treatment for you.

A CT or CAT scan is a shortened name for computerized tomography. A CT scan takes pictures of the inside of the body. The pictures are more detailed than a typical x-ray. During a CT scan of the neck pictures are taken of cross sections or slices of the neck.

A CT or CAT scan is a shortened name for computerized tomography. A CT scan takes pictures of the inside of the body. The pictures are more detailed than a typical x-ray. During a CT scan of the neck, pictures are taken of cross sections or slices of the structures in your body. When contrast is used during a CT scan of the neck, the structures are highlighted even more.

A CT or CAT scan is a shortened name for computerized tomography. A CT scan takes pictures of the inside of the body. The pictures are more detailed than a typical x-ray. During a CT scan of the chest pictures are taken of cross sections or slices of the thoracic structures in your body. The thoracic structures include your lungs, heart and the bones around these areas. When contrast is used during a CT scan of the chest thoracic structures are highlighted even more. Ct scans can help determine a diagnosis early.

A CT or CAT scan is a shortened name for computerized tomography. A CT scan takes pictures of the inside of the body. The pictures are more detailed than a typical x-ray. During a CT scan of the chest pictures are taken of cross sections or slices of the thoracic structures in your body. The thoracic structures include your lungs, heart and the bones around these areas. Ct scans can help determine a diagnosis early.

A CT or CAT scan is a shortened name for computerized tomography. A CT scan takes pictures of the inside of the body. The pictures are more detailed than a typical x-ray. During a CT scan of the abdomen, pictures are taken of cross sections or slices of the abdominal structures in your body. The abdominal structures include your liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, GI tract, and the area around these organs. When contrast is used during a CT scan of the abdomen, these structures are highlighted even more.

A CT scan takes pictures of the inside of the body. The pictures are more detailed than a typical x-ray. During a CT scan of the chest pictures are taken of cross sections or slices of the thoracic structures in your body. A CT Guided Lung Biopsy uses real-time CT images to ensure biopsy samples are accurately taken from the desired part of the lung. These biopsy samples are checked for adequacy by a pathologist during the procedure to make sure a diagnostic sample is obtained.

During CT Enterography, pictures are taken of cross sections or slices of the abdominal structures in your body focusing on the small bowel.

CTA stands for coronary computed tomography angiogram. A CT angiogram takes pictures of the heart. The pictures are more detailed than a typical x-ray. During a CT angiogram pictures are taken of cross sections or slices of the heart. When contrast is used during a CT scan pictures of the heart are highlighted even more. Ct scans can help determine a diagnosis early. Your doctor will use this information to determine the best treatment for you.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an advanced medical imaging technique that does not use x-rays or radiation. Instead it uses a strong magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer. This creates very clear pictures of internal body structures. A cardiac MRI is performed to help evaluate the structures and function of the heart, valves and major blood vessels. The MRI image offers unique information to help your doctor better plan your treatment and care.

A bone scan is a test that can identify bone that is diseased or injured. Normally, bone absorbs nutrients that are the building blocks of bone formation. If bone is diseased or injured nutrients are absorbed differently. The bone scan takes pictures of this process. A bone scan can pick up on bone disease or injury that may not be seen with a traditional x-ray.

A bone density test is a type of x-ray. During the test images are taken of your lower back (spine), hip and forearm. A bone density test will show how dense these bones are. When a person has osteoporosis the bone is not as dense, and therefore weaker than it should be. A bone density test can help determine a diagnosis early, before a person has a bone fracture and can help determine the effects of treatment.

An MRA is Magnetic Resonance Angiography done using the MRI scanner. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an advanced medical imaging technique that does not use x-rays or radiation. Instead it uses a strong magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer. This creates very clear pictures of internal body structures. An MRA is used to obtain detailed images of blood vessels and blood flow.

Anticoagulant medicines are a group of medicines that inhibit blood clotting, helping to prevent blood clots. Blood clots can cause heart attacks and strokes. Anticoagulant medicines can be used with a number of diseases when there is an increased risk of blood clots.

An Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor is a monitor you wear that records your blood pressure at regular intervals over a 24 hour period. The test results will be studied closely to help determine your diagnosis and the best treatment for you.

Medicine will be used to stress your heart instead of exercise. This medicine will temporarily increase your heart rate and/or open up (dilate) the heart arteries. This test may show evidence of blockages in the heart arteries when the heart is stressed.

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. The ultrasound shows the structures and functions of the heart muscle and heart valves from different angles. It does this by using sound waves. Contrast is used during an echocardiogram to see the flow of blood through the heart and the heart muscle better.

Your doctor has suggested you have a test called an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to check for an abnormal heart rhythm. Learn how to get ready for the test, how long the test will take and more.

Ultrasound (sound waves) can be used to look at organs, soft tissue and blood vessels within the body. The ultrasound shows the structures and blood flow through organs and blood vessels. It does this by using sound waves.

A Holter Monitor is a monitor that continually records the electrical signals of your heart for 24 or 48 hours.

The implantable loop recorder continually records the electrical signals of your heart. It can identify abnormal heart rhythms throughout the day and night for up to 3 years. Abnormal heart rhythms may be identified with symptoms you are having. This will help you doctor identify the best treatment plan for you.

A Cardiac Stress Test is a test to show how your heart functions when your heart rate is increased. You will exercise or be given a certain medicine to increase your heart rate. A Nuclear Cardiac Stress test is a specialized test.

Synchronized cardioversion is a procedure where an electrical shock is used to reset the rhythm of your heart. The electrical shock is synchronized so it happens at the appropriate time during the heart beating cycle.

A Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) is an ultrasound of your heart. During a TEE an ultrasound probe is placed through your mouth into your esophagus. The ultrasound shows the structures and functions of the heart muscle and heart valves from different angles. It does this by using sound waves.

A Stress Cardiac MRI is performed to help evaluate the blood flow in the heart arteries, looking for blockages. In addition the function and structures of the heart can be evaluated. You will be given an intravenous (IV) medicine to open the arteries of your heart as images are being taken. The MR image offers unique information to help your doctor better plan your treatment and care.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an advanced medical imaging technique that does not use x-rays or radiation. Instead it uses a strong magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer. This creates very clear pictures of internal body structures. An MRI is used to examine soft tissues like organs, muscles, tendons, & blood vessels in many parts of the body. This includes areas of the brain, spine, abdomen, chest, pelvis, and joints (like knees and shoulders). The MRI image offers unique information to help your doctor better plan your treatment and care.

PICC stands for Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter . A PICC line is a catheter that is inserted into a vein in your upper arm. The catheter is advanced and positioned in a large vein in your chest just above the heart.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an advanced medical imaging technique that does not use x-rays or radiation.

This study shows the emptying time of your stomach. The Gastric Emptying Study will show if you have slow or rapid emptying of your stomach. The Gastric Emptying Study can also show if you have gastric reflux (GERD). Your doctor will use this information to determine the best treatment for you.

The Hida Scan will show how your liver concentrates bile into the gall bladder and spills it into the small intestine.

Your health care provider has requested an MRI scan be performed with the injection of a contrast agent into the body.

A PET scan is a shortened name for positron emission tomography. A PET scan views functioning tissues in the body. A CT or CAT scan is a shortened name for computerized tomography. A CT scan takes pictures of the inside of the body. The pictures are more detailed than a typical x-ray. The type of PET/CT scan your doctor recommended will show detailed images and functioning tissues of your heart. The PET/CT scan can help determine if sarcoidosis has affected your heart.

A PET scan is a shortened name for positron emission tomography. A PET scan views functioning tissues in the body. A CT or CAT scan is a shortened name for computerized tomography. A CT scan takes pictures of the inside of the body. The pictures are more detailed than a typical x-ray. A PET scan combined with a CT scan shows detailed images and functioning tissues within the body. A PET/CT scan can help determine a diagnosis early. Your doctor will use this information to determine the best treatment for you.

A 72 hour stool fat test is a diagnostic test that will allow your doctor to evaluate the amount of fat you digest and absorb. This test can help your doctor determine a diagnosis and the best treatment for you.

Hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed blood vessels in the lower rectum or anus caused by increased pressure or straining during bowel movements, or from increased pressure on these veins during pregnancy, amongst other causes.

A colon transit study is a diagnostic test that will allow your doctor to evaluate the function of your colon. The colon is the lower portion of the GI tract and is about 5 feet long. The colon transports food from your small intestine to your rectum. This study can help your doctor determine a diagnosis and the best treatment for you.

A colonoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the colon, the lower portion of the GI tract and that is about 5 feet long. Your doctor will use a small flexible tube to do a visual inspection of the inside of your colon and may also do a biopsy and remove any polyps (small growths) found inside your colon during the procedure.