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Ask an Expert
Francine A. Yep, M.D.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
My six-year-old niece began to smell strongly of B.O. My sister-in-law mentioned this to their pediatrician who then diagnosed my niece with "precocious puberty." What are the causes and long term affects of this condition?
What a good question with a big answer. Puberty is an important rite of passage for both kids and parents. The average age for puberty is around 11 years old. Precocious puberty is defined as puberty body chang... continue reading about My six-year-old niece began to smell strongly of B.O. My sister-in-law mentioned this to their pediatrician who then diagnosed my niece with "precocious puberty." What are the causes and long term affects of this condition?
Junaid H. Khan, M.D., FACC, FACS
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
I've been taking statins to lower my cholesterol for years. Most leave me extremely fatigued and even foggy in my thinking. Is this a known side effect of statins? Are some statins less likely to cause these side effects? What about Crestor?
Statin drugs (including Crestor) have been credited with the declining incidence of cardiovascular disease. However, they do have recognized side effects, particularly when taken over a long period of time, as ... continue reading about I've been taking statins to lower my cholesterol for years. Most leave me extremely fatigued and even foggy in my thinking. Is this a known side effect of statins? Are some statins less likely to cause these side effects? What about Crestor?
Vinod K. Kurupath, M.D.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
I have been diagnosed with a digestive disorder and I may be a candidate for an endoscopic ultrasound. What are the benefits of this procedure?
In conventional endoscopy, the gastroenterologist can only view the innermost lining of the digestive tract. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) allows a doctor to look at more than the inner layers of the gastrointest... continue reading about I have been diagnosed with a digestive disorder and I may be a candidate for an endoscopic ultrasound. What are the benefits of this procedure?
Joshua C. Richards, M.D.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
I have had a lump on my left wrist for over a year. It was bigger at one time and now is small. Sometimes in protrudes through the skin. Should I be worried about this? It doesn't hurt.
It is most likely a ganglion cyst, which is a benign, fluid-filled sac that extends from the wrist joint. They tend to wax and wane in size and if it is large enough, they can be drained. Back in the wild west ... continue reading about I have had a lump on my left wrist for over a year. It was bigger at one time and now is small. Sometimes in protrudes through the skin. Should I be worried about this? It doesn't hurt.
Rakesh Donthineni, M.D.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
Where exactly is the sciatic nerve? I've had a pain under my right buttocks that runs down the back of my leg to about the knee and hasn't gotten any better in over three weeks. Am I on the right track in suspecting sciatica?
Like all nerves, the sciatic nerve originates from the spinal cord and is made up of a bundle of those nerves. It travels within the pelvis, and exits the pelvis to the back of the thigh deep into the buttock. ... continue reading about Where exactly is the sciatic nerve? I've had a pain under my right buttocks that runs down the back of my leg to about the knee and hasn't gotten any better in over three weeks. Am I on the right track in suspecting sciatica?
Joshua C. Richards, M.D.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
What is olecranon bursitis and how is it treated?
The olecranon bursa is a fluid filled sac that acts like a cushion to protect the bony protuberance on the back of the elbow. When it is inflamed and swollen it can get amazingly large as it can accommodate a l... continue reading about What is olecranon bursitis and how is it treated?
Jill D. Foley, M.D., FACOG
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
How likely is it for a woman to get pregnant after having her tubes tied?
Good question. The terms tubal ligation, tubes tied, tubal sterilization, and female sterilization can all be used interchangeably to describe the same process. In the U.S., up to one third of women use sterili... continue reading about How likely is it for a woman to get pregnant after having her tubes tied?
Alison J. Cook, DPM, M.S.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
I have a 1-inch ganglion cyst on my right foot. I've had an X-ray, attempted needle aspiration, and an MRI. It causes periodic burning pain in my foot/ankle. I'm hesitant to have surgery. Any harm in just letting it be?
Theoretically, if your pain is intermittent, the aspiration pathology report was negative, your MRI showed that no important structures are being impinged, and you are being seen for frequent follow-ups, I thin... continue reading about I have a 1-inch ganglion cyst on my right foot. I've had an X-ray, attempted needle aspiration, and an MRI. It causes periodic burning pain in my foot/ankle. I'm hesitant to have surgery. Any harm in just letting it be?
Risa Kagan, M.D., FACOG
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
I am 37 years old and experiencing longer periods - two to three weeks long. I also have some bleeding after orgasm. What could be causing this? Do I need to see a doctor?
Yes, you should definitely consult with your gynecologist and have an exam and pelvic ultrasound. There may be a structural problem in your uterus, such as a polyp or fibroid (benign muscle mass) that can cause... continue reading about I am 37 years old and experiencing longer periods - two to three weeks long. I also have some bleeding after orgasm. What could be causing this? Do I need to see a doctor?
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