Since it is produced in large amounts by some tumors, it can be used to monitor cancer treatment. CEA levels may be high in connection with a number of conditions. When levels of CEA decrease, it may indicate that a cancer is responding to treatment. Tetra Images / Brand X Pictures / Getty Images Uses/Indications Your healthcare provider may test CEA levels in a number of circumstances, including the following....

The cervix is about an inch long but can vary in length and width during a woman’s lifetime. The cervix contains: you’re free to locate the external cervical os during a simpleself-exam. During ovulation, the cervix is high and positioned closer to the top of the vagina. CFCF / Wikimedia Commons This change of position allows the cervical os to open more readily to allow sperm to enter. The mucus becomes thinner and clearer to ensure the sperm can make their way to the cervical os....

Cologuard is less accurate than acolonoscopythe preferred method of screeningand is not a replacement for that test. However, it may be appropriate for people who might otherwise avoidcolon cancer screening. Cologuard is also less costly than a colonoscopy and may be fully covered by insurance. Verywell / Michela Buttignol Verywell / Michela Buttignol What Is the Cologuard Test? Cologuard has gained popularity since its approval in 2014. These cells end up in the stool along with traces of blood from bleeding tumors....

Read on to learn more about CAL, who qualifies for it, and how to apply. Pornpak Khunatorn / Getty Images What Are Compassionate Allowances? Those who qualify for CAL automatically meet Social Security’s statutory standard of disability requirement for SSDI and/or SSI. Pornpak Khunatorn / Getty Images What Are the Social Security Disability Benefits Programs? There are two programs available to provide payments to people who become disabled (including many medical conditions)....

A Reflex That Protects Your Eye From Damage Thecorneal reflexis also sometimes referred to as the eye-blink reflex. Corneal reflex testing is often part of aneurological examination. If you blink, this is a sign that your corneal reflex is working. Maria Kraynova / EyeEm / Getty Images What Is the Cornea? The corneal reflex is triggered by anything touching the thin top layer of the cornea. Theconjunctivais a thin layer of protective tissue that covers the white part of the eye....

What Is Physician-Assisted Suicide? PAS is not the same thing aseuthanasia. Moreover, physicians are not required by law to assist in the ending of a patient’s life. Virojt Changyencham / Getty Images They can conscientiously refuse and are protected by law to do so. Central to the oath is the phraseprimum non nocere(meaning first, do no harm). Doing so, they argue, is equivalent to “killing” or “murder.” Doing so essentially deprives a patient of autonomy, including the right to die....

Bothembryoandfetusare terms used to describe the stages of a babys development duringpregnancy. This article will explain more about an embryo and a fetus. Illustration by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health What Is an Embryo? Illustration by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health An embryo is the early stage of a babys development during pregnancy. The first stage is the fertilized egg (zygote). What Is a Fetus? A fetus is the later stage of a babys development during pregnancy....

Arthritisandbursitisare different conditions that have similar characteristics. Bursitis is a temporary condition that’s usually brought on by overuse, injury, or infection. Both involve joint inflammation, pain, and discomfort. Kali9 / Getty Images Kali9 / Getty Images What Is Bursitis? Bursitis is inflammation of thebursae, which are fluid-filled sacs near the joints. The bursae cushion bones, tendons, and muscles to reduce joint friction and inflammation. They can become inflamed from overuse, prolonged postures, or inflammatory conditions....

They treat many different types of inflammatory conditions and, while similar, have several significant differences. For instance, hydrocortisone is available as an over-the-counter treatment, while cortisone requires a prescription. The medications are also used differently in the body. digicomphoto / Getty Images Hydrocortisone is an anti-inflammatory drug that mimics the natural hormonecortisol, which is known as thestresshormone. Cortisone must be processed by the liver and converted to hydrocortisone to produce anti-inflammatory effects....

Dissociative disordersandconversion disorderare both mental health conditions. While they are separate diagnoses, these conditions often occur together. This article discusses the similarities and differences between dissociative disorders and conversion disorder. Verywell / Theresa Chiechi However, in some cases, the cause is not known. What Are the Symptoms of Dissociative Disorders? Each specific dissociative disorder has its own symptoms. The symptoms are genuine and can cause distress and impairment. This reference lists specific criteria that need to be met for a person to be diagnosed with certain conditions....

About 23% of adults in the United States have some form ofarthritis. That leaves many people searching for the best pain relief for arthritis. Unfortunately, theres no way to completely eliminate the pain from arthritis. Grace Cary / Getty Images Indocin and ibuprofen are two common NSAIDs that can be used to treat arthritis. Heres what you should know about using these NSAIDs to treat arthritis. They reduce inflammation and swelling and also help control pain....

OxycodoneandOxyContin(oxycodone hydrochloride) are both prescription opioid painkillers. The main difference between OxyContin and oxycodone is how they are released into the body. OxyContin is a controlled-released medication that allows active ingredients to enter the body slowly for a long-lasting effect. tab1962 / Getty Images Oxycodone is a quick-release medication, so the active ingredients put in your body at once. This article describes the similarities, differences, effectiveness, side effects, and warnings for oxycodone and OxyContin....

Tretinoin is a medication used to treat mild, moderate, and severeacne vulgaris. It’s a vitamin A derivative and the active ingredient in the brand-name acne treatmentRetin-A. This article discusses Retin-A and tretinoin and why you’re free to substitute one for the other. Verywell / Emilie Dunphy It also covers other acne medications with similar names and how they compare to tretinoin. Products with tretinoin like Retin-A are only available by prescription....