Diagnosis of Actinic Keratosis In most cases, a health care provider can diagnose actinic keratosis simply by examining your skin. The rough, scaly patches caused by long-term sun exposure are often easy to identify during a physical exam. If there’s any uncertainty, your provider may recommend a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. During a biopsy, a small sample of …
Acromegaly
Diagnosis Diagnosis involves the steps that your healthcare professional takes to find out if you have acromegaly. Your healthcare professional asks about your health history and does a physical exam. You also may need the following tests: IGF-1 measurement. This blood test measures the level of IGF-1 in your blood. A high IGF-1 level can mean that the level of growth …
HIV/AIDS
Diagnosis HIV can be diagnosed through blood or saliva testing. Several types of tests are available depending on how long it has been since exposure and what needs to be detected. Antigen-antibody tests: These tests typically use blood from a vein. Antigens are parts of the HIV virus that appear in the blood within a few weeks after exposure. Antibodies …
Acoustic Neuroma
Diagnosis Acoustic neuroma, also known as vestibular schwannoma, can be difficult to detect early because its symptoms develop gradually and are often subtle. Common symptoms, such as hearing loss, may overlap with other ear conditions. Initial Evaluation: A thorough physical examination, including an ear exam, is usually the first step. Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, such …
Acne
Acne Treatment If over-the-counter acne products haven’t improved your skin after several weeks, a dermatologist can help determine the best prescription treatment for your acne. Early and appropriate care can: Control acne outbreaks Prevent scarring and long-term skin damage Reduce the appearance of existing scars Acne treatments work by reducing oil production, controlling inflammation, and addressing bacterial growth. Most prescription …
ACL Injury
Diagnosis Diagnosis typically begins with a physical examination of the knee: The healthcare provider checks for swelling, tenderness, and instability. The injured knee is compared to the uninjured knee to assess differences in function and range of motion. Specific movements may be tested to evaluate ligament integrity and joint stability. Imaging Studies Although a clinical exam often suffices, imaging may …
Infant Reflux
Diagnosis Infant reflux is often diagnosed through a physical exam and a review of the baby’s symptoms. If the baby is growing well and appears comfortable, further tests are usually not needed. In certain cases, additional tests may be recommended to rule out other conditions or complications. Possible diagnostic tests may include: Ultrasound to check for pyloric stenosis Lab tests, …
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Diagnosis A healthcare professional can often diagnose gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by reviewing your medical history and symptoms, followed by a physical examination. To confirm the diagnosis or check for complications, additional tests may be recommended. Common diagnostic tests for GERD include: Upper endoscopyThis procedure uses a small camera attached to a flexible tube to examine the inside of the …
Bartholin’s Cyst
Diagnosis of Bartholin’s Cyst To diagnose a Bartholin’s cyst, a healthcare professional may perform several evaluations to determine the cause and rule out other conditions. These may include: Taking a detailed medical history to understand any past infections or symptoms. Performing a pelvic examination to locate the cyst and assess its size and tenderness. Collecting a sample of vaginal or …
Hyperhidrosis
Diagnosis Diagnosing hyperhidrosis usually begins with a review of your medical history and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform a physical examination and order tests to identify any underlying causes of excessive sweating. Lab testsBlood, urine, or other lab tests may be used to determine whether another medical condition is contributing to your symptoms. Conditions such as an overactive thyroid …








