Diagnosis Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs, often due to a severe heart attack or heart failure. Diagnosis is usually made quickly in emergency settings. Common diagnostic steps include: Physical examination: Checking for low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, cool and clammy skin, and signs of poor organ perfusion Electrocardiogram (ECG or …
Myocardial Ischemia
Diagnosis Diagnosis of myocardial ischemia usually begins with a discussion of your medical history followed by a physical examination. Based on these findings, your doctor may recommend several tests to evaluate heart function and blood flow. An electrocardiogram records the electrical activity of the heart through electrodes placed on the skin. Certain changes in this electrical pattern may indicate heart …
Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Diagnosis Sudden cardiac arrest happens without warning and requires immediate emergency care. Once the heartbeat is restored and you are stable, healthcare professionals perform tests to find the cause. These tests help check how well the heart pumps blood and identify conditions that may increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest. Tests often include: Blood tests to check for heart …
Carcinoma of Unknown Primary
Diagnosis Carcinoma of Unknown Primary (CUP) is a type of cancer in which the primary tumor site cannot be identified at the time of diagnosis. Diagnosis usually begins after cancer is found in a secondary location, such as lymph nodes, liver, lungs, or bones. Common diagnostic steps include: Medical history and physical exam: Reviewing symptoms, risk factors, and overall health …
Carcinoid Syndrome
Diagnosis Carcinoid syndrome is diagnosed based on symptoms, medical history, and specific tests to detect hormones produced by carcinoid tumors. Healthcare providers often consider a history of flushing, diarrhea, abdominal pain, wheezing, and heart-related symptoms. Diagnostic tests may include: Blood tests: Measures levels of serotonin, chromogranin A, or other tumor markers Urine tests: 24-hour urine collection to check for 5-HIAA, …
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Diagnosis Diagnosis of carbon monoxide poisoning is made based on symptoms, exposure history, and specific medical tests. A healthcare provider will ask about possible exposure to sources of carbon monoxide, such as gas heaters, car exhaust, or fireplaces, and assess symptoms like headache, dizziness, confusion, or nausea. Common diagnostic tests include: Blood test to measure the level of carboxyhemoglobin, which …
Oral Thrush
Diagnosis Diagnosis of oral thrush depends on whether the infection is limited to the mouth or has spread to the esophagus. If thrush is limited to the mouth, your healthcare professional may:• Look inside your mouth for white patches or spots.• Take a small scraping from affected areas to examine under a microscope.• Perform a physical exam and possibly order …
Thyroid Cancer
Diagnosis Thyroid cancer is diagnosed through a combination of physical exams, imaging tests, biopsies, and lab studies. Physical examYour healthcare provider examines your neck to feel for changes in the thyroid, such as nodules or lumps. They may ask about risk factors, including past radiation exposure and family history of thyroid cancer. Thyroid function blood testsTests measuring thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) …
Throat Cancer
Diagnosis To diagnose throat cancer, your doctor may recommend several procedures: Using a scope: During an endoscopy, a special lighted scope (endoscope) with a camera is used to examine the throat for abnormalities. Laryngoscopy uses a magnifying laryngoscope to inspect the vocal cords. Tissue sampling: If abnormalities are found, a biopsy may be taken through the scope. Pathologists examine the …
Testicular Cancer
Diagnosis Testicular cancer is often first noticed as lumps, swelling or other changes in the testicles. These may be found during self-exam or during a routine check by a health care provider. To confirm the cause of these symptoms, several diagnostic tests are used. Common tests that help diagnose testicular cancer include: UltrasoundAn ultrasound uses sound waves to create images …









