Diseases & conditions A-Z List
Diseases & Conditions A-Z List - «C»:
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Colon cancer
Colon, or colorectal, cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon).
Other types of cancer can affect the colon, such as lymphoma, carcinoid tumors, melanoma, and sarcomas. These are rare. In this article, use of the term "colon cancer" refers to colon ...
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Colon cancer screening
Colon cancer screening can detect polyps and early cancers. Such screening can detect changes that can be treated before symptoms develop. Regular screenings may decrease deaths and prevent pain caused by colorectal cancer.
Several tools may be used, either alone or in combination, to screen for col...
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Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is an internal examination of the colon (large intestine) and rectum, using an instrument called a colonoscope.
How the Test is Performed
The colonoscope has a small camera attached to a flexible tube. Unlike sigmoidoscopy, which can only reach the lower third of the colon, colonoscop...
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Color blindness
Color blindness is the inability to see certain colors in the usual way.
Causes
Color blindness occurs when there is a problem with the color-sensing materials (pigments) in certain nerve cells of the eye. These cells are called cones. They are found in the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tiss...
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Color vision test
A color vision test checks your ability to distinguish between different colors.
How the Test is Performed
You will sit in a comfortable position, and your health care provider will explain the test to you. You will be shown several symbols made of colored dot patterns. These dot patterns are...
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Colorado tick fever
Colorado tick fever is an acute viral infection spread by the bite of the Dermacentor andersoni (wood) tick.
Causes
This disease is usually seen between March and September. Most cases occur in April, May, and June.
Risk factors are recent outdoor activity and recent tick bite.
Colorado tick fever ...
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Colorectal polyps
A colorectal polyp is a growth that sticks out of the lining of the colon or rectum.
Causes
Polyps of the colon and rectum are usually benign. There may be single or many polyps, and they become more common as people age.
Over time, certain types of polyps, called adenomatous polyps, may develop in...
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Colostomy
Colostomy is a surgical procedure that brings one end of the large intestine out through the abdominal wall. Stools moving through the intestine drain into a bag attached to the abdomen.
Description
The procedure is usually done after bowel resections, bowel obstruction, or injuries. The colostomy ...
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Colposcopy - directed biopsy
A colposcopy is a special way of looking at the cervix. It uses a light and a low-powered microscope to make the cervix appear much larger. This helps your health care provider find and then biopsy abnormal areas in your cervix.
How the Test is Performed
You will lie on a table and place your feet ...
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Comedones
Comedones are small, flesh-colored, white, or dark bumps that give skin a rough texture. The bumps are found at the opening of a sebaceous follicle (pore). See: Acne
Alternative Names
Skin bumps - acne-like; Acne-like skin bumps...
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Common cold
The common cold generally involves a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. You may also have a sore throat, cough, headache, or other symptoms. Over 200 viruses can cause a cold.
Causes
We call it the “common cold†for good reason. There are over one billion colds in the United St...
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Common peroneal nerve dysfunction
Common peroneal nerve dysfunction is damage to the peroneal nerve leading to loss of movement or sensation in the foot and leg.
Causes
The peroneal nerve is a branch of the sciatic nerve, which supplies movement and sensation to the lower leg, foot and toes. Common peroneal nerve dysfunction is a t...
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Compartment syndrome
Compartment syndrome is a serious condition that involves increased pressure in a muscle compartment. It can lead to muscle and nerve damage and problems with blood flow.
Causes
Thick layers of tissue, called fascia, separate groups of muscles in the arms and legs from each other. Inside each layer...
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Complement
Complement is a blood test that measures the activity of certain proteins in the liquid portion of your blood.
The complement system is a group of proteins that move freely through your bloodstream. The proteins work with your immune system and play a role in the development of inflammation.
There a...
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Complement component 3 (C3)
Complement C3 is a blood test that measures the activity of a certain protein that is part of the complement system. The complement system is a group of proteins that move freely through your bloodstream. The proteins work with your immune system and play a role in the development of inflammation.
T...
