| Topic: | Digestive Diseases (DD) |
| Title: | Gallstones: Common, But Not to Be Ignored. |
| Author: | n/a |
| Source: | Mayo Clinic Health Letter. 24(1): 1-3. January 2006. |
| Availability: | Available from Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905. Website: www.MayoClinic.org. Price: Annual subscription: $24.00. |
| Abstract: | This article reviews basic information about gallstones, a common condition that can cause painful attacks and lead to more serious complications. The author first reviews the anatomy and function of the gallbladder, which is part of the biliary system that helps break down fats and remove waste products from the body. Two common types of gallstones are cholesterol stones and pigment stones. The author reviews the risk factors for gallstone formation, which include gender (women are at higher risk), overweight, the use of certain weight-loss diets, age, family history, and ethnicity. The author covers symptoms that should prompt a visit to a health care provider, diagnostic tests that will be used to confirm the presence of a gallstone, and treatment options, including removal of the gallbladder. One sidebar briefly reviews gallbladder cancer, a very rare but invasive form of cancer. 2 figures. |
| Format: | Newsletter Article |
| Language: | English. |
| Major Keywords: | Digestive System Diseases. Gallstones. Symptoms. Risk Factors. Diagnosis. Patient Care Management. Surgery. |
| Minor Keywords: | Diagnostic Tests. Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography. Cholesterol. Genetics. Laparoscopy. Cholecystectomy. Patient Education. |
| Publication Number: | DDJA12598. |
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