Dr. Bruce J. Stringer

Radiology 49 years experience

An ultrasound value: A nuchal scan measures the soft tissues along the back of the fetal neck during an ultrasound. Thickening of the nuchal soft tissues is associated wit... Read More

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5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 39-year-old member asked:

I have just had my 20 week scan and the nuchal fold was 6.3mm, does this mean my baby has downs?

Radiology 49 years experience

Not necessarily: 6.3 mm is above the 6 mm cut-off but that doesn't mean the fetus has trisomy 21. At your age however, an amniocentesis would probably be suggested to ... Read More

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5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 36-year-old member asked:

Can i be sure an ultrasound will detect my baby's heartbeat?

Radiology 49 years experience

If it's there: If the fetus is at least 7 weeks gestational age then the fetal heartbeat should be visible if the fetus is alive. If the patient is obese, a transvag... Read More

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5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Mazen Ghani agrees1 doctor agrees

A 41-year-old member asked:

Why is iodine important in my diet during pregnancy?

Radiology 49 years experience

For Baby Brain!: The fetus will suck up the iodine it needs for thyroid function. The thing is, you would become iodine deficient with possible enlargement of the thyr... Read More

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5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 29-year-old member asked:

Why do i have to have an amniocentesis and not a nuchal scan to check for down's?

Radiology 49 years experience

Don't know: Why is a 30 yo having an amniocentesis suggested in the first place? Standard practice usually offers amnio to mothers who will be 35 yrs during the p... Read More

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5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 39-year-old member asked:

Can i have a photo of the baby at my scan appointment?

Radiology 49 years experience

Almost certainly: Providing the mother with some sort of hard copy image is almost standard operating procedure at virtually every lab that i've every had anything to d... Read More

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5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 43-year-old member asked:

What does it mean if the ultrasound did not see anything in the sac?

Radiology 49 years experience

Blighted ovum: A pregnancy with a sac but no visible fetus is often called a, "blighted ovum" if the sac is over 18 mm in diameter or if the sac is over 13 mm and no... Read More

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5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Wayne Ingram and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 21-year-old member asked:

Besides colon polyps, is there anything else that might increase my risk of colon cancer?

Radiology 49 years experience

Yes: Ulcerative colitis is a severe risk. Family history of colon cancer. Hereditary conditions like peutz-jeghers syndrome (pjs) are associated with colon... Read More

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5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Mark Hoepfner and 2 doctors agree3 doctors agree

A 23-year-old female asked:

Is there anyway to know if your first ultrasound was off by any days?

Radiology 49 years experience

Off?: You could ask that the original measurements be rechecked to make sure that the measurements were done properly. Not sure if such a request would be h... Read More

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4.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 49-year-old member asked:

How do you find an ectopic if hcg never gets high enough for ultrasound?

Radiology 49 years experience

You Don't: If the quant HCG never breaks 1000 miu then the ultrasound will not be able to resolve a pregnancy. How high did the HCG get?

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4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 33-year-old member asked:

How rare is(calcifixiation) end-stage renal disease?

Radiology 49 years experience

Not!: Very commonly seen in end stage kidneys, most notably in the arteries. Due to abnormal calcium metabolism, there is also commonly seen calcifications ... Read More

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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Madhu Kandarpa agrees1 doctor agrees

A 36-year-old male asked:

I have a kidney stone and it cannot be removed by potassium citrate and rowatinex. what must i do?

Radiology 49 years experience

See a urologist!: If you are having symptoms from a kidney stone and it needs to be removed there are several options including extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, p... Read More

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5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. James Krick agrees1 doctor agrees

A 46-year-old member asked:

What does an ultra sound of the stomach show?

Radiology 49 years experience

Abdomen?: An abdominal us is frequently done to check for gallstones, liver size and appearance (including cysts and masses), bile duct size, appearance of the ... Read More

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5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 39-year-old member asked:

What does an abnormal x-ray on neck mean?

Radiology 49 years experience

Lots of Things: Do you mean cervical spine? Abnormal could include fractures, disc narrowing, arthritic changes, destructive lesions from infection or cancer, osteopo... Read More

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4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 44-year-old member asked:

Cat scan no dye on brain what are those squiggle lines in you rbrain?

Radiology 49 years experience

Hard to tell.: It is possible that you are seeing the convolutions of the brain cortex which kind off make multiple folds into the brain substance on the surface of ... Read More

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5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Alan Ali and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

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A 30-year-old male asked:

Is it safe to have an elective ultrasound at 14 weeks while extended family is in town? i will have already had 3, including the nuchal scan.

Radiology 49 years experience

Yes BUT: Are you having this elective study just to entertain your out of town relatives? If so, you should reschedule to the next indicated time as determined... Read More

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5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 18-year-old male asked:

Turned 18 in november, wondering if it is likely if i will grow anymore, i have only just started to grow a little bit of facial hair, i am 6'6?

Radiology 49 years experience

Possible: Men's skeletal maturation occurs later than women's. An 18 yo female is typically fully grown. A man at 18 may have a few more years of potential grow... Read More

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4.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 57-year-old male asked:

I took busparone for a month then stopped. should i have tapered?

Radiology 49 years experience

No: The drug does not require tapering and may be abruptly withdrawn.

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5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 27-year-old female asked:

Whaf are the risk of getting pregnant too soon after c sectoion.i am3.5 months postpartum.formula feeding.and still haven't had period yrtyet?

Radiology 49 years experience

Be careful: The uterus was cut open for your c-section and needs 18-24 months to fully heal before you consider getting pregnant again. Major risk of getting preg... Read More

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5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Addagada Rao agrees1 doctor agrees

A 46-year-old female asked:

I'm a strong disbeliever in mammograms due to the radiation. will a doctor still treat me if i refuse to havemammograms?

Radiology 49 years experience

Yes but,: Your doctor may ask you to sign a form that acknowledges that mammography was recommended but you refused the procedure. Ultrasound of the breasts is ... Read More

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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. M. Jay Petruska and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 44-year-old member asked:

What is a hypoechoic cystic lesion?

Radiology 49 years experience

Indeterminate: A true cyst on ultrasound is, by definition, echo free or anechoic. A hypoechoic nodule has low level internal echoes that are less than surrounding t... Read More

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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Yash Khanna and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 45-year-old member asked:

Can rcc always shows vascularity inside in ultrasound images?

Radiology 49 years experience

Usually: They teach us in med school that questions that include, "always" or, "never" are almost always wrong. Most renal cell carcinomas are vascular and wil... Read More

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4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 24-year-old female asked:

Blood pressure is 148/107 with a lot of medication, what is the risk of having a stroke?

Radiology 49 years experience

Increased: An increased risk of stroke is one of the possible complications of hypertension. Other risks include kidney damage, heart disease, aneurysm, as well ... Read More

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4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Evan Altman and 5 doctors agree6 doctors agree

A 37-year-old female asked:

I am 37 years old, i had a tubal ligation in '99, but since 02/24/14 i haven't had a period. i do have nausea and lower back pain, and feel bloated.

Radiology 49 years experience

Get a Pregnancy Test: Very rarely, a tubal ligation may fail. If so, it is very important to find out. Get a pregnancy test. If negative then other factors including early ... Read More

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4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. James Burns agrees1 doctor agrees

A 17-year-old female asked:

Is there any medication for hyphae?

Radiology 49 years experience

Hyphae: Hyphae refer to the branching thread-like forms of various fungi. Various medications are used for fungal medications. Which one depends on what fungu... Read More

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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Alan Ali agrees1 doctor agrees

A 47-year-old member asked:

I wondered if anyone could give me the symptoms of colon cancer, a little detail on them too. could i have it at 18?

Radiology 49 years experience

Usually None: Colon cancer frequently will develop without symptoms until rather advanced. It would be exceedingly unusual for an 18 yr old to develop it in the abs... Read More

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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Mark Hoepfner and 2 doctors agree3 doctors agree

A 46-year-old member asked:

Is it possible that a calcification in the knee be mistaken for osteosarcoma, or vice versa?

Radiology 49 years experience

Unlikely: The appearance of osteosarcoma is not that of a simple calcification and is not really at all likely to be confused with calcification.

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5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 48-year-old female asked:

Mildly enlarged liver 18cm echogenicity and contour normal all blood work normal. could this just be my normal liver size? how enlarged is 18 cm?

Radiology 49 years experience

Maybe.: How large are you? If you are small or average height and weight then your liver is mildly enlarged. If you are a taller and heavier person, then your... Read More

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5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 23-year-old female asked:

I am 8 weeks and 4 days i have been spotting /bleeding for 11 days my ultrasound was at 7 weeks 5 days hb was 150 but my sac is measuring 5 weeks?

Radiology 49 years experience

At Risk: You are at risk for a miscarriage. The very small sac size along with 11 days of bleeding are rather ominous signs. You should be closely followed to ... Read More

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4.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Victor Bonuel and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 39-year-old female asked:

Im 10 weeks pst d& c still no period and havin neg pregnant tests?

Radiology 49 years experience

Asherman's syndrome?: Rarely, scarring after a D&C can cause adhesions of the surface of the uterus resulting in loss of the periods. This occurs most frequently after a D&... Read More

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5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 20-year-old male asked:

I have a swelling in my neck (underneath left jaws). this has happened many times in the past and it's usually after i eat. what could be wrong?

Radiology 49 years experience

Salivary Gland : Sounds like there is an obstruction of the duct that drains your submandibular salivary gland' most likely cause is a stone in the duct, other possibi... Read More

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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Barbara Stark Baxter and 4 doctors agree5 doctors agree

A 27-year-old female asked:

Would there be any sign of a slow brain bleed on initial cat scan if bleeding starts later, would i haveany symptoms?

Radiology 49 years experience

Spinal Tap?: Some minimal bleeds will not show up on ct and might require a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) for diagnosis. This is done in the presence of compelling ... Read More

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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Robert Hutchman and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

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A 41-year-old member asked:

Would it be possible for someone to donate a lung to a cystic fibrosis patient when you are a smoker?

Radiology 49 years experience

Depends: If your pulmonary function tests show both lungs to have adequate capacity and no significant emphysema then it could be possible. Bear in mind that y... Read More

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5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler agrees1 doctor agrees

A 24-year-old female asked:

I do not remember my lmp. i had an ultrasound on october 16, 2012 that dated me 6 weeks. is it possible that i conceived on september 28?

Radiology 49 years experience

Not Likely: You probably conceived around 9/19, assuming you ovulate on day 14 of your cycle. You might have had relations between 9/14 and 9/21. If you have a ve... Read More

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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Liza Kunz agrees1 doctor agrees

A 22-year-old female asked:

Fixed catheter and tore glove urine hit little bit of finger then wiped my mouth can hiv transmit?

Radiology 49 years experience

Not at all likely: If the urine was from an HIV positive patient there might be a low virus level in the urine. Even if a few virus particles were transferred to your mo... Read More

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5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Bahman Omrani agrees1 doctor agrees

A 37-year-old member asked:

What can i do if my thyroid nodule in my neck biospy came back bengin is there anything to worry about?

Radiology 49 years experience

Needle or Surgical?: Was the biopsy a needle biopsy or an excisional surgical biopsy? If surgical, then the nodule was removed and it is benign and you probably have littl... Read More

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5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. David Dang agrees1 doctor agrees

A 32-year-old female asked:

I have a lot of red pinprick marks(some slightly bigger) all over my chest arms and back these have appeared over past 2 yrs what causes these. thanks?

Radiology 49 years experience

Bedbugs?: You might try to have your mattress and bedding area checked out for bedbugs. They are very common and can cause the marks you describe. Good luck.

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5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 25-year-old female asked:

Take oral contraceptic pils during loose motion will be effective or not?

Radiology 49 years experience

Yes: If you are asking if a loose bowel movement will impair the effectiveness of your oral contraceptive, the answer is no. If you were having severe expl... Read More

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5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 23-year-old male asked:

I got my ultrasound done at 10 weeks. is it possible that a ultrasound that early can be off by two weeks?

Radiology 49 years experience

Which Way? : No way a 10 week fetus would be confused with an 8 or 12 week fetus. Your true dates are closer to the ultrasound value than your estimate from your L... Read More

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5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 44-year-old member asked:

If i have ct scan and it was normal, do i need an ultrasound too?

Radiology 49 years experience

OF WHAT? FOR WHAT?: Answer depends on what is being examined and what is being looked for. A normal ct of the chest would likely not provide information about the heart t... Read More

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4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 44-year-old member asked:

2 weeks ago my urine came back as having no signs of infections. does a urine test scan for things like hiv?

Radiology 49 years experience

NO!: If you want to be sure about your HIV status you should have a blood test drawn. If you want to avoid going for a blood test you can look into the or... Read More

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5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 38-year-old male asked:

Pitting edema, very bad in one shin and slight to nothing in other, traceprotein, gfr 94, alt:57, ast:39, alk:61 bb total:1.7, plt 130, cr: 0.9, inr 1.1, -chf, -dvt, +hbp, +dm, what is causing this?

Radiology 49 years experience

Venous Compression: Pressure on the vein draining the leg of the side involved is another possibility. There may be extrinsic (outside of the vein) pressure from somethin... Read More

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5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 31-year-old female asked:

Why couldn't my baby heartbeat be found on a doppler at 9 weeks and 4 days? now i'm very scared and nervous waiting on my ultrasound appointment which is in a week.

Radiology 49 years experience

Position, Bladder: The fetus may have been in a poor position for detection with the doppler probe. If your bladder was not filled the fetus could have been obscured by ... Read More

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4.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 28-year-old female asked:

Follicle study:11day scan:26x20mm u.th 7mm, 15th day scan:ireegular collapsed follicle&9mm.other hormon test of both normal. but not conceived.pls help?

Radiology 49 years experience

Try Try Again!: Seems that you are forming a mature follicle which is rupturing at mid cycle and presumably releasing an egg. If your tubes are open and your partner'... Read More

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5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 16-year-old female asked:

If a brain tumor grow outside your skull will it kill you right then?

Radiology 49 years experience

Doesn't happen: A brain tumor will not erode through the skull. It can push on, and grow into, the brain and that certainly can be fatal but not by growing outside of... Read More

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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Arthur Balin and 2 doctors agree3 doctors agree

A 54-year-old female asked:

My friend was diagnosed in march with stage 4 inoperable lung cancer.6 tounds of aggressive chemo shrunk lung tumor but now in both adrenals.prognosis?

Radiology 49 years experience

Very Poor: Sad to say, your friends prognosis is grave. He probably has months left. Very sorry.

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4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 21-year-old female asked:

Does ultrasounds give fetal age or gestionation age?

Radiology 49 years experience

Menstrual Age: Most report express the fetal age in terms of menstrual age. That is, based on the time from the first day of the last menstrual period. We frequently... Read More

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4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 17-year-old female asked:

I hurt my ankle playing rugby a week ago its still badly swollen and bruised i went to the er they said it was fine they took an xray it still hurts?

Radiology 49 years experience

Bones OK, Not tissue: The x-ray exam showed no fracture or dislocation. However you may well have significant soft tissue injury that will not show up on a plain x-ray. Mri... Read More

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5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 45-year-old female asked:

I have upper abdominal swelling but normal ct blood tests within last year. dr testing for liver disease. can it develop so quickly after normal tests?

Radiology 49 years experience

Yes: Liver diseases have different causes including infections from viruses and bacteria, chemical injury from toxins (tylenol, alcohol, etc.) and tumors. ... Read More

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5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 31-year-old member asked:

What does shadow on x-ray kidney mean?

Radiology 49 years experience

I Don't Know: The term is extremely non-specific and very non-informative. It could mean anything or nothing. Sorry.

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4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago