PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center My stomach and back often hurt after I eat fatty foods like pizza. Sometimes I even feel nauseated. What causes this? The symptoms you describe are often related to a gallbladder attack. The gallbladder is located in the right upper abdomen beneath the liver and holds bile, a fluid secreted by the liver. When water is extracted from the bile, the material left behind can harden into gallstones. While there are often no symptoms of gallstones, occasionally following a fatty meal the gallstones cause pain in the gallbladder, radiating to the back. This is known as a gallbladder attack. If you are diagnosed with gallbladder disease, there are options for treatment. If you have mild symptoms or it’s your first gallstone attack, your provider may simply prescribe pain medication. If you have more severe symptoms or you have had multiple attacks, surgery may be required. Today most gallbladder surgery is performed laparoscopically, using minimally invasive surgical techniques. This type of surgery may result in less pain and quicker recovery. If you need surgery, ask your doctor if a minimally invasive technique is right for your situation. Karen Woo, DO
PeaceHealth Medical Group-Surgery 4545 Cordata Parkway, Suite 1C Bellingham, WA 360-738-2200
I have an oddly shaped mole on my shoulder. How do I know if I should have it checked? Since skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, it is a good idea to keep an eye on any moles that seem suspicious. If you have noticed new moles or have a family history of melanoma, performing regular monthly examinations of your body is recommended. Use a mirror to examine your skin, paying close attention to any areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the hands, chest, arms, nose, ears, neck, and face. When you are analyzing spots on your skin, watch for the ABCDEs of skin cancer. Asymmetry: when sides of the mole don’t match. Border: edges of the mole are irregular or blurred. Color: surface of the mole is different colors or different shades of brown, black, tan, white, or red. Diameter: the mole is larger than a pencil eraser. Evolving: the mole is changing in size, shape, or color. If you notice a mole changing shape or color, becoming itchy or painful, or bleeding, schedule an exam with your dermatologist right away. Christina Lyons, MD
Dermatology PeaceHealth Medical Group 4465 Cordata Parkway, Suite B Bellingham, WA 360-738-2200
2
Lynden Tribune & Ferndale Record • 2016 Whatcom County Health Care Guide