An anoscopy is a procedure that examines the lining of the anal canal to help diagnose anal conditions. Anoscopies can help doctors diagnose anal cancer, anal melanoma and benign conditions, such as anal dysplasia, hemorrhoids, fissures and fistulas.

As a colon and rectal surgeon, I perform about 500 anoscopies each year. Here, I’ll answer common questions about anoscopies.

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Lymphedema is the build-up of a protein-rich fluid in your arms or legs due to a disturbance in your lymphatic system.  

Worldwide, its most common cause is an internal parasite transmitted by mosquitoes. Very rarely, it can be due to a birth defect. But in the United States, lymphedema is usually the result of surgery, radiation therapy and certain types of chemotherapy or immunotherapy used to treat breast cancer.&nbsp...