Endocrinologist

The keen focus in the study of endocrinology is on the endocrine organs such as the pituitary, adrenals, thyroid, testes, ovaries and pancreas. The most important function of these organs is to secrete hormones and in balanced levels. Human body does not always secrete balanced levels of hormones from these glands and thus a hormonal imbalance occurs. This hormonal imbalance is called as endocrinopathy or endocrinosis, this field of study points out the functioning and how to fix the malfunctioning of any of the endocrine glands. A doctor who specializes in the treatment of endocrine disorders is called an endocrinologist. The doctor specializes in fields such as diabetes (malfunctioning of the pancreas), hyperthyroidism (malfunctioning of the thyroid glands) etc.

After completion of medical school, and after three to four years of internship and residency, further specialization of two or three years is needed. Special branches of endocrinologists:

AFP Test

AFP Test or Alpha-fetoprotein test is conducted on pregnant women to check the AFP level in the blood. The liver in the fetus produces AFP naturally. Determining the amount of AFP in the mother's blood will help identify any neural tube defect in the fetus. Neural tube defects arise in 2 out of every 1,000 pregnancies. AFP test also helps check for Down's syndrome. There are 60% chances for detecting Down's syndrome when the AFP levels are low in the blood. AFP can also be calculated from the sample of amniotic fluid of a pregnant woman. This screening test is generally performed between 16 and 18 weeks of pregnancy and is very sensitive between 15 and 17 weeks. The accuracy of the AFP test result lies in the exact age of the fetus. The AFT test is also referred to as maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP). AFP test is done on men and non-pregnant women too to confirm cancer in the testicles, stomach, pancreas, liver and the ovaries. High levels of AFP can indicate renal cell cancer.

Interpretation of AFP test results: In men and non-pregnant women, the values of the AFP test is 0-6.4 IU/mL (international units per milliliter), 0-20 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) or 0-20 micrograms per liter. In pregnant women of about 15 - 22 weeks gestation, the AFP results usually show 19-75 IU/mL, 7-124 ng/mL or 7-124 microgram per liter. AFP test values vary depending on the weight of the woman and race. Black women have higher values than white women and white women have higher values than Asian women. High AFP can suggest multiple pregnancies, fetus with neural tube defects, and abdominal wall defect in the fetus or fetal death. In non-pregnant adults, high AFP values mean cancer in the testicles or ovaries. High AFP can also indicate liver disease and bowel inflammation.

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer us not easy to detect in the early stages. Often the symptoms of ovarian cancer are easily mistaken for other conditions and unfortunately most cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed only in the advanced stages. Ovarian cancer is normally observed in women over 40 years. Women who have had endometriosis or undergone infertility treatment such as stimulation of the ovaries are at higher risk of ovarian cancer. Women who have given birth to 2-3 children reduce their risk fo developing ovarian cancer as also those who have opted for tubal litigation. A woman who has used oral contraceptives has reduced chances of cancer of the ovaries.

A woman suffering from ovarian cancer is likely to suffer from pelvic discomfort and abdominal pressure and bloating. There is increased need to urinate and unexplained change in bowel habits. The other symptoms associated with ovarian cancer are unexplained weight gain or loss and unusual fatigue. Since most of these symptoms are vague, often ovarian cancer is not detected in the early stages. A patient may feel pain during sexual intercourse and urination.

A gynaecologist will conduct a rectovaginal pelvic examination of the patient to trace any irregularity in the shape or size of the ovary. If ovarian cysts or tumors above a specific size are noticed, they are usually removed or a biopsy is conducted for better diagnosis. Trans-vaginal sonography helps in detecting ovarian irregularities. It can help in locating the site of the tumor. Blood test CA-125 is also helpful in diagnosing ovarian tumor. Women suffering from ovarian cancer tend to have elevated levels of CA125 in their blood. 'Ovarian Pap Test' consists of a smear of the cells from the ovarian surface that is tested for any obnormalities. Surgery is almost always the first treatment ovarian cancer. Both the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus are removed.