Bile duct cysts are fluid-filled pockets that form along the biliary duct (the tube that carries bile from the liver and gallbladder into the intestines). It is not known what causes bile duct cysts to form. These cysts can sometimes cause abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin) and/or abdominal mass. Bile duct cysts can be a pre-cancer finding, so discuss this with your primary care provider and a gastroenterologist or hepatologist (liver specialist) for further evaluation and management.

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of the abdomen, just beneath the liver. The gallbladder holds a digestive fluid called bile that is released into the small intestine. Gallstones can form when this fluid deposits and hardens. Lifestyle optimization can prevent gallstone formation. Focus on a diet rich in healthy fats and fiber, maintain a regular movement/exercise habit and have a healthy body composition (extra weight is associated with gallstones).

Chilaiditi sign is a rare medical condition in which a portion of the colon (large intestine) is abnormally positioned between the liver and the diaphragm (the muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen and serves as the main muscle for breathing).

Cervical fibroids (also called cervical myomas, leiomyomas of the cervix) are abnormal growths of muscle tissue in the cervix. They are thought to be caused by an excess of estrogen, a hormone involved in cellular growth, and may also develop due to an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone. Cervical fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) and are usually asymptomatic (do not cause symptoms), but sometimes can be the cause of abnormal vaginal bleeding, painful sexual intercourse, and abdominal/pelvic pain.

Cervical polyps commonly occur in women during the reproductive years, especially after age 40. Cervical polyps are small, elongated, non-cancerous tumors that grow on the cervix. The cause of cervical polyps is unknown, but chronic inflammation of the cervical canal may play a role, as may hormonal factors.

The hip is a ball and socket joint in which the head (ball) of the femur (the thigh bone) meets the pelvis (socket). In a CAM deformity of the hip, the head is not perfectly spherical (round shape) and does not fit well into the socket. Evidence suggests that CAM deformities are a developmental issue that occurs more commonly in adolescents involved in sports. If the femoral head is not shaped normally, the abnormal part of the femoral head can jam into the socket when the hip is bent (CAM impingement). Hip impingement is a major cause of osteoarthritis of the hip. Symptoms of CAM deformity and CAM impingement include pain in the groin after prolonged sitting or walking. Many athletes often describe pain in the groin with deep flexion or rotation of the hip during activity. Occasionally, a popping or clicking in the front of the hip is described. Pain may also radiate along the side of the thigh and in the buttocks.

Sometimes the salts and minerals in the urine can crystalize and form kidney stones. A calyceal stone is a kidney stone found in the renal calyces, cavities in which urine collects before it flows into the urinary bladder.

Caliectasis occurs when there is excess fluid in your calyces (cavities in which urine collects before it flows into the urinary bladder). Causes of caliectasis include blockage/obstruction in the kidneys, cysts, tumors, kidney stones, urine buildup (hydronephrosis), and urinary tract infections.

Hematospermia, the term used to describe the presence of blood in the semen, is an uncommon condition. While it is usually alarming to individuals, the condition typically resolves spontaneously. The cause is almost always benign (non-cancerous) and often no clear cause can be identified, which can make it a challenging condition. It can manifest as a single episode or recur over the course of weeks to months. Known causes include, but are not limited to, following radiation treatment for prostate cancer, sexually transmitted diseases, and bleeding from blood thinners. In individuals over 40 with hematospermia, genitourinary cancers (i.e. prostate, seminal vesicles) should be considered, but the rate of such cancers is low, even after long-term follow-up.

As an individual ages, it is common to develop small degenerative abnormalities of the spine such as disc bulges or herniations. Degenerative changes that do occur here can lead to symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling, and/or restricted motion.