581 results found for "small"
17 Alpha hydroxylase deficiency syndrome is a very rare disorder of the genes (specifically on steroid biosynthesis) which causes reduced production of sex steroids and glucocorticoids while the mineralocorticoid precursors are observed to have increased synthesis. It is, therefore, an autosomal recessive condition. The absence or deficiency of 17 hydroxylase results into many sexual malformations and illnesses. [read more]
The disorder known as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is caused by the deficiency or deletion of a tiny piece of chromosome 22. This deletion happens near the midsection of a chromosome located at q 11.2. [read more]
3C syndrome is also known as cranio-cerebello cardiac (CCC dysplasia) or Ritscher-Schinzel (named after Ritscher and Schinzel who discovered the illness) and is a very rare case of disease. This syndrome is characterized by heart defects or heart malformations and other symptoms that involve the brain. As of 2006, a Kuwaiti medical journal showed that only 30 cases have been reported worldwide and these cases were discovered in Europe and North America. Due to the limited number of cases reported, this disease was classified as a rare type of illness. The molecular basis for this syndrome is still unknown. [read more]
3M syndrome is known by many names. It can also be called as Three M syndrome or dolicospondylic dysplasia; le Merrer syndrome or gloomy syndrome (because prevalent symptoms show malformities on the patients' faces). This is a very rare illness where only 32 patients have been reported to have acquired it. Its name originated from the names of the authors who first described the characteristics of the illness. The authors' names were Miller, J.D., Malvaux P. and the third is McKusick, V.A. No mental retardation has been mentioned as a result of 3M. This disorder is known as an autosomal recessive trait of the genes and can be inherited. [read more]
47 XXY syndrome is popularly known as the Klinefelter's syndrome, or simply, the XXY syndrome. Chromosome aneuploidy causes the occurrence of this condition. The male patients develop an extra X chromosome. Typically, males should have one each of the X and the Y chromosomes. Patients who suffer from this condition have smaller testicles when compared to their normal male counterparts and thus, they acquire problems on infertility. There are very few symptoms to this syndrome and the cases vary among boys and men. The term for this illness was named after an endocrinologist, Harry Klinefelter. 1942 was the year when he first described the XXY syndrome. The patients who suffer with XXY syndrome are called XXY males or 47,XXY males. [read more]
48 XXXX syndrome is a very rare disorder of the chromosomes where the normal XX combination becomes a quadruple X grouping. This condition is also called tetrasomy X, 48, XXXX or quadruple X and is only seen among females as there is no Y chromosome involved. The first occurrence of this disorder was discovered in 1961 and since then, there are about 100 reported cases globally. [read more]
The 49 XXXXX syndrome (also called as Penta X or pentasomy X) is a chromosomal condition that affects females. In a normal setup, females have only two X chromosomes and anything beyond this is abnormal. In the case of Penta X syndrome, there are an additional three X chromosomes which now totals five. The three additional X chromosomes are the ones that cause multiple problems. These extra X chromosomes are formed together with the two healthy chromosomes inside the nucleus of the human body cells. [read more]
Aarskog syndrome is an inherited disorder that is often characterized by abnormalities of the face, short stature, genital abnormalities and mucoloskeletal anomalies. [read more]
Defects of the abdominal wall are comparatively common fetal abnormalities. It occurs in about 1 in every 2,000 births. Majority of these defects of the abdominal wall cannot be detected early on in pregnancy. When a defect is detected, it is necessary to pinpoint what type of defect it is so that proper medication and treatments can be done. There are many types of abdominal wall disorders. Some examples include: gastroschisis, omphalocele, esophageal atresia, and duodenal atresia. [read more]
Ablepharon macrostomia syndrome or AMS is a very uncommon genetic disorder that can be inherited. This syndrome is characterized by various physical defects which usually affect areas of the face, fingers, skin, and the genitalia (penis symptoms and some defects on the testes). Patients of AMS could also have other malformations on their abdominal walls or on their nipples. Other traits include having underdeveloped eyelids (or Ablepharon); the absence of eyebrows and eyelashes; mouths that look like that of a fish's (also known as Macrostomia); cracked skin; ears that appear to be low-set (also known as pinnae). The eye defects could appear due to ablepharon. Some people with AMS could also have very thin or sparse hair (alopecia); their skin appears to be wrinkled, dry, coarse, or thick; their fingers could also be webbed and with inadequate extension; the genitalia could have external malformations. In very few cases of Ablepharon macrostomia syndrome, the patient could have little or no nipples at all (having small nipples is known as hypoplastic nipples). One of the worst characteristics could be the protrusion of some parts of the large intestine through a dilated portion of the abdominal wall (this condition is called ventral or abdominal hernia). Infants and children who suffer from AMS may have some delays on the development of their language skills. Some of them may manifest signs of mild retardation of the mind while others may grow up to be normal. A disorder that appears to have the same features as Ablepharon macrostomia syndrome is the Barber-say syndrome. The latter is characterized by laxity of the skin; ablepharon; hypertelorism, macrostomia, telecanthus, acute hirsutism, and helix agenesis of the pair of ears. Less common signs of AMS include undescended testes and hernia on the umbilicus. [read more]
Abscess, bartholin (Bartholin's abscess) is characterized by the accumulation of pus that results in the formation of a lump or swelling in one of the Batholin glands, which are located on each side of the vaginal opening. [read more]
Acanthocheilonemiasis is an uncommon tropical infectious illness which is caused by Acanthocheilonema perstans, a parasite. This parasite causes rashes of the skin, chest and abdominal pains, joint and muscle pains, lumps on the skin and also neurologic defects. This disease is often transmitted when small flies bite the victim and the bite has the parasite with it. The scientific name of the fly that transmits the ?infectious bite' is A.Coliroides. Studies manifest that the white blood cell levels at elevated when the parasite is present in the human body. Acanthocheilonemiasis belongs to the parasitic diseases group which is called nematode or filarial diseases. This disease is often found in Africa only because the parasite is found abundantly on this region. Uganda, specifically, has had a lot of reported cases. A handful of patients were found in South America. Other names for this disease are Acanthocheilonemiasis perstans, Dipetalonema perstans, Mansonella perstans, and Dipetalonemiasis. [read more]
Accessory pancreas is a medical condition that is rare and in which there are little clusters of pancreatic cells that are distinct from the pancreas. This condition could occur in the mesentery of small intestines, duodenal walls, the upper portion of the jejunum or, in its rarest form?in the stomach walls, spleen, ileum or gallbladder. Accessory pancreas was first observed and described in 1859 by Klob. [read more]
Acne Cystic otherwise known as the nodulocystic acne or the pseudo scars, is a medical condition that refers to an acne that usually developed into a small cysts. [read more]
Acne rosacea or simply Rosacea is a very common condition which affects over 45 million people all over the world. Although common, it is a misunderstood condition. This often affects white-skinned individuals who are of northwestern European descent. This has been nicknamed as the ?Celtic curse' by some Irish people. This often begins as mere redness and flushing (erythema) right on the center of the face, also the cheeks, forehead and the nose. It can also affect the chest and the neck. As this disorder progresses, other signs come up such as erythema that is semi-permanent; telangiectasia (or the opening of the surface facial blood vessels); small bumps or domed pustules; reddish gritty eyes, stinging or burning sensations, and the most advanced cases manifest rhinophyma or lobulated nose. This disorder is often confused with seborrheic dermatitis or acne vulgaris. It can co-exist with these two conditions and it can affect both sexes (with females thrice more vulnerable). This peaks on the age of 30 to 60. the primary diagnosis of this disease is mainly facial and when the ears or the scalp become involved, it is a suggestion of a different illness. [read more]
Acoustic neuroma also known as a vestibular schwannoma is a primary intracranial tumor that is benign. This is a tumor of the cells that form myelin of the CN VIII or vestibulocochlear nerve. Neuroma is a derivation of a Greek word which means ?tumor of the nerve'. The name ?acoustic' is a misnomer because the tumor hardly occurs from the cochlear or acoustic part of the vestibulocochlear nerve. The precise medical name is vestibular schwannoma. This is because it engages the vestibular part of the eighth cranial nerve and it occurs from schwann cells (the cells that are responsible for the peripheral nervous system myelin sheath). [read more]
Ichthyosis is an inherited disorder of the skin. This disorder is an extreme type of ichthyosis which can afflict both sexes all over the world. When this disease is acquired because of a causal disorder, although, it is very rare; it is still not known how this occurs. But there are studies that claim that it can result from mutations of the genes. The mutated genes can be passed from one generation onto the next. The mutation is believed to cause the abnormality in the skin's standard lifecycle. Normal people shed dead skin cells unnoticed but patients of ichthyosis produce new cells of the skin at a rate where their rate of shedding could not cope. This way, there is a dead skin cell buildup and the patient's skin would then appear to be dry or scaly. Acquired ichthyosis often occurs in adulthood. It could occur before or after a systemic condition diagnosis. [read more]
Small growths of skin that develop in some people on the neck, face, groin and armpits are called skin tags or acrochordons. These skin tags do not become cancerous or malignant since they are harmless. [read more]
Acrodysostosis also known as acrodysplasia, Arkless-Graham, or Maroteaux-Malamut is defined as a very rare inborn skeletal illness which is marked by defects on the bones of feet, hands, and the nose. Retardation of the patient's learning and mental development is a common occurrence. [read more]
Acrodysplasia or acrocephalosyndactyly is an uncommon medical condition which is often characterized by a bulbous nose, bony growths, and loose extra skin throughout infancy. This is also a very rare genetic disease. A synonymous word is acrocephalosyndactyly. [read more]
Acrofacial dysostosis or Nager syndrome is a term that was coined by Nager and DeReynier in 1948. This condition is described as a syndrome which involves the upper limbs and skull. The most ordinary type of acrofacial dysostosis is the Nager Type (NAFD) of the so-called pre-axial acrofacial dysostosis. Generally, the effects of Nager type acrofacial dysostosis are palpebral fissures that are down-slanted; micrognathia; coloboma of the lower eyelids; and absent or hypoplastic radii or thumbs. [read more]
Sometimes known as ?sailor's lip? or ?farmer's lip,? actinic cheilitis is a precancerous condition related to cumulative lifetime sun exposure. People with this disorder often complain of cracking of the lips and persistent dryness where the lower lip is most often affected. [read more]
Acutane embryopathy is a rare disease that is caused by exposure of the fetus to retinoids and which often results into physical and mental defects at birth. [read more]
Acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) is known to be the most common type of leukemia, which is found in adults, although people pf all ages can be affected by this serious medical condition. In AML, underdeveloped leukemia cells accumulate in the patient's bone marrow, thereby causing the destruction and replacement of cells that would produce normal blood cells. [read more]
Short Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency (SCADD) is a condition in which the body fails to oxidize fatty acids because an enzyme is either missing or not functioning correctly. Short-chain acyl-coenzyme A (CoA) dehydrogenase deficiency (SCAD) is a rare condition that stops the body from converting certain fats into energy, especially during periods without food (fasting). People affected with this disorder are not able to break down a certain group of fats called short-chain fatty acids efficiently. Some affected infants will display vomiting, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), a lack of energy (lethargy), poor feeding, and failure to gain weight and grow at the expected rate (failure to thrive). Other features of this disorder may include poor muscle tone (hypotonia), developmental delays, seizures, and a small head size (microcephaly). The symptoms of short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency may be activated by periods of fasting or during illnesses such as viral infections. In some cases, signs and symptoms may not exhibit themselves until adulthood, when some individuals may develop muscle weakness and wasting. Other people with gene mutations that can lead to this disorder may have such mild symptoms that they are never diagnosed. [read more]
Adenocarcinoma of the lung (or lung cancer) is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both women and men in the United States and throughout the world. Lung cancer has beaten breast cancer as the leading cause of cancer deaths in women. In 2007, 160,390 people were projected to die from lung cancer in the United States, which is more than the number of deaths from colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer combined. Only about 2% of those diagnosed with lung cancer that has spread to other areas of the body are living five years after the diagnosis, although the survival rates for lung cancers diagnosed at a very early stage are higher, with approximately 49% surviving for five years or longer. Cancer arises when normal cells undergo a transformation that causes them to grow and multiply without the normal controls. The cells form a mass or tumor that varies from the surrounding tissues from which it arises. Tumors are dangerous because they take nutrients, oxygen, and space from healthy cells. [read more]
Adenylosuccinate lyase deficiency is a type of disorder of the purine metabolism that affects patients both behaviorally and biochemically. Patients afflicted with this disorder normally have autistic features and display some mild psychomotor delays. [read more]
An adhesion is a band of fibrous tissue that binds the unconnected anatomic surfaces, which are separated from each other. It develops commonly in the abdomen after trauma or injury. Sometimes it is a congenital defect like the obstruction of the intestine. [read more]
Adie syndrome, sometimes reffered to as Adie's Tonic Pupil or Holmes-Adies Syndrome is categorized as a neurological disorder that affects the autonomic nervous system and the pupil of the patient's eye. It causes damage to the postganglionic fibers of the eye that is usually brought about by bacterial or viral infection. [read more]
Adrenal cancer is a very rare disease that begins in the patient's adrenal glands, which is located on the top section of the kidneys. The tumors can rapidly increase the production of hormones. The good news is about 99% of adrenal tumors are non-cancerous and would not normally require any form of treatment when small in size. It does not produce any detectable symptoms which is why patients diagnosed with this disorder find out about this condition purely by accident in other examination for completely unrelated diseases. [read more]
Agyria pachygyria polymicrogyria is an abnormal development of the human brain distinguished by a huge amount of small folds or concolutions (gyri) on the exterior of the brain. The entire surface or other parts of the brain may be involved. [read more]
Alagille syndrome is a disease that affects the heart, liver and other major organs of the body. [read more]
Alagille-Watson syndrome (AWS) is one of the genetic disorders which affect the different systems of the body including the heart and the liver. The symptoms of the AWS are usually manifested during early childhood or infancy. It is hereditary and its prevalence rate is 1 in every 70,000. The symptoms if AWS varies per family that in some cases it is so mild that the symptoms are unnoticeable while in some cases the symptoms may be as severe as to require transplantation of the heart. When the symptom is liver damage, the patient may have Alagille syndrome which includes yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, xanthomas, itching and bile duct paucity. The patient may also have congenital heart problem and kidney problems. In other less common cases, the central nervous system is affected. As for the physical manifestation, those with AWS have the same facial features which includes broad forehead, small and pointed chin and deep-set eyes. The Alagille-Watson Syndrome is caused by the mutation in the JAG1 gene. This gene plays an important role in the signaling of cells during the embryonic development. The mutation of the gene then disrupts the signaling and thus it causes developmental errors of the body's system, such as the heart, liver, spinal column and facial features. In those with liver problems caused by the AWS, the bile ducts are narrowed and malformed. This then results in bile build ups and scarring which prevents the proper elimination of wastes in the blood. Usually the child inherits the altered gene from one parent although there are cases wherein the patient develops mutations of the gene. At present, there is still no known cure for the AWS and the treatment given to patients are targeted to the improvement of the affected system of the body, such as improvement of heart or liver condition. At the same time, the treatments are aimed also at reducing the effects of the affected system. For those with liver problems caused by AWS, there are several medications which are effective in improving the bile flow and in reducing the itching and this include Actigall, Atarax, Rifampicin, Cholestyramine and Phenobarbitol. Of course the effectiveness of the medication varies per patient. Doctors also recommend the high dosage of multivitamins especially vitamins A, D, E and K, since with the damage to the bile ducts the body will have difficulty absorbing these important vitamins. For those with heart defects caused by AWC, corrective surgery is sometimes necessary. [read more]
Albinism is the term used to describe a heterogeneous group that display genetically determined disorders that are generally characterized by hypopigmentation that largely affects the eyes. This group of disorders will result to little or no melanin production; hence patients don't have melanin on their skin, eyes and hair. Albinos are quite sensitive to sun exposure and at significantly more at risk of developing skin cancer. [read more]
Alcaptonuria is more commonly known as black urine disease, which is very rare genetic disease that can be passed on as an autosomal recessive trait. The particular gene that causes this disorder is unable to break down some proteins known as phenylalanine and tyrosine that may be toxic to the human body. This condition is harmful to the bones and body tissues. [read more]
Alcohol fetopathy is characterized by a series of congenital defects that affect the facial, cranial, cardiac and nueral abnormalities. This medical condition also involves mental and physical retardation that occur on infants arising from excessive alcohol intake by the mother during pregnancy. [read more]
Alcohol is commonly associated with a number of liver diseases including hepatitis. However, the relationship between alcohol hepatitis and drinking is quite complex. This is because only a small number of heavy drinkers are afflicted with alcohol hepatitis and there are some moderated drinkers who have contracted this disease. Alcohol can possibly progress to liver failure and cirrhosis if patient continues to drink and is often fatal. [read more]
Allergic Rhinitis Also called Hay Fever. Defined as an inflammation of the nasal passages, usually presents with watery nasal discharge and itching of the nose and eyes. [read more]
Alopecia areata is a medical condition that affects humans, characterized by excessive loss of hair in certain areas of the body, typically the scalp. This disease is often referred to as spot baldness since the initial stage causes the formation of bald spots that gradually spread through all areas of the scalp. [read more]
Alopecia Universalis, also known as ?Alopecia areata universalis? is a condition that involves rapid loss of all hair, including eyelashes and eyebrows. Alopecia universalis is the most serious type of alopecia areata, affecting only 1 person in 100,000. [read more]
Ambiguous genitalia is a very rare medical condition in which the external genitals of the newborn do not clearly appear if it's a male or female usually because it is not properly formed. This may cause serious social stigma and question to the baby's gender. In most cases, it is important to wait to determine to true gender of the child. [read more]
Amelogenesis imperfecta is a disorder of a person's tooth development, which causes teeth to become discolored, grooved, pitted, prone to breakage, become unusually small and develop other dental abnormalities. This condition produces varying effects and can affect both baby teeth and permanent teeth. Fourteen types of amelogenesis imperfecta exist. Each type is distinguished by specific dental abnormalities present. All types of amelogenesis imperfecta can affect any number of teeth. People with amelogenesis imperfecta develop teeth with abnormal color, such as grey, brown or yellow. Their teeth have greater risk of developing cavities and become hypersensitive to changes in the temperature. It is estimated that 1 in 14,000 people in the U.S. and 1 in 700 people in Sweden suffer from amelogenesis imperfecta. However, the exact incidence of this condition remains uncertain. [read more]
An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anal canal. Frequently in infants' ages 6 to 24 months, anal fissures are less likely to develop in older children. Adults may generate anal fissures as a result of passing hard or large stools during bowel movements. [read more]
Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is also called Androgen resistance syndrome. Androgen insensitivity syndrome is a condition wherein patients suffer from a set of disorders related to sexual differentiation, which results in mutation of the genes encoding the androgen receptor. The nature of problems caused by Androgen insensitivity syndrome varies largely according to the sensitivity and structure of abnormal receptor. Almost all types of Androgen insensitivity syndrome involve infertility and undervirilization in persons of both genders. Women with complete Androgen insensitivity syndrome have female appearance even if they have an undescended testes and 46XY karyotype. [read more]
It is important to discuss lipoma to understand the nature of angiolipoma. Lipoma is a benign tumor composed of fatty tissues. These tumors are usually movable, soft to touch and painless. They could grow extremely slow and can sometimes be cancerous. Most types of lipomas are small, but can increase its size up to six centimeters. Lipoma usually occurs in adults aged 40 to 60, but could also appear in children. An estimated 1% of the global population suffers from lipoma. Lipomas are also seen in animals. They are found usually on older dogs, but lipomas can also occur in puppies. They appear in single or multiple. While these lipomas grow, they are usually benign. Malignant forms of lipoma in animals are extremely rare. [read more]
Angioma is a benign tumor, which is made up of small blood vessels. Angioma normally appears near or at the surface of the skin in any part of the body. However, Angiomas are usually not considered dangerous (depending on location). Some Angiomas are present as symptoms for other serious diseases, such as cirrhosis. When an angioma is removed, it is usually for cosmetic reasons. [read more]
Anguillulosis is a parasitosis caused by roundworm. It affects over 50 million people worldwide, occurring mainly in sub-tropical and tropical zones, such as South East Asia, West Indies, Indian Ocean region, Southern Africa and Central & South America. The female roundworm, measuring only 2.55 long, lives in the small intestines of humans. When they lay eggs in the small intestines, they release larvae in their feces. These roundworms reach infectious stage directly after sexual reproduction. When they become infectious, roundworms penetrate skin directly. They could also affect the digestive system and may produce symptoms 30 years after roundworms are reproduced. [read more]
Annular pancreas is an extremely rare condition that occurs in 1 out of 15,000 newborns. Annular pancreas is a condition wherein the second part of the ?duodenum? is surrounded by pancreatic tissues that continue up to the head of the pancreas. This part of the pancreas constricts the duodenum and impairs or blocks the flow of food to the intestines. [read more]
Anonychia Microcephaly is a neurological disorder characterized by a small head circumference, widely spaced teeth, clinodactyly of 5th finger and the absence of nails. This condition may be congenital. However, some cases develop during the first years of life. Anonychia Microcephaly may be caused by various conditions that result in chromosomal abnormalities or an abnormal growth of the brain. Infants with Anonychia Microcephaly are born with a reduced head size. As the child grows, his or her head size fails to grow while their faces continue to develop normally, resulting in a small head with receding forehead and loose scalp. When the child grows older, the size of the skull becomes more obvious even if the entire body became dwarfed or underweight. [read more]
Anophthalmia is the congenital absence of one or both eyes. Its name is derived from the Greek word ?anophthalmos?, meaning ?without eye?. Primary or True Anophthalmia is extremely rare. True Anophthalmia occurs when complete absence of the ocular tissue inside the orbit is diagnosed. When this condition occurs, a small globe becomes present inside the orbital soft tissue, which is usually not visibly in the initial examination. Extreme microphtalmos is more commonly seen. [read more]
Anopthalmia is a congenital disorder in which a child is born with only one or totally no eyes. The occurrence of this defect is very rare. In this condition, there only is a small white mass present in the ocular cavity; but the mass contains no vision abilities. Treatment for this disease requires surgery. [read more]
Antithrombin is a small protein molecule, which is responsible for inactivating several enzymes of the coagulation system. It consists of 432 amino acids and contains 3 disulfide bonds as well as 4 possible ?glycosylation? sites. The role of antithrombin in regulating normal blood coagulation is demonstrated by the relationship between acquired and inherited antithrombin deficiencies. This relationship is also seen in the increased risk of developing thrombotic disease. Antithrombin deficiency usually appears to patient with recurrent pulmonary embolism and venous thrombosis. [read more]
Aphthous ulcers are more commonly known as canker sores. These are characterized by the development of small and shallow lesions on the soft tissues in your mouth, under the tongue, or insides of the cheeks or lips, as well as at the base of the gums. Often , it will usually go away naturally after a few weeks or so. [read more]
Apocrine duct Occlusion, commonly known as the Fox-Fordyce disease, is an uncommon skin disorder, affecting male and children, but is more common in women between 13 and 35 years old. This condition is characterized by the sudden development of itchy bumps usually around hair follicles of nipples, underarm areas and pubic region. [read more]
Appendicitis, also known as epityphlitis, is a condition wherein an inflammation of the appendix occurs. Although mild cases of appendicitis can be resolved without any treatment, most require removal of the appendix. [read more]
Apple peel syndrome, also known as Jejunal Atresia, is an extremely rare genetic disorder wherein patients are born without a small part of the fold from the stomach membrane connecting the small intestines to the abdomen. This condition occurs in 1 of 270 babies born alive. It is the most common intestinal obstruction found in one third of all babies. [read more]
A disease due to the swelling of the arachnoids which is a membrane that encloses and shields the central nervous system nerves together with the spinal cord and the brain. The swelling can be caused by infections due to viruses or bacteria and can also be caused by chemical irritation. The swelling may cause creation of scar tissue and bonding that results the nerves on the spine to ?bond?. The disease is usually progressive and treatments differ in its efficiency, the disease is not often cured. [read more]
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) previously identified as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is the most ordinary type of unrelenting arthritis in children. Occasionally it is called as juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA) a term that is not exact as JIA does not include all types of persistent childhood arthritis. Arthritis causes the lining of the joint (synovium) to swell. JIA is a division of arthritis noticeable during childhood, which might be temporary and self-limited or persistent. It varies considerably from arthritis usually noticed in adults (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis), and other kinds of arthritis that can present in infancy which are persistent conditions. [read more]
Arthrogryposis also referred to as Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, an unusual hereditary disorder that results to multiple joint contractures and is distinguished by weakness of the muscle and fibrosis. It is a not a progressive disease. The ailment obtains its name from Greek, exactly meaning ?bent or curved joints'. There are several identified subgroups of AMC, with varying signs, symptoms, causes and the like. In several cases, a small number of joints might be affected and the variety of movement might be just about normal. In the majority type of arthrogryposis, hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, feet and knees are affected. In the majority rigorous types, almost each joint is involved, as well as the jaw and back. Normally, the contractures are accompanied by muscle weakness that adds limitation to movement. AMC is normally balanced and entails each four extremities with a number of dissimilarity seen. [read more]
ASD (or atrial septal defect) is a congenital condition characterized by a hole in the wall between the left and right atria (the two upper chambers of the heart). [read more]
Atelectasis is the term used for the medical state in which there is a partial or complete lung collapse. When the lung collapses, air distribution is affected and this is the when the alveoli become deflated (distinct from pulmonary consolidation). Infant respiratory distress syndrome includes a different kind of atelectasis. [read more]
Atrial septal defect (ASD) is an abnormality or a hereditary heart defect in the interatrial septum of the heart because of the embryonic foramen to stop from closing normally. [read more]
B-cell lymphoma, also known as Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), is a heterogenous group of lymphoproliferative malignancies with varying patterns of behavior and responses to treatment. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a heterogenous group of lymphoproliferative malignancies with varying patterns of behavior and responses to treatment. NHL usually originates in the lymphoid tissues and can spread to other internal organs. However, unlike Hodgkin's disease, NHL is less predictable and has a greater predilection to extranodal sites. [read more]
Baby acne pertains to a skin disease called acne vulgaris affecting newborn infants. Acne vulgaris (or acne) is characterized by inflammatory changes in the skin. Acne lesions are popularly known as pimples or zits, and are more common among adolescents. [read more]
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges ? the protective membranes wrapping the central nervous system. This condition may develop as a result of viruses, bacteria and a number of infectious agents. However, it may also occur in people who recently experience physical injury, those with cancer and others who have a history of drug abuse. Most cases of meningitis resolve without treatment. However, this condition can become severe because the inflammation can damage the spinal cord and the brain, which are both in close proximity to the areas affected by meningitis. Since severe meningitis could cause serious neurological damage or death, immediate medical attention and diagnosis is needed. The most common type of meningitis ? infectious meningitis ? can be treated with antibiotics alone, but requires continues observation. Other types of meningitis can be prevented through scheduled immunization. [read more]
Baldness refers to extreme hair loss from an individual's scalp, and may be either permanent or temporary. Baldness is known medically as Alopeicia. [read more]
Baldness refers to extreme hair loss from an individual's scalp, and may be either permanent or temporary. Baldness is known medically as Alopeicia. [read more]
Barber's itch is a skin condition characterized by the appearance of small, white-headed pimples around one or more hair follicles, usually as a result of infections. Barber's itch is known medically as folliculitis. [read more]
Baritosis a condition of the lung, that results from inhaling barium dust or barium that has compounds. It is a condition that is benign generally that does not result to symptoms except for irritation. On chest X-rays the particles of barium can be evident as an opaque shadow on individuals that has Baritosis. When contact to barium dust stops the abnormalities seen on chest X-rays slowly disappears. [read more]
A barium enema is another name for colon examination. This procedure is done to examine the small and large intestines to diagnose if there are any perforations, thickening or other abnormalities in the colon area. This procedure is done by inserting a well-lubricated enema tube with a barium medium into the colon to detect growths, inflammations and other problems.The diagnosis shows up in an X-ray fluoroscope screen. Barium enema helps a lot in detecting colon as well as colorectal cancers. It is one of the imaging procedures used by doctors to view the development of cancers in this part of the body. [read more]
Bartholin cyst pertains to a swelling or bulging of Bartholin's glands, usually as a result of obstruction or infection of the vaginal opening. [read more]
Bartholin's abscess is caused by the build-up of pus that will eventually form a lump or swelling in one of the Bartholin's glands. This is located on either side of the vaginal opening. [read more]
Bartter syndrome, classic form is an unusual hereditary abnormality in the thick ascending limb of the ring of Henle. It is distinguished by decreased potassium levels, low acidity of blood (alkalosis), and regular to decreased blood pressure. 2 types of Barter syndrome: Neonatal Bartter syndrome Classic Bartter syndrome It is closely related to Gitelman syndrome which is milder comparing it to both Bartter syndrome subtypes. [read more]
Basal cell carcinoma most usual form of skin cancer and it can be damaging and disfiguring. The danger of growing BCC is elevated for persons with a family history of the illness and with an elevated increasing contact to UV light by means of sunlight or were uncovered to carcinogenic chemicals, particularly arsenic in the past. [read more]
Beals Syndrome, also known as Congenital contractural arachnodactyly or CCA, is a heritable disorder involving the connective tissue of the skeleton. It is related to, but distinct from, Marfan Syndrome. [read more]
Bed-wetting is a developmental phase wherein an infant or child is unable to retain bladder control at nighttime. It is also sometimes called nocturnal enuresis or nighttime incontinence. [read more]
Bedbug Bites are little red bumps on the skin caused by bites of a bedbug. A bedbug is a small, flat, reddish bug that can be found in every home. [read more]
also known as pressure sores, decubitus ulcers or pressure ulcers areas of damaged skin and tissue develops when sustained pressure cuts off circulation causes the tissue of the vulnerable parts of the body to die. Prone areas include the skin on the hips, buttocks, and heels. [read more]
Bejel, which was previously called endemic syphilis, is a nonsexually transmitted infection caused by treponemal spirochetes closely related to Treponema pallidum, the bacterium that causes the sexually transmitted disease syphilis. Bejel, yaws, and pinta are diseases closely related to syphilis. They mainly occur in the tropics and subtropics. Unlike syphilis, they are transmitted through skin contact, mostly between children living in poor hygienic conditions. Like syphilis, these diseases start with skin sores and have a latent period that is followed by more a destructive disease. Bejel occurs mainly in the warm arid countries like the eastern Mediterranean region and West Africa. Yaws occurs in equatorial countries. Pinta is most common among the Indians of Mexico, Central America, and South America. Although the bacteria that causes bejel, Treponema pallidum endemicum, is morphologically and serologically indistinguishable from Treponema pallidum pallidum, transmission of bejel is not venereal in nature, generally resulting from mouth-to-mouth contact, skin-to-skin contact, or sharing of domestic utensils, and the courses of the two diseases are vary somewhat. [read more]
Berdon's Syndrome, also known as Megacystis microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome (MMIH), is a disorder of newborn babies, most prevalent in females, characterized by constipation and urinary retention, microcolon, giant bladder (or megacystis), hydronephrosis, intestinal hypoperistalis, and dilated small bowel. It results from a dysfunction of the smooth muscle in the abdomen and digestive system. This disorder prevents the intestines, stomach, kidneys, and bladder from functioning correctly. The pathological findings consist of a large quantity of ganglion cells in both dilated and narrow areas of the intestine. It is a familial disturbance of unknown origin. Experts disagree whether inheritance is autosomal dominant or recessive. In 1976, Berdon and company first described the condition in five female infants, two of whom were sisters. All had marked bladder dilatation and some had hydronephrosis and the external appearance of a prune belly. The infants also had microcolon and sverely dilated small intestines. [read more]
Berlin breakage syndrome, also known as Nijmegen breakage syndrome (NBS) and Seemanova syndrome, is a rare syndrome that is characterized by chromosomal instability, maybe as a result of a defect in the Double Holliday junction DNA repair mechanism. It is a very rare syndrome characterized mainly by a small head, lowered immunity and heightened risk of cancer. The features of this condition are basically indistinguishable from the Nigmegen Breakage syndrome. The name comes from the Dutch city Nijmegen where the condition was first discovered. Most people with NBS originate from West Slavic regions. The largest number of them is Polish. [read more]
Berylliosis, also known as chronic beryllium disorder (CBD), is an occupational lung disease. It is a chronic allergic-type lung response and chronic lung disease that results from exposure to beryllium and its compounds. Berylliosis is incurable but its symptoms can be treated. [read more]
Besnier-Boeck-Schaumann disease, also known as sarcoidosis, is a disease which can affect different organs inside the body. It causes the development of microscopic granulomas on the organs. These are masses resembling little tumors or look like grains of sugar or sand. They are made up of groups of cells from the immune system. These tiny granulomas can increase in size and number and clump together, making many large and small groups of lumps. If numerous granulomas form in an organ, they can affect how the organ functions. This can cause symptoms of Besnier-Boeck-Schaumann disease. [read more]
Beta thalassemia is a hereditary blood disorder that reduces the production of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen to cells throughout the body. [read more]
Bile reflux is a condition characterized by bile flowing upward from the small intestine into the stomach and esophagus. Bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver, can inflame and then damage the esophageal lining and stomach. [read more]
Biliary atresia is a rare condition found in newborn infants in which the common bile duct between the liver and the small intestine is blocked or missing. If it goes unrecognized, the condition leads to liver failure but not to kernicterus. This is due to the liver still able to conjugate bilirubin, and conjugated bilirubin is not able to cross the blood-brain barrier. The only effective treatments for biliary atresia are certain surgeries, or liver transplantation. [read more]
Primary biliary cirrhosis is a disease in which the bile ducts in the liver are slowly and steadily destroyed. The body has an intricate system of ducts designed specifically to transport bile, which is a fluid produced in the liver. Bile is needed for the proper digestion of fats and helps rid the body of worn-out red blood cells, cholesterol and potentially toxic metals. In primary biliary cirrhosis, the destruction of bile ducts can cause dangerous substances to build up in the liver and sometimes lead to irreversible scarring of liver tissue (or cirrhosis). Many experts consider primary biliary cirrhosis an autoimmune disease in which the body turns against its own cells, although it's possible that genetic and environmental factors also play a part. Primary biliary cirrhosis develops somewhat slowly. Medication can slow the progression of the disease, especially if treatment starts early. [read more]
Birt-Hogg-Dub syndrome is a rare disorder that affects the skin and lungs and heightens the risk of certain types of tumors. The condition is characterized by multiple noncancerous (or benign) skin tumors, particularly on the face, neck, and upper chest of the person. These growths typically first appear during a person's twenties or thirties and become larger in size and more numerous over time. Affected individuals also have a higher chance of developing cysts in their lungs and an abnormal accumulation of air in the chest cavity (pneumothorax) that may lead to the collapse of a lung. Additionally, people with Birt-Hogg-Dub? syndrome have a greater risk of developing cancerous or noncancerous kidney tumors and possibly tumors in other organs and tissues. [read more]
Black Lung or black lung disease is a common name for coal worker's pneumoconiosis, a lung disease of long-time workers in the coal industry. Cause is linked to accumulated inhalation of small amounts of coal dust. It has been termed black lung because accumulated inhalation of coal dust made the lung turned black in color instead of the regular pink color. [read more]
Blackheads pertain to common skin breakouts characterized by small darkish spots on the skin, usually as a result of obstruction in the opening of the pores. [read more]
Bladder calculi are small masses of minerals that form in the bladder, usually as a result of concentrated urine sitting in the bladder for extended periods. Bladder calculi are also known as bladder stones. [read more]
Bladder infection pertains to a bacterial infection affecting part or parts of the urinary tract. It is also alternatively known as urinary tract infection or UTI. [read more]
Bladder stones pertain to small mineral masses that develop in the bladder, usually as a consequence of concentrated urine stagnating in the bladder. Alternative names for bladder stones are bladder calculi and urinary tract stones. [read more]
Blastomycosis is a fungal infection caused by the Blastomyces dermatitidis organism. Blastomycosis causes clinical symptoms that have similarites to histoplasmosis. The organism causing blastomycosis is endemic to portions of North America. [read more]
Bleeding in the digestive tract is considered as a symptom for other diseases rather than disease itself. Common causes of bleeding are related to other conditions such as ulcer. The source of the bleeding may come from the gastrointestinal tract which includes esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine or colon, rectum and anus. [read more]
Blepharophimosis is a condition where the individual has bilateral ptosis with reduced lid size. The the patient's nasal bridge is flat and there is hypoplastic orbital rim. Both the vertical and horizontal palpebral fissures (or eyelid opening) are reduced in length. Vignes probably first described this entity as a dysplasia of the eyelids. Aside from small palpebral fissures, features include epicanthus inversus (folds curving in the mediolateral direction, inferior to the inner canthus), low nasal bridge, and ptosis of the eyelids. Blepharophimosis, ptosis, and epicanthus inversus syndrome, either accompanied with premature ovarian failure (BPES type I) or without (BPES type II), is caused by mutations in the FOXL2 gene. [read more]
Blind loop syndrome pertains to a condition wherein part of the small intestine is cut off or bypassed from the normal flow of food and digestive fluids. It is also alternatively known as stagnant loop syndrome or stasis syndrome. [read more]
A blood platelet disorder refers to an abnormally low number of platelets, the particles in blood that help with clotting. As a result, blood does not clot normally for the patient with a low platelet count. [read more]
Bloom syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by telangiectases and photosensitivity, deficiency in growth of prenatal onset, variable degrees of immunodeficiency, and increased susceptibility to neoplasms of many sites and types. The dermatologist David Bloom first described the syndrome in 1954. [read more]
Blue cone monochromatism, also known as S-cone monochromacy, is a recessive disorder that is linked to the X-chromosome. The affected person's green and red cones are missing while the blue cone mechanism is dominant and functioning properly. Cases like these have been called incomplete achromatopsia, wherein color vision is only impaired and not wholly absent. [read more]
Blue diaper syndrome, also known as Drummond's Syndrome or Tryptophan Malabsorption, is a rare, autosomal recessive metabolic disorder characterized in infants by bluish urine-stained diapers. It is a defect in the body's tryptophan absorption in which the urine contains abnormal indoles, giving it a blue color. It is inherited as an autosomal or most certainly recessive trait but could also be linked to the X-chromosome. [read more]
Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) is a syndrome characterized by multiple cutaneous venous malformations in association with internal venous lesions, most commonly affecting the bowel. BRBNS is an important syndrome because of it has the potential to result in serious or fatal bleeding. [read more]
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychological disorder that involves a distorted body image. It is generally diagnosed in those who are extremely critical of their self-image, despite the fact that there may be no noticeable disfigurement or defect on their physique. It is characterized by an excessive preoccupation with a real or imagined defect in one's physical appearance. People with this disorder have a distorted or exaggerated view of their physical appearance and are obsessed with actual external characteristics or perceived flaws, such as certain facial features or imperfections of their skin. They often think of themselves as disfigured or ugly. People with body dysmorphic disorder often have difficulties controlling negative thoughts concerning their appearance, even when others reassure them that they look fine and that the small or perceived flaws aren't excessive or obvious. [read more]
Boil (or furuncle) is a skin disease brought about by the inflammation of hair follicles, resulting in the localized accumulation of pus and dead tissue. Individual boils can group together and form an interconnected network of boils called carbuncles. In severe cases, boils may develop to form in what is known as abscesses. [read more]
Painful, pus-filled bumps that form under your skin when bacteria infect and inflame one or more of your follicles are called boils and carbuncles. They usually start as red, tender lumps that quickly fill with pus, growing larder and more painful until they rupture and drain, which mostly take about two weeks to heal although some boils disappear in a few days after they occur. They may appear anywhere on your skin, but appear mainly on your neck, face, armpits, thighs or buttocks where these hair-bearing areas are most likely to sweat or experience friction. [read more]
In medicine (neurology), bradykinesia means "slow movement". Its etymology is brady = slow, kinesia = movement. It is a feature of several of diseases, most notably Parkinson's disease and other disorders of the basal ganglia. Rather than being a slowness in initiation (related to hypokinesia) bradykinesia describes a slowness in the execution of movement. [read more]
A brain aneurysm is characterized by the bulge in a brain's artery. The most One of the most common types of brain aneurysm resembles a round berry that is attached to the artery. Such aneurisms can usually go undetected since it has no symptoms for years and as long as it does not rupture, it poses no real threats. [read more]
Brain cavernous angioma, also referred to as cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM), cavernous haemangioma, and cavernoma, is a vascular disorder of the central nervous system that may appear either sporadically or display autosomal dominant inheritance. [read more]
Brain neoplasms are tumors of the intracranial components of the central nervous system, including the cerebral hemispheres, hypothalamus, basal ganglia, thalamus, brain stem, and cerebellum. Brain neoplasms are further divided into primary (originating from brain tissue) and secondary (i.e., metastatic) forms. Primary neoplasms are categorized into benign and malignant forms. Generally, brain tumors may also be classified by age of onset, histologic type, or presenting location in the brain. [read more]
Branchiootorenal (BOR) syndrome is marked by malformations of the outer, middle, and inner ear associated with conductive, sensorineural, or mixed hearing impairment; branchial fistulae and cysts; and renal malformations, ranging from mild renal hypoplasia to bilateral renal agenesis. The presence, severity, and type of branchial arch, otologic, audiologic, and renal abnormality may be different from right side to left side in an affected individual and also among individuals in the same family. Some individuals develop to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) later in life. The name branciootorenal syndrome describes the body systems most frequently affected by this genetic disorder. The term "branchio" refers to the abnormalities of the neck found in people affected with this syndrome. Cysts (lump or swelling that can be filled with fluid) and fistulas (abnormal passage from the throat to the skin) in the neck appear frequently. The term "oto" refers to the ear disorders that are associated with the syndrome. For example, the outer ear can be abnormal in appearance. Hearing loss is also commonly associated to the syndrome. Finally, the term "renal" stands for the kidney problems commonly found in patients with this condition. [read more]
Broken blood vessel in eye is known in medical terms as subconjunctival hemorrhage, a condition characterized by the breaking of tiny blood vessels just beneath the clear surface of the eye called conjunctiva. [read more]
Bronchiectasis is a disease that results to localized, irreversible dilatation of part of the bronchial tree. Involved bronchi are dilated, inflamed, and easily collapsible, leading to airflow obstruction and impaired clearance of secretions. Bronchiectasis is associated with a wide range of disorders, but it usually arises from necrotizing bacterial infections, such as infections caused by the Staphylococcus or Klebsiella species or Bordetella pertussis. [read more]
Bronchiolitis is inflammation of the small airways of the lungs, usually occurring in young children between three to six months of age. [read more]
Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (or BOOP) is the inflammation of the bronchioles and surrounding tissue in the lungs. BOOP is often the result of a pre-existing chronic inflammatory disease like rheumatoid arthritis. BOOP can also be a side effect of certain medicinal drugs, such as amiodarone. In cases where no cause is detected, the disease is called cryptogenic organizing pneumonia. The clinical characteristics and radiological imaging resemble infectious pneumonia. However, diagnosis is suspected after there is no response to multiple antibiotics, and blood and sputum cultures are found to be negative for organisms. [read more]
Chronic bronchitis is the inflammation, or irritation, of the airways in the lungs. Airways are the tubes in the lungs where air passes through. They are also known as bronchial tubes. When the airways are irritated, thick mucus forms inside of them. The mucus plugs up the airways and makes it hard for the person to get air into your lungs. Symptoms of chronic bronchitis include a cough that produces mucus (sometimes called sputum), breathing difficulties, and a feeling of tightness in the chest. [read more]
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia involves the abnormal development of lung tissue. It is marked by inflammation and scarring in the lungs. It occurs most often in premature babies, who are born with underdeveloped lungs. "Broncho" is the name of the airways (the bronchial tubes) through which the oxygen we breathe travels into the lungs. "Pulmonary" refers to the lungs' tiny air sacs (alveoli), where carbon dioxide and oxygen are exchanged. "Dysplasia" means abnormal changes in the organization or structure of a group of cells. The cell changes in BPD occur in the smaller airways and lung alveoli, making breathing difficult and causing problems with lung function. [read more]
Bruton agammaglobulinemia was the first immunodeficiency disease to be described. Colonel Ogden Bruton noted in 1952 the absence of immunoglobulins in a young male with a history of pneumonias and other bacterial sinopulmonary infections. Bruton was also the first physician to furnish specific immunotherapy for this X-linked disorder by administering intramuscular injections of immunoglobulin G (IgG). The patient improved but died of chronic pulmonary disease in his fourth decade of life. This disorder is now formally known as X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), and the gene defect has been mapped to the gene that codes for Bruton tyrosine kinase (Btk) at band Xq21.3. The BTK gene is big and consists of 19 exons that encode the 659 amino acids that form the Btk cytosolic tyrosine kinase. Mutations can happen in any area of the gene. Btk is needed for the proliferation and differentiation of B lymphocytes. In the absence of working Btk, mature B cells that express surface immunoglobulin and the marker CD19 are few to absent. The lack of CD19 is readily detected with fluorocytometric assays, and this finding usually easily confirms the diagnosis of XLA in a male. As Bruton originally described, XLA shows itself as pneumonias and other bacterial sinopulmonary infections in 80% of cases. Such infections that start in male infants as maternal IgG antibodies, acquired transplacentally, are lost. Thus, XLA is most often diagnosed when unusually severe or recurrent sinopulmonary infections occur in a male infant younger than 1 year. [read more]
Bursitis pertains to a painful inflammation of the bursae (small, fluid-filled sacs that lubricate pressure points) that often results from repetitive stress on the body's joints. [read more]
Bursitis of the hip is the inflammation of the bursas in the hip bone or femur. Bursas are sacs that act as cushions to prevent friction among joints. Bursitis is commonly experienced in the shoulders as well as other joint areas. [read more]
Calcific bursitis is the extreme inflammation of the joints due to calcification of the bones. Among the commonly affected areas are shoulders, hips, and calves. Tendons in these areas are likewise prone to damages. [read more]
CADASIL, which stands for cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortial artifacts and leukoencephalopathy, is a type of inherited stroke disorder, usually attacks persons aged 30-50 years old. The disease is fatal, as patients usually die around 12 years after symptoms show. The disease affects the brain's small blood vessels. CADASIL also causes an abnormality in the muscle cells around the small blood vessels, called the vascular smooth muscle cells, leading to the destruction of the blood vessel cells. Patients typically have one parent who has CADASIL; as one copy of the gene is enough to cause the condition. [read more]
Calciphylaxis is a highly morbid syndrome of vascular calcification and skin necrosis that is poorly understood. Mostly seen exclusively in patients with end stage renal disease, Caciphylaxis results in chronic non-healing wounds and requires parathyroidectomy and hyperbaric therapy. Considered as a rare but serious disease, calciphylaxis is a type of extraskeletal calcification that is similar to those observed among patients with hypercalcaemic states such as those with milk alkali syndrome, hyperparathyroidism, sarcoidosis and hypervitamino sis D. [read more]
Canker Sores are small, superficial and painful lesions, which usually develop on the soft tissues of the mouth (under the tongue, inside cheeks or lips, and at the base of the gums). Canker sores are presented as either round or oval with a white border and white or yellow center. [read more]
Characterized by leakage of red blood cells from small, superficial blood vessels that result in pinpoint-like hemorrhages (petechiae) is called capillaritis. Usually a life-long condition, flaring intermittently, it is frequently found in patients with long periods of extended standing related to their occupations. [read more]
Carcinoid tumors pertain to rare growths of potentially cancerous masses in several areas of the body. They most commonly occur in the lungs and in the gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach, appendix, small intestine, rectum, and colon. [read more]
Carpenter syndrome is classified as a very rare or uncommon genetic disorder, distinguished through premature closure of skull bones, growth retardation, heart defects, craniofacial abnormalities, and other health disorders. It is usually manifests at/or shortly following birth. [read more]
Cat Eye syndrome is a very uncommon chromosomal disorder relating to chromosome 22 genetic abnormalities. The syndrome affects the eyes' appearance, and can be apparent at birth. Its name is derived from the distinctive eye abnormality present in affected individuals. This characteristic consists of the partial lack of coloboma or ocular tissue, which often affects both eyes. [read more]
CATCH 22 syndrome comprises an extensive range of developmental defects linked to microdeletions of chromosomal area 22q11.2. More known examples of CATCH 22 phenotype are Velo-Cardio-Facial syndrome, DiGeorge syndrome, and Opitz GBBB syndrome. The acronym CATCH 22 summarizes the major medical features of the 22q11.2 deletions. [read more]
Catel Manzke syndrome is an uncommon genetic disorder combining glossoptosis, cleft palate, and micrognathia with an abnormality of the index fingers. Apart from the major features, there are also several related malformations described, particularly growth retardation and cardiac defect. [read more]
Cavernous hemangioma is a harmless propagation of the blood vessels, wherein there is a formation of a tumor-like mass of blood vessels in the internal organs or the skin. This vascular tumor is composed of huge quantity of blood. The usual ?superficial? lesions have dark to bright red color; lesions that are deep are blue in color. This condition extends more intensely than capillary hemangioma, so spontaneous regression is less likely. [read more]
Some people are born with defects on their lower lip, and this may occur on the right or left side of the lip. This disease is Cayler Syndrome, also known as asymmetric crying facies. It is a disease wherein a congenital heart defect constricts the muscle movement of the lower lip. The controlled muscle movement is due to an underdeveloped muscle in the lip, or a complete absence of the muscle. Being congenital in nature, those afflicted are born with the disease, and is noticed in the infant when they cry or smile. [read more]
Celiac disease pertains to a digestive disorder set off by consumption of gluten, a type of protein that can be found in pasta, bread, pizza crust, cookies, and other food products that contain barley, wheat or rye. [read more]
Genetics plays a significant role when it comes to the diseases we get or do not get in our lifetime. Among those that are determined by genetics, is celiac sprue, which affects the autoimmunity of the small bowel. Research has shown that an estimated 1% of patients come from Indo-European origins, although the disease still remains to be largely underdiagnosed. [read more]
Central serous chorioretinopathy is a condition of the eye wherein the central macula leaks fluid from the choriocapillaris, resulting in blurry vision. The word serous means serum, which is thin and watery-like in texture. The blurry vision is called metamorphopsia. Sometimes the patients see gray or blind spots, as well as occurring photopsia, or flashes of light. [read more]
Cerebellar hypoplasia is a condition which affects the development of the cerebellum. The developmental problem actually results in an underdeveloped cerebellum, smaller than usual in size. Cerebellar hypoplasia may result because of genetics, or can also occur sporadically. The condition is associated with other diseases such as the Walker-Warborg syndrome, Dandy Walker Syndrome, and the Werdnig-Hoffman Syndrome. [read more]
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy is a condition that affects the small blood vessels of the brain, wherein the amyloid protein associated with the Alzheimer's disease is deposited in the vessel walls. This may result in brain diseases such as dementia, brain hemorrhage, and stroke. Patients with cerebral amyloid angiopathy are usually older than 65 years old, although it may also occur in those who are around 45 years of age. The disease prevalence increases with age, and equally affects both men and women. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy is responsible for 5-20% of brain hemorrhage occurrences, and 30% of lobar hemorrhage. [read more]
A cerebral aneurism occurs when the cerebral artery's wall weakens, causing the blood vessel to balloon abnormally and be filled with blood. This aneurism may put pressure on the tissue surrounding the brain, or the nearby nerves; it can also result in a rupture, called a brain hemorrhage. These can occur anywhere in the brain, but usually in the under part of the brain by the skull's base known as the Circle of Willis. When cerebral aneurisms are very small, they can go on without causing any problems. [read more]
Cerebral cavernous malformation, sometimes known as cavernous angioma, is a disease that affects the central nervous system. The disease may occur sporadically or may be inherited. When one has the disease, there are groups of abnormal blood vessels located in the brain and spinal cord, although in rare cases they are also located in other parts of the body. A cerebral cavernous malformation resembles a raspberry, although it varies in size. The small bubbles are filled with blood, and a special layer of cells called endothelium lines the bubbles. [read more]
Cerebrocostomandibular syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder that is exhibited by a small jaw, palate deformities, improper positioning of the tongue and misplaced rib development. Some patients with this disorder soon develop mental retardation. [read more]
Cerumen impaction pertains to an abnormal accumulation of earwax in the external ear canal. The earwax becomes too tightly packed to the point of causing an obstruction in the said canal. [read more]
Lips that appear scaly, dry and may have one or more small cracks (fissures) are called chapped lips (cheilitis). They are often painful and there may or may not be swelling and redness. [read more]
A chemodectoma is a benign, non-chromaffin tumor that dwells in the carotid artery. Sometimes called as the non-chromaffin paraganglioma, chemodoctoma is usually found in the head and neck area. [read more]
A small non-cancerous, red-purple bump on the skin that is typically seen in older adults is called a cherry hemangioma, which is formed from an overgrowth of small veins. [read more]
Chiari malformation is the displacement of brain tissue into the spinal canal. [read more]
Cholelithiasis is the process of forming gallstones or choleliths in the body through accretion of bile components. They can develop anywhere in the biliary area such as a gallbladder and the bile duct. Once the bile duct becomes affected by this process it can cause choledocholithiasis, while obstruction of the biliary tree can lead to jaundice. The gallstones can also reach the pancreas, thus resulting to pancreatitis. [read more]
Cholera is a contagious kind of gastroenteritis caused by a bacterium named Vibrio cholerae. It is transmitted to humans via contaminated food or water. The cholera-causing bacterium produces an enterotoxin that obstructs the small intestine leading to diarrhea. Cholera is one of most fatal diseases in history, and it can transform a healthy person into a hypotensive one in a matter of hours. When not treated immediately, patients may die from the disease within three hours after diagnosis. [read more]
A painful inflammatory condition affecting the ear is called chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis (CNH) or it is sometimes called Winkler disease. Often seen in middle-aged or elderly men but may also affect women and younger adults, CNH results in a benign tender lump in the cartilaginous portion of the ear. [read more]
Chondroectodermal dysplasia, also known as Ellis-van Creveld syndrome, is a kind of skeletal dysplasia caused by a genetic disorder. [read more]
A chondroma is a benign tumor with a lobular growth pattern. It is made up of tumor cells that produce the cartilaginous matrix, of amorphous, basophilic material. A chondroma has vascular axes within it, and is made up of cartilaginous cells. This tumor is commonly found on small bones in the hand or feet, as well as in tubular bones like the ribs, humerus and femur. [read more]
Chromomycosis, also known as chromoblastomycosis, is a fungal infection common in places of tropical climate. It can be caused by different types of fungi that thrive under the skin and spreads slowly and becomes difficult to treat. [read more]
Chromosome 15q partial deletion is a rare genetic condition produced by a chromosomal aberration wherein the long arm (q) of one copy of the some chromosome 15 is either partially or completely deleted. Angelman syndrome is formed when the mother's copy of the chromosome arm is deleted, while Prader-Willi syndrome is produced. Aside from the deletions, the uniparental disomy of chromosome 15 leads to the same genetic disorders. [read more]
Chromosome 22, microdeletion q11 syndrome, also known as Di George Syndrome, Velocardiofacial syndrome and Strong syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the deletion of a small part in chromosome 22 and occurs near the midsection of the chromosome located at q11.2. [read more]
Chronic Berylliosis is the inflammation of the lungs due to inhaling fumes or dust contaning the element beryllium. This metal can be found in coal, soil and volcanic dust and is used in manufacturing and aerospace industries. This disease may appear even after 20 years after exposure to the said element. [read more]
Chronic spasmodic dysphonia is a long-term voice disorder wherein there is an involuntary or excessive laryngeal muscle contraction when talking. The vocal cords' movement is strained and forced resulting in quivery, jerky, tight, groaning, or horse voice. [read more]
Ciguatera fish poisoning is a type of marine toxin disease connected with eating a contaminated fish. The poisonous component is ciguatoxin. The poison is produced in small quantities by specific algae and other algae-like organisms known as dinoflagellates. Larger fish that are contaminated with ciguatoxin can build up poison to a hazardous level that can make a person sick if ingested. [read more]
CMV antenatal infection is an uncommon disorder wherein a fetus is infected with cytomegalovirus through its mother. Cytomegalovirus or CMV originates from a virus of the same name, belonging to herpes family. This infection can be passed on through human contact. [read more]
Cockayne's syndrome is defined as an uncommon genetic disorder involving ?progressive multisystem degeneration'. The DNA or genetic material inside body cells is harmed by ultraviolet radiation. Generally, the body is able to repair the damaged DNA, but individuals with the syndrome are deficient of this ability. [read more]
Coffin-Lowry syndrome is an uncommon genetic condition linked with delayed development and mental retardation. It is also distinguished by skeletal and craniofacial abnormalities. Males are typically more extremely affected compared to females. The syndrome is inherited in a pattern known as X-linked. [read more]
Cohen syndrome is an uncommon genetic condition characterized by obesity, prominent frontal teeth, and decreased muscle tone. In some individuals, there is a low level of white blood cells. Its transmission is in an autosomal recessive manner with variable expression. [read more]
Colitis is a disease of the gastrointestinal tract primarily distinguished by colon inflammation. The disease causes sores and swellings, known as ulcers, in the large intestines' top layer lining. [read more]
Colon cancer is malignancy (cancer) of the large intestine; which is the lower part of the digestive system; usually starting as small, benign cell appearing in clusters known as adenomatous polyps. [read more]
Colon polyps are small clusters of cells that form on the colon lining. Even though this condition is not harmful it can also develop as cancer over a period of time. [read more]
Colon polyps is a clump of cells on the colon lining. [read more]
Condyloma is more popularly known as genetal wart, categorized as a sexually transmitted disease that has external manifestations most particularly in the genitalia and anal area. Internal warts grow on the cervix and the upper vagina as well as in the male urethra. The lesions usually appear raised and pinkish in color but do not usually produce any other symptom. [read more]
Congenital microvillus atrophy is identified to be one of the leading causes of secretory diarrhea during the infant's first weeks of life. A The medical term microvillus atrophy was initially used to categorize the disease way back in 1982. The typical clinical presentation of congenital microvillus atrophy includes the profuse watery secretory diarrhea that usually starts in the first few hours of life. [read more]
Congenital syphilis is an intense, disabling, and frequently life-threatening infection reported in infants. Syphilis may be spread through an infected pregnant woman's placenta and pass on to the unborn child. Almost fifty percent of the children infected with the disease at the time of development die shortly prior or after their birth. [read more]
Contact dermatitis is a skin condition showing a red, itchy rash resulting from direct contact with certain substances such as cosmetics, soap, jewelry, or weeds including poison ivy or poison oak. [read more]
A corneal foreign body typically occurs when the person's cornea has a certain piece of foreign matter that is lodged in it. Among the most common foreign bodies identified include paint chips, metal and wood debris, dust particles and plant materials. [read more]
Corns are primarily characterized by the small and often very rough mounds of dead skin that usually forms between and on the toes. These are usually hard, firm and have a waxy core that bores down into the skin of the toes and pressing into the underlying nerves and tissues, causing extreme pain. [read more]
The genetic disorder Cowden's disease causes the tumor-like growths called hamartomas to develop on one's skin or mucous membranes. Noncancerous and small, this may also grow in various areas of the body including the intestinal tract. Patients with Cowden syndrome are much more likely to contact uterus cancer, breast cancer, and thyroid cancer. [read more]
Cowpox or catpox is now an uncommon skin disease caused by a virus called cowpox that is transmitted by touching infected animals. In the 18th century, the disease was contracted when a person touches the udders of cow that are infected. Today, however, this disease that causes hands to develop postular lesions and the skin to have red blisters is usually transmitted by touching cats, hence it is also called cat pox. Interestingly, the cowpox virus proved to be useful in the past two centuries when it became the first vaccine for the smallpox. [read more]
Craniodiaphyseal dysplasia (CDD or lionitis) is an uncommon hereditary autosomal recessive bone disorder characterized by deposits of calcium in the skull, causing the size of cranial foramina and the hole in the cervical spinal canal to shrink. This deforms facial features of the patients, who in most cases die at an early age. [read more]
Cri du chat syndrome is a genetic abnormality caused by the partial deletion of the chromosome number 5. Its name is French for cry or call of the cat in reference to the meowing sound the infant makes when crying, a manifestation of the infant's larynx and nervous system problems. [read more]
The rare syndrome Cronkhite-Canada is a disorder prevalent among individuals 50 to 60 years old and characterized by the presence of multiple polyps in our digestive tract. The polyps affect the large intestine, stomach, small intestine and esophagus, causing gastrointestinal disturbances, malnutrition, malabsorption and even colorectal cancer. The polyps are hamartomas, growths which are often non-cancerous. [read more]
Croup refers to diseases of the respiratory system which are caused by inflamed upper airway. Characterized by sneeze and barking cough, vomiting, nausea, fever and high pitch sound the child makes when inhaling, Croup is often a benign condition that is treatable at home. Croup diseases are spasmotic croup, laryngotracheobronchopneumitis, acute laryngotracheitis, laryngeal diptheria and laryngotracheobronchitis. Laryngotracheobronchopneumitis and laryngotracheobronchitis are caused by bacterial infection and often severe. [read more]
Cryptococcosis is an infection arising from the inhalation of the soil contaminated with fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. It is characterized by pulmonary infection, meningitis, viscera, pneumonia as well other organ disorders. Disorders such as AIDS and Hodgkin's disease increase the risk of acquiring cryptococcosis. In fact, it used to be a rare infection before the start of AIDS epidemic. [read more]
Cryptosporidiosis is a disease of the gastrointestinal tract characterized predominantly by diarrhea usually starting when a tiny one-celled parasite called Cryptosporidium enter the body and travel and hollow out in the small intestinal wall and force out of the body by means of feces. [read more]
Cystitis is a medical term used to characterize the inflammation of the bladder. Majority of the time, this inflammation is typically caused by some form of a bacterial infection, which may be commonly referred to as a urinary tract infection (UTI). This bladder infection often causes pain and discomfort and can even lead to serious health complications if infection reaches the kidneys. [read more]
Interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome is characterized by experiencing pain in your pelvis ranging from discomfort or mild burning to severe pain, letting you think that you have a urinary tract infection. The pressure or pain in your bladder awakens you, not letting you get a good night's sleep and the first thing you will do is find the nearest toilet location. [read more]
De lange syndrome, or Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS), is a rare congenital disorder that affects a person's physical features and developmental processes. [read more]
De Sanctis-Cacchione syndrome is a very uncommon disorder distinguished by eye and skin manifestations of XP or xeroderma pigmentosum, occurring in involvement with mental retardation, neurological abnormalities, underdeveloped ovaries or testes, and abnormally short stature or dwarfism. [read more]
Degos disease is an uncommon systematic disease that involves the medium and small sized arteries, wherein these arteries become blocked. The disease typically progresses into two stages. The first stage is characterized by the appearance of distinguishing skin lesions that may stay for some time, ranging from a few weeks to several years. Lesions inside the small intestines often mark the second stage, and other organs can also be affected. [read more]
A condition in which the muscles of your stomach don't function normally is called gastroparesis or delayed gastric emptying. Usually, strong muscular contractions propel food through the digestive tract, and if the muscles in the wall of the stomach work poorly or not all, it would prevent the stomach from emptying properly and therefore, letting one would experience delayed gastric emptying. [read more]
Dermal herpetiformis is a disorder of the skin, chronic in nature and is characterized as extremely itchy rash. Otherwise known as Duhring's disease, this condition is associated to a person's sensitivity to gluten in cereals specifically the intestine. The rashes is consist of papules and a fluid-filled blister or vesicle. It usually is common on men and women in their twenties. It is also often connected to celiac disease which is an autoimmune disorder of the small bowel. [read more]
Nummular dermatitis is categorized as a particular form of eczema, or what is known as a type of atopic dermatitis, which is characterized by seemingly coin-shaped and raised bumps on the surface of the skin. These growths are often scaly. [read more]
Perioral dermatitis is characterized as a type of facial rash that usually tends to occur just around the mouth region. Most skin condition manifests as red and often slightly bumpy or scaly in texture. It can gradually spread up around the nose area, and even move up to the eyes. [read more]
Dermatophytids are skin lesions and erruptions that is occurs as an allergic reaction to the ringworm infections. These lesions, however are free of fungal forms and are generally vesicular, and papular in some cases. Dermatophytes often occur in the feet and hands. It also resembles erythema nodosum [read more]
Also known as DSRCT, it is a very aggressive tumor that occurs rarely, a type of cancer that always grows in the abdomen and spreads locally to the lymph nodes. It can also spread to other parts of the body like the lungs, bones, and liver, chest walls, spinal cord, large and small intestine, skull, bladder, brain, ovaries, pelvis and testicles. This is most common in males especially in the young adolescent stage. This is a life threatening disease. This tumor is also called desmoplastic small round blue cell tumor, desmoplastic cancer, intraabdominal desmoplastic small round blue cell tumor or desmoplastic sarcoma. [read more]
Diabetic dermopathy is also commonly known as shin spots or the pigmented pretibial patches. This is a skin condition that is usually found to develop on the lower legs of people who have diabetes. This medical condition is often the result of changes in the small blood vessel, which are primarily responsible in supplying the skin blood products. [read more]
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus or Systemic Lupus Erythamatosus is a systemic disorder cause by autoimmune response of the body. The immune system fights against own body cells that leads to inflammation of the tissues that affects different parts of the body. It occurs in unexpected times, this period is called "flares". [read more]
Double uterus or uterus didelphys is a condition characterized when the tubes (which start out as two small tubes in a female fetus) don't join completely to create one hollow organ which is the uterus, but instead each one develops into a separate cavity as the fetus develops. [read more]
Down syndrome otherwise known as trisomy 21 is a disorder caused by the presence of an extra 21st chromosome. This disorder was termed as chromosome 21 trisomy in 1959 by J?r?me Lejeune. It is characterized by major and minor structural differences. Down syndrome is always associated with impairments of the cognitive ability and the physical growth. Facial appearance also is different. This disorder can be known even during pregnancy or right at birth. [read more]
Dubowitz syndrome is a very rare genetic disorder. It is often characterized by microcephaly, slow to very retarded growth and a rather unusual facial appearance like having small or round or even triangular shaped with a pointed chin with either a broad or wide-tipped nose, and eyes which are usually wide-set and drooping eyelids. It was first described by English physician Victor Dubowitz in 1965. Majority of cases are from the Russia, United States, and Germany. It also appears to have an equal affect to different ethnicities and even genders. [read more]
Dumping syndrome is characterized by a group of symptoms that are known to likely develop following a surgery that removes a certain part of the stomach. This is also known as the rapid emptying of the undigested contents in the stomach. [read more]
Dupuytren's contracture is characterized of a fixed flexion contracture of the person's limbs where the fingers tend to bend towards the base of the palm and cannot be fully extended or straightened naturally. It disorder is named in honor of a particular surgeon named Baron Guillaume Dupuytren, who was the first to define a surgical operation to correct the said affliction. [read more]
Dust mites are microscopic organism that is somehow related to spiders and are usually found in most homes. These organisms are too small to see, and thrive in warm and humid environments. They feed on dead skin cells and nests in fabrics, beddings, furnishings and other dust-collecting objects. As the dust mites leave their residue such as decaying bodies and feces, it freely floats in the air and become an allergen. While not all people are allergic to dust mites, it can be a serious bother to people who are allergic to it. [read more]
Dwarfism is a medical condition that refers to a condition of extremely small stature of an effected animal or even plant. Any known type of the marked human smallness is typically regarded as dwarfism in the much older, popular as well as the medical usage. The term as actually related to human beings that are often used to refer specifically to such forms of extreme shortness that is characterized by disproportionate body parts, which is believed to be typically due to a genetic disorder of the bone or cartilage development. [read more]
is any disease or malfunction of the autonomic nervous system. This typically includes the postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome orPOTS, neurocardiogenic syncope, pure autonomic failure as well as autonomic instability and several number of a much lesser-known disorders. Other type of disorders, such as the multiple system atrophy (Shy-Drager syndrome) as well as the chronic fatigue syndrome, both have dysautonomia as one of the many system malfunctions. [read more]
Dyshidrosis, is also known by another medical term called dyshidrotic eczema or pompholyx. This is characterized by a skin condition where there is a development of small, fluid-filled blisters that usually occur on the palms of the hands or the soles the feet, or even both. [read more]
Dyspepsia is the uncomfortable or burning sensation felt in the upper abdomen which is usually accompanied by nausea, bloating of the abdomen, belching and oftentimes vomiting. [read more]
Nonulcer dyspepsia is a chronic disorder that affects the gastrointestinal system. This includes the esophagus, and the small intestine resulting to mild to serious discomfort of the abdomens. Nonulcer dyspepsia is often accompanied by nausea, belching and bloating. [read more]
Earwax blockage is the obstruction of the ear canal with cerumen. Cerumen or popularly known as earwax is part of the body's natural defenses that protects the ear canal by trapping dirt and slowing the growth of bacteria. [read more]
Ectopic heartbeat or also known as Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are extra, abnormal heartbeats that start in one of the heart's two lower pumping chambers or the ventricles. Simply put, it is an irregularity of the heart rate and rhythm involving extra or skipped beats. [read more]
Eczema also known as atopic dermatitis is a long lasting condition featuring an itchy eruption on the skin; usually accompanied by asthma or hay fever. The condition is often found in infants and children but can be a continual condition into adulthood. In some cases, the condition appears later on in life. [read more]
Dyshidrotic eczema or dyshidrosis or pompholyx, is a condition in which the skin, especially the hands and feet, develop small and itchy blisters. Said blisters last up to three weeks and cause intense itching. Cracks and grooves result when the blisters dry, which can be painful. [read more]
Edwards' syndrome is primarily caused by a gene mutation, particularly the extra copy of chromosome 18. For this very reason, it is also known by a medical term trisomy 18 syndrome. The presence of the extra chromosome has proven to be quite lethal for most babies who are born with this medical condition. Edwards' syndrome causes major physical malformations and also severe mental retardation and also comes with high mortality rate. [read more]
Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), previously termed a chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD). This is called an obstructive lung disease because the destruction of lung tissue around smaller airways, called bronchioles, makes these airways incapable to hold their shape properly when you exhale. [read more]
Empty sella syndrome refers to the medical disorder that primarily involves sella turcica, which is actually a bony structure that is located at the base of the brain that typically protects and surrounds the pituitary gland. Its is a condition that is often revealed during tests for pituitary disorders, when radiological imaging of the pituitary gland reveals a sella turcica that appears to be empty. Empty sella syndrome is found to be more common in women who have overweight issues or those who also have abnormally high blood pressure. [read more]
Encephalitis is an acute inflammation of the brain, normally caused by a viral infection. It's a rare disease that only occurs in approximately 0.5 per 100,000 individuals - most commonly in children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. [read more]
Encephalocele, is a neural tube defect characterized by sac-like protrusions of the brain and the membranes that cover it through openings in the skull. [read more]
Endocardial cushion defect or also known as atrioventricular canal defect is a combination of several abnormalities in the heart that is congenital. In this condition, a hole between the chambers of the heart is present. There are also problems with the valves that regulate blood flow in the heart. The condition is also called atriventicular septal defect. There are two common types of atrioventricular canal defect. The fist one is partial, which means that only the two upper chambers of the heart are involved. The other one is called the complete form, which allows the blood to travel freely among all chambers but also lets extra blood circulate to the lungs, causing the heart to enlarge. [read more]
Endocarditis is characterized as an inflammation of the inner layer of the patient's heart, which is medically termed as the endocardium. Among the most common structures of this medical condition involves the heart valves. [read more]
Enlarged heart or cardiomegaly is a sign of an underlying problem. [read more]
Enlarged liver or Hepatomegaly is swelling of the liver beyond its normal size. An adult liver is about the size of a small football. [read more]
Also known as splenomegaly, enlargement of the spleen, as the name suggests, is the growing of the spleen beyond its normal size. [read more]
Goiter, or the enlargement of the thyroid gland, is a condition more common in women and older adults. The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland weighing less than an ounce, located just below the Adam's apple. [read more]
Enterocele is a condition among women in which the muscles and tissues that hold the small bowel in place stretch or weaken, causing the small bowel to drop from its original position and protrude through the vaginal wall, and creating a bulge. Vaginal hernia is the result of enterocele. [read more]
Enterocolitis is the medical term used to describe the inflammation of the small and large intestine. However, this illness is further categorized to be either enteritis (inflammation of the small intestine) or colitis (large intestine). Enterocolitis is a common intestinal disease among children. [read more]
Also known as bed-wetting, nocturnal enuresis of nighttime incontinence is a developmental stage and is not a sign of toilet training gone bad. Primary enuresis is the term for children who have never been dry at night. Those who begin to wet the bed after at least six months of dry nights are considered to have secondary enuresis. [read more]
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis or EG is a heterogeneous condition which is usually rare and characterized by some patchy or diffuse infiltration of the gastrointestinal tissue. It is also classified into different clasifications like serosal, mucosal, and muscular types basing on the involvement depth. For this condition, any part of the gastrointestinal tract may be affected. Also an involvment of the isolated biliary tract was reported. Most of the time it is the stomach that is commonly affected, then the small intestine and then the colon [read more]
Often painless and slow-growing small bumps that develop just beneath the skin on the neck, face, trunk and sometimes in the genital area are called epidermoid cysts. These cysts don't usually cause problems or need treatment unless they become a cosmetic concern, or become infected or they rupture where they can just be removed surgically. [read more]
Epstein barr virus mononucleosis is also known as infectious mononucleosis. It is also known by other terms like the kissing disease or the Pfeiffer's disease. It is also most commonly called as glandular fever. This condition occurs most frequently in young adolescents and at times to young adults. Infectious Mononucleosis or kissing fever entails only very mild illness in small children, and usually asymptomatic. [read more]
Commonly called as the fifth of a group of once-common childhood diseases with small rashes where the other four are measles, rubella, scarlet fever and Dukes' disease, erythema infectiosum is what doctors refer today as parvovirus infection. It is still a common but mild infection in children because it generally requires little treatment. Some people often call it a slapped-cheek disease because of the face rash that develops resembling slap marks, but for some pregnant women, it can lead to serious health problems for the fetus. [read more]
Erythromelalgia is also popularly known as Mitchell's disease. Other terms associated with Erythromelalgia are red neuralgia, or erythermalgia. This is a rather rare disorder characterized by the blood vessels located usually in the legs of the lower extremeties are blocked and becomes inflamed. The blocking then entails a severe pain and skin redness. Oftentimes, the attacks of Erythromelalgia comes in a periodic pattern and are mostly triggered by too much heat, drinking alcohol, or exertion. It can also occur as a primary or can be a secondary disorder. Oftentimes, econdary erythromelalgia could result from minute fiber peripheral neuropathy cause by any factors, poisoning from the mushroom or mercury, hypercholesterolemia, and some autoimmune disorders. [read more]
Esophageal neoplasm or esophageal cancer is a malignant condition of the esophagus. It refers to various other subtypes. Often, esophageal tumors usually lead to dysphagia or a patient's difficulty in swallowing, pain associated with other symptoms. These are often diagnosed via biopsy. [read more]
Sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach, upper small intestine or esophagus are called peptic ulcers. There are three different names for peptic ulcer depending on the location namely gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, and esophageal ulcer. The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is pain. [read more]
Floaters are bits of cellular debris that come and go without treatment. They are often seen as floating specks in front of the eyes but they are not really on the surface but inside. Floater among other people may look like spots and to some they may look like tiny threads. [read more]
Factor VIII deficiency is an uncommon bleeding disorder in which a fundamental clotting factor, known as gene Factor VIII, is lacking. The lack leads to Hemophilia A disorder, which results to an increased bleeding risk from injuries, particularly injuries on joints, brain, muscles, and digestive tract. [read more]
Factor XI Deficiency, Congenital -is an uncommon hereditary bleeding disorder that involves a deficiency in blood protein Factor XI. This blood protein is required for the process of blood clotting. The disorder is typically mild, but its severity is variable. Factor XI deficiency may initially manifest as ?incidental laboratory abnormality', which may show as early as circumcision or much later during possible surgery. [read more]
Farber's disease is also referred to as Farber's lipogranulomatosis or ceramidase deficiency it illustrates a group of unusual autosomal recessive disorders that results from the build up of lipids in the joints, central nervous system and tissues. [read more]
Farsightedness or hyperopia is a common vision condition in which an affected person can see objects in the distance clearly, but objects nearby may be blurry. The degree of farsightedness determines your focusing ability and for people with severe farsightedness, they can only clearly see objects at a great distance while those with mild farsightedness may clearly see objects that are closer. [read more]
Feingold syndrome is an extremely uncommon syndrome with several congenital anomalies. The syndrome is characterized largely by gastrointestinal abnormalities, toe and finger deformities, eye abnormities, and a small head. The features of the syndrome share considerable overlap with Vacterl and Vater connections, particularly patients that have esophageal/duodenal atresia. [read more]
A mother that drinks alcohol during her pregnancy may expose her fetus and may place her baby to a condition of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).Negative effects vary from one child to another; severe effects can include serious physical, mental and behavioral problems. [read more]
Fetal hydantoin syndrome is an uncommon disorder that's caused by fetal exposure to an anticonvulsant medicine known as phenytoin or Dilantin. Dilantin is a drug commonly administered for treating epilepsy, and approximately one-third of the offspring of mothers who took the drug while pregnant developed minor limb and face defects. Some showed developmental delay, mental retardation, and growth problems. [read more]
Fetal methyl mercury syndrome is a condition in which the fetus is exposed to methyl mercury, passed on from mother to fetus via the placenta. Methyl mercury is an ?organometallic cation' and an environmental toxicant categorized as bioaccumulative. Fetal contact to methyl mercury is linked to mild developmental deficits, such as decreased memory function, attention deficit, and lesser IQ. [read more]
Fever blisters or cold sores are the small and usually painful bumps or lesions on the skin of the lips, mouth, gum, or the lip area. These blisters occur when a person has Herpes labialis, an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. [read more]
Fibroma is mainly a benign tumor which is made of fibrous connective tissues. This is a disease that is seen to be common among children and youngsters. This is found to occur to any part of the body. Generally, it can be categorized into Hard Fibroma or Soft Fibroma. Fibroma types include myxofibroma, pleomorphic fibroma, desmoplasmic fibroma, cemento-ossifying fibroma, cystic fibroma, ossifying fibroma, nonossifying fibroma and many more. [read more]
Flatulence or flatus is passing of intestinal gas which generally everyone passes gas at least 12 times or more. Flatus usually isn't serious, but sometimes unexpelled gas can cause intense, intermittent pain in the abdominal region. [read more]
Influenza or flu is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system including the nose, throat, bronchial tubes, and lungs. Though it is commonly called flu, influenza is not the same virus that causes diarrhea and vomiting. [read more]
Focal seizures, or partial seizures, are a kind of seizures in which only a small part of the brain is affected. It is usually a precursor of a bigger seizure such as a tonic-clonic seizure. Focal seizures are divided into two types; complex partial seizures and simple partial seizures. Focal seizures are as well common in temporal lobe epilepsy. [read more]
Infection of the hair follicles is called folliculitis. It is characterized by the appearance of the small, white headed pimples around one or more hair follicles which are superficial in most cases of infections. [read more]
Francois Dyscephalic Syndrome is also known as the Hallermann-Streiff syndrome and the Oculomandibulofacial Syndrome. This is a disorder which greatly affects one's body stature, the head structure, and also hair growth. Patients who suffer from this kind of condition are often shorter than average people. They may be unable to develop facial hair and hair in other places such as the legs and the pubic areas. Many others have persisting problems with teeth development with some only developing one set in a lifetime. [read more]
Freeman-Sheldon Syndrome is a multiple congenital contracture syndrome. It is the rarest of all MCC syndromes and is the most severe among forms of distal arthrogryposis. Freeman-Sheldon Syndrome is also called whistling-face syndrome and distal arthrogryposis type 2A (DA2A [read more]
The second most common type of epilepsy after temporal lobe epilepsy, Frontal lobe epilepsy is similar to temporal lobe epilepsy because it is a type of focal seizure, which means that the seizure starts in a focal area of the brain, commonly referred to as the focus. Frontal lobe epilepsy means that the focus is located in the frontal lobe. [read more]
The second most common type of epilepsy after temporal lobe epilepsy, Frontal lobe seizures is similar to temporal lobe epilepsy because it is a type of focal seizure, which means that the seizure starts in a focal area of the brain, commonly referred to as the focus. Frontal lobe epilepsy means that the focus is located in the frontal lobe. [read more]
Acute liver failure (or fulminant liver failure) is the appearance of severe complications rapidly after the first signs of liver disease (such as jaundice), and indicates that the liver has sustained severe damage (loss of function of 80-90% of liver cells). [read more]
Gallbladder cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the gallbladder in particular and the biliary tract in general. The gallbladder, along with the bile duct, is responsible for transporting bile. Cancerous gallbladder tumors are called adenocarcinomas, which commonly develop in the inner surface of the gallbladder. These adenocarcinomas are extremely invasive, rapidly penetrating deep into the gallbladder and spreading from the inner surface to the outer surface of the gallbladder. If untreated, the cancer can spread to lymph nodes or travel through the bloodstream and invade other parts of the body. [read more]
Known as ?bible bump? is a swelling that often appears on or around joints and tendons in the hand or foot. The size of the cyst can change over time, often becoming more inflamed if irritated. It is often located around the wrist and on the fingers. [read more]
These are air bubbles that can get trapped in the stomach and/or passed on to the intestine. [read more]
Gastric dumping syndrome, otherwise known as rapid gastric emptying, occurs when the small intestine's lower end, called the jejunum, fills up too fast with undigested food routed from the stomach. Rapid gastric emptying is experienced in two forms: early dumping commences after the meal or during the meal, while late dumping occurs about 1 to 3 hours after the meal. Early dumping is usually linked to difficulty in digesting fats. Late dumping, on the other hand, is associated with difficulty in digesting carbohydrates. [read more]
Rapid gastric emptying, also known as dumping syndrome, occurs when undigested food empties too quickly into the small intestine. [read more]
Also known as gastro, gastric flu, and stomach flu. It refers to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, involving both the stomach and the small intestine resulting to acute diarrhea. [read more]
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a condition first documented in 1937 by Kaijser. It manifests as the diffuse eosinophilic infiltration in the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract, usually with chronic relapses. Any point of the gastrointestinal tract may contract this condition, and how it manifests depends on the extent of the involvement of the bowel wall. Common areas of the GI tract that are affected are the stomach, the small intestine, and the colon. [read more]
These are rare tumor of the gastrointestinal tract also known ?GIST'. GIST is a form of joint tissue cancer or sarcoma. GISTs are therefore non-epithelial tumors, separate from common forms of bowel cancer. [read more]
Gastroparesis happens when the muscles in the stomach are not properly functioning which prevents an individual from emptying properly. [read more]
Gastroparesis, also known as delayed gastric emptying, is a medical condition consisting of a paresis (partial paralysis) of the stomach ("gastro-"), resulting in food remaining in the stomach for a longer period of time than normal. Normally, the stomach contracts to move food down into the small intestine to digest, while the vagus nerve controls these contractions. Gastroparesis occurs when the vagus nerve is damaged and the muscles of the stomach and intestines do not function normally. Food then moves gradaully or stops moving through the digestive tract. [read more]
Genital herpes is a highly contagious (STD) sexually transmitted disease. [read more]
Highly contagious sexually transmitted infection. Genital warts often occur in clusters and can be carry tiny or can spread into large masses in the genital or penis area. For women they occur on the outside and inside of the vagina on the opening (cervix) to the womb (uterus) or around anus. [read more]
Geographical tongue results when the layer of small bumps called papillae that cover the tongue are missing. If the papillae are missing, it creates smooth patches of red in the tongue; it can also show an appearance that like a map. [read more]
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, known by the moniker GERD, is a disease characterized by damage resulting from an abnormal acid reflux into the esophagal track. This is usually a result of the barrier between the stomach and the esophagus changing. [read more]
German measles, commonly known as rubella, is a disease caused by Rubella virus. [read more]
Giardia infection is an intestinal infection characterized by stomach cramps, bloating, nausea and bouts of watery diarrhea. [read more]
Gilbert's syndrome is a benign disease characterized by jaundice, and is also the main cause for increased amounts of bilirubin in the bloodstream. The disease affects 5% of the population. [read more]
Glossodynia, also known as burning mouth syndrome, is a condition wherein burning sensations affect the tongue, lips, or entire mouth. [read more]
Gluten-sensitive enteropathy (also known as Coeliac disease), is an autoimmune disorder of the small intestine that occurs in genetically predisposed people of all ages from middle infancy. [read more]
Goitre, sometimes spelled as goiter and also known as a bronchocele, is a condition characterized by a large thyroid gland, resulting in a swelling of the neck area. The swelling usually occurs right below the Adam's apple. The condition is more common among older adults and in women. [read more]
Golfer's elbow is pain and inflammation on the inner side of the elbow, where the tendons of the forearm muscles attach to the bony bump on the inside of the elbow. The pain may spread into the forearm and wrist. [read more]
Turner type Gonodal Dysgenesis, otherwise known as Turner Syndrome or Ullrich syndrome, is a condition wherein the monosomy of X chromosome is the most ommon, making the female sexual characteristics though present are generally underdeveloped. It is said to occur in about one out of every 2500 female birth (National Institutes of Health (2004). Clinical Features of Turner syndrome). [read more]
Granulocytopenia is a condition wherein the body has a decreased amount of granulocytes. Granulocytes are a type of white blood cells containing microscopic granules which are actually small sacs that contain enzymes to digest microorganisms. It is also known by the names Granulopenia and neutropenia. [read more]
Commonly known as Dracunculiasis this is an infection caused by the parasite Dracunculus medinensis. The parasite is alternately known as ?Guinea worm?. [read more]
Gum cancer is any abnormal growth that develops in the gum tissues. It is also called gingival cancer. [read more]
Gingivitis ("inflammation of the gums") (gingiva) around the teeth is a general term for gingival diseases affecting the gingiva (gums). As usually used, the term gingivitis refers to gingival inflammation induced by bacterial biofilms (also called plaque) adherent to tooth surfaces. [read more]
H. pylori infection occurs when a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) thrives in the stomach or the first part of the small intestine. [read more]
Hailey-hailey disease is a skin anomaly in which clusters of small vesicles that cause ruptures in the skin. These lesions cause pigmentation once they dry up and get eroded. They usually develop in the neck, groin and genital areas and spread towards the different skin-covered areas. It is an autosomal dominant disorder. [read more]
Hand writing Rett syndrome, or more commonly known as Rett syndrome, is a childhood neurodevelopmental disorder. [read more]
HARD syndrome, also known as Walker-Warburg syndrome, is a congenital muscular dystrophy related to eye and brain abnormalities. Around 30 different muscular disorders are classified under the HARD syndrome. [read more]
Hartnup disease, also known as monkey disease or Hartnup's disorder, is an autosomal recessive disorder wherein the transport of neutral amino acids to the kidneys and small intestines is defective. Sufferers have a niacin deficiency as well as an inborn error of amino acid metabolism. [read more]
Hay-Wells syndrome otherwise known as ankyloblepharon-ectodermal dysplacia clefting syndrome is one of the type of ectodermal dysplasia (Index of Rare Diseases. National Organization for Rare Disorders. 20 Mar 2008). It thus affect tissues that arise from ectoderm especially that of the skin, hair and nails. [read more]
Lice are tiny, wingless, parasitic insects that feed on the blood. Lice are easily spread ? particularly by schoolchildren ? through close personal contact and by sharing belongings. Head lice are those that develop on the scalp. They're easiest to see at the nape of the neck and over the ears. [read more]
Heartburn is a painful or burning sensation in the esophagus, just below the breastbone caused by regurgitation of gastric acid.The pain often rises in the chest and may radiate to the neck, throat, or angle of the jaw. Heartburn is also known as one of the causes of chronic cough, and may even mimic asthma. Not considering its name, heartburn actually has nothing to do with the heart. It is because of a burning sensation of the breastbone where the heart is located although some heart problems do have a similar sensation to heartburn. [read more]
Heat rash also called prickly heat or miliaria is a common condition in which areas of the skin itch intensely and often feel prickly or sting due to overheating. Heat rash is like tiny bumps surrounded by a zone of red skin. [read more]
Hemangioblastoma is a disease of the central nervous system characterized by benign brain tumors, usually occurring in the cerebellum. The tumors represent cysts, and contain small solid nodules inside. The small nodules contain abnormal blood vessels in a tangle. Hemangioblastomas are most commonly occurring in those ranging from 35 to 45 years old. [read more]
Hepatic hemangiomas are benign tumors that develop in the liver. They are not cancerous. [read more]
Hepatitis (plural hepatitides) implies injury to liver marked by presence of inflammatory cells in the liver tissue. [read more]
Hepatitis (plural hepatitides) implies injury to liver marked by presence of inflammatory cells in the liver tissue. [read more]
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a primary malignancy of the liver. Most cases of HCC are secondary to either a viral hepatitide infection or cirrhosis. In countries where hepatitis is not endemic, most of the malignant cancers in the liver are not primary HCC but metastasis of cancer from elsewhere in the body, like the colon. Treatment options of HCC and prognosis depend on many factors but especially on tumor size and staging. [read more]
In medicine, amyloidosis refers to a group of conditions in which amyloid proteins are abnormally deposited in organs and/or tissues, causing disease. A protein is amyloid if, because of an alteration in its secondary structure, it takes on a particular insoluble form, called the beta-pleated sheet. [read more]
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a disorder that leads to the development of multiple abnormalities in the blood vessels. [read more]
Hereditary spherocytosis is a genetically-transmitted form of spherocytosis, an auto-hemolytic anemia marked by the production of red blood cells that are sphere-shaped rather than donut-shaped, and therefore more prone to hemolysis. [read more]
The bones (vertebrae) that form the spine in your back are cushioned by small, spongy discs. These discs are healthy, they act as shock absorbers for the spine and maintain the spine flexible. [read more]
Herpangina is the name of a painful mouth infection, typically with a fever. Even though the name sounds like herpes, almost all of the many viruses that cause it are coxsackieviruses or other enteroviruses and not herpesvirus. [read more]
Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is a very serious disorder and one of the most severe viral infections affecting the human central nervous system. [read more]
Commonly affecting both men and women, genital herpes is a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease which include itching, pain and sores in your genital area. [read more]
Leading to the development of small and usually painful blisters on the skin of the mouth, lips, gums or lip area, herpes labialis is an infection caused by the herpes simples. The blisters are commonly called fever blisters or cold sores. [read more]
Sacral herpes simplex virus or also called genital herpes is an infection of the lower back and buttocks and is a common recurrent skin condition associated with infection of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV infection usually appears as small sores or blisters around the nose, mouth, buttocks, lower back and the genitals, though infections can develop almost anywhere on the skin where these tender sores may come back periodically in the same sites. [read more]
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis includes a wide variety of disease processes that HSV can cause in the human cornea. A variety of clinical manifestations of infectious and immunologic etiologies, such as neurotrophic keratopathy, infectious epithelial keratitis, necrotizing stromal keratitis, immune stromal keratitis (ISK), and endotheliitis, can affect all levels of the cornea. Although more common as a manifestation of recurrent HSV infection, HSV keratitis may also be detected during a primary infection. [read more]
Herpetic whitlow is a painful viral infection occurring on the fingers or around the fingernails which is cause by infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is also called digital herpes simplex, hand herpes or finger herpes. These infections are very contagious and are easily spread by direct contact with skin lesions and usually appears as sores or small blisters around the nose, mouth, buttocks, and genitals, though the infections can develop almost anywhere on the skin. [read more]
Hives are also medically known as urticaria. It is characterized by batches of raised, reddish or whitish itchy welts that form in various sizes. Normally, the hives go away for a few weeks or even less but have the tendency to recur frequently. In most cases of chronic hives, a cause is never clearly identified. In some cases, the condition may be related to an underlying autoimmune disorder ? when your body becomes allergic to itself. Chronic hives can also be linked to other health problems such as thyroid disease or lupus. While the underlying cause of chronic hives is usually not identified, treatment can help with symptoms. For many people, a combination of antihistamine medications provides the best relief. [read more]
In Hodgkin's disease, cells in the lymphatic system develop abnormally and may spread beyond the lymphatic system. As Hodgkin's disease progresses, it compromises the body's ability to fight different infections. [read more]
The hookworm is a parasitic nematode worm that lives in the small intestine of its host, which may be a mammal such as a dog, cat, or human. There are two species of hookworms commonly infect humans, Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus. [read more]
Hot tub rash, with other common names like barber's itch, folliculitis, or hot tub folliculitis may sound more like a bad joke than a skin disorder, but an infection of the hair follicles is not a laughing matter. Scarring and permanent hair loss might be the result in severe cases and even mild folliculitis can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. [read more]
HSV1 (HHV1) and HSV2 (HHV2) are neurotrophic alpha-herpesviruses that occur naturally only in humans. [read more]
These are parasitic insects that are tiny and wingless that resides and feed on blood from the scalp. Head lice are a very common problem that affects children and can be a major nuisance in the household. [read more]
Human Parvovirus B19, a species of parvovirus that infects humans, is linked with the development of several different autoimmune diseases including dematomyositis, mixed connective tissue diseases, a lupus-like illness, a serologically negative (negative RA factor test) form of arthritis, granuloma annulare, autoimmune thyroid disease, autoimmune schizophrenia, and various forms of vasculitis, including Henoch Schonlein purpura, Kawasaki disease, Wegener's granulomatosis, and polyarteritis nodosa. The development of autoimmune conditions following Human Parvovirus B19 arises in people of all ages and occurs more frequently in females. Autoimmune disease development is also known to appear in adults exposed to children with fifth disease [read more]
Hutchinson's teeth (also called Hutchinson's incisor, Hutchinson's sign or Hutchinson-Boeck teeth) are a sign of congenital syphilis. Babies with this have teeth that are smaller and more widely spaced than the usual and which have notches on their biting surfaces. [read more]
Hutchingson-Gilford syndrome (also known as progeria) is a very rare disease of premature aging in young children, marked mainly by a birdlike, "wizened old man" facial appearance, premature bodily ageing (progeria) and dwarfism. The children have bird-like features, large skull, atrophy of muscles and skin, loss of subcutaneous fat, high serum lipid levels and early atherosclerotic changes in the vessels. [read more]
Hymenolepiasis is infestation by one of two species of tapeworm: Hymenolepis nana and Hymenolepis diminuta. [read more]
Hypersexuality is the desire to engage in human sexual behavior at a level high enough to be considered clinically significant. Hypersexuality is marked by a debilitating need for frequent genital stimulation which, once achieved, may fail to result in the expected long-term sexual?or emotional?satisfaction. This dissatisfaction is what is believed to encourage the increased frequency of sexual stimulation, as well as additional physiological and neurological symptoms. [read more]
Hypersexuality is the desire to engage in human sexual behavior at a level high enough to be considered clinically significant. Hypersexuality is marked by a debilitating need for frequent genital stimulation which, once achieved, may fail to result in the expected long-term sexual?or emotional?satisfaction. This dissatisfaction is what is believed to encourage the increased frequency of sexual stimulation, as well as additional physiological and neurological symptoms. [read more]
Pregnancy-related hypertension, or preeclampsia, is a common problem during pregnancy. The condition is defined by high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine after 20 weeks of pregnancy. [read more]
Hypertensive retinopathy is characterized by retinal damage that results from hypetension or high blood pressure. [read more]
Hypochondrogenesis is a disease characterized by bone growth malformations. Though it is severe, Hypochondrogenesis is considered milder than achondrogenesis type 2 which is another skeletal disorder. [read more]
Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia is a condition characterized by abnormal development of structures such as skin, teeth, hair, nails and sweat glands. It is among the 150 types of ectodermal dysplasia. Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia is the most common form of ectodermal dysplasia in humans. It is estimated to affect at least 1 in 17,000 people worldwide [read more]
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome, HLHS for short, is a condition characterized by severe malformation and underdevelopment of the left part of the heart. Individuals with HLHS experiences poor blood circulation since the right side of the heart compensates for the inefficiency of the left side. If left untreated, HLHS may lead to dangerously low blood circulation, shock and even death. HLHS is a rare condition that affects only 2 in every 100,000 live births. [read more]
Hypospadias is a condition among males that is characterized by an abnormally placed urinary opening. It is a birth defect where instead of being situated at the tip of the of the penis, the urinary opening is found along the underside of the penile shaft to the part where the penis meets the scrotum. Hypospadias are among the most common birth defect of the male genitalia. [read more]
Ileitis is the inflammation of the small intestine. When not treated, it can lead to peritonitis, a disease in which the small intestine becomes heavily damaged and will need to be replaced. [read more]
Sporadic inclusion body myositis (acronym: sIBM) is a rare condition marked by gradually progressive wasting and weakness of the proximal and distal muscles. This inflammatory muscle disease is most evident in the muscles of the legs and arms. Two progressive processes, one degenerative and the other autoimmune, seem to occur simultaneously in the muscle cells. In the autoimmune aspect, the T cells are cloned, seemingly driven by certain antigens to invade the fibers of the muscles. In the degeneration aspect, holes (vacuoles) appear in the muscle, with amyloid-related protein deposits and abnormal filamentous inclusions appearing in the cells. [read more]
Infant respiratory distress syndrome ("RDS", also known as "Respiratory distress syndrome of newborn", previously called hyaline membrane disease), is a syndrome caused in premature infants by developmental insufficiency of surfactant production and structural immaturity in the lungs. It can also arise from a genetic problem with the production of surfactant associated proteins. RDS affects around 1% of newborn infants and is the leading cause of death in preterm infants. [read more]
Infective endocarditis (IE) is an infection affecting the endocardial surface of the heart. The intracardiac effects of this infection include severe valvular insufficiency, which may result to intractable congestive heart failure and myocardial abscesses. [read more]
Inflammatory Bowel Disease refers to two chronic diseases that cause inflammation of the intestines: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. While the diseases have some features in common, there are some important differences. [read more]
Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare but aggressive type of breast cancer that progresses rapidly, making the affected breast red, swollen and tender. It's a locally advanced cancer, which means it has spread from its point of origin to nearby tissue and possibly to nearby lymph nodes. [read more]
A diminished blood flow to the small intestine or colon is referred to as intestinal ischemia. [read more]
Intestinal lipodystrophy, or Whipple's disease, is a rare bacterial infection that most often affects the gastrointestinal system. It interferes with normal digestion, impairing the breakdown of foods such as fats and carbohydrates and hampering the body's ability to absorb nutrients. [read more]
Intraocular melanoma, a rare cancer, is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the area of the eye called the uvea. [read more]
Intratuterine growth retardation (IGR) refers to a condition wherein an infant is born smaller than the normal size. Babies in this condition are often described to be small for their gestational age. [read more]
Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is not a cancer, but its presence means that there is a small increase in the risk of developing breast cancer later on in life. Even so, majority of women with LCIS do not develop breast cancer. [read more]
Itch is defined as an unpleasant sensation that evokes the desire or reflex to scratch. Itch has many similarities to pain and both are unpleasant sensory experiences but their behavioral response patterns vary. [read more]
Jarcho-Levin syndrome is a rare, genetic disorder characterized by abnormalities in the axial skeleton; usually referred to as spinal column abnormalities. Due to some thorax malformations, patients suffering from Jarcho-Levin syndrome are at a higher risk for life-threatening pulmonary complications. It is also described as short trunk dwarfism with abnormalities in the thorax causing thoracic insufficiency. The vertebrate are fused, preventing the rib cage from developing properly, consequently the chest cavity becomes too small to be big enough for the growing lungs. [read more]
Jejunum is the central part of the small intestine, lying between the duodenum and the ileum. In Jejunal atresia, a part of the small intestine is completely absent or closed. Patients with this disorder are born with a missing stomach membrane fold connecting the small intestine to the abdominal back wall. Consequently, the jejunum twists around the marginal artery causing a blockage. This rare birth defect is also described as malformation of the jejunum. [read more]
Kaufman Oculocerebrofacial syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder. This rare genetic medical condition is characterized by some abnormal looking facial features including small head, narrow face, eye anomalies, small mandible, upslanting palpebral fissure (the distance between the upper and lower eyelids), highly arched palates, and preauricular skin tags. Severely inflicted people show very obvious facial features of a mentally retarded person. [read more]
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca is an eye condition commonly known as, ?dry eyes?. It is characterized by decreased in tear production and involves inflammation of the conjunctiva. In the common language, Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca means dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea. Other names for this disorder includes: xerophthmalia, dry eye syndrome, Sicca syndrome, keratitis Sicca. [read more]
A skin condition affecting the soles of the feet and, less commonly, the palm of the hands is called pitted keratolysis, which is caused by a bacterial infection of the skin and may give off an unpleasant odor. [read more]
Keratosis Pilaris is a common skin condition that is limited to hair follicles. It is characterized by the development of uneven lumps in the skin. Its appearance resembles the skin of the chicken; precisely the reason why many refer to it as ?chicken skin.? Presence of these bumps are usually predominant on the back, upper arms (outer side), and other body surfaces (except the soles of feet and palms). It is always mistaken to be acne when present in the face. Keratosis Pilaris is not a serious medical condition and has no capacity to bring about serious health conditions. [read more]
Seborrheic Keratosis is a benign skin growth that can occur during puberty but are more common in older people starting at the age of 40. Seborrheic Keratosis is often illustrated as to having a ?pasted-on? appearance because growth only involves the top layer of the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis). It is also described as a thickening condition of the skin that increases with age.` [read more]
Acute kidney failure is the sudden loss of the kidneys' ability to perform their main function ? eliminate excess fluid and electrolytes as well as waste material from the blood. When the kidneys lose their filtering ability, dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes and waste accumulate in the body. [read more]
King-Denborough Syndrome is the termed used for the combination of the particular characteristics of people with malignant hyperthermia. King-Denborough syndrome is a usually inherited reaction to exposure to general anesthesia and its component drug like volatile anesthetics. It is a rare life-threatening condition. Malignant hyperthermia is an autosomal dominant disorder that is usually inherited. It is genetically related to Central Core Disease (CCD), another autosomal dominant disorder that is remarkable by MH symptoms and neuromuscular disease that leads to muscle weakness. Exposure to drugs of this kind can lead to circulatory collapse and worse, death if left untreated. [read more]
Klinefelter's syndrome is a rare chromosomal genetic syndrome characterized by having XXY chromosomes instead of XX or XY chromosomes. Sufferers of this syndrome are usually males because of the presence of Y chromosomes. This syndrome is considered as the second most common extra chromosome condition. Usually called with other names as XXY or XXY syndrome, this condition was first described in 1942 by Dr. Edward Klinefelter, an endocrinologist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. [read more]
Klumpke's paralysis is paralysis of the brachial plexus. Brachial plexus is the arrangement of nerve fibres from above the fifth cervical (neck) vertebrae to the bottom of the first thoracic vertebrae extending through the neck, armpit and the arm. It is also described as paralysis of the forearm and muscles of the hand. Klumpke's paralysis is also known with other names as Klumpke's palsy or Dejerine-Klumpke palsy. The risk of developing this rare condition is greater if the mother is small and when the neonate is too large to pass the pubic symphysis of the mother. [read more]
Krause-van Schooneveld-Kivlin syndrome (also known as Peters-plus sundrome) is a hereditary syndrome that primarily affects the eyes, growth and development of the individual. It is also called Krause-Kivlin syndrome or Peters-plus syndrome. [read more]
Lactose intolerance, also called lactase deficiency, means you aren't able to fully digest the milk sugar (lactose) in dairy products. It is not usually dangerous, but symptoms of lactose intolerance can be uncomfortable enough to steer you clear of the dairy aisles. [read more]
Lamellar Ichthyosis is a rare inherited skin disorder. An infant born with this disorder is covered with a translucent membrane; after the membrane is cast off, it will reveal different sizes of red scaly skin patches. [read more]
Langer-Giedion syndrome is a very rare genetic disorder that occurs when a chrosomal material is deleted. This syndrome is also known as trichorhinophalangeal syndrome or LGCR (for Langer-Giedion Chromosome Region). This medical condition is named after the two doctors dig into research about this condition during the 1960s. [read more]
Laron-type dwarfism also known as Laron syndrome, is a autosomal recessive disorder; where the body has adequate amounts of growth hormones but is deficient with receptors needed to develop the growth hormones resulting to excessively short stature or dwarfism. Laron-type dwarfism is named after the Israeli researcher Zvi Laron, who reported the medical condition in 1966 after a longstanding observation that started in 1958. [read more]
Leiomyoma is a benign muscle neoplasm which may develop in any body organ but occurs mostly in the esophagus, small bowel and the uterus. [read more]
Leiomyosarcoma is a rare type of cancer in which a malignant neoplasm develops in the involuntary muscles. Leiomyosarcoma is commonly detected in gastrointestinal organs such as the small intestine, retroperitoneum and the stomach. [read more]
A type of color-containing (pigmented) lesion not caused by sun exposure, which looks like the freckle-like condition (lentigo) cause by sun exposure (solar lentigo) is called lentigo simplex. It can occur anywhere on the body, including areas that are not exposed to sunlight. Lentigo simplex can also occur as a single lesion even if multiple lentigos are associated with several inherited syndromes, where single lesions often develop on the lips or on the gums and may be caused by some forms of ultraviolet light therapy, therefore, the lesion may be seen as identical to those caused by exposure to sunlight. [read more]
Lice are tiny, wingless, parasitic insects that feed on the blood. Lice are easily spread ? particularly by schoolchildren ? through close personal contact and by sharing belongings. Head lice are those that develop on the scalp. They're easiest to see at the nape of the neck and over the ears. [read more]
Lichen nitidus is a very uncommon, noncancerous skin condition. It is made up of tiny, skin-colored bumps (papules) that often appear in clusters on the surface of the skin, especially on the arms and legs. The cause of lichen nitidus is not known. [read more]
Oral lichen planus is an inflammatory condition involving the lining of the mouth. It occurs most frequently on the inside of the cheeks, but can affect the gums, tongue, lips and other parts of the mouth. Sometimes, oral lichen planus involves the throat or the esophagus. [read more]
Lichen sclerosis is a skin disorder that can affect men, women, or children, but is most common in women. It typically occurs on the vulva (the outer genitalia or sex organ) in women, but sometimes develops on the head of the penis in men. Occasionally, lichen sclerosus ican be seen on other parts of the body, especially the upper body, breasts, and upper arms. [read more]
Lip cancer pertains to any type of carcinoma affecting the lip. Lip cancer is considered as a major form of oral cancer and is often characterized by visible ulcers that won't heal over time. [read more]
A lipoma is a slow-growing, fatty tumor situated between the skin and the underlying muscle layer. [read more]
Kidney stones (also called renal lithiasis) are small, hard deposits of mineral and acid salts on the inner surfaces of the kidneys. [read more]
Lumbago is a general term pertaining to persistent pain affecting the small of the back, or more specifically, the lumbar region. [read more]
In medicine (pulmonology), a pneumothorax, or collapsed lung, is a potential medical emergency caused by accumulation of air or gas in the pleural cavity, arising as a result of disease or injury, or spontaneously. [read more]
Systemic lupus erythematosus, simply called lupus, is an autoimmune disease that when untreated, can prove to be fatal. With lupus, as with autoimmune disorders in general, the patient's immune system attacks healthy cells and tissue, thus resulting in inflammation or damage of the tissues. Although it often targets the heart, joints, skin, blood vessels, lungs, liver, nervous system, and kidneys, lupus can actually affect any part of the human body. Lupus progresses unpredictably, with episodes of illness called flares that alternate with remission. [read more]
Lymphangiomas are a rare type of angioma or benign tumors that typically appear at birth or early in childhood. [read more]
Lymphogranuloma venereum (or LGV) is a sexually transmitted disease primarily affecting the lymphatics and caused by certain invasive strains of Chlamydia trachomatis. This disease is also known by many other names, including: climatic bubo, tropical bubo, strumous bubo, poradenitis inguinales, lymphopathia venerea, Durand-Nicolas-Favre disease, and lymphogranuloma inguinale. [read more]
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), which is an uncommon sexually transmitted disease and is characterized by its spreading though having unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex is caused by certain types of the bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. This disease causes swollen and painful lymph nodes, which can then break into large ulcers. As it develops, lymphogranuloma venereum goes through 3 distinct stages where the first 2 stages may be minor and you might not even be aware of any symptoms until you reach stage 3, called genitoanorectal syndrome. [read more]
Diffuse small cleaved cell lymphoma is a follicular center cell lymphoma without a follicular pattern. The malignancy of this type of lymphoma is of intermediate grade. [read more]
Follicular lymphoma of small-cleaved-cell is a type of lymphoma, which is immunologically homogeneous: Ig+ B1+ B2+ CALLA+ Ia+. [read more]
Lynch syndrome is a rare inherited condition that increases the risk of colon cancer and other cancers. [read more]
Macular hole is a medical condition affecting the center of the retina in which the vitreous gel inside the eye weakens and eventually separates from the retina, leading to macular traction and causing a hole to form. [read more]
Malabsorption is a condition characterized by impaired absorption of nutrients from the GI tract, affecting the small intestine's ability to adequately absorb nutrients that are essential for the normal functioning of the body. [read more]
17-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency-3 is a rare disorder of sexual development which affects the biosynthesis of testosterone which can produce male pseudohermaproditism (intersexuality) of genetically male infants and children .This autosomal recessive medical condition can bring about great effects in the primary and/or secondary sex attributes among male and female individuals. [read more]
Malouf syndrome is a very rare syndrome primarily characterized by a heart disease in addition to abnormal ovaries. This congenital disorder is also known as congestive cardiomyopathy-hypergonadotropic hypogonadism syndrome. Malouf syndrome is derived from the name of Jean Malouf, who is a famous sideshow performer during the 19th century; she was born in Montreal. [read more]
Mannosidosis (alpha-mannosidosis) is a rare inherited metabolic disorder characterized by a deficiency of the alpha mannosidosase. This occurrence results in the accumulation of certain chemicals in the body leading later on to mental and physical deterioration. The enzyme alpha-mannosidosase aids in the breakdown of complex sugars derived from glycoprotein in the organelles that contain digestive enzymes (lysosomes). [read more]
Map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy pertains to a condition characterized by an abnormal appearance of the eye cornea, usually with map-like patches or gray outlines resembling continents on a map. This condition is also known as epithelial basement membrane dystrophy. [read more]
Marfan syndrome is a connective tissue disorder affecting many structures like skeleton, lungs, eyes, blood vessels and heart since connective tissue is found in all parts of the body. It is an inheritable condition in an autosomal dominant genetic pattern. [read more]
Marshall-Smith syndrome is a rare genetic disorder involving specific facial features, remarkable accelerated skeletal maturation, failure to grow and thrive, and breathing problems that are severe in nature. [read more]
2Measles, which is also known as, Rubeola is a viral disease that has had a long history with medical accounts of it going as far back as 600 B.C. It was first clinically described in an Arabic book which significantly distinguished it from small pox. Measles is one of the great childhood killers, claiming the lives of more then 200 million children and adults in the last 150 years. The development of a vaccine has made the effectively checked the disease. [read more]
By definition Meckel syndrome is also known as Meckel-Gruber Syndrome, Gruber Syndrome, Dysencephalia Splanchnocystica and is an extremely rare and often lethal genetic disorder; it is so rare that estimates for rates of incidence is about .02 for every 10,000 births. The country of Finland has the most number of cases with the incidence as high as 1.1 per 10,000 births. [read more]
By definition, medullary cystic disease is also known as nephronophthisis and is a genetic disorder of the kidneys which typically affects children. [read more]
This is also known as Otospondylomegaepiphyseal dysplasia (OSMED) and is an autosomal recessive disorder that affects bone growth resulting in skeletal abnormalities and a host of other complications. severe hearing loss, and distinctive facial features. As the name suggests, the condition affects not only the skeletal structure, but also hearing. [read more]
Megacolon otherwise known as the Hirschsprung's disease, is a disease that usually hits the large intestine or the colon causing bowel movement problems. [read more]
First described by Henri Meige 1904, this syndrome is now more commonly called oral facial dystonia. [read more]
A non-cancerous (benign), dark spot found on the lips or inside the mouth is called oral melanotic macule. It also sometimes called a labial melanotic macule if found on the lip. [read more]
Meningiomas are actually the most common benign tumors of the brain although there is a small number which can also be malignant. They come from the arachnoidal cap cells of the meninges and represent about 15% of all primary brain tumors. [read more]
Mesenteric ischemia is a medical condition where inadequate blood supply inflames and injures the small intestine [read more]
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a bacterium responsible for difficult-to-treat infections in humans. It can also be referred to as multiple-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ORSA). The organism is usually sub-categorized as Community-Associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) or Hospital-Associated MRSA (HA-MRSA) depending upon the circumstances of acquiring disease, based on current data that these are distinct strains of the bacterial species. [read more]
Microcephaly is a neurological disorder which results in an individual with a much smaller head circumference for individual's age and sex compared with the average head sizes. [read more]
Microencephaly is a condition characterized by an individual's small head and neurological problems. [read more]
Microphthalmia means small eyes, which is a condition resulting from the absence of vitreous humor fluid causing the eyes' failure to enlarge. [read more]
Microtia an inborn deformity of the outer ear, which may be only on one side or both sides. When only one side is affected, the right ear is usually affected. [read more]
Microvillus inclusion disease, also known as Davidson's disease, is a genetically inherited disorder of the small intestine. [read more]
Milia is a skin condition usually seen in infants where there are presence of tiny white goose bumps across the infant's nose and chin. [read more]
Miliaria rubra, also known as heat rash or prickly heat is a rash of small red bumps caused by blockage of the sweat glands. It may be due to excessive sweating, high fever or being over-bundled, where it is seen in commonly humid or hot tropical climates, and it can sometimes cause itching, discomfort and stinging or ?prickly?-type pain. [read more]
Milliaria most commonly known as heat rush or prickly heat, is a condition usually affecting children and even adults leaving in tropical climates where the weather is hot or humid. It occurs when the sweat ducts are blocked and the perspiration is stucked in the skin causing rashes and redness of the affected skin, it may also be in a form of small blisters that is often very itchy. [read more]
Mitral atresia is a congenital defect wherein the mitral valve is closed prohibiting the flow of blood between the two heart chambers. [read more]
Moeschler Clarren syndrome is also known as a congenital disorder affecting the development of the lower half of the face, most commonly the ears, the mouth and the mandible. The disease can either occur on one side of the face or both and sever cases can lead to difficulties in breathing, blocking the trachea. The condition may then require a tracheotomy. After clefts, Moeschler Clarren syndrome is the second most common facial birth defect with an incidence of 1 in 3500 to 4500. [read more]
Moles otherwise known as Nevi, are clusters of pigmented cells that is usually small, and dark brown in color spots. It is usually not harmless but in some cases they are cancerous. [read more]
A viral infection of the skin or occasionally of the mucous membranes, Molluscum contagiosum or MC has no animal reservoir and just like smallpox, only infects humans. MC has four different types namely MCV, MCV-1 to -4. The most prevalent is MCV-1, while MCV-2 commonly occurs among adults and is often sexually transmitted. The genitals, lower abdomen, buttocks and inner thighs are often affected in sexually transmitted MCV-2. The lips, mouth and eyelids may also be affected in rare cases. [read more]
Monkeypox is a rare infectious disease caused by monkeypox virus. The disease is first identified in laboratory monkeys, giving it its name. The disease is more prevalent in Central and West Africa, but an outbreak occurred also in the United States in 2003. Monkeypox can be difficult to distinguish from mild smallpox and chickenpox. [read more]
Morning sickness also called nausea, vomiting of pregnancy (emesis gravidarum or NVP), or pregnancy sickness, affects between 50 and 95 percent of all pregnant women as well as some women who use hormonal contraception or hormone replacement therapy. The nausea could be mild or induce actual vomiting. [read more]
A harmless, fluid-containing (cyst-like) swelling of the mouth or lip lining (mucosa) due to mucus from the small salivary glands of the mouth leaking into the soft tissue, usually from injury (trauma) or blockage of the gland is called oral mucocele. [read more]
Muscle dysmorphia is a disorder in which a person becomes obsessed with the idea that he or she is not muscular enough. People who suffer from muscle dysmorphia tend to hold delusions that they are "skinny" or "too small" but are often above average in musculature. Referred to as bigorexia or reverse anorexia nervosa, it is a most specific type of body dysmorphic disorder. [read more]
Mycoplasmal pneumonia is a bacterial infection caused by a very small bacterium, in the class Mollicutes. Characteristically, these organisms are resistant to penicillin as well as in other beta-lactam antibiotics. The bacteria closely associated with this condition spread via transmission of respiratory droplets. When the bacteria get attached to the mucosa of a host organism, it will extract nutrients to grow. Its reproduction is by binary fission. The sites where it can commonly get attached include the upper and lower respiratory tract which results to bronchitis, pharyngitis and pneumonia. Atypical Pneumonia refers to the infection caused by this very small bacterium primarily due to its protracted course. Moreover, it is characterized by lack of sputum production and by multiple extra-pulmonary symptoms. Chronic mycoplasma infections had also been associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The severity of illnesses from mycoplasma is often defined as mild to moderate. [read more]
Myocarditis is a cardiology condition marked by an inflammation of the myocardium, the muscular part of the heart, due to either viral or bacterial infection. [read more]
Nephritis pertains to kidney inflammation, often as a result of toxins, infections, and auto-immune diseases. The term nephritis is derived from the Greek words ?nephro?, which means ?of the kidney?, and ?itis?, meaning ?inflammation?. [read more]
Nephrosclerosis is a medical condition referred to as hypertensive nephropathy, which is a medical condition indicating damage to the kidney because of chronic high blood pressure. Nephrosclerosis is characterized by hardening of the kidney's artery and arterioles. [read more]
Nevi otherwise known as the Moles, are clusters of pigmented cells that is usually small, and dark brown in color spots. It is usually not harmless but in some cases they are cancerous. [read more]
Nevus, or nevi in plural form, is the medical term for moles, which are basically clusters of pigmented cells that typically appear as small, dark brown spots on the skin's outer layer (epidermis). Nevi can be found in virtually any part of the body. [read more]
Nocturnal Enuresis also known as bedwetting is involuntary urination while asleep after the age at which bladder control would normally be anticipated. Primary Nocturnal Enuresis (PNE) is during a child has not yet stayed dry on a regular basis. Secondary Nocturnal Enuresis is when a child or adult starts wetting again after having stayed dry. [read more]
Noise Induced Deafness may be a full or partial reduction in the ability to determine and understand sounds. This condition is usually caused by a wide range of environmental factors. Sound waves have varying frequencies and amplitudes. A person who has lost his ability to detect some frequencies and some low-amplitude sounds which should normally be detected is a characteristic of this condition. Whenever humans are exposed to harmful noise and sounds that are too loud and last a long time, the sensitive structures found in the inner ear may be damaged thereby causing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) or Noise Induced Deafness. These sensitive structures which are also called hair cells, are small sensory cells found in the inner ear. They convert sound energy into electrical signals which travel towards the brain. Once the hair cells are damaged, they cannot grow back. [read more]
Non-ketotic Hyperglycinemia (NKH) more commonly known as Glycine encephalopathy is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder. Clinical presentation shows abnormally high level of Glycine which is a form of amino acid. This works as a neurotransmitter or chemical messenger in the brain. Primary cause of non-ketotic hyperglycinemia is insufficient amounts of the enzyme which normally metabolizes the amino acid, glycine, in the body. Shortage or lack of this enzyme allows abnormally high levels of glycine to accumulate in the organs and tissues. Particularly affected is the brain which leads to complicated medical problems. [read more]
The non-small cell lung cancers are taken as one group because their prognoses for recovery and treatments are basically the same. There are three main sub-types of non-small cell lung cancer namely adenocarcinoma, squamous cell lung carcinoma and large cell lung carcinoma. Squamous cell lung carcinoma accounts for 31.1% of the cases. This type of non-small cell lung carcinoma usually starts in close proximity to central bronchus. Development of cavities and necrotic tissues within the center of the cancer site is a major and common finding. Squamous cell lung cancers which are well-differentiated often develop and spread at a slower pace compared to other cancer types. Adenocarcinoma accounts for 29.4% of the cases. This type usually starts in peripheral lung tissue. Majority of the cases are related to smoking. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer among non-smokers. Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma is another subtype. Women who are non-smokers are more predisposed to this cancer form and responses to treatment vary. Large cell lung carcinoma accounts for 10.7% of lung cancers. This type grows rapidly and develops near the lung surface. It is poorly differentiated most of the time and has a tendency to metastasize during its early stages. [read more]
Nontropical Sprue otherwise known as the Celiac sprue, is a condition triggered by consumption of the protein gluten whereby the person's immune reaction occurs in the small intestine which results in the damage to the surface of the small intestine and to the inability to take nutrients found in food. Thus, it is an enteropathy which is usually a gluten-sensitive disease which nontropical sprue and gluten-sensitive enteropathy, celiac disease occurs in people who have a susceptibility to gluten intolerance [read more]
Nosebleeds pertain to bleeding coming from the nose commonly occurring in children between 2-10 years of age. Nosebleeds are also known medically as epistaxis. [read more]
Ocular histoplasmosis syndrome pertains to an eye disease that causes vision loss due to the spread of fungal spores from the lungs to the eye, where they tend to lodge in a layer of blood vessels known as the choroids, which primarily supplies blood and nutrients to the retina. There, these spores cause the growth of fragile, abnormal blood vessels under the retina, consequently forming a lesion called choroidal neovascularization (CNV). [read more]
Oculo dento digital dysplasia is a rare genetic condition resulting in individuals with small eyes, underdeveloped teeth. They also have abnormal fourth and fifth fingers. The condition is also referred to as oculo-dento-digital syndrome, oculodentodigital dysplasia, and oculodentoosseous dysplasia. [read more]
Oculodentodigital syndrome is a rare genetic condition resulting in individuals with small eyes, underdeveloped teeth. They also have abnormal fourth and fifth fingers. The condition is also referred to as oculo-dento-digital syndrome, oculodentodigital dysplasia, and oculodentoosseous dysplasia. [read more]
Oligohydramnios is a condition characterized by a deficiency in the amount of amniotic fluid present in the gestational sac during pregnancy. [read more]
Onychogryphosis is a nail deformation characterized by the thickening of a toenail at the point where the nail curves, giving it a somewhat claw-like appearance. Onychogryphosis typically affects the big toe nail. [read more]
The Opitz syndrome is a problematic developmental condition that involves various parts of the body. It is mainly characterized by bizarre facial features, abnormally small size of the head, learning disabilities and behavioral problems. [read more]
Optic disc drusen is a condition in which globules of mucoproteins and mucopolysaccharides progressively harden in the optic disc. This condition is associated with vision loss of varying degree. [read more]
Oral cancer is any cancerous tissue growth located in the mouth. It could arise as a primary lesion originating in any of the oral tissues, by metastasis from a distant site of origin, or by extension from a neighboring anatomic structure, such as the nasal cavity or the maxillary sinus. [read more]
Osteoporosis is a bone condition that is characterized by the gradual loss of the normal bone density that will result to the fragility of the bone. Osteoporosis may often lead to abnormality of the porous bone. [read more]
Pallister Killian mosaic syndrome is a very rare disease that affects humans. It consists of the development of the isochromosome 12p, which has two abnormally small legs. [read more]
Pallister-Hall syndrome is medical disorder that primarily affects the natural development of several parts of the body. Most people suffering this condition may have extra fingers on the toes and fingers as well as skin between the hands and feet. Other patients may suffer severe malformations. [read more]
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of pancreas. The pancreas is a big gland behind the stomach and just close to the duodenum. [read more]
Paragangliomas are characterized as glomus tumors that are said to be derived from paraganglion tissue or the carotid body. These tumors are typically benign and usually grow in the mastoid and middle ear. [read more]
Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration is a disease that is primarily characterized by the rapid development of what is known as severe pancerebellar dysfunction. PCD is typically associated with some gynecologic tumors, lung and breast cancer, particularly those with small cell lung carcinoma as well as Hodgkin's lymphoma. [read more]
Partial lung collapse is described as a condition where in the lung, partially or entirely is malformed or without air. Alveoli are deflated which is different from pulmonary consolidation. [read more]
Pelvic lipomatosis is a rare disease which often occurs to older black men who are obese and with hypertension. In pelvic lipomatosis, dense deposits of normal fat in abnormal amount may be seen in spaces in the pelvic area. Pelvic lipomatosis is often benign overgrowth of some adipose tissue with small fibrotic components as well as inflammatory. Pelvic lipomatosis is commonly found incidentally when doing a routine check up. [read more]
Penis cancer is a disease where malignant cells are found to originate from the penile tissues. It is also known as Penile Cancer. [read more]
Peptic Ulcer, also known as peptic ulcer disease or PUD, are sores that develop on the stomach lining, esophagus, the upper small intestine and other areas of the gastrointestinal tract, making it extremely painful for the patient. [read more]
Phenylketonuria or PKU is a birth defect; more specifically, a mutation of the gene causing to produce the enzyme needed to break down the amino acid phenylalanine. People with this disease are generally advised to limit food with high-protein like cheese, meats and nuts. [read more]
Coined after the Latin name of magpie, a bird with an indiscriminating and voracious appetite, the medical disorder pica is characterized by an individual's appetite for non-nutritive substances (such as coal, feces, chalk, paper and soil) including raw food or ingredients (like flour, starch and raw potato). An individual affected with the disorder exhibits the behavior for over a month, at the stage where eating these kinds of objects is not developmentally appropriate. Pica is observed among pregnant women, small children, especially those who are developmentally disabled. [read more]
Named after the first doctor to describe it, Pick's disease is an incurable and unique fronto-temporal neurodegenerative disease that causes about 0.4-2 percent of dementia. Symptoms usually appear in people 40 to 60 years slowly leading to declining mental abilities. It gradually destroys the brain cells and damages their function, disturbing cognitive processes such as problem solving, memory and reasoning. One's ability to use as well as understand spoken, written and signed language is also affected. [read more]
Pierre Robin syndrome is a congenital malformation of the facial attributes. It is not triggered by a genetic defect; rather, the disease is a chain of malformations that develop one after the other. [read more]
The disorder pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) results when the lining of our joints become swollen. Commonly affecting the hip and knee, the lining produces extra fluid that induces swelling and makes motion very painful. PVNS may be localized or diffused. Diffused PVNS usually affects larger joints like the knees, while the localized type damages smaller joints like hands or feet. [read more]
Pilonidal cysts, or sacroccygeal fistula, is the general term used for skin infections that occur near our tailbone. The infection commonly begins when ingrown hairs press into skin folds, irritating and inflaming skin and resulting to discomfort. The harm however lies when pus fills the infected area, causing pilonidal abscess. Pilonidal cysts are more likely to affect men than women, especially those in their early adulthood. It can also be observed in the navel and armpits. [read more]
Pityriasis Lichenoides et Varioliformis Acuta (PLEVA) is an immune system disease characterized by skin rashes and small lesions. [read more]
Pityriasis rosea is a common human skin disease which presents as numerous patches of pink or red oval rash, mainly on the torso. Although the cause remains unknown, it is most likely a virus. Antibiotics like Erythromycin have been found to be completely ineffective. The condition appears to be completely non-contagious. [read more]
Pityriasis versicolor, also called tinea versicolor, is a common fungal infection which affects the skin surface, and manifests as small, scaly, discolored patches on the skin. [read more]
Plantar fasciitis formerly called "policeman's heel" in the United Kingdom, is a painful inflammatory condition caused by excessive wear to the plantar fascia of the foot or biomechanical faults that cause abnormal pronation of the foot. [read more]
Plantar warts are benign skin growths on the feet soles caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters the body through tiny cuts and breaks in your skin. [read more]
Poison ivy rash is a skin irritation, caused by contact with a substance called urushiol, which comes from poison ivy or other toxic plants, that may result in a red, itchy rash, consisting of small bumps, blisters or swelling. [read more]
Stomach polyps are growths appearing in the stomach. The most common types of which are: fundic gland stomach polyps, which are found in the top portion of the stomach; hyperplastic stomach polyps; and adenomas, which arise from the stomach's glandular tissue. [read more]
Uterine polyps are growths appearing on the inner wall of the uterus, and protruding into the uterine cavity, caused by overgrowth of cells. [read more]
Pompholyx, otherwise known as dyshidrosis and dyshidrotic eczema, is a skin condition in which small, vesicles or fluid-filled blisters occur on the palms, or the soles, or both. [read more]
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder characterized by hyperphagia, food preoccupation, learning difficulties and having a small stature. It is a very rare disorder that happens in only in 1 in 12,000 or 15,000 live births. It was discovered by Andrea Prader, Heinrich Willi, Alexis Labhart, Andrew Ziegler, and Guido Fanconi of Switzerland in 1956. [read more]
Primary alveolar hypoventilation or primary alveolar hypoventilation syndrome is a respiratory disorder marked by difficulty in breathing and may tend to get worse when sleeping due to impairment in the transfer of oxygen from the lungs to the blood. The condition results to short periods of breathing cessation during nightly episodes of apnea and often occurs in people suffering from obesity hypoventilation syndrome. [read more]
Primordial microcephalic dwarfism Crachami type is a type of primordial microcephalic dwarfism, which is a rare syndrome characterized mainly by dwarfism. Physical features include extremely small head (microcephaly), large eyes, narrow face, and malformed ears. [read more]
Proctitis is a medical condition characterized by inflamed lining if the rectum. [read more]
Prostate cancer, familial refers to the clustering of prostate cancer within families. Patients are classified as suffering form prostate cancer, familial if they have at least one first-degree relative with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is malignancy (cancer) of the seminal fluid producing gland in males. [read more]
Protein S deficiency is an inherited condition caused by lack of Protein S in the blood plasma. Individuals with Protein S deficiency have an increased tendency to form blood clots. [read more]
Psychogenic polydypsia is a kind of psychological disorder characterized by abusive water consumption. Because of this the patient's antiduretic hormones are reduced and urine will have low electrolyte concentration. [read more]
Pterygium of the conjunctiva refers to a small growth in they eye due to the ultraviolet-light exposure. It can also develop in the nasal area when the sun's ray refract when they hit the cornea and become focused on the limbic area. [read more]
Pubic lice, also known as crabs, are small wingless insects that thrive in the pubic region of one's body. They may also live in the armpits, eyelashes, clothing and bedding. Like other parasites, pubic lice feed on sucking blood and lay eggs on the base of the hair follicles. [read more]
Pyloric stenosis is a serious condition of forceful spitting or vomitting due to the enlargement of pylorus preventing food from entering the small intestine. [read more]
Pyrosis is the medical term used to describe heartburn. It is a burning sensation felt in the upper part of the abdomen. It can be brought about by rapid stomach functions as well as cardio-vascular abnormalities. [read more]
Quinsy is also known as peritonsillar abscess or PTA. This is a pustule between the wall of the throat and the back of the tonsils. [read more]
Rabies is a viral zoonotic neuro-invasive infection that often causes an inflammation of the brain (a condition known as acute encephalitis). Rabies is from the Latin word ?rabies? meaning ?rage, fury, or madness?. Rabies can be fatal when affecting non-vaccinated humans, especially after neurological symptoms have occurred. However, the effects can be curbed if the patient is promptly vaccinated shortly after exposure to the virus. When the disease becomes symptomatic, however, it becomes invariably fatal. [read more]
Radiation sickness the damage to the body due to exposure to a very large dose of radiation usually received over a short period of time. The condition is also referred to as acute radiation sickness, acute radiation syndrome, or radiation poisoning. [read more]
Rapadilino syndrome is a rare genetic disorder, inherited via autosomal recessive trait, characterized by short stature, radial and patellar aplasia, cleft or arched palate, limb malformation, radial ray defects, and dislocated joints. [read more]
It is also referred to as the Dumping syndrome. This condition is a collection of symptoms which is most likely to happen if an individual had undergone a surgery to remove most if not all of the part of the stomach or a bypass surgery. The condition occurs when the contents of the stomach that has not been digested are dumped in the small intestine too quickly. [read more]
Reactive arthritis (acronym: ReA) is a type of seronegative spondyloarthropathy and an autoimmune disorder that results from an infection in another part of the body. It is called ?reactive? because it is caused by another infection; and ?arthritis? because it presents with symptoms very similar to a range of conditions collectively called ?arthritis?. Other names for this condition include venereal arthritis, arthritis urethritica, and polyarteritis enterica. [read more]
Reactive hypoglycemia is characterized by recurrent episodes of symptomatic hypoglycemia that occur within 2-4 hours after ingesting a high carbohydrate meal. The condition is believed to be a consequence of excessive insulin release triggered by glucose overload that persist even after the glucose from the meal has been digested or disposed by the body. Literally, hypoglycemia is low blood sugar. Most forms of hypoglycemia occur while fasting. However, reactive hypoglycemia is one that occurs right after eating a meal. [read more]
Rectal inflammation is a condition in which the lining of the rectum is inflamed. It is also referred to as proctitis. [read more]
Red eye also called subconjunctival hemorrhage, is a harmless condition in which the white of the eye appears red due to a broken tiny blood vessel. [read more]
Renal Calculi, more commonly known as kidney stones, refer to crystal aggregations or solid secretions of dissolved minerals in urine. Stones or calculi often form inside the kidneys or bladder. The presence of calculi in kidneys is known as nephrolithiasis; whereas the presence of calculi in the urinary tract is known as urolithiasis. [read more]
Renal dysplasia mesomelia radiohumeral fusion, also called Ulbright Hodes, is an extremely rare syndrome characterized by abnormalities in kidney development and various defects in the arm bone. [read more]
Respiratory acidosis is the abnormal increase of acidity in the blood as a consequence of decreased ventilation of the pulmonary alveoli, which leads to an increase in carbon dioxide concentration (PaCO2). Respiratory acidosis can be either acute or chronic. [read more]
Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder mostly affecting females. This disease is categorized as a pervasive development disorder by the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). [read more]
Revesz Debuse syndrome is an extremely rare condition characterized mostly by anemia, retinal disease, and anomalies in the central nervous system. [read more]
Reye's syndrome is a disease commonly occurring in children characterized by a range of several detrimental effects to many organs in the body, particularly the liver and the brain. If undiagnosed and untreated early, it can be potentially fatal. [read more]
Rheumatic fever pertains to an inflammatory disease which develops as a consequence of complications from a Group A streptococcal infection (e.g. scarlet fever and strep throat, etc.). Rheumatic fever commonly affects children 6 to 15 years old. [read more]
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, potentially disabling autoimmune disease wherein the immune system attacks the joints, causing an inflammation in the joints (i.e. arthritis) as well as in other parts of the body (commonly in the lungs and the skin). [read more]
Rhinophyma is a medical condition identified by an overgrowth of the sebaceous glands of the nose. It is part of a skin disorder called rosacea. In women, sensitive capillaries result in flushing and dilated small red veins made visible on the surface of the skin. [read more]
Rib-gap syndrome, also known as cerebrocostomandibular syndrome, is a rare autosomal recessive disorder that features an abnormally small jaw, deformed upper jaw, a refracted tongue, and rib dysplasia. These deformities usually lead to respiratory problems as well as moderate to severe mental retardation. [read more]
Robinow syndrome is a very rare genetic disorder defined by vertebral segmentation, short-limbed-dwarfism, as well as distinct abnormalities in the face, head, and external genitalia. Robinow syndrome has two known forms, dominant and recessive. The dominant form is most common and present with moderate manifestations of known symptoms. Recessive Robinow, on the other hand, presents with more distinct skeletal abnormalities. Robinow syndrome is also alternatively called Robinow dwarfism, Robinow-Silverman-Smith syndrome, fetal face syndrome, fetal facies syndrome, mesomelic dwarfism-small genitalia syndrome, or acral dysostosis with facial and genital abnormalities. [read more]
Rodent ulcer is a type of cancer of the skin accounting for about 75% of all skin cancers. This is a slow-growing skin tumor in the basal skin cells. The cancer cells that cause ulcers gradually enlarge gnawing at the normal cells, thus the name rodent ulcer. [read more]
This condition is very common but oftentimes misunderstood which commonly affects women. The condition starts as erythema (redness or flushing) on the center of the face and across the cheeks, nose or forehead. This condition is sometimes confused and co-exist with acne vulgaris and/or seborrheic dermatitis. [read more]
Rotavirus is an infection of a member of the Reoviridae family, it is a genus of double-stranded RNA virus. Ratovirus has 7 species simply named, A, B, C, D, E, F and G, the most common being Ratovirus A. This virus causes severe diarrhea among infants and toddlers. [read more]
Congenital rubella syndrome (or CRS) can affect a developing fetus of a pregnant woman who has been infected by rubella during the first trimester of her pregnancy. If the mother is infected 0-28 days before conception, there is a 43% risk of the fetus being affected. If infection occurs 0-12 days after conception, chances of CRS affecting the infant are 51%. If the infection occurs 13-26 weeks after conception, the chances of CRS affecting the fetus are 23%. However, if the infection occurs in the last trimester, specifically in the 26th to 20th week after conception, the infants are not generally affected. [read more]
Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, also called Broad Thumb-Hallux syndrome, is a condition characterized by moderate to severe mental retardation, short stature, broad thumbs and first toes, distinctive facial features, and short stature. A distinction can be made between Rubinstein-Taybi like syndrome and Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome; the latter has gene promoter involvement. [read more]
Ruptured spleen causes a life-threatening bleeding. [read more]
Sabinas brittle hair syndrome is a hereditary disease, autosomal recessive in pattern, affecting the integumentary system (the organ system that primarily protects the body from damage - including skin, nails, hair, sweat glands, etc.). Also alternatively known as Sabinas syndrome or brittle hair-mental deficit syndrome, this disease is named after a small community in northern Mexico (Sabinas) where it was first observed. Classic presentations of Sabinas brittle hair syndrome include brittle hair, nail dysplasia, and mild mental retardation. In addition, affected patients show increased copper/zinc ratio, reduced hair cystine levels, and presence of arginosuccinic acid in the urine and blood. [read more]
Saethre-Chotzen syndrome is an extremely rare congenital condition inherited via the autosomal dominant trait. The most characteristic feature of this disease is caraniosynostosis, a symptom described as premature closure of 1 or more of the sutures between the bones of the skull, occurs. [read more]
Sarcoidosis, also known as Besnier-Boeck disease, pertains to a disorder of the immune system characterized by non-caseating garnulomas that mostly affects young adults. The term is from the Greek words ?sark? and ?oid?, meaning ?flesh-like?. [read more]
Pulmonary sarcoidosis is a chronic form of sarcoidosis, a rare systemic disorder characterized by inflammation of the lungs. Approximately 90% of documented sarcoidosis cases occur in the lungs (i.e. pulmonary sarcoidosis); however, the disease can affect almost any organ in the body. [read more]
Granulocytic sarcoma is a form of chloroma, characterized by the appearance of a solid tumor consisting of myeloblasts (i.e. or white blood cells that are described as immature and malignant). It is also alternatively known as granulocytic sarcoma or (more appropriately) extramedullary myeloid tumor. Basically, a chloroma is a solid collection of leukemic cells found outside the bone marrow; in particular, it is an extramedullary symptom of acute myeloid leukemia. [read more]
Scabies is a contagious ectoparasite infection of the skin characterized by intense itching, superficial burrows, and secondary infections. The term comes from the Latin word ?scabere? which literally means ?scratch?. [read more]
Scabies is an infectious skin disease that is caused by small itch mites that thrive on the skin's epidermis. The waste products of these mites often cause irritation. This is a common parasitic disease among children especially with those living in poor sanitary environments. [read more]
SCAD deficiency (short-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency) pertains to a defect in the oxidation of fatty acids in the body. This disorder affects enzymes that are necessary in breaking down a group of fats known as short-chain fatty acids. [read more]
SCARF syndrome is a very rare disorder characterized by skeletal defects, cutis laxa, ambiguous genitalia, craniostenosis, mental retardation, and facial abnormalities. SCARF syndrome shares some clinical features of Lenz-Majewski hyperostotic dwarfism syndrome. [read more]
Schamberg's disease pertains to a chronic skin discoloration affecting people of all ages but mostly occurring in males. It usually affects the legs, gradually spreading throughout the body. Schamberg's disease is also alternatively called progressive pigmented purpuric dermatitis. [read more]
Sebaceous cysts or epidermoid cysts are small painless bumps that slowy grow beneath the skin on the face, neck, trunk, and sometimes in the genital area. [read more]
Seckel syndrome is a rare medical condition marked by fetal and postnatal growth retardation, mental retardation and characteristic or distinguishing facial features. [read more]
Septo-optic dysplasia is a rare disorder marked by abnormal development of the optic disk, pituitary insufficiencies, and most of the time absence of the septum pellucidum. The septum pellucidum is the part of the brain that separates the anterior horns or the lateral ventricles of the brain. [read more]
This syndrome is a type of child abuse that is thought to rise when the abuser brutally shakes an infant or a small child that creates a whiplash kind of motion that results to the acceleration-decelaration injuries. The distinctive lack of external evidence of trauma is a remarkable feature of SBS. [read more]
Shingles is the common name for Herpes Zoster. It is an infectious viral disease characterized by a painful skin rash positioned in a limited area on one side of the body. [read more]
Short bowel syndrome is a malabsorption disorder which is caused by the surgical removal of the small intestine, which is the absorptive region of the gastrointestinal tract. This disorder is also known as short gut syndrome or short gut. Most cases of Short bowel syndrome are acquired; rare cases include children born with congenital short bowel. [read more]
Short rib-polydactyly syndrome is a description for a group of bone growth disorders referred to as skeletal dysplasias, which is commonly known as dwarfism. Any form of short rib-polydactyly syndrome is fatal for newborns because of severe underdevelopment of the lungs causing inability to breathe. There are four closely related dysplasias in Short rib-polydactyly syndrome namely: I-?Saldino-Noonan Type? II- ?Majewski Type? III- ?Verma-Naumoff Type? IV- ?Beemeer-Langer Type? [read more]
Short stature or dwarfism caused by a medical condition resulting in an adult height ranging from 2 feet 8 inches to 4 feet 8 inches. [read more]
Shprintzen Syndrome goes by different names like velocardio-facial syndrome, DiGeorge syndrome, and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. This medical condition is a rare inherited syndrome of cardiac deficiencies and craniofacial abnormalities. [read more]
Silver-Russell dwarfism is another type of less common dwarfism. It is also known as Silver ? Russell Syndrome and Russell ? Silver syndrome. [read more]
Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome is a rare genetic congenital disorder marked by accelerated growth and other abnormalities. The syndrome is also known as Sara Agers Syndrome and Bulldog Syndrome. The syndrome somehow resembles another overgrowth syndrome referred as Beckwith- Wiedemann syndrome; another syndrome concerned with insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2). [read more]
Singultus or hiccups sound like a person is catching his or her breath while sobbing [read more]
Sino-auricular heart block is a rare heart condition due to an abnormality in the electrical system of the heart rather than an arterial disease, which is regarded as a disease of the blood vessels of the heart. [read more]
Skin cancer builds up in the epidermis so the tumor is usually evident which makes cancer detectable in early stage. There are types of skin cancer which are named after the kind of skin cell that is affected. Types: - Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) - Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) - Malignant Melanoma [read more]
Skin cancer is a type of cancer characterized by abnormal growth of skin cells commonly affecting areas of the skin that are exposed to sunlight, including the lips, face, scalp, neck, ears, chest, arms and hands, and on the legs in women. However, skin cancer may also occur in skin areas that are rarely exposed to the sun, such as the palms of hands, genital area, and spaces between toes. [read more]
Skin tags, also known as acorchordons, are small benign growths that arise on the creased areas of the skin, such as the face, neck and armpits. These can be removed by surgery. [read more]
This is a disorder that is distinguished by pauses in breathing during sleep. Episodes known as apneas lasts long enough that one or more breathes is missed which occur frequently during sleep. Episodes happen between a minimum of 10 minutes interval. [read more]
Small cell lung cancer is a type of lung cancer which is characterized by malignancy of the lungs originating from small cells. It is also known as small cell carcinoma and oat cell cancer. Small cell lung cancer is very different from other kinds of lung cancer, wherein metastases are already present upon discovery. It is called small cell lung cancer because the cancer cells are mostly small and filled with the nucleus. [read more]
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is an illness in which the bacteria found in the small intestine have grown to abnormally large proportions, which can cause infections and obstruction of the intestinal lining. [read more]
Small Intestine Cancer is the cancer that grows in the intestine between the stomach and the colon which is responsible for digesting and absorbing nutrients. It includes adenocarcinoma, lymphoma, sarcoma and the carcinoids. [read more]
Smallpox is a very serious and infectious disease that is brought about by the variola virus. The name was derived from the pus-filled blisters that form and appear during the duration of the illness. Smallpox is contagious; it spreads through tiny drops of saliva when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks usually during close face-to-face contact. [read more]
Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome is a rare developmental abnormality that affects the various parts of the human body. In this condition, persons exhibit unusual facial features, a small head size, learning disabilities as well as behavioral problems. Children with the disorder also suffer from autism, problems with the lungs, liver and gastrointestinal tract, and have poor interactive abilities. They also display fused toes or have extra fingers or toes. [read more]
Sneddon syndrome is a rare inherited disease, which involves blood vessel disorders manifesting in changes in the skin and neurological symptoms. [read more]
A spider angioma is a group of small blood vessels seen at the surface of the skin. The pattern of the blood vessels will sometimes resemble the threads like that of a spider's web. This condition is usually common to young children and to pregnant women. People suffering from liver diseases are likely to have spider angiomas. [read more]
Sporotrichosis is a fungal disease affecting the skin but there are rare forms wherein the lungs, joints, bones and even the brain are affected. It is also referred to as rose-thorns or rose-gardener's disease because of the incidence that rose can spread the disease. SYMPTOMS Sporotrichosis progresses slowly and initial symptoms may present one to twelve weeks, usually at the average of three weeks after first fungal exposure. Symptoms may include the following ? Appearance of small painless skin bump, which may appear in the finger, hand or arm ? Boil-like lesions ? Firm skin nodules which can be ulcerative or suppurative ? Open sores ? Skin ulcerations located along lymph nodes [read more]
Sprengel deformity is a rare birth disorder wherein the shoulder blade is small and positioned high on the shoulders, which can affect arm movement. In some cases, the presence of a bony connection between the high positioned scapula and one cervical vertebra is observed known as omovertebral bone. The deformity is caused by descent failure of the shoulder blade during embryonic development. [read more]
Stagnant loop syndrome results when a portion of the small intestine has been cut off from the normal flow of food and digestive juices. It is sometimes called blind loop syndrome or stasis syndrome. [read more]
This infection is caused by staphylococcus. Staphylococcus is a type of Gram-positive bacteria. These bacteria are comprised of thirty-one species. It resides usually in the mucous membranes and skin of humans and other organisms and is usually harmless. If it resides deep in the body staph infection can be deadly. [read more]
Staph infections are skin infections caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. [read more]
Stasis syndrome results when a portion of the small intestine has been cut off from the normal flow of food and digestive juices. It is sometimes called blind loop syndrome or stagnant loop syndrome. [read more]
Stickler syndrome, type I also known as David-Stickler syndrome and Stickler-Wagner syndrome is a group of rare genetically inherited disorders, which affect connective tissue particularly collagen. Distinctive facial features, aye anomalies, loss of hearing, and joint problems are the main traits of Stickler syndrome. [read more]
Stomach cancer can arise in any part of the stomach and may spread throughout the stomach and to other organs; particularly the esophagus and the small intestine. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [read more]
A subdural hematoma is the result of a head injury. Intracranial hematoma occurs after a blood vessel ruptures in the brain or between the skull and brain producing blood that compresses the brain tissue. [read more]
A subdural hematoma is the result of a head injury. Intracranial hematoma occurs after a blood vessel ruptures in the brain or between the skull and brain producing blood that compresses the brain tissue. [read more]
Sucrose intolerance, also known as Congenital Sucrase-Isomaltase Deficiency (CSID) or Sucrase-isomaltase deficiency, is the condition in which sucrase, an enzyme needed for proper metabolization of sucrose, is not produced in the small intestine. The result of consuming sucrose is excess gas production and typically diarrhea and malabsorption. [read more]
Sun stroke is a condition where the body responds to extreme heat through high body temperature and abnormal sweat functions. This is usually caused by prolonged exposure under the sun. [read more]
Sunburn is a condition in which the skin becomes red, painful skin that feels hot to the touch resulting from intense sun exposure. [read more]
Suriphobia (also called musophobia) is a fear of mice or other small rodents, from the French "souris" meaning mouse and the Greek "phobia" meaning fear. It is a specific phobia, unlike social phobias or agoraphobia, and like all phobias, the fear must be intense, irrational and persistent to be considered a true clinical phobia. [read more]
Susac's syndrome (Retinocochleocerebral Vasculopathy) is a microangiopathy marked by encephalopathy, branch retinal artery occlusions and hearing loss. [read more]
Sweaty sock syndrome or medically termed as juvenile plantar dermatosis is a condition of the skin. In this condition, the skin on the soles becomes scaly and red which usually affects children and young teenagers. [read more]
Sweet's syndrome is a skin disorder marked by fever and painful skin lesions. [read more]
Syphilis is a bacterial infection typically transmitted by sexual contact. The disease affects the genitals, skin and mucous membranes, but it may also involve many other parts of the body, including the brain and the heart. [read more]
Syringomas are harmless adnexal tumors derived from the intraepidermal portion of eccrine sweat ducts. Generally, they present as soft, flesh-colored to slightly yellow dermal papules on the lower eyelids of healthy individuals. [read more]
Scleroderma is a chronic disease marked by excessive deposits of collagen in the skin or other organs. The localized type of the disease, while disabling, does not tend to be fatal. The systemic type or systemic sclerosis, the generalized type of the disease, can be fatal as a result of heart, lung, kidney, or intestinal damage autoimmune disease. [read more]
Systemic mastocytosis, often called systemic mast cell disease (SMCD), is marked by mast cell infiltration of extracutaneous organs, which is in contrast to cutaneous mast cell disorders, which involve only the skin. [read more]
Takayasu arteritis (TA) is classically defined as a chronic, progressive, occlusive, inflammatory disease of the aorta and its branches. The pulmonary arteries may also be concerned. Takayasu arteritis is a systemic disease that can have isolated, atypical, and catastrophic manifestations. [read more]
Telangiectasia are small dilated blood vessels near the surface of the skin; typically, they measure only a few millimeters. They can develop anywhere on the body but are frequently found on the face around the nose, cheeks, and chin. [read more]
In medicine, hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), also called Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder that leads to vascular malformations. [read more]
Terminal ileitis, or enteritis, is a chronic inflammation of the small intestine. It is characterized by swelling and perforated small intestines due to ruptures and acidic reactions. [read more]
Tetraploidy is a very rare chromosomal disorder which leads to various abnormalities. Infants are often stillborn or die within months of birth [read more]
Thalassemia, also called as Mediterranean Anemia, Cooley's Anemia or Homozygous Beta Thalassemia, is a group of inherited disorders in which there is a fault in the production of hemoglobin (oxygen-carrying pigment found in red blood cells). [read more]
Thalassemia major is an inherited form of hemolytic anemia, marked by red blood cell (hemoglobin) production abnormalities. This is the most extreme form of anemia, and the oxygen depletion in the body becomes apparent within the first 6 months of life. If left untreated, death generally results within a few years. [read more]
Thalassemia minor is an inherited form of hemolytic anemia that is less extreme than thalassemia major. These small red blood cells (RBCs) carry less oxygen than normal RBCs. [read more]
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is made up of a group of distinct disorders that affect the nerves in the brachial plexus (nerves that pass into the arms from the neck) and the subclavian artery and vein blood vessels between the base of the neck and axilla (armpit). [read more]
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a bleeding condition in which the blood doesn't clot as it is supposed to. This is because of a low number of blood cells called platelets. [read more]
Thymus cancer is a type of cancer that usually affects the small organ in the upper chest just below the breast bone known as the thymus. [read more]
Thyroid cancer refers to one of four kinds of malignant tumors of the thyroid gland: papillary, follicular, medullary and anaplastic. [read more]
Usually caused by ticks where in it's the general name for small arachnids in the Ixodoidea superfamily together with other mites that comprises the Acarina. [read more]
Tinea versicolor is a common fungal skin infection resulting in abnormal skin pigmentation. The condition is also known as pityriasis versicolor. [read more]
Also known as Franceschetti-Zwahlen-Kleain syndrome or mandibulo facial dysostosis, Treacher Collins syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by craniofacial deformities. Found in 10,000 births, the disease's typical features include downward slanting eyes, a small lower jaw, and malformed or absent ears. [read more]
Trichothiodystrophy is a characterization of the recessive hereditary disease Tay syndrome. Trichothiodystrophy means sulfur-deficient brittle hair with photosensitivity, ichthyosiform erythroderma (fish-like scales on skin), dystrophic or abnormal finger and toe nails, progeria-like faces or prematurely aged looking face, growth and mental retardation, infertility, and variable other defects. [read more]
Also known as Tic Douloureux or prosopalgia, Trigeminal neuralgia is a neuropathic disorder of the trigeminal nerve that causes episodes of intense pain in the eyes, lips, nose, scalp, forehead, and jaw. The disease usually develops after the age of 40 but there have been cases where patients are as young as 3 years old. [read more]
Trisomy 21 syndrome is a form of down syndrome, which is caused by the abnormal cell division involving the 21st chromosome during the development of the sperm cell or the egg cell. [read more]
Commonly found in the tropical regions, Tropical sprue is a malabsorption disease marked with abnormal flattening of the villi and inflammation of the lining of the small intestine. [read more]
Tuberous sclerosis is also known as tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). It is a rare, multi-system genetic disease that causes benign tumors to grow in the brain and on other vital organs such as the kidneys, heart, eyes, lungs, and skin. The disease also has a predilection to tumor and the names are named after a characteristic abnormal growth in the brain, which takes the shape of a tuber root. [read more]
Tularemia (deliberate release) is a serious infection caused by Francisella tularensis (F. tularensis) bacterium, a tiny gram-negative non-motile coccobacillus. Deer-fly fever, Francis disease, rabbit fever, and Ohara fever are other names for Tularemia (deliberate release). [read more]
Also known as Feto-Fetal Transfusion Syndrome, Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome is a complication with high morbidity and mortality that can affect identical twins or higher multiple pregnancies where two or more fetuses share a common placenta. Severe cases have a 60-100% mortality rate. [read more]
A genetic metabolic disorder, Galactosemia affects an individual's ability to properly metabolize the sugar galactose. In 1917, Goppert first described the disease, citing a defect in galactose metabolism that was identified by a groups led by Herman Kalckar in 1956. The disease's incidence is about 1 per 47,000 births (classic type) and is much rarer in Japan and much more common in Italy, particularly the traveler region. The disease is also very common within the Irish Traveler population. This is credited to consanguinity within a relatively small gene pool. [read more]
Duodenal ulcer is a type of peptic ulcer that develops in the first part of the small intestine. [read more]
Urachal Cancer is a rare form of bladder cancer that can occur at any site along the urachal tract. First described in 1863 by Hue and Jaequin, the most common locations of the cancer are the umbilicus and the dome of the bladder. The urachus develops inside the womb and after birth, it is no longer needed and normally closes off. Though sometimes there are still traces of it from the bladder to the umbilicus, there is often a small bit left at the bladder end. [read more]
Also simply known as Urban syndrome, Urban Rogers Meyer syndrome is an extremely rare congenital disease has only been reported in two cases. The first to describe the disease was Urban et al. in 1979. [read more]
Kidney stones, also called renal calculi, are solid, crystal aggregations of dissolved minerals in urine. They typically form inside the kidneys or bladder. nephrolithiasis and urolithiasis refer to the presence of calculi in the kidneys and urinary tract, respectively. [read more]
A urinary tract infection or UTI is categorized as an infection that primarily affects the urinary system. This infection is basically limited to the bladders and can be very painful an annoying. Complications may occur when the infection will spread to the kidneys. Women are known to be more at risk of urinary tract infection than men. [read more]
An inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, anterior uveitis includes the iris (colored part of the eye) and the ciliary body, an adjacent tissue. If it remains untreated, it can cause permanent damage and loss of vision from the development of glaucoma, cataract or retinal edema. Though it usually responds well to treatment, there is still a tendency for recurrence. [read more]
A nonrandom association of birth defects, VATER syndrome or VACTERL association, is not considered a syndrome since all the defects are linked. [read more]
Vaginal cancer is a rare form of carcinoma that affects the vagina, or the muscular tube connecting the uterus to the outer genitals. Most cases of vaginal cancer occur in the birth canal. [read more]
Vagina cancer is considered to be a very rare form of cancer that affects the vagina, especially the cells that use to line the surface of the vagina or otherwise known as the birth canal. This cancer usually affects women with ages 60 and up and can spread to other parts of the body. [read more]
Van der Woude syndrome is a condition affecting the development of the face. It is known for the acronym VDWS. [read more]
Varadi Papp is a syndrome of polydactyly of the fingers and toes, cleft lip/palate or lingual nodule, somatic and psychomotor retardation, and occasional internal abnormalities. It is also known as hyperdactyl, which is a congenital physical anomaly consisting of supernumerary fingers or toes. [read more]
TORCH or TORCHES infections are a group of infections that can lead to sever fatal anomalies or even fetal loss among pregnant women. Varicella virus antenatal infection is one of the infections in this syndrome. These infections are rarely bacterial and gain access to the fetal bloodstream via the placenta or the chorionic villi. TORCH stands for Toxoplasmosis, Other agents (Varicella zoster virus and human parvovirus), Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes simplex virus/HIV, and Syphilis. [read more]
Variola is a virus that causes smallpox which can be highly contagious as often a deadly disease. Based in history, smallpox have been known to have such a profound effect in the human health and has caused about 300 million deaths all over the world. [read more]
Vascular pupura is the appearance of red or purple discolorations on the skin. The small spots are called petechiae, which are less than 1cm, while the large ones are called ecchymoses, which are bigger than 1cm. [read more]
Vater Syndrome, sometimes called Vacterl Association, refers to the non-random association ofv ertebral anomalies, anal atresia, cardiovascular anomalies, tracheoesophageal fistula, esophageal atresia, renal and/or radial anomalies and Preaxial limb anomalies (Weaver, David and Brandt, Ira (1999). Catalog of Prenatally Diagnosed Codition, JHU Press, pp. 248). More specifically , it refers to the abnormalities in structures deduce from the embryonic mesoderm. [read more]
Venereal warts is more commonly known as warts in the genitals is categorized as one of the most common types of sexually transmitted diseases. As its name suggests, this disease primarily affects the moist tissues found in the genitals. While these warts can be treated with medications and surgery, it poses a health risk that should be treated seriously. [read more]
Ventricular septal defect or VSD for brevity is a defect in the wall dividing the left and right ventricles of the heart called the ventricular septum which consists of an inferior muscular and superior membranous portion which is close to the atrioventricular node, It is the most common congenital heart defects in adults and older children (Hoffman JI, Kaplan S. (2002) The Incidence of congenital heart disease, p 39). [read more]
Wagner-Stickler Syndrome or Srickler Syndrome or David-Stickler syndrome, is a genetic disorder which primarily affect the connective tissue particularly the collagen. It is characterized by distinctive facial appearance, eye abnormalities and loss of hearing and problems in the joint areas. [read more]
Warts are small, rough tumor that is typically located on the hands and feet and can resemble a cauliflower or a solid blister. [read more]
Whipworm is a roundworm that looks like a whips with wider handles, that affects the human large intestine. [read more]
Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome otherwise known as the eczema-thrombocytopenia-immunodeficiency syndrome (Aldrich RA, Steinberg AG, Campbell DC (1954). "Pedigree demonstrating a sex-linked recessive condition characterized by draining ears, eczematoid dermatitis and bloody diarrhea". Pediatrics 13 (2): 133-9) is a x-linked recessive disease that is characterized by eczema, thrombocytopenia of low platelet counts, immune deficiency and blood in diarrhea. [read more]
Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome otherwise known as the deletion 4p and 4p- syndrome was first studied in 1961 by H. Cooper and U. Wolf (Cooper H., Hirschhhorn K.(1961). Apparent deletion of short arms of one Chromosome (4 or 5) in a child with Defects of Midline Fusion. Mammalian Chrom Nwsl.4:14) It is said to be a phenotype resulting from a deletion of chromosomal material of the short arm of the 4th chromosome. [read more]
Palpebrarum is a small plaque which is ofte yellowish in color that presents on the eyelids. Palpebrarum usually occurs in diabetes patients and to people having high cholesterol levels or lipid in their blood. The plaques usually contain high fat deposits. This condition is also called xanthelasma palpebrarum. [read more]
XX Male Syndrome otherwise known as the de la Chapelle Syndrome is an unusual sex chromosomal disorder especially observed in men. It is said to be caused by the unequal crossing over of the X and Y chromosome during the meiosis. Thus, normally men have only one chromosome and while the women are the one who have two chromosome, in this kind of syndrome, the male has two X chromosomes, thus the name of the sndrome. Its symptoms includes small testes, sterility and gynecomastia. [read more]
It is an uncommon disease that results from a tumor referred to as gastrinoma which often occurs in the pancreas. The tumor then extracts the hormone that causes gastrin which in turn results to elevated growth of gastric acid which leads to extreme recurring ulcers of the esophagus, stomach and the upper portions of the small intestine. [read more]