What is endometriosis? Endometriosis may have no symptoms, or it may be characterized by intense pain and heavy periods, among other signs. Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue lining the uterus (endometrium) grows at extrauterine sites. It is seen in the ovaries, uterine tubes, vagina, cervix or intestine. It is an extremely painful …
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What is HIV? HIV-1 is the most common form of HIV. HIV-2 is less deadly and mostly found in West Africa. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the cells of the immune system. CD4+ cells help the body to resist any infections. When the number of these cells is reduced, the body is less resistant, which makes it vulnerable to other …
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What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a slowly progressive disease that causes symptoms such as breathlessness and cough. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of diseases with the chief symptom of breathlessness and cough. COPD is a slowly progressive disease and affects approximately 32 million Americans. COPD leads to airflow obstruction …
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What is Crohn’s disease? Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease with five types, classified based in symptoms and the general location of the inflammation in the intestine. Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. It belongs to a group of conditions known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It can affect any part of …
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What is breast cancer? Detecting breast cancer early can drastically improve treatment success. Regular checkups, self exams and mammograms as recommended by your doctor can help detect breast cancer early. Breast cancer develops from the cells of the breasts and can spread to other parts of the body (metastasis). It is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in women …
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What is HIV? Initial symptoms of HIV are flu-like, but you may not have any symptoms at all, at first. That's why you should base your decision to get an HIV/AIDS test on your potential exposure history, not the appearance of symptoms. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the cells of the immune system (CD4 cells). CD4+ …
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What is HIV? The first signs of HIV are flu-like symptoms about two to four weeks after contracting the virus. You may remain symptomless, so base your decision to get tested on your potential exposure history, not the appearance of symptoms. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the cells of the immune system. CD4+ cells help the body to resist any …
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What is testicular cancer? The first signs of testicular cancer may be a painless lump, unusual firmness in the affected testicle or dull pain in the groin. Testicular cancer arises from the testes. The testicles are responsible for the production of male sex hormones and sperm for reproduction. They are located within the scrotum, a loose bag of skin below …
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What is ventriculoatrial shunt placement? Ventriculoatrial shunting (VAS) is a procedure used to treat hydrocephalus that enables the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to flow from the brain to the heart's atrium. Ventriculoatrial shunting (VAS) is a procedure that allows the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to flow from the brain to the atrium of the heart. This procedure is typically used to treat …
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What is an eye twitch? Eye twitch (blepharospasm) is usually harmless. If it's not caused by an underlying condition, more rest and avoiding caffeine, alcohol and stress may help the twitch go away. A blepharospasm (eye twitch) is a harmless, involuntary spasm of the muscle of the eyelids, which may resolve on its own. Eye twitch causes the eyelid to …
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