breast cancer

Shigellosis facts* *Shigellosis facts by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella. There are four species of Shigella: Shigella sonnei (the most common species in the U.S.) Shigella flexneri Shigella boydii Shigella dysenteriae The transmission of most Shigella infections is caused by the bacterium …

What is sun protection? Sun protection is simply guarding a body from the adverse effects of sunlight. Aside from the hazards of heat, the sun poses the danger of sunburn, which can permanently damage the skin and cause skin cancer, precancerous changes in the skin, as well as premature wrinkling and signs of aging. Exposure to ultraviolet rays from the …

Williams syndrome definition and facts* Share Your Story A Picture of Williams Syndrome *Williams syndrome definition and facts medical author: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Williams syndrome is a disorder in development that usually results in learning problems, attention deficit disorder, anxiety, and phobias but affected individuals have outgoing personalities. Sings and symptoms of Williams syndrome include distinct facial features …

What is Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber (KTW) syndrome? Readers Comments 12 Share Your Story Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber (KTW) syndrome is a condition characterized by a triad of findings: Port-wine stain or "birthmark" (capillary malformations in the skin) Soft tissue and bony hypertrophy (excessive growth of the soft tissue and/or bones) most often involving a single limb. Vascular anomalies such as varicose veins. What is a …

Loeys-Dietz syndrome facts Loeys-Dietz syndrome is a recently-described connective tissue disorder that predisposes to the development of aortic aneurysms and other connective tissue defects. Loeys-Dietz syndrome is known to be a result of mutations in the TGF-beta-receptor I (TGFBR1) or II (TGFBR2) genes and is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Genetic testing is performed to identify the mutation and …

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy facts Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a procedure that allows nutritional support for patients who cannot take food orally. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy involves placement of a tube through the abdominal wall and into the stomach through which nutritional liquids can be infused. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a surgical procedure; however, it does not require opening the abdomen or …

Introduction to trigeminal neuralgia (TN) The brain is connected to the body by the spinal cord with spinal nerves sending and receiving impulses and messages to and from the brain. However, there are twelve cranial nerves that directly connect to the body. These nerves are involved with the muscle and sensory function of the head and neck. (The exception is …

What is Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome? Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a specific type of abnormality of the electrical system of the heart. This syndrome causes a specific pattern on an electrocardiogram (Wolff-Parkinson-White pattern) and is linked to an episode of rapid heart rates, such as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) or atrial fibrillation. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a treatable medical condition. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is also referred …

Prolactinoma facts A prolactinoma is a benign tumor of the pituitary gland. Prolactinomas cause secretion of the hormone prolactin, which stimulates the breast to produce milk. The aims of treatment are the reduction of prolactin level to normal, reduction of tumor size, and restoration of normal pituitary function. Most prolactinomas occur sporadically with a low risk of recurrence in the …

Introduction to pain management Pain management can be simple or complex, depending on the cause of the pain. An example of pain that is typically less complex would be nerve root irritation from a herniated disc with pain radiating down the leg. This condition can often be alleviated with an epidural steroid injection and physical therapy. Sometimes, however, the pain …