Tag Archives: breast cancer

What is lupus? Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system targets and attacks its own tissues and organs. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system targets and attacks its own tissues and organs. Interestingly, more than 90% of lupus patients are women, and most of …

What is perineal reconstruction? Perineal reconstruction is rebuilding of damaged or deformed tissue between the genitals and anus. Perineal reconstruction is rebuilding of damaged or deformed tissue between the genitals and anus. Perineal reconstruction is typically done for acquired and congenital deformities or reconstruction following cancer surgery in genital and urinary parts of the body. It is usually performed by a …

Why is submuscular breast augmentation done? Submuscular breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that involves changing the shape of the breasts and enlarging them by placing an implant below the breast muscles. Submuscular breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that involves changing the shape of the breasts and enlarging them by placing an implant below the breast muscles. The muscles …

Why do you have foot reconstruction surgery? Foot reconstruction is a surgery performed to correct the anatomy of the foot and restore function. Foot reconstruction is a surgery performed to correct the anatomy of the foot and restore function lost due to trauma, birth defects, infection and other illnesses. Foot diseases may make parts of daily life difficult and frustrating. Severe foot conditions often require long-term …

What is depression? Depression causes sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can also decrease a person’s ability to function at work and home. The American Psychiatric Association defines major depressive disorder (depression) as a common, but serious, medical illness that negatively affects how one feels, thinks and acts. Depression causes sadness and/or a loss of interest …

What are the causes of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? The early signs and symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain and alterations in bowel habits. Abdominal pain may worsen after meals. Both diarrhea or constipation are common.  Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common intestinal disorder that is characterized by abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. Older terms for IBS …

What are flaps in plastic surgery? Transpositional flaps in plastic surgery refer to cutouts of healthy skin or other tissue. The surgeon then rotates the still-attached tissue to cover an adjacent injury or defect. Flaps are skin and subcutaneous tissue with an intact blood supply moved to cover an adjacent tissue defect. They are used in reconstructive surgery (usually performed by …

What are the causes of type 2 diabetes? In type 2 diabetes, the body's cells cannot take up glucose properly, leading to high levels of glucose in the blood. Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by increased blood sugar (glucose) level.  Diabetes is caused by either insufficient insulin secretion or resistance to that hormone’s action.  Insulin is produced by the …

Kawasaki disease facts A non-blistering rash is one of the clinical features of Kawasaki disease. Kawasaki disease is a syndrome of unknown cause that mainly strikes young children. Kawasaki disease symptoms and signs include fever and redness of the eyes, hands, feet, mouth, and tongue. The disease can be treated with high doses of aspirin (salicylic acid) and gamma globulin. …

How dangerous is percutaneous heart valve replacement surgery? Pictured is an artificial heart valve. Percutaneous (less-invasive) heart valve repair is widely performed and carries the typical surgical risks of a cardiac procedure. Percutaneous heart valve replacement techniques are still evolving. The associated risks are expected to decline with advancements in this field. A percutaneous valve replacement is a minimally invasive …