Tag Archives: breast cancer

What are uterine growths? Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Illustration of the female reproductive system Uterine growths are tissue enlargements of the female womb (uterus). Uterine growths can be caused by either harmless or dangerous conditions. Growths are sometimes referred to medically as masses or tumors. An example of a harmless (benign or non-cancerous) …

What is Topical Calamine Lotion? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Calamine is a mixture of zinc oxide and other components. Calamine and zinc oxide are topical anti-itch lotions. Although the exact mechanism of how calamine and zinc oxide work is not known, they have skin protecting and astringent properties that relieve itching. They also seem to slow down …

What is hepatitis A vaccine? What are the uses for hepatitis A vaccine? Hepatitis A vaccine (Havrix, Vaqta) is used to prevent hepatitis A, a type of liver disease that is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Hepatitis A is usually spread when a person ingests fecal matter from contact with food, drinks, or objects which have been contaminated …

Chewing tobacco facts Chewing tobacco contains nicotine and many known cancer-causing substances. Smokeless, snuff, or chewing tobacco contains nicotine as well as many known carcinogens (cancer-causing substances). More nicotine is absorbed by chewing tobacco than by smoking a cigarette. Chewing tobacco use is a risk factor for the development of oral cancers and precancers. Other health risks of chewing tobacco …

How long is a cold or flu contagious? Discover how long a common cold and the flu are contagious. Both colds and the flu are contagious and are caused by viruses. However, the viruses that cause colds (for example, rhinoviruses) are not the same as those that cause the flu (influenza viruses). Although the typical incubation period for influenza is …

Mercury poisoning definition and facts* Readers Comments 7 Share Your Story *Mercury poisoning facts by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP The severity of mercury poisoning depends on the level of exposure, usually determined by a blood test. Mercury is a naturally occurring element found in air, water and soil. A highly toxic form (methylmercury) builds up in fish, shellfish and …

Keloid facts Keloids are firm, pink to red, itchy, irritated bumps that tend to gradually enlarge and appear at the site of previous skin damage. Keloids develop as a consequence of abnormal scar formation. People with darker skin are typically more predisposed to develop keloids. Simply cutting out a keloid is likely to result in an even larger keloid developing …

Got a cold and need something for a nagging cough? Some over-the-counter treatments may give you relief. Three types of medicines can ease a cough caused by a cold or bronchitis; suppressants, expectorants, and ointments you apply to your skin called topicals. What cough medicine stops a hacking cough fast? Suppressants do their job by blocking your cough reflex. Dextromethorphan …

What is pantoprazole (Protonix)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Pantoprazole is in a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which block the production of acid by the stomach. Other drugs in the same class include lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec) and rabeprazole (Aciphex). Proton pump inhibitors are used for the treatment of stomach conditions such as duodenal …

What is a balance disorder? SThe bony labyrinth inside the ear is how you sense balance. Disorders of this organ lead to dizziness and vertigo, among other symptoms. A balance disorder is a condition that makes you feel unsteady or dizzy, as if you are moving, spinning, or floating, even though you are standing still or lying down. Balance disorders …