Health Articles

Axillary Lymph Nodes and Breast Cancer

What is the Appendix?

The appendix or vermiform appendix is a muscular structure attached to the large intestine in the human body. It is a narrow tube resembling a worm and is named after the Latin word "vermiform" which means ‘worm-shaped’. The appendix extends from the lower end of the cecum, a pouch-like structure in the large intestine.

Flossgate & the Importance of Preventative Oral Hygiene

Even if you didn’t read the Associated Press report on the “weak evidence” supporting flossing last month, you likely saw parts of the media storm that followed it and continue to roll in. A myriad of articles from journalists either backing up or shutting down the claim that there is no benefit to flossing. Tweets and Facebook posts from patients who were either grateful to never have to pick up a string of floss again, or defending their nightly regimen and pointing out their gum health.

Pulmonary Transplant (Lung Transplant)

A pulmonary transplant (or lung transplant) is a surgical procedure in which a diseased lung is removed and replaced with a healthy lung from a donor. A lung transplant will often be recommended if a person has advanced lung disease that is unresponsive to other treatments and/or when a person's life expectancy is likely less than 2-3 years. A lung transplant is considered for those suffering from the following conditions:

Leukodystrophy

Leukodystrophies are inherited disorders that are characterized by a progressive breakdown of the white matter in the CNS.

Paronychia Types and Causes

Paronychia is a skin infection which occurs around the nail. It affects the nail fold tissue and may cause changes in nail shape, color or texture. The infection can be caused by a bacteria, fungi, or yeast. There is also the possibility of both bacterial and fungal infection at the same time. It is fairly common and can cause the affected area to become swollen, red and painful. The infection may result in fluid-filled blisters over a period of time. Although the presence of blisters is not always registered. The condition is also called whitlow.

Pheochromocytoma Management and Prognosis

Pheochromocytoma, a rare condition caused by a tumor in the adrenal medulla affecting the chromaffin cells, results in an excess production of catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) and metanephrines. The most immediate effect of this condition is severe hypertension, but other symptoms (such as headache, palpitations, and excessive generalized sweating) can also appear.

Causes and Symptoms of Pheochromocytoma

Pheochromocytomas are neural crest-derived tumors that produce catecholamines, such as epinephrine and norepinephrine, and arise mainly from the adrenal gland. Closely affiliated tumors of extra-adrenal paraganglia are also known as extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas. All these functional chromaffin tumors can result in substantial morbidity and mortality due to catecholamine over-secretion.

Pheochromocytoma Diagnosis

Pheochromocytoma is a catecholamine-producing tumor that originates from chromaffin cells of the adrenergic system, most commonly in the adrenal medulla.

Pheochromocytoma - Tumor of Adrenal Gland Tissue

Pheochromocytoma is a term used to refer to rare and mostly benign catecholamine-secreting tumors arising from the chromaffin cells found in the adrenal medulla or in the paraganglia (i.e. extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma). Clinical presentation can be highly variable and can mimic other diseases, but the condition typically presents with hypertension, palpitations, severe headaches, and sweating.

Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease

A newborn may have a number of different defects of the heart that are congenital – already existing at birth. These types of defects of the heart can cause oxygen in the blood to be at low levels.

How Chromium Functions in the Body

Chromium is among the essential minerals that the body requires to function its best physiologically.

Koilonychia (Spoon Nails)

The appearance of the human nail can be an indicator of one’s overall health status. Besides revealing a nail infection or injury, unusual characteristics of a fingernail or toenail can be indications of an underlying systemic condition. Nail irregularities can result from conditions involving single organs or several systems or organs. They can also be caused by drug intake.

Treating Breast Oil Cysts

A breast oil cyst is a benign lump in the breast caused by the accumulation of fluid. Nearly 25% of breast oil cysts enlarge over time to become a lump that can be felt by one’s hand. Breast oil cysts are very common in women who are between 35 and 50 years old. These cysts do not progress to become cancerous and do not increase the risk of affected patients developing breast cancer in the future.

Axillary Dissection / Clearance

Axillary lymph node dissection is a surgical procedure which is performed to remove lymph nodes in the underarm area. Lymph nodes present in the armpit are known as axillary lymph nodes. An axillary lymph node dissection is also referred to as axillary node dissection or axillary dissection.

Breast Fat Necrosis

Breast fat necrosis is a condition characterized by the presence of benign masses in the breast. Fat necrosis can develop anywhere inside the breast, but does not increase the chances of developing breast cancer. Usually, patients themselves discover the lumps or they might show up during a routine mammogram.

Treatment and Prognosis for Diabetic Mastopathy

Diabetic mastopathy (DMP) is a breast-related complication seen in type 1 or 2 insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. This condition manifests as hard, fibrous masses in one breast or both breasts. These masses are non-cancerous and irregular in shape. Interestingly, DMP has also been reported in men.

Diabetic Mastopathy Diagnosis

Diabetic mastopathy (DMP) is usually discovered by the patients themselves and they describe it as an irregular and painless lump.

Diabetic Mastopathy: Complication of Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetic mastopathy (DMP) is a breast-related complication of type 1 or type 2 insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). It manifests as hard, fibrous, and painless masses in one breast or both breasts. These masses are benign and irregular in shape. Interestingly, this condition is also seen in men.

Chromium Supplementation

Chromium optimizes insulin function and can have a marked impact on the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.