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Interstitial Cystitis Causes

The cause of interstitial cystitis remains unknown, despite the proposal of several theories that may explain the pathophysiology of the condition. Contrary to other types of cystitis, there does not appear to be an infection of the bladder and antibiotics do not offer a benefit to patients.

1 Jun 2010

Interstitial Cystitis Symptoms

Interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder syndrome (PDS), is a health condition characterized by chronic pain in the bladder and surrounding tissues. As a result of the pain and other symptoms, the quality of life of affected individuals can be inhibited significantly.

1 Jun 2010

Interstitial Cystitis Terminology

The terminology used to describe the health condition most commonly known as interstitial cystitis has changed several times in recent decades. This is likely to have arisen from an unclear but developing understanding of the condition, and the intention to describe the condition as accurately as possible.

1 Jun 2010

What is Interstitial Cystitis?

Interstitial cystitis, also called bladder pain syndrome, is a chronic inflammatory condition of the bladder, which causes recurring discomfort or pain in the bladder region. The continuing bladder irritation causes the bladder wall to become stiff and scarred. However, the irritation is not due to infection or urinary stones.

1 Jun 2010

Neoplasm Definition

The term neoplasia refers to a mass that has developed due to abnormal cell or tissue growth. Neoplasia refers to various types of growths including non-cancerous or benign tumors, precancerous growths, carcinoma in situ and malignant or cancerous tumors.

1 Jun 2010

What is a Neoplasm?

The term neoplasm refers to an abnormal growth of tissue caused by the rapid division of cells that have undergone some form of mutation.

1 Jun 2010

What is a Biomarker?

Biomarkers (short for biological markers) are biological measures of a biological state. By definition, a biomarker is "a characteristic that is objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal biological processes, pathogenic processes or pharmacological responses to a therapeutic intervention."

1 Jun 2010

Barrett's Esophagus Treatments

The therapeutic approach to Barrett's esophagus involves treating a patient's symptoms as well as the disease itself. Symptoms of this condition primarily manifest as a result of gastro esophageal reflux disorder (GERD), the most common cause of Barrett's esophagus. Therefore, treatment of GERD is a central focus for relieving symptoms in patients with Barrett's esophagus.

1 Jun 2010

Barrett's Esophagus Pathology

Barrett's esophagus is a condition characterized by abnormal alterations in the cells that line the esophagus. A normal esophagus is lined with flat squamous cells, while in the case of Barrett's esophagus, these cells adopt a tall columnar shape that closely resembles that of the cells found in the linings of the intestines.

1 Jun 2010

Barrett's Esophagus Symptoms

Barrett's esophagus may present with very few or even no symptoms. Some of the risk factors that are associated with Barrett's esophagus, however, may provide clues to the cause and symptoms of this condition.

1 Jun 2010

What is Barrett's Esophagus?

Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the flat, squamous cells lining the esophagus (food pipe) are replaced by columnar shaped cells resembling those present in the lining of the intestines. This change in the cellular lining is called metaplasia and is not usually associated with any signs or symptoms.

1 Jun 2010