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Ovarian Cysts A Sac Filled with Fluid An ovarian cyst is a common gynecologic problem. The most usual type is a functional cyst. This can occur when the sac in the ovary (called a follicle) matures and breaks open, releasing the egg, but does not shrink back to its normal size. A related functional cyst …
Osteoporosis Weak, Brittle Bones Osteoporosis results in weak and brittle bones. Although it affects more than 25 million Americans, most patients do not know they have the condition. The first sign of weakened bones is a fracture after a fall, bump or even a strain. The break most often occurs in the hips, spine or …
Using a Metered Dose Inhaler Drugs Go Directly to the Lungs Metered dose inhalers (MDIs) are used to treat asthma or other lung diseases. The inhalers deliver medication directly to the lungs, where it can be absorbed quickly and completely at the site where it is needed. MDIs are designed to deliver an exact amount, …
Mammography Best Way to Detect Breast Cancer Mammography is a process of photographing (imaging) the breast tissue. It does this by use of a special type of film and low-dose x-ray. This process is used to screen for or help diagnose breast diseases, especially breast cancer. A screening mammogram should be done every one or …
Lung Cancer Symptoms Appear in Advanced Stages Cancer of the lung is the leading cancer killer in both men and women in the United States, causing more deaths than colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. Over 350,000 people in the U.S. are currently living with lung cancer. In 2005, it is estimated that more than …
Keratosis Pilaris “Chicken Skin” Condition Keratosis pilaris is a common, easily recognized, benign skin disorder that is characterized by patches of tiny, hard bumps resembling small pimples on the skin’s surface. Often referred to colloquially as “chicken skin,” keratosis pilaris usually appears on the backs of the upper arms, the thighs, the buttocks, or the …
Kaposi’s Sarcoma Small Tumors Appear Under the Skin Kaposi’s sarcoma is a cancer of the connective tissues, first described in 1872. It was a relatively rare form of cancer until about 20 years ago, when the number of cases exploded in patients with HIV or AIDS. In HIV-positive patients, the signs of Kaposi’s sarcoma may …
Intermittent Claudication Painful Cramping During Exercise Intermittent claudication is a painful, cramp-like condition usually experienced in the calves that begins during exercise and disappears at rest. Intermittent claudication is often a symptom of peripheral artery disease, a disease in which the arteries in the arms and legs become hardened in a manner similar to atherosclerotic …
Iron Deficiency Anemia When the body lacks iron, hemoglobin isn’t produced and new red blood cells are not made. As the demand for oxygen intensifies, the body begins to produce new red blood cells, but these cells are anemic – smaller than normal (microcytic) and lacking hemoglobin – so they can’t transport oxygen. Low Iron …
Insect Stings/Bites Allergic Reactions Allergic reactions to insect stings and bites are common. Reactions to stings include redness, pain and swelling in the area of the sting. Severe allergic reactions occur quickly, usually within minutes; they are less common but can be dangerous. They may cause a sharp drop in blood pressure, a shock-like state, …