Definition Leukemia is a malignancy (cancer) of blood cells. In leukemia, abnormal blood cells are produced in the bone marrow. Usually, it involves the production of abnormal white blood cells the cells responsible for fighting infection. However, the abnormal cells in leukemia do not function in the same way as …

Definition Laryngitis is inflammation in and around the mucus membranes of the larynx or voice box. The irritated larynx becomes swollen and painful, leading to a sore throat, hoarse voice and even a complete loss of voice. Most cases of laryngitis are caused by an infection. Epidemiology Accurate figures regarding …

Introduction Gestational diabetes mellitus defined as “carbohydrate intolerance of variable severity with onset or first recognition during pregnancy”. Diabetes is a common condition in which the body’s cells are unable to effectively obtain glucose from the bloodstream. Glucose is required to provide the body with energy for day-to-day activities. The …

Definition Primary liver cancer is a condition that happens when normal cells in the liver become abnormal in appearance and behavior. The cancer cells can then become destructive to adjacent normal tissues, and can spread both to other areas of the liver and to organs outside the liver. Malignant or …

Definition Lung cancer is a disease in which certain cells in the lungs become abnormal and multiply uncontrollably to form a tumor. Lung cancer may not cause signs or symptoms in its early stages. Some people with this have chest pain, frequent coughing, and blood in the mucus, breathing problems, …

Introduction Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is a chronic disease that occurs when stomach contents flow back (reflux) into the food pipe (esophagus). At the lower end of the esophagus, where it joins the stomach, there is a circular ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). After swallowing, the LES …

Definition Gallstones, or choleliths, are solid masses formed from bile precipitates. These “stones” may occur in the gallbladder or the biliary tract (ducts leading from the liver to the small intestine). There are two types of gallstones: cholesterol and pigment stones. Both types have their own unique epidemiology and risk …

Definition Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks normal, healthy tissue. This results in symptoms such as inflammation, swelling, and damage to joints, skin, kidneys, blood, the heart, and lungs. Under normal function, the immune system makes proteins called antibodies in …