What are germ cell tumors? Germ cell tumors are malignant (cancerous) or nonmalignant (benign, noncancerous) tumors that are comprised mostly of germ cells. Germ cells are the cells that develop in the embryo (fetus, or unborn baby) and become the cells that make up the reproductive system in males and …
Read More »Angioedema – Risk Factors, Complications, and Treatment.
What is Angioedema? Angioedema is a skin reaction similar to urticaria. It is most often characterised by an abrupt and short-lived swelling of the skin and mucous membranes. All parts of the body may be affected but swelling most often occurs around the eyes and lips. In severe cases, the internal …
Read More »Melasma – Types, Causes, Pathophysiology, and Treatment
Definition Melasma is a condition in which areas of the skin become darker than the surrounding skin. Doctors call this hyperpigmentation. It typically occurs on the face, particularly the forehead, cheeks and above the upper lip. The dark patches often appear on both sides of the face in a nearly …
Read More »Acute Cholecystitis – Description, Causes, and Diagnosis
Description Acute cholecystitis is the most common complication of cholelithiasis. In fact, ≥ 95% of patients with acute cholecystitis have cholelithiasis. When a stone becomes impacted in the cystic duct and persistently obstructs it, acute inflammation results. Bile stasis triggers release of inflammatory enzymes (eg, phospholipase A, which converts lecithin …
Read More »Catarrh – Mechanism, Complications, and Prevention.
What is Catarrh? Catarrh is when mucus accumulates in your nose, throat, or sinuses. The word “catarrh” comes from an ancient Greek phrase meaning “to flow down.” In fact, if you have catarrh, you may feel as if mucus is slowly dripping down the back of your throat. The word …
Read More »Milk allergy – Types, Causes and Prevention
Definition Milk allergy is one of the more common food allergies and affects many people. It’s a result of an abnormal immune response to the constituent parts of the milk from any animal (the most common allergy response is due to alpha S1-casein, a protein in cow’s milk). Milk-induced allergic …
Read More »Myopia or Nearsightedness – Grades, Causes and Treatment
Definition Myopia, otherwise known as short-sightedness, is a common eye condition that causes objects in the distance to appear blurred while close objects are often seen clearly. It occurs when the eye has too much focusing power, either due to the eye being too long or the cornea being more …
Read More »Convulsion – Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention.
What is Convulsion? A convulsion is an episode in which you experience rigidity and uncontrolled muscle spasms along with altered consciousness. The spasms cause jerky motions that generally last a minute or two. Convulsions can occur during certain kinds of epileptic seizures, but you can have convulsions even though you …
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