Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of imaging used to produce highly detailed views of breast tissue. It uses a combination of magnetic and radio waves to create a computerized picture of the structures of the breast. Although a breast MRI can give a very detailed view, it is typically not used as a substitute for a mammogram. It can sometimes be used to screen for breast cancer in high-risk women....
Itchy skin, or pruritus, can be a symptom or even the first sign of some cancers, including blood-related, skin, liver, gallbladder, and bile-duct cancer cancers. However, other causes of itching are certainly much more common. Itching may occur due to direct irritation of the skin, such as with skin cancer or a separate cancer that has spread, or metastasized, to the skin. Other times, itching is from a buildup of bile salts under the skin, such as with blood cancers or bile duct cancer, or due to substances released from a tumor or in response to a tumor....
Cancer cells are different from normal cells in how they grow, how they look, and what they do in the body. Even though cancer is common, there are actually many steps that a normal cell has to go through to become a cancerous cell. This article will explain how cancer cells and normal, healthy cells are different. It covers the basic differences between cancer cells and normal cells, like how they grow and communicate....
What Is Casodex? Casodex (bicalutamide) is an oral medication used to treat prostate cancer that has spread to other areas of the body (metastatic). An antiandrogen therapy, Casodex is given in combination with another medication called a luteinizing hormone-release hormone (LHRH) agonist. It works by blocking testosterone, a male sex hormone that is also known as an androgen, from binding to androgen receptors. Testosterone can stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells....
There is no single known cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but there are plenty of theories. Researchers believe a combination of genetics, personality, brain structure, and environmental factors causes OCD. Learn more about OCD, including signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, theories, diagnosis, treatment, and more. Signs and Symptoms of OCD OCD is a mental disorder that involves persistent, unwanted obsessions, compulsions, or both. Obsessions are intrusive, inappropriate, and unwanted thoughts or worries....
Scanxiety is the term that’s been coined to describe the anxiety people with cancer feel while waiting for scans. Whether scans are being done for diagnosis, to monitor treatment, to check for a recurrence, or simply for follow-up, it doesn’t matter. It’s scary to wait. Why Scans Cause Such Anxiety The reason that imaging tests cause so much anxiety for people who’ve experienced cancer is pretty obvious. Even for those who are wondering if they have or don’t have cancer, the fear of cancer runs deep....
Managing silent conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, osteoporosis, or high blood pressure can be challenging. Since it’s not obvious to everyone that you’re coping with a condition, you’ll need to balance the management requirements imposed by your condition with questions from your friends and family. In some cases, you may even confront doubt or resistance from your loved ones and healthcare providers. There will be times when you’ll need to temper your own expectations about your condition and treatment, since having a “silent” condition can mean both that it’s not apparent to others and that it’s not particularly apparent to you....
Dementia is not one disease, but a term that refers to different disorders that affect the brain and impair a person’s memory, thinking, behavior, or emotions enough to interfere with daily life and independence. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type, accounting for 60% to 80% of all dementia cases. Other types of dementia include vascular, Lewy body, frontotemporal, and mixed dementia, which refers to dementia from more than one cause....
Dermatosis refers to several skin conditions and may involve the hair and nails as well. It includes any irregularity or lesion on the skin. Conditions of the skin, also known as dermatoses, can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, irritation, autoimmune diseases, or cancer. Treatment for dermatosis depends on the cause, and may include topical steroids, moisturizers, antibiotics, antifungals, or chemotherapy. Because there are several different types of dermatoses, it can be difficult to diagnose yourself....
Artificial sweeteners are everywhere - but are they a better substitute than sugar? Does the artificial sweetener Splenda (sucralose) cause cancer? Is it a safe substitute for sugar in a cancer-prevention diet? The answers may be confusing. Some articles quote studies that found leukemia in mice and say yes. In contrast, you may read that Splenda does not increase cancer risk and is considered safe, even in pregnant and breastfeeding women....
New research shows that the family dog might be even more a best friend than the old saying goes—especially for teens. Key Takeaways Pet ownership has been associated with improvements in physical, emotional, and mental health. That is especially true during adolescence, a particularly challenging phase of life.The more attached an adolescent is to their pet, the more likely they are to positively connect and engage with others on social platforms....
When people have an undiagnosed eating disorder, they’re at risk of unresolved symptoms or a worsening condition. Key Takeaways Eating disorders in the Black community can be grossly underdiagnosed because of problematic and outdated benchmarks.Misconceptions about “healthy” food can sometimes alienate people from enjoying foods in their culture.A lack of representation in dietetics also makes it more difficult for Black Americans to seek out providers that make them feel safe and validated....
Endometriosis (endo) occurs when endometrial-type tissue is present outside the uterus or womb. This tissue (lesion or implant) grows and bleeds with hormone changes, just like the lining of the uterus during a menstrual cycle or period. The tissues and nerves around the implant can get entrapped, inflamed, or irritated. When it affects nerves in the pelvis (between the hips), it can cause radiating leg pain, muscle spasms, and possibly neuropathy (numbness, tingling, weakness)....
The diagnosis of esophageal cancer may include tests such as a barium swallow, endoscopy, and endoscopic ultrasound. You may need an evaluation for possible esophageal cancer if you have difficulty swallowing, a persistent cough, or risk factors for the disease such as long-standing acid reflux. Other procedures and imaging tests such as CT, PET, and bronchoscopy can be helpful in determining the stage of the disease. Staging is important for selecting the best treatment options....
An expectorant is a type of cough medicine that thins and loosens mucus. These medications are typically used for managing the effects of chest congestion, especially when symptoms are caused by persistent mucus. Guaifenesin, the most commonly used expectorant, is the active ingredient in Mucinex and Robitussin. In general, expectorants are available over-the-counter (OTC) in liquid, pill, and tablet forms. Expectorants are part of the mucoactive class of drugs—those that clear mucus from the airways....
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is the third most common type of muscular dystrophy. Although it also causes progressive muscle weakness, FSHD does not shorten your life expectancy as other forms of muscular dystrophy do. Named after the primary body parts that it affects—the face, shoulders, and arms—FSHD usually begins in the teenage or early adulthood years and progresses very slowly. This article will review the types of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy that can develop, what to expect if you have this condition, and how it can be treated....
Foamy poop can have a number of causes, including the stomach flu, conditions like celiac disease and chronic pancreatitis, and parasitic infections like giardiasis. Bubbly, frothy, or foamy poop isn’t enough to point to specific diagnosis. But causes can be narrowed down by considering other factors, such as poop’s color and texture, whether or not there is blood present, and the frequency of your bowel movements. Learn more about possible causes of foamy poop, as well as how to prevent it and what treatment options are available....
If you are looking for how to get rid of arthritis in your fingers, you have several options. These won’t cure the disease, but they can help you manage pain and other symptoms: Hand exercisesAnti-inflammatory drugs or supplementsHeat or cold applicationWearing a splintPhysical therapy or surgery (more advanced cases) Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are the two types of arthritis that most commonly affect the finger joints. Depending on which type of arthritis affects your finger joints, you may experience additional symptoms....
Fibroids (leiomyomas) are growths or noncancerous tumors made of smooth muscle cells and connective tissues that grow in the uterus. Fibroids are very common—up to 70% of women will develop uterine fibroids in their lifetime. You may have just one or many fibroids at a time. Fibroids range in shape and size—some are as small as seeds, and others can grow to the size of a grapefruit or larger. Fibroids can grow or shrink over time, and the sex hormones (e....
A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs after a blow or jolt to the head. This sudden movement of the head can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in your brain. A concussion typically involves a short loss of brain function. It may be difficult to determine whether you have a concussion because the symptoms can vary from person to person....
