Fusiform aneurysm

A fusiform aneurysm is a type of aneurysm characterized by a spindle-like shape when viewed in cross-section. Fusiform (“spindle-shaped”) aneurysms are variable in both their diameter and length; their diameters can extend up to 20 cm (8 in). They often involve large portions of the ascending and transverse aortic arch, the abdominal aorta, or less frequently the iliac arteries. The shape of an aneurysm is not pathognomonic for a specific disease. It can be a cause for concern, depending on where in the body it is located, and in some cases emergency surgery may be required to correct it before it ruptures. Rupture of an aneurysm can have fatal consequences; for example, an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) can rupture and cause a patient to bleed to death within minutes. Continue reading

Fibroadenoma breast lump

Fibroadenoma is the most common benign tumor of the breast and the most common breast tumor in women under age 30. Fibroadenomas are sometimes called breast mice or a breast mouse owing to their high mobility in the breast. Continue reading

Filiform wart

Warts are a condition that develops from the HPV or Human Papilloma Virus as it is technically called. While most warts are not considered dangerous and are benign, it is still a virus and needs to be treated as such. Any type of wart can affect someone’s social life and even lead to self-esteem and confidence issues down the road. There are many different forms of warts, over 100 HPV viruses have been found at this point, and there will probably be more to come. Every wart that results from an HPV virus is different and needs to be treated in its own way. Filiform warts are a form of the HPV virus but unlike many other warts, they should be easy to treat. Continue reading

First menstrual cycle

Every woman goes through it at one time or another her first period. It may be exciting, it may be scary, it may be reassuring every woman feels a different way when it first happens. However you may be feeling, the start of menstruation is a real sign that you have moved from adolescence into womanhood. It may not seem like you’re any older, but your body is now physically prepared to have a baby of its own. This can be a scary thing, but by being knowledgeable and prepared, you can put any fears you have about menstruation and womanhood to rest. Continue reading

Miscarriage

A miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a fetus before the 20th week of pregnancy. (Pregnancy losses after the 20th week are called preterm deliveries.)

A miscarriage may also be called a “spontaneous abortion.” This refers to naturally occurring events, not medical abortions or surgical abortions. Continue reading

Digestive problems Part 2

Lactose Intolerance

Between 30 million and 50 million Americans are lactose intolerant, meaning they lack an enzyme needed to digest the main sugar in milk, and African-Americans, Asians, and American Indians are most likely to have the condition. Ranging in severity from person to person, symptoms include cramping, bloating, gas, nausea, and diarrhea. These usually occur 30 minutes to two hours after one drinks or eats a dairy product. Continue reading

Digestive problems Part 1

The digestive system is an intricate system that can be disrupted by disease, diet, and emotional stress. Common digestive problems such as heartburn/GERD, IBD, and IBS cause millions of Americans to suffer daily and limit quality of life. Digestive problems often result in symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, gas, stomach pain, and stomach cramps. Learning more about the digestive system may help with managing these problems. Continue reading

Discolored toe nails

A discolored toenail usually means that something is wrong, and unless you have another obvious explanation, you should consider the possibility that you have a fungal nail infection. Other possible explanations would include a recent blow to the tip of the toe, causing bleeding and blackening under the nail, bacterial growth beneath the nail (often a green color), continuous use of nail polish on the nail, or some other uncommon medical condition. The problem, however, is usually fungus. Continue reading

Discoid lupus rash treatment

Discoid lupus erythematosus is a chronic dermatological disease that can lead to scarring, hair loss, and hyperpigmentation changes in skin if it is not treated early and promptly. It has a prolonged course and can have a considerable effect on quality of life. Early recognition and treatment improves the prognosis. The diagnosis is usually made by clinical examination. In some cases histopathology may be required to confirm the diagnosis. The histology is that of an inflammatory interface dermatosis. There is insufficient evidence for which treatment is most effective. Because lesions are induced or exacerbated by ultraviolet exposure, photoprotective measures are important. Potent topical steroids and antimalarials are the mainstay of treatment. Some cases of discoid lupus erythematosus can be refractory to standard therapy; in these cases retinoids, thalidomide, and topical tacrolimus offer alternatives, as do immunosuppressives like azathioprine, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, and methotrexate. Continue reading

Dissolvable sutures

For centuries, dentists and oral surgeons, plastic surgeons, obstetricians, urologists and even veterinarians have used stitches to close up gashes, cuts and surgical incisions. Now, many physicians are using some form of dissolvable stitches (also called absorbable sutures). The great thing about dissolvable stitches is that they can be used on internal or external wounds. Continue reading