Overview Melanoma, the most severe form of skin cancer, grows in melanin-producing cells (melanocytes)—the pigment that gives the skin its colour. Melanoma can also grow within your eyes and, sometimes, within your body, including in your nose or neck. The exact cause of all melanomas is not clear, but the risk of developing melanoma is […]
Menopause Menopause is the time marking the conclusion of the menstrual cycles. It is treated after you have gone without a menstrual cycle for 12 months. Menopause can occur in your 40s or 50s but in the United States the average age is 51. Menopause is a hormonal process. But physical symptoms such as hot […]
Overview Mumps is a viral infection that affects mainly the saliva-producing (salivary) glands located between your mouth and near your ears. Mumps in one or both of those glands may cause swelling. Mumps was widespread in the U.S. before vaccination with the mumps became routine. The number of cases has shrunk significantly since then. Mumps […]
What is Pericoronitis? Pericoronitis is an inflammation of the tissue around a third molar, otherwise known as a dent of wisdom (wisdom tooth). The condition most often occurs in molars that are partially impacted, or not fully visible. It’s also more common in lower molars than in the upper ones. Most people with pericoronitis have […]
Overview Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a paragliding term for a variety of liver conditions that affect people who drink little to no alcohol. As the name suggests, NAFLD has too much fat contained in the liver cells as its key characteristic. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is also known as fatty liver. NAFLD […]
Overview Cavities are permanently damaged areas that form into tiny gaps or holes in the hard surface of your teeth. Cavities, also known as caries or tooth decay, are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugar beverages, and failing to clean your teeth. Cavities and tooth decay […]
What is a Bruise? You’ll fall off your bike, bang your shin on the coffee table (which you swore you’d be moving months ago), or run into a wall and wake up with a bruise. A bruise is caused by damaging or fracturing tiny blood vessels as a result of damage to the skin (be […]
Nosebleeds are common. They may be frightening but they rarely point to a serious medical problem. The nose contains many blood vessels in the front and backs of the nose, located near the surface. They’re very fragile and bleed easily. Nosebleeds are common in adults and children between the ages of 3 and 10. There […]
Overview Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a state of mental health that induces severe mood swings with emotional peaks (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). You may feel sad or hopeless when you become depressed, and lose interest or pleasure in most activities. You may feel euphoric, full of energy or excessively […]
Overview Fibrous tissue called scar tissue grows around the wound to heal and protect the injury when skin injure. The extra scar tissue develops in some cases, producing smooth, rough growths called keloids. Keloids can be considerably larger than the original cut. Most usually they are found on the chest, shoulders, earlobes and cheeks. Keloids, […]
