Malignant large bowel cystadenocarcinoma is quite treatable and frequently cured when it only affects the digestive system. 1. One-stage resection anastomosis, which can be subtotal colectomy or segmental colectomy, w...

Allergic granulomatosis also known as Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA, formerly Churg-Strauss Syndro...

Allergic granulomatosis and angiitis or Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis is a condition that affects the sm...

Anal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the anus. The anus is the end of the large intestine, below the rectum, through which stool (solid waste) leaves the body. The anus is formed partly from the...

Anal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the anus. The anus is the end of the large intestine, below the rectum, through which stool (solid waste) leaves the body. The anus is formed partly from the...

Angular cheilitis, also known as perleche, is a common inflammatory condition that affects the corners of the mouth. It is characterized by redness, cracking, and sometimes painful sores at the corners of the lips. The condition can be caused by a...

Bacterial vaginosis is an abnormal vaginal condition that is characterized by vaginal discharge and results from an overgrowth of atypical bacteria in the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis is not dangerous, but it can cause disturbing sym...

Turcot syndrome is a rare inherited disorder characterized by the association of benign growths (adenomatous polyps) in the mucous lining of the gastrointestinal tract with tumors of the central nervous system. Symptoms associated with polyp forma...

A bone marrow transplant may be used to treat patients with certain forms of cancer, such as leukemia, lymphoma, or breast cancer. The goal of such a transplant in women with breast cancer is to allow them to undergo high-dose chemotherapy -- whi...

A bone marrow transplant may be used to treat patients with certain forms of cancer, such as leukemia, lymphoma, or breast cancer. The goal of such a transplant in women with breast cancer is to allow them to undergo high-dose chemotherapy -- whi...

Endometrial cancer Open pop-up dialog box Close Endometrial cancer Endometrial cancer Endometrial cancer begins in the lining (endometrium) of the uterus. Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the uterus. The uterus...

Endometrial cancer begins in the lining (endometrium) of the uterus. Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the uterus. The uterus is the hollow, pear-shaped pelvic organ where fetal development occurs. Endometrial c...

What is the cervix? The cervix is part of a woman's reproductive system. It's in the pelvis. The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb). The cervix is a passageway: The cervix connects the uterus to th...

CHILD syndrome (an acronym for congenital hemidysplasia with ichthyosiform erythroderma and limb defects) is an inherited disorder, affecting primarily women, that is characterized by ichthyosis-like skin abnormalities and limb defects on one side...

Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many immature lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (also called acute lymphocytic leukemia or A...

Colitis means inflammation of the colon. The colon, also known as the large intestine or large bowel, constitutes the last part of the digestive tract. The colon is a long, muscular tube that receives digested food from the small intestine. It rem...

Ulcerative colitis (UL-sur-uh-tiv koe-LIE-tis) is an inflammatory bowel disease ...

Ulcerative colitis (UL-sur-uh-tiv koe-LIE-tis) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers (sores) in your digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis affects the innermost lining of your large intestine (colon) and rectum. ...

Colon cancer Open pop-up dialog box Close Colon cancer Colon cancer Colon cancer can occur in any part of the colon. An examination of your entire colon using a long, flexible tube equipped with a camera (colonoscopy) is one way to detect ...

Colon cancer can occur in any part of the colon. An examination of your entire colon using a long, flexible tube equipped with a camera (colonoscopy) is one way to detect colon cancer and polyps. Colon cancer is a type of cancer that begin...

Crohn's disease facts Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines. The cause of Crohn's disease is unknown. Crohn's disease can cause ulcers in the small intestine, colon, or both. ...

Keratosis follicularis, also known as Darier disease, is a rare, genetic skin disorder. Affected individuals develop skin lesions that consist of thickened, rough bumps (papules) or plaques that may also be greasy or have a brown or yellow crust. ...

Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and along the gumline. It is constantly forming on the teeth and can lead to tooth decay and gum disease if not removed regularly through proper oral hygiene practices s...

Dental trauma refers to any injury or damage to the teeth, gums, or surrounding tissues caused by a sudden force or impact. This can include fractures, chips, dislodged teeth, or injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth. Dental trauma can result ...

Though ulcers often heal on their own, you shouldn't ignore their warning signs. If not properly treated, ulcers can lead to serious health problems, including: Bleeding Perforation (a hole through the wall of the stomach)...

An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy located outside the inner lining of the uterus. Risk factors for ectopic pregnancy include previous ectopic pregnancies and conditions (surgery, infection) that disrupt the normal anatomy of the F...

Endometrial ablation facts Endometrial ablation is the surgical destruction of the lining tissues of the uterus. Endometrial ablation is one type of treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding that is due to a benign (non-canc...

Endometriosis is the abnormal growth of cells (endometrial cells) similar to those that form the inside of the uterus, but in a location outside of the uterus. Endometriosis is most commonly found on other organs of the pelvis. The ...

Erythroplakia is a condition characterized by red patches or lesions on the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, or other areas of the body. These patches are often smooth, velvety, and may bleed easily when touched. Erythroplakia is considered ...

Factor XIII deficiency is a rare, genetic bleeding disorder characterized by a deficiency of clotting factor XIII. Clotting factors are specialized proteins that are essential for the blood to clot properly. Specifically, individuals with factor X...

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV causes genital herpes by entering the skin or mucous membranes through microscopic breaks in the skin and mucous membranes. Genital...

Genital warts are a sexually transmitted infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are small, flesh-colored bumps or growths that appear on or around the genital area. Genital warts can be spread through sexual contact and are highl...

Genital warts (HPV) facts Genital warts are caused by infection with a subgroup of the human papillomaviruses (HPVs). Another subgroup of the HPVs that infect the anogenital tract can lead to precancerous changes in the ut...

Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease that causes irritation, redness, and swelling (inflammation) of the gingiva, the part of the gum around the base of the teeth. It is usually caused by poor oral hygiene that allows plaque to buil...

Turcot syndrome is a rare inherited disorder characterized by the association of benign growths (adenomatous polyps) in the mucous lining of the gastrointestinal tract with tumors of the central nervous system. Symptoms associated with polyp forma...

Glutaricaciduria I (GA-I) is a rare hereditary metabolic disorder, caused by a deficiency of the enzyme glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase. One of a group of disorders known as "organic acidemias," it is characterized by an enlarged head (macrocephaly), d...

SHORT syndrome is a condition in which affected individuals have multiple birth defects in different organ systems. The term SHORT is an acronym with each letter representing one of the common findings in affected persons:(S)= short st...

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic skin disorder that most commonly affects post-menopausal women. However, it is sometimes identified among pre-menopausal women, and, even more rarely, among males. When found in males, the disease is known as balaniti...

Hemangioma is a noncancerous growth of blood vessels that can occur anywhere in the body. It is most commonly found on the skin or internal organs, such as the liver or lungs. Hemangiomas are usually present at birth or develop shortly after and c...

IBS triggers and prevention facts Foods and drinks that dehydrate the body can trigger constipation in IBS patients. Fatty foods can trigger diarrhea in people with IBS; others may also do so but specific food triggers of di...

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) facts Treatment for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is based on how much and how often you're bleeding and your platelet count. In some cases, treatment may not be needed. ...

What is the definition of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by the presence of a cluster of symptoms and signs in adult or children that include cramping, abdominal ...

A knocked-out tooth, also known as an avulsed tooth, is a tooth that has been completely displaced from its socket in the jawbone due to trauma or injury. This can happen as a result of a sports injury, car accident, or a fall. It is important to ...

Lichen Planus is a rare, recurrent, itchy rash or area of inflammatory eruptions (lesions) of unknown origin characterized by shiny reddish-purple spots on the skin and gray-white ones in the mouth. The disorder may present as itchy spots on the w...

No one knows the exact cause of psoriasis, but experts believe that it's a combination of things. Something wrong with the immune system causes inflammation, triggering new skin cells to form too quickly. Normally, skin cells are replaced every 28...

Drug-induced liver diseases are diseases of the liver that are caused by physician-prescribed medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, hormones, herbs, illicit ("recreational") drugs, and environmental toxins. What is the liver...

Degos disease is an extremely rare disorder in which small and medium sized arteries become blocked (occlusive arteriopathy), restricting the flow of blood to affected areas. Degos disease usually causes characteristic skin lesions that may last f...

Pseudomyxoma peritonei is a rare malignant growth characterized by the progressive accumulation of mucus-secreting (mucinous) tumor cells within the abdomen and pelvis. The disorder develops after a small growth (polyp) located within the appendix...

Pseudomyxoma peritonei is a rare malignant growth characterized by the progressive accumulation of mucus-secreting (mucinous) tumor cells within the abdomen and pelvis. The disorder develops after a small growth (polyp) located within the appendix...

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. It is the most serious type of skin cancer and can spread to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early. Melan...

Mucha-Habermann disease, also known as pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta or PLEVA, is a rare skin disorder. The lesions most often appear on the trunk and the arms and legs. Lesions tend to develop in small groups. Mucha-Habermann dise...

Pseudomyxoma peritonei is a rare malignant growth characterized by the progressive accumulation of mucus-secreting (mucinous) tumor cells within the abdomen and pelvis. The disorder develops after a small growth (polyp) located within the appendix...

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a rare inherited cancer predisposition syndrome characterized by hundreds to thousands of precancerous colorectal polyps (adenomatous polyps). If left untreated, affected individuals inevitably develop cance...

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a rare inherited cancer predisposition syndrome characterized by hundreds to thousands of precancerous colorectal polyps (adenomatous polyps). If left untreated, affected individuals inevitably develop cance...

Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (NUG), also known as trench mouth, is a severe form of gum disease characterized by painful, bleeding gums, ulcers, and necrosis (death) of gum tissue. It is caused by a bacterial infection, typically associated w...

Henoch-Schonlein purpura is a rare inflammatory disease of the small blood vessels (capillaries) and is usually a self-limited disease. It is the most common form of childhood vascular inflammation (vasculitis) and results in inflammatory changes ...

Oral pyogenic granuloma, also known as pregnancy tumor or granuloma gravidarum, is a common benign growth that occurs in the oral cavity. It is characterized by a small, red, or pink, raised bump that can bleed easily. It is typically painless but...

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It is usually caused by sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, but can also be cause...

Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports your teeth. It is a common cause of tooth loss in adults and is typically caused by poor oral hygiene that allows bacteria in plaque to build...

Placenta previa is the attachment of the placenta to the wall of the uterus in a location that completely or partially covers the uterine outlet (opening of the cervix). Bleeding after the 20th week of gestation is the main symptom ...

The liver serves many purposes within the body from making carbohydrates, proteins and fats to synthesizing bile to help digest found. Because of this, the liver requires a significant blood supply. As opposed to other organs in the body, the majo...

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare childhood cancer occurring in the chest, specifically in the lungs or in the coverings of the lungs called "pleura". PPB occurs almost exclusively in children under the age of approximately 7-8 years and ra...

Thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura (TTP) is a rare, serious blood disease. Major symptoms may include a severe decrease in the number of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia), abnormal destruction of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia), and disturban...

Pyogenic granuloma is a common type of non-cancerous skin growth that is typically small, red, and raised. It is also known as lobular capillary hemangioma. Pyogenic granulomas can develop on the skin or mucous membranes, such as the gums. They ar...

Radiation sickness describes the harmful effects--acute, delayed, or chronic--produced by exposure to ionizing radiation. An observable effect due to radiation exposure becomes quite certain after a single dose of several hundred rads. As a rule, ...

Radiation sickness describes the harmful effects--acute, delayed, or chronic--produced by exposure to ionizing radiation. An observable effect due to radiation exposure becomes quite certain after a single dose of several hundred rads. As a rule, ...

Radiation sickness is damage to your body caused by a large dose of radiation often received over a short period of time (acute). The amount of radiation absorbed by the body — the absorbed dose — determines how sick you'll be. ...

Radiation sickness describes the harmful effects--acute, delayed, or chronic--produced by exposure to ionizing radiation. An observable effect due to radiation exposure becomes quite certain after a single dose of several hundred rads. As a rule, ...

Systemic mastocytosis (mas-to-sy-TOE-sis) is a disorder that results in an excessive number of mast cells in your body. Mast cells normally help protect you from disease and aid in wound healing by releasing substances such as histamine and leukot...

Acquired aplastic anemia is a rare disorder caused by profound, almost complete bone marrow failure. Bone marrow is the spongy substance found in the center of the bones of the body, in adults mainly the spine, pelvis, and large bones of the legs....

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation of the large intestine (colon). The colon is the part of the digestive system where water is removed from undigested material, and the remaining waste material is stored. The rectum is the end of the co...

Urethral cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body. In women, the urethra is about 1½ inches long and is...

The uterus The uterus is part of a woman's reproductive system. It's a hollow organ in the pelvis. The uterus has three parts: Top: The top (fundus) of your uterus is shaped like a dome. From the top of your ut...

Uterine fibroids facts Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that originate in the uterus (womb). It is not known exactly why women develop uterine fibroids. Most women with uterine fibroids have no symptoms. Howeve...

Normal vaginal bleeding is the periodic blood flow from the uterus. Normal vaginal bleeding is also called menorrhea. The process by which menorrhea occurs is called menstruation. In order to determine whether bleeding is ...

Vaginal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the vagina. The vagina is the canal leading from the cervix (the opening of uterus) to the outside of the body. At birth, a baby passes out of the body through the vagin...

Vaginal atrophy is the medical term that refers to the thinning of the wall of the vagina that occurs during the menopause (the time when menstrual periods have ceased) in women. Vaginal atrophy occurs due to falling estrogen levels...

Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina. Symptoms of vaginitis include vaginal pain or discomfort, itching, discharge, and odor. Pain with urination or during sexual intercourse is also common. Vaginitis may be due to infe...

Verrucous carcinoma is a rare type of slow-growing, well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma that typically affects the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, larynx, and genital area. It is characterized by a warty or cauliflower-like appearance...

Warts are small, self-limited tumors caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Types of warts include common warts, flat warts, plantar warts, periungual warts, and filiform warts. Warts typically disappear on their ...

The WAS-related disorders are a spectrum of conditions affecting the immune system that are caused by mutations in the WAS gene. These disorders include Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, X-linked thrombocytopenia and X-linked congenital neutropenia. The W...