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Symptoms of Depression

The symptoms of depression may vary widely between individuals. However, one of the classic symptoms of depression is a long-term, persistent feeling of sadness. Some of the symptoms of clinical depression include...

14 Oct 2013

Depression Diagnosis

Clinical depression is more serious and severe than feeling low or sad for a few days. Feeling sad for a transient period, especially after a life changing event such as a bereavement or job change is something that is experienced by almost everyone at some point in their lives.

14 Oct 2013

Causes of Depression

There is no single main cause of depression. The condition is triggered for different reasons in different individuals. However, some of the known risk factors and triggers for depression include...

14 Oct 2013

What is Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS)?

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is an early form of breast cancer.

13 Oct 2013

What is the HER2 Gene?

The HER2 gene codes for a receptor on the surface of some cancer cells, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. These cancer cells may contain more than the usual two copies of the HER2 gene which can lead to overproduction of the receptors that are displayed on the cell's surface.

13 Oct 2013

What is Metastatic Breast Cancer?

Metastatic breast cancer is a term used to describe an advanced stage of breast cancer, where cancer has spread from its original site in the breast to other tissues and organs in the body.

13 Oct 2013

What is the BRCA2 Gene?

Both the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are important in suppressing tumors and repairing damaged DNA. Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes give rise to a predisposition to cancer which is referred to as Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) syndrome.

13 Oct 2013

What is a Mammary Gland?

The mammary gland is commonly referred to as the breast and is a unique feature of mammals who suckle their infants after birth.

13 Oct 2013

What are Aromatase Inhibitors?

Aromatase inhibitors are a class of hormonal agents that form part of the therapy for some types of breast cancer. These agents are available as pills and may be started after initial surgery or radiation therapy.

13 Oct 2013

What is Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction is a form of surgery performed on women who undergo a mastectomy to have part or whole of their breast removed, usually to reduce their risk for breast cancer. Breast reconstruction involves restoring the breast's original shape and size as well as sometimes recreating the nipple and surrounding areola. Breast reconstruction is carried out by a cosmetic or plastic surgeon.

13 Oct 2013

What is Allergic Contact Dermatitis?

Allergic contact dermatitis is one of two forms of contact dermatitis, in which skin contact with a particular substance triggers an allergic skin reaction. The other form is irritant contact dermatitis (ICD), which is more common than ACD and has slightly differing clinical features. ACD presents with symptoms similar to those of eczema with skin typically becoming very dry, scaly and itchy.

13 Oct 2013

Management of Opioid Addiction

The management of opioid addiction or dependence involves both diagnosing as well as treating the condition. Treatment may be ongoing on a long term or even lifelong basis for some individuals.

13 Oct 2013

Opioid Addiction Symptoms

Opioid addiction manifests in a range of symptoms. Some of the features of opioid dependence that clinicians take into consideration include...

13 Oct 2013

How Does Milk Allergy Differ from Lactose Intolerance?

The conditions lactose intolerance and milk allergy, which together affect around 30 to 50 million Americans, are often confused. However, the conditions have very different causes and symptoms.

11 Oct 2013

What is Milk Allergy?

Milk allergy is a food allergy where a person is allergic to the proteins present in milk.

11 Oct 2013

What is Intensive Care?

Intensive care or critical care refers to the care provided to patients whilst they are in hospital with severe illnesses or injuries that may become life threatening. Critical care usually takes place in an intensive care unit or trauma center. Intensive care was first introduced in 1952 in Copenhagen to deal with an epidemic of polio and the respiratory paralysis it causes.

10 Oct 2013

What is a Positive Pressure Ventilator?

A mechanical ventilator or positive pressure ventilator is an instrument used to help a patient to breathe when they are unable to breathe on their own. Over the past few decades, the technology surrounding ventilators has undergone massive development.

10 Oct 2013

What are Nightmares?

Nightmares are elaborate and frightening dreams that can lead to high levels of anxiety and terror. In most cases, a person dreams about coming to some sort of harm that may involve being chased, injured or threatened in some way. Some psychiatric conditions are associated with recurrent nightmares, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder.

10 Oct 2013

What is Newborn Screening?

Newborn screening refers to the screening of blood samples taken from newborn infants to test for genetic and metabolic disorders that can become life threatening or cause impaired growth and development later in life.

10 Oct 2013