Brain cancer is a type of cancer that takes place in a brain and prevents it from functioning normally. It is characterized by the growth of cancer cells (either benign or malignant) in the brain tissue. The growth of these cells leads to the formation of tumor which affects the mental processes, brain and body functions. Malignant tumors are created by the growth of cancer cells; benign tumors are made by noncancerous cells. There is also one more differentiation, the one between primary brain tumors and metastatic brain tumors. Those cells that originate from brain tissue are considered the former. The latter are those that spread to the brain from other organs. More »
Archive for January, 2010
Breast Cancer
The diagnosis “breast cancer” sounds like a verdict to a woman. It is easily understandable because breasts are crucial part of the woman’s body and are connected with the concept of femininity and sexuality. It is also the second cause that leads to death in the U.S. A lot of women in the age group between 45 and 55 become victims of breast cancer. The condition is generally diagnosed after a mammogram was done and some abnormality was found. Recently more and more women tend to undergo this procedure in the preventive purposes. More »
Prostate Cancer and Its Reasons
Prostate cancer is an illness that means a malignant tumor consisting of cells from the prostate gland. The tumor can stay inactive for years and show no symptoms of its existence. But with the passing time and development of the disease it can spread further and affect the surrounding tissues or even have metastases throughout other bodily parts like bones, liver and lungs. On this stage the disease is often indicated and diagnosed. More »
What Is Sleep?
Sleep is a complicated notion and so far is not enough studied. Quite for a long period of time it was considered a break in the consciousness when a person is not awake. What really happens during the sleep, why we can see dreams and what they really mean is still an open question. It is known, however, that brain stays active when we sleep and there are various stages each presupposing some different experience. More »
What is GERD (acid reflux)?
GERD, or acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease stands for the condition when the liquid content of the stomach backs up into the esophagus. As a result this liquid evokes inflammation and damage of the esophagus lining. The main components of this liquid are acid and pepsin produced by the stomach. The former is considered very injurious as well as the latter (combined with bile) though not at such extent. More »
Hemorrhoids – Reasons and Treatment
There are no special terms to describe hemorrhoids but they are generally described as widening of hemorrhoid veins of the lower part of the rectum causing cushions and often characterized by bleeding. It is wrong to suppose the condition abnormal as it can be found in many people. It is nevertheless considered an illness only when the hemorrhoidal cushions enlarge and evoke pain and discomfort. More »
What does It Mean – Arthritis in Childhood?
The existence of arthritis in children is doubted by some people and even doctors. Nevertheless the condition happens and the fact that it is rare doesn’t make it unimportant. Sometimes children have to suffer for months and years before they are relieved. The greatest problem is that adults can be oblivious of the condition because of the superstition that arthritis is a characteristic of old age and not children. So little is known about the symptoms and progress of the illness in such early age that by the time when the diagnosis is stated it can be too late for any treatment. More »
Arthritis and Exercise, Where to Start?
Arthritis is not a best condition to go in for sports but a little exercise will do no harm if practiced with care. The best way to start is get a consultation from your doctor or apply for a good physician. Arthritis does not mean that the road to sport is closed forever; it is just much wiser to check what sports and exercises will be beneficial and which ones may be fraught with additional pain and trouble. Most people with arthritis start with some easy range-of-motion exercises and light aerobics. More »
Brief Information about Fungi
All of us have heard about fungi but not all know what it is. Fungi represent microscopic plant organisms consisting of cells like mould, mildews and yeast. Their behaviour in the organism resembles the one of parasites or saprophytes as they feed on nutrients they get from humans and animals. More »