Sporadic

Sporadic medullary thyroid cancer is the most common among the forms of medullary thyroid cancer. The name of the form itself gives away its cause of development: it is sporadic. No research indicates that a particular gene or inherited trait leads to this form of medullary thyroid cancer.

MEN 2A-associated medullary thyroid cancer

The full form of MEN is multiple endocrine neoplasia. Several forms of MEN lead to various health issues with the endocrine gland. MEN 2A is the type that causes a form of medullary thyroid cancer. This is one of the types of thyroid cancer that is caused due to mutations in the genes. Hyperparathyroidism can occur along with MEN 2A. In hyperparathyroidism, the parathyroid glands become hyperactive and secrete more than normal amounts of their hormones. This leads to many health issues such as joint aches, memory loss, depression, nausea and vomiting, and overall fatigue.

MEN 2B-associated medullary thyroid cancer

Like MEN 2A, MEN 2B is also a form of medullary thyroid cancer. However, there are some differences between the two. MEN 2B is not accompanied by hyperparathyroidism. Additionally, MEN 2B might also be accompanied by certain noticeable physical symptoms. These can include swelling in the eyelids and tumors on the tongue. MEN 2B is also caused by mutations in the genes. It often runs in families, though there have been cases of patients developing MEN 2B form of medullary thyroid cancer despite having no family history of the disease.

Familial

Just like the name suggests, familial medullary thyroid cancer is usually passed in the genes. Yet, this form must be distinguished from the MEN 2A and MEN 2B associated forms of medullary thyroid cancer. This is because unlike MEN 2A and MEN 2B, the familial type has no links with any endocrine issues. The cancer simply occurs by itself.

No matter the type of medullary thyroid cancer, an early diagnosis is always suggested. The main treatment for any of these types of thyroid cancer is a total thyroidectomy. In a total thyroidectomy, the thyroid gland is removed in its entirety. This surgery works best for aggressive types of thyroid cancer. If thyroid cancer runs in your family, annual check-ups are a must. Early diagnosis can help arrest the spread of thyroid cancer and improve your chances of a speedy and complete recovery.

Causes
Stomach cancer occurs when there are changes in the structure of the DNA. These changes can disrupt the instructions that manage cell growth. In such a situation, cells that should die may remain, and the newly created cells may be produced very quickly or in an uncontrollable manner. The accumulating cancer cells develop a tumor that can attack adjacent structures, and these cells can break off from the tumor to spread across the entire body.

Risk factors
The risk factors associated with stomach cancer are as follows:

Stomach polyps

Smoking

Pernicious anemia

Long-term stomach inflammation

Low consumption of vegetables and fruits

High consumption of smoked and salty foods

Family history related to this disease

Infection with Helicobacter pylori

Rare types of stomach cancer
Explained below are a few types of stomach cancer. Let us start by throwing light on the rare forms of stomach cancer.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs): GISTs are a rare form of stomach cancer. This type of stomach cancer develops in a unique cell that is found in the lining of the stomach known as Interstitial cells of Cajal. GIST cells appear to be quite similar to nerve or muscle cells under a microscope. GISTs may develop throughout the digestive tract. However, around 60-70% of these tumors may occur in the stomach.

Carcinoid tumors: Carcinoid tumors originate in the stomach’s hormone-generating cells. Usually, these tumors do not spread to various other organs of the body. Carcinoid tumors account for approximately 3% of stomach cancer cases. Explained ahead are the different types of carcinoid tumors:

Type I and Type II Enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cell carcinoids: The carcinoids in these types do not produce any symptoms and rarely spread to other body parts. Quite often, they are detected during an endoscopy, which is done for another health-related problem such as acid reflux.

Type III ECL cell carcinoids: The carcinoids in this type are quite aggressive. The excess secretion of carcinoid tumors may result in carcinoid syndrome. This syndrome is marked by constriction of the bronchial tubes in the lungs, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and flushing. In some instances, this condition is also marked by a heart problem such as valve dysfunction. Carcinoid syndrome is an indication that additional aggressive treatment may be required.

It is advised to keep a lookout for stomach cancer if you have any of the aforementioned risk factors or notice any health issues that may point toward these forms of the disease.

An overview of SMA type 1

This type of SMA is also known as Werdnig-Hoffman Disease. It is considered to be the most common of all the types of SMA. Children who are affected by this disease start to show symptoms before they turn six months old.

Cause
Spinal muscle atrophy in the body occurs because of a certain kind of genetic mutation. SMN1 is a particular gene that is responsible for giving particular instructions to the body to produce a protein. This protein is known as SMN and is required by our motor neurons for survival. Due to a defect in this gene, the body can develop spinal muscle atrophy.

Symptoms
In most cases, patients start exhibiting symptoms of this type of SMA in the first six months of their life. Hypotonia is considered to be a major symptom of SMA Type 1. In this problem, the patient suffers through a weak muscle tone, especially in the legs and arms. Some additional symptoms of this problem include the following:

• Difficulty in moving
• Difficulty in breathing
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Difficulty in eating
• Difficulty in sitting unaided during infancy

SMA Type 1 does not affect the cognitive ability of a child. They remain as bright, responsive, and alert as the other kids of their age.

Diagnosis

Since the cause of this problem is a genetic mutation, experts recommend taking a blood sample and checking for the SMN1 gene. For this particular type of SMA, the tests used include:

• Electromyography
• Muscle biopsy

Treatment

Unfortunately, there are no cures available for any of the types of SMA currently. However, SMA type 1 shows lesser severe symptoms as compared to SMA type 0. Hence, the symptoms can be managed in an easier manner. Your doctor may recommend nusinersen, which is a medication that can be used for controlling spinal muscle atrophy. It is the first therapy approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and can be prescribed for both, adults and children.

Spinal muscle atrophy is a rare disease. So, it is understandable that parents may find it initially difficult to navigate their lives with a child who is affected by this disorder. It is highly recommended you to undergo counseling sessions so that you know how life can be made easier with this disorder. You may even consider the option of genetic counseling so as to understand this disease better and help you manage it.

Causes of basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is a form of skin cancer that develops on the areas of the skin which are exposed to harsh sunlight over a prolonged period. The core causes of this type of skin cancer are exposure to a tanning bed or the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. When the skin is hit by the UV rays, its cells tend to get damaged as time progresses. Over a period, the harm caused to the cell’s DNA can result in the development of cancer. This damage may occur at any time between months to years.

Symptoms of basal cell carcinoma

In this condition, there may be noticeable skin growth in a dome form. This growth can be black, brown, or pink in color. In the initial stage, this disease begins with the development of a small, pearly bump. This bump appears like a flesh-colored pimple or mole that does not go away. In some cases, these developments are darker in color. There is a possibility slightly scales patches that are red or shiny pink may develop on the skin. Another symptom in this condition includes a hard, waxy skin growth. This type of skin cancer is fragile and hence, can lead to one bleeding easily. Any unusual bumps or marks on the skin should be immediately shown to a doctor.

Causes of squamous cell carcinoma

In most instances, this type of skin cancer occurs because of exposure to tanning beds or the harmful UV rays. The other causes behind the development of squamous cell carcinoma include:

• Sores or ulcers on the skin for a long time.
• A harmful skin burn.
• Certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Long-term exposure to chemicals that cause cancer; for instance, when an individual uses herbicides or insecticides, drinks from a water supply that has arsenic, or is exposed to tar while smoking tobacco.

Symptoms related to squamous cell carcinoma

The symptoms of this disease include:

• A lump or bump on the skin which feels rough to the touch.
• When the growth of the lump or bump increases, it can be crusty or dome-shaped, and may also probably bleed.
• A sore that heals and returns or one that never heals.
• Bowen’s disease, wherein a scaly, reddish, and flat patch develops gradually.

Do note that patients who have had an organ transplant are at an increased risk of developing one of these types of skin cancer. Any unusual growth on the skin should thus be shown to a doctor immediately.

What are the symptoms of bacterial meningitis?

The most common symptoms of bacterial meningitis include:

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Stiff neck

Some patients can also experience nausea, vomiting, confusion, bright light sensitivity, or a purple-colored rash. Parents of babies aged below two years should look out for symptoms like irritability and loss of appetite in their children. These are some of the symptoms that are commonly found in toddlers.

While in some cases, the symptoms of meningitis can start showing in just a couple of hours; in others the symptoms can progress over a couple of years. Immediate medical attention is required if any of the symptoms of bacterial meningitis start showing up. The doctor will devise a treatment plan which will mostly consist of antibiotics.

What are the causes of bacterial meningitis?

Several bacteria can cause bacterial meningitis. These most common ones are:

• Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcus
• coli
• Listeria monocytogenes
• Haemophilus influenzae also known as Hib
• Neisseria meningitidis also known as meningococcus
• group B strep

Bacteria that can lead to meningitis can survive in your body and in an environment where you live and, in most cases, they are harmless. The condition occurs when the bacteria enter the bloodstream and get transported to the brain and the spinal cord and infect the fluid present there.

Among the various types of meningitis, bacterial meningitis is one of the more contagious type and can spread by coming in contact with an infected person and by:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Exchange of saliva

Throat secretions such as phlegm and saliva of a bacterial meningitis patient contain bacteria. Therefore, when an infected person coughs or sneezes, the bacteria travel through the air. Interestingly, the bacteria that cause meningitis spread lesser than cold- and flu-causing viruses.

Some of the bacteria that causes meningitis can also be contracted through the food we eat. These foods contain Listeria bacterium and include:

• Hot dogs
• Soft cheese
• Sandwich meats

This bacterium usually affects expecting mothers, babies, and elderly people.

Certain conditions put you at a higher risk of getting infected by bacteria that causes meningitis. These bacteria are more likely to attack the membrane of your brain after a trauma such as surgery, sinus infection, or a fracture in the head. These are some of the conditions that weaken your immune system and make your body more susceptible to the attack of a meningitis-causing bacterium. It is difficult to pick one particular cause of bacterial meningitis as various factors can lead to the condition.

• The red blood cells carry oxygen to various organs in the body
• The white blood cells which are responsible for protecting the body from infection
• The platelets which make blood clot

In children, the effects of leukemia can be seen in the form of abnormal growth of the white blood cells. The abnormal cells soon become more in number than the healthy white blood cells and hamper their function of preventing infections.

There are three different types of leukemia found in children: acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, or chronic myelogenous leukemia. To determine the type of leukemia the child has, the doctor examines the blood and/or bone marrow to look for the type of white blood cells found.

The severity of the condition is then decided by the doctor by evaluating several factors such as the age of the child, the symptoms, the number of white blood cells found, and how quickly is cancer progressing into the body and to the spinal fluid.

Here are the various types of leukemia found in children discussed in detail.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia

This is the most common type of leukemia found in children. Out of the total leukemia cases reported in children, 80% have acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In this type of leukemia, there is an abnormal production of immature white blood cells known as lymphoblasts in the bone marrow of the child. When the lymphoblasts grow in large numbers, they outnumber the healthy cells in the body and often cause bleeding, anemia, and put the child at a high risk of infections. There are two subtypes of acute lymphoblastic leukemia: B cell and T cell.

Acute myeloid leukemia

This type of leukemia in children starts from the blood and the bone marrow by developing immature blood cells called myeloblasts. These abnormal cells develop inside the bone marrow and grow up to become just like the mature red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. In this type of leukemia, the cancerous cells grow and divide rapidly, not leaving enough space for the healthy blood cells to grow. These abnormal cells also leave no space for the cells that form the platelets in the bone marrow. Out of the leukemia cases reported in children, 15 to 20% have this type of leukemia. There are 8 subtypes of this type which are classified based on the maturity and type of white blood cells.

Chronic myelogenous leukemia

This is a rare type of leukemia diagnosed in children with only 2% of cases reported. Mostly, when a child is diagnosed with this type of leukemia, he is found to be carrying an abnormal gene known as BCR-ABL in the cancer cells.

Here we have discussed two common types of eating disorders:

Binge eating disorder
In recent years, binge eating has received official recognition as a type of eating disorder. It is of today believed to be one of the most commonly diagnosed eating disorders, especially in the country. This type of eating disorder mostly develops when a person is an adolescent or a young adult. However, this does not rule out the possibility of one being diagnosed with the disorder when they’re older. People with this sort of disorder have symptoms that are the same as those that are found among the people who suffer from a binge-eating subtype of anorexia or bulimia. For example, individuals who suffer from this type of eating disorder are found to eat unusually a lot of food in a considerably shorter span of time mostly finding themselves to have less control. But as compared to the subtype of anorexia and bulimia nervosa, individuals who suffer from binge eating disorder will not restrict the intake of calories nor will they resort to purging activities like overexercising or vomiting in order to compensate for the intake of food. Individuals who suffer from binge eating disorder are usually obese or overweight. This will increase the risk of medical complications that are associated with the excess weight which include type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart diseases.

Pica
Pica is another type of eating disorder that includes eating items that cannot be called food. People who suffer from pica begin to crave for substances that are not termed as food. These items usually include soap, pebbles, wool, laundry detergent, cornstarch, hair, paper, chalk, soil, dirt or ice. This type of eating disorder can develop among individuals like adults, adolescents, and even children. Pica is mostly found in pregnant females, children, and people who have other mental disabilities. People, who suffer from pica, may highly be subjected to poisoning, nutritional deficiencies, injuries of the gut, and infections. Based on the substances that one eats, pica can be considered as a fatal type of eating disorder.

Even though most of these conditions are treatable, if the symptoms and the signs pointing towards the condition are not addressed, it can lead to severe depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and even death.

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC)

Inflammatory breast cancer or IBC is one of the rare types of breast cancer. In IBC patients, cancer starts developing in the soft breast tissues and blocks the lymph vessels in the breast. Also, there is an increase in the flow of blood and accumulation of white blood cells which makes the breasts feel itchy, warm, and can cause redness. This type of breast cancer is different from the other types as it has different symptoms, treatment plan, and prognosis.

The name inflammatory is given to this type of breast cancer based on the appearance of the breasts that it causes. Inflammation is often a result of infection or injury to the breast. The inflammation makes the breast tender, swollen, itchy and causes redness. Initially, IBC may be diagnosed as a breast infection like mastitis. Therefore, at first, the patients might be prescribed antibiotics. If the antibiotics recommended by the doctor do not improve your symptoms in 7 to 10 days, it could indicate IBC.

Metastatic breast cancer

This type of breast cancer is also referred to as stage IV or advanced breast cancer. Metastatic breast cancer is the most advanced stage since, at this stage, cancer has made its way to other organs of the body as well. The metastases caused by breast cancer can be found in the lymph nodes of the armpit or they can affect any part of the body. The common organs that can be affected by the cancerous cells include the lung, brain, liver, and bones.

Even the removal of the tumor does not guarantee success as microscopic cells can remain in the body which commonly results in the return and spread of cancer. Metastatic breast cancer can either be diagnosed initially or may develop after months or years of the initial treatment. The chances of breast cancer returning and metastasizing can vary largely on the individual to individual. It can also depend on the biology of the tumor and the time at which it has been detected.

Given the severity of the condition, the treatment of metastatic breast cancer can include many types of treatment. These treatments can be the same for other stages of breast cancer as well. These include:

• Hormone therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Surgery
• Targeted therapy
• Radiation therapy

These treatments can be advised alone or in combination with other treatments depending on the severity of the patient’s condition.

Male breast cancer

A rare but not unheard of, this form of breast cancer is the one that occurs in men. This type of breast cancer generally affects men who are over 60 years of age. Male breast cancer is said to count for around 1% of reported breast cancer cases. This type of breast cancer may be treated with mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The treatment can differ from one case to another.

The condition can impact different organs in the body. These commonly include the heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, digestive tract, and the nervous system. When the condition becomes severe, it can lead to organ failure and can prove to be fatal. Based on the organs it affects, the various types of amyloidosis are as follows:

Cardiac amyloidosis

When amyloid starts depositing in the heart, it leads to the stiffening of walls. It can even lead to the weakening of the heart muscles. The abnormal deposits of protein in the heart affects its electrical rhythm and hampers the flow of blood to the heart. All of this eventually leads to abnormal functioning of the heart and can cause various symptoms. Some of the common symptoms associated with this type of amyloidosis are:

• Breathlessness even with a light activity
• Irregular heartbeats
• Heart failure with signs like swollen ankles and feet, fatigue, nausea, and weakness

Renal or kidney amyloidosis

The kidneys are responsible for filtering out toxins and other waste material from the blood. However, when amyloid starts depositing in the kidneys, it does not allow the kidneys to perform their job efficiently. When the kidneys start to malfunction, water and other harmful toxins start accumulating in the body. As a result of amyloid deposit in the kidney, the following symptoms can occur:

• Kidney failure
• Swollen feet and ankles
• Puffy eyes
• High level of protein content found in urine

Gastrointestinal Amyloidosis

When amyloid protein starts to accumulate along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, it affects the digestion of food. The deposit of the amyloid protein in the tract slows down the movement of food through the intestines hence causing problems with digestion. When amyloid starts forming in the gastrointestinal tract, the following symptoms can occur:

• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Pain in the stomach
• Weight loss

If the abnormal protein buildup starts in the liver, it can lead to enlargement of the liver and buildup of fluid in the body.

Amyloid Neuropathy

When amyloid protein starts accumulating in the nerves, it can cause damage to the peripheral nerves which are located outside the brain and the spinal cord. These nerves are responsible for carrying signals from the brain to the spinal cord and other parts of the body. It is because of these nerves that you feel pain when you burn your hand or stub your toe. When there is an amyloid accumulation in the nerves, the following symptoms can be experienced by the patients.

• Problems with balance
• Bowel and bladder movements that are not under control
• Excessive sweating
• Tingling sensation
• Weakness
• Lightheadedness, especially while standing because the body is not able to maintain blood pressure

All types of amyloidosis can prove to be serious health emergencies. If you have been experiencing any of the above symptoms for an extended period of time do speak with your doctor immediately.

Continuous positive airway pressure has to be maintained to prevent the development of the symptoms of sleep apnea. In the cases of mild sleep apnea, doctors recommend lifestyle changes that include avoiding smoking or losing weight. It may be that the patient has nasal allergies, so the doctor may also recommend treatment for allergies. If the condition ranges from moderate to severe, there are many devices available to open the blocked airways, and surgery is also an option:

Oral appliances
Oral appliances help keep the airway and throat open. Some devices treat positional obstructive sleep apnea. You wear the palm-size device comfortably across your chest. The device sends vibrations to prompt you to shift off your back. It is gentle enough as to not wake you up but intense enough to ensure you sleep in a healthy and safe position.

Try Nightbalance by Philips here.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)and other airway pressure devices
Airway pressure devices include those that adjust the pressure automatically while sleeping. These include auto CPAP and bilevel BiPAP. The air in these devices for the treatment of sleep apnea is more when inhaling and less when patients are exhaling.
Patients can benefit a lot from a CPAP device if they are experiencing moderate sleep apnea. The pressure in this device is more than the outside air but just enough to keep the airway open to prevent snoring and sleep apnea. Although many find the device cumbersome, patients may get used to it over time and by adjusting the straps.

Surgery
There are several surgical options available:

• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is a tissue removal procedure, wherein tissue from the top of the throat and the rear of the mouth is removed, along with adenoids and tonsils. Removing the extra tissue with the help of radio frequency energy /radiofrequency ablation is an option if patients cannot stand CPAP and other oral appliances.
• Tissue shrinkage is a method that shrinks the tissue at the rear of the mouth and back of the throat for the treatment of mild to moderate sleep apnea.
• Jaw repositioning is done by moving the jaw forward and away from the other face bones so that the space between the tongue and soft palate reduces the obstruction.

• Nerve stimulation is a surgery for the insertion of a stimulator for the nerve that controls the tongue so that the airway stays open.
• Creating a new airway (tracheostomy) is recommended for severe sleep apnea if other treatments have failed. In this surgery, a new air passage is created by making an opening in the neck and inserting a plastic or metal tube through which the patient can breathe.
  This opening has to be covered during the day and opened at night to allow the air to pass.