Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. It affects the melanocytes, the cells in the skin that produce melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin. Melanoma occurs when the melanocytes mutate, grow, and spread rapidly, pushing out the healthy cells in the skin. It is not as common as the other types of skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, but it is a more serious disease as it tends to metastasize. Science and technology have improved the diagnosis and treatment options for the disease, but the Center for Diseases Control (CDC) has still quoted that the number of cases has doubled over the last 30 years. Also, it is spreading faster than any other form of cancer. Cases of melanoma are seen to be rising alarmingly in people aged between 15 and 29 years. As in most cases of cancer, early detection is the key to getting cured and surviving over a substantial period of time. Melanoma on the other parts of the body Though melanoma is considered a skin cancer (cutaneous melanoma), although rarely, it can also affect the other parts of the body: Acral or acral lentiginous melanoma forms on the palms and soles or under the fingernails or toenails.

Diagnosis of leukemia starts with a complete history and physical examination – a thorough understanding of the patient’s medical history, family history of diseases, past and present medications, and physical parameters. Doctors consider all the risk factors and symptoms. This examination will also look for lymph node, liver and spleen enlargement. Blood tests follow, with a complete blood count measuring the red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts. Examining blood smears under a microscope may reveal abnormal cells. Bone marrow biopsies are conducted on a bone marrow sample obtained by bone marrow aspiration (removing a sample of bone marrow from the hip bone using a thick hollow needle, while the patient is under local anesthesia). The bone marrow examination looks for leukemia cells. Immunophenotyping is used to detect genetic modifications of certain cells. These tests will help in classification of leukemia to determine the best possible treatment options. Imaging tests include X-rays of the chest to look for enlarged lymph nodes. A lumbar puncture may be used to draw samples of the cerebrospinal fluid to see if leukemia has affected the membranes and spaces around the brain and the spinal cord. To see the organs more clearly, CT and MRI scans are used.

Herpes causing virus is very contagious in nature and tends to be easily transmitted through direct contact. In general, once an individual has contracted the herpes virus, it remains dormant for a period of time in an inactive mode and gets activated at a later date. Transmission of herpes The herpes simplex viruses (HSV) are of two main types: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1, which is associated with oral herpes, is usually spread as a result of saliva sharing through kissing or even through the use of an infected person’s cup. This makes it all the more difficult to identify as to how one may have acquired the infection, and individuals of all ages can easily acquire this infection through this mode of transmission. There are scientific studies which prove that close to 85% of the population comes in contact with this infection at least once during their lifetime. Another mode of transmission for the type 1 herpes is oral sex, and almost all the cases of genital herpes develop as a result of this mode of transmission. Type 2 herpes is a sexually transmitted infection and spreads only through sexual contact with an affected individual. These cases are less common in occurrence, but even those who have the infection do not develop any noticeable symptoms in order to be aware of it.

If you work for long hours wearing closed, non–breathable shoes, or are perhaps actively involved in sports and fitness, or enjoy hanging out barefoot at pool parties, or share your clothing, shoes, or towels with friends, then you need to know about athlete’s foot. What is athlete’s foot? Athlete’s foot is a condition caused by parasitic fungi from the Trichophyton family. These multicellular filamented molds prefer human hosts and inhabit the dead, outer layers of the skin as well as nails. They mostly feed on keratin. Athlete’s foot and jock itch are caused by the same family of molds or fungus. Their names only differ due to the location of the infection. When the feet are infected, it is known as athlete’s foot, but when the groin area is infected, it is called jock itch. Who is at risk of developing athlete’s foot? Anyone who does not take the necessary preventive measures and is directly or indirectly exposed to this contagious fungus can contract this infection. If you’ve sweaty feet, then there’s a likelihood that this contagious species of fungi could infect your feet unless you keep them clean and dry. Certain sports, like swimming and running, increase the chances of coming in contact with the parasite that causes athlete’s foot.

Menopause, a natural process in the decline of the female hormone, occurs when women are around the age of 40-55. A woman should maintain records of her own menstrual cycles and the health of her ovaries and uterus for her wellbeing. Additionally, collecting information about one’s mother and other females in the house can help one understand the symptoms better. By taking a scientific approach to the upcoming natural process, a woman can prepare herself physically and emotionally and reach out for medical support as well. For some, the onset is in the mid to late forties, while for others it could be as late as their mid-fifties. Extreme stress and strain could reverse menopause even after a couple of years and cause a woman to begin her menstrual cycle that may last for 6 months. Such occurrences are rare, but it ends up being a very painful experience. Perimenopause This is the time in a woman’s life where she may experience signs of menopause, like weight gain or loss, bloating, etc. Women who have had a fairly consistent menstrual cycle may suddenly begin to have irregular cycles or heavy periods. This is a sign of lowered estrogen levels and that one’s body is getting ready to end the reproductive process.

Muscular dystrophy is a group of disorders that cause a progressive loss of muscle mass, making it weaker and less flexible. While some people may experience the symptoms during early childhood, others don’t show any signs or symptoms until they become teens or adults. There are over 30 kinds of muscular dystrophy. Each of these disorders varies depending on the genes that caused, the muscles it affects, the age when symptoms first appear and how quickly the disease gets worse. There are nine common forms of muscular dystrophy disorders that people tend to get affected: Congenital muscular dystrophy This muscular dystrophy is present at birth and it progresses slowly, affecting both males and females. This condition can lead to muscle weakness of muscles during birth and in the first few days of the child’s life. It can also result in brain abnormalities and seizures. Distal muscular dystrophy This form of muscular dystrophy weakens the muscles of the feet, lower legs, hands, and forearms. It is less severe in comparison and progresses slowly. Duchenne muscular dystrophy This is the most common form of muscular dystrophy found in children and it usually occurs between the ages of two and six years. This condition weakens the muscles as they decrease in size.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a kind of interstitial disease of the lung or ILD which have five broad categories. Described as scarring or fibrosis of the lungs, idiopathic; in fact, means “of unknown cause.” Interstitial lung diseases are an umbrella term of lung diseases which comprise an excess of 200 disorders that are characterized by scar/fibrosis or inflammation of the lungs. The main cause for ILD remains elusive despite intensive research. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is one form of ILD due to an unknown cause. It is a degenerative condition that reduces the quality of life and studies show that the survival rate among people with IPF is around 3-5 years from the time they are diagnosed. The study indicates that 50 percent of those who had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis have died and only 50 percent are alive. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis causes problems like shortness of breath, dry hacking cough, tiredness, muscle ache, joint pain, unintended weight loss, widening of the fingertips and toes. The symptoms gradually worsen over time and it is known as acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The immune system is the body’s defense system, it keeps the body healthy and helps fight infections and regulates the response to prevent autoimmune disease As idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is caused by genetic defects and it impacts how the immune system works.

In modern times that we find ourselves in, each individual is faced with challenges of the era, that comes to being with a change of time and trend. Loads have been discussed and assessed about physical ailments and disorders, knowledge about which is available and well professed in abundance, however, it is immensely important for one to know the mental hurdles, similar to the physical ailments, that one might be exposed to. If looked at the entire population from a bird’s eye view, the percentile affected by mental disorders are more in number than individuals who find themselves affected by physical diseases. Up until recent times, a lot of mental issues that we know of, used to be known as just another small component of human life. However, such is not the case, our minds, emotions and everything in relation to it, is as complex as the organ system we live with the help of. Stress or mental pressure is something that we all face from time to time. It is to be understood that not all our minds and its ability to deal with the pressure are the same. This is where the ever-evolving field of psychiatry comes into the picture.

To diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, examination and tests are done to assess mental abilities and rule out the factors such as symptoms, family history (medical), past and current health condition, past and current medication, lifestyle habits, diet and amount of alcohol intake Various tests for Alzheimer’s disease Mental, physical, neurological and imaging tests are done to determine the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. However, there is no definitive test for the disease. A mental status test helps the physician to assess long and short-term memory and orientation of time and place. A simple test as of questioning on basic day-to-day topics and recollection of a short list of words may be done. Physical test such as blood pressure, ECG, and temperature test are conducted. Urine and blood samples may also be collected in some cases. A neurological examination is done to rule out other possible conditions such as infection, stroke or other medical issues. Reflexes, speech and muscle tone will usually be checked. A brain imaging study would be recommended in some cases to create pictures of the brain such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Computed Tomography (CT) scan. PET scan – The images of the scan helps the physician to detect plaque, a protein substance related to Alzheimer symptoms.

Testicular cancer manifests through many symptoms and signs, but at the same time, these symptoms may not be a conclusive indicator. The symptoms could be caused by other medical conditions as well. Additionally, in some cases, men with testicular cancer do not exhibit any symptoms until the late stages. It is essential to know about the symptoms of this condition to get an accurate diagnosis during the early stages. Symptoms One of the early symptoms of testicular cancer is swollen testes accompanied by a small lump. Men may also experience a slight swelling, small lump, or enlargement of the testes. The area around the testes may become tender. Other signs are an uncomfortable feeling, numbness, and pain. These signs may affect an individual who may or may not have a swelling on the scrotal sacs. Men in the early stages of testicular cancer feel constant pain in the lower abdomen and groin. In rare cases, testicular cancer results in the creation of additional tissues around the breast due to the production of hormones by the testicular tumors. Sudden development of fluid in the scrotum accompanied by a small, painless lump or a swelling in one of the testicles is a symptom of testicular cancer.