What is hairy cell leukemia?

Hairy cell leukemia (abbreviated as HCL) is a rare cancer of the blood and bone marrow. In this form of cancer, certain types of white blood cells, called B-lymphocyte cells, are affected. Hairy cell leukemia is characterized by the uninhibited growth of these B-lymphocytes and low numbers of other normal blood cells. The abnormal cells have fine outgrowths on their surface giving them a hairy look when viewed with a microscope, which is the reason for the name of the condition.

continue reading Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL)

What is an ankle sprain?

Ankle sprain results from twisting of the foot and causes pain and swelling. While painful, ankle sprain is not debilitating. People with an ankle sprain can walk on the foot, although carefully and with pain. Ankle sprain may result from taking part in sports and physical fitness activities, and by stepping on uneven surfaces, or stepping down at an angle.

Ankle sprain involves injuries to the ligaments of the ankle, which hold the ankle bones and joint in position. Ligaments are elastic in nature and they stretch to protect the ankle joint from abnormal and excessive movements (like turning, twisting, and rolling of the foot). If during a movement, the ligament is stretched beyond its normal range, it gets sprained. A severe sprain can tear the elastic fibers of the ligament.

continue reading Ankle Sprain (Twisted Ankle)

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar affective disorder, more commonly known as bipolar disorder, is a very common psychiatric illness. Also known as manic-depressive illness (MDI), bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of prolonged depression that alternate with episodes of mania. Between these periods of mania and depression, usually there are periods of higher functionality, in which patients lead a productive life. Bipolar affective disorder leads to severe impairment of social and occupational function with a profound impact on interpersonal relationships.

continue reading Bipolar Affective Disorder

What is Lyme disease?

Lyme disease refers to the body’s immune response to the bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. These bacteria are transmitted to humans through bites of the Ixodes ticks. This black-legged tick or deer tick is the main vector of Lyme disease. This tick-borne disease is common in northern part of the United States and in northern California on the west coast.

continue reading Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi Bacteria)

What is pelvic organ prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse refers to the condition characterized by an abnormal descent of female pelvic organs (the bladder, uterus, the small bowel and large bowel), due to which vagina and/or uterus protrude. A prolapse or slipping out of these organs from their normal anatomical position occurs with weakening of the tissues (muscles and ligaments) that normally hold up the pelvic organs in women. Vaginal child birth, advancing age, removal of uterus, or obesity may result in a prolapse.

The concern about the possibility of a prolapse later in life is one of the several reasons why some women opt for elective cesarean section (C-section) during childbirth. Many women, who have undergone childbirth, may have some degree of prolapse. However, most of the prolapses do not present with significant symptoms that compels a person to seek treatment.

continue reading Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)