Both young girls and women may be seriously concerned by the lack of menstruation over a period of time or even just a single period. While a period may be missed at some point in a woman’s life, the absence of menstruation could indicate more serious pathologies that warrants further investigation. The medical term for the long term absence of a period is amenorrhea. However at times, an absent period may be due to an irregular cycle which is known a oligomenorrhea. Other causes may result in a sudden missed period in women who otherwise menstruate regularly.

continue reading No Period

Droopy eyes may be a naturally occurring feature in some people, creating a characteristic ‘sleepy eye’ look. However, in other cases, it can extend beyond just the cosmetic aspect and contribute to difficulty with vision, especially in cases of ptosis. The medical term, ptosis, refers to the drooping of the upper eyelids when it is markedly obvious and uncharacteristic for the person in question. Naturally droopy eyelids, that have been present from birth and do not hamper vision in any way, is not considered to be ptosis. Similarly ptosis should not be confused with angioedema, which is the swelling of the dermis of the skin due to an allergic reaction. Angioedema affects the dermis of the cheek and orbit thereby creating a swelling of the eyelid and not drooping.

continue reading Causes of Droopy Eyes and Ptosis

What is a tumor?

The word tumor is a broad term to identify any growth within the body but has become synonymous with a benign or malignant growth. At times the word neoplasm is used which is essentially a new growth of tissue that has no purpose or function in the body.

A tumor arises from uncontrolled or an abnormal growth of cells that has no physiological function in the body, occupies space or destroys surrounding tissue to fit in the specific area and can affect the function or health of the organ it affects.

Tumors should not be confused with other growth phenomenon in the body like hyperplasia or hypertrophy. These terms are used when an organ enlarges or when there is an increase in the organ’s cells or layers of tissue than would be considered the norm leading to an increase in size of the affected organ. This enlargement is not a tumor.

continue reading Characteristics of Benign and Malignant Tumors