What is the difference between a rigid and flexible sigmoidoscopy? There are various differences between flexible sigmoidoscopy and rigid sigmoidoscopy Apart from the length, the flexible sigmoidoscope is more flexible to maneuver. Thus, it produces less discomfort. The rigid sigmoidoscopy has a lesser diagnostic yield than the flexible sigmoidoscopy. Other differences between flexible sigmoidoscopy and rigid sigmoidoscopy are: Rigid sigmoidoscopy...
Whooping Cough Treatment, Causes, Symptoms, Vaccine, Diagnosis
Whooping cough (pertussis) facts Is Whooping Cough Highly Contagious? Whooping cough (pertussis) is an acute, highly contagious bacterial infection. The bacterium Bordetella pertussis causes this respiratory infection. Whooping cough commonly affects infants and young children, but immunization with the pertussis vaccine can prevent the infection. Young infants are at greatest risk for complications and even death from this respiratory disease....
Peanut Allergy Reaction Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Facts you should know about peanut allergy The prevalence of peanut allergy in the United States is approximately 0.6%-1.3%. The rate of peanut allergy is higher in individuals with additional allergic conditions or a family history of allergic conditions, including a sibling with a peanut allergy. One-third of patients with peanut allergy are also allergic to tree nuts. About 90% of...
What Are the Early Signs of Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer in its early stages usually causes no signs and symptoms. Prostate cancer in its early stages usually causes no signs and symptoms. Screening can help detect the cancer early. More advanced prostate cancers can sometimes give rise to the following symptoms: Difficulty in passing urine A slow or weak urinary stream Need to urinate more often, especially at...
Parkinson’s Disease: Information About Clinical Trials
Introduction to Clinical Trials for Parkinson’s Disease You may have heard about clinical trials from your doctor, read or heard advertisements in the newspaper or on the radio, or found out about trials in your area through a support group or association. Before you decide to participate in a trial, you should be aware of the potential benefits and risks....
When Should a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Be Done for Melanoma?
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can spread to the surrounding organs and cause death. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can spread to the surrounding organs and cause death. A sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is done in patients with melanoma to investigate the spread of the disease. SLNB is generally performed for melanoma when...
Survival Rate for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
The average five-year survival rate of leukemia is 60-65%. The prognosis depends on the type of leukemia, the extent of the disease, age of the patient, and the general condition of the patient. Some patients can go into complete remission. The average five-year survival rate of leukemia is 60-65%. The survival rate of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) depends on the...
Thrush Treatments, Symptoms, Causes & Home Remedies
Thrush in newborns and infants is common and usually not harmful.Source: Getty Images What is thrush? Thrush (oropharyngeal candidiasis) is a medical condition in which a yeast-like fungus called Candida albicans overgrows in the mouth and throat. Thrush may be triggered to occur by a variety of factors, including illness, pregnancy, medications, smoking, or dentures. Thrush in newborns and infants...
Pancreatic Cancer Stages 4, Symptoms, Treatment, Causes & Survival Rate
What facts should I know about pancreatic cancer? Picture of a Man with Pancreatic Cancer by iStock The pancreas, located in the abdomen, has cells with endocrine (hormonal) and exocrine (digestive) functions; cancer cells can develop from both types of functional cells. Most pancreatic cancers are adenocarcinomas. Few patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer have identifiable risk factors. Pancreatic cancer is...
Relapsing Polychondritis Prognosis, Symptoms, Treatment & Diagnosis
Facts you should know about relapsing polychondritis Redness and swelling of the ears is a common sign of relapsing polychondritis. Relapsing polychondritis is an uncommon, chronic disorder of the cartilage. Relapsing polychondritis is characterized by recurrent episodes of painful inflammation. Relapsing polychondritis can involve all types of cartilage. Typical cartilage tissues affected include the ears, nose, and joints. There is...