What is a hepatic hemangioma? Hepatic hemangiomas are thought to be present in as many as 7% of healthy people. Hemangiomas are four to six times more common in women than in men. Female hormones may promote the formation and growth of hemangiomas. Hemangiomas, although referred to as tumors, are not malignant and do not become cancerous. Hemangiomas are not...
Is Rituximab Safe During Pregnancy?
Rituxan is not completely safe during pregnancy Rituxan (Rituximab) may not be completely safe during pregnancy and should be stopped at least 12 months before attempting to conceive. Rituximab may be used in early pregnancy for exceptional cases, but it should be avoided in the last trimester. Rituximab is prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis and...
Is a Nasal Endoscopy Painful?
Nasal endoscopy or rhinoscopy is not a painful procedure; however, it may be slightly uncomfortable. Before nasal endoscopy, the doctor may spray the nose with a decongestant and local anesthesia to reduce the congestion and widen the area while stopping the patient from sneezing or discomfort. The patient may return home on the same day after the procedure. A doctor may...
How Common Is Spinal Muscular Atrophy?
What is spinal muscular atrophy? Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a hereditary (running in families) disorder that progressively destroys the motor nerve cells (neurons) leading to muscle weakness and wasting (atrophy). Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a hereditary (running in families) disorder that progressively destroys the motor nerve cells (neurons) leading to muscle weakness and wasting (atrophy). This makes it...
Is A Cystogram Painful?
Usually, a cystogram is not a painful procedure Usually, a cystogram is not a painful procedure; however, a patient may complain of some discomfort during the procedure: A patient may feel discomfort when the catheter is inserted. To help make it easier on the patient, some doctors may place a numbing agent around the urethra (the opening from which urine...
Is Norovirus Contagious? Symptoms, Treatment, Diagnosis
What is norovirus? Share Your Story Picture of Norovirus Virus by BigStock Norovirus is an enterovirus that causes food poisoning symptoms in individuals. It is sometimes termed the "stomach flu," but it is not related to the true flu viruses (influenza viruses) that cause respiratory problems. Norovirus is considered by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to...
Is a Muscle Strain the Same as a Muscle Tear?
Is a muscle strain the same as a muscle tear? A muscle strain is an injury that occurs when a muscle or a tendon is overstretched. A muscle tear is when a muscle or a tendon is overstretched and it tears. Is a muscle strain is not the same thing as a muscle tear. Although a muscle strain is different...
Is POTS a Serious Condition?
What is POTS? POTS can seriously interfere with everyday functioning. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a syndrome characterized by increased heart rate (tachycardia), a fall in blood pressure (hypotension) and giddiness when standing (orthostatic). In POTS, the symptoms occur because the heart does not receive sufficient blood supply when the person stands upright. The word refers to a group of...
Is Stage 4 Thyroid Cancer Curable?
Thyroid cancer is abnormal growth and uninhibited multiplication of the cells of the thyroid gland. Thyroid cancer is abnormal growth and uninhibited multiplication of the cells of the thyroid gland. It ultimately results in a gradual decline in the function of the normal cells and eventual deterioration of human health. The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system that...
Is Lupus Contagious?
What is lupus? Share Your Story Lupus is an autoimmune disease characterized by symptoms and signs like rash, joint pain, and fever. Lupus is a general term that refers to any of the various chronic inflammatory diseases that are marked by inflammation of the skin and are caused by autoimmunity. Classic lupus is also termed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and...