What is circumcision? Circumcision, the surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis, is usually performed with local anesthesia in newborns, but older children, adolescents and adults may require sedation. Circumcision is the surgical removal of foreskin, a loose fold of skin that covers the head (glans) of the penis. The foreskin is detached from...
Angiomyolipoma facts Readers Comments 10 Share Your Story Angiomyolipomas are related to the genetic disease tuberous sclerosis. Angiomyolipomas are benign tumors of the kidney and, rarely, other organs. The exact cause of angiomyolipoma is not known, but researchers suggest a genetic mutation may be responsible. Angiomyolipomas are related to the genetic disease tuberous sclerosis. Signs...
Alcohol and teens facts The symptoms of alcoholism include tolerance to alcohol, withdrawal episodes, craving alcohol, using more alcohol or for longer periods than intended, and problems managing life issues due to alcohol. Alcoholism, now diagnostically known as alcohol use disorder, is a substance-use disorder in which the sufferer has problems managing how much and...
What is Down syndrome? Down syndrome is caused by the presence of an extra chromosome. Down syndrome is a type of genetic disorder in which a person has an extra chromosome (rod-like structures that contain genes) inside the cells. The syndrome is named after the English physician John Langdon Down who provided the first accurate...
Hemangiomas are one of the most common tumors that develop in infants. Hemangiomas are one of the most common tumors that develop in infants. They are most often present from birth or appear within the first few weeks after birth. They grow only for a certain duration and usually go away on their own. Hemangiomas...
Facts you should know about a hydrocele While hydroceles may occur in either gender, they are much more common in males. A hydrocele is a collection of clear fluid in a thin walled sack present in the scrotum. Hydroceles may be either one sided or occupy both sides. Hydroceles are painless, soft swellings and may...
Puberty in girls and boys facts Boys and girls going through puberty sometimes can have a difficult time transitioning. Puberty is the period of sexual maturation and achievement of fertility. The time when puberty begins varies greatly among individuals; however, puberty usually occurs in girls between the ages of 10 and 14 and between the...
Niemann-Pick disease facts* *Niemann-Pick disease facts medical author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR Niemann-Pick disease is classified into types based upon symptoms and genetic causes. Niemann-Pick disease is a genetic disease that leads to the accumulation of fatty products in cells, eventually causing their death. Symptoms of Niemann-Pick disease are related to the...
Spina bifida in babies and adults facts* Spina bifida (anencephaly) can be diagnosed in-utero. *Spina bifida facts medical author: Melissa Stöppler, MD Spina bifida is a form of birth defect known as a neural tube defect. Spina bifida results from an incomplete formation of the brain, spinal cord, and/or meninges in an infant. Spina bifida...
Childhood ADD or ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) facts Picture of a Boy with ADHD Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition. Childhood ADHD symptoms include difficulty concentrating, trouble controlling impulses, and excessive activity. While there is no specific cause of ADHD, there are many social, biological, and environmental factors that may...