The bladder is a hollow, balloon-shaped organ in the lower part of the abdomen that stores urine. The bladder is susceptible to cancers, including a type called urothelial carcinoma. Cancer begins in the urothelial cells, which line the urethra, ureters, bladder, pelvis, renal, and other organs. Urothelial cancer or carcinoma is also known as transitional cell carcinoma as the cells here can change shape. The condition affects the bladder’s ability to function properly. Symptoms Urothelial carcinoma may not cause symptoms right away. However, blood in the urine is one of the first noticeable signs of the condition. Other symptoms include: Tiredness Persistent back pain A lump or mass in the kidney region Low-grade fever Causes and risk factors The cause of urothelial carcinoma is yet to be determined. But healthcare professionals have associated the development of cancer in the bladder and kidneys with the following risk factors: Age: One might be at an increased risk of developing urothelial cancer as they get older, especially at ages 55 and above. However, the condition can develop at any age. Gender: Men are at a greater risk of developing various types of bladder cancers than women. Exposure to toxins: Exposure to arsenic and chemicals used for manufacturing dyes, leather, rubber, textiles, and paint products may also increase the risk of urothelial carcinoma.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection is a sexually transmitted disease that is a common health concern around the world. From a weakened immune system to neurological issues, the disease can affect health, physical and mental, as well as daily life. Taking preventive measures and seeking early diagnosis and appropriate care can help mitigate the disease risk. Here are a few preventive measures one can take to be better equipped to combat the virus: Practicing safe sex The exchange of bodily fluids during intercourse puts one at a greater risk of contracting the disease. The barrier devices are designed to protect both male and female bodies. Apart from this, if a partner has been diagnosed with HIV, one can engage in intimate activities that do not involve sex to reduce the chances of contracting the infection. It is important to communicate and practice safe sex. Seeking education and awareness Education plays an important role in preventing HIV transmission. Being aware of the disease, the ways it can spread, and its effects can empower one to make informed decisions. Many schools, community centers, and healthcare facilities run awareness campaigns and educational programs on HIV and promote safe sex practices. This can encourage a culture of openness, understanding, and acceptance.

Uterine cancer, or uterus cancer, is the term used to describe cancer that develops in the uterus. This condition is classified into two broad types – endometrial cancer, i.e., cancer of the endometrium or the inner lining of the uterus, and uterine sarcoma, i.e., cancer of the myometrium or the uterus’ muscular wall. Endometrial cancer is the more prevalent type of uterine cancer. This article describes uterine cancer, its causes, symptoms, and interventions. Causes and risk factors Genetic predisposition Individuals with family histories of Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), are more at risk of developing uterine cancer. Moreover, Lynch syndrome often occurs as a comorbidity with uterine cancer. About 2% to 5% of women with uterine cancer are also diagnosed with Lynch syndrome. Genetic predisposition to colon cancer can also contribute to the prevalence of uterine cancer. Age Uterine cancer typically occurs among individuals over 50 years of age. The average age of diagnosis of the condition is 60 years. Thus, age acts as a major risk factor for the onset of uterine cancer. High body mass index Body mass index, or BMI, is expressed as one’s body mass divided by the square of one’s body height.

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies trigger the destruction of vital nerve links responsible for muscle control. The condition usually affects women between the ages of 20 and 30 and men over 50. Myasthenia gravis is a chronic disease with progressive symptoms that do not have a permanent cure, but they can be managed with treatment options. Here are some of the symptoms one can experience when affected by the disease: Eye problems People commonly experience drooping eyelids on either one or both eyes coupled with vertical or horizontal double vision. This condition is also known as ocular myasthenia because the symptoms are limited to the eye muscles. Trouble eating With muscle weakness in the jaws, basic tasks like chewing food or drinking liquids can also become challenging. One may also get tired eating halfway through a meal. Changes in facial expression Some people also experience a change in facial expression due to compromised muscle tone. For instance, those affected might be trying to smile as they usually do, but the condition can make it seem like they are snarling. Additionally, myasthenia gravis can predominantly affect the facial region, starting with the muscles that control speech triggering impaired speech and a nasal voice.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the estimated number of people around the world affected by depression are around 350 million. It is the most common illness worldwide and is a leading cause of disability. WHO states that it is a common mental disorder that is characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that a person usually enjoys, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities for at least two full weeks. What causes depression? While the cause of depression is not fully understood, it is likely to be a complex combination of genetic, environmental, and biological and psychosocial factors. Also, while depression can affect people of all ages from all walks of life, poverty, unemployment, life events like the death of a loved one or a relationship break-up, and physical illness are likely to increase the risk. The symptoms involve losing interest in doing things that one would usually enjoy, change in appetite and sleep patterns, and feeling sad for at least 2 weeks. Approaches to treat depression If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks, patients are advised to get professional help from a therapist who can evaluate the symptoms and recommend the right approach for treatment.

Plaque psoriasis is one of the most common types of skin disorders, affecting nearly 80% to 90% of adults diagnosed with psoriasis. A few hereditary and external factors can increase the risk of developing the condition. Here, one may experience itching, rashes, and scaly patches on their skin. With early detection and timely treatment, one can manage plaque psoriasis and its symptoms to an extent. Here is what one should know about the disorder: Causes and risk factors When the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy cells, it is known as an autoimmune response. Plaque psoriasis develops when this autoimmune response triggers inflammation and rapid growth of new skin cells. Further, the condition can be triggered by the following factors: Genetics: If one or both parents have the mutated gene that causes psoriasis, then the child has a greater chance of developing the skin disorder. External triggers: Common strep throat infections or skin infections can trigger a psoriasis infection. Also, exposure to extreme weather conditions like cold, dry climates increases the risk of the condition. Even sunburn, cuts, sores, or injuries that do not heal quickly increase the risk of plaque psoriasis. Also, side effects of certain prescriptions can trigger the disease.

Imagine a world where simple tasks become overwhelming challenges, where vision blurs and limbs tingle with an unsettling numbness. This is the reality for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), a complex neurological condition that silently affects millions worldwide. It is, therefore, important to shed light on the subtle but significant changes that may go unnoticed. From debilitating fatigue and vision problems to sensory disturbances, here are some more symptoms to know of. Fatigue A huge warning sign for people at risk of developing MS is feeling fatigued. It can be troublesome for patients as this might impact their daily routine. The feeling is more than just being tired. It is often described as a feeling of overwhelming exhaustion. This extreme fatigue can make undertaking even the simplest task an ordeal. It significantly affects the patient’s daily life, and the effects keep worsening towards the end of the day. The fatigue is also more pronounced during hot weather when the patient is ill and after working out. Weakness that arises from constant fatigue is most noticeable in the lower extremities. Vision problems Vision problems are among the first and most common warning signs of MS. The disease tends to increase the inflammatory levels in the body.

Leukemia is a type of cancer that develops in the blood cells. Myeloid leukemia primarily develops in the bone marrow, the body’s production center for red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. As the cancer spreads in the bone marrow, it affects the ability of these cells to carry out individual tasks, affecting one or multiple organs at a time. Here are the most common and noticeable early symptoms of myeloid leukemia to notice and take prompt action. Fatigue The red blood cells are tasked with the vital responsibility of carrying freshly oxygenated blood from the lungs to all organs and extremities of the body. Myeloid leukemia affects the production of red blood cells and results in fewer cells circulating in the bloodstream. Fewer cells mean less oxygen; the first sign of low oxygen is fatigue. People also develop weakness, feel lightheaded, dizzy, or faint on multiple occasions due to poor circulation and a low red blood cell count. These are the primary myeloid leukemia early symptoms that indicate developing trouble. Low immunity The immune system relies on white blood cells to prevent infections and external viruses from harming the body. However, myeloid leukemia affects the production of new white blood cells in the bone marrow, resulting in less cell circulation to boost immunity.