Condition Lookup

Iron-deficiency anemia

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Hematologic and Oncologic Disorders

Symptoms:
fatigue; weakness; pale skin; shortness of breath; cold hands and feet; brittle nails; cravings for non-nutritive substances (pica); dizziness; headaches

Root Cause:
Caused by insufficient iron levels in the body, leading to reduced hemoglobin production and decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Complete blood count (CBC) showing low hemoglobin and hematocrit; low serum ferritin and iron levels; increased total iron-binding capacity (TIBC); peripheral blood smear showing microcytic, hypochromic red blood cells.

Treatment:
Iron supplementation (oral or intravenous), dietary changes to include iron-rich foods (e.g., red meat, leafy greens, fortified cereals), and treating the underlying cause of iron loss (e.g., bleeding, malabsorption).

Medications:
Oral iron supplements, such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, or ferrous fumarate, are the first-line treatment. Intravenous iron formulations, such as ferric carboxymaltose or iron sucrose, may be used in cases of severe deficiency or malabsorption.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 20–25% of children worldwide; more common in developing countries.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Premature birth, inadequate dietary iron intake, rapid growth during childhood, chronic blood loss (e.g., gastrointestinal bleeding), malabsorption disorders (e.g., celiac disease).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with appropriate treatment; symptoms typically resolve within weeks, and hemoglobin levels normalize in a few months. Untreated cases can result in developmental delays, cognitive impairment, and heart complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Developmental delays, cognitive and behavioral issues, weakened immune system, and heart problems like tachycardia and heart failure in severe, prolonged cases.

Sickle Cell Disease

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Hematologic and Oncologic Disorders

Sub-category: Hematologic Disorders

Symptoms:
episodes of pain (vaso-occlusive crisis); fatigue; swelling in hands and feet; frequent infections; delayed growth and puberty; yellowish skin or eyes (jaundice); shortness of breath

Root Cause:
Caused by a genetic mutation leading to abnormal hemoglobin (HbS), which results in red blood cells that are rigid and shaped like a crescent (sickle), leading to blockages in blood flow and reduced oxygen delivery to tissues.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Newborn screening with hemoglobin electrophoresis; confirmatory testing includes Hb electrophoresis or DNA analysis; CBC may show anemia; peripheral blood smear reveals sickle-shaped cells.

Treatment:
Pain management, blood transfusions, hydroxyurea (to increase fetal hemoglobin), and bone marrow transplant in severe cases. Preventative care includes vaccination, prophylactic antibiotics (e.g., penicillin), and folic acid supplementation.

Medications:
Hydroxyurea (antimetabolite) reduces the frequency of sickle cell crises and increases fetal hemoglobin. Pain medications (e.g., NSAIDs, opioids) are used during crises. Prophylactic penicillin is given to prevent infections in children.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1 in 365 African-American births in the U.S.; globally, more common in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and India.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Having two copies of the sickle cell gene (autosomal recessive inheritance); family history of the condition.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic and lifelong condition; life expectancy has improved with advances in treatment, but complications can reduce quality of life.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Stroke, acute chest syndrome, infections, organ damage, leg ulcers, gallstones, and severe anemia.

Thalassemia

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Hematologic and Oncologic Disorders

Sub-category: Hematologic Disorders

Symptoms:
fatigue; weakness; pale or yellowish skin; slow growth; bone deformities (especially in the face); dark urine; shortness of breath

Root Cause:
Caused by genetic mutations leading to reduced or absent production of hemoglobin chains (alpha or beta), resulting in ineffective red blood cell production and anemia.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
CBC showing microcytic, hypochromic anemia; hemoglobin electrophoresis to detect abnormal hemoglobin; DNA analysis for genetic confirmation.

Treatment:
Blood transfusions (for moderate to severe cases), iron chelation therapy to prevent iron overload, folic acid supplements, and bone marrow transplantation in select cases.

Medications:
Deferoxamine , deferasirox , or deferiprone (iron chelators) are used to prevent iron overload due to frequent transfusions. Folic acid supplements support red blood cell production.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
High prevalence in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African populations; approximately 5% of the global population carries thalassemia genes.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Inheritance of one or two defective hemoglobin genes; more severe forms (e.g., beta-thalassemia major) occur with two defective copies.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable depending on the severity; individuals with mild forms (trait or minor) lead normal lives, while severe forms require lifelong treatment. Bone marrow transplantation can be curative.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Iron overload (from transfusions), organ damage (heart, liver, endocrine system), infections, and bone deformities.

Hemophilia

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Hematologic and Oncologic Disorders

Sub-category: Hematologic Disorders

Symptoms:
prolonged bleeding; spontaneous bleeding into joints (hemarthrosis); easy bruising; excessive bleeding after injury or surgery; blood in urine or stool

Root Cause:
Genetic deficiency of clotting factors (commonly Factor VIII in Hemophilia A or Factor IX in Hemophilia B) leading to impaired blood clotting.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) test; specific assays for clotting factor levels confirm the diagnosis. Genetic testing identifies mutations.

Treatment:
Replacement therapy with recombinant or plasma-derived clotting factor concentrates; desmopressin (for mild Hemophilia A); antifibrinolytics like tranexamic acid; physical therapy for joint health.

Medications:
Recombinant Factor VIII or IX products for prophylaxis and treatment of bleeding episodes; desmopressin (a synthetic vasopressin analog) for mild Hemophilia A.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Hemophilia A occurs in 1 in 5,000 male births; Hemophilia B is less common, occurring in 1 in 25,000 male births.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of the condition (X-linked recessive inheritance).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Lifelong condition; modern treatments significantly improve quality of life, though severe cases can lead to joint damage and other complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Joint damage (hemophilic arthropathy), intracranial hemorrhage, infections from blood products (rare with modern treatments), and inhibitor development against clotting factors.

Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Hematologic and Oncologic Disorders

Sub-category: Hematologic Disorders

Symptoms:
easy or excessive bruising; petechiae (tiny red spots on the skin); prolonged bleeding; spontaneous nosebleeds; bleeding gums; blood in urine or stool; heavy menstrual bleeding in adolescents

Root Cause:
Autoimmune destruction of platelets, resulting in thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and increased bleeding risk. The exact cause is unknown but often follows a viral infection.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
CBC showing low platelet count; exclusion of other causes (e.g., bone marrow biopsy if needed); peripheral smear excludes platelet clumping or abnormalities.

Treatment:
Observation for mild cases; corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) for initial treatment; intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or anti-D immunoglobulin for rapid platelet increase; splenectomy or rituximab for refractory cases.

Medications:
Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ), IVIG, anti-D immunoglobulin, and thrombopoietin receptor agonists (e.g., eltrombopag , romiplostim ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1 in 10,000 children per year; more common in children aged 2–7 years.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Recent viral infections, autoimmune conditions, and vaccinations (rarely).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent in most pediatric cases; ITP often resolves spontaneously within 6 months in children. Chronic ITP occurs in less than 20% of cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe bleeding (rare), chronic ITP, and side effects of treatment (e.g., immunosuppression).

Leukemia (e.g., Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia [ALL], Acute Myeloid Leukemia [AML])

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Hematologic and Oncologic Disorders

Sub-category: Oncologic Conditions

Symptoms:
fatigue; pallor; easy bruising or bleeding; frequent infections; bone or joint pain; fever; swollen lymph nodes; unexplained weight loss

Root Cause:
Abnormal proliferation of immature white blood cells in the bone marrow, leading to suppression of normal blood cell production.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests (complete blood count, peripheral smear), bone marrow biopsy, cytogenetic analysis, flow cytometry, lumbar puncture (to assess central nervous system involvement).

Treatment:
Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy (in specific cases), stem cell transplant (for high-risk or relapsed cases).

Medications:
Commonly prescribed medications include chemotherapy agents such as vincristine (microtubule inhibitor), methotrexate (antimetabolite), cytarabine (antimetabolite), and daunorubicin (anthracycline). Targeted therapies, like tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., imatinib for Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL), may also be used.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer, accounting for about 25-30% of pediatric cancers. AML is less common but still significant in children.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of leukemia, genetic disorders (e.g., Down syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome), prior exposure to radiation or chemotherapy, and certain environmental exposures.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis varies by subtype; 5-year survival rates for ALL exceed 85% in children with appropriate treatment, whereas survival for AML is lower but improving with advancements in therapy.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Complications include anemia, infections, bleeding disorders, relapse, and late effects of chemotherapy (e.g., cardiotoxicity, neurocognitive decline, secondary malignancies).

Wilms' Tumor (Nephroblastoma)

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Hematologic and Oncologic Disorders

Sub-category: Oncologic Conditions

Symptoms:
abdominal mass or swelling; abdominal pain; blood in the urine (hematuria); fever; nausea; loss of appetite; high blood pressure

Root Cause:
Malignant tumor originating from embryonal kidney cells, typically affecting one kidney but occasionally bilateral.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Imaging studies (ultrasound, CT, MRI), biopsy or surgical removal of the tumor for histopathological examination, and blood/urine tests.

Treatment:
Surgery (nephrectomy), chemotherapy, and in some cases, radiation therapy.

Medications:
Chemotherapy agents include actinomycin D (antitumor antibiotic), vincristine (microtubule inhibitor), and doxorubicin (anthracycline).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in approximately 1 in 10,000 children, most commonly diagnosed in children aged 3 to 4 years.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic syndromes (e.g., WAGR syndrome, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, Denys-Drash syndrome), family history of Wilms' tumor, and certain congenital abnormalities.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Favorable in most cases; 5-year survival rates exceed 90% with prompt and appropriate treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Complications include metastasis (commonly to the lungs), kidney dysfunction, recurrence, and long-term effects of chemotherapy or radiation.

Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Hematologic and Oncologic Disorders

Sub-category: Oncologic Conditions

Symptoms:
painless swelling of lymph nodes; fever; night sweats; unexplained weight loss; fatigue; itchy skin; abdominal pain or swelling (in non-hodgkin lymphoma); cough or difficulty breathing (in cases affecting the chest)

Root Cause:
Malignant transformation of lymphocytes; Hodgkin lymphoma is characterized by Reed-Sternberg cells, whereas non-Hodgkin lymphoma involves a broader range of lymphocyte subtypes.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Lymph node biopsy, imaging (CT, PET scans), bone marrow biopsy, and blood tests.

Treatment:
Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy (e.g., rituximab for CD20-positive lymphomas), and stem cell transplantation for refractory cases.

Medications:
Chemotherapy regimens include agents such as doxorubicin (anthracycline), bleomycin (antitumor antibiotic), vinblastine (microtubule inhibitor), and dacarbazine (alkylating agent) for Hodgkin lymphoma, and combinations like cyclophosphamide , prednisone , vincristine , and doxorubicin (CHOP) for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Hodgkin lymphoma accounts for about 6% of childhood cancers, while non-Hodgkin lymphoma represents 5-7%. Both are more common in adolescents than younger children.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, immunosuppression, Epstein-Barr virus infection (in Hodgkin lymphoma), and certain genetic conditions (e.g., Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, ataxia-telangiectasia).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent for early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma, with 5-year survival rates exceeding 90%. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma prognosis depends on subtype and stage, with survival rates ranging from 70-90%.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Complications include secondary malignancies, organ toxicity (from chemotherapy or radiation), infections, and relapse.

Anemia (Iron deficiency, chronic disease, etc.)

Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics

Category: Hematologic and Oncologic Disorders

Sub-category: Hematologic Disorders

Symptoms:
fatigue; weakness; pale skin; shortness of breath; dizziness; cold hands and feet; chest pain (in severe cases)

Root Cause:
A lack of healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to tissues, often due to low iron levels or chronic disease affecting red blood cell production.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests (complete blood count (CBC), iron studies, ferritin levels, reticulocyte count), bone marrow biopsy (in some cases).

Treatment:
Iron supplementation (oral or intravenous), treatment of underlying causes (such as addressing chronic disease), blood transfusions in severe cases.

Medications:
Oral iron supplements (e.g., ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate) are commonly prescribed to treat iron deficiency anemia. Intravenous iron (e.g., iron sucrose, ferric gluconate) may be used for more severe or resistant cases. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents may be prescribed in anemia due to chronic disease.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Anemia affects approximately 25% of the global population, with higher prevalence in elderly individuals.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Poor diet (low iron intake), chronic diseases (e.g., kidney disease, diabetes), gastrointestinal conditions (e.g., Crohn's disease), blood loss (e.g., menstruation, gastrointestinal bleeding), age (elderly individuals are at higher risk).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
If treated appropriately, the prognosis is generally good. However, untreated anemia can lead to severe complications like heart failure or cognitive impairment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart failure, fatigue affecting quality of life, cognitive decline, complications from untreated underlying diseases.

Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics

Category: Hematologic and Oncologic Disorders

Sub-category: Hematologic Disorders

Symptoms:
fatigue; frequent infections; unexplained bruising or bleeding; pale skin; shortness of breath; weakness

Root Cause:
A group of disorders caused by poorly formed or dysfunctional blood cells in the bone marrow. There is a problem with the maturation of blood cells, leading to ineffective blood cell production.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests (CBC, peripheral blood smear), bone marrow biopsy, cytogenetic analysis.

Treatment:
Supportive care (e.g., blood transfusions), chemotherapy, stem cell transplant (in some cases), and medications to stimulate bone marrow production (e.g., lenalidomide, growth factors).

Medications:
Medications include growth factors like erythropoietin and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) to stimulate blood cell production, immunosuppressive agents (e.g., antithymocyte globulin ), and chemotherapy drugs for more aggressive cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
MDS is more common in older adults, with an incidence of 4 to 5 cases per 100,000 people annually. The risk increases with age.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age (most cases occur in people aged 60 and older), previous chemotherapy or radiation treatments, exposure to chemicals (e.g., benzene), genetic mutations.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
The prognosis varies depending on the type of MDS and response to treatment. Some forms are relatively indolent, while others may progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Development of acute leukemia, severe infections, bleeding complications, anemia requiring repeated transfusions.

Thrombocytopenia

Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics

Category: Hematologic and Oncologic Disorders

Sub-category: Hematologic Disorders

Symptoms:
easy bruising; petechiae (small red spots on the skin); excessive bleeding from minor cuts; fatigue; nosebleeds; heavy menstrual periods

Root Cause:
A low platelet count in the blood, which can result from decreased production in the bone marrow, increased destruction of platelets, or sequestration in the spleen.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests (CBC), platelet count, peripheral blood smear, bone marrow biopsy, and tests to evaluate for underlying conditions (e.g., autoimmune diseases, infections).

Treatment:
Treatment varies based on the underlying cause. Options include platelet transfusions, corticosteroids, immunoglobulin therapy, or treatment of the underlying disorder (e.g., chronic liver disease, leukemia).

Medications:
Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ) may be used to reduce immune system activity if the thrombocytopenia is autoimmune in nature. Other medications include intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) or thrombopoietin receptor agonists (e.g., eltrombopag , romiplostim ) to stimulate platelet production.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Thrombocytopenia affects around 1 in 1000 individuals, with higher prevalence in older adults and those with certain underlying conditions such as autoimmune diseases or leukemia.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age, underlying conditions (e.g., autoimmune disorders, infections, liver disease), certain medications (e.g., heparin, chemotherapy), alcohol use, and viral infections (e.g., HIV, hepatitis).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis depends on the underlying cause. In many cases, treatment can improve platelet counts, but severe thrombocytopenia can lead to bleeding complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Major bleeding (e.g., gastrointestinal bleeding, intracranial hemorrhage), anemia, infections due to associated conditions, and reduced quality of life due to symptoms.

Breast cancer

Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics

Category: Hematologic and Oncologic Disorders

Sub-category: Oncologic Disorders

Symptoms:
lump in the breast; changes in the size or shape of the breast; skin dimpling or redness; unexplained pain or tenderness in the breast; nipple discharge (other than breast milk)

Root Cause:
The uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the breast tissue. It can start in the milk ducts or the glands that produce milk (lobules).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis typically involves mammograms, ultrasounds, biopsies, MRI scans, and clinical breast exams.

Treatment:
Treatment options include surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.

Medications:
Chemotherapy drugs (e.g., doxorubicin , cyclophosphamide , paclitaxel ). Hormone therapies (e.g., tamoxifen , aromatase inhibitors like letrozole ). Targeted therapies (e.g., trastuzumab for HER2-positive breast cancer). Immunotherapy (e.g., pembrolizumab ). Pain management (e.g., opioids, NSAIDs).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
It is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with about 1 in 8 women being diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age (increasing risk with age). Family history of breast cancer. Hormonal factors (early menstruation, late menopause, use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy). Lifestyle factors (lack of physical activity, alcohol consumption, obesity).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
The prognosis depends on the stage at diagnosis, type of cancer, and the individual’s response to treatment. Survival rates are high for early-stage breast cancer.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Lymphedema (swelling caused by removal of lymph nodes). Recurrence of cancer. Metastasis to other organs (e.g., bones, liver, lungs). Emotional and psychological impacts.

Prostate cancer

Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics

Category: Hematologic and Oncologic Disorders

Sub-category: Oncologic Disorders

Symptoms:
difficulty urinating or weak urine flow; frequent urination, especially at night; painful ejaculation; blood in urine or semen; pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis

Root Cause:
The growth of cancerous cells in the prostate gland, typically starting in the gland’s cells that produce semen.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis includes a digital rectal exam (DRE), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, biopsy, and imaging studies (e.g., MRI or bone scan).

Treatment:
Treatment includes surgery (prostatectomy), radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and active surveillance (for less aggressive forms).

Medications:
Hormone therapy (e.g., leuprolide , goserelin ) to lower testosterone levels. Chemotherapy (e.g., docetaxel ). Targeted therapy (e.g., enzalutamide ). Pain relievers (e.g., opioids, NSAIDs).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with one in 8 men being diagnosed during their lifetime.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age (higher risk in men over 50). Family history of prostate cancer. African American race. High-fat diet.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis is favorable in most cases, especially when caught early. Many men with prostate cancer can live for many years after diagnosis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Erectile dysfunction. Incontinence. Metastasis to bones and lymph nodes. Recurrence of cancer.

Colorectal cancer

Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics

Category: Hematologic and Oncologic Disorders

Sub-category: Oncologic Disorders

Symptoms:
changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation); blood in stool or rectal bleeding; abdominal pain or cramping; unexplained weight loss; fatigue

Root Cause:
The development of cancer in the colon or rectum, often starting as polyps that become cancerous over time.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis includes colonoscopy, biopsy, CT scans, and blood tests (e.g., carcinoembryonic antigen).

Treatment:
Treatment options include surgery (colorectomy), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies.

Medications:
Chemotherapy (e.g., fluorouracil , oxaliplatin , irinotecan ). Targeted therapies (e.g., cetuximab , bevacizumab ). Immunotherapy (e.g., pembrolizumab for mismatch repair-deficient cancers).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer globally.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age (more common in people over 50). Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps. Diet high in red meat and low in fiber. Chronic inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis depends on the stage at diagnosis and response to treatment. Early detection increases the chances of survival.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Bowel obstruction. Metastasis to liver or lungs. Recurrence of cancer.

Lung cancer

Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics

Category: Hematologic and Oncologic Disorders

Sub-category: Oncologic Disorders

Symptoms:
persistent cough; shortness of breath; chest pain; wheezing; coughing up blood

Root Cause:
Abnormal growth of cells in the lungs, often starting in the lining of the airways. It may be non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis includes chest X-ray, CT scan, biopsy, and sputum cytology.

Treatment:
Treatment includes surgery (lobectomy), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies.

Medications:
Chemotherapy (e.g., cisplatin , carboplatin , paclitaxel ). Targeted therapies (e.g., erlotinib , osimertinib for EGFR mutations). Immunotherapy (e.g., nivolumab , pembrolizumab ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide, with higher incidence in smokers.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Smoking (primary risk factor). Exposure to radon, asbestos, and environmental pollutants. Family history of lung cancer.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis is poor in advanced stages, but early-stage lung cancer can be treated successfully.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Metastasis to other organs (brain, liver, bones). Respiratory failure. Pneumonitis.

Skin cancer (e.g., basal cell carcinoma, melanoma)

Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics

Category: Hematologic and Oncologic Disorders

Sub-category: Oncologic Disorders

Symptoms:
new growth or sore that doesn’t heal; changes in an existing mole or skin lesion; itchy, painful, or bleeding skin lesions; irregularly shaped or colored mole

Root Cause:
The uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type, while melanoma is more aggressive and often spreads.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis includes skin examination, biopsy, and dermatoscopy.

Treatment:
Treatment involves surgical removal, cryotherapy, radiation therapy, and topical treatments. Advanced melanoma may require immunotherapy or targeted therapies.

Medications:
Chemotherapy (e.g., dacarbazine for melanoma). Immunotherapy (e.g., nivolumab , ipilimumab ). Targeted therapies (e.g., vemurafenib for BRAF mutations). Topical treatments (e.g., imiquimod for basal cell carcinoma).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Skin cancer, particularly non-melanoma types like basal cell carcinoma, is one of the most common cancers worldwide.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. Fair skin, light eyes.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Early detection and treatment typically result in excellent outcomes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Local tissue damage. Disfigurement. Metastasis. Life-threatening systemic involvement.