Kidney cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma (RCC), originates in the kidneys—two vital bean-shaped organs nestled behind your abdominal organs. These remarkable filters play a crucial role in removing waste and excess fluids from your blood. When cancerous cells begin to grow uncontrollably within the kidney tissue, they form a mass known as a tumor. Understanding kidney cancer is essential for early detection and effective management.
Kleptomania (klep-toe-MAY-nee-uh) is a chronic mental health disorder characterized by recurrent, irresistible urges to steal items. Unlike typical shoplifting, individuals with kleptomania don’t steal for personal gain or financial need. Instead, they experience an overwhelming compulsion to take things they generally don’t need. Let’s delve deeper into this condition.
Kaposi sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that forms in the lining of blood vessels and lymph vessels. It is characterized by the growth of abnormal cells, called lesions, on the skin or in other parts of the body. The lesions can be pink, red, purple, or brown in color and may appear on the face, arms, legs, genitals, or mouth.
Kawasaki disease is a rare and serious condition that affects children and causes inflammation in the blood vessels. It is also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome. The condition is characterized by the swelling of the blood vessels in the body, which can lead to heart problems if left untreated.
A keloid scar is a type of skin lesion that is characterized by the formation of a thick, raised scar. It can occur anywhere on the body, but it is most commonly seen on the earlobes, shoulders, cheeks, and chest. Keloid scars are not harmful to physical health, but they can cause significant emotional distress.
Keratitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped tissue on the front of the eye that covers the pupil and iris. The cornea is a crucial part of the eye's structure, allowing light to enter and focus on the retina. When the cornea becomes inflamed, it can cause significant discomfort, vision problems, and even permanent damage.
Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition characterized by the thinning and bulging of the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped front of the eye. This condition causes blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and glare. Keratoconus usually affects both eyes, but it can affect one eye more than the other.
Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common skin condition that causes dry, rough patches and tiny bumps on the skin. It is often referred to as "chicken skin" due to its appearance. KP is a harmless condition that affects both men and women of all ages, but it is more common in children and young adults. The condition is characterized by the appearance of small, rough bumps on the skin that are usually not painful or itchy.
Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the kidneys. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located behind the abdominal organs, with one kidney on each side of the spine. Kidney cancer is a common type of cancer that affects both adults and children. In adults, renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer, while in children, Wilms' tumor is a common type of kidney cancer.
Kidney cysts are round pouches of fluid that form on or in the kidneys. They can occur with disorders that may impair kidney function. However, most kidney cysts are simple kidney cysts, which are non-cancerous and rarely cause problems.
A kidney infection is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that occurs when bacteria enter the kidneys and cause an infection. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located in the lower back on either side of the spine. They play a crucial role in filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood and removing them from the body through urine.
Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a pea. Kidney stones can cause severe pain in the side or back, nausea and vomiting, and frequent urination.
Kleptomania is a mental health disorder that involves repeatedly being unable to resist urges to steal items that you generally don't really need. Often the items stolen have little value and you could afford to buy them. Kleptomania is a type of impulse control disorder, which involves problems with emotional or behavioral self-control.
Klinefelter syndrome is a genetic condition that affects males, resulting in an extra copy of the X chromosome. It is a common chromosomal disorder that can affect 1 in 500 to 1 in 1,000 males. Klinefelter syndrome is often diagnosed in adulthood, although it can be diagnosed earlier in childhood.
Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by abnormal blood vessel and soft tissue development, leading to physical deformities and discomfort. It is a complex condition that affects approximately 1 in 100,000 individuals worldwide. The main features of KTS include a red birthmark (port-wine stain), atypical vein or lymphatic development (malformations), and overgrowth of tissues and bones.