Paraganglioma is an abnormal growth of cells that forms from a specific type of nerve cell called chromaffin cells. These cells are found throughout the body and play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure. Chromaffin cells produce hormones that help control blood pressure and heart rate. When chromaffin cells become abnormal, they can form tumors that can be benign or malignant. These tumors can occur in various parts of the body, including the adrenal glands, sympathetic ganglia, and paraganglia.
Paraneoplastic syndromes of the nervous system are a group of rare conditions that develop in some people who have cancer. These syndromes occur when the immune system, which is fighting the cancer, also attacks parts of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, or muscle. This can cause a range of symptoms, including weakness, numbness, and pain.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves. It is characterized by symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and slowing of movement. The first symptom of Parkinson's disease is often a barely noticeable tremor in one hand, but it can also cause facial expressions to become less expressive, arm swing to disappear when walking, and speech to become soft or slurred.
The parotid glands are two salivary glands that sit just in front of the ears. They are responsible for producing saliva to help with chewing and digesting food. Like any other part of the body, the parotid glands can develop growths of cells, which are called tumors. These growths can be benign or malignant, meaning they can be non-cancerous or cancerous. Parotid tumors are a type of growth that develops in the parotid glands.
Partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVR) is a rare congenital heart defect that affects the way the pulmonary veins connect to the heart. It is present at birth and occurs when some of the blood vessels from the lungs attach to the wrong place in the heart.
Parvovirus infection is a highly contagious and common childhood illness that affects children worldwide. It's also known as slapped-cheek disease due to the characteristic face rash that develops. The virus is highly contagious and can spread quickly through direct contact with an infected person or by sharing contaminated objects.
Patellar tendinitis is a type of overuse injury that affects the tendon connecting the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). It is also known as jumper's knee due to its high prevalence in athletes who participate in jumping sports such as basketball and volleyball. However, even people who do not participate in jumping sports can develop patellar tendinitis. The condition is characterized by inflammation and degeneration of the tendon, leading to pain and stiffness in the knee.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a common condition that affects the knee joint, causing pain and discomfort at the front of the knee. It is also known as runner's knee due to its high prevalence in athletes who participate in running and jumping sports. The condition is characterized by pain and stiffness in the knee joint, particularly around the kneecap (patella).
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital heart defect that occurs when a blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus fails to close after birth. This blood vessel is present in the womb and allows oxygen-rich blood from the placenta to bypass the lungs and flow directly to the rest of the body. Normally, the ductus arteriosus closes shortly after birth as the lungs begin to take over oxygenation of the blood. However, in individuals with PDA, the ductus arteriosus remains open, allowing blood to flow between the aorta and pulmonary arteries.
A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a congenital heart defect that occurs when a small opening between the upper heart chambers fails to close after birth. The foramen ovale is a flaplike opening that separates the upper heart chambers, or atria, and typically closes during infancy. When it doesn't close, it's called a patent foramen ovale.
Peanut allergy is one of the most common and potentially life-threatening food allergies. It is an immune system disorder that occurs when the body mistakenly identifies peanuts as a harmful substance and reacts to them with an allergic response. Peanut allergy is characterized by the release of histamine and other chemical mediators from immune cells, which leads to a range of symptoms, from mild to severe.
Pectus excavatum is a condition in which the breastbone is sunken into the chest, giving the appearance of a deep dent or hollow. This condition is also known as funnel chest. In severe cases, the sunken breastbone can be so deep that it appears as if the center of the chest has been scooped out.
Pediatric brain tumors are growths of cells that start in or near the brain in children. These growths, called tumors, can grow to press on nearby parts of the brain, causing a range of symptoms and complications. While pediatric brain tumors can be serious and life-threatening, many children can be successfully treated with surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which your child's breathing is partially or completely blocked during sleep. It can happen several times a night, and the condition occurs when the upper airway narrows or is blocked during sleep. While adults with sleep apnea often experience daytime sleepiness, children with pediatric obstructive sleep apnea may exhibit behavioral problems instead.
White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, play a crucial role in fighting off bacterial infections, viruses, and fungi. However, sometimes the body produces too few or too many white blood cells, which can lead to various disorders. In this article, we will explore the different types of white blood cell disorders, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.