Adrenal Cancer Adrenal Cancer Home Overview Adrenal cancer is a rare disease in which malignant cells form in the adrenal glands (small glands placed above the kidneys). Symptoms Abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and hormonal imbalances leading to high blood pressure and excess hair growth. Diagnosis Imaging studies like CT or MRI, blood and urine tests to assess hormone levels, and sometimes a biopsy. Treatment Surgery to remove the tumour, followed by radiation or chemotherapy, if necessary. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes. Regular follow-up is important to monitor for recurrence and manage any ongoing symptoms or complications. Read more about Adrenal Cancer Filter Alphabet A
Addison’s Disease Addison’s Disease Home Overview Addison’s disease refers to a disorder arising due to the insufficient production of hormones by the adrenal glands, especially cortisol and aldosterone. Symptoms Fatigue, low blood pressure, weight loss, and skin darkening. If left untreated, it can be life-threatening. Diagnosis Blood tests to assess hormone levels and imaging studies to evaluate the adrenal glands. Treatment Lifelong hormone replacement therapy to compensate for the deficiencies. Regular monitoring and adjustment of medication doses are essential for managing the condition. Prompt recognition and treatment of adrenal crises, which can be triggered by stress or illness, are critical to prevent severe complications. Read more about Addison’s Disease Filter Alphabet A
Sheehan’s Syndrome Sheehan’s Syndrome Home Overview Sheehan’s syndrome, known as postpartum pituitary necrosis, arises when severe blood loss during childbirth damages the pituitary gland (pea-sized organ that is situated at the base of the brain), leading to hormone deficiencies. Symptoms Fatigue, low blood pressure, weight loss, and inability to produce breast milk. Diagnosis Assessing hormone levels through blood tests and evaluating symptoms. Imaging studies may be conducted to check the pituitary gland. Treatment Hormone replacement therapy to address deficiencies, including cortisol, thyroid hormones, and sex hormones. Regular monitoring and adjusting hormone doses are necessary to manage the condition effectively. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for enhancing quality of life and preventing complications. Read more about Sheehan’s Syndrome Filter Alphabet S
Galactorrhoea Galactorrhoea Home Overview Galactorrhoea is the unexpected discharge of milk from the breast that occurs without any relation to childbirth or nursing. It can result from hormonal imbalances, certain medications, or underlying medical conditions like thyroid disorders or pituitary tumours. Symptoms Persistent or intermittent milk discharge from one or both breasts. Diagnosis Medical history evaluation, physical exam, and blood tests to evaluate hormone levels. Imaging studies may be needed to identify any underlying tumours. Treatment Focuses on addressing the underlying cause, which may include adjusting medications, treating hormonal imbalances, or surgically removing tumours. Galactorrhoea management involves regular follow-up to ensure that symptoms are controlled. Read more about Galactorrhoea Filter Alphabet G
Prolactinoma Prolactinoma Home Overview Prolactinoma is a benign tumour of the pituitary gland which causes excessive prolactin production. Symptoms Irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, and milk production in women and enlarged breasts, decreased libido, and erectile dysfunction in men. Diagnosis Blood tests to assess prolactin levels and imaging studies like MRI to locate the tumour. Treatment Medications to reduce prolactin levels and shrink the tumour. In cases for which medications are ineffective or cause severe side effects, surgery may be necessary to remove the tumour. Regular monitoring is important to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Read more about Prolactinoma Filter Alphabet P
Acromegaly Acromegaly Home Overview Acromegaly is caused by excess growth hormone, usually due to a benign tumour of the pituitary gland. Symptoms It leads to enlarged hands, feet, and facial features as well as joint pain and thickened skin. If left untreated, it can cause health concerns such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Diagnosis Measuring growth hormone and IGF-1 levels as well as imaging studies like MRI to locate the tumour. Treatment Treatment may include surgery to remove the tumour, medications to reduce growth hormone production, and radiation therapy. Regular monitoring and managing complications are essential to improve the quality of life in affected individuals. Acromegaly often develops slowly, so the condition sometimes takes a long time to recognise. Early detection is crucial for receiving the right care as untreated acromegaly can result in severe health issues. Read more about Acromegaly Filter Alphabet A
Thyroid Cancer Thyroid Cancer Home Overview Thyroid cancer is a malignancy in the thyroid gland. Symptoms It often presents as a painless lump in the neck and may cause symptoms like difficulty in swallowing or breathing. Diagnosis Blood tests, ultrasound, and fine-needle aspiration biopsy to confirm cancer. Treatment Surgical removal of the thyroid gland, with radioactive iodine therapy to eliminate any remaining cancer cells, and thyroid hormone therapy to replace thyroid function. Regular follow-up is necessary to monitor for recurrence. Early detection and treatment improve outcomes, and ongoing research aims to develop more effective therapies for advanced thyroid cancer. Read more about Thyroid Cancer Filter Alphabet T
Graves’ Disease Graves’ Disease Home Overview Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition that leads to hyperthyroidism, characterised by excessive production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Symptoms Weight loss, rapid heartbeat, heat intolerance, and bulging eyes. Diagnosis Blood tests to assess thyroid hormone levels, TSH, and antibodies. Treatment Antithyroid medications to decrease hormone production, radioactive iodine for thyroid gland shrinkage, or surgery to excise a part of the thyroid. Managing Graves’ disease requires regular monitoring and adjusting treatment to maintain normal thyroid function and manage symptoms effectively. Read more about Graves’ Disease Filter Alphabet G
Thyroid Nodule Thyroid Nodule Home Overview A thyroid nodule refers to a lump present in the thyroid gland. While most thyroid nodules turn out to be benign and typically harmless, it's essential to consult your doctor if you notice any unusual swelling in your neck, particularly if you experience difficulty in breathing or swallowing or changes in voice. It is crucial to assess the possibility of cancer in such cases. Diagnosis A physical exam, blood tests to assess thyroid function, evaluation of nodule with ultrasound, and fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) to check for cancer. Treatment Treatment depends on the nodule type and may include monitoring, medications to suppress nodule growth, or surgery to remove the nodule if it is cancerous or causing symptoms. Regular follow-up is important to monitor for changes in the nodule. Read more about Thyroid Nodule Filter Alphabet T
Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism Home Overview Hypothyroidism occurs when the is inadequate production of thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland, leading to a slow metabolism. Common causes Autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, thyroid surgery, or certain medications. Symptoms Fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and depression Diagnosis Blood tests to assess thyroid hormone and TSH levels. Treatment Taking synthetic thyroid hormones (levothyroxine) to restore normal levels. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve symptoms and prevent complications like heart disease and mental health issues, so please contact your doctor if you are feeling tired for no reason or if you have any of the above-mentioned symptoms.If you are taking thyroid hormone medications for hypothyroidism, adhere to your healthcare provider's guidance on the frequency of medical visits. Initially, you may require regular appointments to ensure that you are receiving the correct medication dosage. As time progresses, periodic follow-up check-ups will be necessary for your healthcare provider to oversee your health status and medication effectiveness. Read more about Hypothyroidism Filter Alphabet H