Methotrexate is classed as an antineoplastic, or cancer fighting; an antimetabolite; and an immunosuppressant. Methotrexate is primarily used to treat cancer. Unlabeled uses are psoriatic arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Methotrexate...
Cervical dysplasia, also known as cervical intrapithelial neoplasia, describes the presence of precancerous cells on the surface of the cervix. The classification of the precancerous cells can be mild, moderate or severe. According to the Women's...
Patients with degenerative types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, typically experience a gradual onset of joint pain and stiffness. Acute forms of arthritis, however, develop suddenly. The rapid onset of joint-related...
Every cell of your body requires oxygen. The oxygen taken into your lungs when you breathe crosses into your bloodstream and binds to an iron-containing protein called hemoglobin in your red blood cells. Anemia is the medical condition...
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disorder that occurs predominantly in young women. SLE causes inflammation and damage in different areas of the body and is a disease of flare-ups and remissions. Treatment typically involves...
According to the National Kidney Foundation, 26 million Americans suffer from chronic kidney disease, also known as chronic renal failure. The kidneys have many functions including regulating water and minerals such as sodium, potassium,...
Having a child with a seizure disorder can be one of the most difficult situations a parent can face. Each type of seizure disorder may require a different type of treatment. The positive news is that there are a number of medications to help...
White blood cells, also called leukocytes, help the body fight infection. Five types of white blood cells -- each with a unique disease-fighting purpose -- exist in varying amounts in the blood. The five types are basophils, eosinophils,...
White blood cells play a key role in defending the body against invading bacteria and viruses. When white blood cell levels become too low, a condition known as neutropenia, an individual may become more susceptible to infection. A number of...
Vitamin C is water-soluble and essential for the growth and repair of all the body's tissues. It is also needed to form collagen. Collagen is a protein used for the production of tendons, ligaments, skin and blood vessels. An adequate amount of...
Collagen is the main protein within the bone, cartilage and connective tissue. The collagen vascular diseases are a group of diseases that stem from abnormalities in the connective tissue. Some of these diseases may be characterized by...
Joints are the parts of the skeleton that allow the body to move in different ways. The three types of joints--hinge, pivot and ball-and-socket--are filled with synovial fluid to facilitate free movement. Muscles, ligaments, cartilage and tendons...
