Precancerous cervical lesions, also called cervical dysplasia, are abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix. Cervical dysplasia is classified as low or high grade. Low grade cervical dysplasia grows slowly and may resolve without treatment, the...
Many women are nervous or concerned when told their Pap smear is abnormal. However, an abnormal Pap smear does not necessarily indicate cervical cancer. It is imperative that women understand the different classifications of an abnormal Pap smear...
Cervical cancer results when cells in the cervix--the tissue that links the back of the vagina to the uterus--develops genetic mutations that cause them to divide abnormally rapidly. One of the main risk factors for cervical cancer is infection...
Breast cells undergo cycles of proliferation and maturation throughout the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy. These cycles of cell growth are governed by a number of molecular signals that guide the behavior of the cells. When breast cells...
Although a white tongue can cause concern, it is usually harmless, according to the Mayo Clinic. It can usually be alleviated by using a tongue scraper and drinking an adequate amount of water. In some cases, a white, coated tongue can signify a...
HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is the virus that is the cause of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV attacks the immune system by destroying a certain type of white blood cells that are responsible for fighting infections. These...
Pap smears are generally done during a gynecological exam. Once the vagina has been spread using a device called a speculum, a small, sterile brush is used to gather cells from inside the cervical opening and a small spatula to obtain cells from...
The severity of any cancer is determined by clinical staging. This maxim holds true for colon, or colorectal, cancer. There are numerous tests listed by the American Cancer Society that aid in the staging of colon cancer. These tests include PET,...
As your skin ages, melanin pigments in the skin can darken in clumps, creating age spots on the face. Age spots --- also known as liver spots or solar lentigines --- can vary in size, according to the Mayo Clinic. Because age spots can be a...
The tongue is a group of strong muscles which are important part for chewing and the breakdown of food. The muscles are surrounded by a mucous membrane that contains small bumps called papillae. Normally, the tongue and the papillae are pinkish...
The tongue is the primary organ of taste. It's made up of many muscles that assist in tasting, chewing, talking and swallowing. Mucous membranes and papillae cover the tongue and assist in the tongues functions. When white spots form on the...
Cranberries, typically a fruit found in the winter season, can be frozen and consumed throughout the entire year. Cranberries are one of the best food-based cancer prevention agents that you can include in your diet, whether you consume them in...
A gynecological exam alone is not enough to detect cervical cancer or precancerous cells. The cervix, which is the lower, narrower end of the uterus, is where your doctor collects cells for a Pap smear. If detected early, cervical cancer is one of...
Dermatology refers to a specialty in medicine that focuses on the skin. Dermatologic diseases are frequently a result of family history, sun exposure or an immune system disorder in which the body actually thwarts an attack on the skin. Learn...
The American Cancer Society ranks colorectal cancer as the third most common form of cancer, after skin cancer, in the United States, and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Optimizing lifestyle factors such as diet, weight and...
Research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop skin cancer. So, it is essential that you know your risks and how to do a self-exam. Risk factors include: •Ultraviolet or UV light that...
Spirulina is the name for a blue-green algae that has been used as a dietary supplement for hundreds of years, dating as far back as the 16th century. Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, are simple, plant-like organisms that can...
Your tongue is a muscle covered by a mucous membrane, which can make it susceptible to bacteria and infection. Color changes, sores and bumps on the tongue are common tongue problems, but they are rarely the sign of a serious condition. In most...
An estimated 12,200 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in the United States in 2010. The cervix, considered the neck of the womb, connects the vagina to the uterus or womb. Cervical abnormalities usually begin as precancerous changes in...
Dark spots on your skin can be troubling. They might be an indicator of sun damage, which can make you look older, and may even be a sign of precancerous lesions. However, as troubling as dark spots may be, you can get rid of them. In fact,...
A facial peel is a cosmetic surgery procedure in which acid is used to remove layers of skin from the face. Light chemical peels are short outpatient procedures with very little recovery time, while deeper chemical peels may take several months to...
Over time, exposure to the sun's UV rays causes significant changes to the health and appearance of skin. These changes, called photoaging, can lead to fine lines and wrinkles, roughness, dryness and discoloration. Sun exposure also increases the...
A tumor is a mass of cells that serves no purpose, according to Medline Plus. The body renews certain tissues by replacing old cells with new. Sometimes this process goes awry and more cells are produced than are needed to replace dead cells, or...
If you're diagnosed with leukoplakia, your doctor first will want to eliminate the cause of the mouth lesions. Since the vast majority of leukoplakia is caused by tobacco and alcohol use, you might find the condition clears up on its own if you...
In 2001, the Bethesda System was developed and is now widely used for classification of pap smears, according to the American Social Health Association. This system groups types of abnormal paps together and makes it easier for clinicians to know...
Human papillomaviruses, also known as HPV, are a group of viruses that commonly cause warts. The virus is commonly transmitted by sexual contact. In men, HPV can cause genital warts, common warts, plantar warts, flat warts and oral and pharyngeal...
A chemical peel is one of many treatments used to address cosmetic issues, such as acne scarring and signs of superficial aging, such as fine lines; uneven skin tone; a rough, dull complexion; and age spots. The results of a chemical peel can be...
Skin discoloration can be an embarrassing cosmetic concern, especially if it occurs on your face. Though you can cover up skin discoloration on other parts of your body, that's not possible. There are many things that can cause skin discoloration...
There are over 100 different strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), and 40 of these strains have the ability to infect the anogenital area. Of these, type 6 HPV is one of the more common strains. Infection with type 6 HPV can cause warts to...
