Medical science, drawn into focus.

Renal Cell Carcinoma

Overview Renal cell carcinomas (originate within the renal cortex) are responsible for 85% of all primary renal neoplasms. Transitional cell carcinomas of the renal pelvis are the next most common (~8%). Renal medullary carcinoma is a rare form of RCC seen in sickle cell disease. The most common pathological type of renal cell carcinoma is clear cell…

Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome

Overview Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is a rare autoimmune disorder of the presynaptic neuromuscular junction. It causes impaired acetylcholine release, producing the characteristic triad of proximal muscle weakness, reduced reflexes and autonomic dysfunction. LEMS may occur as a paraneoplastic syndrome—most commonly associated with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC)—or as a non-tumour-associated autoimmune disorder.  Neuromuscular junction: connection…

Schizophrenia

Overview Schizophrenia is a complex syndrome often presenting in late teens/early 20s with positive, negative and cognitive symptoms. Positive symptoms include behaviours and thoughts that are not normally present (psychosis). Negative symptoms include social withdrawal and affective flattening. Finally, cognitive symptoms are expressed as a broad set of cognitive dysfunction. The average lifetime prevalence of…

Menopause

Overview The menopause means the final menstrual period – diagnosed retrospectively after one year of amenorrhoea. Cessation occurs due to loss of ovarian function. The “declining oocyte pool” theory states that a newborn girl is born with millions of eggs, most of which die by atresia. The average age of menopause is 50, however this can vary…

Cervical Cancer

Overview Cervical cancer is an HPV-related malignancy of the uterine cervical mucosa. Most cervical tumours contain HPV DNA (99.7%) . There are many variants of HPV, HPV-16 and 18 are the 2 most common high-risk types.  Cervical cancer is proceeded by an idenifiable precursor lesion (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN1)) that may progress to invasive cancer. CIN can…

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (Spring Fever)

Overview Henoch Schonlein Purpura is a IgA vasculitis characterised by the Tetrad: palpable purpuric petechial rash, abdominal pain, kidney involvement and arthralgia. Aetiology is unknown but thought to have a genetic predisposition. Clinical Manifestation Henoch Schonlein Purpura Tetrad Palpable purpuric petechial rash, abdominal pain, kidney involvement and arthralgia. Recent mucosal infection (respiratory or gastrointestinal) Rash…

Urinary Incontinence

Overview Urinary incontinence is an important condition because it causes significant distress. Approximately 15% of the general female adult population have a significant problem with urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence: Defined as the condition in which there is invontary loss of urine, which can be objectively demonstrated and which is a social or hygienic problem. Stress…

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