Medical science, drawn into focus.

Hypercholesterolaemia

Overview Higher levels of cholesterol associated with worse CV outcomes. Three main types that are measured: VLDL, LDL and HDL. High LDL is associated with a significant increase in cardiovascular problems. Hypercholesterolaemia can also run in families. Lifestyle modification aim to reduce cardiovascular risk. Pharmacological agents are lipid lowering drugs, statins being first-line. Lipid Physiology…

Paracetamol Overdose

Overview Paracetamol overdose is a common cause of hospital presentation. Paracetamol is an analgesic and antipyretic drug used in both children and adults. Its mechanism of action is yet to be fully determined, and is likely to involve a number of pain pathways. When taken in excess it can cause signs such as vomiting, right…

Breast Cancer

"A 35 Year old women presents with a 1cm hard lump in the upper quadrant of her right breast. She first noticed this when she was in the shower three months ago. She is worried that the lump might be malignant" Overview Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. It accounts for…

Goitre and Nodules

Overview Goitre refers to an enlarged thyroid gland. Thyroid nodules are common in the general population, especially in women. Goitre results from follicular cell hyperplasia at one or multiple sites within the thyroid gland. Goitre can be classified based on morphology into diffuse or nodular. Nodular thyroid denotes the presence of single or multiple palpable…

Aortic Regurgitation (incompetence)

Overview Aortic regurgitation (AR) is backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole because the aortic valve does not close completely. AR may result from disease of the valve leaflets, dilatation of the aortic root or both. Chronic AR causes progressive left-ventricular volume overload and dilatation, whereas acute severe AR…

Melanoma

Overview Melanoma accounts for 4 percent of all dermatological cancer. Melanoma has the highest mortality rate of all dermatological cancers, only 14 percent of patients with metastatic melanoma survive for five years. Melanoma is one of the most common cancers in young adults. Melanoma Overview Anatomy and Physiology The skin consist of three layers, from superficial…

Takayasu Arteritis 

Overview Takayasu arteritis is a rare, chronic large-vessel vasculitis primarily affecting the aorta and its major branches, leading to stenosis, occlusion, or aneurysm formation. It most commonly affects young women (<40 years), particularly of Asian descent. The global incidence is estimated at 1–2 per million per year, with a female predominance (F:M ~9:1). It is…

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