Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor which is formed in chromaffin cells of the adrenal glands. Pheochromocytomas are also known as adrenal chromaffin tumors (1). Chromaffin cells are found in the medulla of the adrenal glands (Figure 1). The adrenal glands located just above the kidneys. These cells receive neuronal messages from the brain via neurotransmitters and, as a result of these messages, release hormones in to the bloodstream (Figure 2). The main catecholamines produced in the adrenal glands are dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) (1). Pheochromocytomas cause the adrenal glands to make too much of these hormones, which are called catecholamines. Adrenal glands with pheochromocytomas produce excess catecholamines, which can cause high blood pressure or hypertension (1). High blood pressure that goes untreated can lead to a variety of severe health problems including heart disease and stroke. Typical symptoms of pheochromocytomas include headaches, excessive sweating, pounding of the heart, pain in the chest, and a feeling of anxiety (1).
Pheochromocytomas can be to be inherited and several gene have been identified, that when mutated, lead to pheochromocytoma (Figure 3). The majority of inherited pheochromocytomas are due to mutations in the genes VHL, RET, NF1, and MAX. Pheochromocytoma has been associated with Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2), and neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) is a condition caused by the mutation of the gene VHL, where cysts and tumors grow on the brain, the kidneys, and adrenal glands. Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is a condition where tumors develop on the skin and optic nerve and is caused by ...
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... known as alpha blockers. Drugs known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors available can also be used to prevent the formation of hormones by the tumor. In some cases, radiation therapy (using high- dose x-rays or other high-energy rays to kill cancer cells) or chemotherapy (using drugs to kill cancer cells) may be used to treat pheochromocytoma (4).
In general, pheochromocytomas found in the adrenal gland are benign, and can be successfully removed by surgery (4). Patients with recurring pheochromocytoma tumors, tumors that have metastasized or that cannot be removed surgically have outlooks that are fair to poor. Both malignant and benign pheochromocytomas can recur after surgical removal of the tumor. Therefore, long-term follow-up care is very important after surgery to keep the outlooks fair to good with additional medicinal or surgical treatments as appropriate (4).
The Pituitary gland has many functions and regulations that are continuously functioning.However when there is a disruption in those functions there is an imbalance. Prolactinoma is an imbalance caused by a non cancerous tumor. The tumor causes the secretion of prolactin.Prolactin in a type of hormone in which normally stimulates lactation. In turn the body reacts to this hormone prolactin in more than one way.
The exact cause of hypothalamic tumors is not known. It is likely that they result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In children, most hypothalamic tumors are gliomas. Gliomas are a common type of brain tumor that results from the abnormal growth of glial cells, which are a type of cells that support nerve cells. Gliomas can occur at any age
ACH, is an interesting disease, one that after many years of research still remains a partial mystery. The fact that a single nucleotide on one chromosome can so greatly affect an individual is astounding, especially coupled with the fact that this mutation is so homogenious in genotype and phenotype. With more skeletal dysplasias being connected to FGFR3, research has increased to fully determine and define the pathways involved with this gene. Determining the reason for such a high mutation frequency and the link to paternal age are also being looked into. Once there is more understanding of how this mutation affects the body, treatments and possibly cures can be found for these individuals.
Glioblastoma Multiforme is the most aggressive and malignant form of brain cancer, with an average survival of less than 12 months.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) is an inherited condition that affects hormone production in the adrenal gland. The individual lacks enzymes to make cortisol, and hormones are instead are shifted away to make other hormones, specifically androgens. This results in the deficiency of cortisol and the abundance of testosterone.
Cancer is a disease in which cells multiply out of control and gradually build a mass of tissue called a tumor. There has been a large amount of research dedicated to the treatment and cure of cancer. Several types of treatments have been developed. The following are just some of the major examples of cancer therapy: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biologic therapy, biorhythms, unconventional treatments, and hyperthermia. Each type of treatment is discussed in detail below.
I have chosen to write about the constellation Cancer (The Crab). I chose Cancer because it is one of only a handful of constellations that I am actually able to identify in the night sky. Cancer is one of the twelve Zodiac constellations; people whose birthdays fall between June 21st and July 22nd have Cancer as their sign. Cancer is the Latin word for crab, and despite the fact that the constellation looks more like a lobster then a crab, it is still referred to as a crab. The constellation is visible from the northern hemisphere from late winter to early spring.
The thyroid organ, though small, impacts every cell in the body by providing metabolism regulation (endocrine web). This butterfly-shaped, endocrine organ located at the neck, secretes hormones to control the body’s metabolism - or the way the body uses energy that help the body with energy, manage heat, and help organs such as the heart and brain function properly (thyroid.org). When not functioning properly, thyroid dysfunctions occur disrupting the three points of control: the hypothalamus in the brain, the pituitary gland, and the thyroid gland. Common thyroid disorders include Hashimoto’s, Graves’ disease, thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, and nodules or goiters (health line).
For cancer patients there are several treatment options. Surgery can remove cancerous tumors, chemotherapy uses drugs for treatment, and radiation therapy. The doctor in charge of the patient’s treatment may also choose to use radiation therapy. “Radiation
... cancer cells and stopping their growth and multiplication, can be resorted to as well. Since we do not know the exact cause of Leukemia it is hard to prevent it. You can take the following precautions just in case; such as do not smoke, and stay away from radiation and situations that would expose you to radiation.
Hydrocephalus is a genetic disorder commonly described as “water on the brain.” In actuality, this is a condition in which there is an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a clear watery fluid that surrounds the space between the brain and spinal cord, in the brain. Normally, the production together with the absorption process of CSF is specifically balanced to ensure that the brain tissue remains buoyant, that nutrients can be delivered and waste removed, and that there is a compensation for changes in intracranial blood volume. Hydrocephalus blocks this balanced flow as well as absorption, and on account of CSF being produced continuously, 16 oz each day to be exact, the blocking creates a surplus of CSF resulting in the said pressure against the brain tissue. The surplus accretion of CSF additionally motivates ventricular dilation in which the gaps between the brain, known as ventricles, abnormally widen.
Tumors and growths of all kinds can form in the thyroid gland. Thyroid tumors are usually benign, which is not cancerous; but doesn’t mean that they can’t be malignant, which are cancerous and spread quickly into nearby tissues and other glandular areas of the body. Thyroid cancer can happen to anyone at any age. According to the Essentials of Human Diseases and Conditions textbook; “The four main types of thyroid cancer are papillary (small nipple-like projections), follicular (saclike balls of cells), medullary (affecting the interior portion of the gland, and anaplastic (loss of differentiations of cells).” (Schell Frazier & Drzymkowski Wist, 2013)
3. McKusick, V. (1996, 06). PAH DEFICIENCY OLIGOPHRENIA PHENYLPYRUVICA FOLLING DISEASE. PHENYLKETONURIA; PKU. Retrieved 04, 2014, from http://omim.org/entry/261600
Among these disorders are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a disorder in which one is diagnosed for having and underactive thyroid. The probability for women over the age of sixty to develop an underactive thyroid is higher than those of other individuals. If left untreated it can potentially lead to obesity, joint pain, heart disease, and other health complications. On the contrary, hyperthyroidism is a disorder in which a person is diagnosed for having an overactive thyroid. This can cause nervousness and anxiety, hyperactivity, unexplained weight loss, and swelling of the thyroid gland which causes a noticeable lump to form on throat (known as a
The human body is a network of muscles, bones, organs and overall, it is constantly working in its own ways to make sure that the body is performs and functions properly. The most important systems in the body, the nervous and endocrine system, both play huge roles in regulating the biological processes inside an organism. They are the basic systems that pretty much control the body, helping it react properly to any external factor. The main difference between these two systems is that the nervous system uses impulses to control the muscles while the endocrine uses chemical stimuli to pass the signal to the target cells or organs. These two systems have their