Breast cancer develops when the cells in the breasts grow and divide in an uncontrolled manner. This leads to the formation of a mass tissue known as a tumor. Typically, this type of cancer develops in either the milk-making glands of the breast or the ducts that carry milk. If left unchecked, the tumor can grow and spread to the surrounding lymph nodes and other parts of the body. Here is everything to know: Symptoms Generally, the symptoms of breast cancer can vary from one person to another. However, here are a few common symptoms of the condition: – Changes in shape, size, or appearance of the breasts – Development of small pea-sized lumps or mass in the breasts – Redness developing on the breast skin or nipple – A hardened spot under the skin – Clear or blood-stained discharge from the nipple While some of these signs can be easily observed, others may be harder to spot. This is why routine checkups, self-examination, and mammograms can help one get an early diagnosis Causes The primary cause of cancer is the uncontrolled growth and division of breast cells. However, what triggers this process is not yet known. However, the following risk factors have been associated with the development of breast cancer:

Hypersomnia, a sleep disorder, affects one with constant drowsiness, impacting daily life and overall well-being. While it may not be as widely recognized as its counterpart, insomnia, hypersomnia deserves equal attention. It impacts approximately 5% of people and is found to be more common in females than males. By understanding this sleep disorder, let’s learn how to manage this often-overlooked condition and support those who grapple with excessive daytime sleepiness. Causes of hypersomnia Hypersomnia can be caused due to an underlying condition, genetic factor, or because of an unclear cause. Other factors include: Sleep apnea Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition in which the patient experiences the airway being partially or completely blocked when sleeping. This can give rise to interrupted sleep patterns, frequent bouts of being awake, and continued feelings of sleepiness during the day. Patients living with untreated OSA tend to struggle with staying awake in the daytime, irrespective of the hours spent in bed the previous night. Effective treatment of OSA can significantly alleviate hypersomnia symptoms, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis. Narcolepsy Another cause of hypersomnia is narcolepsy. It is a neurological disorder characterized by the sudden onset of uncontrollable episodes of sleep anytime during the day.

With a little help from dentists, everyone can achieve the bright smile they desire. Instead of braces, many people are now moving to aligners. These clear orthodontic devices are practically invisible. The process makes use of a series of tight-fitting custom-made pieces that slip over the teeth to correct teeth placement. However, these may only be suitable for some. Read on to learn more about invisible dental aligners and how they work. Who can get invisible aligners? Invisible aligners are custom-built and offer a tight grip, making them ideal for teenagers and adults. They are generally not advisable for growing children. These aligners are typically used for people with mild to moderately crowded teeth or minor spacing issues. Those with severe crowding or spacing problems may need to opt for other complex treatment options. It is best to consult a dentist before opting for aligners. How do invisible aligners work? Depending on one’s current teeth alignment, the doctor creates a plan to correct the bite. Based on this plan, several versions of the clear aligners are made. Several digital scans are conducted for every patient to ensure a snug fit on the teeth over the course of the treatment. The aligners are changed every few weeks to continually move the teeth and bring them to their desired position.

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment to correct misaligned teeth or other dental issues, you’ll likely encounter two primary options: traditional metal braces and clear aligners. While metal braces have been a reliable option for decades, clear aligners have surged in popularity due to their numerous advantages and are often the preferred choice for orthodontic patients of all ages. Below is a comparison of the two and six reasons aligners may be the better choice. Aesthetics One of the primary factors to consider is appearance; people lean towards clear aligners because of their nearly invisible nature. Unlike conspicuous metal braces, clear aligners are discreet and barely noticeable. This is particularly appealing to adults and teenagers who may feel self-conscious about their appearance. Clear aligners provide the confidence to smile and speak without drawing attention to orthodontic treatment. Enhanced comfort and reduced irritation Traditional metal braces are noted for their sharp wires and brackets that can cause discomfort, irritation, and even ulcers in the mouth. In contrast, clear aligners are made from smooth, professional, health-grade plastic, eliminating the need for uncomfortable wires and brackets. This results in a more comfortable orthodontic experience, with reduced friction against the delicate oral tissues. Clear aligners are also removable, allowing wearers to take them out for special occasions or while eating, providing additional comfort and flexibility.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is classified as a motor neuron disease as it involves the loss of nerve cells called motor neurons. It is a genetically acquired condition that affects the central nervous system, voluntary muscle movements, and peripheral nervous system. Therefore, SMA results in muscles getting smaller because they are not stimulated by nerve cells. The rare complication affects 1 in 6,000 to 10,000 children in the country. Causes A healthy SMN1 gene produces the SMN protein, which is required by motor neurons to survive and function appropriately. Healthcare experts indicate that the most viable cause of spinal muscular atrophy is a deficiency of the SMN protein. Children with SMA usually lack part of the SMN1 gene or have changed (mutated) genes. Therefore, people with spinal muscular atrophy do not create sufficient SMN protein, which could cause the motor neurons to shrink and cease to exist. As a result, the individual’s brain might be unable to control voluntary movements, especially motions associated with the neck, arms, legs, and head. Types There are four common types of SMA that one may develop. SMA Type 1 This type of SMA is severe and may occur in infants within the first six months of their life.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), also known as brittle bone disease, is a genetic bone disorder present at birth. About 25,000 to 50,000 people in the country have this condition. Children born with OI may have bones that are soft and fracture easily, those that are not properly formed, and other related problems. There are about eight types of the disease, based on the type of inheritance and signs and symptoms. Symptoms The symptoms of osteogenesis imperfect usually differ within and between types. These symptoms may also look like those that occur in other health conditions. Therefore, one should always consult an expert who may diagnose and identify the most likely cause. A few symptoms of OI include: Bones that break easily Deformities in the bones, such as bowing of the legs A barrel-shaped chest Discoloration of the sclera (white layer of the eye), which may turn blue or gray in color A curved spine Loose joints in the body Weakness in several muscles Skin that may bruise easily The loss of hearing in early adulthood Soft, discolored teeth Causes Experts believe that osteogenesis imperfecta is passed through the genes, and each type is passed on in its way. Some genes might be inherited from one parent, while others may come from both parents.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) and tardive dyskinesia (TD) are neurological disorders impacting individuals’ motor functions. Despite their unique origins and symptom profiles, these conditions exhibit unexpected parallels in their health implications. Their similarities may result in multiple challenges when it comes to diagnosing each individual condition. It may also affect the way Parkison’s or TD is treated. Therefore, it is essential for one to learn about these seven common indicators in both these conditions. Difficulties with speech Symptoms like difficulties with speech are a prevalent concern in Parkinson’s disease and tardive dyskinesia. In Parkinson’s disease, bradykinesia and muscle rigidity affect vocal muscles, leading to soft, monotonous speech, often interspersed with freezing of speech. Conversely, tardive dyskinesia induces speech challenges through involuntary movements in the tongue, lips, and face, causing slurred speech and articulation difficulties. These speech-related issues significantly impact communication for individuals with both conditions, highlighting the importance of tailored interventions and support. Akathisia People with Parkinson’s disease may develop akathisia as a secondary symptom, driven by discomfort resulting from bradykinesia and rigidity. Individuals with PD may constantly shift positions or fidget to alleviate this inner restlessness. Conversely, in tardive dyskinesia, akathisia is often induced or exacerbated by antipsychotic prescriptions, causing profound inner restlessness and difficulty remaining still.