Skin cancer is a highly common type of cancer. Every year over 3 million cases of this dreadful disease are diagnosed. Majority of skin cancers are non-melanoma and if diagnosed at an early stage, this disease can be treated by a dermatologist through an outpatient procedure. Melanoma constitutes of approximately one percent of all skin cancers. However, it is responsible for over 90 percent of deaths related to skin cancer. Skin cancer develops when the body is unable to repair damage to the DNA within the skin cells, thereby enabling the cells to grow and divide uncontrollably. Skin cell damage may be caused due to various factors such as skin type and genetics. However, in most instances, skin cancer occurs because of overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light generated by the sun. Skin cancer may seem like a bump on the skin, a wound that does not heal, a lesion, or a dark spot. There are different types of skin cancer. The type depends on the damaged skin cells. For instance, basal cell carcinoma is the most common kind of skin cancer. It occurs because of the damage caused to basal cells that are located just under the surface of the skin.

Spinal muscle atrophy (SMA) is a common genetic disease, which is commonly found in infants and children and rarely found in adults. In SMA, a particular section of the nervous system, which controls voluntary muscle movement, is impacted. Explained ahead are the types, causes, and symptoms associated with SMA. 1. Types of SMA There are four types of SMA, and these types vary according to the level of severity. Type 1 SMA Type 1 SMA is the most severe type and is usually found at birth or after the first few months when the baby is approximately six months old. Any baby suffering from this type may pass away after the age of two. Type 2 SMA Type 2 is an intermediate form of SMA. It occurs when a baby is anywhere between 7 to 18 months old and the rate of progression varies from patient to patient. The life expectancy in this type of SMA can vary from early childhood to adulthood depending on the condition of the patient. Type 3 SMA Type 3 SMA is a mild form that occurs in patients that belong from a varying age group between 18 months and early adulthood. The life expectancy in this type of SMA is nearing the normal lifespan of an individual.

Colon cancer is a form of cancer that starts in the colon, which is the large intestine, and the diagnosis of this disease can be quite a stressful process. There are various stages of colon cancer, from stage 0 through 4. It is important to be aware of the diagnosis procedures and treatment for the different stages of colon cancer. 1. Diagnosis of colon cancer There are various tests involved in the diagnosis of colon cancer: Screening tests Doctors suggest certain screening tests for colon cancer for healthy people to determine any noncancerous colon polyps or signs of colon cancer. It is essential to diagnose colon cancer at a nascent stage in order to treat it in the best possible manner. Screening helps to decrease the risk of death due to colon cancer. Generally, doctors advise that people who are at risk of contracting this disease should undergo screening tests around the age of 50. However, people with a higher degree of risk, for instance, those who have a family history of this disease, should undergo these tests at an earlier age. There are various screening tests to diagnose colon cancer, but it is recommended to discuss the available options with the doctor and decide on the most suitable one.

Thyroid cancer begins in the thyroid gland. It starts when the thyroid cells start to grow beyond control. The thyroid gland makes hormones that help regulate your body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and metabolism. It is located in the front area of the neck, under the thyroid cartilage, which is commonly known as the Adam’s apple. The various types of thyroid cancer are distinguished based on their appearance. They inspect the thyroid cells under a microscope. They are identified depending on how they grow. 1. Papillary cancer Also referred to as papillary adenocarcinoma or papillary carcinomas (PTC), around eight out of ten cases belong to this type. These types of cancers tend to develop gradually and usually grow in any one lobe of the thyroid gland. Even though they develop at a gradual rate, these cancers circulate to the neck’s lymph nodes. However, even after spreading to the lymph nodes, papillary cancer is cured successfully and is rarely fatal. Papillary cancer has various subtypes. The most common subtype is the follicular subtype. It is also known as mixed papillary-follicular. It has the same prognosis as the standard form of papillary cancer and can be cured when detected at an early stage.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that is marked by irregular bowel movements, which can either be too frequent or inadequate. Symptoms of the condition include abdominal pain, gas, and cramping. IBS is not a life-threatening disease but it greatly affects one’s quality of life. 1. Diagnosing irritable bowel syndrome The doctor will start with a general physical exam and an analysis of your medical history. This will help rule out a single episode of diarrhea. Aside from this, tests will be conducted to ensure you do not suffer from gluten intolerance. You can be diagnosed with IBS if the following factors are observed: There is severe pain in the abdomen before, during, and after a bowel movement. There is a change in texture and frequency of bowel movement. The symptoms have been present anywhere between three weeks to six months. Bloating in and around the abdomen. Additionally, the doctor will perform the following tests: Blood tests to rule out anemia or any other disease. Stool tests to rule out any infection in the feces. Colonoscopy to check for any other digestive disease. X-ray or CT scan to check for other possible causes of swelling in the abdomen. Finally, the doctor will also inquire as to whether you have a family history of abdominal diseases such as IBS, colon cancer, and so on.