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Benign liver tumors are common. They do not pose a significant health risk as they do not spread to other parts of the body. Learn the three types of benign liver tumors. What Are Benign Liver Tumors? Benign liver lesions are relatively common in the liver. Non-cancerous tumors are usually called benign. Benign liver tumors usually do not exhibit any symptoms and are detected when a person undergoes medical imaging tests like an MRI or CT scans. Only when the size of the mass is large, symptoms appear. The common symptoms include abdominal pain and in rare cases unintentional weight loss. Some forms of benign liver tumors cause hepatomegaly, right upper quadrant discomfort, or intraperitoneal hemorrhage. In cases of bleeding in the liver, immediate doctor consultation is necessary. The three most common types of benign liver tumors are Hemangiomas Focal nodular hyperplasias Hepatocellular adenomas 1. Hemangiomas Hemangiomas are the most common form of benign liver tumors and are seen in 1 to 5% of the adults. They are masses of abnormal blood vessels. These tumors are characterized by highly vascular appearance. The size of the hemangiomas is small (1 cms or less) to giant, cavernous hemangiomas (10 to 20 centimeters). Women are likely to develop this condition than men. The female-male ratio is 5:1. These tumors usually exhibit no symptoms and there is no need for treatment. When patient exhibits symptoms, it is usually due to the size of the tumor and proximity to other organs. Surgical intervention may be required in such instances to prevent clotting and heart failure. 2. Focal Nodular Hyperplasias A Woman taking rest, Credits: pixabay The second most common type of benign liver tumors is focal nodular hyperplasia. This form of benign tumor occurs in women between the ages of 20 and 30. The incidence of FNH is 0.3 and 3% and the male to female ratio is 1:9. Also Read: Diagnosis And Management Of Focal Nodular Hyperplasia Estrogen receptor expression is seen in the FNH tissue samples. Only in rare cases, treatment is required. If the lesions are causing pain, surgical intervention may be required. Hepatocellular Adenomas Pills, Credits: pixabay These adenomas are less common forms of benign liver tumors. The annual incidence is 3–4 per 100,000 in women. They are usually seen in women of childbearing age and predominantly seen in women who use oral contraceptives, especially where higher doses of estrogen are used. Doctors may advise discontinuing the use of hormone pills to prevent the further growth of adenomas. Just like other forms of benign tumors, they do not cause any symptoms and are rarely detected. The larger forms of hepatocellular adenomas may cause right upper quadrant discomfort. In some cases, these adenomas may manifest as peritonitis and shock due to rupture and intraperitoneal hemorrhage. Rarely, they turn out to be malignant. MRI is considered to be the sensitive technique to differentiate the types of adenomas and the specific subtype called beta-catenin may hold the risk of malignancy potential. Take-Home Message Benign liver lesions are common and do not pose significant health risks in the majority of the cases.

Why Differentiate Liver Lesions? Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and hepatic adenoma (HA) are the common non-vascular benign liver tumors. Due to the advent of high-resolution imaging techniques, these lesions are detectable. Lesions in the liver require proper diagnosis. Distinguishing various types of benign liver lesions helps in framing the appropriate treatment strategy. Most of the benign liver lesions are asymptomatic and in approximately one-third of the patients, abdominal pain or right upper quadrant discomfort is seen. Salient Features of Focal Nodular Hyperplasia (FNH) FNH is the second most common benign hepatic tumor in adults, and the third most common of all pediatric liver tumors. FNH is 3 to 10 times more common than hepatic adenoma. FNH is caused by arterial malformations within the liver. These malformations, coupled with changes in perfusion, cause a regenerative, hyperplastic response of the normal hepatocyte. FNH is truly a benign condition and the chances of bleeding and malignant transformation are not expected to happen. The prevalence of FNH was identified in families with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), an autosomal dominant genetic disorder. Any comorbid conditions that cause a predisposition to the development of arterial malformations can increase the risk of FNH. Molecular analysis revealed that β-Catenin is regarded as a pivotal stimulus for the proliferation of hepatocytes, liver development, and liver regeneration after injury. The most sensitive technique to detect FNH is MRI which has the highest sensitivity and specificity. Most cases of FNH do not require any treatment. In rare cases, surgical interventions are necessary. Salient Features of Hepatic Adenomas Liver, Credits: pixabay HA is the third most common benign neoplasm. Hepatic adenomas are commonly seen in females who use oral contraceptives. The major risk factor for the development of HA is exposure to estrogenic or androgenic steroids. HA is reported to be approximately 3–10 times less common than FNH. HA contains no bile ducts or ductular structures. The clinical features of HA include abdominal pain, abdominal mass, intraperitoneal hemorrhage, and abnormal liver tests. When 10 or more adenomas are seen, the condition is called adenomatosis. Molecular analysis revealed that mutations in the genes of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α (HNF-1α) in 40–50% of cases and β-catenin in <10% of cases. Major complications of HA include hemorrhage and malignant transformation. Clinically significant hemorrhage is observed in 20–25% of cases. CT and MRI scans are used to diagnose hepatic adenomas. The table below describes the differences between focal nodular hyperplasia and hepatic adenomaFNHHepatic adenomaTypical patientAll ages2nd to 5th decadeGender biasFemale>MaleNearly exclusively femalePrevalence>18 years4-30/1000Unreliable data, very lowPrevalence<18 years0.2/1000Unreliable data, very lowClinical presentationAsymptomaticAbdominal pain or asymptomaticLaboratory parametersNormal or non-remarkable Normal AFP Normal or non-remarkable Normal AFP ImagingSpokes of wheel vascular patternCircular vascular pattern around the lesionPathological MechanismsHyperplastic reaction to vascular abnormalityUncontrolled growth Possibly estrogen-inducedHistopathological featuresCentral scar Ductular reaction Fibrosis Liver cell plates No bile ducts No fibrosisMutational analysisPolyclonalMonoclonalGene expressionBeta-catenin pathway activation Ang-1/Ang-2 mRNA ratio elevatedHNF-1 alpha inactivation Beta-catenin pathway activation Ang-1/Ang-2 mRNA ratio normalComplicationsNoneBleeding Hepatocellular carcinomaTreatment of choiceClassic FNH: expectative Diagnosis doubtful: consider excisionWithdrawal of estrogen treatment Excision/partial liver resection Adapted from https://www.karger.com/Article/Fulltext/268404, accessed on 07/10/20 Take-Home Message A clear understanding of benign liver lesions may help physicians to plan appropriate treatment regimens. #focalnodularhyperplasialiver

Mental health is wealth! Issues related to mental health, psychiatrist bend oregon can affect anyone at any point in their lives. If left untreated or ignored, they have the potential to ruin the life of the sufferer. From children to adults to elderly, these disorders spare no one. A psychiatrist is the one who specialises in treating different kinds of mental health problems faced by people. If you or someone you know is suffering from such a condition, and is residing in Bend, Oregon, there’s good news. We provide a complete list of the best psychiatrist bend oregon services that will be immensely beneficial for you to come to terms with your condition. This quick psychiatry bend oregon guide contains a list of psychiatrists that specialize in treating both adult and child mental health issues. The Best Psychiatrists You Can Find in Bend, Oregon Psychiatrist with patients, Credits: Pixabay Finding a suitable psychiatrist who understands your specific concerns is not an easy task. Fortunately, this psychiatrist north bend oregon list will make your life a lot easier.S.No.Name Location Contact number1.Harry BorcherdingHigh Desert Psychiatry, NW 45, Park Place, Bend, OR, 97703(541) 625 – 16172.Kate CoppedgePeace of Mind Functional Medicane, Southwest Shevlin – Hixon Drive Suite 201, Bend, OR, 97702(541) 583 – 47943.Dr. Kim Delaney255, SW Bluff Drive, 220 Suite, Bend, OR, 97702(541) 203 – 66034.Dr. Bryan HagenHagen Psychiatry, LLC, Highway 97, Ste 100, Bend, OR, 97703(458) 219 – 81715.Kim ButlerBend Psychiatry, SW Century Drive, 101 Suite, Bend, OR, 97702(541) 275 – 62456.Brea Di DatoWell Coast Psychiatric, 1500, Chandler Avenue, Bend, OR, 97702(628) 265 – 65477.Tamara OwenSoutheast Division Street 3310, Portland, OR 97202(503) 788 – 77268.Justin BethoneyShevlin Hixon Drive 151 SW, 102 Suite, Bend, OR 97702(424) 531 – 97549.Dr. Alicia BergerBerger Psychiatric Services, Portland 97086(412) 312 – 328310.Terri SquiresIntegrative Psychiatry Services, LL, OR 97701(808) 201 – 310411.Dr. John Robert Kratzer1306, Northwest Hoyt Street, 300 Suite, Portland 97209(971) 252 – 7974 You can avail psychiatrist bend oregon services from some of the leading and well-known psychiatrist clinics. Centre like High Desert Psychiatry, Bend psychiatry are particularly well-known in terms of the services they provide. Services of Psychiatrists in Bend, Oregon Mental health disorders, Credits: Pixabay All the experts specialize in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a vast array of mental health disorders like: Anxiety Depression Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Post traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Bipolar Disorder Insomnia Medication management Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Eating Disorders Substance Abuse Disorder All of the psychiatrists take a consistent and holistic approach to help you deal with mental health disorders. They also take phone and video sessions. The above given list can also serve as a child psychiatrist bend oregon guide as they are proficient in dealing with children and teenagers too. You are sure to get relief from any kind of mental trouble or condition that you’re dealing with.

According to official estimates, child psychiatrist services in Bend, Oregon, are near breaking points. As more and more children today suffer from mental health conditions, it becomes necessary to know about various centers where you can take your child for treatment. Childhood and adolescence is a crucial stage in anyone’s life. At this point in their lives, children are highly vulnerable to external influences, and a lack of proper guidance can drive them towards dangerous and potentially ruinous paths in their lives. However, in many places, psychiatric facilities to help children cope with trauma and other disturbing events of their lives are not enough to accommodate such children’s rising numbers. Hence, there’s a need to know about psychiatrist bend oregon services so that you can ensure that your child receives the best treatment. Why You Need to Know About Child Psychiatrist Bend Oregon Services Oregon consists of a large number of families whose children suffer from various mental illnesses. In recent decades, big psychiatric facilities have been shut down to treat and help people inside their communities in the form of strong outpatient services. These outpatient services were meant to consist of community support teams, day programs, and providers. However, they were never formed and resulted in a shortage of places where children and adolescents could receive right mental health treatment. Instead of holistic mental health facilities, emergency departments, criminal justice systems, and schools turned to be mental health providers that are unfortunately unable to cater to the rising number of children suffering from a mental health condition. Many leading psychiatrists have expressed their concern over not being able to serve troubled kids and their families. Not receiving treatment on time is having adverse consequences on the health of children. The presence of less psychiatric services necessarily demands a solution. But for those parents who are distressed at the sight of their children suffering from mental health issues, its important to know that helo is still available. Given below is a list of the best psychiatrist north bend oregon, which you can go through and contact if you reside nearby. Child Psychiatry Bend Oregon Services Psychiatrist with a child, Credits: Pixabay S.No.NameLocationContact Number1.Kate CoppedgePeace of Mind Functional Medicane, Southwest Chevlin – Hixon Drive, 151, Bend, Oregon, 97702(541) 583 – 47942.Aspire Mental Health and WellnessAspire Mental Health and Wellness, 713 E Jackson St Medford, Oregon(541) 275 – 90453.Amanda Lies541 Willamette Street, 410 Suite, Eugene, OR, 97401(458) 221 – 98844.Haulek TawmgingOnline Kairos Psychiatry PLLC, Portland Oregon, 97214(971) 340 – 44015.Joe Cross Sarvis5263, North East, Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard, Portland, Oregon(971) 252 – 72986.Robin PerezNew Foundation Inner Health, 409, Northwest, 2nd Avenue, Canby, Oregon, 97013(971) 701 – 2156 Which Psychiatrist Services Can Your Child Get for His/Her Treatment? A child suffering from a mental health condition, Credits: Pixabay All the above psychiatrists are specialists in their field. They have decades long experience in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions that afflict the youth. Your child can get treatment for the following: Depression Anxiety ADHD School issues Peer relationships Self harming Emotional issues Addiction to video games and many more Thus, this best child psychiatrist bend oregon list is all you need to see your child become themselves again.

Did you know that your knee is the largest and most complicated joint in your entire body? It is perhaps the only organ that remains in a constant state of stress as it carries the weight of your body at all times. Everyday activities like walking, running, standing, and jumping make the parts of the knee and lower leg more susceptible to injuries and wear and tear. Knee pain can occur due to a variety of causes. Aging, injury, physical exertion can, in some way or other, impact your knee joint. Thus, a common complaint received by medical specialists daily relates to knee pain. Before delving into the causes of knee pain, it becomes necessary for you to gain a deeper understanding of the anatomy of your knee joint. Knowing about the basic knee structure will enable you better to take care of this crucial joint in your body. Parts of the Knee Joint Parts of the knee, Credit: Pixabay The knee joint enables you to flex your legs and remain stable during daily activities. Movements like running, crouching, turning, squatting all are supported largely by the knee. There are three knee part and lower leg that form the basis of this joint. They are: Thighbone or the Femur Shinbone or Tibia Kneecap or the Patella The two major bones of the knee are held together by ligaments, tendons, and muscles. The cartilage that covers the bone ending is primarily responsible for absorbing the shock that occurs commonly due to a forceful landing. parts of the knee and lower leg protect the knee joint from damage. You’re able to easily extend and move your knee due to the presence of this crucial organ. The two knee muscles are quadriceps and hamstrings. Quadriceps help you to straighten your legs while hamstrings enable you to bend your legs. Tendons are tissues that attach muscles to bones. Ligaments are bands of elastic tissue that hold bones together. They impart knee stability and protection while also limiting deep forward and backward movement of the shin bone. Thus we see the various knee part work together to impart a smooth movement of your legs in various directions Common Causes of Knee Pain Knee problems occur in people of all age groups. Some of the most common causes of knee pain are mentioned below: Trauma caused to the knee ligament Tendon inflammation Arthritis Fractures 1.  Trauma Caused to the Knee Ligament Person experiencing knee pain, Credits: Pixabay The wear and tear of one of the many ligaments of the knee joint increase the risk of knee injuries like knee sprains and strains. Its symptoms include swelling, difficulty during walking, and knee pain. Those who regularly engage in strenuous sports like football, basketball, soccer are at a greater risk of developing knee ligament injuries. Sudden twisting or blow to the knee during physical exertion can result in such conditions. Sudden knee trauma can also tear your knee’s cartilage. It is often accompanied by knee sprains. 2.  Tendon Inflammation A person running, Credits: Pixabay High-intensity activities like running, jumping, and cycling can inflame tendons and result in a condition known as tendonitis. Forcefully hitting the ground during some sports like basketball can inflame the tendons of the kneecap. The tendon’s overstretching can make you experience symptoms like pain during physical movement, swelling, and redness. You can also feel the formation of a lump along the tendon. 3.  Arthritis A person with hands on knee, Credits: Pixabay When the cartilage in the knee joint wears away due to age factors, it results in a chronic condition called osteoarthritis. It can be caused by reasons like excessive stress on the knee joint, injury, and high body weight. Another type of arthritis that affects the knee is rheumatoid arthritis. This condition results in the total destruction of the knee cartilage. 4.  Fractures Person with kneepain, Credits: Pixabay Fractures or the breaking of the bone is another highly common reason of excruciating knee pain. While fractures can occur in any part of the body, in the knee, they usually happen in the kneecap area. These fractures can vary in their severity. Some require surgery, while others heal through physical therapies. How to Treat and Prevent Knee Pain Problems Doctor treating a patient, Credits: Pixabay Treatment for various knee injuries and causes depend upon their severity. For severe trauma caused to the knee ligament, surgery becomes mandatory. Bracing is done to protect the knee from further injury. Physical therapies are also recommended for older adults. Tendon inflammation can be minimized by taking adequate rest and using the hot and cold treatment on the affected area. You can also take pain relievers occasionally. To minimize joint stiffness and pain that occurs as a result of arthritis, regular strengthening exercises, heat treatment, and pain relievers are prescribed by the doctors. In severe cases, joint surgery becomes the only option. Knee pain can happen to anyone anytime. The following measures will help you to take care of your knee joint and keep it in an optimal condition so that the chances of such injuries can be reduced. Maintain a healthy body weight by exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet. Always warm up your muscles before engaging in strenuous exercises. Don’t underestimate the importance of mobility exercising and stretching. If you have knee issues, opt for more low impact exercises like walking, swimming, and light jogging. Thus we see that various causes lie behind the different parts of the knee pain. If you experience chronic knee pain, which is becoming unbearable with each passing day, its time to consult a medical professional. Simultaneously, taking care of your body through a healthy lifestyle will go a long way in protecting your knee joints from any debilitating injury.

You might feel tempted to purchase that popular ‘health food’ that claims to provide you only 200 calories for a single meal. Or you might be attracted to those nutritional analysis of food aisles that keep ‘low-calorie’ or ‘sugar-free’ products. When indeed you make them a part of your diet, you feel almost zero benefits that these food products loudly advertise. If you’re trying to lose weight while eating a bag of diet chips, you don’t find the weighing scale tilting in your favor. Do you know the reason behind all this? It is because you fail to do the nutritional analysis of food items correctly. Many people commit mistakes while reading nutrition labels of food products and get carried away by buzzwords like ‘low-fat’, low-sugar’, and ‘zero cholesterol’. If you don’t know how to do a nutritional analysis of food items, chances are you’ll be forever spending your money on food items you think are miracle health products. When in reality, they are nothing short of processed, unhealthy junk. Common Mistakes People Make While Reading Food Labels In this day and age, packaged and processed foods are freely available. If there’s one thing that dieticians and nutritionists want you to understand, it’s about reading the food labels correctly. Here is the rundown of the five common mistakes you had or will commit while buying readymade food items. You overlook the serving size. You equate sugar-free and fat-free products with health. You think that natural sugar and added sugar are the same. You almost always think that fruit juices are healthy. You readily buy well-packaged products. 1.  You Overlook the Serving Size Food nutrition label showing serving size, Credits: Pixabay Disregarding the serving size of food items is a universal folly. Nutrition labels clearly list the calories that a particular serving size of a product contains. A whole packet of chips that’s around 600 grams might contain around 600 calories. That’s because it has six servings. On the nutrition label, it is written that a serving contains 100 calories. It makes you think that the whole bag of chips contains only 100 calories. Thus, incorrectly reading nutrition labels can make you consume more serving sizes than what is recommended. Fix it! Always look for the number of serving sizes on the food label of an item. Then look how much calories a single serving of it contains. Estimate the size of a single serving and eat only that amount. Simple, isn’t it? 2. You Equate Sugar-Free and Fat-Free Products with Health Sugar less chocolate, Credits: Pixabay Consuming a sugar-free and low-fat diet is indeed healthy for your overall health. But beware of fat-free or reduced-fat products in the market. These products might contain low amounts of fat but, at the same time, are high in sodium and sugar. Similarly, to compensate for the lack of taste in products marketed as ‘sugar-free,’ an endless amount of additives and preservatives are added. Products high in additives and preservatives do your health no good, and its best to stay away from them or have them occasionally. Fix it! Look at the ingredient list carefully. If fruits or vegetables are listed as the first four ingredients, you can be pretty sure that a particular food item is indeed healthy. Always check for sodium and salt content in packaged food items. 3. You Think That Natural Sugar and Added Sugar Are the Same Fruit and  candy, Credits: Pixabay There’s a world of difference between natural sugar and added sugar in food. Natural occurring sugars are those found in fruits, vegetables, and milk products. It is not unhealthy and provides you with sustained energy throughout the day. Besides, the natural sugar in these fruits and vegetables comes packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals vital for your overall well being. On the other hand, added sugar, like corn syrup, table sugar, and honey, are nothing more than empty calories. They provide no nutritional value and instead make your blood sugar levels unstable. They are also higher in calories than natural sugars. Fix it! Make sure that on the nutrition label, sugar is not mentioned among the first four ingredients. If it happens to be there, then you need to keep that food item back in its place. On the other hand, if sugar is mentioned among the last few ingredients, then the food item is truly low in sugar and good for you. 4. You Almost Always Think That Fruit Juices Are Healthy Fruit juice cans, Credits: Pixabay Fruit juices advertised as ‘made with real fruit’ are a common sight. If the fruit is healthy, you might think, fruit juice may be equally nutritious. But a closer look at the food label will indicate to you that that’s not the case. In reality, pure fruit extract occupies a very small portion of the fruit juice. The rest is all preservatives, additives, and of course, loads of sugar. So next time a bottle of orange lures you, remember to check the ingredient list before buying it. Fix it! Look for those fruit juices which mention ‘100% juice’ on its label. Some juices may contain loads of added sugar, which you can easily find out through terms like corn syrup, sucrose, cane sugar, or high fructose. 5. You Readily Buy Well-Packaged Foods Various packaged food products, Credits: Pixabay Who doesn’t like attractively packaged food items advertised as a healthful treat? Well, packaged foods that contain words like ‘all-natural’, ‘organic,’ ‘multi-grain’ are all just marketing gimmicks. Their sole purpose is to fool the customers into buying them. You may get pulled towards low-fat, low-calorie ice cream when indeed, it is just a well-packaged food item not designed to provide you with low-fat health benefits. Fix it! There is only one solution to this problem. Read and reread the ingredient list as well as the serving size if you’re monitoring your calories. It will reveal to you everything that commonly escapes an ordinary eye. Reading nutrition labels becomes essential, especially in the case of packaged food. Fresh fruits and vegetables don’t need to be analyzed thoroughly because they are natural and genuinely healthy. You won’t have to undertake nutritional analysis of avocado if you’re buying them.  Food a fact of life nutritional analysis becomes extremely important whenever we step out to buy readymade food products.

As a medical condition, polycystic ovarian syndrome and hysterectomy primarily involves excessive amounts of the male hormones androgens in a women’s body. It comes with a host of chronic symptoms that makes living with it a total nightmare for any woman. There is a lot of confusion in the medical circle regarding PCOS and a suitable treatment line regarding it. Some gynecologists recommend a hysterectomy as its possible cure. A simple surgery comes with a lot of pros and cons. Let’s find out if this is the right line of treatment you should be opting for. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Hysterectomy Woman suffering from pain, Credit: Pixabay What is Hysterectomy? Hysterectomy is a radical surgery that involves the removal of the uterus. It may or may not involve removal of the ovaries and cervix. The surgery results in the elimination of organs and their function. A partial hysterectomy involves removing only the upper part of the uterus while the cervix is left intact. Infertility is the direct consequence of hysterectomy. Is hysterectomy a treatment for PCOS? Many gynecologists believe the surgery to be a cure. They vouch for an absence of polycystic ovarian syndrome after total hysterectomy. They think that since the surgery get rids of the cysts in the ovaries, it can potentially cure PCOS. If you plan on raising a family in the near future, hysterectomy is not considered a viable alternative. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Hysterectomy – Should You Go Ahead with It? Doctors in operation theatre, Credit: Pixabay Having this surgery will put an end to your periods instantly. A partial hysterectomy will result in women experience decreased hormone levels. They will reach their menopause a lot before its usual onset. On the other hand, women with total hysterectomy, apart from experiencing instant menopause, will also face heavy losses of the vital hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Pregnancy thereby, will never happen for women opting for this surgery. The removal of the uterus and ovaries comes with other side-effects also. Estrogen is a hormone that regulates the metabolic activities of your body. The ovaries produce estrogen, and when they get removed, its levels decrease drastically. Disorders like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity become common. Women can also experience complications during intercourse as well. They may not find it satisfying like before. Polycystic Ovarian Symptoms After Hysterectomy Woman in trouble, Credit: Pixabay Women often wonder about the possibility of polycystic ovarian syndrome and hysterectomy. According to recent studies, ovaries are not the root cause of PCOS. PCOS is characterized by changes in the adrenal gland also. Hence, by only removing the ovaries, all the problems associated with PCOS cannot be cured. Some of the symptoms women experience after hysterectomy are: Low levels of orgasm Frequent mood swings Dryness in vagina Hot flashes Sleeplessness or insomnia Hysterectomy Shouldn’t Be a PCOS Cure – Here’s Why An unwell woman, Credit: Pixabay No changes in androgen production Presence of metabolic disorders Loss of hormone-induced protection 1.  No Changes in Androgen Production The effects of elevated androgens will not cease to be experienced by a woman after surgery. The adrenal gland also produces testosterone. After the surgery, the glands come under severe stress to produce more of it. All this means that symptoms like excess facial hair growth, acne will not abate. 2.  Presence of Metabolic Disorders If women with PCOS don’t manage their insulin levels after surgery, they are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other heart diseases. Since estrogen regulates metabolic processes, its loss can significantly accelerate these problems. 3.  Loss of Hormone-Induced Protection The hormonal deficiency caused due to hysterectomy is sudden and very intense. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone make the immune system effective against severe health conditions. In their absence, women become highly vulnerable to developing those diseases which could earlier be protected by her immune levels. Thus, we see that there is no guarantee that polycystic ovarian syndrome after hysterectomy will result in any significant improvement in the various symptoms of PCOS faced by its sufferers. It can, in fact, negatively impact the health of women. This surgery should only be considered an alternative if you suffer from ailments like advanced endometriosis, fibroids development, or cancerous cells’ development.

What Is Focal Nodular Hyperplasia? Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is a solid, benign hepatic mass of non-vascular origin and is the second most common benign liver lesion. FNH lesions can occur alone or in conjunction with other lesions like hemangiomas. The pathology of FNH is described below Laboratory Features: Normal Alpha-fetoprotein Imaging Techniques: Spokes of wheel vascular pattern. Histopathological Features: Central scar, ductular reaction, and fibrosis Gene Expression: Beta-catenin pathway activation Diagnosis of FNH The diagnosis of FNH consists of imaging techniques. There must be characteristic features of FNH lesions and these lesions should not resemble other similar lesions. In FNH, the levels of Alpha-fetoprotein remained within the reference ranges. In FNH, the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) displayed minor elevations. Sometimes the increase in these levels may be associated with other comorbid conditions and during a diagnosis this has to be taken into consideration. Ultrasonography Ultrasonography, Credits: pixabay To evaluate liver lesions including FNH, ultrasonography was considered the first imaging modality. But this technique lacks an appropriate sensitivity. FNH often appears as an isoechoic or hypoechoic mass with a hyperechoic central scar relative to the liver parenchyma. In some countries, Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography is used to differentiate FNH and hepatocellular adenoma. Computed Tomography Computed Tomography,Credits: pixabay Triphasic helical computed tomography with and without contrast is a cheap and reliable imaging modality. Pre-contrast, focal nodular hyperplasia appears hypodense or isodense with a central scar evident in approximately one-third of cases. FNH appears hyperdense during the hepatic arterial phase and isodense during the portal venous phase rendering the lesion indistinguishable from the rest of the liver parenchyma. Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI, Credits: pixabay MRI shows the highest sensitivity (∼70%) and specificity (98–100%) for FNH. MRI reliably allows for discrimination between FNH and other focal liver lesions in most cases. Must Read: A List Of MRI Providers In Major Indian Cities FNH lesions in an MRI imaging appear isointense to hypointense lesions. MRI combined with hepatobiliary scintigraphy is the best test to diagnose focal nodular hyperplasia and the sensitivity and specificity of this technique are 99% and 100% respectively. Doppler US and the contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) can greatly improve the accuracy in the diagnosis of FNH. Management of FNH As FNH may sometimes be difficult to diagnose, the healthcare professional team need to remain careful when making a diagnosis. A comprehensive evaluation of a patient by physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals is necessary, before carrying out any surgical intervention. If the patients have no symptoms, it is ideal to wait and make a diagnosis after some time. Patients presenting with symptoms may need surgical resection. If the patient is suspected to have FNH, contrast-enhanced MRI is done. If the diagnosis is doubtful, CEUS and biopsy are performed. Diagnosis is made based on the size of lesions.

What Is Focal Nodular Hyperplasia? The liver is the only organ that is capable of self-regeneration, and this puts the organ at an inherent risk for developing atypical masses. Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is a solid, benign hepatic mass of non-vascular origin and this condition was described by Hugh Edmondson in 1958. FNH is the second most common benign liver lesion. FNH accounts for eight percent of all non-hemangiomatous liver lesions. In most cases, FNH is asymptomatic lesions that require no treatment. FNH is more common in females and is seen in young to middle-aged adults. The female to male ratio is 8:1. FNH lesions can occur alone or in conjunction with other lesions like Recent evidence point out that FNH can occur de nova after chemotherapy treatment like oxaliplatin. Symptoms of FNH Abdominal pain, Credits: pixabay In most cases, FNH lesions are asymptomatic. Some patients may experience abdominal pain and gastrointestinal discomfort. Types of FNH FNH is divided into two Typical FNH Atypical FNH Typical FNH These types of lesions are characterized by a large appearance with well-circumscribed margins and poor encapsulation. In less than 50% of cases, there is a prominent central scar with radiating fibrous septa. Histologically, the central scar consists of mature collagen surrounded by aberrant arteries, draining veins, and fibrous septae forming a pseudocapsule that distinguishes it from hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatocellular adenomas, and fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma. A large central artery is usually present with a spoke wheel like centrifugal flow. FNH lesions contain bile ductules and kupffer cells. Atypical FNH These types of lesions lack a central artery and a central scar. So they are difficult to distinguish from other types of lesions. Atypical FNH lesions have pseudocapsule. Causes of FNH A Woman, Credits: pixabay The exact cause of FNH remains unclear. It is caused by arterial malformations within the liver. These malformations, coupled with changes in perfusion, cause a regenerative, hyperplastic response of the normal hepatocyte.Any comorbid conditions that cause predisposition to the development of arterial malformations can increase the risk of FNH. Also Read: Can A SGOT Test Help Maintain Good Liver Health? Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome and the presence of hemangiomas can increase the risk of FNH. There are also chances that a genetic mutation can be responsible for FNH, however, the mutation is yet to be identified. As FNH is common in females, the condition can be linked to increased estrogen production. Females tend to have larger nodules than males. Whether there is any association with the use of oral contraceptives and the risk of developing FNH is a matter of debate. Treatment of FNH Surgery, Credits: pixabay If the lesions are asymptomatic a “wait and see approach” is followed. Ultrasound examinations are recommended every six months until a definite diagnosis is made. If the disease is stabilized and there are no changes in the numbers and the size of nodules, the frequency of ultrasound examination can be reduced. If there is evidence of progressive growth or large lesions and symptoms of compression or an increased risk of hemorrhage related to trauma, surgical resection is considered. Subcapsular nodules can be resected laparoscopically. In some instances, liver resection can be safely performed in specialized hepatobiliary centers. Take-Home Message FNH are benign liver lesions caused by arterial malformations within the liver.

A majority of women worldwide suffer from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). The condition is characterized by high levels of male hormones (androgens), high insulin levels, irregular periods, and metabolic issues. It is one of those obscure medical conditions about which more than the treatments, rumors, and misinformation circulate. Chief among these myths pertain to irregular periods and pcos. Another group of people categorically equate PCOS sufferers with infertile women and leave them wondering how to get pregnant with irregular periods and pcos? The primary reason that gives birth to such myths comes from the fact that it is not well understood even by doctors themselves. To date, only a limited amount of evidence has been gathered on account of this condition. But should it be a reason to let the various myths surrounding it float freely and cause even more distress to its sufferers? Certainly not. Common Myths Surrounding Irregular Periods and PCOS. Irregular periods = PCOS! You suffer from PCOS, no need to use contraception. PCOS guarantees lifelong infertility Suffering from PCOS? Take Metformin You have no plans of getting pregnant, no need to worry about PCOS 1.  Irregular Periods = PCOS! a woman sitting on the floor, Credit: Pixabay Irregular periods are not something that should necessarily be equated with PCOS. No women in the world experience a perfectly regular menstrual cycle at all times in her life. There are many causes behind irregular periods like stress, undereating, over-exercising, to name a few. Only experiencing few months of irregular periods does not give you the right to self-medicate yourself wrongly as a PCOS sufferer. Until you experience more PCOS symptoms like excessive facial hair, hair loss, and acne, you should not go looking for a PCOS treatment. Alternatively, you should focus more on lifestyle like eating a balanced diet, managing your stress levels, and incorporating regular exercise into your schedule. 2.  You Suffer from PCOS, No Need to Use Contraception Woman with contraception pills, Credit: Pixabay The thought of infertility associated with PCOS terrifies women so much that they disregard the need for contraception. They keep wondering how to get pregnant with pcos and irregular periods. In the absence of contraception, they suffer from consequences like unplanned pregnancies. Women need to be made aware of the fact that even if they are suffering from PCOS, it is not likely that they will find it difficult to conceive. Many women had successfully conceived even when they were diagnosed with this condition. Hence, contraception is essential whether you suffer from PCOS or not. 3.  PCOS Guarantees Lifelong Infertility woman on a bed, Credit: Pixabay Gone are the days when medical science could not offer you a treatment for your infertility issues. Various medications can successfully stimulate your ovulation. Apart from relying on medications, many women have successfully regained by altering their lifestyle and making it healthier than before. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep have been known to help women solve infertility naturally. 4.  Suffering from PCOS? Take Metformin Metformin medication, Credit: Pixabay Metformin is a widely used drug that women suffering from PCOS consume. The medication lowers insulin levels and is taken in the hope of regulating the menstrual cycle. Entirely relying on this medicine often makes women prone to experiencing its side-effects like diarrhea and nausea. A much better line of treatment is to consume a nutrient-dense diet to regulate your insulin levels. Apart from balancing your menstrual cycle, a nutritious diet will never make you suffer from side-effects like diarrhea and nausea. 5.  You Have No Plans of Getting Pregnant, No Need to Worry About PCOS unhealthy good items, Credit: Pixabay People narrowly view PCOS with just infertility and irregular periods. PCOS threatens the overall wellness of a woman by making her a potential victim to a host of diseases like heart diseases, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and depression. Thus, even if you are not planning to start a family soon, you need to remain protected against PCOS by following a healthy lifestyle. These common myths have the potential to cause women enormous psychological distress and harm their well-being in the long term. The plethora of myths relating to pcos why periods are irregular, PCOS and infertility, PCOS and contraception, among many need to be put to rest for once and for all.

A balanced diet is a key to a healthy, happy, and disease-free body. Today, almost everything that we eat is processed and packaged. There’s a variety of health foods, supplements, and beverages marketed as ‘healthy’ for you. But a closer glance at their nutritional analysis information reveals something else. Many people, while purchasing any food, overlook the need for its nutritional analysis. They either find it time-consuming or struggle to make sense of various nutrition terms. Contrary to what you may think, doing a nutritional analysis of food isn’t as challenging as it may seem. Let’s find out how. What Does Nutritional Analysis Mean? Woman examining a food label, Credits: Pixabay It is the process of finding out about the exact nutritional value and content of various food items. It is displayed in a tabular form at the back of any food packet in as nutrition label. It displays information about the various macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) as well as micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) in your food of choice. It also displays calories, i.e., the total amount of energy that your body will gain after eating a particular serving size. The amounts of all these nutrients are given in the form of serving size and %DV (the percentage of daily recommended amounts based on a 2000 calorie diet). For example, a 6% DV of protein will mean that the food provides 6% of the daily requirement of protein for a person consuming a 2000 calorie diet. However, a point to remember is that everyone consumes varying amounts of calories per day. Based on that, you need a higher or lower %DV. How to Do a Nutritional Analysis of Food? Follow the steps below to easily read nutrition labels and find out if a particular food is good for you or not. Determining the serving size. Use percent Daily Values (DV) to know how much to eat Read the various nutrition terms Analyze if the food is good for you or not 1.  Determining the Serving Size Two serving sizes of food, Credits: Pixabay Check the serving size as well as the total number of servings that the food you’re purchasing consists of. Serving size refers to the amount/quantity of food that you’ll be eating during your mealtime. If the serving size is mentioned as one cup on the label, you need to ensure that you are eating accordingly. 2.  Use Percent Daily Values (DV) to Know How Much to Eat A food label showing its nutrition facts, Credits: Pixabay As mentioned above, the DV of the food is based on a 2000 calorie diet. Not everyone requires the same amount of calories every day. You may not need a 100 percent DV for certain nutrients. A low DV is 5 percent or less, while a high DV is around 20 percent. Keep in mind that you need a low DV of trans and saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Contrarily, you need a high DV of micronutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. 3.  Read the Various Nutrition Terms Food nutrition label, Credits: Pixabay When you read the label, you can find various terms like calorie, cholesterol, fat, sodium, or a specific nutrient. Find out the number of calories in a single serving. If they are less than 50, then the item is genuinely a low-calorie one. A product is considered low in cholesterol and fat when it has less than 20 milligrams of cholesterol in it and less than 2 grams of saturated fat in a single serving. If a food item claims to provide 10-19 percent of the requirement for a vitamin or mineral, it is considered a good source of that specific micronutrient. You can say that a particular food item is a calorie or sugar-free when it has less than six calories in a single serving and below 1 gram of fat or sugar in a single-serve. Food is said to be low in sodium when it provides less than 140 mg of it. 4.  Analyze if the Food Is Good or Bad for You Woman with healthy and unhealthy food, Credits: Pixabay After you’ve examined all the nutrition terms and how much nutrients you will get from it, you can easily ascertain if that food is good for you or not. A food item should always be low in saturated, trans fat, and cholesterol. It should also have minimal amounts of sugar in it. Additionally, you should aim for a food item having a high DV of vitamins and minerals. Can You Analyse Nutrition Content of Fruits and Vegetables? Variety of fruits and vegetables, Credits: Pixabay Fresh fruits and vegetables don’t come with a nutritional label. In such cases, you can go online and check what kind of nutrients they contain. You can also find out how many calories are there in a single serving of a fruit or vegetable. Let’s do a nutritional analysis of avocado as an example. If you go online, you can find out that a container of avocado consists of three servings. A single serving (50 g) of avocado has about 80 calories. It fulfills your daily requirement of 10% monounsaturated fat and has zero cholesterol and sodium. It also provides a variety of other vitamins and minerals. Thus, we see that by merely reading the nutritional label, you can find out so much about its health benefits. Food a fact of life nutritional analysis aims to arm you with the correct information you need to make healthy food choices. It is also essential to enable you to become smart and stop simply believing everything that advertisements of different food items propagate to increase their sales.

Sportspeople and athletes are often recommended to take proper care of their knees. Do you know why? That’s because the knee is one of the largest and the most critical joints responsible for bearing the maximum load of our body. A healthy knee joint aids in everyday mobility, thus helping us perform daily tasks efficiently. A proper understanding of the various parts of the knee and lower leg can go a long way in making us aware of its importance, thereby making us take better care of it. Let’s get a detailed understanding of the various parts of the knee joint. Structure of the Knee Joint As one of the most complex joints in our body, the knee joint is made up of the following structures: Bones Ligaments Tendons Cartilage 1.  Bones knee bones illustration, Credit: Pixabay There are four major bones that make up the parts of the knee and lower leg. They are: The femur (thigh bone) – it is the longest and heaviest bone responsible for bearing your weight and imparting stability. Tibia (shin bone) – one of the bigger lower leg bones, that runs from the knee till the ankle. It supports the bodyweight along with other bones. Patella (knee cap) – it is a triangular bone that moves as the knee bends. It lies between Tibia and Femur. Parts of the kneecap help in knee flexion. Fibula – it is a thin, lower leg bone that resides on the side of your leg. It acts as an attachment for muscles of the hamstring and forms the ankle joint. 2.  Ligaments knee ligaments, Credit: Pixabay Ligaments hold your knee joint together. They include: An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) – ACL attaches the femur and the tibia. It is present in the knee depth. It functions to stabilize all the rotational motions at the knee during activities like pivoting and cutting. A posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) – It is present behind the knee and attaches femur and the tibia. It prevents the shinbone from a deep backward motion. It runs the risk of being torn due to a force on the shinbone. Medial collateral ligament (MCL) – it attaches the middle side of the thigh bone to the shin bone. It prevents deep inward motion of the leg, keeps the knee stable, and helps in the knee’s rotation movements. Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) – it connects the lateral side of the tibia to that of the femur. It prevents the deep sideways movement of your knee. Thus, all the knee ligaments help in regulating the sideways as well as forward and backward movements of the knee. 3.  Tendons knee-tendon model, Credit: Pixabay Tendon is a thick band that connects muscles to the bones. There are two types of tendons: The kneecap tendon connects the kneecap to the shinbone. Quadriceps tendon, that attaches the kneecap to the thigh bone. Any injury caused to the tendons will make it difficult for you to straighten your knee. 4.  Cartilage Knee joint illustration, Credit: Pixabay Your knee relies on the two knee cartilages to function optimally. These are: Fibrocartilage – It stabilizes your knee joints and lies as a cushion between the surfaces of weight-bearing knee bones. Articular cartilage – it coats the knee bone endings so as to facilitate a fluid joint movement. It does this by providing a smooth surface. The primary function of cartilage is to facilitate easy joint movement. They are responsible for absorbing shock, thus enabling joints to function smoothly. What are some common knee conditions? Man experiencing knee pain, Credit: Pixabay All the above-mentioned parts of the knee are crucial for the proper functioning of your knee. Injury or trauma caused to any of these parts result in the development of one or the other knee conditions. Parts of the knee pain are related to an injury in one or more parts of your knee. Knee osteoarthritis ACL or PCL strain Patellar tendonitis Rheumatoid arthritis 1.  Knee Osteoarthritis It is caused due to aging and wearing of the ligaments. Stiffness, knee pain, and swelling are its common symptoms. 2.  ACL or PCL Strain Any strain or tear in the anterior or posterior ligaments results in knee instability issues. They require medical attention, and in some cases, surgery. 3.  Patellar Tendonitis When the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone inflames, it results in knee pain. Those who engage in excessive physical exercises like jumping or running are at a higher risk of developing this knee condition. 4.  Rheumatoid Arthritis It is an autoimmune condition that can cause severe joint damage. It can affect any joint apart from the knee. Most of the knee injuries that result in knee pain are caused due to trauma or a fall or twist. Excessive running or jumping can also lead to various knee conditions. A greater understanding of your knee’s anatomy will help you realize its importance in your day-to-day functioning.