What is hemochromatosis? Hemochromatosis happens when too much iron builds up in the body. Your body needs iron to make hemoglobin, the part of your blood that carries oxygen to all of your cells. But when there is too much iron, it can damage the liver and heart and lead to other diseases, such as diabetes and...

Discusses screening test for hereditary hemochromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes the body to absorb too much iron. Covers symptoms of hereditary hemochromatosis. Discusses who should be screened and offers reasons not to be screened.

Decision Points are designed to guide you through key health decisions, combining medical information with your personal information to make a wise health decision. Click on a link below to learn more about surgeries for your condition: Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Should I Have a Hysterectomy? ACL Injury: Should I Have...

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is fat buildup in the liver and inflammation of the liver in people who drink little or no alcohol. Because of the inflammation, the liver doesn't work as well as it should. Over time, NASH may get worse and cause scarring of the liver. This can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure...

Folate deficiency anemia is a blood problem that occurs when there is not enough of this vitamin in the body. Folate (or folic acid) is one of the B vitamins. It helps your body make new cells, including red blood cells. Your body needs red blood cells to carry oxygen. If you don't have enough red blood cells, you have...

Discusses chronic pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas that causes abdominal pain. Discusses most common causes, which include gallstones and alcohol misuse. Covers symptoms and treatment with medicines or surgery to remove the gallbladder.

What is malabsorption syndrome? Malabsorption syndrome is the inability to absorb nutrients, vitamins, and minerals from the intestinal tract into the bloodstream. What causes it? Causes of malabsorption syndrome may include: Diseases affecting the intestine itself, such as celiac disease. Absence or low levels of...

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited disorder in which the body cannot break down an amino acid called phenylalanine, which is a part of protein. If treatment is not started soon after birth, phenylalanine levels rise and can cause lasting brain and nervous system damage, such as intellectual disability. Symptoms of...

Gout is a form of arthritis. It's caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in a joint. It causes sudden attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and stiffness. Gout usually occurs in one joint, especially the big toe. Medicines can help stop a gout attack and prevent future attacks. Medicines have largely replaced the need...

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A lymph node biopsy removes lymph node tissue to be looked at under a microscope for signs of infection or a disease, such as cancer. Other tests may also be used to check the lymph tissue sample, including a culture, genetic tests, or tests to...

A tapeworm is a parasite that attaches to the walls of the intestine after it enters a person's digestive tract. A person may become infected with tapeworms after eating raw or undercooked meat or fish that contains the worms. A tapeworm infection may not cause any symptoms. If symptoms are present, they may include...

What is a Medicare yearly wellness visit? The Medicare yearly wellness visit is your time to talk and plan with your doctor about your health. It's about preventing health problems and disability. And it's about making sure you get the medical care you need. Together, you and your doctor create a health care strategy...

What is end-stage renal disease? End-stage renal disease means that your kidneys may no longer be able to keep you alive. When your kidneys get to the point where they can no longer remove waste, you may need dialysis or a new kidney. When you understand your options, you can make the choice that's best for you...

What is acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)? Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is also called acute lymphocytic leukemia. It's a type of leukemia that causes the body to make too many lymphoblasts. Lymphoblasts are a type of young white blood cell. They usually become mature infection-fighting cells called lymphocytes...

The D-xylose absorption test measures the level of D-xylose, a type of sugar, in a blood or urine sample. This test is done to help diagnose problems that prevent the small intestine from absorbing nutrients in food. D-xylose is normally easily...

Tdap vaccine can prevent tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Diphtheria and pertussis spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through cuts or wounds. TETANUS (T) causes painful stiffening of the muscles. Tetanus can lead to serious health problems, including being unable to open the mouth...

Malrotation is a birth defect caused by the incorrect positioning of a fetus's intestines in the abdomen while the fetus is still in the uterus. Malrotation can cause sudden twisting of the intestines. Most infants with malrotation develop symptoms during the first month of life. Symptoms include: Vomiting of blood or...

What is acute myeloid leukemia (AML)? Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is also called acute myelogenous leukemia. It's a type of leukemia that causes the body to make too many myeloblasts. Myeloblasts are a type of young white blood cell. They usually become mature, infection-fighting cells. But if those young cells don't...

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer because it grows so quickly. When it spreads (metastasizes) to other parts of the body, it's called metastatic melanoma. It usually spreads first into nearby lymph nodes before going to the liver, lungs, bone, or brain, or to skin in another part of the body. When...

In a biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, a portion of the stomach is removed but the pylorus remains intact. The pylorus controls food drainage from the stomach. The pylorus is connected to a lower segment of the intestine. The upper part of the small intestine (duodenum) is connected to the lower part of...