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Fever of unknown origin (FUO) refers to the presence of a documented elevation in body temperature for a specified time, for which a cause has not been found after basic medical evaluation. FUO is categorized as classic, hospital acquired FUO; FUO...
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Fever of unknown origin (FUO) refers to the presence of a documented fever for a specified time, for which a cause has not been found after a basic medical evaluation. The classic criteria developed in 1961 included: temperature greater than 101?F...
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The antinuclear antibody panel is a blood test that looks at antinuclear antibodies (ANA. Antinuclear antibodies are substances produced by the immune system that attack the body's own tissues. See also: Autoimmune disorder
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The antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is a test done early in the evaluation of a person for autoimmune or rheumatic disease, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Purpose In autoimmune diseases, the body makes antibodies that work against its own cells or tissues.
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Antistreptolysin O (ASO) titer is a blood test to measure antibodies against streptolysin O, a substance produced by Group A Streptococcus bacteria.
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A blood culture is a laboratory test to check for bacteria or other microorganisms in a blood sample. Most cultures check for bacteria. A culture may be done using a sample of blood, tissue, stool, urine, or other fluid from the body. See also: Bronchoscopic culture; CSF culture; Endocervix culture; Fecal culture; Throat swab culture; Urethral discharge culture; Urine culture.
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A blood culture is done when a person has symptoms of a blood infection, also called bacteremia . Blood is drawn from the person one or more times and is tested in a laboratory to find and identify any microorganism present and growing in the blood.
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A blood culture is a lab test designed to detect the presence of bacteria , yeast, or fungi in the bloodstream. A routine blood culture involves injecting a sample of the patient's blood into two bottles of sterile nutrient broth (one for aerobes and one for anaerobes), incubating the bottles at 35DEGTAGC, and monitoring the bottles for growth over a period of five days.
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Fever evaluation tests, better known as febrile agglutinins tests, are performed to detect the presence of antibodies in the blood that are sensitive to temperature changes. Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system in response to specific infectious agents, such as viruses or bateria.
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A bone marrow biopsy is the removal of soft tissue from inside bone. Bone marrow grows inside some of the larger bones in the body. It produces platelets and red and white blood cells.
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A bone scan is a test that detects areas of increased or decreased bone metabolism (turnover. The test is performed to identify abnormal processes involving the bone such as tumor, infection, or fracture.
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A bone scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure used to evaluate abnormalities involving bones and joints. A radionuclide is injected intravenously, and its distribution in the skeletal system is analyzed to detect certain diseases or conditions.
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A bone scan is an imaging test that uses a special camera to form images of your bones. It is used to diagnose bone problems, such as fractures, cancer, or infections, and joint problems such as arthritis. It is also used to check joint replacements.
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A bone scan is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate abnormalities involving bones and joints. A radioactive substance is injected intravenously, and the image of its distribution in the skeletal system is analyzed to detect certain diseases or conditions.
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Serology for brucellosis is a blood test to look for antibodies against Brucella, the bacteria that causes the disease brucellosis.
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Brucellosis is a bacterial disease caused by members of the Brucella genus that can infect humans but primarily infects livestock. Symptoms of the disease include intermittent fever , sweating, chills, aches, and mental depression.
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Brucellosis, a zoonosis, is a bacterial infection, mainly of cows and goats, but with humans as alternative hosts. The causative organisms, Brucella abortus or Brucella melitensis , are small gram-negative bacilli that are difficult to cultivate, though they can be isolated from blood culture in the acute and sometimes in the chronic phase.
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A complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following: The number of red blood cells (RBCs; The number of white blood cells (WBCs; The total amount of hemoglobin in the blood; The fraction of the blood composed of red blood cells (hematocrit; The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) - the size of the red blood cells. CBC also includes information about the red blood cells that is calculated from the other measurements: MCH (mean corpuscular hemoglobin; MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration.
The platelet count is also usually included in the CBC.
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One of the most commonly ordered clinical laboratory tests, a blood count, also called a complete blood count (CBC), is a basic evaluation of the cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) suspended in the liquid part of the blood (plasma). It involves determining the numbers, concentrations, and conditions of the different types of blood cells.
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A complete blood count (CBC) is a series of tests used to evaluate the composition and concentration of the cellular components of blood. It consists of the following tests: red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, and platelet count; measurement of hemoglobin and mean red cell volume; classification of white blood cells (WBC differential); and calculation of hematocrit and red blood cell indices .
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The clinical laboratory test that evaluates the three main cellular components of peripheral blood (red cells, white cells, and platelets) is called the " complete blood count " (CBC). It is used commonly to assess whether a patient is anemic (low red cell count), has an infection (increased white blood cells), or has abnormal blood coagulation (platelet levels).
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A complete blood count (CBC) is a series of tests used to evaluate the composition and concentration of the cellular components of blood. It consists of the following tests: red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, and platelet count; measurement of hemoglobin and mean red cell volume; classification of white blood cells (WBC differential); and calculation of hematocrit and red blood cell indices .
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Computed tomography (CT) of the chest is performed to diagnose a variety of symptoms, including vascular, cardiac, airway disease as well as cancers that can occur in the thoracic region of the body. Purpose The purpose of the CT scan is to noninvasively and quickly visualize internal organs which may be damaged by disease or trauma.
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A chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.
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A chest x ray is a procedure used to evaluate organs and structures within the chest for symptoms of disease. Chest x rays include views of the lungs, heart, small portions of the gastrointestinal tract, thyroid gland and the bones of the chest area.
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Detailed information on chest x-rays, including reasons for the procedure
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A chest x ray is a procedure used to evaluate organs and structures within the chest for symptoms of disease. Chest x rays include views of the lungs, heart, small portions of the gastrointestinal tract, thyroid gland, and the bones of the chest area.
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A chest x ray is a procedure used to evaluate organs and structures within the chest for symptoms of disease. Chest x rays include views of the lungs , heart , small portions of the gastrointestinal tract, and the bones of the chest area.
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An abdominal CT scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the belly area. CT stands for computed tomography. See also: CT scan
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Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common human virus. Antibodies to CMV are evidence of a current or past infection.
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The CMV serology test determines the presence of antibodies to cytomegalovirus (CMV) in the blood.
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Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common human virus. When first exposed to CMV, a healthy person's immune system is triggered and quickly makes antibodies to fight the virus.
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Electrolytes are positively and negatively charged molecules, called ions, that are found within cells, between cells, in the bloodstream, and in other fluids throughout the body. Electrolytes with a positive charge include sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium; the negative ions are chloride, bicarbonate, and phosphate.
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Electrolytes are positively or negatively charged particles that readily dissolve in water. The predominant positively charged electrolytes in the body are sodium, potassium, calcium , and magnesium, while negatively charged electrolytes include chloride, phosphates, and bicarbonate.
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Electrolytes are positively and negatively charged molecules called ions, that are found within the body ' s cells and extracellular fluids, including blood plasma. A test for electrolytes includes the measurement of sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate.
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Electrolytes are positively and negatively charged ions that are found within the cells and extracellular fluids, including blood plasma. A test for electrolytes includes the measurement of sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate.
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ESR stands for erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It is a nonspecific screening test that indirectly measures how much inflammation is in the body.
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The sedimentation rate test, also called the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or sed rate test, measures the speed at which the red blood cells (erythrocytes or RBCs) separate from the liquid part of the blood (plasma) and settle to the bottom in a tube of anticoagulated blood. Purpose The sedimentation rate is a non-specific indicator of the presence of inflammation or infection .
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The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), or sedimentation rate (sed rate), is a measure of the settling of red blood cells in a tube of blood during one hour. The rate is an indication of inflammation and increases in many diseases.
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During a physical examination, a health care provider studies a patient's body to determine the presence or absence of physical problems. A typical physical examination includes: Inspection (looking at the body; Palpation (feeling the body with hands; Auscultation (listening to sounds; Percussion (producing sounds.
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AIDS tests, short for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome tests, cover a number of different procedures used in the diagnosis and treatment of HIV patients. These tests are sometimes called AIDS serology tests.
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AIDS tests, short for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome tests, cover a number of different procedures used in the diagnosis and treatment of HIV-infected patients. Tests that measure antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are called AIDS serology tests.
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The mononucleosis spot test looks for two antibodies in the blood that indicate infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV.
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Infectious mononucleosis is a contagious illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, which can affect the liver, lymph nodes, and oral cavity. While mononucleosis is not usually a serious disease, its primary symptoms of fatigue and lack of energy can linger for several months.
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Infectious mononucleosis (IM) tests detect the presence or absence of antibodies in the blood stream directed against proteins of the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), the cause of IM. Purpose Infectious mononucleosis tests are used to diagnose infectious mononucleosis in patients with symptoms compatible with the disease.
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Detailed information on infectious mononucleosis, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and transmission
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The liver is a pyramid-shaped organ that lies within the upper right side of the abdomen. In a typical liver biopsy, a needle is inserted through the rib cage or abdominal wall. The needle goes into the liver to take a sample for examination. The procedure can also be performed by inserting a needle into the jugular vein. A catheter is then passed through the veins, down to the liver, to take the sample.
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A liver biopsy is a medical procedure performed to obtain a small piece of liver tissue for diagnostic testing. The sample is examined under a microscope by a doctor who specializes in the effects of disease on body tissues (a pathologist) to detect abnormalities of the liver.
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Liver BiopsyBefore the liver biopsy, ask your doctor any questions you have.During aliver biopsy,a needle is inserted through the skin(percutaneous)and into the liver. A small sample of liver tissue is then removed and sent to a lab to be examined...
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A liver biopsy is a medical procedure performed to obtain a small piece of liver tissue for diagnostic testing. Liver biopsies are sometimes called percutaneous liver biopsies, because the tissue sample is obtained by going through the patient ' s skin.
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A liver biopsy is a medical procedure performed to obtain a small piece of liver tissue for diagnostic testing. The sample is examined under a microscope by a pathologist, a doctor who specializes in the effects of disease on body tissues; in this case, to detect abnormalities of the liver.
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A liver biopsy is a medical procedure performed to obtain a small piece of liver tissue for diagnostic testing. Liver biopsies are sometimes called percutaneous liver biopsies, because the tissue sample is obtained by going through the patient ' s skin.
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Understanding Liver BiopsyAliver biopsyis a special procedure that’s safe and quick. It can help your doctor assess the health of the liver.Who Needs a Liver Biopsy?
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Liver function tests, or LFTs, include tests for bilirubin, a breakdown product of hemoglobin, and ammonia, a protein byproduct that is normally converted into urea by the liver before being excreted by the kidneys. LFTs also commonly include tests to measure levels of several enzymes, which are special proteins that help the body break down and use (metabolize) other substances.
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Detailed information on the most common liver function tests, including serum bilirubin test, serum albumin test, serum alkaline phosphatase test, serum aminotransferases, prothrombin time test, alanine transaminase test, aspartate transaminase test, gamm
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Liver function tests, or LFTs, include tests that are routinely measured in all clinical laboratories. LFTs include bilirubin, a compound formed by the breakdown of hemoglobin; ammonia, a breakdown product of protein that is normally converted into urea by the liver before being excreted by the kidneys; proteins that are made by the liver including total protein, albumin, prothrombin, and fibrinogen; cholesterol and triglycerides, which are made and excreted via the liver; and the enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).
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Liver function tests, or LFTs, include tests that are routinely measured in all clinical laboratories. LFTs include bilirubin, a compound formed by the catabolism of hemoglobin; ammonia, a product of protein catabolism that is normally converted into urea by the liver before being excreted by the kidneys ; proteins that are made by the liver including total protein, albumin, prothrombin, and fibrinogen; cholesterol and triglycerides, which are made and excreted via the liver; and the enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).
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A blood smear is a blood test that gives information about the number and shape of blood cells.
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A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breasts. It is used to find tumors and to help tell the difference between non-cancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) disease.
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Detailed information on mammography, including how a mammogram is performed, what conditions a mammogram shows, mammography guidelines, and the risk factors for breast cancer
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Getting the Most From Your MammogramThere are lots of reasons for putting off a mammogram: You're nervous. You're shy.
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Frequently asked questions about mammograms, including: "What are the benefits of screening mammography?", "Is there a risk of radiation exposure from having regular mammograms?", and "Are mammograms painful?"
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Detailed information on mammography, including the different types of mammography, how one is performed, and recommended guidelines
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Detailed information on mammography, including the different types of mammography, how one is performed, and recommended guidelines
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Frequently asked questions about mammograms, including:
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This low-dose X-ray produces an image of the inner structures of the breast. It can detect tiny calcium deposits or micro-calcifications that are too small to feel.
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You say you feel great, but what do you really know about your health? To find out, get the screening tests you need.
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Mammography: FDA Sets Higher StandardsJanie Pfefferkorn knows all too well the value of having a mammogram. She believes the procedure saved her life."
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Good News In Breast-Cancer Detection, CareIf you think you've been hearing a lot more positive news about breast cancer care and prevention, you're right. And if you support prevention and research efforts, you're part of the reason."
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Schedule the test for one week after your period, when your breasts are less tender. Make sure your clinic gets your last mammogram if it was done somewhere else. This lets the doctor compare the two.
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FDA Sets Higher Standards for MammographyJanie Pfefferkorn knows all too well the value of having a mammogram. She believes the procedure saved her life."
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A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. It can find changes in the breast when a lump is too small for you or your doctor to feel.
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Remind your technologist that you have breast implants. Also mention if you are or think you might be pregnant, have had a breast biopsy or surgery, are breastfeeding or have moles on or near your breasts.
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For women at high genetic risk, adding MRI screening to mammography may improve early detection of breast cancer.
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This report provides information on using the latest detection methods, understanding your diagnosis, and choosing the most effective treatment.
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Digital mammography is poised to replace the standard version, but studies show them to be about equal in effectiveness at detecting cancers, depending on age and breast density. Ultrasound and MRI are also useful tools for detection in some women.
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Mammography is the study of the breast using x rays. The actual test is called a mammogram.
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Mammography is the study of the breast using xrays. The actual test is called a mammogram.
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Mammography is the study of the breast using x ray. The actual test is called a mammogram.
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Mammography is the study of the breast using x ray . The actual test is called a mammogram.
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A mammogram is an X-ray examination of the breast, performed for screening or diagnostic purposes. A screening mammogram is used to detect breast cancer before it is clinically apparent.
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When having a mammogram, women with pacemakers should warn the technician about the device, because of the possibility that the procedure can damage or disconnect it.
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An MRI of the head is a noninvasive procedure that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to construct clear, detailed pictures of brain tissues. Conventional radiography and computed tomographic (CT) imaging use potentially harmful radiation (x-rays) that passes through a patient to generate images. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is based on the magnetic properties of atoms, and there is no exposure to the same type of radiation used in x-rays and CT scans. A powerful magnet generates a magnetic field roughly 10,000 times stronger than the Earth's. A very small percentage of hydrogen atoms within the body will align with this field. Radio wave pulses are broadcast towards the aligned hydrogen atoms in tissues of interest, returning a signal of their own. The slight differences of those signals from different tissues enables MRI to tell the difference between various organs, and potentially, provide contrast between benign and malignant tissue. Any imaging angle, or "slice", can be projected, and then stored in a computer or printed on film. MRI can easily be performed through clothing and bones. However, certain types of metal in or around the area of interest can cause significant errors in the reconstructed images. These errors are called artifacts.
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Like all other parts of the body, the brain and central nervous system are made up of cells that ordinarily grow and divide to create new cells as needed. This is usually an orderly process; but when cells lose their ability to grow normally or to die off naturally, they divide too often and produce tumors that are made up of these extra cells.
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Part of the central nervous system located in the skull. Controls mental and physical actions of the organism.
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Congenital brain defects are a group of disorders of brain development that are present at birth. Brain development begins shortly after conception and continues throughout the growth of a fetus.
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Brain abscess is a bacterial infection within the brain. The brain is usually well insulated from infection by bacteria, protected by the skull, the meninges (tissue layers surrounding the brain), the immune system, and the highly regulated barrier between the bloodstream and the brain.
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A brain biopsy is the removal of a small piece of brain tissue for the diagnosis of abnormalities of the brain, such as Alzheimer ' s disease , tumors, infection, or inflammation. Purpose By examining the tissue sample under a microscope, the biopsy sample provides doctors with the information necessary to guide diagnosis and treatment.
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A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue in the brain. Unlike other tumors, brain tumors spread by local extension and rarely metastasize (spread) outside the brain.
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Congenital brain defects are a group of disorders of brain development. Brain development begins shortly after conception and continues throughout the growth of a fetus.
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The brain is the part of the central nervous system located in the skull. It controls the mental processes and physical actions of a human being.
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The brain is a large mass of soft nervous tissue made up of both neurons and supporting glial cells lying within the cranium of the skull. The brain contains both gray and white matter.
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners rely on the principles of atomic nuclear-spin resonance. Using strong magnetic fields and radio waves, MRI collects and correlates deflections caused by atoms into images. |