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Cervical herniated disc

Esophageal varices are abnormally enlarged veins in the esophagus (the tube connecting the throat and stomach). They most often develop in people with advanced liver disease, especially cirrhosis. Why esophageal varices form When liver scarring blocks normal blood flow, pressure builds in the portal vein (portal hypertension). Blood is forced into smaller veins—such as those in the lower esophagus—that aren’t built to handle high pressure. These veins enlarge, can leak, and may rupture, causing life-threatening bleeding. Symptoms Varices usually don’t cause symptoms unless they bleed. Signs of bleeding include: Vomiting blood Black, tarry or bloody stools Lightheadedness or fainting from blood loss Loss of consciousness in severe cases People with liver disease may also have: Jaundice (yellow skin/eyes) Easy bruising or bleeding Ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen) Emergency: Bloody vomit or black/bloody stools require immediate medical care (call 911). Causes Cirrhosis from hepatitis, alcohol-related liver disease, fatty liver disease, or primary biliary cholangitis Blood clots in the portal or splenic vein Schistosomiasis (parasitic infection in certain regions) Risk factors for bleeding High portal vein pressure Large varices Red streaks or spots seen on endoscopy Severe cirrhosis or liver failure Continued alcohol use Previous variceal bleeding Complications Massive bleeding, shock, and death High risk of recurrent bleeding after a first episode Prevention & management Varices themselves can’t always be prevented, but bleeding risk can be reduced: Nonselective beta blockers (e.g., propranolol, nadolol) to lower portal pressure Endoscopic screening for people with cirrhosis; band ligation for high-risk varices Avoid alcohol Healthy diet and weight management Protect the liver: safe sex, avoid needle sharing, get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B Use chemicals and medicines carefully If you have liver disease, ask your healthcare professional about screening and preventive treatment for esophageal varices.

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a rare cancer of the soft tissues, which are the tissues that support, connect and surround organs and other structures in the body. This cancer most often begins in muscle tissue, but it can develop anywhere in the body. Rhabdomyosarcoma is more likely to start in the: Head and neck area Urinary system, such as the bladder Reproductive organs, including the vagina, uterus or testes Arms and legs Treatment Treatment for rhabdomyosarcoma usually involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The exact treatment plan depends on: Where the cancer begins The size of the tumor Whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body Advances in diagnosis and treatment over recent years have significantly improved outcomes, and many people now live for years after being diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma. Symptoms Symptoms vary depending on the location of the tumor. Head or neck Headaches Bleeding from the nose, throat or ears Bulging, swelling or tearing of the eyes Urinary or reproductive system A mass or bleeding in the vagina or rectum Difficulty urinating or blood in the urine Problems with bowel movements Arms or legs A lump or swelling in the affected area Pain, especially if the tumor presses on nearby nerves Causes The exact cause of rhabdomyosarcoma is unknown. It begins when a soft tissue cell develops changes in its DNA. These changes cause the cell to grow and multiply uncontrollably and avoid normal cell death. The abnormal cells can form a tumor, invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body, a process known as metastasis. Risk Factors Factors that may increase the risk include: Young age, particularly children under 10 years old Inherited genetic syndromes, such as neurofibromatosis type 1, Noonan syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and Costello syndrome There is currently no known way to prevent rhabdomyosarcoma. Complications Possible complications include: Cancer spread to other organs, most commonly the lungs, lymph nodes and bones Long-term side effects from treatment, which may affect growth, organ function or overall health Ongoing follow-up care is essential to manage side effects and monitor for any long-term complications after treatment.