Diseases & conditions A-Z List
Diseases & Conditions A-Z List - «M»:
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Malaria
Malaria is a parasitic disease that involves high fevers, shaking chills, flu-like symptoms, and anemia.
Causes
Malaria is caused by a parasite that is transmitted from one human to another by the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. In humans, the parasites (called sporozoites) travel to the liv...
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Malathion poisoning
Malathion is a type of insecticide, a product used to kill or control bugs. Poisoning may occur if you swallow malathion, handle the product without gloves, or fail to wash hands soon after exposure. Significant amounts are absorbed through the skin unless proper precautions are taken.
This is for i...
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Male pattern baldness
Male pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss in men. It usually follows a typical pattern of receding hairline and hair thinning on the crown, and is caused by hormones and genetic predisposition.
Causes
Hair grows about an inch every couple of months. Each hair grows for 2 to 6 years...
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Malignancy
The term "malignancy" refers to cancerous cells that usually have the ability to spread, invade, and destroy tissue. Malignant cells tend to have fast, uncontrolled growth due to changes in their genetic makeup.
Malignant cells that are resistant to treatment may return after all detectable traces o...
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Malignant hypertension
Malignant hypertension is a sudden and rapid development of extremely high blood pressure. The lower (diastolic) blood pressure reading, which is normally around 80 mmHg, is often above 130 mmHg.
Causes
The disorder affects about 1% of people with high blood pressure, including both children and ad...
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Malignant hyperthermia
Malignant hyperthermia is an inherited disease that causes a rapid rise in body temperature (fever) and severe muscle contractions when the affected person receives general anesthesia.
This condition is not the same as hyperthermia that is due to medical emergencies such as heat stroke or infection....
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Malignant otitis externa
Malignant otitis externa is a disorder involving inflammation and damage of the bones and cartilage at the base of the skull.
Causes
Malignant otitis externa is caused by the spread of an outer ear infection (otitis externa, also called swimmer's ear). It is an uncommon complication of both acute s...
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Malignant teratoma
Malignant teratoma is a type of cancer made of cysts that contain one or more of the three main types of cells found in a developing baby (embryo). These cells are callled ectoderms, mesoderms, and endoderms.
Causes
Malignant teratoma occurs most often in young men in their 20s - 30s. It is often l...
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Mallory-Weiss tear
A Mallory-Weiss tear occurs in the mucous membrane of the esophagus, where it connects to the stomach. The tear may bleed.
Causes
Mallory-Weiss tears do not happen very often. They are usually caused by forceful or long-term vomiting or coughing. They may also be caused by epileptic convulsions.
Th...
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Malnutrition
Malnutrition is the condition that occurs when your body does not get enough nutrients.
Causes
There are a number of causes of malnutrition. It may result from:
Inadequate or unbalanced diet
Problems with digestion or absorption
Certain medical conditions
Malnutrition can occur if you do not eat...
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Malocclusion of teeth
Malocclusion means the teeth are not aligned properly.
Causes
Occlusion refers to the alignment of teeth and the way that the upper and lower teeth fit together (bite). Ideally, all upper teeth fit slightly over the lower teeth. The points of the molars fit the grooves of the opposite molar.
The up...
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Mammogram - calcifications
Calcifications are very commonly seen on a mammogram. These are small white spots on the mammogram. They do not relate to the amount of calcium you eat or take in medication.
Most calcifications are not a sign of cancer.
Large rounded calcifications (macrocalcifications) can be caused by:
Hardening...
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Mammography
A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breasts. It is used to find tumors and to help tell the difference between noncancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) disease.
How the Test is Performed
You will be asked to undress from the waist up and will be given a gown to wear. Depending on the type...
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Managing your blood sugar
If you have diabetes, you should know the basic steps for managing it so that you stay as healthy as possible. Poorly managed diabetes can lead to many health problems.
All people with diabetes should know:
How to recognize and treat low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
How to recognize and treat high bl...
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Maple syrup urine disease
Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a metabolism disorder passed down through families in which the body cannot break down certain parts of proteins. Urine in persons with this condition can smell like maple syrup.
Causes
Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is caused by a gene defect. Persons with thi...
