Health conditions and diseases starting with W. Discover symptoms, causes, and treatment options to build a healthier lifestyle.
What You Need to Know About Symptoms, Risks, and Prevention First Positive West Nile Mosquito Pool Found in Philadelphia—Here’s Why Health Officials Are Concerned Philadelphia health officials have issued a West Nile virus warning after detecting the first positive mosquito pool of the season near Pennypack Park in Northeast Philadelphia. While no human infections have been reported yet, authorities
Wound irrigation is a fundamental aspect of wound management involving the controlled application of fluid to cleanse and remove exudates, foreign material, bacteria, and cellular debris. Effective irrigation reduces the risk of infection, supports the healing process, and improves overall wound outcomes. It is especially critical in managing acute traumatic injuries, surgical sites, chronic ulcers,
Wounds are disruptions in the normal anatomical structure and function of the skin and underlying tissues, often resulting from physical injury, surgery, or medical conditions. Proper wound assessment and management are critical to promoting healing, preventing infection, and preserving tissue integrity. Classification of Wounds: Acute vs Chronic Acute Wounds Acute wounds occur suddenly and typically
Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS) is a rare, X-linked recessive primary immunodeficiency disorder characterized by a clinical triad of eczema, thrombocytopenia with small platelets, and recurrent infections due to combined immunodeficiency. The syndrome is caused by mutations in the WAS gene, which encodes the Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome protein (WASp), essential for the normal functioning of blood cells, particularly
Wilson’s disease is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by excessive accumulation of copper in vital organs, primarily the liver and brain. It is caused by mutations in the ATP7B gene, responsible for encoding a protein crucial in copper transport. In healthy individuals, copper is absorbed from food and excess amounts are excreted via
Wilms’ tumor, also known as nephroblastoma, is the most common form of kidney cancer in children. It primarily affects children under the age of five and accounts for approximately 6% of all childhood cancers. Due to advancements in diagnostic techniques and multimodal therapy, Wilms’ tumor now boasts a survival rate exceeding 90% in developed countries.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a biologically diverse malignancy characterized by distinct molecular profiles. One such molecular subtype includes tumors that are wild-type RAS (lacking mutations in KRAS and NRAS) and HER2-positive, representing a unique and actionable subgroup. HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) overexpression or amplification, traditionally associated with breast and gastric cancers, has
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. In recent years, molecular diagnostics have transformed CRC treatment, particularly through identification of biomarkers such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression and wild-type KRAS status. This combination—wild-type KRAS, EGFR-positive colorectal cancer—defines a patient subset highly responsive to EGFR-targeted therapies, offering a
Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a significant global health burden, ranking among the top three most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide. Among its molecular determinants, RAS oncogenes, particularly KRAS and NRAS, play a pivotal role in tumor behavior and treatment responsiveness. Patients with wild-type KRAS and NRAS colorectal cancer, which denotes the absence of mutations in these
Whipple’s disease is a rare, systemic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Tropheryma whipplei. Primarily affecting the small intestine, it leads to malabsorption, but the infection can become systemic, involving multiple organs, including the heart, brain, joints, and eyes. Left untreated, it is progressively debilitating and potentially fatal. Causative Agent: Tropheryma Whipplei Tropheryma whipplei is