Day: December 18, 2023

What is lynch syndrome? Lynch syndrome is a genetic condition that puts a person at higher risk of developing certain types of cancer, including bowel cancer. If you have lynch syndrome, you will need regular monitoring with colonoscopies, as well as other tests. Some people with lynch syndrome may be advised to have preventative surgery. Lynch syndrome was previously known as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). Lynch syndrome is caused by a mutation in a specific type of gene. It significantly increases a person’s risk of developing some types of cancer, such as bowel cancer (also known as colorectal cancer) and endometrial cancer (sometimes

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma What is non-Hodgkin lymphoma? Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of your immune system, which helps protect your body against infections. The lymphatic system is made up of: lymph vessels lymph — clear fluid that contains white blood cells (called lymphocytes) which help your body fight infections lymph nodes Tumours caused by lymphoma usually grow in your lymph nodes. But lymphoma can also affect other organs of the body, such as your: spleen liver bone marrow About 5,000 people are diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in Australia every year. It’s more common in males than females, and in

What is lymphoedema? Lymphoedema is a type of chronic (ongoing) swelling that affects the soft tissues in your body. It occurs when your lymph nodes or vessels, which make up your lymphatic system, become blocked or damaged. This damage or blockage causes a build-up of fluid in your body’s soft tissues. Lymphoedema most commonly occurs in your arms or legs, but it can also be seen in the genital area, chest, head or neck. What is the lymphatic system? The lymphatic system is part of your body’s immune system. It helps to fight infections and protect your body from disease. The lymphatic system is made

What are lymph nodes? Your lymph nodes (or lymph glands) are small lumps of tissue that contain white blood cells, which fight infection. They are part of your body’s immune system. They filter your lymph fluid, which is composed of fluid and waste products created by the body’s tissues. Lymph nodes help to fight infections. The glands near the infection can swell up (lymphadenopathy). Where are my lymph nodes found? Your lymph nodes are located throughout your body, including your: neck and back (cervical lymph nodes) armpits (axillary lymph nodes) groin stomach chest Your lymph nodes drain lymph fluid from your nearby

What is Lyme disease? Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria borrelia burgdorferi. It’s transmitted (spread) to humans through a tick bite. There is no evidence that Lyme disease can be spread from person-to-person. Lyme disease is found in parts of the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Asia. Lyme disease has been diagnosed in Australia in overseas travellers. Scientists have not found the bacteria that carry Lyme disease in Australian ticks. You are not likely you can catch Lyme disease in Australia. What are the symptoms of Lyme disease? Lyme disease can affect your: skin joints Complications of Lyme

What is lupus? Lupus is a chronic autoimmune illness. This means that your immune system attacks your body’s own normal cells. Lupus can affect many different parts of your body. There are several different types of lupus: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) — this can affect almost any organ or body system. It mostly affects your skin and joints, but sometimes it can affect your heart, lungs, kidneys or brain. Discoid lupus — this is a milder illness, with most people having only skin symptoms. Subacute cutaneous lupus — this is even milder and mostly causes rashes and joint pain. Drug induced

What is lung cancer? Lung cancer occurs when cells in the lungs grow in an uncontrolled way. The cancer may start to grow in the lungs first (primary cancer) or may spread to the lungs from a cancer somewhere else in the body (secondary cancer/metastasis). Lung cancer is the 5th most common cancer in Australia and, in general, it spreads quite quickly. This cancer is diagnosed more often in older people, and it is much more common in smokers — although non-smokers can get it too. Lung cancer is generally divided into two main types: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) makes up about 85%

What is a lung biopsy? A lung biopsy involves removing small pieces of abnormal lung tissue using a needle passed through the skin, between the ribs and into the lung. What are the benefits of a lung biopsy? Your doctor (a lung specialist) is concerned about a problem in your lung that has shown up on an x-ray or scan. A lung biopsy is a good way of finding out what the problem is and what treatment you may need. A lung biopsy. Are there any alternatives to a lung biopsy? An x-ray or scan can show that you have

What is a lumbar puncture? A lumbar puncture involves putting a needle into the lower back to reach the fluid that sits around the spinal cord. This can help to diagnose and sometimes treat problems of the brain and spinal cord. Lumbar puncture is sometimes called a ‘spinal tap’. Why is a lumbar puncture performed? A lumbar puncture is performed to sample the fluid that sits around the brain and spinal cord, called cerebrospinal fluid or CSF. It can then be sent for laboratory testing. Lumbar puncture is also sometimes used to treat certain problems, either by injecting something into