Apr 19th, 2022 - Overview Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which you have a low blood platelet count. Platelets (thrombocytes) are colorless blood cells that help blood clot. Platelets stop bleeding by clumping and forming plugs in blood vessel injuries. Thrombocytopenia might occur as a result of a bone marrow disorder such as leukemia or an immune system problem. Or it can be a side effect of taking certain...

Apr 15th, 2022 - Overview What is Fanconi anemia (FA)? Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare inherited condition that affects your bone marrow and many other parts of your body. Your bone marrow is the spongy tissue in the center of your bones that creates stem cells that become red and white blood cells and platelets. If you have Fanconi anemia, your bone marrow doesn’t create healthy blood cells and platelets. People...

Mar 8th, 2022 - Overview Parts of the immune system Open pop-up dialog box Close Parts of the immune system Parts of the immune system The lymphatic system is part of the body's immune system, which protects against infection and disease. The lymphatic system includes the spleen, thymus, lymph nodes and lymph channels, as well as the tonsils and adenoids. Lymph node clusters Open pop-up dialog box Close Lymph ...

Jan 18th, 2022 - Overview Cryoglobulins are abnormal proteins in the blood. If you have cryoglobulinemia (kry-o-glob-u-lih-NEE-me-uh), these proteins may clump together at temperatures below 98.6 F (37 C). These gelatinous protein clumps can impede your blood circulation, which can damage your skin, joints, nerves and organs — particularly your kidneys and liver. Cryoglobulinemia care at Mayo Clinic Products & ...

Jan 15th, 2022 - Overview Thyroid gland Open pop-up dialog box Close Thyroid gland Thyroid gland Your thyroid gland is located at the base of your neck, just below the Adam's apple. Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck just below the Adam's apple. The thyroid produces hormones that help regulate many fu...

Nov 30th, 2021 - Overview What is myocarditis? Myocarditis is an inflammation of your heart muscle (myocardium). This makes your heart weaker and makes it more difficult for your heart to pump. This rare condition can affect people quickly or slowly over time. Myocarditis is different from other types of inflammation because each kind happens in a different part of your heart. Endocarditis affects the inner lin...

Nov 17th, 2021 - Overview What is basophilia? Basophilia, or basophilic disorder, is a sign your body is producing too many basophils. Basophils are one of the five white blood cell types that protect your body from infections or respond to intruders like parasites, fungi and cancer cells. Basophils drive your body’s reaction to allergens. They’re why you sneeze, cough or have a runny nose during allergy season...

Nov 2nd, 2021 - Overview What is B-cell lymphoma? B-cell lymphoma refers to a group of cancers that affect your immune system. B-cell lymphoma makes up 85% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas, which are among the most common cancers in the United States. B-cell lymphoma frequently affects your lymphatic system, which is a network of lymph nodes, lymph vessels and tissues that move fluid around your body. Lymph is one...

Oct 14th, 2021 - Diagnosis To diagnose what might be causing your swollen lymph nodes, your doctor may need: Your medical history. Your doctor will want to know when and how your swollen lymph nodes developed and if you have any other signs or symptoms. A physical exam. Your doctor will also want to check lymph nodes near the surface of your skin for size, tenderness, warmth and texture. The site of your swolle...

Oct 4th, 2021 - Overview What is chronic myelogenous leukemia? Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is type of cancer that starts in the blood-forming cells of your bone marrow. The term “chronic” means that this cancer usually grows slower compared to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). “Myelogenous” refers to the type of cells affected by this type of cancer. The condition is sometimes called chronic myeloid leukemi...

Sep 28th, 2021 - Overview What is disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)? Disseminated intravascular coagulation is a rare and serious condition that can disrupt your blood flow. It is a blood clotting disorder that can turn into uncontrollable bleeding. DIC affects about 10% of all people who are very ill with sepsis, diseases such as cancer or pancreatitis, as well as people recovering from traumatic in...

Sep 8th, 2021 - Overview What is cancer? Cancer is a disease that develops when cells in your body divide at a faster rate than normal. These abnormal cells grow into a lump — or tumor. How is the stage of cancer determined? Your healthcare provider will perform tests to determine the extent and severity of your cancer. A number will then be assigned to your diagnosis. The higher the number, the more cancer ha...

Aug 10th, 2021 - Overview What are lymph nodes? Lymph nodes are small, rounded structures (glands) that are part of your immune system. They are fleshy and they filter the lymph, a fluid with a special type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infection. Lymph nodes are in clusters throughout the body, including: Behind your earlobes. On the sides of your neck. Under your armpits. In the top inner part...

Aug 10th, 2021 - Overview Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow — the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are made. The term "chronic" in chronic lymphocytic leukemia comes from the fact that this leukemia typically progresses more slowly than other types of leukemia. The term "lymphocytic" in chronic lymphocytic leukemia comes from the cells affected by th...

Aug 10th, 2021 - Diagnosis Blood tests Tests and procedures used to diagnose chronic lymphocytic leukemia include blood tests designed to: Count the number of cells in a blood sample. A complete blood count may be used to count the number of lymphocytes in a blood sample. A high number of B cells, one type of lymphocyte, may indicate chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Determine the type of lymphocytes involved. A te...

Aug 10th, 2021 - Overview Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow — the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are made. The term "chronic" in chronic lymphocytic leukemia comes from the fact that this leukemia typically progresses more slowly than other types of leukemia. The term "lymphocytic" in chronic lymphocytic leukemia comes from the cells affected by th...

Aug 10th, 2021 - Diagnosis Blood tests Tests and procedures used to diagnose chronic lymphocytic leukemia include blood tests designed to: Count the number of cells in a blood sample. A complete blood count may be used to count the number of lymphocytes in a blood sample. A high number of B cells, one type of lymphocyte, may indicate chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Determine the type of lymphocytes involved. A te...

Aug 10th, 2021 - Chronic lymphocytic leukemia care at Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic specialists collaborate to create effective, personalized treatment plans. Note: Items within this content were created prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and do not demonstrate proper pandemic protocols. Please follow all recommended Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for masking and social d...

Jul 22nd, 2021 - Overview What is fungal sinusitis? Fungal sinusitis (fungal rhinosinusitis) is a sinus infection that results from a fungus. Several types of fungal sinus infections cause similar symptoms. These may include nasal congestion and sinus pain (in the cheeks, forehead and between the eyes). Providers treat most cases of fungal sinusitis with sinus surgery, and extreme forms may require additional a...

Jul 21st, 2021 - Overview What is acute myeloid leukemia (AML)? Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a blood cancer that starts in your bone marrow. As part of your skeletal system, this spongy tissue inside your bones produces blood cells. The bone marrow produces three types of cell lines: White blood cells. Red blood cells. Platelets. White blood cells help your body fight infections. In people with AML, the bone...