Melanoma is a severe form of skin cancer that originates in the melanocytes, which produce melanin or the pigment that gives color to the skin. Read on to know more about melanoma and its symptoms, treatment methods, and prevention measures. Symptoms The first few symptoms of melanoma are: Changes in an existing mole Development of an unusual growth or a new pigmented growth on the surface of the skin The appearance of moles that are unusual and indicate the presence of melanoma Melanoma moles One can characterize and identify moles by understanding the letters ABCDE: A:  The letter A stands for asymmetrical appearance B:  It stands for irregular borders C:  This letter stands for moles that depict an unequal distribution of color or moles with multiple colors D:  The letter D signifies the diameter of the mole; if the mole grows larger than 6 mm, it could be cancerous E:  The letter E is for the evolution in the size, color, or the shape of a mole over time Hidden melanomas If melanoma occurs in parts of the body that have minimal exposure to the sun, it is known as hidden melanoma. This is commonly observed on the scalp, palms, or soles, or in the genitals.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and medication are the two prime treatment measures for people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, there are a few lifestyle options for managing ADHD that have proven to be successful alternative treatments. Medications and a bunch of lifestyle changes like following the right diet, getting regular exercise and adequate sleep can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. Lifestyle options for managing ADHD Meditation Adults who practice mindful meditation are known to experience reduced symptoms of ADHD. Meditation helps overcome inattentiveness and hyperactivity in those who suffer from this disorder, but practicing meditation does not mean that one can overlook their medication. Both meditation and medication have to go hand in hand to reduce flare-ups effectively. Research on a group of people with ADHD who took up meditation suggests that they experienced alleviated symptoms. So, if one is tackling the disease, they can consider learning mindful meditation to cope better with the disease. Exercise Exercise is another lifestyle option for ADHD patients. Regular exercise can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults, as it helps relieve stress and improves focus. So, adults can include a bunch of exercises in their daily routine to mitigate the symptoms of ADHD.

Anemia is a blood disorder wherein the body does not have the requisite healthy Red Blood Cells (RBCs) to transport oxygen to the vital tissues throughout the body. There are five main types of anemia, each of which has different causes and symptoms. Let’s discuss them in a little detail one by one. Aplastic anemia A condition wherein the body does not produce enough healthy RBCs is known as aplastic anemia. As a result of this condition, one might be more susceptible to infections and might also experience uncontrolled bleeding. Although rare, it is a highly serious form of anemia that can affect people of any age. It might either come on gradually or all of a sudden and showcase symptoms that could range from mild to severe. For treating aplastic anemia, one might have to undergo bone marrow or stem cell transplantation, along with taking prescribed medication. Iron-deficiency anemia Another main type of anemia is the one caused by iron deficiency in the body. It is a more prevalent form and is a condition wherein the body is unable to produce hemoglobin in RBCs due to iron deficiency. This restricts the proper transportation of oxygen, so this type of anemia can leave a person tired or breathless at times.

Hepatitis C is a virus that does not manifest any signs as soon as a person contracts an infection. In some cases where symptoms do manifest, they could be misread as indications of other illnesses in the early stages. Understanding the common symptoms can facilitate early diagnosis and timely treatment of this liver disease that can cause severe complications. Early warning signs of hepatitis C One might experience a few early warning signs of hepatitis C when the virus is in its acute state. During this time, the signs are mostly similar to the flu, but a person might not show any symptoms of hepatitis C. Some common signs that can be seen at this stage include: Fatigue Jaundice Pain in the belly Fever Change in the color of stools Pain in the joints Nausea Dark urine Loss of appetite Vomiting Usually, even the early warning signs of hepatitis C occur after about 2 to 12 weeks post exposure to the virus. Symptoms of chronic hepatitis C If one does not showcase any symptoms in the acute stage, the virus cannot be diagnosed and treated. So, untreated hepatitis C could advance to the chronic stage. If one has lived the acute stage without developing any symptoms, they might experience cirrhosis in the chronic stage, which is a type of scarring of the liver and could also lead to liver cancer.

Breast cancer does not usually showcase any symptoms, but one might experience a few early warning signs of the condition as the tumor grows. Understanding the symptoms is important to facilitate early diagnosis and timely treatment, so let’s look at the early signs of the disease: Presence of a lump in the underarm or breast If a woman experiences a suspicious lump in their underarm or one of the breasts that does not go away even after her cycles, it could be the first sign of breast cancer. In most cases, the lumps are painless, but they might cause a prickly sensation or irritation over time. So, one must undergo a mammogram as these lumps are easily detected, often earlier than one can feel them. Swelling in the breast, collarbone, or the armpit One should also look out for unexplained swelling in the collarbone, armpit, or the breast as an early warning sign of breast cancer. Swelling could indicate that cancer has reached across the lymph nodes of the affected area, and one might experience swelling before feeling a lump. So, it’s advisable to consult a doctor about the swelling, as it could be a symptom of aggressive inflammatory breast cancer.

Colon cancer is among the most commonly-diagnosed types of cancer, and the symptoms experienced due to this cancer primarily depend on the stage of the disease, the location of the tumor, and its implication on the different tissues and organs of the body. Here, we will discuss seven early warning symptoms of colon cancer that should never be overlooked: Weight loss A symptom of colon cancer that becomes visible early is sudden or unexplained weight loss. If one has lost over 10 pounds in less than 6 months without following any diet or making any lifestyle changes, it indicates a problem. The development of colon cancer causes the body and the immune system to consume a lot of energy as it tries to combat the disease. Also, the presence of cancer cells in the body tends to change the mechanism of food to energy conversion in the body, which can lead to weight loss. Weakness or fatigue Many people tend to look at fatigue as tiredness. Of course, we all have our share of obligations an everyday responsibilities, and they can make us feel a bit run down. However, if this tiredness does not go away with adequate rest, an underlying problem might be the cause.

Sleep apnea, a serious and common sleep disorder, is a condition that causes people to experience troubled breathing while they are asleep. Unfortunately, it can affect a person at any age, and the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea vary across different age groups. Let’s look at the common signs of this sleep disorder: Indications of sleep apnea in adults Given below is a list of the most common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea in adults. If one is experiencing more than a few symptoms listed here, there’s a fair chance that they are suffering from sleep apnea. So, it’s advisable to consult a doctor if one notices any of these symptoms: Snoring loudly or stopping breathing abruptly while asleep, which is pointed out by the person who sleeps next to the patient Waking up at night feeling choked or gasping for breath Waking up several times at night to urinate Feeling breathless at night, which wakes them up from deep slumber Frequently experiencing a sore throat or dry mouth while sleeping Experiencing a headache after waking up in the morning Experiencing a lot of mood swings Inability to get a good night’s sleep Sleeping excessively during the day Facing attention or concentration issues Getting forgetful and being constantly irritated Experiencing low libido Additionally, a person should visit a doctor if they have more than a few risk factors that make them susceptible to developing sleep apnea, like obesity, smoking, or excessive alcohol consumption.

A rare blood disorder wherein the blood in the body does not normally clot is called hemophilia. It happens because of the lack of proteins or the factors, which promote blood clotting. People who have hemophilia tend to bleed for a longer time post an injury compared to what it would have been if blood clotting happened normally. Let’s discuss the common symptoms and treatment of hemophilia. Symptoms The symptoms related to hemophilia vary from one person to another. These primarily depend on the working of the clotting protein. For instance, if the clotting-factor is reduced mildly, a person can bleed excessively, but usually, post-trauma or surgery. On the other hand, if the clotting-factor is severely reduced, then one might experience spontaneous bleeding. Prominent signs of bleeding The common signs of spontaneous bleeding are: Excessive and unexplained bleeding after injuries, dental work, surgeries, or cuts Several deep or large bruises Tightness, swelling, or continuous pain in the joints Unusual bleeding post vaccinations Blood in the stool or urine Unexplained irritability, especially among infants Blood coming out from the nose. Bleeding in the brain People with severe hemophilia tend to experience bleeding inside the brain by a regular bump on the head.

DVT is a condition wherein there is a formation of the blood clot in the vein that is located deep into the body. Blood clotting is nothing but a clot of blood, which takes up a solid form. These might occur either in a person’s lower legs or thighs. However, some of the DVTs can be found in other regions of the body. Deep vein thrombosis: Early warning signs According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the early warning symptoms for deep vein thrombosis primarily occur in only 50% of those suffering from the condition. Some of the most common indications are: A visible swelling usually on just one side of the ankle, foot, or the leg An unexplained or severe pain in the ankle and foot A cramping sensation in the leg, which starts around the calf A particular area feels hotter than the other surrounding areas The skin around the area, which is affected starts turning blue, red, or pale. At times, people who have a clot of blood in their arm or suffer from upper deep vein thrombosis might not experience any of the above-listed symptoms. For them the deep vein thrombosis early warning symptoms include:

Usually, people who undergo cancer treatments are exposed to several side effects, most of which are long-term. One will start experiencing the main side effects of cancer treatments either weeks, months, or sometimes even years after the treatment is over. To lead a healthy and long life, one must constantly track, evaluate, and treat these side effects. Some of the main side effects of cancer treatments include: Problems after surgery: At times, one might experience a few side effects after undergoing surgery, which commonly depend on the organ where the surgery was performed and the type and spread of cancer. Heart problems: Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can put a person at risk of several heart problems. Thus, one faces a greater risk of stroke, high blood pressure, and other heart-related problems. Lung problems: Radiation therapy and chemotherapy do have a direct impact on the lungs. Those survivors who underwent both of these therapies are exposed to an increased risk of lung damage. Those who already had some lung disease are prone to more severe lung problems. As a result of this, one might experience difficulty in breathing, inflammation in the lungs, change in the functionality and the performance of the lungs, and thickening of the walls around the lungs.