During an allogeneic transplant, a healthcare expert introduces hematopoietic stem cells from a donor into the host’s body. These donated stem cells eventually turn into mature blood cells. However, in some cases, the donated cells may perceive the host cells as a foreign threat, attacking the recipient’s cells as an immune response. This condition is known as graft versus host disease (GvHD) and can develop into two types, including acute graft versus host disease (aGvHD). Occurrence Healthcare professionals used to classify GvHD based on the timing of the symptom onset. Nowadays, providers diagnose specific types of GvHD based on symptoms and healthcare trials, in addition to the onset of symptoms. Acute graft versus host disease (aGvHD) typically develops shortly after a transplant, usually within the first 100 days. However, the symptoms of this type may appear at a later stage. Another commonly seen type is chronic graft versus host disease (cGvHD), which might develop any time following an allogeneic transplant, with a majority of the cases starting within two years. Symptoms The symptoms of aGvHD can range from mild to moderate to severe, typically affecting the skin, liver, or gastrointestinal tract (GI). Affected persons may also experience a range of symptoms, including a rash or reddened areas on the skin accompanied by itching or pain.

Lung cancer is defined as the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lungs. Instead of developing into healthy lung tissue, these abnormal cells fail to carry out any of the functions of the lung. Their exponential growth is life-threatening as they may form tumors and prevent the healthy tissues from doing their job. Furthermore, these primary lung cancer cells may travel to other parts of the body. This results in metastatic lung cancer. Unfortunately, lung cancer signs and symptoms may take years to develop fully, and only manifest in later and more advanced stages of the disease. For approximately 40 percent of cases, diagnosis is only possible in advanced stages. Even though the disease gives you little to no warning, there are a few lung cancer symptoms that you can watch out for. Those who are at a high risk for lung cancer are advised to sign up for early screening. Early detection of lung cancer symptoms makes a huge difference in your survival rate. If any of the following innocuous-looking symptoms persist, do not ignore them, and instead, seek professional help immediately. 1. Persistent Cough Most people tend to ignore a persistent cough by saying that it is “just a cough”, and nothing to worry about.

Breast cancer, a condition more common in older women, is a predominantly invasive disease where tumors grow uncontrollably in the breasts. In most cases, doctors prescribe a combination of management options like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, or surgery to fight off the cancer cells. While they hamper disease progression, these treatments may cause some side effects, such as nausea, constipation, vomiting, loss of appetite, exhaustion, and pain. Remedies to alleviate side effects One of the best ways to avoid or lower the chance of side effects of cancer treatment is to opt for relatively safer options like Enhertu, which does not harm healthy cells and targets only cancer cells. Enhertu attaches to certain cancer cell proteins and delivers chemotherapy directly to the cancer cells, reducing some common side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy. That being said, certain home remedies can also lower the chance of or alleviate common side effects of breast cancer. 1. Have smaller meal portions Stomach sickness caused by cancer treatment is a common side effect. To manage that, one can eat smaller portions of meals frequently throughout the day. Eating wholesome, dry, and bland foods and avoiding any strong flavors is recommended.

Myelofibrosis is a form of blood cancer. It causes scar tissue to develop in the bone marrow. A type of chronic leukemia, myelofibrosis also leads to increased production of abnormal blood cells. Over time, these abnormal cells start replacing normal healthy cells, leading to various symptoms such as anemia, which causes weakness and fatigue. Although myelofibrosis is a rare blood cancer, its warning signs and symptoms are often similar to other chronic health conditions. Warning signs of myelofibrosis Myelofibrosis is known to progress slowly over several years. So, the symptoms do not become apparent in the early stages. In fact, nearly one-third of those who are diagnosed with myelofibrosis do not show the signs in the starting stage. Once the symptoms start to show up, they quickly become worse. So, a person usually experiences severe fatigue. Often, the spleen also becomes enlarged. Some of the common warning signs of myelofibrosis include the following- Fever Itching Pale skin Loss of appetite Night sweats Frequent infections Enlarged spleen or liver Bone or joint pain Pain or fullness below the ribs on the left side Unexplained blood clots Abnormal bleeding or bruising Enlarged veins in the stomach and esophagus, which may sometimes rupture and bleed Shortness of breath If any of these symptoms last long, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.

Prostate cancer develops when abnormal cells grow in the prostate gland. At times, the condition advances to a stage where it neither spreads nor does it respond to regular cancer treatments. This stage is called non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC). Here, the cancerous cells might grow, but they do not affect organs other than the prostate. Fortunately, today, there are a few ways to manage this advanced cancer stage in consultation with a healthcare expert. Causes Non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) is an advanced form of prostate cancer, the exact cause of which is yet to be determined. That said, prostate cancer itself develops when cells in the organ undergo DNA changes. These alterations compel the cells to grow and divide more rapidly than normal cells. Eventually, the accumulation of abnormal cells can spread to nearby tissues if not promptly treated. Symptoms Those with nmCRPC usually do not notice any symptoms and will be unable to tell if the cancer is growing. Only a healthcare professional would be able to confirm the condition after noticing an increase in the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. These changes are tracked with the help of blood tests, physical examinations, and scans, including bone, PET, and CT scans.

Plaque psoriasis is one of the most common types of skin disorders, affecting nearly 80% to 90% of adults diagnosed with psoriasis. A few hereditary and external factors can increase the risk of developing the condition. Here, one may experience itching, rashes, and scaly patches on their skin. With early detection and timely treatment, one can manage plaque psoriasis and its symptoms to an extent. Here is what one should know about the disorder: Causes and risk factors When the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy cells, it is known as an autoimmune response. Plaque psoriasis develops when this autoimmune response triggers inflammation and rapid growth of new skin cells. Further, the condition can be triggered by the following factors: Genetics: If one or both parents have the mutated gene that causes psoriasis, then the child has a greater chance of developing the skin disorder. External triggers: Common strep throat infections or skin infections can trigger a psoriasis infection. Also, exposure to extreme weather conditions like cold, dry climates increases the risk of the condition. Even sunburn, cuts, sores, or injuries that do not heal quickly increase the risk of plaque psoriasis. Also, side effects of certain prescriptions can trigger the disease.

Vitiligo is a common condition that causes skin discoloration in patches and premature graying of the hair on one’s scalp, beard, eyebrows, or eyelashes. It occurs when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) die or stop producing melanin due to an autoimmune condition, hereditary disorder, or a trigger event. Although it can start at any age, symptoms typically appear before the age of 30. Treatment for vitiligo often involves repigmenting the skin using prescription creams such as Opzelura. What is Opzelura? Opzelura (ruxolitinib) cream is an FDA-approved treatment for adolescents and adults with non-segmental vitiligo. It has been proven to scientifically restore pigment in the face and body (up to 10% of the body surface area). It can even be applied around sensitive areas, such as the eyes, mouth, and genitals. How Opzelura works In people with vitiligo, the immune system activates the JAK-STAT pathway, an immune signal, to destroy melanin-producing cells, causing a patchy loss of skin color. Opzelura is a unique treatment focusing on this pathway to reduce melanocyte destruction and restore pigmentation. Using Opzelura It is best to follow the doctor’s advice when using treatments like Opzelura. One must also take precautionary measures, such as limiting time in direct sunlight, wearing protective clothing in the sun, and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

The cause of lupus is not certain, but most scientists consider it to be a genetical issue. However, genes are not the only factor in determining who gets lupus. There are several factors which might trigger the disease. So what is lupus? It happens when something goes wrong with the immune system. Instead of warding off foreign substances present in the body, the immune system launches an attack on healthy cells and tissues and damaging them which in turn results in illness. This reversal in the process might be the cause of damage in several parts of the body. The parts that are often affected are joints, skin, heart, lungs, kidney, digestive system and blood vessels. Lupus is of several kinds, and thus the manifestation of the symptoms of lupus may vary in different people. Though the disease can affect any gender, women get it more often than men. What are the symptoms of lupus to watch out for? It always pays to know what are the symptoms of lupus so that you can seek medical help quickly if you notice any of the indications of lupus. 1. Fatigue Fatigue is a common symptom among people with lupus. If you are feeling exhausted without any reason, it’s time to consult your doctor.

Polycythemia vera (PV), a rare and chronic blood disorder, is characterized by the excessive production of red blood cells. This disease falls under myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), a group of blood cancers. Although PV primarily affects red blood cells, it can also produce white blood cells and platelets, increasing the risk of blood clots, bleeding, and related complications. Timely diagnosis and careful management can help prevent complications and improve the quality of life for patients. Signs and symptoms Different patients will experience various signs and symptoms of polycythemia vera. Some people may remain asymptomatic for years, while others may experience significant discomfort in the initial stages. Headaches Frequent and severe headaches are a common indication of PV. This symptom occurs due to the increased thickness of blood. Higher viscosity makes it difficult for oxygen to travel to the brain. As a result, affected individuals often experience frequent and intense headaches. Dizziness Vertigo is another common symptom in patients with PV, which is characterized by frequent dizziness or a spinning sensation. These symptoms can significantly increase the risk of accidents and falls for the patient, particularly for older individuals who already struggle with balance issues. Persistent fatigue The body expends a substantial amount of energy in producing excessive cells, which leaves the patient with drained energy to carry out routine tasks.

Cancer usually starts in one area of the body, known as the ‘primary site.’ But cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body, causing metastatic cancer. A metastatic lung cancer is when cancer in other areas of the body spreads to the lungs. Some of the primary tumors that can cause metastatic lung cancer are breast cancer, bladder cancer, sarcoma, prostate cancer, kidney cancer, colon cancer, and neuroblastoma. Metastatic lung cancer may not always show up in signs and symptoms. Even when you do start experiencing the symptoms, it may be quite difficult to identity this form of lung cancer, because the symptoms are similar to several other medical conditions. Some of the symptoms of metastatic lung cancer include chest pain, weakness, a persistent cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing up blood. If your doctor suspects metastatic lung cancer, you may have to take various tests to confirm the diagnosis of metastatic lung cancer. These tests are a bronchoscopy, a CT scan, a chest X-ray, and a lung needle biopsy. There are several methods available for the treatment of metastatic lung cancer and the main aim of these methods is to relieve the symptoms as well as to control the cancer growth.