Health and Fitness

Xanthelasma Overview Xanthelasma (cholesterol deposits) under the skin around the eyes. Xanthelasma, or cholesterol deposits, under the skin. What is xanthelasma? Xanthelasma, or xanthelasma palpebrarum (XP), is a harmless, yellow growth that appears on or by the corners of your eyelids next to your nose. Cholesterol deposits build up under your skin to form a xanthelasma. Having xanthelasmas could be a sign of another condition, such as: Diabetes. Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol). Thyroid problems. Researchers have found that having xanthelasmas means it’s very likely that you’ll have these conditions in the future: Heart disease. Heart attack. Atherosclerosis (even if your cholesterol levels are normal). High cholesterol. Who does xanthelasma affect? Half of the people with xanthelasmas have high cholesterol levels. Healthcare providers usually see these levels in people with the kind of high cholesterol you get from your parents or some liver diseases. However, the other 50% of peo...

Wolfram Syndrome Overview What is Wolfram syndrome? Wolfram syndrome is a rare genetic disease. It’s a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder that damages your brain and other tissues in your body. A series of symptoms usually appear during childhood and into adulthood. Diabetes and vision changes before age 15 are usually the first symptoms. Eventually, impaired brain function can lead to early death. What are the types of Wolfram syndrome? Healthcare providers have identified two genes involved in Wolfram syndrome. Genes are sequences of DNA that carry genetic information. People with Wolfram syndrome have changes (mutations) in their genes. Healthcare providers classify Wolfram syndrome based on the affected genes: Wolfram syndrome type 1 is the result of a mutation of the WFS1 gene. Wolfram syndrome type 2 is the result of a mutation of the WFS2 (CISD2) gene. How is Wolfram syndrome inherited? To pass on Wolfram syndrome, usually both biological parents must carry the same gene ...

Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Overview What is Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome? Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome is a rare genetic condition that affects the function of your child’s immune system and cells. It causes symptoms that include: Eczema. Immune deficiency. Bleeding and bruising. This condition can lead to life-threatening complications and a short life expectancy. But treatment options help prevent these risks. How common is Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome? There are an estimated 3 per million males diagnosed with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. In the United States, this equals less than 5,000 people. This condition is rare but extremely unlikely among females. What is a WAS-related disorder? Your healthcare provider may refer to Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome as a WAS-related disorder. A WAS-related disorder affects the immune system and results from a genetic change of the WAS gene. X-linked thrombocytopenia is WAS-related. A healthcare provider may identify congenital neutropenia after serious bacterial infec...

Werner Syndrome Overview What is Werner syndrome? Werner syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that causes premature aging. You might also hear it called adult progeria. Signs of Werner syndrome aren’t usually noticeable until you reach puberty when you stop growing as rapidly as expected. Then, as you enter your 20s, you’ll start developing characteristics — and, in time, health conditions — associated with older age. And Werner syndrome isn’t just about graying hair and sagging skin. Aging isn’t just a cosmetic process. Many people with Werner syndrome experience life-threatening complications of aging by their 40s or early 50s. Symptoms Signs and symptoms of Werner syndrome become noticeable as you become an adult. In your 20s, you’ll notice more signs of early aging than your same-age peers. These may include: Hair graying and hair loss, including the eyebrows and eyelashes. High-pitched or hoarse voice. Loss of subcutaneous adipose tissue, the layer of fat directly beneath your skin...

Weill-Marchesani Syndrome (WMS) Overview Weill-Marchesani syndrome (WMS) is a rare genetic connective tissue disorder characterized by distinctive eye abnormalities (microspherophakia, ectopia lentis), severe myopia, secondary glaucoma, short stature, brachydactyly (short fingers/toes), and joint stiffness. It is inherited via autosomal dominant (often FBN1) or autosomal recessive (ADAMTS10, ADAMTS17, LTBP2) patterns, presenting in childhood. Symptoms  Ocular (Eye) Abnormalities: Microspherophakia: The lens of the eye is unusually small and spherical, present in over 80% of cases. Ectopia Lentis: The lens is abnormally positioned (dislocated). Glaucoma: High eye pressure, often leading to severe vision loss or blindness. Severe Myopia: Extreme nearsightedness. Cataracts: Clouding of the eye lens. Skeletal Abnormalities: Short Stature: Typically, height is below the 1st percentile. Brachydactyly: Short, stubby fingers and toes. Stiff Joints: Reduced mobility, particularly in the...

Wilms tumor Overview Wilms tumor is a rare kidney cancer that mainly affects children. Also known as nephroblastoma, it's the most common cancer of the kidneys in children. Wilms tumor most often affects children ages 3 to 4. It becomes much less common after age 5, but it can affect older children and even adults. Wilms tumor mostly occurs in just one kidney. But it can sometimes be in both kidneys at the same time. Over the years, progress in the diagnosis and treatment of Wilms tumor has greatly improved the prognosis for children with this disease. With treatment, the outlook for most children with Wilms tumor is good. Symptoms Symptoms of Wilms tumor vary a lot. Some children don't seem to have any symptoms. But others with Wilms tumor have one or more of these symptoms: A mass in the stomach area that can be felt. Swelling in the stomach area. Pain in the stomach area. Other symptoms might include: Fever. Blood in the urine. Low red blood cell level, also known as anemia....