Amyloidosis

Amyloidosis occurs when abnormal proteins called amyloids build up and form deposits. The deposits can collect in organs such as the kidney and heart. This can cause the organs to become stiff and unable to work the way they should.

There are three main types of amyloidosis:

• Primary - with no known cause
• Secondary - caused by another disease, including some types of cancer
• Familial - passed down through genes

Symptoms can vary, depending upon which organs are affected. Treatment depends on the type of amyloidosis you have. The goal is to help with symptoms and limit the production of proteins. If another disease is the cause, it needs to be treated.

Anal Cancer

What is anal cancer?

Your anus is the opening at the end of your large intestine. It is where stool (poop) leaves your body. The anus is formed partly from your outer layers of skin and partly from your intestine. Anal cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the tissues of your anus.

Anyone can get anal cancer, but you are more likely to develop it if you:

• You have an infection with high-risk HPV, especially if you have certain types. Most anal cancers are related to HPV infection.
• Have a weakened immune system, from conditions such as HIV or because of medicines you need to take after an organ transplant.
• Have had vulvar, vaginal, or cervical cancer.
• Have many sexual partners.
• Have anal sex.
• Smoke cigarettes.

The signs and symptoms of anal cancer may include:

• Bleeding from the anus or rectum
• A lump near the anus
• Pain or pressure in the area around the anus
• Itching or discharge from the anus
• A change in bowel habits, such as narrower stools, having to go more often, or bowel incontinence

To find out if you have anal cancer, your provider:

• Will take your medical history, which includes asking about your symptoms.
• Will ask about your family health history.
• May do a digital rectal examination (DRE). A DRE is an exam of the anus and rectum. For the exam, your provider will insert a lubricated, gloved finger into the lower part of your rectum to feel for lumps or anything else that seems unusual.
• May order tests that examine the anus and rectum, such as:
  • An anoscopy, an exam of the anus and lower rectum using a short, lighted tube called an anoscope. There is also a type of anoscopy called a high-resolution anoscopy. It uses a special magnifying device called a colposcope along with the anoscope to view these areas.
  • A proctoscopy, a procedure to look inside the rectum and anus using a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens.
  • An endo-anal or endorectal ultrasound, a procedure in which an ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum.
• May do a biopsy during an anoscopy or proctoscopy.

The treatments for anal cancer include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. Which treatment you get will depend on how advanced the cancer is, your overall health, and your preferences.

You may be able to lower your risk of getting anal cancer by getting an HPV vaccine and not smoking. Contact your provider if you need help quitting smoking.

It is currently not known if using condoms can prevent anal HPV infections. But using latex condoms every time you have sex can help prevent HIV, a risk factor for anal cancer. And they also help prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If your or your partner is allergic to latex, you can use polyurethane condoms.

If you are an adult with HIV, it's important to get an anal cancer screening every year. The screening checks for anything that seems unusual, such as lumps, burning, and precancer cells (cells that could turn into cancer). The screening will include a digital rectal exam. If anything unusual is found, you will have an anoscopy or high resolution anoscopy.

Anemia

If you have anemia, your blood does not carry enough oxygen to the rest of your body. The most common cause of anemia is not having enough iron. Your body needs iron to make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein that gives the red color to blood. It carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

Anemia has three main causes: blood loss, lack of red blood cell production, and high rates of red blood cell destruction.

Conditions that may lead to anemia include:

• Heavy periods
• Pregnancy
• Ulcers
• Colon polyps or colon cancer
• Inherited disorders
• A diet that does not have enough iron, folic acid or vitamin B12
• Blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, or cancer
• Aplastic anemia, a condition that can be inherited or acquired
• G6PD deficiency, a metabolic disorder

Anemia can make you feel tired, cold, dizzy, and irritable. You may be short of breath or have a headache.

Your doctor will diagnose anemia with a physical exam and blood tests. Treatment depends on the kind of anemia you have.

NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Aplastic Anemia

What is aplastic anemia?

Aplastic anemia is a rare but serious blood disorder. If you have it, your bone marrow doesn't make enough new blood cells. It happens when there is damage to stem cells inside your bone marrow. There are different types of aplastic anemia, including Fanconi anemia.

The causes of aplastic anemia can include:

• Autoimmune disorders, which are the most common cause
• Certain inherited gene changes, such as the one that can cause Fanconi anemia
• Toxic substances, such as pesticides, arsenic, and benzene
• Radiation therapy and chemotherapy for cancer
• Certain medicines
• Viral infections such as hepatitis, Epstein-Barr virus, or HIV
• Pregnancy

In many people, the cause is unknown. This is called idiopathic aplastic anemia.

Aplastic anemia can develop suddenly or slowly. It can be mild or severe. The symptoms of aplastic anemia can include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Easy bruising or bleeding

Aplastic anemia can cause other problems, including frequent infections and bleeding. It raises your risk of developing a serious blood disorder.

If not treated, aplastic anemia can also lead to heart problems such as an arrhythmia (a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat), an enlarged heart, or heart failure.

To find out if you have aplastic anemia, your doctor will:

• Take your medical and your family medical histories
• Do a physical exam
• Order tests, such as tests to check if you have low numbers of cells in your bone marrow and blood

If you have aplastic anemia, your doctor will create a treatment plan for you. The plan will be based on how severe the anemia is and what is causing it. Treatments can include:

• Blood transfusions
• Blood and marrow stem cell transplants
• Medicines to suppress your immune system

Because of the risk of blood disorders, your doctor will monitor your condition and screen you for blood disorders regularly.

NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Artificial Limbs

People can lose all or part of an arm or leg for a number of reasons. Common ones include:

• Circulation problems from atherosclerosis or diabetes. They may cause you to need an amputation.
• Traumatic injuries, including from traffic accidents and military combat
• Cancer
• Birth defects

If you are missing an arm or leg, an artificial limb can sometimes replace it. The device, which is called a prosthesis, can help you to perform daily activities such as walking, eating, or dressing. Some artificial limbs let you function nearly as well as before.