Diseases

Papillary thyroid cancer

Papillary thyroid carcinoma is a form of  cancer that occurs due to abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth of certain cells (follicular cells) of the thyroid. Many people with papillary thyroid carcinoma have no signs or symptoms of the condition. When present, symptoms may include a small lump at the base of the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, trouble breathing, and pain in the neck or throat. The cause of papillary thyroid carcinoma is currently unknown. Risks for developing thyroid cancer include a history of  high-dose external radiation treatments to the neck and radiation exposure during nuclear plant disasters.  It is often well-differentiated, slow-growing, and localized, although it can metastasize.

Papillary thyroid cancer or papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common type of thyroid cancer, representing 75 percent to 85 percent of all thyroid cancer cases. It occurs more frequently in women and presents in the 20–55 year age group. It is also the predominant cancer type in children with thyroid cancer, and in patients with thyroid cancer who have had previous radiation to the head and neck.

Papilledema

Swelling of the head of the optic nerve (optic disk) due to increased intracranial pressure.

Papillitis

A progressive eye disorder characterized by inflammation and degeneration of part of the optic nerve (optic disk) which can result in blindness and can affect only one, or both eyes. The degree of vision loss is variable

Papilloma of choroid plexus

This is a rare, benign tumor most common in children younger than 12. Choroid plexus papillomas grow slowly until they eventually block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid causing hydrocephalus and increased pressure inside the skull.

Papillorenal syndrome

A very rare syndrome characterized mainly by kidney disease and a gap in the optic nerve which causes vision problems

Papular mucinosis

A rare skin disease characterized by small, pale, waxy bumps that occur mainly on the hands, face, neck and elbows. The bumps contain a substance called mucin which is a substance found in mucus. The condition may be localized or affected larger areas of skin and in some cases that papules may join together to form ridges.

Papular urticaria

A skin disorder characterized by red skin and wheals which usually occurs as an allergic response to such things as insect bites or drugs.

Paracoccidioidomycosis

Infection by the fungus Paracoccidiodes brasiliensis which usually affects the lungs but can also involve the skin, mucous membranes, lymphatic system and other parts of the body.

Paraganglioma

A paraganglioma is rare neuroendocrine neoplasm that may develop at various body sites (including the head, neck, thorax and abdomen). About 97% are benign and cured by surgical removal; the remaining 3% are malignant because they are able to produce distant metastases. "Paraganglioma" is now the most-widely accepted term for these lesions, that have been also described as: glomus tumor, chemodectoma, perithelioma, fibroangioma, and sympathetic nevi.

Paragonimiasis

Infection by a parasitic worm, Paragonimus westermani, which are a type of lung fluke which invade the lungs, and sometimes other organs, where they cause problems. Occasionally the parasites infect the brain which can occasionally result in death. Infection occurs through eating freshwater crabs and crayfish which have not been cooked sufficiently.

Parainfluenza virus type 3

Parainfluenza is an influenza-like viral disease that can cause croup, upper respiratory tract infection, pneumonia or bronchiolitis. Type 3 virus occurs during spring and summer in temperate climates but can continue into autumn.

Paramyotonia congenita

A rare inherited muscle condition where muscles are difficult to relax following contraction. The main muscles affected are in the face, neck, arms and hands. Repetition of movements makes the muscle stiffness become progressively worse. The condition is not progressive and exposure to cold can trigger symptoms.

Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration

Disorders of the cerebellum associated with tumors. The cerebellum is the part of the brain that controls coordination. It is believed that the body's immune system's attempt to destroy the tumor results in damage to the cerebellum. The main tumors associated with this condition include lung and breast cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma and reproductive organ tumors

Paraneoplastic Neurologic Disorders

A term used to describe the distant neurological effects of cancer. It results from an autoimmune attack against antigens present in cancer and the nervous system. Peripheral nerves, central nervous system and muscle controlling nerves may be affected. Often the effects become obvious before the cancer is detected. Types of PNS include Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, subacute cerebellar ataxia, opsoclonus-myoclonus, retinopathies, limbic encephalitis, chronic gastrointestinal pseudoobstruction, sensory neuronopathy, encephalomyelitis, dermatomyositis, Stiff-Person syndrome and melanoma-associated retinopathy.

Paraomphalocele

A rare birth disorder involving a defect in the abdominal wall through which some of the abdominal contents may protrude. The defect occurs near the umbilical cord

Paraplegia

Paraplegia is an impairment in motor and/or sensory function of the lower extremities. It is usually the result of spinal cord injury or a congenital condition such as spina bifida which affects the neural elements of the spinal canal. The area of the spinal canal which is affected in paraplegia is either the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions. If the arms are also affected by paralysis, quadriplegia is the proper terminology.

Parapsoriasis

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes skin redness and irritation. Most people with psoriasis have thick, red skin with flaky, silver-white patches called scales.

Paraquat lung

Paraquat (dipyridylium) is a highly toxic weed killer once promoted by the United States for use in Mexico to destroy marijuana plants. Research found that this herbicide was dangerous to workers who applied it to the plants. This article discusses the health problems that can occur from swallowing or breathing in Paraquat.

Parastremmatic dwarfism

A rare disorder characterized by severe dwarfism, kyphoscoliosis, contractures of the large joints and twisted and bowed limb bones.

Parathyroid carcinoma

Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare malignancy of the parathyroid glands. These tumors usually secrete parathyroid hormone, thereby producing hyperparathyroidism, which is usually severe. Parathyroid carcinoma may be suspected, but it usually cannot be confirmed prior to operation.  

PARC syndrome

A very rare syndrome characterized mainly by a cleft palate, recessed jaw, alopecia and a mottled skin appearance called poikiloderma.

Parenchymatous cortical degeneration of cerebellum

Progressive deterioration of the superficial layer of the cerebellum in the brain resulting in various neurological symptoms. The condition may be inherited or be associated with conditions such as cancer and alcoholism.

Paris-Trousseau thrombocytopenia

A very rare syndrome characterized mainly by bleeding problems, mental retardation, heart malformations and facial abnormalities

Parkes Weber syndrome

A rare disorder involving blood vessel malformations and overgrowth of a particular limb. Usually a leg is involved and the dilated blood vessels allows blood to flow quickly through the limb which can ultimately cause heart failure.

Parkinson disease 3

A genetic form of Parkinson disease which involves progressive degeneration of the central nervous system.

Parkinson disease 9

A genetic form of Parkinson disease (a progressive degeneration of the central nervous system) that progresses rapidly once it starts. Dementia, spasticity and eye movement problems are also characteristic of this form of Parkinson disease

Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system resulting in a lack of dopamine in the brain, among other changes. Dopamine, a chemical produced by cells in the brain, is necessary for smooth, controlled movement of muscles.

source: Parkinson's Institute