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Normal Breast Development and Changes What is normal breast development? Breast development is a vital part of a woman’s reproduction. Breast development happens in certain stages during a woman's life: first before birth, again at puberty, and later during the childbearing years

Encopresis What is encopresis? Encopresis is when your child leaks stool into their underwear. It's also called stool soiling. It's most often because of long-term (chronic) constipation. Encopresis happens to children ages 4 and older who have already been toilet trained. In

Immune System Disorders Your immune system is your body’s defense against infections and other harmful invaders. Without it, you would constantly get sick from germs, such as bacteria or viruses. Your immune system is made up of special cells, tissues, and organs that work

Rhabdomyosarcoma in Children What is rhabdomyosarcoma in children? Rhabdomyosarcoma is a type of cancer. It starts in cells that should grow into skeletal muscle cells. Skeletal muscles control voluntary muscle movements. These are movements we can control. This rare cancer is

Psychological Complications of Chronic Illness Being a teen is stressful, even when healthy. Chronic illness at this age can make it even harder. The illness, treatment, and hospital stays all magnify worries about how a teen looks. They interfere with becoming independent. And

Neuroblastoma What is neuroblastoma in children? Neuroblastoma is cancer that starts when immature nerve cells in the nervous system grow out of control. These cells are called neuroblasts. Over time, the out-of-control cells form a tumor. Neuroblastoma is the most common solid

Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) What is granulomatosis with polyangiitis? Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is an autoimmune disorder. An autoimmune disorder occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys healthy tissue. GPA causes inflammation, swelling

How Were the COVID-19 Vaccines Made So Fast? Vaccines for COVID-19 are now widely available. In the past, it’s taken many years to create a vaccine that’s ready for public use. But over decades of creating vaccines, research groups and public health agencies have been making the

Common Variable Immunodeficiency in Children What is common variable immunodeficiency in children? Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is an immunodeficiency problem that causes a child to have a low level of antibodies and a decreased responsiveness to some vaccines. This

Juvenile Dermatomyositis What is juvenile dermatomyositis? Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is a rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the blood vessels, muscles, and skin. It's different from other muscle diseases because it also causes skin problems. Symptoms often