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Monoclonal Gammopathies What are monoclonal gammopathies? Monoclonal gammopathies are conditions in which abnormal proteins (antibodies) are found in the blood. These proteins are made from a small number of plasma cells in the bone marrow. The most common condition linked with

Blood Donations and Blood Banking What is blood banking? A blood bank is a place where blood is collected and stored before it is used for transfusions. Blood banking takes place in the lab. This is to make sure that donated blood and blood products are safe before they are used

Anatomy and Function of the Heart Valves What are heart valves? The heart has four chambers: two upper chambers (atria) and two lower chambers (ventricles). Blood passes through a valve before leaving each chamber of the heart. The valves prevent the backward flow of blood

Understanding Risks of a Multiple Pregnancy Why is a multiple pregnancy a concern? A multiple pregnancy means being pregnant with more than one baby. It is often a happy event for many couples. But multiple pregnancy has higher risks for complications. The most common problems

Dermoid Cyst in Children What are dermoid cysts in children? A dermoid cyst is a collection of tissue under the skin. It may contain hair follicles, oil, and sweat glands. In some cases, it may contain bone, teeth, or nerves. A dermoid cyst may appear at birth or soon after. They

Breast Pain (Mastalgia) What is mastalgia? Mastalgia is breast pain. There are 2 main types of mastalgia: Cyclical breast pain. The pain is linked to menstrual periods. Noncyclic breast pain. The pain may come from the breast. Or it may come from somewhere else, such as nearby

Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media) in Adults What is a middle ear infection? A middle ear infection occurs behind the eardrum. It's most often caused by a virus or bacteria. Most kids have at least one middle ear infection by the time they are 3 years old. Adults can also get

The Child's Immune System What is the immune system? The immune system protects your child's body from outside invaders. This includes germs, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and toxins (chemicals made by microbes). The immune system is made up of different organs, cells

Perimenopause What is perimenopause? Perimenopause is the transitional time around menopause. Menopause is when a woman’s periods stop. It’s marked by changes in the menstrual cycle, along with other physical and emotional symptoms. This time can last 2 to 8 years. During this

Firearms Safety The importance of firearms safety About one-third of homes in the U.S. have some type of firearm. Access to firearms in the home raises the risk of unintentional firearm-related death and injury among children. Unintentional shootings cause a major portion of all