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Cancer Overview What is cancer? Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells. The whole body is made of cells that act and grow in controlled ways as the body needs them. Cells are controlled by genes. The genes in any cell in the body can be damaged. Then the cell can grow out of

Tonsillitis What is tonsillitis? Tonsillitis means that your tonsils are inflamed. Your tonsils are large, fleshy glands at the back of your throat. These glands make antibodies that help fight infection. What causes tonsillitis? Both bacteria and viruses can cause tonsillitis

Omphalocele What is an omphalocele? An omphalocele is a birth defect. It happens when your baby is forming during pregnancy. In this condition, some of your baby’s abdominal organs poke out (protrude) from the belly through the belly button (umbilicus). A clear (translucent)

MRSA Infection in Children What is MRSA in children? Staphylococcus aureus (staph) is a type of bacteria. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a staph infection that has become resistant to many antibiotics commonly used to treat staph infections. MRSA is usually

Hypoparathyroidism in Children What is hypoparathyroidism in children? Hypoparathyroidism is when the parathyroid glands don’t make enough parathyroid hormone. The parathyroid glands are 4 tiny glands on the back of the thyroid gland. The hormone they make helps manage levels of

Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) in Children What is SCID in children? SCID is a very rare disease. It causes a child to have a very weak immune system (immunodeficiency). As a result, the child is unable to fight off even mild infections. The disease is also known as the

Polio (Poliomyelitis) What is polio? Poliomyelitis is commonly called polio. It's an infectious disease. It is caused by 1 of 3 types of poliovirus. Polio is easily spread from person to person. The poliovirus is a virus that can cause paralysis. But most people who are infected

Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T) What is ataxia telangiectasia (A-T)? Ataxia telangiectasia is a rare childhood disease that affects the nervous system, immune system, and other body systems. It is an inherited disease. The symptoms of A-T often begin to show up by age 5. How to say

Conduct Disorder in Children What is conduct disorder in children? Conduct disorder is a type of behavior disorder. It’s when a child has antisocial behavior. They may disregard basic social standards and rules. They may also: Be irresponsible Skip school or run away (delinquent

Herpes Simplex Virus (Cold Sores) in Children What are cold sores in children? Cold sores are small blisters around the mouth caused by the herpes simplex virus. They are sometimes called fever blisters. What causes cold sores in a child? The most common cause of cold sores is