Q-I know a couple who had a child born with a condition that causes blisters to form. Is this a serious condition? Doesn`t everyone get blisters once in a while?
A-You may be referring to a group of genetic diseases that are known as epidermolysis bullosa. As you note, blistering is not uncommon. Many people will occasionally develop blisters on their hands or feet as the result of gardening or participating in athletic events that cause rubbing or friction. In epidermolysis bullosa, however, the blisters often form without reason or in response to a minor injury. In severe cases, the blistering is so extensive as to appear to be the result of a serious burn.
Q-I would appreciate a listing of the symptoms of cancer of the colon. What makes a person more likely to get cancer of the colon?
A-The symptoms of cancer of the colon include rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habits and abdominal pain or bloating. Risk factors for cancer of the colon include age (anyone 50 years or older), a family or personal history of polyps or colon cancer, or a history of ulcerative colitis or Crohn`s disease. Diets that are high in fiber and low in fat appear to have a protective effect.
Q-I remember reading in your column about chronic fatigue syndrome long before the so-called experts agreed there was such a disease. What causes it and what are the symptoms?
A-Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome have what may best be described as flu-like symptoms: fatigue, fever, sore throat, joint and muscle aches, and an inability to concentrate.
The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome has not been established. Among the suggested causes are viral infections, defects of the immune system, and psychological and emotional factors. Most of the patients with chronic fatigue syndrome are women.
Q-What causes encephalitis, and how serious is the disease in a child?
What are the symptoms?
A-Encephalitis refers to inflammation of brain tissue. The most common cause of encephalitis is the herpes simplex virus, the same virus that is responsible for cold sores. Encephalitis may develop when the virus travels from the mouth or nose to the brain. Other viruses may also be responsible for the disease, which is serious but is seldom life-threatening.
In a child, the symptoms may include fever, headache and vomiting. Encephalitis may also be transmitted by mosquitoes. These forms of the disease generally are not as harmful as that caused by the herpes simplex virus.
Q-I work as a family counselor, and I have had occasion to see many young children who have been exposed to lead and who, as a result, have not grown as much as might have been expected. If the lead exposure is eliminated, do these children have a chance of catching up later on?
A-Researchers at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine have reported that children who experience growth problems as a result of lead exposure early in life were able to catch up in the following year or two, provided their exposure was eliminated.
Q-Which is the better method for diagnosing a baby before it is born, amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling?
A-Both are equally effective. But chorionic villus sampling can be done after about 10 weeks of pregnancy, while amniocentesis is usually performed during the second trimester. So if early detection is important, chorionic villus sampling would be the choice.
Q-First, I`d like to know exactly what a biopsy is. Second, I`d like to know why, if a person has a few moles, it is necessary to have a biopsy done on all of them.
A-A biopsy is a microscopic examination of a tissue sample that has been surgically removed. When a mole is biopsied, it is generally for the purpose of detecting skin cancer. If a patient has a few moles, each of which may be malignant, all may have to be biopsied.
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Dr. Solomon`s column appears in Tempo on Mondays and Fridays. If you have a medical question, write to him at P.O. Box 36184, Baltimore, Md. 21285-6184. Dr. Solomon cannot give personal replies, but will answer as many questions as possible in his column.
