Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused by a virus. The infection creates small, raised bumps on your skin that have the appearance of a pearl. These bumps are usually white but can match your natural skin tone or appear pink to purple. Bumps from the infection can form anywhere on your skin but it’s most common on your face, …

Your skin is the largest organ in your body. Skin moles (a “nevus” or “nevi” are the medical terms) are growths on your skin that range in color from your natural skin tone to brown or black. Moles can appear anywhere on your skin or mucous membranes, alone or in groups. Most skin moles appear in early childhood and during the first …

A molar pregnancy occurs when an egg and sperm join incorrectly at fertilization and create a noncancerous tumor. The tumor looks like tiny water-filled sacs, similar to a cluster of grapes. The tumor can’t support a developing embryo and the pregnancy ends. Some people have a miscarriage. If this doesn’t happen, surgery is needed to remove the pregnancy. If left …

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) is an autoimmune condition where your immune system (antibodies) mistakenly attacks parts of your central nervous system. MOG is part of the protective cover that surrounds nerves (myelin) in your brain, spinal cord and eyes (optic nerves). Your immune system protects your body from things that cause illness like viruses and bacteria. Sometimes, the antibodies in your immune system don’t get …

Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is a rare autoimmune disorder. An autoimmune disorder is one in which your immune system mistakenly views your body’s own tissues as “invaders” and attacks them. Mixed connective tissue disease has features of three other connective tissue diseases: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): An inflammatory disease that can affect many different organs. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, joint …

Mittelschmerz is one-sided, lower abdominal pain associated with ovulation. German for “middle pain,” mittelschmerz occurs midway through a menstrual cycle — about 14 days before your next menstrual period. In most cases, mittelschmerz doesn’t require medical attention. For minor mittelschmerz discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers and home remedies are often effective. If your mittelschmerz pain is troublesome, your doctor may prescribe …

Mitral valve stenosis (sometimes called mitral stenosis) is a narrowing or blockage of the mitral valve inside your heart. Over time, this condition can cause heart rhythm problems and a higher risk of stroke. It may lead to heart failure and death. A narrow mitral valve makes it harder for blood to flow from the left atrium (upper chamber) to the left ventricle (lower chamber) on the left …

Mitral valve regurgitation is the backward flow of blood through your heart’s mitral valve. This “door” connects the two chambers on the left side of your heart. It opens and closes when your heart beats. When your mitral valve opens, it lets blood flow from your top left chamber (atrium) down to your bottom left chamber (ventricle). When it closes, blood flow between those chambers …

Mitral valve disease refers to a group of conditions affecting the mitral valve in your heart. Mitral valve disease can be acquired (it develops over time as you get older) or congenital (you were born with it). It can be mild, moderate or severe. Treatment depends on how well your valve is working and the symptoms you’re having. Your mitral valve lets blood flow from …

A miscarriage (also called a spontaneous abortion) is the unexpected ending of a pregnancy in the first 20 weeks of gestation. Just because it’s called a “miscarriage” doesn’t mean you did something wrong in carrying the pregnancy. Most miscarriages are beyond your control and occur because the fetus stops growing. Types of miscarriage Your pregnancy care provider may diagnose you with the …