Myelofibrosis is a rare type of blood cancer where your bone marrow (the soft, spongy tissue inside of your bones) is replaced by fibrous scar tissue. It’s a form of chronic leukemia and a myeloproliferative disorder. Myeloproliferative disorders involve too many blood cells getting made in your bone marrow — where blood cells get made. Your bone marrow produces immature blood-forming cells called stem cells that may develop …

Agoraphobia (ag-uh-ruh-FOE-be-uh) is a type of anxiety disorder marked by intense fear and avoidance of places or situations that may cause panic, helplessness or embarrassment. The fear is often linked to situations where escape may feel difficult or help may not be easily available if anxiety becomes overwhelming. Commonly feared situations include using public transportation, being in crowds, standing in …

Adenomyosis is a condition that affects the uterus, the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a baby grows during pregnancy. In adenomyosis, tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows into the muscle wall of the uterus. This lining tissue is called endometrial tissue. During each menstrual cycle, endometrial tissue thickens, breaks down and bleeds. When this tissue is present …

Frozen shoulder is a painful condition in which your shoulder movement becomes limited. Another name for frozen shoulder is adhesive capsulitis. Frozen shoulder occurs when the strong connective tissue surrounding your shoulder joint (called the shoulder joint capsule) becomes thick, stiff and inflamed. The joint capsule contains the ligaments that attach the top of your upper arm bone (humeral head) to your …

Adjustment disorders are strong emotional or behavioral reactions to stressful life events or changes. These reactions are more intense than would usually be expected and can interfere with daily life, relationships, work, or school performance. Stressful situations such as problems at work, moving away to school, illness, relationship issues, or other major life changes can trigger adjustment disorders. While most …

Adnexal tumors and masses are growths that develop in the organs and tissues located near the uterus. These growths form from cells in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the connective tissue that supports these structures. Most adnexal tumors and masses are not cancerous, but some can be malignant. The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system and are located …

Childhood schizophrenia is a very rare, severe psychiatric condition that begins before your child is 13. Psychiatric conditions affect people’s mental health and how they see the world around them. Symptoms of childhood schizophrenia include psychosis, and movement and thought (cognitive) disorders. Childhood schizophrenia interferes with things like your child’s: Thoughts. Memory. Senses. Behaviors. As a result, your child may struggle …

Adrenal cancer is a rare condition that begins as a growth of abnormal cells in one of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are small, triangular glands that sit on top of each kidney. Even though they are small, they play a major role in the body by producing hormones that regulate metabolism, blood pressure, immune response and other vital …

Benign adrenal tumors are masses that aren’t cancer. They form in the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system. These glands make hormones that send messages to nearly every organ and tissue in the body. There are two adrenal glands, one above each kidney. Each gland has two types of tissue: the cortex and the medulla. …

Adrenoleukodystrophy, also called ALD, is a rare inherited genetic disorder that affects the nervous system and adrenal glands. It occurs when the body cannot properly break down certain fats, known as very long-chain fatty acids. These fats build up in the brain, spinal cord and adrenal glands, leading to damage over time. ALD mainly affects males, though females who carry …