Medical Dictionary |
A Medical Dictionary of Medical Terminology
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Tumors are abnormal growths in your body. They can be either benign or malignant. Benign tumors aren't cancer. Malignant ones are. Benign tumors grow only in one place. They cannot spread or invade other parts of your body. Even so, they can be dangerous if they press on vital organs, such as your brain.
Tumors are made up of extra cells. Normally, cells grow and divide to form new cells as your body needs them. When cells grow old, they die, and new cells take their place. Sometimes, this process goes wrong. New cells form when your body does not need them, and old cells do not die when they should. These extra cells can divide without stopping and may form a tumor.
Treatment often involves surgery. Benign tumors usually don't grow back.
NIH: National Cancer Institute
Developmental disabilities are conditions that are usually present at birth. They can affect a child's growth and development. These conditions can cause physical, learning, language, or behavior issues. They can include:
These conditions can cause lifelong challenges in learning. Completing daily tasks may be difficult. Early treatment may help your child learn important skills and make the most of their strengths.
What causes developmental disabilities?Developmental disabilities are often present at birth. They can occur due to various reasons. These can include:
The way a developmental disability is diagnosed depends on the condition. Screening tests or a physical exam may be done to check for a medical problem. Other tests and questionnaires may help find out if your child has a developmental disability. These may include:
If your child has a developmental disability, these are usually lifelong conditions. Often, there is no cure, but treatment can help the symptoms. Treatments can include:
NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development