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Oesophageal cancer comprises two biologically distinct entities: oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC). This PrimeView focuses on the pathophysiology of oesophageal cancer and highlights the differences in risk factors, development and disease progression between OSCC and OAC.
The diagnosis of multiple myeloma, which includes bone marrow biopsy, clinical examination and radiographic imaging, is the main focus of this illustrated PrimeView, which accompanies the Primer on multiple myeloma by Kumar et al.
Tumour-induced osteomalacia (TIO) — caused by tumours that secrete fibroblast growth factor 23 — is characterized by hypophosphataemia and skeletal abnormalities. Tumours causing TIO are difficult to locate, as they are often small and can occur in soft tissue or bone anywhere in the body.
Urinary incontinence in women typically begins during pregnancy, after childbirth or at the time of menopause; symptoms can worsen or improve over time. This PrimeView focuses on some of the mechanisms underlying the condition, as well as how patients can be diagnosed and treated.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with various symptoms, of which the haematological and neurological manifestations are the most prominent. This PrimeView focuses on the causes of vitamin B12 deficiency, including inadequate intake, malabsorption, or defects in transport or intracellular metabolism.
An imbalance in the oral microbiota can trigger periodontal diseases. However, numerous risk factors can have a substantial role in the progression of these inflammatory conditions, as highlighted in this PrimeView.
More than 2.1 billion adults are estimated to be overweight or obese worldwide. This PrimeView focuses on factors that increase the risk of becoming overweight or obese, including a reduction in energy expenditure, excess energy intake, genetics, and social and cultural factors.
This illustrated PrimeView focuses on the mechanisms underlying the incomplete maturation of neutrophil precursors in the bone marrow (granulopoiesis arrest), which is the common denominator of severe congenital neutropenias, a group of inherited haematological disorders.
Gastric adenocarcinoma is the most common stomach cancer. Its development is associated with several risk factors, including genetic susceptibility, exposure to certain strains of Helicobacter pylori, hygiene standard, food preparation and preservation, smoking and diet.
Dental caries formation can affect individuals at any age and involves the interaction between the tooth, the microbial biofilm at the tooth surface and dietary sugars. This PrimeView, which accompanies the Primer by Pitts et al., focuses on the pathophysiology of dental caries formation.
Somatic PIGA mutations in haematopoietic stem cells generate erythrocytes that are deficient in glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins. These erythrocytes are susceptible to haemolysis by complement activation, which manifests as paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria. This PrimeView illustrates the complex pathological mechanisms.
The availability of animal models of pemphigus has enabled researchers to understand the pathological mechanisms of this autoimmune disease. This PrimeView illustrates how autoantibodies against proteins that are involved in cell adhesion can lead to the formation of blisters and erosions, the hallmark lesions of pemphigus.
Anxiety disorders comprise several different disorders that are characterized by excessive fear and anxiety. This illustrated PrimeView accompanies the Primer on Anxiety disorders by Craske et al. and focuses on diagnosis.
Traumatic spinal cord injury is caused by an initial mechanical event that causes damage to the spinal cord, resulting in a wave of pathophysiological mechanisms that enhances injury and worsens neurological function. This pathophysiology is the main focus of this PrimeView.
Bladder cancer is typically diagnosed cystoscopically after blood in the urine is detected. This PrimeView highlights some of the key facts of this common cancer.
This PrimeView highlights the difficulty in reaching a conclusive diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a rare but potentially lethal microangiopathy characterized by thrombocytopenia, haemolytic anaemia and ischaemic organ damage.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic disease characterized by insulin deficiency as a consequence of pancreatic β-cell loss. This PrimeView highlights the mechanisms underlying T1DM, including immunemediated pancreatic β-cell loss.
Parkinson disease is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with dopamine depletion in the basal ganglia. This PrimeView focuses on the clinical course of Parkinson disease, in which non-motor symptoms, such as loss of smell and sleep disorders, can develop years before the onset of motor symptoms.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder characterized by reversible hair loss without loss of the hair follicle. This PrimeView focuses on the clinical presentation, which can vary from patchy hair loss on the scalp to total loss of all body hair.
