Otosclerosis
Concept and Etiology: The word otosclerosis is derived from “oto” which means of the ear and
“sclerosis” meaning abnormal hardening of body tissue (NIDCD, 2018). Therefore, otosclerosis is the
abnormal bone growth of the middle ear. This abnormal spongelike bone is formed during the bone
remodelling process in the middle ear (NIDCD, 2018). It deviates from the definition of health
because it prevents the ear structures from vibrating in response to sound waves from the middle
ear to the inner ear causing hearing to be impaired (Story, 2017).
Classification: There has not been any clinical cause established for otosclerosis yet. However, some
scientists believed it may have hereditary relations. Other researchers believe that it could be
related to the imbalance of three cytokine immune-system cells necessary for healthy bone
remodelling process in the body (NIDCD, 2018).
Clinical Manifestations: Symptoms of otosclerosis include tinnitus, vertigo, dizziness, and gradual
hearing loss that begins in one ear and progress to the other ear.
Diagnostic Tests: Otosclerosis can be diagnosed via physical examination of the ear and hearing test
performed by an ENT specialist, otologist, or audiologist. Also, a CT scan of the middle ear may be
necessary to diagnose otosclerosis (Story, 2017).
My discussion topic is liver cancer. Liver cancer can occur in any part of the liver, which primarily
affects the rest of the liver gradually. It has detrimental effects on the human physiology of
different organs. Various risk factors can contribute to high liver cancer rates. Among these risk
factors, hepatitis B & C, diabetes, or a family history of liver disease are more common. The patient
may suffer from unexplained weight loss, Jaundice, nausea, or loss of appetite.
Classification
Liver cancer can be classified into primary types such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and
intrahepatic bile duct cancer. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can result from substantial conditions
such as hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and autoimmune hepatitis (PDQ Adult Treatment
Editorial Board, 2002a). Intrahepatic bile duct cancer can be caused by excessive alcohol
consumption and cirrhosis of the liver (PDQ Adult Treatment Editorial Board, 2002b)
Clinical Manifestation
Symptoms
Nausea, vomiting
Right upper quadrant abdominal pain
Jaundice
Fatigue and weakness
Weight loss
Sign
An enlarged spleen
An enlarged liver
Pain in the abdomen
Fluid build-up in the abdomen (belly)
Diagnostic Tests
Blood tests
Like ultrasound and MRI can provide detailed images of the liver.
Biopsy- sample of liver cancer gives a detailed study
Physical examination of symptoms such as Jaundice
References:
PDQ Adult Treatment Editorial Board. (2002a). Adult Primary Liver Cancer Treatment (PDQ®): Health
Professional Version. In PDQ Cancer Information Summaries. National Cancer Institute (US).
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK66030/
PDQ Adult Treatment Editorial Board. (2002b). Bile Duct Cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma) Treatment
(PDQ®): Health Professional Version. In PDQ Cancer Information Summaries. National Cancer
Institute (US). http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK65869/
National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) (July 17, 2018).
Otosclerosis. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/otosclerosis#4
Story, L. (2017). Pathophysiology: A Practical Approach, (3rd ed). Understanding conditions that
affect the senses. https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9781284142983
