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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. The term "heart disease" refers to several types of heart conditions. In the United States, the most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to heart attack. You can greatly reduce your risk for heart disease through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medicine.

Learn more about heart disease.

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centers for disease control and prevention

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division for heart disease and stroke prevention

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Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. The term "heart disease" refers to several types of heart conditions. In the United States, the most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to heart attack.

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The nation's health protection agency explains how to lower your cancer risk.

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What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, refers to a group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems. It includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

What are the symptoms of COPD?

Symptoms of COPD include:

Frequent coughing or wheezing.

Excess phlegm, mucus, or sputum production.

Shortness of breath.

Trouble taking a deep breath.

Who has COPD?

Chronic lower respiratory disease, primarily COPD, was the third leading cause of death in the United States in 2014.¹ Almost 15.7 million Americans (6.4%) reported that they have been diagnosed with COPD.² More than 50% of adults with low pulmonary function were not aware that they had COPD,³ so the actual number may be higher. The following groups were more likely to report COPD in 2013.²

Women.

People aged 65 to 74 years and ≥75 years.

American Indians/Alaska Natives and multiracial non-Hispanics.

People who were unemployed, retired, or unable to work.

People with less than a high school education.

People who were divorced, widowed, or separated.

Current or former smokers.

People with a history of asthma.

In the past, COPD was often thought of as a man's disease, but things have changed in the past couple of decades. Since 2000, more women than men have died from COPD in the United States.4 In 2017, chronic lower respiratory disease, primarily COPD, was the third leading cause of death among US women.4 The age-adjusted death rates for COPD have dropped among US men, but death rates have not changed for women.5 More women than men are also living with COPD in the United States.5

There are several reasons why COPD might affect women differently than men.6 Women tend to be diagnosed later than men, when the disease is more advanced and treatment is less effective. Women also seem to be more vulnerable to the effects of tobacco and other harmful substances, such as indoor air pollution. For example, tobacco smoke is the main cause of COPD in the United States, but women who smoke tend to get COPD at younger ages and with lower levels of smoking than men who smoke. There also appear to be differences in how women and men respond to different treatments.

What causes COPD?

In the United States, tobacco smoke is a key factor in the development and progression of COPD.7 Exposure to air pollutants in the home and workplace, genetic factors, and respiratory infections also play a role. In the developing world, indoor air quality is thought to play a larger role than it does in the United States. People should try to avoid inhaling tobacco smoke, home and workplace air pollutants, and respiratory infections to prevent developing COPD. Early detection of COPD may change its course and progress.

What are the complications or effects of COPD?

Compared to adults without COPD, those with this disease are more likely to:

Have activity limitations like difficulty walking or climbing stairs.²,⁸,⁹

Be unable to work.²,⁸

Need special equipment like portable oxygen tanks.²

Not engage in social activities like eating out, going to places of worship, going to group events, or getting together with friends or neighbors.⁹

Have increased confusion or memory loss.⁸

Have more emergency room visits or overnight hospital stays.¹⁰

Have other chronic diseases like arthritis, congestive heart failure, diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, or asthma.¹⁰,¹¹

Have depression or other mental or emotional conditions.¹⁰,¹¹

Report a fair or poor health status.¹²

How is COPD diagnosed?

A simple test, called spirometry, can be used to measure pulmonary-or lung-function and detect COPD in anyone with breathing problems.³,13

How is COPD treated?

Treatment of COPD requires a careful and thorough evaluation by a physician.³,¹³ COPD treatment can alleviate symptoms, decrease the frequency and severity of exacerbations, and increase exercise tolerance. Treatment options that your physician may consider include:

Quit smoking. For people who smoke, the most important part of treatment is smoking cessation.

Avoid tobacco smoke and other air pollutants at home and at work.

Ask your doctor about pulmonary rehabilitation, which is a personalized treatment program that teaches COPD management strategies to improve quality of life. Programs may include plans that teach people how to breathe better and conserve their energy, as well as provide advice on food and exercise.

Take medication. Symptoms such as coughing or wheezing can be treated with medication.

Avoid lung infections. Lung infections can cause serious problems in people with COPD. Certain vaccines, such as flu and pneumococcal vaccines, are especially important for people with COPD. Learn more about vaccination recommendations. Respiratory infections should be treated with antibiotics, if appropriate.

Use supplemental oxygen. Some people may need to use a portable oxygen tank if their blood oxygen levels are low.

To learn more about COPD, visit the Resources page.
References

1. National Center for Health Statistics. Health, United States 2015 with Special Feature on Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities. Hyattsville, MD: US Dept Health and Human Services; 2016.

2. Wheaton AG, Cunningham TJ, Ford ES, Croft JB. Employment and activity limitations among adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - United States, 2013. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2015:64 (11):290-295.

3. Mannino DM, Gagnon RC, Petty TL, Lydick E. Obstructive lung disease and low lung function in adults in the United States: data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1988-1994. Arch Intern Med. 2000;160:1683-1689.

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Vital Statistics System detailed mortality data at Wonder Database website. http://wonder.cdc.gov. Accessed July 3, 2019.

5. Ford ES, Croft JB, Mannino DM, Wheaton AG, Zhang X, Giles WH. COPD surveillance-United States, 1999-2011. Chest.2013;144(1):284-305. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3707177/external icon External. Accessed July 3, 2019.

6. Aryal S, Diaz-Guzman E, Mannino DM. Influence of sex on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease risk and treatment outcomes. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2014;9:1145-1154. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4206206/external icon . Accessed July 3, 2019.

7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Annual smoking-attributable mortality, years of potential life lost, and productivity losses - United States, 1997-2001. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2005;54(250):625-628.

8. Greenlund KJ, Liu Y, Deokar AJ, Wheaton AG, Croft JB. Association of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with increased confusion or memory loss and functional limitations among adults in 21 states, 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Prev Chronic Dis. 2016;13:150428. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd13.150428external icon .

9. Liu Y, Croft JB, Anderson LA, Wheaton AG, Presley-Cantrell LR, Ford ES. The association of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, disability, engagement in social activities, and mortality among US adults aged 70 years or older: 1994-2006. Int J COPD. 2014;9:75-83.

10. Wheaton AG, Ford ES, Cunningham TJ, Croft JB. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hospital visits, and comorbidities-National Survey of Residential Care Facilities, 2010. J Aging Health. 2015;27:480-499.

11. Cunningham TJ, Ford ES, Rolle IV, Wheaton AG, Croft JB. Association of self-reported cigarette smoking with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and co-morbid chronic conditions in the United States. COPD. 2015;12;276-286.

12. Wheaton AG, Ford ES, Thompson WW, Greenlund KJ, Presley-Cantrell LR, Croft JB. Pulmonary function, chronic respiratory symptoms, and health-related quality of life among adults in the United States-National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2010. BMC Public Health. 2013;13:854.

13. Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, Weinberger SE, et al. Diagnosis and management of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a clinical practice guideline update from the American College of Physicians, American College of Chest Physicians, American Thoracic Society, and European Respiratory Society. Annals Intern Med. 2011;155:179-191.

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chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (copd)

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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, refers to a group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems. It includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Symptoms of COPD include: Frequent coughing or wheezing. Excess phlegm, mucus, or sputum production. Shortness of breath. Trouble taking a deep breath.

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of serious disability for adults. 1,2 About 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke each year. ² Get more quick facts about stroke.

Stroke is preventable. You may be able to prevent stroke or lower your chances of having a stroke.

Stroke is treatable. Learn the signs of stroke, and call 9-1-1 right away if you think someone might be having a stroke. Getting fast treatment is important to preventing death and disability from stroke.

Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. Read these survivor stories to learn more about stroke, including how you may be at risk, how to recognize stroke, and what to do if stroke happens.

Join us in celebrating 15 years of stroke care through the Coverdell Program!

Learn more about the program's history, currently funded states, and partnership opportunities.

Stroke Communications Kit
Health professionals can share these social media messages, graphics, and resources to educate their audiences about the importance of stroke prevention.

Vital Signs: Preventing 1 Million Heart Attacks and Strokes
Heart disease and stroke are preventable, yet they remain leading causes of death, disability, and health care spending in the United States. Alarmingly, in 2016, more than 800,000 of these life-changing cardiovascular events happened to adults ages 35-64. The new CDC Vital Signs highlights how Million Hearts ® is focusing national efforts on preventing 1 million heart attacks and strokes by 2022. Learn how health systems and communities can keep people healthy, optimize care, and improve outcomes for priority populations.

DHDSP Recognizes Stroke Survivors
In observance of National Stroke Awareness Month this May, the Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention (DHDSP) is spotlighting stroke survivors and the importance of stroke awareness. Visit our new Survivor Stories webpage to learn more about stroke and how it can happen to anyone, even fitness enthusiasts and new moms.

1. Kochanek KD, Xu JQ, Murphy SL, Arias E. Mortality in the United States, 2013. NCHS Data Brief, No. 178. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services; 2014.

2. Mozzafarian D, Benjamin EJ, Go AS, Arnett DK, Blaha MJ, Cushman M, et al., on behalf of the American Heart Association Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Heart disease and stroke statistics-2016 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation 2016;133(4):e38-360.

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Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of serious disability for adults. 1,2 About 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke each year. 2 Get more quick facts about stroke. Stroke is preventable.

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Healthy Aging home | Healthy Aging for Older Adults | CDC

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CDC's Healthy Aging Program and The Healthy Brain Initiative to promote independence and wellbeing.

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The DDT home site features information on CDC's efforts on diabetes prevention and control.

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The Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Surveillance Project was created to provide a picture of CKD across the nation and reports aggregate data on various groups of people in the United States.

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The Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Initiative promotes kidney health by raising awareness to prevent and control risk factors for CKD and promoting early diagnosis to improve outcomes and quality of life for those living with CKD.

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Kidney Failure Disorder Glomerulonephritis (GN) Explained

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Nephrotic syndrome may occur when the filtering units of the kidney are damaged. This damage allows protein normally kept in the plasma to leak into the urine in large amounts, which reduces the amount of protein in your blood. Since the protein in the blood helps keep fluid in the bloodstream, some of this fluid leaks out of the bloodstream into your tissues, causing swelling, called edema. The swelling may be most noticeable in your legs after you have been standing and around your eyes when you first get up in the morning. Eventually, the swelling in your legs may be there all the time, and it may also occur in other parts of your body. You may notice that your urine foams more than usual because of the amount of protein in it.

How is nephrotic syndrome diagnosed?

A urine test can check for the amount of protein, blood and other things to indicate kidney damage. A blood test can indicate how well your kidneys are working. Your doctor will also check for other diseases that may be causing the nephrotic syndrome. Diagnosis may also require a kidney biopsy.

What causes nephrotic syndrome?

Nephrotic syndrome is not a specific kidney disease. It can occur in any kidney disease that damages the filtering units in a certain way that allows them to leak protein into the urine. Some of the diseases that cause nephrotic syndrome, such as nephritis, affect only the kidney. Other diseases that cause nephrotic syndrome, such as diabetes and lupus, affect other parts of the body as well.

How is nephrotic syndrome treated?

Some of the kidney diseases that cause nephrotic syndrome are treatable with medicine. Some may get better on their own, but others get worse and may lead to kidney failure no matter what treatment is used. Unfortunately, many diseases that cause nephrotic syndrome have no treatment. Only your doctor can find out what specific disease is causing you to have it.

What happens if there is no treatment for my nephrotic syndrome?

If your nephrotic syndrome is caused by a disease that has no specific treatment, help may still be available. Controlling your blood pressure is important. Reducing salt in your diet can help to control blood pressure and swelling (edema). Your doctor may also prescribe diuretics (water pills), which are prescribed for high blood pressure and can also help with swelling. The doctor may also prescribe the use of other blood pressure medicines that can also help reduce the protein in your urine.

Although the syndrome is caused by the loss of protein into your urine, eating a high-protein diet does not help and may actually make matters worse. Nephrotic syndrome may also cause an increase in fat in your blood. If the level of fats in your blood is too high, your doctor may recommend treatments to lower the levels of fat in your blood.

Nephrotic Syndrome: What You Need to Know
This educational resource was originally offered in the form of a printed, 25 sheet tear-off pad of easy-to-understand fact sheets informing patients about Nephrotic Syndrome. The information is intended as a resource for patients to reinforce learning.
Download in English
See also in this A-Z guide:
If you would like more information, please contact us.

© 2015 National Kidney Foundation. All rights reserved. This material does not constitute medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. Please consult a physician for specific treatment recommendations.

The information shared on our websites is information developed solely from internal experts on the subject matter, including medical advisory boards, who have developed guidelines for our patient content. This material does not constitute medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. No one associated with the National Kidney Foundation will answer medical questions via e-mail. Please consult a physician for specific treatment recommendations.

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Nephrotic syndrome may occur when the filtering units of the kidney are damaged. This damage allows protein normally kept in the plasma to leak into the urine in large amounts, which reduces the amount of protein in your blood.

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Mayo Clinic Minute: Get the Facts on Type 2 Diabetes

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Diabetes Research, Education, Advocacy | ADA

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Leading the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes for those affected by it through research funding, community services, education and advocacy.

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Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States.

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts (or ruptures). When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it and brain cells die.

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Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States.

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COPD is the third leading cause of death. In most cases, smoking causes this lung disease, but there are other causes.

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At Cancer Treatment Centers of America ® (CTCA), our experts treat all stages of cancer. Learn more about the different types of cancer we treat, including information on symptoms, risk factors and more, by exploring the links below.

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Types of Cancer: Learn About Cancer Types & Treatment Options

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At Cancer Treatment Centers of America ® (CTCA), our experts treat all stages of cancer. Learn more about the different types of cancer we treat, including information on symptoms, risk factors and more, by exploring the links below.

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The Definition of Cancer

Cancer is a disease in which some of the body's cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body.

Cancer can start almost anywhere in the human body, which is made up of trillions of cells. Normally, human cells grow and multiply (through a process called cell division) to form new cells as the body needs them. When cells grow old or become damaged, they die, and new cells take their place.

Sometimes this orderly process breaks down, and abnormal or damaged cells grow and multiply when they shouldn't. These cells may form tumors, which are lumps of tissue. Tumors can be cancerous or not cancerous ( benign).

Cancerous tumors spread into, or invade, nearby tissues and can travel to distant places in the body to form new tumors (a process called metastasis). Cancerous tumors may also be called malignant tumors. Many cancers form solid tumors, but cancers of the blood, such as leukemias, generally do not.

Benign tumors do not spread into, or invade, nearby tissues. When removed, benign tumors usually don't grow back, whereas cancerous tumors sometimes do. Benign tumors can sometimes be quite large, however. Some can cause serious symptoms or be life threatening, such as benign tumors in the brain.

Differences between Cancer Cells and Normal Cells

Cancer cells differ from normal cells in many ways. For instance, cancer cells:

grow in the absence of signals telling them to grow. Normal cells only grow when they receive such signals.

ignore signals that normally tell cells to stop dividing or to die (a process known as programmed cell death, or apoptosis).

invade into nearby areas and spread to other areas of the body. Normal cells stop growing when they encounter other cells, and most normal cells do not move around the body.

tell blood vessels to grow toward tumors. These blood vessels supply tumors with oxygen and nutrients and remove waste products from tumors.

hide from the immune system. The immune system normally eliminates damaged or abnormal cells.

trick the immune system into helping cancer cells stay alive and grow. For instance, some cancer cells convince immune cells to protect the tumor instead of attacking it.

accumulate multiple changes in their chromosomes, such as duplications and deletions of chromosome parts. Some cancer cells have double the normal number of chromosomes.

rely on different kinds of nutrients than normal cells. In addition, some cancer cells make energy from nutrients in a different way than most normal cells. This lets cancer cells grow more quickly.

Many times, cancer cells rely so heavily on these abnormal behaviors that they can't survive without them. Researchers have taken advantage of this fact, developing therapies that target the abnormal features of cancer cells. For example, some cancer therapies prevent blood vessels from growing toward tumors, essentially starving the tumor of needed nutrients.

How Does Cancer Develop?

Cancer is a genetic disease-that is, it is caused by changes to genes that control the way our cells function, especially how they grow and divide.

Genetic changes that cause cancer can happen because:

of errors that occur as cells divide.

of damage to DNA caused by harmful substances in the environment, such as the chemicals in tobacco smoke and ultraviolet rays from the sun. (Our Cancer Causes and Prevention section has more information.)

they were inherited from our parents.

The body normally eliminates cells with damaged DNA before they turn cancerous. But the body's ability to do so goes down as we age. This is part of the reason why there is a higher risk of cancer later in life.

Each person's cancer has a unique combination of genetic changes. As the cancer continues to grow, additional changes will occur. Even within the same tumor, different cells may have different genetic changes.

When Cancer Spreads

A cancer that has spread from the place where it first formed to another place in the body is called metastatic cancer. The process by which cancer cells spread to other parts of the body is called metastasis.

Metastatic cancer has the same name and the same type of cancer cells as the original, or primary, cancer. For example, breast cancer that forms a metastatic tumor in the lung is metastatic breast cancer, not lung cancer.

Under a microscope, metastatic cancer cells generally look the same as cells of the original cancer. Moreover, metastatic cancer cells and cells of the original cancer usually have some molecular features in common, such as the presence of specific chromosome changes.

In some cases, treatment may help prolong the lives of people with metastatic cancer. In other cases, the primary goal of treatment for metastatic cancer is to control the growth of the cancer or to relieve symptoms it is causing. Metastatic tumors can cause severe damage to how the body functions, and most people who die of cancer die of metastatic disease.

Types of Cancer

There are more than 100 types of cancer. Types of cancer are usually named for the organs or tissues where the cancers form. For example, lung cancer starts in the lung, and brain cancer starts in the brain. Cancers also may be described by the type of cell that formed them, such as an epithelial cell or a squamous cell.

You can search NCI's website for information on specific types of cancer based on the cancer's location in the body or by using our A to Z List of Cancers. We also have information on childhood cancers and cancers in adolescents and young adults.

Here are some categories of cancers that begin in specific types of cells:

Carcinoma

Carcinomas are the most common type of cancer. They are formed by epithelial cells, which are the cells that cover the inside and outside surfaces of the body. There are many types of epithelial cells, which often have a column-like shape when viewed under a microscope.

Carcinomas that begin in different epithelial cell types have specific names:

Adenocarcinoma is a cancer that forms in epithelial cells that produce fluids or mucus. Tissues with this type of epithelial cell are sometimes called glandular tissues. Most cancers of the breast, colon, and prostate are adenocarcinomas.

Basal cell carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the lower or basal (base) layer of the epidermis, which is a person's outer layer of skin.

Squamous cell carcinoma is a cancer that forms in squamous cells, which are epithelial cells that lie just beneath the outer surface of the skin. Squamous cells also line many other organs, including the stomach, intestines, lungs, bladder, and kidneys. Squamous cells look flat, like fish scales, when viewed under a microscope. Squamous cell carcinomas are sometimes called epidermoid carcinomas.

Transitional cell carcinoma is a cancer that forms in a type of epithelial tissue called transitional epithelium, or urothelium. This tissue, which is made up of many layers of epithelial cells that can get bigger and smaller, is found in the linings of the bladder, ureters, and part of the kidneys (renal pelvis), and a few other organs. Some cancers of the bladder, ureters, and kidneys are transitional cell carcinomas.

Sarcoma

Sarcomas are cancers that form in bone and soft tissues, including muscle, fat, blood vessels, lymph vessels, and fibrous tissue (such as tendons and ligaments).

Osteosarcoma is the most common cancer of bone. The most common types of soft tissue sarcoma are leiomyosarcoma, Kaposi sarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, liposarcoma, and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.

Our page on soft tissue sarcoma has more information.

Leukemia

Cancers that begin in the blood-forming tissue of the bone marrow are called leukemias. These cancers do not form solid tumors. Instead, large numbers of abnormal white blood cells (leukemia cells and leukemic blast cells) build up in the blood and bone marrow, crowding out normal blood cells. The low level of normal blood cells can make it harder for the body to get oxygen to its tissues, control bleeding, or fight infections.

There are four common types of leukemia, which are grouped based on how quickly the disease gets worse (acute or chronic) and on the type of blood cell the cancer starts in (lymphoblastic or myeloid). Acute forms of leukemia grow quickly and chronic forms grow more slowly.

Our page on leukemia has more information.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is cancer that begins in lymphocytes (T cells or B cells). These are disease-fighting white blood cells that are part of the immune system. In lymphoma, abnormal lymphocytes build up in lymph nodes and lymph vessels, as well as in other organs of the body.

There are two main types of lymphoma:

Hodgkin lymphoma - People with this disease have abnormal lymphocytes that are called Reed-Sternberg cells. These cells usually form from B cells.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma - This is a large group of cancers that start in lymphocytes. The cancers can grow quickly or slowly and can form from B cells or T cells.

Our page on lymphoma has more information.

Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is cancer that begins in plasma cells, another type of immune cell. The abnormal plasma cells, called myeloma cells, build up in the bone marrow and form tumors in bones all through the body. Multiple myeloma is also called plasma cell myeloma and Kahler disease.

Our page on multiple myeloma and other plasma cell neoplasms has more information.

Melanoma

Melanoma is cancer that begins in cells that become melanocytes, which are specialized cells that make melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color). Most melanomas form on the skin, but melanomas can also form in other pigmented tissues, such as the eye.

Our pages on skin cancer and intraocular melanoma have more information.

Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors

There are different types of brain and spinal cord tumors. These tumors are named based on the type of cell in which they formed and where the tumor first formed in the central nervous system. For example, an astrocytic tumor begins in star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes, which help keep nerve cells healthy. Brain tumors can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer).

Our page on brain and spinal cord tumors has more information.

Other Types of Tumors

Germ Cell Tumors

Germ cell tumors are a type of tumor that begins in the cells that give rise to sperm or eggs. These tumors can occur almost anywhere in the body and can be either benign or malignant.

Our page of cancers by body location/system includes a list of germ cell tumors with links to more information.

Neuroendocrine Tumors

Neuroendocrine tumors form from cells that release hormones into the blood in response to a signal from the nervous system. These tumors, which may make higher-than-normal amounts of hormones, can cause many different symptoms. Neuroendocrine tumors may be benign or malignant.

Our definition of neuroendocrine tumors has more information.

Carcinoid Tumors

Carcinoid tumors are a type of neuroendocrine tumor. They are slow-growing tumors that are usually found in the gastrointestinal system (most often in the rectum and small intestine). Carcinoid tumors may spread to the liver or other sites in the body, and they may secrete substances such as serotonin or prostaglandins, causing carcinoid syndrome.

Our page on gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors has more information.

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Explanations about what cancer is, how cancer cells differ from normal cells, and genetic changes that cause cancer to grow and spread.

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Information and Resources about for Cancer: Breast, Colon, Lung, Prostate, Skin

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Dedicated to helping people who face cancer. Learn about cancer research, patient services, early detection, treatment and education at cancer.org.

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The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy.

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Mayo Clinic Minute: What is heart disease?

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American Heart Association | To be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives

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Learn more about the American Heart Association's efforts to reduce death caused by heart disease and stroke. Also learn about cardiovascular conditions, ECC and CPR, donating, heart disease information for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and educators and healthy living.

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Heart disease: 695,547

Cancer: 605,213

COVID-19: 416,893

Accidents (unintentional injuries): 224,935

Stroke (cerebrovascular diseases): 162,890

Chronic lower respiratory diseases: 142,342

Alzheimer's disease: 119,399

Diabetes: 103,294

Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis : 56,585

Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis: 54,358

Source: Mortality in the United States, 2021, data table for figure 4

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FastStats is an official application from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) and puts access to topic-specific statistics at your fingertips.

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Cancer is the name given to a collection of related diseases.

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Infectious Diseases

Coronaviruses are a type of virus. There are many different kinds, and some cause disease. A coronavirus identified in 2019, SARS-CoV-2, has caused a pandemic of respiratory illness, called COVID-19.

How does the coronavirus spread?

As of now, researchers know that the coronavirus is spread through droplets and virus particles released into the air when an infected person breathes, talks, laughs, sings, coughs or sneezes. Larger droplets may fall to the ground in a few seconds, but tiny infectious particles can linger in the air and accumulate in indoor places, especially where many people are gathered and there is poor ventilation. This is why mask-wearing, hand hygiene and physical distancing are essential to preventing COVID-19.

How did the coronavirus start?

The first case of COVID-19 was reported Dec. 1, 2019, and the cause was a then-new coronavirus later named SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 may have originated in an animal and changed (mutated) so it could cause illness in humans. In the past, several infectious disease outbreaks have been traced to viruses originating in birds, pigs, bats and other animals that mutated to become dangerous to humans. Research continues, and more study may reveal how and why the coronavirus evolved to cause pandemic disease.

What is the incubation period for COVID-19?

Symptoms show up in people within two to 14 days of exposure to the virus. A person infected with the coronavirus is contagious to others for up to two days before symptoms appear, and they remain contagious to others for 10 to 20 days, depending upon their immune system and the severity of their illness.

What have you learned about coronavirus in the last six months?

Infectious disease expert Lisa Maragakis explains the advances in COVID-19 treatments and how knowledge of COVID-19 can assist in preventing further spread of the virus.

What are symptoms of coronavirus?

COVID-19 symptoms include:

Cough

Fever or chills

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Muscle or body aches

Sore throat

New loss of taste or smell

Diarrhea

Headache

New fatigue

Nausea or vomiting

Congestion or runny nose

Some people infected with the coronavirus have mild COVID-19 illness, and others have no symptoms at all. In some cases, however, COVID-19 can lead to respiratory failure, lasting lung and heart muscle damage, nervous system problems, kidney failure or death.

If you have a fever or any of the symptoms listed above, call your doctor or a health care provider and explain your symptoms over the phone before going to the doctor's office, urgent care facility or emergency room. Here are suggestions if you feel sick and are concerned you might have COVID-19.
CALL 911 if you have a medical emergency such as severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
Learn more about COVID-19 symptoms.

How is COVID-19 diagnosed?

COVID-19 is diagnosed through a test. Diagnosis by examination alone is difficult since many COVID-19 signs and symptoms can be caused by other illnesses. Some people with the coronavirus do not have symptoms at all. Learn more about COVID-19 testing.

How is COVID-19 treated?

Treatment for COVID-19 depends on the severity of the infection. For milder illness, resting at home and taking medicine to reduce fever is often sufficient. More severe cases may require hospitalization, with treatment that might include intravenous medications, supplemental oxygen, assisted ventilation and other supportive measures

How do you protect yourself from this?

There are several COVID-19 vaccines recommended by the CDC. It is also important to receive a booster when you are eligible.

In addition, it helps to keep up with other safety precautions, such as following testing guidelines, wearing a mask, washing your hands and practicing physical distancing.

Does COVID-19 cause death?

Yes, severe COVID-19 can be fatal. For updates of coronavirus infections, deaths and vaccinations worldwide, see the Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases map developed by the Johns Hopkins Center for Systems Science and Engineering.

Two COVID-19 vaccines - Pfizer and Moderna - have been fully approved by the FDA and recommended by the CDC as highly effective in preventing serious disease, hospitalization and death from COVID-19.

The CDC notes that in most situations the two mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are preferred over the Johnson & Johnson vaccine due to a risk of serious adverse events.

It is also important to receive a booster when eligible. You can get any of these three authorized or approved vaccines, but the CDC explains that Pfizer and Moderna are preferred in most situations.

Why is it called coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are named for their appearance: "corona" means "crown." The virus's outer layers are covered with spike proteins that surround them like a crown.

Is this coronavirus different from SARS?

SARS stands for severe acute respiratory syndrome. In 2003, an outbreak of SARS affected people in several countries before ending in 2004. The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is similar to the one that caused the 2003 SARS outbreak.

Since the 2019 coronavirus is related to the original coronavirus that caused SARS and can also cause severe acute respiratory syndrome, there is "SARS" in its name: SARS-CoV-2. Much is still unknown about these viruses, but SARS-CoV-2 spreads faster and farther than the 2003 SARS-CoV-1 virus. This is likely because of how easily it is transmitted person to person, even from asymptomatic carriers of the virus.

Are there different variants of this coronavirus?

Yes, there are different variants of this coronavirus. Like other viruses, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can change (mutate). Mutations may enable the coronavirus to spread faster from person to person as in the case of the delta and omicron variants. More infections can result in more people getting very sick and also create more opportunity for the virus to develop further mutations. Read more about coronavirus variants.

Coronavirus: What do I do if I Feel Sick?

If you are concerned that you may have COVID-19, follow these steps to help protect your health and the health of others.

About Coronaviruses

Coronaviruses are common in different animals. Rarely, an animal coronavirus can infect humans.

There are many different kinds of coronaviruses. Some of them can cause colds or other mild respiratory (nose, throat, lung) illnesses.

Other coronaviruses can cause serious diseases, including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

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Infectious Diseases Coronaviruses are a type of virus. There are many different kinds, and some cause disease. A coronavirus identified in 2019, SARS-CoV-2, has caused a pandemic of respiratory illness, called COVID-19. As of now, researchers know that the coronavirus is spread through droplets and virus particles released into the air when an infected person breathes, talks, laughs, sings, coughs or sneezes.

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Important update: Healthcare facilities

CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more

COVID-19 Vaccines Are Safe, Effective, and Free

Everyone 6 months and older should get an updated COVID-19 vaccine.

Stay Up to Date

To find COVID-19 vaccine locations near you:

Message & data rates may apply. Terms of Service

Healthcare and Public Health

Search for and find historical COVID-19 pages and files. Please note the content on these pages and files is no longer being updated and may be out of date.

Visit archive.cdc.gov for a historical snapshot of the COVID-19 website, capturing the end of the Federal Public Health Emergency on June 28, 2023.

Visit the dynamic COVID-19 collection to search the COVID-19 website as far back as July 30, 2021.

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Learn about COVID-19 vaccine planning, how vaccine recommendations will be made, and the work going into ensuring the safety of COVID-19 vaccines.

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Perspectives on the global response to the novel coronavirus

Instead of reacting to the identification of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 with travel bans and fear, the world should be lauding southern African scientists, investing in their research capacity, and addressing vast inequities in vaccine distribution.

Our work responding to COVID-19

Vaccine Development & Surveillance

The Vaccine Development & Surveillance team invests in expertise and platform technologies that help us make vaccines faster, better, and cheaper.

Discovery & Translational Sciences

The Discovery & Translational Sciences team invests in the development of new, better, more affordable, and more easily disseminated tools that can have transformational impact on global health and development.

COVID-19 FAQ

Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the foundation's response to COVID-19.

Read the FAQ

Sign up for The Optimist newsletter

Subscribe to The Optimist to get weekly updates on the latest in global health, gender equality, education, and more.

How the world needs to respond to a global pandemic

This global crisis requires a shared global response: Collaboration is paramount to overcoming unprecedented challenges and ending the acute phase of COVID-19. Together, we can ensure that safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, treatments, and tests are available to every last person on earth-not just those with the ability to pay. The virus does not adhere to borders, and neither should our most effective tools to fight it. A global response must also aim to build more resilient health systems that can quickly identify emerging outbreaks and help protect the world's most vulnerable people.

There is no such thing as a national solution to a global crisis. All countries must work together to end the pandemic and begin rebuilding economies.

How the Gates Foundation is responding to COVID-19

We remain committed to providing resources and funding to help end the acute COVID-19 crisis around the world. In addition to our more than US$1.9 billion in contributions since the pandemic began, we are working on strategic long-term initiatives, including efforts to address barriers to gender equality and ensure an inclusive and equitable economic recovery.

Gender equality and COVID-19

COVID-19 has greatly affected not only low-and middle-income economies, but the gender divide in employment continues to grow. The International Labour Organization reports that women's employment worldwide should have 13 million less jobs after the pandemic, when compared to 2019. Conversely, men's employment is estimated to mostly recover to 2019 levels.

Childcare during COVID-19

Current needs in the post-COVID-19 landscape means that expanding international quality child care programs can help alleviate poverty, increase education opportunities, and help create 43 million jobs worldwide.
Read more

Discover more

Explore additional COVID-19 content

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Perspectives on the global response to the novel coronavirus Instead of reacting to the identification of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 with travel bans and fear, the world should be lauding southern African scientists, investing in their research capacity, and addressing vast inequities in vaccine distribution.

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What is Chronic Liver Disease - Johns Hopkins 

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What is Chronic Liver Disease - Johns Hopkins 

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What is cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis is when scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue. This stops the liver from working normally.

Cirrhosis is a long-term (chronic) liver disease. The damage to your liver builds up over time.

The liver is your body's largest internal organ. It lies up under your ribs on the right side of your belly.

The liver does many important things including:

Removes waste from the body, such as toxins and medicines

Makes bile to help digest food

Stores sugar that the body uses for energy

Makes new proteins

When you have cirrhosis, scar tissue slows the flow of blood through the liver. Over time, the liver can't work the way it should.

In severe cases, the liver gets so badly damaged that it stops working. This is called liver failure.

What causes cirrhosis?

The most common causes of cirrhosis are:

Hepatitis and other viruses

Alcohol abuse

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (this happens from metabolic syndrome and is caused by conditions such as obesity, high cholesterol and triglycerides, and high blood pressure)

Other less common causes of cirrhosis may include:

Autoimmune disorders, where the body's infection-fighting system (immune system) attacks healthy tissue

Blocked or damaged tubes (bile ducts) that carry bile from the liver to the intestine

Use of certain medicines

Exposure to certain toxic chemicals

Repeated episodes of heart failure with blood buildup in the liver

Parasite infections

Some diseases passed from parent to child (inherited diseases) may also cause cirrhosis. These may include:

Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency

High blood galactose levels

Glycogen storage diseases

Cystic fibrosis

Porphyria (a disorder in which certain chemicals build up in the blood)

Hereditary buildup of too much copper (Wilson disease) or iron (hemochromatosis) in the body

What are the symptoms of cirrhosis?

Your symptoms may vary, depending on how severe your cirrhosis is. Mild cirrhosis may not cause any symptoms at all.

Symptoms may include:

Fluid buildup in the belly (ascites)

Vomiting blood, often from bleeding in the blood vessels in the food pipe (esophagus)

Gallstones

Itching

Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

Kidney failure

Muscle loss

Loss of appetite

Easy bruising

Spider-like veins in the skin

Low energy and weakness (fatigue)

Weight loss

Confusion as toxins build up in the blood

The symptoms of cirrhosis may look like other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider to be sure.

How is cirrhosis diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will look at your past health. He or she will give you a physical exam.

You may also have tests including:

Blood tests. These will include liver function tests to see if the liver is working the way it should. You may also have tests to see if your blood is able to clot.

Liver biopsy. Small tissue samples are taken from the liver with a needle or during surgery. The samples are checked under a microscope to find out the type of liver disease.

Your healthcare provider may want you to have imaging tests including:

CT scan (computed tomography). This is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. A CT scan shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). This test makes detailed pictures of organs and structures inside your body. It uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy. A dye may be shot (injected) into your vein. The dye helps the liver and other organs to be seen more clearly on the scan.

Ultrasound. This shows your internal organs as they work. It checks how blood is flowing through different blood vessels. It uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs.

You may also have an upper endoscopy (EGD). A lighted flexible camera is placed through your mouth into your upper digestive tract to look for enlarged blood vessels that are at risk of bleeding because of your cirrhosis.
If you have fluid in the belly (ascites), you may need a low sodium diet, water pills (diuretics), and removal of the fluid with a needle (paracentesis).

How is cirrhosis treated?

Cirrhosis is a progressive liver disease that happens over time. The damage to your liver can sometimes reverse or improve if the trigger is gone, such as stop drinking alcohol or if the virus is treated.

The goal of treatment is to slow down the buildup of scar tissue and prevent or treat other health problems.

In many cases, you may be able to delay or stop any more liver damage. If you have hepatitis, it may be treated to delay worsening of your liver disease.

Your treatment may include:

Eating a healthy diet, low in sodium

Not having alcohol or illegal drugs

Managing any health problems that happen because of cirrhosis

Talk to your healthcare provider before taking prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, or vitamins.

If you have severe cirrhosis, treatment can't control other problems. A liver transplant may be needed.

Other treatments may be specific to your cause of cirrhosis, such as controlling excessive iron or copper levels, or using immune suppressing medicines.

Be sure to ask your healthcare provider about recommended vaccines. These include vaccines for viruses that can cause liver disease.

What are the complications of cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis can cause other health problems such as:

Portal hypertension. The portal vein carries blood from your intestines and spleen to your liver. Cirrhosis slows the normal flow of blood. That raises the pressure in the portal vein. This is called portal hypertension.

Enlarged blood vessels. Portal hypertension may cause abnormal blood vessels in the stomach (called portal gastropathy and vascular ectasia) or enlarged veins in the stomach and the food pipe or esophagus (called varices). These blood vessels are more likely to burst due to thin walls and higher pressure. If they burst, severe bleeding can happen. Seek medical attention right away.

Ascites. Fluid collecting in your belly. This can become infected.

Kidney disease or failure

Easy bruising and severe bleeding. This happens when the liver stops making proteins that are needed for your blood to clot.

Type 2 diabetes. When you have cirrhosis, your body does not use insulin properly (insulin resistance). The pancreas tries to keep up with the need for insulin by making more, but blood sugar (glucose) builds up. This causes type 2 diabetes.

Liver cancer

Key points about cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is when scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue. This stops the liver from working normally.

Cirrhosis is a long-term (chronic) liver disease.

The most common causes are hepatitis and other viruses, and alcohol abuse. Other medical problems can also cause it.

The damage to the liver usually can't be reversed.

The goal of treatment is to slow down the buildup of scar tissue and prevent or treat any problems that happen.

In severe cases, you may need a liver transplant.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.

Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.

Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.

At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.

Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.

Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.

Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.

Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.

If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.

Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.

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Cirrhosis is when scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue. This stops the liver from working normally. Cirrhosis is a long-term liver disease. The damage to your liver builds up over time.

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Liver Disease - Cirrhosis - Liver Cancer 

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Liver Disease - Cirrhosis - Liver Cancer 

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Liver Disease - Causes - Symptoms - Diagnosis and Treatments

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Liver Disease - Causes - Symptoms - Diagnosis and Treatments

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What causes liver failure?

Many different diseases and conditions cause liver failure, including Hepatitis B and C, non-alcohol related fatty liver disease, alcohol abuse and hemochromatosis.

In many cases, chronic liver failure results from cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is the scarring of your liver from repeated or long-lasting injury, such as from drinking alcohol excessively over a long period of time or chronic hepatitis infection. As scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue, your liver loses its ability to function.

Acute liver failure is most often caused by:

Viral infections, such as Hepatitis B.

The overuse of certain drugs or toxins, like acetaminophen (Tylenol®), and the use of other medications (including certain antibiotics, antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, man-made hormones and antifungal drugs) and herbs (green tea extract and kava).

Metabolic (biologic) or vascular (vessels that carry fluids, such as arteries) disorders, such as Wilson disease and autoimmune hepatitis.

What are the symptoms of liver failure?

Liver failure can take years to develop. The symptoms of liver failure often look like symptoms of other medical conditions, which can make it hard to diagnose in its early stages. Symptoms get worse as your failing liver continues to get weaker.

Chronic liver failure, or liver failure that occurs over many years, may cause:

As liver failure advances, symptoms become more severe. In later stages, symptoms of liver failure may include:

Jaundice (yellowing of your skin and eyes).

Extreme tiredness.

Disorientation (confusion and uncertainty).

Fluid buildup in your abdomen and extremities (arms and legs).

Sometimes, your liver fails suddenly, which is known as acute liver failure. People with acute liver failure may have the following symptoms:

Bleeding.

Changes in mental status.

Musty or sweet breath odor.

Movement problems.

Loss of appetite.

General feeling of being unwell.

Jaundice.

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Liver Failure: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatments & Prevention

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Read about liver failure from Cleveland Clinic. Learn the signs and symptoms of liver failure, the causes and treatments, and how to prevent it.

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Facts at-a-Glance

1. Cirrhosis refers to the replacement of normal liver tissue with non-living scar tissue. It is always related to other liver diseases.

2. The most common causes of Cirrhosis are Hepatitis C, Alcohol-related Liver Disease, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, and Hepatitis B.

3. Many people with Cirrhosis have no symptoms in the early stages of the disease.

4. Alcohol remains the second most common cause of liver Cirrhosis after hepatitis C virus.

Information for the Newly Diagnosed

What is cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis is the scarring of the liver - hard scar tissue replaces soft healthy tissue. It is caused by swelling and inflammation.

As cirrhosis becomes worse, the liver will have less healthy tissue. If cirrhosis is not treated, the liver will fail and will not be able to work well or at all.

What causes cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis is caused by chronic (long-term) liver diseases that damage liver tissue. It can take many years for liver damage to lead to cirrhosis.

Chronic Alcoholism
Chronic alcoholism is one of the leading causes of cirrhosis in the United States. Drinking too much alcohol can cause the liver to swell, which over time can lead to cirrhosis. The amount of alcohol that causes cirrhosis is different for each person.

Chronic Viral Hepatitis
Chronic hepatitis C is the another leading cause of cirrhosis in the United States. Hepatitis C causes the liver to swell, which over time can lead to cirrhosis. About one in four people with chronic hepatitis C develop cirrhosis. Chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis D also can cause cirrhosis.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
Fat build up in the liver that is not caused by alcohol use, is called Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), which can lead to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH can cause the liver to swell and can lead to cirrhosis. People with NASH often have other health issues including diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease and poor eating habits.

Bile Duct Disease
Bile duct disease limits or stops bile from flowing to the small intestine. The bile backs up in the liver causing the liver to swell and can lead to cirrhosis. Two common bile duct diseases are primary sclerosing cholangitis and primary biliary cirrhosis.

Genetic diseases
Some genetic diseases can lead to cirrhosis. These diseases include Wilson disease, hemochromatosis, glycogen storage diseases, Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and autoimmune hepatitis.

What are the symptoms and complications of cirrhosis?

There are usually no symptoms of cirrhosis in its early stage. Over time, cirrhosis may cause symptoms and complications:
Symptoms

Loss of appetite

Tiredness

Nausea

Weight loss

Abdominal pain

Spider-like blood vessels

Severe itching

Complications

Jaundice, a yellow discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes

Bruising and bleeding easily

Fluid build up and painful swelling of the legs (edema) and abdomen (ascites)

Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE), a buildup of toxins in the brain that causes confusion, as well as both mental and physical complications

Liver Cancer

How is cirrhosis diagnosed?

Cirrhosis is diagnosed by symptoms, blood tests, medical history, and physical examination. A liver biopsy may be needed to check how much of the liver has been damaged. During a biopsy, a small piece of liver tissue is removed and studied in the lab, and additional imaging may be needed.

How is cirrhosis treated?

Treatment options for cirrhosis depend on the cause and the level of liver damage. Depending on the disease causing cirrhosis, medications or lifestyle changes may be used for treatment. The goals of treatment are to prevent further liver damage and reduce complications.

When cirrhosis cannot be treated, the condition is known as End-Stage Liver Disease, or ESLD. ESLD includes a subgroup of patients with cirrhosis who have signs of decompensation that is generally irreversible with medical management other than transplant. Decompensation includes hepatic encephalopathy, variceal bleed, kidney impairment, ascites, lung issues. The decompensated liver disease allows these ESLD patients to be prioritized on the transplant list

What's the best way to manage cirrhosis?

It is possible to prevent further liver damage with proper management of cirrhosis.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle (eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly)

Limit salt in your diet to prevent or reduce fluid buildup

Avoid raw shellfish

Stop drinking alcohol

Talk to your doctor about all of the medications, vitamins and supplements you take.

Talk to your doctor about hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccinations

Practice safe sex

Use clean needles for tattoos or piercings

Do not share needles, razors, toothbrushes or other personal items with others

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

What is the severity of my cirrhosis? What stage am I in?

What is the underlying cause of my cirrhosis?

Will I need a liver biopsy?

Will I need a liver transplant?

What kinds of lifestyle changes should I be making?

Will I have routine labs and scans to check my risks of developing liver cancer?

Can we review which medications I am prescribed and make sure I am on the appropriate?

Patient Stories

Search for a Clinical Trial

Clinical trials are research studies that test how well new medical approaches work in people. Before an experimental treatment can be tested on human subjects in a clinical trial, it must have shown benefit in laboratory testing or animal research studies. The most promising treatments are then moved into clinical trials, with the goal of identifying new ways to safely and effectively prevent, screen for, diagnose, or treat a disease.

Speak with your doctor about the ongoing progress and results of these trials to get the most up-to-date information on new treatments. Participating in a clinical trial is a great way to contribute to curing, preventing and treating liver disease and its complications.

Start your search here to find clinical trials that need people like you.

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Cirrhosis of the Liver: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

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Cirrhosis is caused by chronic (long-term) liver diseases that damage liver tissue. It can take many years for liver damage to lead to cirrhosis.