The underlying cause of psoriasis

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KM is a 38-year-old white woman with a 6-year history of psoriasis. Her family history includes allergies and asthma and her mother with psoriasis. KM returns today for an increase in symptoms, and she wants to improve the appearance of her skin. Please discuss the following:
What is the underlying cause of psoriasis?
What are the common signs and symptoms of this disease?

Define, Compare and Contrast the following conditions:
Fibrocystic breast disease
Fibroadenoma
Malignant breast tumor

Sample Solution

Underlying Cause: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease caused by an overactive immune system. This overactivity leads to rapid skin cell growth, resulting in thick, scaly patches. The exact cause of this immune system overreaction is not fully understood, but it is thought to be influenced by genetic factors and environmental triggers.

Common Signs and Symptoms:

  • Plaques: Raised, red, scaly patches on the skin, often on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
  • Itching: Intense itching can be a significant symptom of psoriasis.
  • Burning or soreness: The plaques may feel tender or painful.
  • Cracking and bleeding: The thick, scaly patches can crack and bleed, especially if they are not moisturized properly.
  • Nail changes: Psoriasis can affect the nails, causing them to become thickened, pitted, or discolored.
  • Joint pain: Psoriasis can also lead to psoriatic arthritis, a type of arthritis that affects the joints.

Fibrocystic Breast Disease, Fibroadenoma, and Malignant Breast Tumor

Fibrocystic Breast Disease: This is a common condition characterized by the development of benign lumps or cysts in the breast tissue. It is often associated with hormonal fluctuations, especially during the menstrual cycle. Symptoms may include breast tenderness, swelling, and lumps.

Fibroadenoma: A fibroadenoma is a benign tumor that is composed of fibrous and glandular tissue. It often appears as a smooth, rubbery lump in the breast. Fibroadenomas are typically painless and do not pose a significant health risk.

Malignant Breast Tumor: A malignant breast tumor, also known as breast cancer, is a cancerous growth that can invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms may include a lump or thickening in the breast, changes in the breast’s shape or size, nipple discharge, or skin changes.

Comparison and Contrast:

Feature Fibrocystic Breast Disease Fibroadenoma Malignant Breast Tumor
Nature Benign condition Benign tumor Malignant tumor
Symptoms Tenderness, swelling, lumps Lump, usually painless Lump, thickening, discharge, skin changes
Risk of cancer Low Low High
Treatment Hormonal therapy, pain management Observation, surgery if necessary Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy

It is important to note that while fibrocystic breast disease and fibroadenomas are generally benign, any changes in the breast should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out the possibility of a malignant tumor.

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