Health Library

Kaposi’s sarcoma is a cancerous of the connective tissue, and is often associated with .

Karyotyping is a test to examine chromosomes in a sample of cells, which can help identify genetic problems as the cause of a disorder or disease. This test can: Count the number of chromosomes Look for structural changes in chromosomes

Kawasaki disease is a rare condition in children that involves inflammation of the blood vessels.

Kegel exercises are a series of pelvic muscle exercises designed to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor.

Keloids are the excess growth of scar tissue at the site of a healed skin injury.

Keratoconus is degeneration of the structure of the cornea. The cornea is the clear tissue covering the front of the eye. The shape of the cornea slowly changes from the normal round shape to a cone shape.

Keratosis obturans is the build up of extra skin cells and flakey skin in the ear canal. It may be associated with pain or mild hearing loss.

Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition in which a protein in the skin called keratin forms hard plugs within hair follicles.

Kernicterus is a rare neurological condition that occurs in some newborns with severe jaundice. See also:

Kerosene is an oil used as a fuel for lamps, as well as heating and cooking. This article discusses the harmful effects from swallowing or breathing in kerosene. This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you ...

A ketones urine test measures the presence or absence of ketones in the urine.

Ketoprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Ketoprofen occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication. This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. ...

Kidney disease is any disease or disorder that affects the function of the kidneys. This may include: ()

Kidney function tests are common lab tests used to evaluate how well the kidneys are working. See links below for details of how each test is performed:

Kidney removal, or nephrectomy, is surgery to remove all or part of a kidney. It may involve: Part of one kidney removed (partial nephrectomy) All of one kidney removed (simple nephrectomy) Removal of one entire kidney, surrounding lymph nodes, and the adrenal gland (radical nephrectomy)

A kidney stone is a solid mass made up of tiny crystals. One or more stones can be in the kidney or ureter at the same time. See also:

A kidney transplant is surgery to place a healthy kidney into a person with .

Kinins are proteins in the blood that affect certain muscle contractions and (especially low blood pressure). They also: Increase blood flow throughout the body Make it easier for fluids to pass through small blood vessels (capillaries) Stimulate pain receptors Are part of a complex system that ...

Klinefelter syndrome is the presence of an extra X chromosome in a male.

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome is a rare condition that is present at birth. The syndrome usually involves , excess growth of bones and soft tissue, and .

Knee arthroscopy is surgery that is done to check for problems, using a tiny camera to see inside your knee. Other medical instruments may also be inserted to repair your knee.

A computed tomography (CT) scan of the knee is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create detailed pictures of the knee.

Knee joint replacement is surgery to replace a knee joint with an artificial joint. The artificial joint is called a . See also:

Knee microfracture surgery is a common procedure used to repair . Cartilage is the material that helps cushion the area where bones meet in the joints. Often, athletes have this procedure.

A knee MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is a imaging method that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the knee joint and surrounding muscles and other tissues. See also: An MRI does not use radiation. Single MRI images are called slices. The images can be stored on a ...

Kneecap dislocation occurs when the triangle-shaped bone covering the knee (patella) moves or slides out of place. The problem usually occurs toward the outside of the leg.

Knock knees is a condition in which the knees touch, but the ankles do not touch. The legs angle inward.

Krabbe disease is a rare genetic disorder of the nervous system. It is a type of leukodystrophy.

Kuru is a disease of the nervous system.

Kwashiorkor is a form of that occurs when there is not enough in the diet.

Kyphosis is a curving of the spine that causes a bowing or rounding of the back, which leads to a hunchback or slouching posture.