Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with
the NHS website.
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Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything
from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit.
You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website,
or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.
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DiagnosisTo diagnose tuberous sclerosis, you'll be asked about your family's medical history. You'll also have a number of tests to look for signs of the condition. Healthcare professionals use a checklist of the characteristic features of tuberous sclerosis - such as abnormal areas of skin, or tumours in your eyes, brain, heart, lungs or kidneys - to confirm a diagnosis. Several tests will be needed to check for these features. Finding out about your family's medical history is also important because tuberous sclerosis can sometimes run in families. Tests for tuberous sclerosisTests you may have to check for tuberous sclerosis include: - an eye examination - to check for eye tumours
- a skin examination - to look for abnormal growths or patches of pale or thickened skin
- an MRI scan - to detect tumours in the brain or kidneys
- a CT scan or ultrasound scan - to detect tumours in the kidneys, heart or lungs
- an electroencephalogram (EEG) - to detect abnormal electrical activity within the brain associated with epilepsy
- an electrocardiogram (ECG) - to detect abnormal electrical activity in the heart that could be caused by heart tumours
A genetic blood test to look for the faulty genes that cause tuberous sclerosis can also help make a diagnosis, although it isn't always reliable. |
OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic. | ![](/images/spacer.gif) |
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Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.
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