|
|
There are no symptoms specific to hemochromatosis. A hemochromatosis
diagnosis can be missed even in advanced stages unless looked for
specifically (Hanson EH, 2001).
|
"When hereditary hemochromatosis was considered a
very rare disease and diagnosis relied on severe signs, such
as the triad of cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus, and skin
bronzing, along with evidence of iron overload on tissue
biopsy, there was little controversy about its diagnosis.
Now, however, the recognition that these severe disease
manifestations are preventable with early treatment has led
to strong interest in early diagnosis of the disease." |
|
|
Wylie M. Burke, PhD, MD
Professor and Chair, Department of Medical History and Ethics,
University of Washington |
Health care professionals can facilitate early diagnosis by maintaining a
high index of suspicion for patients who have early signs or symptoms of
this disease.
Content in this module includes
- Factors that may contribute to the clinical expression of
hemochromatosis.
- Early stages of hemochromatosis.
- Advanced stages of hemochromatosis.
|
|