The updated edition of this authoritative, comprehensive, in-depth medical guide features information on almost 2, 000 medical topics in language accessible to adult laypersons. Disease/disorder articles typically cover definition; description; causes and symptoms; diagnosis; treatments; prevention; and more. Test/treatment articles typically cover definition; purposes; precautions; preparation; risks; normal and abnormal results; and much more. Biographical and historical sidebars appear throughout the text. This edition includes new entries, updated entries, 890 color images and illustrations, a comprehensive subject index, and a timeline of major medical breakthroughs/events. Previous edition also available.