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IntroductionHi! My name is Katie. I decided to have a Web site devoted to a rare disease called Hemihypertrophy, which I like to refer to as "Hemi." Why am I doing this? Well, I've tried to search for as much information regarding Hemi as possible, on the Web -- but I've found that there really isn't a lot available, and what is available isn't presented in a manner that someone other than a doctor could understand. There's a good chance that this may be the only Web site specifically about Hemi. I hope to be educating my visitors about this condition, as well as providing a support network for those who have it, and for their families. In case you're wondering -- Yes, I have Hemi. Although I've had this condition since I was a "tiny onion"* ( that's just a little joke there, about the name I chose for my e-mail address ), it wasn't until a couple of years ago that I learned much about it -- including things such as my having to be hospitalized twice a year as a child, to be sure that I wasn't developing any tumors. * ( Please click here if you want to view my baby picture! ) If you were to look at me, you wouldn't notice anything "wrong" with me at all. I'm reminded of my Hemi when, for example, it's time for me to get a new pair of shoes or boots -- and I have to find slightly different sizes for my left and right feet! However, Hemi can also be more visible. For example, I know of a boy with Hemi who has tongue and eye size discrepancies between his left and right sides. I feel that more people need to be made aware of Hemi, so that they and their families don't have to feel alone. This Web project is something that's very important to me, and I hope it will serve its purpose. Thanks for your visit.
What is Hemihypertrophy?The rare condition in which one side of the body seems to grow faster than the other is called Hemihypertrophy. The disease can be caused by genetic factors, and it can also occur by chance. While this may be "normal", there are certain serious conditions that may be associated with this type of growth pattern. These include cancer of the kidney, cancer of the liver, and a condition called Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome. The problem I mentioned above, for which I was checked twice per year as a child, is Wilms Tumor. Families of those with Hemihypertrophy need to be aware of these related disorders. It is recommended that children with this growth pattern see a pediatrician for a thorough examination. Again, this may be normal, but depending upon what the rest of an exam shows, the child may need additional testing to make sure there is nothing else to worry about. None of the information at this site is meant to frighten anybody. Hemi can be a sign of something possibly more serious, yet it can also turn out to be nothing to worry about. Again, a visit to a doctor is recommended.
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