Medical dictionary

What are 'knock knees'?    Genu valgum, which is commonly known as knock knees, is a condition in which the knees are misaligned and there is a large gap between the feet and ankles. It is sometimes referred to as X knees or scissor knees due to the knees being very close together and the ankles very far apart. There are some normal changes (physiological changes) during gr

What is being analysed here? The KRAS mutation is a genetic alteration affecting the KRAS gene. This gene encodes a protein that regulates cell growth and signaling. KRAS mutations may be associated with the development of certain types of cancer. What does the result mean? When a KRAS mutation is detected, it may indicate an increased cancer risk or impact treatment response. In

What is kyphoplasty? Kyphoplasty is a type of surgery performed on the spine to reduce pain caused by a spinal fracture or condition such as osteoporosis. A number of spinal conditions can cause the spine to fracture and compress, causing severe pain and making it more difficult to move. By stabilising the fractures with cement, kyphoplasty aims to alleviate pain, strengthen the spine, and i

What are labial adhesions? Labial adhesions (also called labial fusion) are when the labia stick together. This usually occurs in the labia minora (the inner labia). In some cases, this condition can seal the opening of the vagina, leaving only a small gap for urine to pass through. Labial adhesions are fairly common in girls under the age of seven and usually resolve on their own.

What is labiaplasty?Labiaplasty is a surgery that involves remodelling and resizing the labia minora which are the flaps of skin on each side of the vaginal opening. This can either be performed for cosmetic purposes, but sometimes it is for functional reasons. In most cases, local anaesthesia is used for a labiaplasty procedure. Labiaplasty should not be performed on girls aged less than 18

What is a lack of appetite?   A lack of appetite can be persistent or temporary. It can be caused by several factors, some of them originating from an underlying condition which could, in some cases, be serious. A lack of appetite can often lead to sudden weight loss.     What are the consequences of a lack of appetite?   The most common conse

What is being analysed? Lactate, also known as lactic acid, is a substance produced in the body during intense physical activity or when oxygen levels are low. Lactate levels can be measured in the blood to assess various medical conditions. What does the result mean? Elevated lactate levels may indicate tissue hypoxia, shock, sepsis, heart failure, liver disease, or certain metabolic

What is being analysed? Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme found in almost all body tissues, with higher concentrations in the heart, liver, kidneys, skeletal muscle, brain, blood cells, and lungs. This analysis measures the level of LDH present in the blood. What does the result mean? The result indicates the amount of LDH in the blood. Elevated levels may indicate tissue dam

What is analysed? Lactoferrin is a multifunctional glycoprotein released in the body’s biological fluids (tears, breast milk, faeces) that plays an important role in immune system response, enzyme activity, and gut health. Lactoferrin serves as a marker for various inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. What does the result mean? The result indicates the conce