Medical dictionary

What is HIPEC? Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is an alternative method of delivering chemotherapy, used alongside surgery to treat different types of cancer, particularly peritoneal cancer that has spread from the appendix, colon, or stomach. Unlike traditional chemotherapy that is delivered intravenously, HIPEC delivers heated chemotherapy directly into the abdomen to des

What is hypercalcaemia? Hypercalcaemia is a fluid and electrolyte disorder in which there are higher levels of calcium in the blood than usual. The normal level of calcium in the blood ranges from 2.1mmol/L to 2.6mmol/L, and anything greater than this is defined as hypercalcaemia. Hypercalcaemia is relatively common, and if the increase is mild, it tends to be asymptomatic. However

  What is hyperhidrosis? Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterised by excessive sweating. Sweating, also referred to as perspiration, is a skin function that helps to maintain body temperature constant. However, uncontrolled, unpredictable, excessive sweating , i.e. hyperhidrosis, can adversely affect social and professional relationships. People with hyperhidrosis hav

What is hyperparathyroidism? Hyperparathyroidism refers to an excess of parathyroid hormone in the bloodstream. This occurs due to overactivity in one (or more) of the body’s parathyroid glands. There are four parathyroid glands in the body, which are found in the neck and produce parathyroid hormone. This hormone helps to maintain the right balance of calcium in the body and its tissues.

What is hyperthyroidism? Hyperthyroidism, otherwise known as overactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland produces an excess of thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is located in the base of the neck, and it is responsible for producing thyroid hormone, which helps to control metabolism. This affects functions in the body such as temperature, and the internal body clock (affecting sleep). An

What is hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism, otherwise known as underactive thyroid, is a condition affecting the thyroid gland, causing it to underproduce thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone plays an important role in the body, affecting the metabolism. In those with hypothyroidism, the metabolic system runs more slowly, resulting in various problems. Hypothyroidism most commonly affects women, aff

What is indigestion?Indigestion, also medically referred to as dyspepsia, is a pain in the upper abdomen that occurs particularly after eating. It is normally a sign of an underlying problem.   How common is indigestion? It’s a very common condition. Most people experience it during their lifetime, having mild and infrequent symptoms. It is particularly common during pregnancy,

What is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) a medical term used to describe a group of diseases that cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Our digestive tract is responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients and removing waste products from the body. If any part of the digestive tract gets inflamed, it can disrupt the normal flow of digesti

What is an inguinal hernia?A hernia occurs when part of the internal organs or tissue pushes through a weakness in the muscle wall. An inguinal hernia is said to occur when part of the bowel or fatty tissue pushes into the groin at the top of the thigh. It is also the most common type of hernia, particularly in men. Inguinal hernias are rare in females.  What are the symptoms of an ingui