Medical dictionary

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that forms from the skin cells called melanocytes, which give the skin its pigment. This type of skin cancer can also be called malignant melanoma and is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, with a mortality rate of around 20 per cent if the cancer goes undetected.   What causes melanoma? Melanoma is most often caused by over-exposure to

What is melasma? Melasma, also known as cholasma, is a skin condition where patches of skin on the face take on a light or dark brown colour. It’s more noticeable in the summer, because these patches tend to tan more than the parts which are not affected. Melasma is a common condition, affecting women much more than men , and women who are pregnant in particular. Is melasma

What is memory loss? Memory loss, also known as amnesia, is unusual forgetting. It's a common disorder as people get older. With memory loss, the person cannot remember recent events of the past. Memory loss can occur for a short period of time and then resolve. This is known as transient memory loss. However, depending on the cause, memory loss may not improve and actually get worse ove

What are memory exercises? Memory exercises encompass a spectrum of activities designed to target cognitive functions affected by neurological conditions or injuries. These exercises often involve the strategic engagement of memory recall, pattern recognition, and information processing. For example, individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries may participate in memory exercises

What is a memory test? Memory tests assess the ability of memory in the short and medium term. They are used to detect possible memory loss and its associated disease. Identifying the memory capacity is essential before carrying out memory exercises that help recovery.   Sometimes memory loss is a consequence of depression. It can be difficult to tell the difference between memory loss

What is it? Ménière's disease (MD is a disease which affect the ears (usually, one at a time) and causes: a sudden ringing noise inside the ear (tinnitus) a roaring or buzzing inside the ear a feeling of fullness in the ear The condition may also lead to sudden attacks of nausea, vomiting, vertigo and hearing loss (hypacousia). Attacks can occur in clusters or s

What is a meningioma?   A meningioma is a type of tumour that is typically benign (non-cancerous). They arise from membranes covering and indenting the brain (and rarely the spinal cord). Most meningiomas are solitary and sporadic, that arise for no clear reason. Rarely meningiomas can develop as part of other tumour syndromes such as NF2. A known c

What is meningitis? Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, which are the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. There are different types of meningitis but the most common is viral meningitis. It occurs when a virus enters the body through the nose or mouth and travels to the brain. Bacterial meningitis is rare but can be very seriou

What is menopause? The menopause refers to the process which naturally occurs in women as a result of ageing, meaning they no longer have periods and are unable to conceive. Menopause usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age in the UK for women being 51. It is a new stage in a woman’s life and brings a number of both physical and emotional changes. During&nbs