Medical dictionary

What is oesophageal cancer? Oesophageal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the oesophagus (gullet or food pipe), which is the long tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. It occurs when abnormal cells grow in an uncontrollable way. It is more common in people in their 60s and 70s and occurs in men more than women. What are the symptoms of oesophageal cancer? The sy

What is oesophageal cancer surgery? Oesophageal cancer is a form of cancer that affects the oesophagus which is the tube that takes food from the throat to the stomach. Cancer of the oesophagus occurs when cancer cells develop, starting in the inner layer of the oesophagus, and can spread into the other layers, and to other parts of the body. Surgery aims to remove the part of the oesophagus af

What is an oesophageal manometry? Oesophageal manometry is a diagnostic procedure used to determine the function of the lower oesophageal sphincter. This is the valve that stops gastric acid from flowing up into the oesophagus. This is performed to diagnose problems with this stage of the digestion process. What does the oesophageal manometry procedure involve? This test involves int

What are oesophageal varices? Oesophageal varices are abnormally dilated veins in the lower part of the oesophagus, through which blood flows that would normally pass through the liver. The veins are dilated as a result of blood flow restriction due to a diseased liver. The main problem with these varices is the risk of rupture , which occurs when the pressure inside the veins is greater tha

What is oesophagitis?The oesophagus is part of the digestive system and it connects the mouth to the stomach. The mouth and the oesophagus are separated by cardia, which is a type of valve that aims to prevent gastric juices going up to the mouth once they have passed through the stomach.The term oesophagitis is used when the oesophageal mucus is inflamed, with an additional layer c

What is analysed?Oestrogen receptors and progesterone receptors are specialised proteins found within certain cells that bind to the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone, respectively.Some breast cancer tumours have receptors for oestrogen and/or progesterone:When oestrogen receptors are present, the tumour is called ER-positive.When progesterone receptors are present, the tumour is called P

What is being analysed?The amount of oestrogen in the body is being analysed in this test. Oestrogen is a vital hormone primarily produced in the ovaries in females and smaller quantities in males. It plays a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle, supporting reproductive function, maintaining bone density, and impacting various other physiological processes. When is it requested?Anal

What is old age psychiatry (older adult psychiatry)?   Old age psychiatry (older adult psychiatry) is a branch of psychiatry that specialises in the study, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental health problems in elderly people. Old age psychiatry is a growing specialty in the UK because of our ageing population, with more and more of the population being aged more tha

What is oncological nutrition? Cancer patients often experience changes in appetite caused almost always by the tumour itself and the medication they need to take. The sense of taste is affected and the resulting lack of appetite can cause malnutrition and substantial weight loss. However, one-third of people already suffer from malnutrition at the time of diagnosis, a number that increases aft