Medical dictionary

What is multinodular goitre (MNG)? A goitre is a thyroid gland that becomes enlarged for any reason. A multinodular goitre (MNG) is the most common disease of the thyroid gland and occurs when several separate lumps, known as nodules, appear in the gland. The thyroid is in front of the windpipe (trachea) and its function is to produce hormones. These hormones are essential for metabolic reactio

What is a myomectomy? A myomectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove uterine fibroids, which are common non-cancerous growths that appear in the womb. Your gynaecologist might recommend shrinking the fibroids if they are causing persistent symptoms, such as heavy bleeding and pain. In some women, however, uterine fibroids are asymptomatic and treatment isn’t necessary. A

What is a neck dissection? A neck dissection is a surgical procedure to remove lymph nodes and surrounding tissues that contain cancer on one or both sides of the neck. There are three types of neck dissection surgery:   Selective neck dissection — if the cancer hasn’t spread too far, then not all the lymph nodes will need to be removed. During this type of surgery, th

What is nephrectomy? Nephrectomy is the surgical procedure in which all or part of the kidney is removed. It may require: Removal of part of the kidney (partial nephrectomy) Removal of the entire kidney, the surrounding fatty tissue, and possibly the adjoining adrenal gland, as well as nearby lymph nodes (radical nephrectomy) It is an intervention that is performed under general an

What are neuroendocrine tumours? Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are a rare form of tumours that appear in the cells of the endocrine cell system. They can be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). There are different types of NETs, and the symptoms range from breathing difficulty, digestive disorders or hormone imbalances.   Where do neuroendocrine tumours appe

What is neuropathic pain? Neuropathic pain is a neurological disorder in which people experience intense chronic pain due to nerve damage. It often results from an injury or disease of the peripheral or central nervous system. Neuropathy can exist without pain, in the same way that pain can exist without evidence of nerve injury. Neuropathic pain, therefore, can be defined as a sensation or unp

What is nipple discharge? Nipple discharge refers to any fluid that comes out of your nipple. It can either be squeezed out or sometimes seeps out on its own. It is common in women during pregnancy and breastfeeding and isn’t always a cause of cancer, however, you should get it evaluated by a specialist just to be sure. Any man that experiences nipple discharge should always see a sp

What is a nipple reconstruction? Nipple reduction surgery is a plastic and cosmetic procedure done to correct and/or improve the nipple and areola shape. Nipples can be very long, saggy, or too large, whereas the areola can be very wide, compromising one’s desired aesthetical balance. What is it for? This surgery can be requested by both men (to treat gynaecomastia) and women. I

What is a nipple-sparing mastectomy? A nipple-sparing mastectomy, also known as an areola-sparing mastectomy or subcutaneous mastectomy, is a surgical procedure used to remove breast tissue and at the same time, preserve the skin, areola, and nipple. These are left fully intact so that the surgeon can place implants or your own donor tissue (taken from another part of your body) insi