Medical dictionary

What is throat cancer? Throat cancer, also known as pharyngeal cancer, is a form of cancer characterised by the presence of malignant tumour cells in the throat. There are various types of pharyngeal cancer, which include: Nasopharynx cancer – when it affects the upper part of the throat behind the nose Oropharynx cancer – when it is located in the middle part of the throat

What is laryngeal cancer? The larynx, or voicebox, is an important part of the throat that helps us to speak and breathe. Laryngeal cancer comes in the form of malignant tumours that affect the cells of the larynx where the vocal cords are located. Cancers of the throat and larynx are types of head and neck cancer. Depending on the location, the cancer can be classified

What is analysed? Streptococcus pyogenes, commonly known as Group A streptococcus, are bacteria that can affect the throat, leading to infections in this area such as strep throat. However, Group A Streptococcus isn’t the only possible bacterial cause for an infection of the throat. Most throat infections will also be caused by viruses. A throat culture is used to detect and identify t

What is being analysed? Thrombin time (TT) is a laboratory test that measures the time it takes for a fibrin clot to form after the addition of thrombin to plasma. What does the result mean? The result of thrombin time indicates the functionality of the final step of the coagulation cascade, specifically the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin by thrombin. Why do the

What is thrombocytopenia (low blood count)?Thrombocytopenia is the alteration of the number of platelets. Platelets are colourless blood cells that help the blood clotting process and stop bleeding by clumping in blood vessel injuries. Thrombocytopenia is a condition where there is a decrease in platelets, which causes abnormal bleeding. It might occur because of bone marrow disorders su

What is thrombophilia? Thrombophilia is a blood clotting condition in which your blood coagulates too easily. This can increase your risk of forming blood clots in arteries, veins, (or both). A blood clot is dangerous if left untreated and can lead to thrombosis, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).   What are the different types? There are different

What is thrombophlebitis? Thrombophlebitis is the inflammation of a leg vein caused by a blood clot (thrombus). The vein can either be close the surface of the skin (superficial thrombophlebitis) or in a deep vein (deep vein thrombosis).   What are the symptoms of thrombophlebitis? The symptoms of superficial thrombophlebitis are: Redness Swelling Tenderness and pai

What is thrombosis? Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel (vein or artery) which can obstruct the flow of blood throughout the body. There are different types of thrombosis, which are classified depending on where the thrombosis is located:    Phlebothrombosis Phlebothrombosis is the formation of a blood clot inside the vein

What is thrush? Thrush is a yeast infection that affects men, women and babies. It’s often harmless, but at times can be uncomfortable and may keep coming back. It can present itself in the genital area or in the mouth as oral thrush. Oral thrush is common in babies and older people with dentures.   What are the symptoms of thrush? Thrush symptoms in men Burning, i