Medical dictionary

What is thumb arthritis? Thumb arthritis is a very common condition that is characterised by the degeneration of the joint at the base of the thumb. What are the causes of thumb arthritis, and what symptoms can develop? Thumb arthritis typically develops gradually over time, often as a result of wear and tear on the joint due to repetitive movements, ageing, or previous injuries. As t

When is thumb joint replacement surgery indicated? Thumb joint replacement surgery, also known as thumb arthroplasty, becomes necessary when the thumb joint deteriorates due to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. These conditions cause limited mobility, pain and stiffness in the thumb joint, impacting daily activities like gripping and pinching.   What does th

What is a thymoma? A thymoma, or thymus carcinoma, is a tumour originating from the epithelial cells of the thymus gland, located near the sternum, in the upper area of the anterior mediastinum, behind the breast bone. It is a fairly rare tumour that generally affects people between 40 and 70 (although it can affect people of any age) and equally affects men and women. Based on its activity

What is being analysed in a thyroglobulin (Tg) blood test? Thyroglobulin (Tg) is a protein produced by the thyroid gland. In medical diagnostics, the level of thyroglobulin in the blood is analysed to assess thyroid health, particularly in individuals who have undergone thyroid cancer treatment or thyroidectomy.   What does the result mean? The thyroglobulin level in the blood

What is a thyroglossal cyst? A thyroglossal cyst is a fibrous cyst that can form in the thyroglossal duct. Thyroglossal cysts are irregular lumps that develop from tissues and cells left over after the formation of the thyroid gland during its developmental stages.   Symptoms of a thyroglossal cyst   Thyroglossal duct cysts are often present with a pal

The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland located in the front of the neck, below the Adam’s apple. The thyroid is shaped a little like a butterfly, and is responsible for producing hormones throughout your body. The hormones produced by the thyroid help to control such things as the burning of calories in your body, the speed of your body’s metabolism, and regulates the body’s dev

What is thyroid cancer? Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer which affects the thyroid gland, which releases thyroid hormones that help control the body’s metabolism. Thyroid cancer is relatively rare, and in most cases it is treatable. Thyroid cancer most commonly affects women between the ages of twenty and forty, but can occur at older ages. Thyroid cancer is also more commonly

What are thyroid disorders? The thyroid is an essential gland in the body which produces thyroid hormones. These hormones control and influence many bodily functions, such as body temperature, energy levels, and metabolism.   Thyroid disorders occur for many different reasons and can disrupt the thyroid’s normal production of these hormones, with a knock-on effect on the body&r

What is thyroid eye disease?   Thyroid eye disease (TED) is an autoimmune disease in which the cells that protect us from infections or other aggressive agents act defectively, attacking different organs or tissues of the body such as the thyroid and eyes. In most patients, the same autoimmune disease that causes TED also affects the thyroid gland, which results in Graves’ disease