Medical dictionary

Breast cancer most commonly affects women, however, in rare cases men can also be affected by breast cancer. Breast cancer in men occurs in the very small amount of breast tissue men have, which is found directly behind their nipples.   Symptoms Symptoms of male breast cancer may include: A lump in the breast A lingering rash around the nipple The nipple turns inwards

A mammography, or mammogram, is a breast cancer screening to look for signs of breast cancer in women who otherwise show no signs or symptoms. It can also be used when a breast lump has been detected. Mammography uses X-ray imaging to detect signs of breast cancer in the early stages before they become noticeable.   What happens during a mammography? A mammography takes two X-ra

What is a mediastinal tumour? Mediastinal tumours are a type of cancer that develops in the area of the middle of the chest (mediastinum) between the sternum, spine and the lungs. This cancer usually forms as abnormal tumorous growths.   Where do mediastinal tumours develop? Mediastinal tumours and develop in one of three areas of the mediastinum and usually depend on your ag

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 Merkel cell carcinoma?   Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a very rare type of skin cancer that forms when malignant (cancerous) Merkel cells produce a tumour on the skin. It is also known as neuroendocrine carcinoma or trabecular cancer.   This disease most commonly originates in skin that has been exposed to the sun, particularly the face, neck, arms, and legs. Merkel

What is mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a fairly rare type of cancer that can develop in the lining of certain organs and it is usually linked to exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma affects either the lining of the lungs, known as pleural mesothelioma, or the stomach lining (peritoneal mesothelioma), and even the lining of the heart or testicles sometimes. Typically, mesothelioma is most often

What is metastasis?Metastasis is a process wherein cancer spreads from one part of the body to the other, affecting one or more organs. This may also be known as ‘secondary’ cancer, and is a late stage, meaning metastatic cancer has a lower possibility of being cured.  How does metastasis happen?Cancer can spread from the primary cancer site to other areas of the body through the lymphat

What are malformations of the nervous system? Congenital central nervous system malformations involve alterations in the neural tube, most of which require neurosurgical treatment. The nervous system is a complex network of nerves and cells that covers the entire body. It's responsible for transmitting information between the brain and spinal cord and the various parts of the body t

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