Medical dictionary

What is analysed? Cystatin C analysis involves measuring the concentration of cystatin C in the blood to assess kidney function. What does the result mean? The result indicates the level of cystatin C in the bloodstream, which reflects the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and provides an estimate of kidney function. Why undergo the analysis? Cystatin C analysis is performed to e

What is a cystectomy? Cystectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the bladder. Cystectomies can be divided into two types, depending on the reason for the excision and the amount of tissue removed: Radical cystectomy – the whole bladder is removed along with the some of the surrounding tissue and lymph nodes. In men, this can include the prostate and seminal vesicles, while

What is cystic fibrosis? Cystic fibrosis is a condition in which the lungs progressively collapse due to a build-up of thick and sticky mucus, it can also affect the digestive tube and other organs. It is one of the most common chronic lung diseases in adults and children.    This type of disease affects the lungs, the pancreas, liver, intestines, paranasal sinuses, and sexual orga

What is being analysed in this test? Cystic fibrosis gene mutation test is a genetic test that examines the DNA for mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. This gene provides instructions for making a protein that regulates the movement of salt and water in and out of cells. Mutations in the CFTR gene can lead to cystic fibrosis (CF), a p

What is cystitis? Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by a bacterial infection. The bladder is an important organ, that, along with the kidneys, ureters and urethra, make up the urinary system, which is responsible for filtering and removing bodily waste. Cystitis often causes acute or sudden pain. Although it is not a serious condition, more sinister complications can de

What is cystocele?   Cystocele, also known as an anterior prolapse, occurs when the support tissue between the bladder and vagina weakens and stretches such that the bladder sags into the vagina. It can be divided into 3 grades:   Grade 1 - mild: the bladder sags slightly into the vagina Grade 2 - moderate: the bladder sags far enough to reach the vaginal opening Grade

What is a cystoscopy? A cystoscopy is a procedure to look inside the bladder by inserting a thin tube with a camera called a cystoscope through the urethra. Instruments can be passed down the cystoscope to perform minimally invasive surgery during the cystoscopy if necessary. This procedure can be carried out by a urologist. What does a cystoscopy involve? There are two types of cy

What are cysts?Cysts are closed sacs in the body’s tissue that may be filled with fluid, air, or other substances. They have a membrane, or “shell”, to divide them from the surrounding tissue, and the cells that make up this membrane are abnormal compared to the surrounding cells. Cysts can appear almost anywhere on the body, including on bones, organs, and the skin. There are hundreds or typ

What is a smear test? A smear test, now more commonly known as cervical screening, is an exam aimed at analysing cells from the cervix in order to identify anomalies, infections or lesions which could develop into cancer. It is a routine test that all sexually active women or women aged 25 or above should take at least once every three years. What does it involve? The test is not an i