Medical dictionary

What is neuro-oncology? Neuro-oncology is a specialised field of medicine that focuses on brain and spine tumours, and tumours that affect the central nervous system, as well as neurological complications of cancer. Specialist neuro-oncologists especially focus on cancers that originate in the brain or spinal cord, as well as tumours affecting the peripheral

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 oesophageal cancer? Oesophageal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the oesophagus (gullet or food pipe), which is the long tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. It occurs when abnormal cells grow in an uncontrollable way. It is more common in people in their 60s and 70s and occurs in men more than women. What are the symptoms of oesophageal cancer? The sy

What is analysed?Oestrogen receptors and progesterone receptors are specialised proteins found within certain cells that bind to the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone, respectively.Some breast cancer tumours have receptors for oestrogen and/or progesterone:When oestrogen receptors are present, the tumour is called ER-positive.When progesterone receptors are present, the tumour is called P

What is being analysed?The amount of oestrogen in the body is being analysed in this test. Oestrogen is a vital hormone primarily produced in the ovaries in females and smaller quantities in males. It plays a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle, supporting reproductive function, maintaining bone density, and impacting various other physiological processes. When is it requested?Anal

What is ovarian cancer? The ovary is the organ which produces eggs in women. These eggs then travel to the uterus through the fallopian tubes during ovulation. Sometimes epithelial cells or germ cells inside the ovaries multiply excessively, generating a tumour mass inside the ovary itself.   There are several kinds of ovarian cancer: benign tumours: for example, ovarian cy

What is paediatric oncology? Paediatric oncology is a field of medicine which diagnoses and treats cancer in children. Childhood cancer is rare. About 1 in 500 children will develop cancer by the age of 15 , and most instances of cancer in children happen before the age of five. The chances of surviving cancer as a child is much higher than for adults, and more than 82% of children are co

What is it?       The main aim of palliative care is to help people with a serious condition feel better. Many patients may have a terminal illness, a condition with no treatment available, or serious condition with life-prolonging treatment. The following treatments are used to treat symptoms and side effects of the disease and its treatment:   P

What is pancreatic cancer?The pancreas is a large gland in the abdomen, which produces enzymes that aid in digestion. Pancreatic cancer is when abnormal cells develop in the pancreas and multiply out of control. As these cells do not function normally, they hinder bodily functions as they multiply, eventually leading to death if not treated. Cancer can develop in different parts of the p