Medical dictionary

What is cryosurgery?Cryosurgery is a type of surgery that uses freezing cold temperatures to destroy abnormal tissues such as tumours or precancerous skin lesions. In most cases liquid nitrogen is used, but carbon dioxide or argon gas can be used as well. When these are low enough temperatures, anything in contact with it instantly freezes, which when on human skin kills the cells on contact. 

What is a CT scan?   A computerised tomography (CT) scan, also known as a CAT scan, works by combining numerous X-ray images that are taken from different angles and processing them through a computer to produce a cross-sectional image of different parts of the body. These images are in black and white.    CT scans can be used to take images of bones, blood vessels and s

What is Cushing's syndrome? Cushing's syndrome is a rare, progressive disease that occurs due to chronic and excessive production of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is naturally synthesised (produced) in the human body by the adrenal glands and helps with regulating blood pressure, converting food into energy, controlling the immune system’s inflammatory response and handling str

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 diabetes? Diabetes mellitus (DM), or just diabetes, refers to a group of metabolic diseases which result in an inability to regulate blood sugar levels. Having too much glucose in your blood can damage the kidneys, eyes, nerves and other parts of the body, including the blood vessels themselves. In extreme cases, diabetes can cause heart disease and strokes, and patients may even requir

Type 2 diabetes is a condition where a person has a high blood sugar level, and is often associated with obesity, and is more common as people get older. There are a number of surgical options that can be used to lose weight that have a direct effect on how the body uses insulin, and improves blood sugar levels, making the diabetes much more manageable.   What are the different type

What is diabetic foot? Diabetes can affect the feet in a number of ways and diabetic foot is said to occur when the foot displays symptoms of a condition arising from diabetes or complications of diabetes. This can include a range of problems, such as ulcers and infections. What are the symptoms? Leg ulcers, infection and sores are common complications. In severe cases,

What is diarrhoea?Diarrhoea is characterised by a greater fluidity and volume of bowel movements. These stools can sometimes contain blood, mucus, pus, and undigested food. When diarrhoea lasts for many days, it can be a sign of a more serious problem. Chronic diarrhoea that lasts for at least four weeks can be a symptom of a chronic disease.  What symptoms does it present?The

What is diverticular disease?Diverticular disease is a general term used to describe three conditions that can affect the large intestine: diverticulosis, diverticular disease and diverticulitis. The condition is characterized by the presence of diverticula in the lining of the intestine due to an increase in intraluminal pressure. Diverticula are small sacs or bulges that appear on the lining of