Medical dictionary

What is peritoneal carcinomatosis? Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC), also known as peritoneal cancer, is the spread of cancer that originates in the peritoneum, the thin membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes the rectum, uterus and bladder. Peritoneal carcinomatosis generally occurs as a consequence of a tumour of the appendix, colon-rectum, or the ovaries, but it can also orig

What is personalised medicine? Personalised medicine is a medical model that emphasises the importance of tailoring treatment to each individual patient according to their needs and circumstances. While this idea has existed for centuries, modern personalised medicine aims to use all the information available, including genetic analysis of the patient, using technological and scientific advance

What is pleural mesothelioma? Pleural mesothelioma is a rare malignant tumour affecting the pleura, the lining which surrounds each lung and the chest’s internal walls. The main cause of pleural mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, a mineral which was often used for insulation or roofing. When it is extracted or removed, asbestos releases a fine dust that, if breathed in, can cause se

What is prostate cancer? Prostate cancer is the type of cancer that starts in the prostate gland. The prostate is part of the male reproductive system and is an organ that surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. The prostate is responsible for producing seminal fluid. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with 1 in 8 men affected. Every year, 11,000 me

What is proton beam therapy? Proton beam therapy is a cancer treatment that uses protons to destroy cancer cells and stop the growth of tumours.  It is a type of external beam radiotherapy where a proton ray is aimed at a tumour from outside of the body. Proton beam therapy is less likely than radiotherapy to cause damage to normal tissue surrounding the cancer. It is also differ

What is radiosurgery?   Radiosurgery is a form of high-precision radiotherapy in which fine beams of high-dose ionising radiation are used to destroy precisely-selected areas of tissue, rather than removing them with a blade as in traditional surgery. It uses much higher doses of radiation in the target region, while minimising the dose to surrounding healthy tissue, using a thr

What is radiotherapy? Radiotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to eliminate cancer cells and reduce tumours. There are two main types of radiotherapy: External beam radiotherapy: a beam of radiation is aimed at the tumour from outside the body. Internal radiotherapy: in this type of treatment, the source of radiation is placed inside the patient’s

What is rectal cancer?Rectal cancer is a type of bowel cancer that occurs when cancer cells form in the rectum, the last 6-7 inches of the large intestine connecting the colon to the anus. Bowel cancer, or colorectal cancer, is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK.   What causes rectal cancer?In most cases, rectal ca

What is sarcoma? Sarcoma is a unique form of cancer that originates in the body's connective tissues, encompassing a wide array of crucial components such as fat, blood vessels, nerves, bones, muscles, deep skin tissues, and even cartilage. While it predominantly affects the limbs, including both the upper and lower extremities, it's important to recognise that sarcoma's reach exten