Medical dictionary

What is mastopexy? Mastopexy, or breast lift, is a form of plastic surgery that raises sagging breasts in order to correct ptosis. Throughout a woman’s life, her breasts will naturally sag as she ages, as breasts lack muscle tissue, meaning they cannot be strengthened. While it is not necessary to correct natural sagging, some women choose to in order to restore volume and fullness to the

What are breast lumps? A breast lump is a mass in the breast that can vary in size and texture. They are sometimes painful and can feel like a knot, bulge, or swelling around the breast or armpit area. Most of the time, breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous). It is normal for breast tissue to feel lumpy, but if you notice any new lumps, or ones that stay after a menstrual period, it&rs

What is a breast MRI?   A breast MRI is a type of scan that uses a magnetic field and several radiowaves to produce detailed images of the tissues inside your breasts. An MRI is carried out by a radiologist, and is a safe procedure.     Why might I need a breast MRI?   A breast MRI is most commonly used in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. T

What is breast pain? Breast pain, also known as mastalgia, is pain or tenderness around the breast area. It’s a common complaint among women and can appear as a dull, heavy andaching pain or a sharp burning pain. It can range from mild to severe and the duration varies. Pain may appear: Just before your period - two to three days before you may experience some form of mild to moder

What is breast reconstruction? Breast reconstruction is performed after a mastectomy or a lumpectomy; in some cases, the reconstruction is delayed a few months or years after the breast cancer surgery. The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and takes about 8 hours. Why is it done? Breast reconstruction is primarily done for aesthetic reasons, and leads to marked improve

What is breast reduction?  Breast reduction is a surgical procedure to reduce the size of the breasts. The operation is performed under general anaesthesia by a specialist in plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. Why is it done? Breast reduction may be done for aesthetic reasons, in women who feel that the size of their breasts is not proportional or in harmony with the

What is a breast ultrasound? A breast ultrasound is an imaging technique used to screen for tumours and abnormalities in the breast tissue, such as cysts. An ultrasound uses sound waves to form images of the inside of the body. The sound waves bounce or echo off surfaces in the body which are recorded and transformed into videos or photographs. What does a breast ultrasound involve? P

What are breathing problems? Breathing problems can be defined as sudden shortness of breath, or breathing difficulty (dyspnoea). If you have over-exerted yourself, it would be normal for you to be out of breath. However, when breathlessness comes on suddenly and unexpectedly, it is usually a warning sign of a medical condition.     Breathing problems are usually exper

What is a clavicle fracture?A clavicle fracture affects the long, thin bone also known as the collarbone, which is located in the upper chest, between the sternum and the shoulder. Its function is to join the upper limbs with the thorax and keep the shoulders aligned. An injury that causes the clavicle to be broken can also cause the clavicle to be dislocated or the neighbouring acromioc