Medical dictionary

What is liquid cryo-sclerotherapy? Liquid cryo-sclerotherapy is a technique that promotes the gradual elimination of micro varicose veins and capillaries from the legs.  Why is it performed? Liquid cryo-sclerotherapy is a simple and quick technique that removes micro varicose veins safely and effectively. However, it not only improves the aesthetic appearance of varicose veins, b

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 cryotherapy? Cryotherapy is a treatment used to eliminate certain superficial skin lesions. It involves freezing the tissue in order to destroy it. Treatment is not painful as such but it does produce a stinging and burning sensation, so a local anaesthetic may be required for very sensitive areas. Why is it used? Cryotherapy may be used to remove warts and to destroy preca

What is cryotherapy? Cryotherapy is a relatively new, minimally invasive treatment used to treat prostate and kidney cancer. By undergoing cryotherapy, you can avoid open surgery or radiotherapy. It can also be used as secondary treatment if the surgery or radiotherapy fails. This technique uses ultrafine needles, similar to those used in biopsies, to deliver very cold gases to destroy cancer.

What is a CSF leak? A CSF leak, or cerebrospinal fluid leak, is a serious condition where there is a hole in the dura, the membrane which surrounds the brain and spinal cord, causing the clear fluid inside to leak out. This fluid is responsible for protecting the brain and spinal cord. A loss of cerebrospinal fluid in the spine reduces pressure in the brain and can cause headaches. It can al

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 a CT urography? A CT urography is a scanning technique which uses contrast material and imaging to show if there is blood in the urine and also to show kidney or bladder stones or cancer in the urinary tract, using a CT scanner to guide the process. The CT scanner produces images of cross-sections of the urinary tract and bladder which when assembled create a mu

What is cubital tunnel syndrome? Cubital tunnel syndrome (a form of ulnar nerve entrapment or ulnar neuropathy) is a condition in which the ulnar nerve becomes trapped or compressed. This nerve runs from your neck, through the elbow, to your hand, connecting to the little finger and half of the ring finger. It is the largest nerve in the body unprotected by muscle or bone, and due to its relati

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