Medical dictionary

What is it? A fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a minimally-invasive exam by which some cells are taken in order to accurately verify what kind of thyroid nodule you have. FNA is different from a biopsy - in a biopsy a whole sample of tissue is taken, not just a few cells.   What does it involve? A FNA can be done at your local outpatient clinic – there is no need for any

What is analysed in first-trimester screening? First-trimester screening evaluates biochemical and ultrasound markers to detect potential chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and other trisomies. Specific hormones in the mother’s blood are analysed, and an ultrasound measures the foetal nuchal translucency. How is it used? Screening results provide a sta

A fistula is when a connection forms between an organ and another structure, and usually develop when an organ becomes inflamed or injured. Fistulas are very common in people who suffer with Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel disease, with around 35 per cent of people with Crohn’s disease having at least one fistula.   What are the different types of fistula?

What is a fitness plan? A fitness plan is a systematic and detailed model made by an expert in sports medicine to instruct the proper and efficient exercise activities. The aim is to improve the condition, constitution, and nature of the patient's body, taking in:  flexibility;  strength;  power;  endurance;  balance;  agility;  c

What are flat feet?   The arch, or instep, of the foot is the part in the middle of the foot that is usually raised off the ground. Flat feet are when the arches of the feet are very low or non-existent, in some cases lying completely flat against the ground. They may occur due to weakness in the tendons in that area. It is a common condition, especially in children, whose arches may

What is a fluoride varnish? Fluoride varnish is a procedure in which fluoride is applied to the teeth to prevent tooth decay, since it acts as a protective enamel against bacteria. This treatment can be carried out using rinses (mouthwashes), gels, varnishes, and toothpastes. However, fluoride in large quantities is toxic and should therefore be avoided. A fluoride varnish procedure is carried

What is a flushed face?   A flushed face or blushing is the sudden reddening of the face, which can also affect the neck and upper chest.   The redness can manifest as red patches or blotchiness, and is caused by increased blood flow to the face, causing blood vessels to enlarge. The enlarged blood vessels cause the face to go red.   A flushed face i

What is the flu vaccine?   The flu vaccine stimulates the body to produce antibodies that will protect against infection by the flu (short for “influenza”) virus.   Flu is a respiratory infection caused by different viruses. The majority of the population overcomes flu without the need for treatment and symptoms generally clear by themselves in around a week,

What is foam sclerotherapy? Sclerotherapy has been around as a treatment for a significant amount of time, and it involves injecting a special solution called a sclerosant into the vein, damaging the internal lining and creating a blood clot. The body then destroys the vein itself over time. With foam sclerotherapy, the solution is made into a foam by mixing it with a small amount of air and ag