Medical dictionary

What is a gastrointestinal endoscopy?   A gastrointestinal endoscopy, also known as gastroscopy or digestive endoscopy, is a test that is used to diagnose and treat diseases of the upper digestive system. The upper digestive system comprises of the oesophagus, the stomach and the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine).     What does it consist of? &nb

What is a gastroscopy? A gastroscopy is a clinical diagnostic test. Using a thin tube (an endoscope), the inside of the oesophagus, the stomach and the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum) can be visualised. The tube has a light and a camera on the end which sends images to a monitor during the investigation. Hence, a gastroscopy might be used to diagnose conditions related to

What is gender reassignment surgery? Gender reassignment surgery is any surgical procedure involved in facilitating a male-to-female (MtF) or female-to-male (FtM) transition. Gender reassignment surgery is complex and can involve a number of separate procedures, carried out over several operations.   When is gender reassignment surgery required? Surgery is generally the last s

Why is this test performed? Gene expression tests provide valuable information about the activity levels of certain genes in breast cancer cells. This analysis helps in predicting the likelihood of cancer recurrence, determining the aggressiveness of the cancer, and guiding treatment decisions. It assists healthcare providers in devising personalised treatment plans tailored to the individual&#

What is general anaesthesia? Sedation and general anaesthesia decrease or eliminate pain by administering certain substances to the patient during a surgery or procedure. General anaesthesia is a reversible and temporary state of controlled unconsciousness, causing temporary disruption of activity of the central nervous system, which consequently results in the temporary loss of pain reception

What are genetic disorders? Hereditary diseases, also known as genetic disorders, are inherited conditions which have been passed on through your parents’ DNA. They are very common, and more often than not you may have no idea you are a carrier of a certain condition. In the vast majority of cases, a genetic disorder is only discovered if you experience symptoms of it.   Ho

What exactly is meant by cancer genetics? Whatever way we look at it, cancer is a genetic disease. Whilst some types of cancer are known to run in families, not all cancers are linked explicitly to inherited genes. However, it is the gene changes that occur in a single cell over the course of a person's lifetime that cause most cases of cancer.   Therefore, undoubtedly, there is

What is analysed? The genetic study of Fragile X syndrome evaluates the FMR1 gene to determine if there are any alterations or mutations associated with the syndrome. What does the result mean? A positive result indicates the presence of alterations in the FMR1 gene, which may suggest the presence of Fragile X syndrome or carrier status. Why undergo the analysis? The analysis is

What is genetic testing? Genetic testing is a tool that is used to find out whether a person is carrying a specific altered (mutated) gene that causes a particular medical condition such as a disease.   What are the different types of genetic testing? The different types of genetic testing and their purpose include: Diagnostic genetic testing – to diagnose a per