Medical dictionary

What is hand surgery? Hand surgery may be performed for various reasons, including infection to the hand, injury to the hand, or to correct long-term conditions affecting the hand. Surgery may be done on different areas of the hand, and it can be advised to correct either the bones or soft tissues in the hand. Hand surgery is usually performed by either a general surgeon, an orthopaedic surg

What is wrist/hand tendonitis? Tendonitis is a common condition which happens when a tendon swells and becomes painful after an injury. Wrist and hand tendonitis affects the tendons around the wrist and hand joints, causing them to become inflamed and irritated. It usually affects one tendon in the wrist and hand, but it may involve more. Tendons connect muscles in the body to the bones, and

What are hand veins?As the skin ages and loses elasticity and fat, hand veins can become more prominent and bulge out of the skin. However, hand veins can affect younger adults too.Hand veins are quite normal and don’t pose a medical problem. For many, treatment is sought out purely for cosmetic reasons. Generally, men have more prominent veins in their hands than women but are less likely to seek

What is analysed? Haptoglobin is a glycoprotein in the blood that binds with free haemoglobin to form a stable complex. This analysis focuses on measuring the levels of haptoglobin in the bloodstream. What does the result mean? The result of the haptoglobin analysis provides insights into the body's response to haemolysis or the breakdown of red blood cells. It helps assess the pr

What is hay fever? Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is caused by an allergic reaction to outdoor allergens such as pollen from grass, trees and weeds during the early spring and summer months. Pollen is a yellowish powder that is carried from plant to plant by the wind, birds, insects or other animals. It’s spread to fertilise plants but unfortunately can cause havoc for allergy sufferers

What is being analysed in this test? HDL cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, is a type of cholesterol that is often referred to as "good" cholesterol. It is analysed to assess the levels of this beneficial lipid in the bloodstream.   What does the result mean? The result of HDL cholesterol analysis indicates the concentration of HDL particles in the

What is head and neck cancer? Head and neck cancer can refer to a number of different types of tumours in various parts of the head and neck, including the mouth, lips, larynx (voice box), pharynx (throat), salivary glands, nose, and sinuses. Cancer is a disease in which a group of cells in the body malfunction and multiply uncontrollably, forming a mass. This mass of abnormal cell growt

What is a head CT scan?   A head CT scan is a type of scan which uses X-rays to create detailed images of the head, including the skull, brain tissue, and blood vessels. It is a fast, painless, and non-invasive procedure carried out by a radiologist.     When is a head CT scan performed?   If your doctor can’t determine the cause of symptoms

What is a health check-up (health screening)? A public (NHS) health assessment is a free check-up of a patient’s overall health. It is recommended to have one every five years if a person is aged between 40 and 74 and without a pre-existing condition. A health assessment is a preventative measure to help find health problems before they start. They can also tell whether a person is at ris