Medical dictionary

What is a lung biopsy? A lung biopsy is a medical procedure performed to check lung tissue for disease or cancer. The procedure uses images to detect any abnormalities in the lung tissue, and then a small sample is removed for examination under a microscope. What does a lung biopsy involve? The procedure lasts for around 30 to 60 minutes. An imaging system may be used to visualis

What is lung cancer? Lung cancer is often thought of as the most lethal forms of cancer, and it is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the western world.     There are two types of lung cancer; small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer is more common and its subtypes are; squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma,

What is lung disease? The term “lung disease” is a broad one, encompassing all conditions that prevent the lungs from working properly. There are three main types of lung disease: Diseases of the respiratory tract – these affect the airways that transport oxygen and other gases in and out of the lungs. They often cause a narrowing or blockage of the airways. Examples in

What is pulmonary function testing? Pulmonary function testing is performed to determine the type of disorder affecting the lungs. It is also used to determine the stage of any lung disease present. There are different methods used. What does it involve? The technique of spirometry is used to measure air flow in the lungs, obtaining flow rates and volumes. It involves the patient brea

What is a lung transplant? A lung transplant is a surgical operation that gives a patient a new lung. The old lung is removed when it is no longer capable of doing its job and poses a risk to the patient’s life. It is replaced by a new, healthy lung from a donor – usually a deceased person who had permitted their organs to be donated after death. In rare cases, a section of lung may

What is lupus? Lupus is a disease that damages the immune system, occurring as a result of your own immune system mistakenly attacking healthy cells and tissues. This can cause damage to many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and brain. There are, in fact, many different types of lupus. The main ones include the following: 

What is analysed in a lupus anticoagulant test? The lupus anticoagulant test includes a series of tests that detect the presence of lupus anticoagulant in blood. The autoantibodies are directed against phospholipids and phospholipid-associated proteins that are found in cell membranes. These autoantibodies interfere with the coagulation process and increase the risk of blood clot formation.&nbs

What is analysed? Luteinising hormone (LH) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It plays a crucial role in reproductive health, particularly in the regulation of the menstrual cycle in females and the production of testosterone in males.   What does the result indicate? The result of an LH analysis indicates the level of this hormone in the bloodstream. Abnormal level

What is analysed? Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the spirochete bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks, which are commonly found in wooded or grassy areas. Lyme disease tests analyse blood for the presence of antibodies to the Lyme disease bacterium. The presence of these