Medical dictionary

What is adenopathy (lymphadenopathy)? Adenopathy is a term that refers to swelling of a gland, typically the lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy). A lymph node is an oval or kidney-shaped organ that forms part of the lymphatic system - a network of nodes, organs and lymphatic vessels situated all over the body. The lymph node’s primary function is to fight infection. The lymphatic system is in

What is it?Lymphatic drainage is a massage that stimulates the lymph vessels (which carry waste products from the tissues back towards the heart) in order to eliminate interstitial fluid and boost the lymph flow.  What is it for?The massage has an anti-oedema and analgesic effect over the smooth muscle tissue, and it is indicated to reduce the orange peel skin that is caused by

What are lymph nodes? Lymph nodes, also known as lymph glands, are small glands found throughout the body, and form a part of the lymph system. The lymph system is a network of organs and vessels that carries fluid around the body between tissue and the blood. The fluid contains white blood cells called lymphocytes. The lymph system is an integral part of the immune system, as

What is lymphoedema? Lymphoedema is a chronic condition characterised by swelling in the tissues of the body along with fluid retention, as the body is unable to drain lymph fluid. The most commonly affected areas are the legs and arms, though it can occur anywhere in the body. What are the symptoms of lymphoedema? The symptoms of lymphoedema include: Swelling in part, or all, o

What is lymphoma? Lymphoma is a group of blood cancers developing from lymphocytes, which are the cells that defend the body in the immune system. This proliferation takes place in the nodules or lymph nodes, although sometimes it also affects the spleen or liver. Thus, it is a cancer that originates in the lymphatic tissue. As a result of the disease, there is an impairment of the immune sy

What is a lymphoscintigraphy? Lymphoscintigraphy is a diagnostic test that helps evaluate the body's lymphatic system to detect diseases, especially lymphatic cancer. What happens during a lymphoscintigraphy? The test involves injecting small amounts of radiotracer, a radioactive material, into the skin, which travels through the analysed area and provides energy in the form of ga

What is Lynch syndrome? Lynch syndrome, also known as HNPCC (hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer), is an inherited disorder that increases the risk of many types of cancer, particularly cancers of the colon (large intestine) and rectum, which are collectively referred to as colorectal cancer. Patients with Lynch syndrome usually develop colorectal cancer before the age of 50. The cond