Medical dictionary

What is an MRI? MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a type of scan that doctors use to see the bones, tissues, and organs inside your body. MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create highly detailed images, much more detailed than a CT scan or X-ray. This can be very useful when making a diagnosis, or planning surgery. Some of the most common types of MRI scan include: B

What is MR Linac?The MR Linac (MRL), also known as MRI-guided Linac, is the most advanced form of image-guided radiotherapy currently available. It uniquely combines high-resolution MRI scanning with a linear accelerator, allowing doctors and radiographers to visualise the prostate and surrounding tissues in real time as the radiotherapy is being delivered. For men with prostate cancer, this innov

What is being analysed? MRSA screening involves the analysis of samples to detect the presence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) bacteria. What does the result mean? A positive result indicates the presence of MRSA bacteria in the sample, suggesting an increased risk of MRSA infection. A negative result suggests the absence of MRSA at the time of testing, but does

What is being analysed? The analysis focuses on detecting mutations in the MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) gene. Variations in this gene can affect the body's ability to metabolise folate, leading to potential health implications. What does the result mean? The result indicates whether an individual carries mutations in the MTHFR gene. Depending on the specific mutatio

What is a multicystic dysplastic kidney?A multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) is a relatively common condition in which a kidney does not develop properly in the womb, instead consisting of cysts and scar tissue. It does not function properly, but is unlikely to cause a problem as long as the other kidney is healthy – in most cases one functioning kidney can do the job of two. The multi

What are multifocal contact lenses? Multifocal contact lenses are a type of contact lens which combine multiple prescriptions in one lens. They are mainly prescribed for people with age-related presbyopia, a condition which causes your short-distance vision to become blurred. By looking through different parts of the lens, you can see close objects clearly, as well as objects at a distance.

What is multinodular goitre (MNG)? A goitre is a thyroid gland that becomes enlarged for any reason. A multinodular goitre (MNG) is the most common disease of the thyroid gland and occurs when several separate lumps, known as nodules, appear in the gland. The thyroid is in front of the windpipe (trachea) and its function is to produce hormones. These hormones are essential for metabolic reactio

What is multiple myeloma? Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects plasma cells, a type of white blood cell responsible for producing large volumes of antibodies to fight infections. Myeloma starts with a malignant plasma cell in the bone marrow (the spongy centre of bones where blood cells are produced from the body’s natural stem cells). The cancer divides and multiplies unt

What is a multiple pregnancy? A multiple pregnancy is a pregnancy that involves the development of more than one foetus in the womb, resulting from the fertilisation of two or more ovules. Children who are the result of a multiple pregnancy can be identical twins (sharing the exact same set of genes) or non-identical twins (born from two eggs released at the same time). The rate at which ide