Medical dictionary

What is massage therapy? Massage therapy is an alternative or complementary therapy which involves working on and applying pressure to the patient’s body using the hands, or sometimes the feet, elbows, forearms, or a device. People most commonly seek massage therapy to help alleviate pain or stress. Massage as medical therapy is a somewhat controversial idea. It is unable to reach the

What is mastalgia? Mastalgia is the medical term for breast pain. There are two main types of mastalgia – cyclic and non-cyclic. Cyclic pain is connected to the menstrual cycle and, as such, usually occurs monthly. It usually manifests in both breasts, but can be limited to just one, or can also radiate to the armpit and/or arm. Non-cyclic pain is not linked to the menstrual cycle.

What is a mastectomy? A mastectomy is a surgical procedure performed using general anaesthetic that removes an entire breast. This is used to treat breast cancer and often involves removing most of the breast tissue, skin and the nipple. Depending on where the cancer is present, a single or double mastectomy will be performed. Mastectomy is often followed by breast reconstruction surgery. 

What is mastitis? Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary glands caused, usually, by an infection. Common symptoms include swelling, pain, redness and sometimes a mild fever. What symptoms does it present? The usual symptoms of mastitis are: Breast pain Swelling The breast is sensitive to the touch and flushed Swollen lymph nodes in the armpits Fever and chills Fati

What is mastoiditis?   Mastoiditis is an infection of the mastoid bone, a portion of the temporal bone of the skull located behind the ear. The mastoid bone is full of tine air-filled spaces, called mastoid cells. Mastoiditis occurs if the mastoid cells become infected or inflamed, often following a persistent middle ear infection (otitis media). The condition can be either acute or

What is maternal mental health?   Maternal mental health refers to the emotional and psychological wellbeing of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. It includes a range of mental health conditions that can develop due to the hormonal, physical, and emotional changes associated with pregnancy and motherhood.   Maternal mental health issues are

What is May-Thurner syndrome? Also known as iliac vein compression syndrome, May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) is a condition in which the left iliac vein in the pelvis becomes compressed by the overlying right iliac artery. The result of this is an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (i.e. blood clot) occurring in the left leg. Deep vein thrombosis can cause discomfort, but ar

What is being analysed? Serology analysis for measles and mumps aims to detect specific antibodies in the blood that indicate a current or past infection. The two primary antibodies analysed are immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG). What does the result mean? The results of the serology analysis provide information about the individual's immune response to measles and

What is a medial branch block?   Medial branch nerves carry pain signals to the brain from joints within the spine. These joints, known as facet joints, connect the bones of the spine and allow it to twist and bend, without it moving too far out of place. A medial branch block is a procedure where local anaesthetic and steroids are injected close to the medial nerves connected to a cert