Medical dictionary

What is ocular melanoma? Ocular melanoma is a form of cancer that affects melanin, the cells responsible for producing pigment in the body. Although this disease is rare, it is the most common type of cancer that affects the eyes. It can affect all parts of this organ, especially hard-to-access parts that make detection difficult. This is why it is essential to have regular eye examinations.

What is oculofacial plastic surgery?Oculofacial plastic surgery is a medical speciality that focuses on surgery to the eyelids, brow, nose and tear duct system to treat disease, remove tumours, and restore the cosmetic appearance of the face.There are very few oculofacial plastic surgeons in the world, concentrated in only a handful of clinics. Surgeons generally undergo specialist fellowship trai

What is oculoplastics? Oculoplastics, also known as oculoplastic surgery, is an umbrella term for a number of surgical procedures on the eye and the surrounding structures, including the eye socket, eyelids, tear ducts, and parts of the face. Oculoplastic surgeons are specialised ophthalmologists, who have undergone additional fellowship training. Some surgeons from certain other specialties

What is oedema? Oedema (spelt “edema” in some countries) is swelling caused by the accumulation of fluid in a particular part of the body. It is often accompanied by inflammation. Oedema usually affects the feet, ankles, and legs, although it can occur anywhere in the body. Pulmonary oedema, for example, occurs in the lungs and can cause diffi

What is oesophageal cancer? Oesophageal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the oesophagus (gullet or food pipe), which is the long tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. It occurs when abnormal cells grow in an uncontrollable way. It is more common in people in their 60s and 70s and occurs in men more than women. What are the symptoms of oesophageal cancer? The sy

What is oesophageal cancer surgery? Oesophageal cancer is a form of cancer that affects the oesophagus which is the tube that takes food from the throat to the stomach. Cancer of the oesophagus occurs when cancer cells develop, starting in the inner layer of the oesophagus, and can spread into the other layers, and to other parts of the body. Surgery aims to remove the part of the oesophagus af

What is an oesophageal manometry? Oesophageal manometry is a diagnostic procedure used to determine the function of the lower oesophageal sphincter. This is the valve that stops gastric acid from flowing up into the oesophagus. This is performed to diagnose problems with this stage of the digestion process. What does the oesophageal manometry procedure involve? This test involves int

What are oesophageal varices? Oesophageal varices are abnormally dilated veins in the lower part of the oesophagus, through which blood flows that would normally pass through the liver. The veins are dilated as a result of blood flow restriction due to a diseased liver. The main problem with these varices is the risk of rupture , which occurs when the pressure inside the veins is greater tha

What is oesophagitis?The oesophagus is part of the digestive system and it connects the mouth to the stomach. The mouth and the oesophagus are separated by cardia, which is a type of valve that aims to prevent gastric juices going up to the mouth once they have passed through the stomach.The term oesophagitis is used when the oesophageal mucus is inflamed, with an additional layer c