Medical dictionary

What is otoneurology? Otoneurology, or neuro-otology, combines aspects of otology (the field of medicine studying the ear and its conditions) and neurology (which deals with the brain and nervous system). Neuro-otology is a sub-specialty in the field of ear, nose and throat (ENT) dealing with conditions of the ear and how they’re related to the central nervous system, as well as h

What is otoplasty? Otoplasty, which is also known as pinnaplasty, ear correction surgery or cosmetic ear surgery, is a surgical procedure to change the size, shape or position of the ears. Otoplasty is often associated with pinning ears back that appear as very protruding, so this is a common form of otoplasty carried out, but it is also known as pinnaplasty. Depending on the age of the pati

What is otosclerosis? Otosclerosis is a medical condition that affects the bones of the middle ear, specifically the stapes bone. The stapes bone, also known as the stirrup bone, is one of the three tiny bones in the middle ear responsible for transmitting sound vibrations from the outer ear to the inner ear. In otosclerosis, abnormal bone growth occurs in the middle ear, particularly around

What is ovarian cancer? The ovary is the organ which produces eggs in women. These eggs then travel to the uterus through the fallopian tubes during ovulation. Sometimes epithelial cells or germ cells inside the ovaries multiply excessively, generating a tumour mass inside the ovary itself.   There are several kinds of ovarian cancer: benign tumours: for example, ovarian cy

What is ovarian cancer debulking?Debulking is a type of surgery with the goal of removing as much cancerous tissue as possible. In terms of ovarian cancer treatment, this surgery will aim to remove some or all of the cancer, and may involve removing affected reproductive organs such as the ovaries, uterus, womb, cervix, lymph nodes or fallopian tubes. This treatment is very important for wome

What are ovarian cysts?  A cyst is a closed sac filled with fluid, a solid mass, or a mix, that occurs in the body’s tissue. In the case of ovarian cysts, they are sacs that grow on the ovaries in women. The ovaries are organs that make up the female reproductive system, one on each side of the womb. The ovaries release an egg as part of the menstrual cycle and both sex hormones

What is ovarian stimulation? Ovarian stimulation is a treatment used before other assisted conception procedures to both induce ovulation and to increase the number of eggs released. This can increase the chances of a pregnancy happening. Ovarian stimulation can be done either with medications, or it can be done using injections. Ovarian insemination may precede artificial insemination or in

What is an overactive bladder? An overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition where the patient frequently experiences a sudden, and often urgent need to urinate. These urges can occur at any time, night or day, and can have a serious impact on a person’s life, including their self-esteem and social life. In a significant number of patients, overactive bladder comes coupled with a loss of uri

What are ovulatory disorders? An ovulatory disorder refers to a dysfunction of the ovaries, which are the producers of oestrogen and eggs in the body. Ovulatory disorders, where ovulation is absent (anovulation) or abnormal, are one of the most common causes of infertility in women.     In a normal menstrual cycle, which lasts around 28 – 35 days, the ovaries w