Medical dictionary

What is brachytherapy for breast cancer? Brachytherapy is a form of internal radiotherapy. It can be used to treat a malignant tumour that has not spread to other areas or organs, since it irradiates only the affected area or organ. This therapy can be combined with other treatments depending on the stage of the tumour, the hormonal receptors and many other factors that are assessed on a

What is prostate brachytherapy? Brachytherapy is a treatment that places radioactive sources inside the patient temporarily or permanently to damage the DNA of cancer cells and destroy their growth. In this case, radioactive ‘seeds’ are placed in the prostate gland to destroy prostate cancer cells.   How is prostate brachytherapy performed? Brachytherapy usual

What is a brain aneurysm?      A brain aneurysm is a cerebrovascular disease that develops due to a dilatation (weakness) of the arterial blood vessel wall in the brain, usually where the vessel branches. As blood flows through the blood vessel, the pressure causes the weak point of the blood vessel to bulge outwards, like a balloon. It is estimated that fiv

What is a brain haemorrhage? A brain haemorrhage is a rupture of a blood vessel (usually an artery) that causes bleeding in and around the brain. Brain haemorrhages differ according to their location and the severity of the damage: Spontaneous cerebral haemorrhage: associated with arterial hypertension, coagulation problems, tumours or formation of new blood vessels following is

What is a brain metastasis?A brain metastasis is a type of cancer that begins in any part of the body and spreads to the brain.The types of cancers that occur most frequently and that develop metastases at the brain level are lung, breast, and genitourinary tract cancers. However, there are other types of cancer that rarely spread to the brain, such as colon or prostate cancer.In other rare cases,

A brain MRI is a type of scan which uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of your brain. An MRI is carried out by a radiologist and is a safe and pain-free procedure. Why do I need a brain MRI? A brain MRI is used to investigate a number of things. If you have gone to the doctor with symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, seizures, or changes in your behav

What are brain tumours?    A brain tumour is the abnormal growth of cells in the brain. It may be benign, non-cancerous, or malignant, containing cancerous cells that grow fast.   Primary tumours are named after the location in which they begin, in this case the brain. There are other tumours that originate in other parts of the body and spread by metastasis to the brain.

What is the BRCA gene? The BRCA genes affect the likelihood of which a person may develop cancer. They enable the human body to suppress tumours by producing proteins that correct damaged DNA in our cells.   Mutations of these genes do not give you cancer, but they greatly inhibit the body’s ability to prevent it. They result in tumour suppressing proteins t

What is breakthrough bleeding? Breakthrough bleeding is vaginal bleeding that occurs between a woman's monthly menstrual periods, particularly in women who are using hormonal birth control.  What are the causes of breakthrough bleeding? The causes of breakthrough bleeding can include: uterine fibroids miscarriage ectopic pregnancy underactive thyroid cervical or ute