Medical dictionary

What is analysed? Cryoglobulins are immunoglobulins, which are antibodies produced by the immune system, that can precipitate (clump together) or gel at low temperatures. Precipitated cryoglobulins can lead to the formation of clumps or deposits in blood vessels, causing inflammation and potentially blocking blood flow. Large amounts of cryoglobulins (cryoglobulinemia) can result in symptoms

What is cryolipolysis? Cryolipolysis is a minimally-invasive treatment or procedure to eliminate body fat by applying cold. A plate-shaped device is applied to the skin, cooling the adipocytes or fat cells and eliminating them through lipolysis, which breaks down their chemical bonds. This is a less invasive treatment than liposuction and carries fewer risks. Cryolipolysis is a comforta

What is liquid cryo-sclerotherapy? Liquid cryo-sclerotherapy is a technique that promotes the gradual elimination of micro varicose veins and capillaries from the legs.  Why is it performed? Liquid cryo-sclerotherapy is a simple and quick technique that removes micro varicose veins safely and effectively. However, it not only improves the aesthetic appearance of varicose veins, b

What is cryosurgery?Cryosurgery is a type of surgery that uses freezing cold temperatures to destroy abnormal tissues such as tumours or precancerous skin lesions. In most cases liquid nitrogen is used, but carbon dioxide or argon gas can be used as well. When these are low enough temperatures, anything in contact with it instantly freezes, which when on human skin kills the cells on contact. 

What is cryotherapy? Cryotherapy is a treatment used to eliminate certain superficial skin lesions. It involves freezing the tissue in order to destroy it. Treatment is not painful as such but it does produce a stinging and burning sensation, so a local anaesthetic may be required for very sensitive areas. Why is it used? Cryotherapy may be used to remove warts and to destroy preca

What is cryotherapy? Cryotherapy is a relatively new, minimally invasive treatment used to treat prostate and kidney cancer. By undergoing cryotherapy, you can avoid open surgery or radiotherapy. It can also be used as secondary treatment if the surgery or radiotherapy fails. This technique uses ultrafine needles, similar to those used in biopsies, to deliver very cold gases to destroy cancer.

What is a CSF leak? A CSF leak, or cerebrospinal fluid leak, is a serious condition where there is a hole in the dura, the membrane which surrounds the brain and spinal cord, causing the clear fluid inside to leak out. This fluid is responsible for protecting the brain and spinal cord. A loss of cerebrospinal fluid in the spine reduces pressure in the brain and can cause headaches. It can al

What is a CT scan?A computerised tomography (CT) scan, also known as a CAT scan, works by combining numerous X-ray images that are taken from different angles and processing them through a computer to produce a cross-sectional image of different parts of the body. These images are in black and white.  CT scans can be used to take images of bones, blood vessels and soft tissues and provid

What is a CT urography? A CT urography is a scanning technique which uses contrast material and imaging to show if there is blood in the urine and also to show kidney or bladder stones or cancer in the urinary tract, using a CT scanner to guide the process. The CT scanner produces images of cross-sections of the urinary tract and bladder which when assembled create a mu