Medical dictionary

What is a lumbar nerve root block?A lumbar nerve root block, also known as a transforaminal epidural, is an injection of local anaesthetic and anti-inflammatory steroids to provide pain relief. It is administered to the ventral epidural space and around exiting nerve roots that run on either side of the lumbar section of spine. By providing pain relief, this should help patients to improve th

What are Lumineers®? Lumineers® are ultrathin veneers of about 0.3mm thickness. They are distinct from conventional veneers as it is not necessary to cut the tooth and so anaesthesia is not required. They are simply bonded to the top of the teeth, covering up a variety of dental problems and giving the patient a beautiful white smile. Lumineers® vs veneers: pros and cons B

What is a lung biopsy? A lung biopsy is a medical procedure performed to check lung tissue for disease or cancer. The procedure uses images to detect any abnormalities in the lung tissue, and then a small sample is removed for examination under a microscope. What does a lung biopsy involve? The procedure lasts for around 30 to 60 minutes. An imaging system may be used to visualis

What is lung cancer? Lung cancer is often thought of as the most lethal forms of cancer, and it is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the western world.     There are two types of lung cancer; small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer is more common and its subtypes are; squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma,

What is lung disease? The term “lung disease” is a broad one, encompassing all conditions that prevent the lungs from working properly. There are three main types of lung disease: Diseases of the respiratory tract – these affect the airways that transport oxygen and other gases in and out of the lungs. They often cause a narrowing or blockage of the airways. Examples in

What is pulmonary function testing? Pulmonary function testing is performed to determine the type of disorder affecting the lungs. It is also used to determine the stage of any lung disease present. There are different methods used. What does it involve? The technique of spirometry is used to measure air flow in the lungs, obtaining flow rates and volumes. It involves the patient brea

What is a lung transplant? A lung transplant is a surgical operation that gives a patient a new lung. The old lung is removed when it is no longer capable of doing its job and poses a risk to the patient’s life. It is replaced by a new, healthy lung from a donor – usually a deceased person who had permitted their organs to be donated after death. In rare cases, a section of lung may

What is lupus? Lupus is a disease that damages the immune system, occurring as a result of your own immune system mistakenly attacking healthy cells and tissues. This can cause damage to many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and brain. There are, in fact, many different types of lupus. The main ones include the following: 

What is analysed in a lupus anticoagulant test? The lupus anticoagulant test includes a series of tests that detect the presence of lupus anticoagulant in blood. The autoantibodies are directed against phospholipids and phospholipid-associated proteins that are found in cell membranes. These autoantibodies interfere with the coagulation process and increase the risk of blood clot formation.&nbs