Medical dictionary

What is a musculoskeletal ultrasound? A musculoskeletal ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging tool which uses state-of-the-art transducers to help carry on an accurate analysis of muscles, tendons ligaments, joints, and other soft tissues in the body's musculoskeletal system. It is a non-invasive and safe diagnostic tool that helps healthcare professionals assess and diagnose a wide

What is being analysed here? Variants or mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are being analysed. These genes produce proteins that repair DNA, and specific changes can significantly increase cancer risk. What does the result mean? Detecting a harmful variant in BRCA1 or BRCA2 substantially raises the risk of developing various cancers, especially breast and ovarian cancer. Why i

What is myasthenia gravis? Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular autoimmune system disease affecting the skeletal muscles. It is a long-term condition which can affect various parts of the body, largely the eyes, the face, and the swallowing muscles. What is the outlook for patients with myasthenia gravis? The prognosis of patients with myasthenia gravis is generally good, providing th

What is analysed in a mycobacterial culture? A mycobacterial culture aims to identify and cultivate mycobacterium bacteria present in a clinical sample. It is primarily used for diagnosing active tuberculosis and other mycobacterial infections. When is it requested? It is requested when there is suspicion of mycobacterial infection, especially in patients with symptoms resembling tube

What is analysed? Mycophenolate analysis involves measuring the levels of mycophenolic acid in the blood to monitor drug levels and assess treatment efficacy. What does the result mean? The result indicates the concentration of mycophenolic acid in the bloodstream. It helps assess whether the drug levels are within the therapeutic range and if the treatment is effective. Why underg

What is being analysed? Mycoplasma analysis involves examining samples to detect the presence of mycoplasma bacteria. This thorough examination aims to identify potential infections caused by these microorganisms. When is it requested? This analysis is typically requested when a patient presents symptoms that suggest a mycoplasma infection, such as respiratory issues, fever, or persi

What is myelitis? Myelitis simply means inflammation of the spinal cord. It is not a disease in itself but a symptom of a range of conditions, so diagnosis of myelitis can be a complex process. Myelitis is often referred to as transverse myelitis. What are the symptoms of myelitis? Depending on the location of the inflammation, myelitis can cause the following symptoms: tingl

What are myelodysplastic syndromes? Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of cancers in which the stem cells that should go on to form blood cells become abnormal and don’t fully develop, leaving the patient with a deficiency of healthy blood cells. There are different types of myelodysplastic syndrome, some of which develop slowly, while others are more aggressive. In some peopl

What is myelofibrosis? Myelofibrosis is a bone marrow disorder that causes an abnormal production of blood cells, resulting in bone marrow scarring and severe anaemia. This is a type of myeloproliferative disorder. This condition alters the process of creation and ageing of blood stem cells in the bone marrow. In people with myelofibrosis, the red blood cell count (as well as white bloo