Medical dictionary

What is a prostate biopsy?A prostate biopsy is a test which is done in order to take small samples of tissue from the prostate, which are then looked at in more detail and analysed.  What does it involve?There are generally two types of prostate biopsy. The first is called TRUS (transrectal ultrasound) guided biopsy. First, an ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum to allow im

What is prostate cancer? Prostate cancer is the type of cancer that starts in the prostate gland. The prostate is part of the male reproductive system and is an organ that surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. The prostate is responsible for producing seminal fluid. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with 1 in 8 men affected. Every year, 11,000 me

What is a prostatectomy? A prostatectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the prostate. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland only found in men, located between the bladder and the penis. It can be afflicted by a number of conditions, including prostate cancer. A simple prostatectomy is a procedure that only removes part of the prostate. A radical prostatecto

What is being analysed? Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is a protein originating from the cells within the prostate gland. The PSA test evaluates the concentration of this protein circulating in the bloodstream. What does the result mean? The result of the PSA test provides information about the health of the prostate gland. Elevated levels of PSA may indicate prostate inflammation, i

​​What is prostatitis? Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate, a gland located under the male urinary bladder that helps produce semen. It is not a common disorder of the male genitourinary system, but can be distressing and cause severe illness. What symptoms does it present? Symptoms vary depending on whether or not the inflammation is caused by bacterial infection. The most

What is being analysed? Protein C and Protein S are essential components of the body's natural anticoagulant system, playing a crucial role in preventing blood clot formation. This analysis measures the levels of these proteins in the blood.   What does the result mean? The result indicates the concentration of Protein C and Protein S in the blood. Normal levels suggest a

What is being analysed? Protein electrophoresis and immunofixation are laboratory tests used to separate and identify proteins in the blood. What does the result mean? The result provides a pattern of proteins present in the blood serum or urine. It helps in diagnosing and monitoring various conditions, such as multiple myeloma, amyloidosis, and other protein-

What is proteinuria? Proteinuria is a condition that occurs when there is protein in the urine. A high amount is considered over 150 mg.   This condition should be borne in mind when diagnosing haematuria (blood in the urine) as if they are affecting an individual at the same time, it may be due to kidney disease. What are the symptoms? In the early stages of th

What is being analysed? Prothrombin Time (PT) is a blood test used to assess the time it takes for blood to clot. It measures the activity of certain clotting factors in the blood, primarily factors I, II, V, VII, and X. PT is often used to monitor patients taking anticoagulant medications such as warfarin. What does the result mean? The result of a PT test is usually reported in seco