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Ovarian Cancer DEFINITION Ovarian Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal ovarian cells. The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system and produce an egg each month for fertilisation. DESCRIPTION Ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women after breast, bowel and lung cancers. New cases of… Read Article

Peptic ulcer DEFINITION The term Peptic Ulcer is used to describe a group of ulcerative disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract.  An ulcer is an erosion of the mucous membrane which may be accompanied by inflammation and infection, and may occur at different locations. The major forms of gastrointestinal ulcers… Read Article

Plantar fasciitis DEFINITION Plantar fasciitis means inflammation of the plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue (similar to a ligament) that stretches from the heel to the middle bones of the foot. DESCRIPTION Plantar faciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. Small injuries to the plantar fascia, which… Read Article

Plantar warts DEFINITION Plantar Warts (verrucae plantaris) are contagious epithelial tumours caused by numerous types of human papilloma virus. Plantar means pertaining to the sole of the foot. As the name suggests plantar warts are found on the sole of the foot. DESCRIPTION Plantar Warts are greyish in colour and,… Read Article

Pulmonary embolism DEFINITION Pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the blood vessels of the lungs. In most cases, the blockage occurs when a blood clot travels from a point downstream in the circulation and gets stuck, as the vessels become narrower in the lungs. DESCRIPTION Pulmonary emboli are a problem… Read Article

Ringworm scalp DEFINITION Tinea capitis, also known as ‘ringworm of the scalp’ is one of several forms of the ringworm fungal infection.  DESCRIPTION Commonly, the infection looks like severe dandruff on various places on the scalp. Some infections cause patches of hair loss (bald patches) to develop. The bald patches… Read Article

Schizophrenia DEFINITION Schizophrenia is a mental illness that affects the way an individual perceives, thinks and reacts to the world around them. DESCRIPTION Schizophrenia affects around 1% of the population and usually begins in early adulthood, although it has been known to begin in children or older adults. Schizophrenia does… Read Article

Shingles DEFINITION Shingles, also known as Herpes zoster, is an acute infection caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV). This is the same virus which causes chickenpox. DESCRIPTION Shingles is an infection or inflammation of the nerves that lie just beneath the skin’s surface. After chickenpox, the virus… Read Article

Snoring DEFINITION Snoring is partially obstructed breathing during sleep, causing a harsh, rough sound from the passage of air through the mouth, throat and nose. Snoring ranges from being an annoying problem for bed partners and the household to a potential health threat to the snorer. DESCRIPTION Snoring is the… Read Article