The removal of a cone-shaped section of tissue from the cervix of the uterus, which is then sent to a laboratory for examination; this may be curative as well as diagnostic.
cone biopsy
congenital
Any condition present since birth.
congenital adrenal hyperplasia
An uncommon genetic disorder in which sufferers lack an enzyme that is needed to make the hormones cortisol and aldosterone.
congestive cardiac failure
A condition in which the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood to meet the body's needs, resulting in shortness of breath and swelling (oedema) of the ankles. Also known as congestive heart failure.
conjunctiva
The transparent membrane covering the white of the eye.
conjunctivitis
Inflammation of the transparent membrane covering the white of the eye, causing redness, discomfort and discharge.
connective tissue
A type of tissue made up of fibres forming a framework and support structure for body tissues and organs.
constipation
a common condition where stools are not passed as frequently as normal
constitutional
No medical condition.
contact allergic dermatitis
A reaction of the skin to a substance that it has come into contact with.
contact tracing
A procedure to find and test other people who may have been exposed to someone with an infectious disease. It is most often undertaken for STDs and is carried out without revealing the name of the infected person.
contagious
Any disease that is communicable.
contraception
A means of preventing pregnancy.
contraceptive
A term used to describe something that prevents pregnancy.
contrast agent
A substance taken (either by mouth or into a vein) by a person who is about to undergo an imaging investigation, to improve the visibility of the structures being imaged. Also known as contrast medium.
contrast medium
A substance taken (either by mouth or into a vein) by a person who is about to undergo an imaging investigation, to improve the visibility of the structures being imaged.
contrast nephropathy
A deterioration in kidney function following the injection of contrast medium.
contrast X-ray
An X-ray that uses a substance given to improve the visibility of structures during imaging.
convalescent serum test
A virological test.
COPD
An abbreviation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
cornea
The transparent, thin-walled dome that forms the front of the eyeball.
Cornelia de Lange syndrome
A genetic disorder that can lead to severe developmental problems.
coronary
Relating to the arteries supplying the heart itself.
coronary angiogram
An X-ray image of the coronary arteries, which is taken after introducing a catheter through a blood vessel and threading it towards the heart, then injecting a contrast medium to improve visibility.