A protein found in the blood. Raised levels suggest tissue damage or necrosis (death of cells).

A scar left following an operation to deliver a baby from the uterus through a horizontal or, less commonly, a vertical incision in the abdomen.

patches of coffee coloured skin that can occur anywhere on the body. They are usually oval in shape and may measure several centimetres across. A few spots are usually not significant but larger numbers may be.

Calcium deposited in tissues and organs.

An element that forms the structure of bones and teeth and is essential to many of the body's functions.

Stones that form in on organ or duct of the body.

A small, hard crystalline mass that is formed in a body cavity from certain substances in fluids, such as saliva, urine or bile.

An area of skin that has become thickened by pressure or friction.

A test of vestibular function used to investigate vertigo.

Small, bright red, raised spots that tend to occur in people over 40 years. They are benign and relatively common.

a group of bacteria that are among the most common causes of gastrointestinal disorders.

An abnormal pouch of peritoneum that extends into the outer folds of skin that protect the vagina.

Abnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body.

Malignant, a tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body.

A gangrenous disease that leads to destruction of the tissue of the face.

A type of yeast or fungus. The term is sometimes also used to describe the infection resulting from it (candidiasis). The most common is Candida albicans, which causes thrush infections, most often of the vagina or mouth

An infection caused by fungi of the Candida species, also known as thrush

The tiniest blood vessels, linking the arterial and venous circulations.

Inflammation of a capsule around an organ or joint.

An anti-convulsant and mood stabilising drug.

A group of compounds that are an important energy source, including sugars and starch.

A highly poisonous gas produced by incomplete combustion (burning), for example by faulty boilers or wood stoves, car exhaust fumes or tobacco smoke.

This refers to a group of symptoms associated with carcinoid tumours.

A tumour of the neuroendocrine system.