A grading system for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, a malignant condition in which increased numbers of white blood cells, leucocytes, are produced in an immature or abnormal state.

A study comparing the outcomes between one or more different treatments for a disease (or in some instances, preventive measures against that disease) and no active treatment at all (the placebo group). Study participants are allocated to the various groups on a random basis. May be abbreviated to RCT.

Studies comparing the outcomes between one or more different treatments for a disease (or in some instances, preventive measures against that disease) and no active treatment at all (the placebo group). Study participants are allocated to the various groups on a random basis. May be abbreviated to RCT.

A study comparing two or more different treatments or preventive measures, where study participants are randomly allocated to either group.

radioallergosorbent test

recurrent aphthous ulceration

A rare disorder of the blood vessels.

Randomised controlled trial. A study comparing the outcomes between one or more different treatments for a disease (or in some instances, preventive measures against that disease) and no active treatment at all (the placebo group). Study participants are allocated to the various groups on a random basis.

A drop in blood sugar occurring after a heavy meal and thought to be due to increased insulin production (in someone who is not diabetic).

The surgical reattachment of two tubular organs within the body.

Manufactured Factor VII, used for the treatment of uncontrollable bleeding.

Relating to the rectum, the lowest part of the bowel leading to the anus.

The protrusion of the rectal mucous membrane through the anus.

The last part of the large intestine, where faeces are stored before being passed.

A relatively rare condition often misdiagnosed. The covering of one of the muscles on the abdominal wall, called the rectus, sometimes splits. Rectus sheath rupture typically occurs following straining or coughing.

Used of a swelling, most often a hernia, to mean it is not fixed but can be displaced or pushed back, either due to body position (for example on lying down) or with manual pressure.

Pain felt in one area of the body due to a disease or other cause in a different part of the body.

An integrated approach based on the concept that each body part has a corresponding point on the feet, which is massaged during therapy.

Backflow of a bodily fluid in the wrong direction

The treatment of a person with an illness or disability to improve their function and health.

A type of reactive arthritis where inflammation in the joints develops following an infection in another part of the body.

A return or worsening of the symptoms of a disease after a period of remission.

A technique to help dementia sufferers recall past memories using old and familiar music, photos or other memorabilia.

The lessening or disappearance of the symptoms or signs of a disease.