Lung cancer is responsible for around 35,000 deaths a year in the UK. The NHS Targeted Lung Health Check Programme aims to diagnose lung cancer earlier in people. Individuals are sent an invitation letter or phone call to participate if they...
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Medical term glossary - C
This medical term glossary provides explanations in plain English of a number of technical terms you may encounter in the process of pursuing a clinical negligence claim.
Cacosmia - Abnormal smell sensations caused by brain damage.
Calcaneovalgus - A deformity of the foot causing it to bend upwards and outwards.
Calcaneum - The heel bone.
Calcaneus - A deformity of the foot causing it to bend upwards but not outwards.
Callus - Bone growing around two ends of a fractured bone while it heals.
Cancellous screw - A type of screw used to fix bone.
Canthus - The corner of the eye.
Capitate - A bone in the wrist.
Capsulitis - Inflammation of the capsule between joints.
Cardiac - Of or related to the heart.
Caries - Decay of teeth or bones.
Carpal - Of or related to the wrist.
Carpal tunnel - Space between the bones of the wrist and the membrane which conducts the median nerve.
Carpal tunnel syndrome - Entrapment of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel of the wrist.
Carpus - Wrist bones.
Cartilage - A firm, tough connective tissue which lines articular joints.
Catharsis - Cleansing the bowels.
Cauda equina lesion - Spinal disc rupture causing trapping of nerves.
Causalgia - Nerve damage causing intense continuing burning pain.
Cephalic - Of or relating to the head.
Cerebral - Of or relating to the brain.
Cerebrospinal fluid - Fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Cerebrovascular accident - Stroke.
Cervical - Of or relating to the neck.
Cervical plexus - A bundle of nerves on each side of the upper cervical spine.
Cervical spondylosis - Degeneration of bones and joints of the neck caused by arthritis.
Cholecystectomy - Gall bladder removal.
Chondral - Of or relating to cartilage.
Chondromalacia - Thinning and softening of cartilage.
Chronic - Symptoms which slowly develop and last for a long period of time.
Cicatrix - Scar.
Circumduction - The circular movement of a limb.
Claudication - Insufficient blood circulation causing muscle pain.
Clavicle - Collar bone.
Closed fracture - Fracture of a bone with skin intact.
Coccydynia - Pain in the area of the coccyx (tailbone).
Coccyx - Tailbone at the base of the spine.
Cognition - Complex brain functions such as memory and conscious thought.
Colitis - Inflammation of the colon.
Colles' fracture - Fracture to the lower end of the radius (forearm bone).
Colon - Large intestine
Colposcopy - Inspection of the cervix using a microscope.
Coma - Deep state of unconsciousness lasting for an extended period of time. Inability to wake a person from a coma may cause death.
Comminuted - Severe break of a bone into several pieces.
Compound fracture - ‘Open’ fracture where the skin is broken.
Concussion - Head injury causing temporary loss of some brain function.
Condyle - Bulge found at the end of some bones.
Congenital - Present at birth.
Contralateral - On the opposite side of the body.
Contusion - Bruising.
Cordectomy - Removal of a vocal chord.
Corneal reflex - Blinking caused by contact with the cornea.
Coronoid process - Bulge towards the top of one of the forearm bones.
Corpus callosum - Nerves which connect the two hemispheres of the brain.
Cortex - Outer part of an organ or bone.
Cortical screw - A type of screw used for fixing bone.
Cortical atrophy - Thinning of the tissue surrounding the brain.
Costal - Of or relating to the ribs.
Coxa - Hip.
Coxarthrosis - Osteoarthritis of the hip.
Crepitations - Congestion or inflammation of the lungs causing a crackling noise.
Crepitus - Friction between bones. Often caused by the movement of an arthritic joint.
Crural - Of or relating to the leg or thigh.
Cubitus - Elbow.
Cyanosis - Blue tinged skin caused by insufficient oxygen in the blood.
Cyclitis - Inflamed eye.
Cycloplegia - Paralysed eye.
Cyst - Pooled fluid enclosed by fibrous lining.
Cystic duct - Drainage channel between the gall bladder and the upper bowel.
If you would like assistance in relation to a possible clinical negligence claim speak to our experts for free initial guidance on your options on 01616 966 229 or complete our online enquiry form.
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Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer and is the world’s leading cause of cancer death. There are no signs or symptoms in early stage lung cancer, but some common symptoms that do develop can include: Persistent...
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