Medicine

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV): causes, signs, diagnosis and management Lymphogranuloma venereum Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is an STI caused by L-serovars of Chlamydia trachomatis. This article explains its presentation, transmission, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and p…

Lymphoma: cancers of the lymphatic system Lymphoma Lymphoma is a group of cancers that arise in the lymphatic system. This article explains types, signs, diagnosis, history, and common approaches to treatment and follow-up care.

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (Mad cow disease) Mad cow disease Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly called mad cow disease, is a fatal prion disease of cattle linked to human variant CJD, noted for long incubation, brain degenerati…

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Principles, Technology and Clinical Uses Magnetic resonance imaging Comprehensive overview of MRI: physical principles, system components, common clinical applications, historical milestones, and safety considerations for this radiation-free imagin…

Malaise: a clinical overview of general discomfort, causes, and care Malaise Malaise is a nonspecific sensation of discomfort or unease that accompanies many illnesses. This article explains what malaise is, typical causes, how clinicians evaluate it, and b…

Malaria: cause, transmission, life cycle, prevention and global impact Malaria Comprehensive overview of malaria: the Plasmodium parasites, mosquito vectors, transmission routes, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, history and global public‑h…

Male breast cancer: overview, causes, diagnosis and treatment Male breast cancer A comprehensive summary of male breast cancer covering symptoms, risk factors (including BRCA), diagnosis, treatment options, prognosis, and prevention advice for men and clinician…

Malignant (medicine): definition, characteristics, diagnosis and treatment Malignant Malignant describes diseases, especially tumors, that invade nearby tissue and can spread to distant sites. This article explains meaning, features, diagnosis, staging, treatment a…

Malnutrition: causes, types, effects and prevention Malnutrition Malnutrition is an imbalance of nutrient intake affecting growth, health and survival. This article explains types (undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, dehydration, overwei…

Mantoux test: intradermal tuberculin skin test for tuberculosis screening Mantoux test The Mantoux test is an intradermal tuberculin skin test used to detect immune sensitization to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It has diagnostic value and limitations; interpretation d…

Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Massachusetts General Hospital Major teaching hospital and research center in Boston, affiliated with Harvard Medical School; noted for clinical care, medical research, education and the historic 1846 ether demo…

Massage: Techniques, Benefits, History and Practical Considerations Massage Comprehensive overview of massage: common techniques, typical uses and benefits, historical background, safety considerations, and practical advice for recipients and practitioners…

Mastectomy: types, indications, procedure, recovery and considerations Mastectomy Overview of mastectomy — surgical removal of breast tissue. Covers types, reasons for the operation, steps of the procedure, reconstruction options, risks, recovery and special pop…

Maternal health: care, risks, and global challenges Maternal health Maternal health covers the physical and mental well‑being of women before, during and after pregnancy, including family planning, prenatal and postpartum care and the social factor…

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) Maturity onset diabetes of the young MODY is a group of inherited, usually monogenic forms of diabetes caused by single-gene defects that impair insulin production or secretion; genetic testing guides diagnosis, famil…

Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit academic medical center based in Rochester, Minnesota, known for integrated clinical care, medical research, and professional education across multiple U…

MD — common meanings and uses of the abbreviation MD Concise guide to the abbreviation MD (and variants Md, mD, .md): medical doctor, Managing Director, Moldova TLD, Maryland, Markdown, Roman numeral, element Mendelevium and other fr…

Measles (rubeola): symptoms, transmission, prevention and history Measles Measles (rubeola) is a highly contagious viral illness marked by fever, cough, conjunctivitis and a characteristic rash. Vaccination prevents most cases; treatment is supportive an…

Medial collateral ligament (MCL) — structure, function and clinical overview Medial collateral ligament The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is a major stabilizing band on the inner knee. This article explains its anatomy, role, common injuries, diagnosis and typical treatment approa…

Medical abortion (medication abortion) Medical abortion Termination of pregnancy using pharmaceutical agents rather than surgery. Covers drugs, timing, procedure, safety, history, and distinctions from surgical methods.

Medical cannabis: therapeutic uses, administration, risks, and legal status Medical cannabis Medical cannabis refers to using the cannabis plant and its cannabinoids to treat medical conditions. This article explains common uses, delivery methods, known risks, historical c…

Medical diagnosis: concepts, methods, and clinical importance Medical diagnosis An overview of medical diagnosis: how clinicians identify disease using history, examination, laboratory and imaging tests, the diagnostic process, limitations, and its role in tre…

Medical emergency: recognition, response, and systems of care Medical emergency A medical emergency is a sudden injury or illness that threatens life or long-term health and requires immediate assessment and treatment. This article explains recognition, first…

Medical ethics: principles, history, and practical issues Medical ethics Overview of medical ethics: foundational principles, historical development from the Hippocratic tradition to modern codes, major applications in clinical care and research, and ke…

Medical laboratory (clinical laboratory) Medical laboratory Organization and role of medical (clinical) laboratories: functions, major disciplines, workflow, history, and their role in diagnosis, public health and transfusion services.

Medical microbiology (clinical microbiology) Medical microbiology Study of microbes that cause human disease, their biology, diagnosis, treatment implications and public‑health roles, including bacteriology, virology, mycology, parasitology and i…

Medical specialty: organization, training, and roles in modern medicine Medical specialty Overview of medical specialties: definitions, common categories, training pathways, examples, distinctions between primary care and subspecialties, and how specialization shapes he…

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): controlled vocabulary for biomedical information Medical Subject Headings MeSH is the National Library of Medicine's controlled vocabulary and hierarchical thesaurus used to index, annotate, and retrieve biomedical literature and other life‑science resou…

Cross-Border Health Care: International Medical Travel and Patient Mobility Medical tourism Overview of cross-border health care, medical travel and patient mobility: why patients travel, common treatments, risks, how to evaluate providers, and economic and regulatory imp…

Medical transcription: definition, workflow, tools, and industry trends Medical transcription Medical transcription converts recorded clinical speech into written medical records. This article covers processes, roles, tools, quality and legal issues, and modern trends such…

Medical ultrasonography: principles, applications, and clinical use Medical ultrasonography Overview of medical ultrasonography covering how ultrasound imaging works, common clinical applications (obstetrics, cardiac, emergency), key techniques, history, safety, advantage…

Medication: uses, types, safety, and regulation Medication Overview of medications—what they are, major types (OTC vs prescription), how they work, common forms and uses, regulation, and safety considerations.

Medicine: principles, practice, and major branches Medicine Medicine is the science and practice of preventing, diagnosing and treating disease in people and animals. This article outlines key roles, specialties, history, and public-health…

Medicine man: traditional healers, roles, and cultural context Medicine man Overview of the medicine man: role in Native American and other societies, healing practices, rituals, historical parallels, terminology, and modern significance.

MedlinePlus — Consumer health information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine MedlinePlus MedlinePlus is a free consumer health website maintained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and NIH partners, providing authoritative health topics, drug info, medical encycl…

Medomalacuphobia: fear of losing an erection Medomalacuphobia Medomalacuphobia refers to intense anxiety about losing an erection. It is often associated with performance anxiety or erectile dysfunction and can impair relationships; treatment…

Megaloblastic anemia A form of anemia caused by impaired DNA synthesis, usually from vitamin B12 or folate deficiency; characterized by large red blood cell precursors and treated by supplementation an…

Melanoma: causes, types, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention Melanoma Melanoma is a malignant tumor of pigment-producing cells. This article explains its types, risk factors, diagnosis, staging, treatment options, prognosis, and prevention strategies…

Melphalan (alkylating chemotherapy agent) Melphalan Melphalan is an alkylating chemotherapeutic used for multiple myeloma, some solid tumours and regional perfusion techniques; it works by cross-linking DNA and suppressing dividing…

Meningitis — infection and inflammation of the meninges Meningitis Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges around the brain and spinal cord caused by infections or other triggers. This article summarizes causes, presentation, diagnosis, managem…

Menstrual migraine (catamenial migraine) Menstrual migraine Menstrual migraine refers to migraine attacks linked to the menstrual cycle. It includes true menstrual migraine and menstrually related migraine; it is often longer, harder to tre…

Mercury poisoning Toxic effects caused by exposure to mercury and its compounds, their sources, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and notable historical incidents.

Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, Chicago Mercy Hospital and Medical Center A 292-bed Catholic teaching hospital on Chicago’s Near South Side, founded in 1852. Known for historic medical-school affiliation, women’s cancer services, community emergency care…

Merkel‑cell carcinoma Merkel-cell carcinoma An uncommon, aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer linked to Merkel cell polyomavirus, ultraviolet exposure, and immune suppression. Typically affects older adults and often arises…

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) MERS MERS is a viral respiratory illness caused by MERS‑CoV, first reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012. It can cause severe pneumonia and has been associated with zoonotic exposure and tra…

Mesenteric ischemia: causes, presentation, diagnosis and management Mesenteric ischemia Mesenteric ischemia occurs when the intestine receives inadequate blood flow. This article reviews its types, causes, symptoms, diagnostic approaches, treatments and prevention in…

Mesothelioma: overview, causes, diagnosis, and treatment Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a rare cancer of the mesothelial lining, most often caused by asbestos exposure. This article covers types, symptoms, diagnosis, therapies, prognosis, and legal and…

Metabolic syndrome: causes, signs, risks and management Metabolic syndrome Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities that raise the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. This article explains features, causes, conseq…