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pacemaker

A small electrical device that functions to maintain a normal heart rate.

pachydermoperiostosis

A rare genetic disorder characterised by clubbing of limbs and thickening of skin.

Paget’s disease

A common disorder affecting the middle-aged and elderly in which the formation of bone is disrupted. It usually affects the pelvis, skull, collarbone, vertebrae and the long bones of the leg.

Paget’s disease of bone

A bone disease that leads to misshapen and fragile bones.

Paget’s disease of the nipple

Redness and crusting of the skin of the nipple, sometimes associated with a breast lump, and usually due to a rare type of breast cancer

palatal myoclonus

Rhythmic, involuntary, jerky movements of the soft palate of the throat and sometimes other muscles related to the throat.

palliative
A therapy that gives relief from the symptoms of a disease rather than impacting on its course. Often known as 'end of life' care.
palmar erythema

Reddening of the hands, usually over the fleshy part on the palm, below the little finger.

palpate

Medical examination by the hands and fingertips.

palpitations

The feeling when you become aware of your heartbeat - when frightened, for example.

palsy

A term applied to certain forms of paralysis.

PAN

polyarteritis nodosa

pancolitis

Inflammation of the full length of the colon.

pancreas

A gland behind the stomach that produces digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon, which together regulate glucose levels in the blood.

pancreas

A glandular organ that secretes digestive enzymes and hormones.

pancreatic

Relating to the pancreas.

pancreatic resection

The surgical removal of the pancreas

pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas, a gland behind the stomach that produces digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon.

pandemic

An outbreak of infection that affects numerous people in different countries.

panproctocolectomy

The surgical removal of the large intestine, rectum and anus.

papillae

Small bumps or protuberances. The term is most often used to describe the small raised bumps on the tongue that house the taste buds.

papillary muscle

Small muscles that are attached to the heart valves.

papilloma

A non-cancerous growth that resembles a wart.

papule

Small, solid, rounded bumps rising from the skin.