A hereditary blood disease in which red blood cells form a sickle shape, and are removed from the circulation.

A condition in which the gene for sickle cell disease is inherited from just one parent rather than both. It is not usually associated with any symptoms.

An instrument with an attached light source and camera or optical system, inserted through the anus in order to examine the lower part of the large intestine.

Examination of the lower part of the intestine with a sigmoidoscope, an instrument with an attached light source and camera or optical system.

Substances that block signals within a cell, and can impact on many cell functions.

An imaging technique that uses a radioactive tracer and a gamma camera.

May describe one of a set of air spaces within a bone, or an abnormal channel within the body that may contain blood (usually venous blood) or pus (usually a fistula passing from a deeper infection to the surface).

A slow, regular heart rhythm.

A regular but faster than normal heartbeat of over 100 beats per minute

May describe the air spaces within a bone, or wide channels within the body that contain blood (usually venous blood).

Inflammation of one or more of the sinuses, air spaces within the facial bones, caused by infection that has usually spread from the nose.

An autoimmune disease leading to reduced secretion of tears and saliva

A type of muscle responsible for movement that a person controls consciously (a voluntary muscle).

A broad, raised area on the skin.

A harmles, small brown or flesh coloured flap of skin that may appear spontaneously, or as a result of poor healing of a wound.

Small flaps or growths of excess skin, often occurring in skin folds, possibly due to rubbing. They may also occur around the anus after haemorrhoids (piles).

systemic lupus erythematosus

A sleep disorder often associated with snoring in which the affected individual stops breathing for periods during sleep. It is associated with cardiovascular disease.

A type of muscle responsible for actions in the body that we are not aware of; for example, the muscles that constrict blood vessels.

shortness of breath

A person who provides advice and practical help for problems relating to social circumstance.

One of the chemical components of salt (sodium chloride) and an important blood chemical.

A small, thickened, scaly lump on the skin caused by repeated sun damage.

An uncommon condition in which a sore or ulcer develops in the rectum, usually following chronic constipation.