Basicmedical Key

Haemoptysis Haemoptysis is the expectoration of blood or bloodstained sputum. With massive haemoptysis, the main priorities are to secure the airway and initiate emergency resuscitative measures before establishing a diagnosis….

Scrotal Swellings Scrotal swellings are a common presenting complaint in the outpatient clinic. They are also therefore common in clinical examinations. It is important to be able to make a…

Toe Lesions Lesions of the toes are extremely common. They are caused by a variety of conditions ranging from simple ingrowing toenails to severe pain caused by ischaemia. Deformities of…

Tongue Disorders Tongue disorders are extremely common, ranging from minor furring of the tongue to extensive inflammation and malignancy. Tongue disorders are often a manifestation of systemic disease. Causes Furring…

Weight Gain Weight gain is extremely common and the most frequent cause is simple obesity. Excessive weight gain itself has deleterious effects on general health. With the exception of simple…

Haematemesis Haematemesis is the vomiting of blood. This may be frank blood or blood altered by the action of gastric acid and digestive enzymes, i.e. ‘coffee grounds’. Haematemesis is usually…

Gum Disorders Disorders of the gums are common, especially bleeding from the gums. Most disorders that cause bleeding are due to local infective disease but may be a manifestation of…

Groin Swellings These are common clinical problems, especially hernias. They are therefore common in clinical examinations. Causes Above The Inguinal Ligament • Sebaceous cyst • Lipoma • Direct inguinal hernia • Indirect inguinal hernia…

Goitre A goitre is an enlargement of the thyroid gland (Fig. 25). It can result from physiological causes such as puberty (due to increased demand for thyroid hormone) which require…