Pituitary Glossary starting with F

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FFM

Fat-free mass.

The part of the body not containing fat.

Fibroid

Resembling or composed of fibers or fibrous tissue.

Benign smooth-muscle tumor(s), usually in the uterus or gastrointestinal tract. Also called leiomyoma. Fibroids are benign tumors of fibrous or fully developed connective tissue. Fibroid tumors may not need to be removed if they are not causing pain, bleeding excessively, or growing rapidly.
Uterine fibroids are the most common non-cancerous tumors in women. Most women with uterine fibroids have no symptoms, but symptoms can include Heavy or painful menstration, fullness in the lower abdomen, frequent urination, painful intercourse, lower back pain, or reproductive issues such as infertility, miscarriage or early labor.

FIPA: Familial Isolated Pituitary Adenoma

Rarely pituitary adenomas can occur in families. If no other abnormality is associated then this condition is called Familial Isolated Pituitary Adenoma.

Rarely pituitary adenomas can occur in families. If no other abnormality is associated then this condition is called Familial Isolated Pituitary Adenoma. Most often family members have acromegaly or prolactinoma, sometimes other types of adenomas.

Patients who have childhood-onset or young adult onset acromegaly have other family members with acromegaly or prolactinoma. Some of these families carry a mutation in the AIP gene.

Patients who have childhood onset acromegaly/gigantism can also carry a mutation in AIP gene even if they do not have a known family history of the disease. Please see further information and possibility to have tested at http://www.fipapatients.org.

Fluoroscopy

Examination of the tissues and deep structures of the body by x-ray, using the fluoroscope.

An x-ray procedure that makes it possible to see internal organs in motion; or the production of an image when x-rays strike a fluorescent screen.
Interventional fluoroscopy uses ionizing radiation to guide small instruments such as catheters through blood vessels or other pathways in the body. Interventional fluoroscopy represents a tremendous advantage over invasive surgical procedures, because it requires only a very small incision, substantially reduces the risk of infection and allows for shorter recovery time compared to surgical procedures. These interventions are used by a rapidly expanding number of health care providers in a wide range of medical specialties. However, many of these specialists have little training in radiation science or protection measures.

Focal

Limited to one specific area.

A focal neurologic deficit is a problem in nerve function that affects; a specific location or small area; or a specific function, such as speech.

Frontal Lobes

The region of the brain in the front of the head which lies above and in front of the pituitary gland.

The part of each hemisphere of the brain located behind the forehead that serves to regulate and mediate the higher intellectual functions. The frontal lobes are important for controlling thoughts, reasoning, and behaviors.

FSH

Follicle Stimulating Hormone

A gonadotrophin secreted by the pituitary gland, the hormone promotes fertility in men and helps to regulate the menstrual cycle in women.

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