Glossary M

​Main spokesperson (MSP)

Layman's explanation

Main point of contact who is granted authority to make decisions for the patient

Used in a sentence

As the patient is not mentally alert, the care team will contact the main spokesperson who is involved in making decisions for the patient.

Malignant

Layman's explanation

Cancerous

Used in a sentence

The lump in her abdomen is cancerous.

Mammogram

Layman's explanation

X-ray of the breast

Used in a sentence

We advise that women between 40 to 50 years old undergo mammogram screening every year, which is like an X-ray of the breast.

Mass

Layman's explanation

Lump

Used in a sentence

Your test results show that the lump in your breast is not cancerous.

Mastectomy

Layman's explanation

Remove your breast

Used in a sentence

Following the surgery to remove your breast, you can choose to do an operation to create an artificial breast.

Medical condition

Layman's explanation

Illness/Injury/Disease

Used in a sentence

You have to take this medicine for your illness/injury/disease.

Medical devices

Layman's explanation

Medical equipment –state the medical equipment e.g. walking frame, inflatable air mattress, movable toilet chair etc. in your speech

Used in a sentence

We recommend that you use a walking stick or frame to help your mother walk after her operation.

Medical Social Worker (MSW)

Layman's explanation

Social workers who can help with financial, social or personal difficulties because of your medical condition

Used in a sentence

Our Medical Social Workers can help you with financial, social or personal difficulties arising from your medical condition.

Medication compliance

Layman's explanation

Follow your doctor’s instruction to take your medication regularly

Used in a sentence

In order to recover well, you must follow your doctor's instruction to take your medication regularly.

Mobility (as compared to mobilise)

Layman's explanation

Ability to move around

Used in a sentence

As Mr Tan lives alone at home, his ability to move around by himself is very important to him.

Monitor

Layman's explanation

Check

Used in a sentence

It is important for diabetes patients to constantly check their blood sugar levels in order to keep their condition under control.

MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus)

Layman's explanation

A bug that usually causes infection among patients in hospitals who have weaker immune systems

Used in a sentence

MRSA is a bug that usually causes infection among patients in hospitals who have weaker immune systems and can appear as a small red bump, pimple or boil on the skin. The area may be tender, swollen or warm. If you experience these symptoms, please inform a nurse or doctor immediately.

Muscle tone

Layman's explanation

The body’s normal resistance to movement. Patients with high muscle tone have higher resistance to movement; low muscle tone has little resistance to movement.

Used in a sentence

Therapists can teach patients to cope with the abnormal muscle tone in their day to day activity.

Myocardial infarct

Layman's explanation

Commonly known as heart attack, occurs when there is a blockage in the heart vessel, causing damage to the heart

Used in a sentence

Patient may be having a heart attack and has to be sent to the Emergency Department.