FIFTH VENTRICLE
Has been used to describe a fluid space near the tip of the spinal cord.
FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION
A sampling technique that uses a very thin needle to sample a breast mass.. It is very safe. However, it does not provide as much information as a core needle biopsy.
FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION (FNA)
A biopsy technique that involves sampling a lung mass by inserting a thin needle through the skin. It is usually safer than the core needle biopsy technique, but is less likely to be diagnostic.
FISTULA
Abnormal connection between two things that normally do not connection with each other. This condition can be caused by infection/inflammation or cancer.
FISTULOUS
Abnormal connection between two structures.
FLAIR
An MRI technique that help to characterize any tissue containing fluid. On FLAIR, any fluid structure, like the CSF in the brain, turns dark. Any white spots that remain are usually not normal and could be the result of mini-strokes amongst other diseases.
FOCAL ASYMMETRY
A white spot seen from 2 different angles on a mammogram. may still be a "fake out". The radiologist will likely request the patient to come back for additional mammograms or ultrasound. Please see "asymmetry" for more information.
FOCAL NODULAR HYPERPLASIA
Common "growth" in the liver that is not cancerous.
FORAMEN MAGNUM
The largest opening of the base of the skull where the spinal cord goes through.
FORAMEN OF LUSCHKA
A small opening or passage in the back of the brain where CSF can exit the fourth ventricle and spill into the spinal cord. It is a normal structure.