Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Asymptomatic
Introduction
Overview
Overview
In medicine, a disease is asymptomatic while the patient does not experience any noticeable symptoms. Asymptomatic diseases may not be discovered until the patient undergoes medical tests (X-rays or other investigations). Some diseases remain asymptomatic for a remarkably long time, including some forms of cancer. If a patient is asymptomatic, precautionary steps must be taken.
A patient’s individual genetic makeup may delay or prevent the onset of symptoms.