hydroxyureaAn anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called antimetabolites.
Hygiene(HY-jeen) The science of health, and the practice of cleanliness that promotes good health and well-being.
hyperactivity(HY-per-ak-TIV-ih-tee) A higher than normal level of activity. Hyperactivity can be used to describe the increased action of a body function, such as…
hyperalimentation(HY-per-AL-ih-men-TAY-shun) A form of nutrition that is delivered into a vein. Hyperalimentation does not use the digestive system.
hyperbaric oxygen(HY-per-BAYR-ik OK-sih-jen) Oxygen that is at an atmospheric pressure higher than the pressure at sea level.
hypercalcemia(HY-per-kal-SEE-mee-uh) Higher than normal levels of calcium in the blood. Some types of cancer increase the risk of hypercalcemia.
hyperfractionated radiation therapy(HY-per-FRAK-shuh-NAYT-ed RAY-dee-AY-shun THAYR-uh-pee) Radiation therapy that gives smaller doses (fractions) of radiation more often than standard…
hyperfractionation(hy-per-FRAK-shun-AY-shun) Radiation therapy that gives smaller doses (fractions) of radiation more often than standard radiation therapy so that the full…
hyperglycemia(HY-per-gly-SEE-mee-uh) Higher than normal amount of glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood. Hyperglycemia can be a sign of diabetes or other conditions.
Hypericum perforatum(hy-PAYR-ih-kum per-fuh-RAY-tum) An herbal product sold as an over-the-counter treatment for depression.
hyperkeratosis(HY-per-KAYR-uh-TOH-sis) A condition marked by thickening of the outer layer of the skin, which is made of keratin (a tough, protective protein).
hypernephroma(HY-per-neh-FROH-muh) The most common type of kidney cancer. It begins in the lining of the renal tubules in the kidney.
Hyperparathyroidism(HY-per-PAYR-uh-THY-roy-dih-zum) A condition in which the parathyroid gland (one of four pea-sized organs found on the thyroid) makes too much parathyroid…
Hyperplasia(HY-per-PLAY-zhuh) An abnormal increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue.
hypersensitivity(HY-per-SEN-sih-tih-vih-tee) An exaggerated response by the immune system to a drug or other substance.
Hypertension(HY-per-TEN-shun) A blood pressure of 140/90 or higher. Hypertension usually has no symptoms.
hyperthermia(HY-per-THER-mee-uh) Abnormally high body temperature. This may be caused as part of treatment, by an infection, or by exposure to heat.
hyperthermia therapy(HY-per-THER-mee-uh THAYR-uh-pee) A type of treatment in which body tissue is exposed to high temperatures to damage and kill cancer cells or to make…
hyperthermic perfusion(HY-per-THER-mik per-FYOO-zhun) A procedure in which a warmed solution containing anticancer drugs is used to bathe, or is passed through the blood…
hyperthyroidism(HY-per-THY-ROY-dih-zum) Too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms include weight loss, chest pain, cramps, diarrhea, and nervousness.
hyperuricemia(HY-per-yur-ih-SEE-mee-uh) A buildup of uric acid (a byproduct of metabolism) in the blood. Hyperuricemia is a side effect of some anticancer drugs.
hypervascular(HY-per-VAS-kyoo-ler) Having a large number of blood vessels.
hypnosisA trance-like state in which a person becomes more aware and focused and is more open to suggestion.
hypofractionated radiation therapy(HY-poh-FRAK-shuh-NAYT-ed RAY-dee-AY-shun THAYR-uh-pee) Radiation therapy that gives larger doses (fractions) of radiation in fewer treatment sessions and…
hypofractionation(HY-poh-FRAK-shuh-NAY-shun) Radiation therapy that gives larger doses (fractions) of radiation in fewer treatment sessions and over a shorter period of…
hypogammaglobulinemia(HY-poh-GAM-uh-GLOB-yoo-lih-NEE-mee-uh) A condition in which the level of immunoglobulins (antibodies) in the blood is low and the risk of infection is…
hypopharyngeal cancer(HY-poh-fuh-RIN-jee-ul KAN-ser) Cancer that forms in tissues of the hypopharynx (the bottom part of the throat).
hypopharynxThe bottom part of the throat. Cancer of the hypopharynx is also known as hypopharyngeal cancer.
hypospadias(hy-poh-SPAY-dee-us) A birth defect in which the opening of the urethra (the tube through which urine leaves the body) is not in its normal place.
hypothalamus(hye-po-THAL-uh-mus) The area of the brain that controls body temperature, hunger, and thirst.
HypothesisA tentative proposal made to explain certain observations or facts that requires further investigation to be verified.
hypothyroidism(HY-poh-THY-ROY-dih-zum) Too little thyroid hormone. Symptoms include weight gain, constipation, dry skin, and sensitivity to the cold.
hypoxemia(HY-pok-SEE-mee-uh) A condition in which there is not enough oxygen in the blood.
HypoxiaA condition in which there is a decrease in the oxygen supply to a tissue. In cancer treatment, the level of hypoxia in a tumor may help predict the…