needle-localized biopsyA procedure that uses very thin needles or guide wires to mark the location of an abnormal area of tissue so it can be surgically removed.
needling(NEE-dul-ing) In acupuncture, the insertion of a thin needle into a specific place on the body to unlock qi (vital energy).
nefazodone(nef-AY-zoh-done) A drug used to treat depression. It belongs to the family of drugs called antidepressant agents. Also called Serzone.
Negative(neg'eh tiv) having a value less than zero; indicating absence of a condition, organism, etc.
negative axillary lymph node(NEH-guh-tiv AK-sih-LAYR-ee limf ...) A lymph node in the armpit that is free of cancer.
negative test resultA test result that fails to show the specific disease or condition for which the test is being done.
nelarabine(neh-LA-ruh-been) A drug used to treat certain types of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL).
nelfinavir mesylateA drug that interferes with the ability of a virus to make copies of itself.
Neoadjuvant(nee-oh ad'-joo vunt) chemotherapy is initial use of chemotherapy in patients with localized cancer that could be treated by an alternative but not…
neoadjuvant therapy(NEE-oh-A-joo-vant THAYR-uh-pee) Treatment given before the primary treatment. Examples of neoadjuvant therapy include chemotherapy, radiation therapy…
neoplasia(NEE-oh-PLAY-zhuh) Abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth.
neoplasm(NEE-oh-PLA-zum) An abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should.
neoplastic meningitis(NEE-oh-PLAS-tik MEH-nin-JY-tis) Inflammation of the meninges (three thin layers of tissue that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord) caused by…
nephrectomy(neh-FREK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove a kidney or part of a kidney. In a partial nephrectomy, part of one kidney or a tumor is removed, but not an entire…
nephrologist(neh-FRAH-loh-jist) A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating kidney disease.
nephrostomy(neh-FROS-toh-mee) Surgery to make an opening from the outside of the body to the renal pelvis (part of the kidney that collects urine).
nephrotomogram(nef-ro-TOE-mo-gram) A series of x-rays of the kidneys. The x-rays are taken from different angles and show the kidneys clearly, without the shadows of…
nephrotoxic(NEH-froh-TOK-sik) Poisonous or damaging to the kidney.
nephroureterectomy(NEF-roh-YER-eh-ter-EK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove a kidney and its ureter. Also called ureteronephrectomy.
nerveA bundle of fibers that receives and sends messages between the body and the brain.
nerve blockA procedure in which medicine is injected directly into or around a nerve or into the spine to block pain.
nerve cellA type of cell that receives and sends messages from the body to the brain and back to the body. The messages are sent by a weak electrical current.
nerve graftingReplacing a damaged nerve with a section of a healthy nerve that has been removed from another part of the body.
nerve growth factor(nurv grohth FAK-ter) A protein made by the body that causes certain nerve cells to grow and helps keep them alive.
nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy(... RA-dih-kul HIS-teh-REK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove the prostate in which an attempt is made to save the nerves that help cause penile erections.
nerve-sparing surgery(SER-juh-ree) A type of surgery that attempts to save the nerves near the tissues being removed.
nervous system(NER-vus SIS-tem) The organized network of nerve tissue in the body. It includes the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), the peripheral…
Neulasta(noo-LA-stuh) A drug used to increase numbers of white blood cells in patients who are receiving chemotherapy. It is a type of colony-stimulating factor.
Neumega(noo-MEH-guh) A drug used to increase the number of blood cells, especially platelets, in some cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
neuralHaving to do with nerves or the nervous system, including the brain and the spinal cord.
neuro-oncologist(NOOR-oh-on-KAH-loh-jist) A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating brain tumors and other tumors of the nervous system.
neurobehavioral(NOOR-oh-bih-HAY-vyer-ul) Having to do with the way the brain affects emotion, behavior, and learning.
neuroblastoma(NOOR-oh-blas-TOH-muh) Cancer that arises in immature nerve cells and affects mostly infants and children.
neurocognitive(NOOR-oh-KOG-nih-tiv) Having to do with the ability to think and reason. This includes the ability to concentrate, remember things, process information…
neuroectodermal tumor(NOOR-oh-EK-toh-DER-mul TOO-mer) A tumor of the central or peripheral nervous system.
neuroendocrine(NOOR-oh-EN-doh-krin) Having to do with the interactions between the nervous system and the endocrine system.
neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin(NOOR-oh-EN-doh-krin KAR-sih-NOH-muh â¦) A rare type of cancer that forms on or just beneath the skin, usually in parts of the body that have…
neuroendocrine tumor(NOOR-oh-EN-doh-krin TOO-mer) A tumor that forms from cells that release hormones in response to a signal from the nervous system.
neuroepithelial(NOOR-oh-eh-pih-THEE-lee-ul) Having to do with tissue made up of sensory cells, such as tissue found in the ear, nose, and tongue.
neurofibroma(NOOR-oh-fy-BROH-muh) A benign tumor that develops from the cells and tissues that cover nerves.
neurofibromatosis type 1(NOOR-oh-FY-broh-muh-TOH-sis tipe 1) A rare genetic condition that causes brown spots and tumors on the skin, freckling in skin areas not exposed to the…
neurofibromatosis type 2(NOOR-oh-FY-broh-muh-TOH-sis tipe 2) A genetic condition in which tumors form on the nerves of the inner ear and cause loss of hearing and balance.
neuroglia(noor-OH-glee-uh) Any of the cells that hold nerve cells in place and help them work the way they should.
neuroleptic malignant syndrome(NOOR-oh-LEP-tik muh-LIG-nunt SIN-drome) A life-threatening condition that may be caused by certain drugs used to treat mental illness, nausea, or…
neurologic(NOOR-oh-LAH-jik) Having to do with nerves or the nervous system.
neurological exam(NOOR-oh-LAH-jih-kul eg-ZAM) A series of questions and tests to check brain, spinal cord, and nerve function.
neurologist(noo-RAH-loh-jist) A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the nervous system.
neuroma(NOOR-oh-ma) A tumor that arises in nerve cells.
Neuron(NOOR-on) A type of cell that receives and sends messages from the body to the brain and back to the body.
neuropathologist(NOOR-oh-puh-THAH-loh-jist) A pathologist who specializes in diseases of the nervous system.
neuropathy(noo-ROP-uh-thee) A nerve problem that causes pain, numbness, tingling, swelling, or muscle weakness in different parts of the body.
neuropeptideA member of a class of protein-like molecules made in the brain. Neuropeptides consist of short chains of amino acids, with some functioning as…
neuropsychology(NOOR-oh-sy-KAH-loh-jee) The study of how the brain and central nervous system are related to behavior.
neuroradiologist(NOOR-oh-RAY-dee-AH-loh-jist) A doctor trained in radiology who specializes in creating and interpreting pictures of the nervous system.
neurosurgeon(NOO-ro-SER-jun) A doctor who specializes in surgery on the brain, spine, and other parts of the nervous system.
neurotoxicity(NOOR-oh-tok-SIH-sih-tee) The tendency of some treatments to cause damage to the nervous system.
neurotoxin(NOOR-oh-TOK-sin) A substance that is poisonous to nerve tissue.
neurotransmitter(NOOR-oh-tranz-MIH-ter) A chemical that is made by nerve cells and used to communicate with other cells, including other nerve cells and muscle cells.
neurotropismAn ability to invade and live in neural tissue. This term is usually used to describe the ability of viruses to infect nerve tissue.
neutropenia(noo-troh-PEE-nee-uh) An abnormal decrease in the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell.
neutrophil(NOO-tro-fil) A type of white blood cell.
nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome(NEE-voyd BAY-sul SEL KAR-sih-NOH-muh SIN-drome) A genetic condition that causes unusual facial features and disorders of the skin, bones, nervous system…
nevus(NEE-vus) A benign (noncancerous) growth on the skin that is formed by a cluster of melanocytes (cells that make a substance called melanin, which gives…
Newcastle disease virus(NOO-ka-sul dih-ZEEZ VY-rus) A bird virus that is being studied in the treatment of cancer.
Nexavar(NEK-suh-var) A drug used to treat advanced kidney cancer and a type of liver cancer that cannot be removed by surgery.
Nexium(NEK-see-um) A drug that blocks acid from being made in the stomach. It is used to treat acid reflux disease and to prevent certain types of…
NF1A rare genetic condition that causes brown spots and tumors on the skin, freckling in skin areas not exposed to the sun, tumors on the nerves, and…
NF2A genetic condition in which tumors form on the nerves of the inner ear and cause loss of hearing and balance.
NG-monomethyl-L-arginineAn amino acid derivative used to counteract high blood pressure caused by interleukin-2.
NGR-TNFA substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is made by linking tumor necrosis factor (TNF) to a peptide.
NHLAny of a large group of cancers of the immune system. NHLs can occur at any age and are often marked by enlarged lymph nodes, fever, and weight loss.
niacinamideA vitamin being studied to increase the effect of radiation therapy on tumor cells. Also called nicotinamide.
Nickel(NIK-ul): A kind of metal found in soil and often used in alloys and in industry.
nicotinamideA vitamin being studied to increase the effect of radiation therapy on tumor cells.
nicotine(NIH-kuh-TEEN) An addictive, poisonous chemical found in tobacco. It can also be made in the laboratory.
nicotine gum(NIH-kuh-TEENâ¦) A chewing gum that contains a small dose of nicotine, which enters the blood by being absorbed through the lining of the mouth.
nicotine inhaler(NIH-kuh-TEEN in-HAY-ler) A device used to inhale (breathe in) small doses of nicotine through the mouth.
nicotine lozenge(NIH-kuh-TEEN LAH-zinj) A hard candy-like tablet that contains a small dose of nicotine.
nicotine nasal spray(NIH-kuh-TEEN NAY-zulâ¦) A nose spray that contains a small dose of nicotine, which enters the blood by being absorbed through the lining of the…
nicotine patch(NIH-kuh-TEEN...) A patch that sticks on the skin and contains a small dose of nicotine, which enters the blood by being absorbed through the skin.
nicotine replacement therapy(NIH-kuh-TEEN rih-PLAYS-munt THAYR-uh-pee) A type of treatment that uses special products to give small, steady doses of nicotine to help stop cravings…
NIHA federal agency in the U.S. that conducts biomedical research in its own laboratories; supports the research of non-Federal scientists in universities…
nilotinib(ny-LOH-tih-nib) A drug used to treat certain types of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).
nilutamide(ny-LOO-tuh-mide) A drug that blocks the effects of male hormones in the body. It is a type of antiandrogen.
nimodipineBelongs to a family of drugs called calcium channel blockers. It is being investigated for use with anticancer drugs to prevent or overcome drug…
nimotuzumab(ny-moh-TOO-zoo-mab) A monoclonal antibody being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer.
nimustine(NY-mus-tine) A substance that is being studied in the treatment of brain cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called nitrosoureas.
Nipent(NY-pent) The active ingredient in a drug that is used to treat hairy cell leukemia and is being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.
NippleIn anatomy, the small raised area in the center of the breast through which milk can flow to the outside.
nitrocamptothecinAn alkaloid drug belonging to a class of anticancer agents called topoisomerase inhibitors.
nitrosourea(nye-TRO-so-yoo-REE-ah) An anticancer drug that can cross the blood-brain barrier. Carmustine and lomustine are nitrosoureas.
NK cellA type of white blood cell that contains granules with enzymes that can kill tumor cells or microbial cells.
NLPHLA rare type of Hodgkin lymphoma, which is a cancer of the immune system. It is marked by the presence of a type of cell called a popcorn cell, which is…
NMRIA procedure in which radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body.
NMSA life-threatening condition that may be caused by certain drugs used to treat mental illness, nausea, or vomiting.
node-negativeCancer that has not spread to the lymph nodes.
node-positive(... PAH-zih-tiv) Cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes.