BMS-184476A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called mitotic inhibitors.
BMS-188797A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called taxane analogs.
BMS-214662A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called farnesyltransferase inhibitors.
BMS-247550A drug used to treat metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer that has not improved after treatment with certain other anticancer drugs.
BMS-275291A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors (MMPIs).
BMS-354825A drug used to treat certain types of chronic myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
BMS-599626A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
body image(BAH-dee IH-mij) The way a person thinks about his or her body and how it looks to others.
body mass indexA measure that relates body weight to height. BMI is sometimes used to measure total body fat and whether a person is a healthy weight.
bolusA single dose of drug usually injected into a blood vessel over a short period of time. Also called bolus infusion.
bolus infusion(BOH-lus in-FYOO-zhun) A single dose of drug usually injected into a blood vessel over a short period of time. Also called bolus.
BONThe necrosis (death) of bone tissue caused by treatment with a bisphosphonate (a drug or substance used to treat osteoporosis, bone pain caused by some…
bone cancer(... KAN-ser) Primary bone cancer is cancer that forms in cells of the bone. Some types of primary bone cancer are osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, malignant…
bone density(...DEN-sih-tee) A measure of the amount of minerals (mostly calcium and phosphorous) contained in a certain volume of bone.
Bone marrow(bone MAYR-oh) The soft, sponge-like tissue in the center of most bones. It produces white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
bone marrow ablation(bone MAYR-oh uh-BLAY-shun) The destruction of bone marrow using radiation or drugs.
Bone Marrow Aspiration(bone MAYR-oh as-pih-RAY-shun) The removal of a small sample of bone marrow (usually from the hip) through a needle for examination under a microscope.
Bone Marrow Biopsy(bone MAYR-oh BY-op-see) The removal of a sample of tissue from the bone marrow with a needle for examination under a microscope.
bone marrow cancer(bone MAYR-oh KAN-ser) Cancer that forms in the blood-forming cells of the bone marrow (soft sponge-like tissue in the center of most bones).
bone marrow metastasis(bone MAYR-oh meh-TAS-tuh-sis) Cancer that has spread from the original (primary) tumor to the bone marrow.
bone marrow transplantation(bone MAYR-oh tranz-plan-TAY-shun) A procedure to replace bone marrow that has been destroyed by treatment with high doses of anticancer drugs or…
bone massA measure of the amount of minerals (mostly calcium and phosphorous) contained in a certain volume of bone.
bone metastasis(...meh-TAS-tuh-sis) Cancer that has spread from the original (primary) tumor to the bone.
bone mineral density(... MIH-neh-rul DEN-sih-tee) A measure of the amount of minerals (mostly calcium and phosphorous) contained in a certain volume of bone.
bone mineral density scan(... MIH-neh-rul DEN-sih-tee skan) An imaging test that measures bone density (the amount of bone mineral contained in a certain volume of bone) by…
bone scanA technique to create images of bones on a computer screen or on film. A small amount of radioactive material is injected into a blood vessel and travels…
bone-seeking radioisotopeA radioactive substance that is given through a vein, and collects in bone cells and in tumor cells that have spread to the bone.
BoosterIn medicine, refers to a vaccination given after a previous vaccination. A booster helps maintain or increase a protective immune response.
borderline personality disorder(BOR-der-LINE PER-suh-NA-lih-tee dis-OR-der) A serious mental illness marked by unstable moods and impulsive behavior.
boron neutron capture therapy(BOR-on NOO-tron KAP-cher THAYR-uh-pee) A type of radiation therapy. The patient is given an infusion that contains the element boron, which collects in…
bortezomib(bore-TEZ-oh-mib) A drug used to treat multiple myeloma that has gotten worse during treatment with other anticancer drugs.
Boswellia serrata(bos-WEH-lee-uh seh-RAY-tuh) A tree that belongs to the incense tree family. The tree's amber-colored resin is used in incense.
botanicalHaving to do with, or derived from, plants.
bowel(BOW-ul) The long, tube-shaped organ in the abdomen that completes the process of digestion. The bowel has two parts, the small bowel and the large bowel.
bowel function(BOW-ul FUNK-shun) The way the intestines work in terms of how often there are bowel movements, the ability to control when to have a bowel movement, and…
Bowen disease(BOH-en dih-ZEEZ) A skin disease marked by scaly or thickened patches on the skin and often caused by prolonged exposure to arsenic.
BPA-FA substance used in a type of radiation therapy called boron neutron capture therapy.
BPDBorderline personality disorder. A serious mental illness marked by unstable moods and impulsive behavior.
BPHA benign (noncancerous) condition in which an overgrowth of prostate tissue pushes against the urethra and the bladder, blocking the flow of urine.
BPUA substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is a type of antitubulin agent. Also called benzoylphenylurea.
brachial plexopathy(BRAY-kee-ul pleks-AH-pah-thee) A condition marked by numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, or limited movement in the arm or hand.
brachial plexus(BRAY-kee-ul PLEKS-us) A network of nerves that sends signals from the spine to the arm and hand.
brachytherapy(BRAY-kee-THAYR-uh-pee) A type of radiation therapy in which radioactive material sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters is placed directly into or…
BRAF geneA gene that makes a protein called B-RAF, which is involved in sending signals in cells and in cell growth.
brain metastasis(...meh-TAS-tuh-sis) Cancer that has spread from the original (primary) tumor to the brain.
brain stemThe part of the brain that is connected to the spinal cord.
brain stem glioma(...glee-OH-muh) A tumor located in the part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord (the brain stem).
brain stem tumorA tumor in the part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord (the brain stem).
brain tumorThe growth of abnormal cells in the tissues of the brain. Brain tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Brassica vegetable(BRA-sih-kuh VEJ-tuh-bul) A member of the family of vegetables that includes kale, collard greens, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, and…
BRCA1A gene on chromosome 17 that normally helps to suppress cell growth. A person who inherits a mutated (changed) BRCA1 gene has a higher risk of getting…
BRCA2A gene on chromosome 13 that normally helps to suppress cell growth. A person who inherits a mutated (changed) BRCA2 gene has a higher risk of getting…
breakthrough painIntense increases in pain that occur with rapid onset even when pain-control medication is being used.
breast (brest)Glandular organ located on the chest. The breast is made up of connective tissue, fat, and breast tissue that contains the glands that can make milk.
breast cancer(brest KAN-ser) Cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk).
breast carcinoma in situAbnormal cells that are confined to the ducts or lobules in the breast. There are two forms, called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and lobular carcinoma…
breast densityDescribes the relative amount of different tissues present in the breast. A dense breast has less fat than glandular and connective tissue.
breast duct endoscopyA method used to examine the lining of the breast ducts to look for abnormal tissue.
Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System(brest ih-mih-jing rih-port-ing SIS-tem) A method used by radiologists to interpret and report in a standardized manner the results of mammography…
breast implantA silicone gel-filled or saline-filled sac placed under the chest muscle to restore breast shape.
breast self-examAn exam by a woman of her breasts to check for lumps or other changes.
breast-conserving surgeryAn operation to remove the breast cancer but not the breast itself. Types of breast-conserving surgery include lumpectomy (removal of the lump)…
breast-sparing surgeryAn operation to remove the breast cancer but not the breast itself. Types of breast-sparing surgery include lumpectomy (removal of the lump)…
breastboneThe long flat bone that forms the center front of the chest wall. The breastbone is attached to the collarbone and the first seven ribs.
brivanib(brih-VAN-ib) A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. Brivanib blocks the growth of new blood vessels needed for tumors to grow and may kill…
brivanib alaninate(brih-VAN-ib a-luh-NIN-ayt) A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer.
brivudineA substance that is being studied in the treatment of infections caused by herpesvirus, including herpes-zoster (shingles).
BRM therapy(...THAYR-uh-pee) Treatment to boost or restore the ability of the immune system to fight cancer, infections, and other diseases.
broccoli sprout extract(BRAH-kuh-lee ⦠EK-strakt) A substance being studied in the prevention of cancer. Broccoli sprout extract comes from newly sprouted broccoli.
bromelainAn enzyme found in pineapples that breaks down other proteins, such as collagen and muscle fiber, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
bronchi(BRONG-ky) The large air passages that lead from the trachea (windpipe) to the lungs.
bronchial(BRON-kee-ul) Having to do with the bronchi, which are the larger air passages of the lungs, including those that lead from the trachea (windpipe) to the…
bronchial adenoma(BRON-kee-ul A-deh-NOH-muh) Cancer that forms in tissues of the bronchi (large air passages in the lungs including those that lead to the lungs from the…
bronchial carcinoma(BRAHN-kee-yul kar-sin-OH-muh): Cancer that grows in the bronchi, which are the large airways connecting the windpipe to the lungs.
bronchiole(BRONG-kee-ole) A tiny branch of air tubes in the lungs.
bronchitis(bron-KYE-tis) Inflammation (swelling and reddening) of the bronchi.
bronchoalveolar carcinoma(BRAHN-koh-al-vee-OH-lur kar-sin-OH-muh): Bronchoalveolar carcinoma (BAC) is a subtype of lung cancer.
bronchodilator(BRON-koh-DY-lay-ter) A type of drug that causes small airways in the lungs to open up.
bronchogenic carcinoma(BRON-koh-JEH-nik KAR-sih-NOH-muh) Cancer that begins in the tissue that lines or covers the airways of the lungs, including small cell and non-small cell…
bronchoscope(BRON-koh-SKOPE) A thin, tube-like instrument used to examine the inside of the trachea, bronchi (air passages that lead to the lungs), and lungs.
bronchoscopy(bron-KOS-koh-pee) A procedure that uses a bronchoscope to examine the inside of the trachea, bronchi (air passages that lead to the lungs), and lungs.
bronchus(BRON-kus) A large airway that leads from the trachea (windpipe) to a lung. The plural of bronchus is bronchi.
brostallicin(broh-STAL-ih-sin) A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is a type of DNA intercalator.
broxuridineA drug that makes cancer cells more sensitive to radiation and is also used as a diagnostic agent to determine how fast cancer cells grow.
bryostatin 1(BRY-uh-STA-tin) A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer and certain brain conditions such as Alzheimer disease and stroke.
BSHA substance used in a type of radiation therapy called boron neutron capture therapy. BSH is injected into a vein and becomes concentrated in tumor cells.
BSI-201A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. It blocks enzymes that repair damage to DNA.
buccal mucosa(BUH-kul myoo-KOH-suh) The inner lining of the cheeks.
budesonideA drug used in the treatment of asthma and rhinitis. It is also being studied in the treatment of cancer.
bugbaneAn eastern North American perennial herb. A substance obtained from the root of the plant has been used in some cultures to treat a number of medical…
bugwortAn eastern North American perennial herb. A substance obtained from the root of the plant has been used in some cultures to treat a number of medical…
Bulbs(bulbz) [of breast ] the grape-like structure in the lobules of the breasts that produce milk.
bulk-forming agentA substance, such as fiber in food, that adds bulk and water to stools so that they can pass more easily through the intestines (lower part of the…
BUNNitrogen in the blood that comes from urea (a substance formed by the breakdown of protein in the liver).
bupivacaine(byoo-PIV-uh-kane) A drug used to relieve pain by blocking signals at nerve endings.
bupivacaine hydrochloride(byoo-PIV-uh-kane HY-droh-KLOR-ide) A drug used to relieve pain by blocking signals at nerve endings.