collagen diseaseA term previously used to describe chronic diseases of the connective tissue (e.g.
collagenaseA type of enzyme that breaks down the protein collagen.
collecting ductThe last part of a long, twisting tube that collects urine from the nephrons (cellular structures in the kidney that filter blood and form urine) and…
coloanal anastomosisA surgical procedure in which the colon is attached to the anus after the rectum has been removed. Also called coloanal pull-through.
coloanal pull-throughA surgical procedure in which the colon is attached to the anus after the rectum has been removed. Also called coloanal anastomosis.
Colon(KOH-lun) The longest part of the large intestine, which is a tube-like organ connected to the small intestine at one end and the anus at the other.
colon cancer(KOH-lun KAN-ser) Cancer that forms in the tissues of the colon (the longest part of the large intestine).
colon crypt(KOH-lun KRIPT) Tube-like gland found in the lining of the colon and rectum. Colon crypt cells renew the lining of the intestine and make mucus.
colon polyp(KOH-lun PAH-lip) An abnormal growth of tissue in the lining of the bowel. Polyps are a risk factor for colon cancer.
Colonoscope(koh-LAH-noh-SKOPE) A thin, tube-like instrument used to examine the inside of the colon.
Colonoscopy(KOH-luh-NOS-koh-pee) Examination of the inside of the colon using a colonoscope, inserted into the rectum.
colony-stimulating factor(KAH-luh-nee-STIM-yoo-LAY-ting FAK-ter) A substance that stimulates the production of blood cells.
Colorectal(KOH-loh-REK-tul) Having to do with the colon or the rectum.
colorectal cancer(KOH-loh-REK-tul KAN-ser) Cancer that develops in the colon (the longest part of the large intestine) and/or the rectum (the last several inches of the…
colostomy(koh-LOS-toh-mee) An opening into the colon from the outside of the body. A colostomy provides a new path for waste material to leave the body after part…
Colostrum(kuh-los'trum) the thin, yellow, milky fluid secreted by the mammary gland before or after delivery of an infant.
colposcope(KOL-puh-SKOPE) A lighted magnifying instrument used to examine the vagina and cervix.
colposcopy(kol-POSS-koh-pee) Examination of the vagina and cervix using a lighted magnifying instrument called a colposcope.
Coma(KOH-muh) A condition in which a patient is in a state of deep sleep and cannot be awakened.
combination chemotherapy(KOM-bih-NAY-shun KEE-moh-THAYR-uh-pee) Treatment using more than one anticancer drug.
combretastatin A4 phosphate(kum-BREE-tuh-STA-tin ⦠FOS-fayt) A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer.
comedo carcinomaA type of ductal carcinoma in situ (very early-stage breast cancer).
Comedocarcinoma(koh-mee'-do car sih no mah) is a type of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ in which some of the cancers cells in the duct begin to die and break down (degenerate).
comfort careCare given to improve the quality of life of patients who have a serious or life-threatening disease.
common bile ductA tube or vessel in the body that carries bile from the liver and gallbladder into the duodenum (the upper part of the small intestine).
Community Acquired InfectionAn infection that occurs without exposure in recent weeks or months to the risk from care in a hospital, clinic, doctor’s office, or home-care treatment…
Community Based Dental Partnership Program (CBDPP)The program within the HRSA HIV/AIDS Bureau's Division of Community Based Programs that delivers HIV/AIDS dental care while simultaneously training dental…
Community Forum or Public MeetingA small-group method of collecting information from community members in which a community meeting is used to provide a directed but highly interactive…
Community RatingA rule that prevents health insurers from varying premiums within a geographic area based on age, gender, health status or other factors.
Community-based Organization (CBO)An organization that provides services to locally defined populations, which may or may not include populations infected with or affected by HIV disease.
ComorbidityThe condition of having two or more diseases at the same time.
CompanyThe company (also called applicant or sponsor) submits an application to FDA for approval to market a drug product in the United States.
comparative anatomy(kum-PAYR-uh-tiv uh-NA-toh-mee) The comparison of the structure (anatomy) of one animal or plant with the structure of a different animal or plant.
Comparative EffectivenessA type of health care research that compares the results of one approach for managing a disease to the results of other approaches.
compassionate use trialA way to provide an investigational therapy to a patient who is not eligible to receive that therapy in a clinical trial, but who has a serious or…
Competitive BiddingOpen bidding for federal contracts between independent groups that compete for the contract by providing the best bid.
complement protein(KOM-pleh-ment PROH-teen) One of a group of about 20 proteins that is found in the blood and is important in fighting infections and other diseases.
complementary and alternative medicine(KOM-pleh-MEN- tuh-ree... all-TER-nuh-tiv MEH-dih-sin) Forms of treatment that are used in addition to (complementary) or instead of (alternative)…
complementary medicine(KOM-pleh-MEN-tuh-ree MEH-dih-sin) Practices often used to enhance or complement standard treatments.
complete blood countA test to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in a sample of blood. Also called blood cell count and CBC.
complete hysterectomy(kum-PLEET HIS-teh-REK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove the entire uterus, including the cervix. Also called total hysterectomy.
complete metastasectomy(... meh-TAS-tuh-SEK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove all metastases (tumors formed from cells that have spread from the primary tumor).
complete remissionThe disappearance of all signs of cancer in response to treatment. This does not always mean the cancer has been cured. Also called complete response.
complete response(kum-PLEET reh-SPONTS) The disappearance of all signs of cancer in response to treatment. This does not always mean the cancer has been cured.
compliance(kum-PLY-ants) The act of following a medical regimen or schedule correctly and consistently, including taking medicines or following a diet.
ComplicationA medical problem that occurs during a disease or after a procedure or treatment.
Complication of PregnancyConditions due to pregnancy, labor and delivery that require medical care to prevent serious harm to the health of the mother or the fetus.
Complications of PregnancyConditions due to pregnancy, labor and delivery that require medical care to prevent serious harm to the health of the mother or the fetus.
Compound(KOM-pownd) In science, a substance that is made up of more than one ingredient.
compound nevus(KOM-pownd NEE-vus) A type of mole formed by groups of nevus cells found in the epidermis and dermis (the two main layers of tissue that make up the skin).
Comprehensive PlanningThe process of determining the organization and delivery of HIV services. This strategy is used by planning bodies to improve decision-making about…
compression bandageA bandage designed to provide pressure to a particular area.
compression pump(kum-PREH-shun â¦) A machine used to keep blood and lymph flowing by pushing air through bands or sleeves that are placed on the arms or legs.
compulsion(kum-PUL-zhun) An uncontrollable urge to say or do something without an obvious reason.
computed tomographic colonography(kum-PYOO-ted toh-muh-GRA-fik KOH-lun-AH-gruh-fee) A procedure in which a detailed picture of the colon is created by an x-ray machine linked to a…
Computed Tomography(kom pyoo' ted to-mog' ruh fee) (CT Scan) the recording of internal body images at a predetermined plane by means of the tomograph.
computed tomography colography(kum-PYOO-ted toh-MAH-gruh-fee koh-LAH-gruh-fee) A method under study to examine the colon by taking a series of x-rays (called a CT scan) and using a…
computed tomography scan(kum-PYOO-ted toh-MAH-gruh-fee skan) A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body taken from different angles.
computerized axial tomography scan(kum-PYOO-teh-RIZED AK-see-ul toh-MAH-gruh-fee skan) A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body taken from different angles.
computerized tomography(kum-PYOO-teh-RIZED toh-MAH-gruh-fee) A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body taken from different angles.
conception(kun-SEP-shun) In biology, the beginning of pregnancy, marked by fertilization of an egg by a sperm.
concurrent therapy(kun-KER-ent THAYR-uh-pee) A treatment that is given at the same time as another.
conditionA health problem with certain characteristics or symptoms.
conditioned response(kun-DIH-shund reh-SPONTS) A type of learning in which repeated exposure to something may affect a person's behavior when they encounter an unrelated…
conditioned stimulusA situation in which one signal, or stimulus, is given just before another signal.
conditioning regimen(con-DIH-shuh-ning REH-jih-men) The treatments used to prepare a patient for stem cell transplantation (a procedure in which a person receives blood stem…
condyloma(KON-dih-LOH-muh) A raised growth on the surface of the genitals caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
cone biopsySurgery to remove a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix and cervical canal. Cone biopsy may be used to diagnose or treat a cervical condition.
Confidence IntervalAn estimated range of values which is likely to include an unknown population parameter. The 95% (p-value = .05) and 99% (p-value = .
Confidence IntervalsThe confidence interval for a hospital's standardized infection ratio (SIR) is the range of possible SIRs within which there is a 95 percent confidence…
confusion(kun-FYOO-zhun) A mental state in which one is not thinking clearly.
Congenital Heart DiseaseA problem with the heart's structure and function as a result of abnormal heart development before birth.
Congenital malariaMalaria in a newborn or infant, transmitted from the mother.
congenital mesoblastic nephroma(con-JEH-nih-tul mez-oh-BLAS-tik neh-FROH-muh) A type of kidney tumor that is usually found before birth by ultrasound or within the first 3 months of…
congestive heart failureWeakness of the heart muscle that leads to a buildup of fluid in body tissues.
conization(ko-nih-ZAY-shun) Surgery to remove a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix and cervical canal.
conjunctivaA membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and also covers the front part of the eye. Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva.
conjunctivitisA condition in which the conjunctiva (membranes lining the eyelids and covering the white part of the eye) become inflamed or infected.
connective tissueSupporting tissue that surrounds other tissues and organs. Specialized connective tissue includes bone, cartilage, blood, and fat.
Connector OrganizationsThe Connector Organizations will help uninsured individuals and small businesses learn about, apply for and enroll in health plans, including Medicaid…
consecutive case seriesA clinical study that includes all eligible patients identified by the researchers during the study registration period.
Consensus Development ProgramA program of the National Institutes of Health to bring together an independent group of experts to review scientific evidence related to an important…
consolidation therapy(kun-SAH-lih-DAY-shun THAYR-uh-pee) A type of high-dose chemotherapy often given as the second phase (after induction therapy) of a cancer treatment…
Consortium/HIV Care ConsortiumA regional or statewide planning entity established by many State grantees under Part B of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program to plan and sometimes…
constipation(KAHN-stih-PAY-shun) A condition in which stool becomes hard, dry, and difficult to pass, and bowel movements don't happen very often.
constitutional acupuncture(KON-stih-TOO-shuh-nul AK-yoo-PUNK-cher) A type of acupuncture based on a form of Oriental medicine in which treatment is based on a person's constitution.
Consumer / healthcare consumerThe consumer is a person who uses healthcare services such as doctor visits, hospital services, laboratory services.
Consumer Assistance ProgramThe consumer assistance program for Maryland Health Connection consists of a consumer support center (call center), the website MarylandHealthConnection.
Consumer Assistance WorkersThis is a broad term that refers to all who assist with education, applications and enrollment, for example, case workers, navigators and assisters.
Consumer Operated and Oriented PlansA qualified non-profit health insurance company that must use profit to lower premiums, increase benefits and increase the quality of health care to be…
Consumer Support CenterThe consumer support center (CSC) provides live personal help with finding, applying for and enrolling in health plans.
Contact IsolationDesigned to prevent transmission of highly transmissible or epidemiologically important infections that do not warrant strict isolation.
ContagiousEasily spread from one person to another or from one part of the body to another; able to be spread from person to person or living object to nonliving…
ContaminationTo make impure, infected, corrupt, etc, by contact with or addition of something; to pollute something.
ContestabilityAn individual health insurance policy may have a defined contestability period, so if the insured person becomes seriously ill during that time the health…