molecular diagnosis(muh-LEH-kyoo-ler dy-ug-NOH-sis) The process of identifying a disease by studying molecules, such as proteins, DNA, and RNA, in a tissue or fluid.
molecular marker(muh-LEH-kyoo-ler ...) A biological molecule found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that is a sign of a normal or abnormal process, or of a…
molecular massThe sum of the atomic masses of all atoms in a molecule, based on a scale in which the atomic masses of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen are 1, 12…
Molecular medicine(muh-LEH-kyoo-ler MEH-dih-sin) A branch of medicine that develops ways to diagnose and treat disease by understanding the way genes, proteins, and other…
Molecular methodsLaboratory techniques that are based on identification and characterization of certain molecules and gene sequences of a pathogen's genetic makeup.
molecular pathway(muh-LEH-kyoo-ler â¦) A series of actions among molecules in a cell that leads to a certain end point or cell function.
molecular risk assessmentA procedure in which biomarkers (for example, biological molecules or changes in tumor cell DNA) are used to estimate a person's risk for developing…
molecularly targeted therapy(muh-LEH-kyuh-ler-lee TAR-geh-ted THAYR-uh-pee) In cancer treatment, substances that kill cancer cells by targeting key molecules involved in cancer cell…
MoleculeThe smallest particle of a substance that has all of the physical and chemical properties of that substance. Molecules are made up of one or more atoms.
mometasone(moh-MEH-tuh-sone) A drug that is used in a cream to treat certain skin conditions and in a nasal spray to treat sinus problems caused by allergies.
mometasone furoate(moh-MEH-tuh-sone FYOOR-oh-ayt) A drug that is used in a cream to treat certain skin conditions and in a nasal spray to treat sinus problems caused by…
monitor(MAH-nih-ter) In medicine, to regularly watch and check a person or condition to see if there is any change.
monoamine oxidase inhibitor(MAH-noh-uh-MEEN OK-sih-dayz in-HIH-bih-ter) A type of drug used to treat depression.
monoclonal antibody(MAH-noh-KLOH-nul AN-tih-BAH-dee) A type of protein made in the laboratory that can locate and bind to substances in the body, including tumor cells.
monoclonal protein(MAH-noh-KLOH-nul PROH-teen) An antibody found in unusually large amounts in the blood or urine of people with multiple myeloma and other types of plasma…
monomer(MAH-nuh-mer) A molecule that can join with other identical monomers to form a larger structure called a polymer.
Montanide ISA-51A drug used in vaccine therapy to stimulate the immune system.
montelukast(mon-teh-LOO-kast) The active ingredient in a drug used to treat symptoms of asthma, such as trouble breathing, tight chest, wheezing, coughing, and runny…
montelukast sodium(mon-teh-LOO-kast SOH-dee-um) A drug used to treat symptoms of asthma, such as trouble breathing, tight chest, wheezing, coughing, and runny nose.
Montgomery Glands(mont-gum'-er-ee glandz) bumps on the areola that secrete a protective lubricant which prepares the breast for breastfeeding.
MORAb-009A monoclonal antibody being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. Monoclonal antibodies are made in the laboratory and can locate and bind to…
MorbidityA disease or the incidence of disease within a population. Morbidity also refers to adverse effects caused by a treatment.
Morinda citrifoliaA tropical shrub. An extract from the fruit is being studied as a treatment for cancer, and extracts from the fruit, leaves, or roots have been used in…
morphineA narcotic drug used in the treatment of pain.
Morphology(mor-FAH-loh-jee) The science of the form and structure of organisms (plants, animals, and other forms of life).
MortalityThe state of being mortal (destined to die). Mortality also refers to the death rate, or the number of deaths in a certain group of people in a certain…
motexafin gadolinium(moh-TEK-suh-fin GA-doh-LIH-nee-um) A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer.
motexafin lutetiumA substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer using photodynamic therapy. It belongs to the family of drugs called metallotexaphyrins.
MotorIn medicine, having to do with the movement of body parts.
Motrin(MOH-trin) A drug used to treat fever, swelling, pain, and redness by preventing the body from making a substance that causes inflammation.
mouse modelThe use of special strains of mice to study a human disease or condition, and how to prevent and treat it.
moxibustion(MOK-sih-BUS-chun) In traditional Chinese medicine, a type of heat therapy in which an herb is burned on or above the skin to warm and stimulate an…
moxifloxacin(MOK-sih-FLOK-suh-sin) A drug used to treat bacterial infections. It is a type of fluoroquinolone. Also called Avelox and moxifloxacin hydrochloride .
moxifloxacin hydrochloride(MOK-sih-FLOK-suh-sin HY-droh-KLOR-ide) A drug used to treat bacterial infections. It is a type of fluoroquinolone. Also called Avelox and moxifloxacin.
MP470A substance being studied in the treatment of several types of cancer. It blocks the action of certain enzymes involved in cell growth and the repair of…
MPNSTA type of soft tissue sarcoma that develops in cells that form a protective sheath (covering) around peripheral nerves, which are nerves that are outside…
MRIA procedure in which radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body.
MRSIA noninvasive imaging method that provides information about cellular activity (metabolic information).
MS 209A substance that is being studied for its ability to make cancer cells respond better to chemotherapy drugs to which they have become resistant.
MS-275A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancers of the blood. It belongs to the family of drugs called histone deacetylase inhibitors.
MSIA change that occurs in the DNA of certain cells (such as tumor cells) in which the number of repeats of microsatellites (short, repeated sequences of…
MTDThe highest dose of a drug or treatment that does not cause unacceptable side effects.
MUC-1A substance found on certain epithelial cells (cells that cover organs, glands, and other body surfaces) and on breast cells involved in making milk.
Mucin(myou' sin) a protein-containing substance that composes the main component of mucus, the slimy fluid secreted from mucous membranes.
mucin/peptideA protein/sugar compound made by some cancer cells.
mucinous(MYOO-sin-us) Containing or resembling mucin, the main compound in mucus.
mucinous carcinoma(MYOO-sin-us KAR-sih-NOH-muh) A type of cancer that begins in cells that line certain internal organs and produce mucin (the main component of mucus).
mucosa(myoo-KOH-suh) The moist, inner lining of some organs and body cavities (such as the nose, mouth, lungs, and stomach).
mucositisA complication of some cancer therapies in which the lining of the digestive system becomes inflamed. Often seen as sores in the mouth.
mucous membrane(MYOO-kus...) The moist, inner lining of some organs and body cavities (such as the nose, mouth, lungs, and stomach).
mucus(MYOO-kus) A thick, slippery fluid made by the membranes that line certain organs of the body, including the nose, mouth, throat, and vagina.
muJ591A type of monoclonal antibody used in cancer detection or therapy. Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced substances that can locate and bind to…
Mullerian tumor(myoo-LER-ee-un...) A rare cancer of the uterus, ovary, or fallopian tubes.
Multi-Employer PlanIn general, a group health plan that's sponsored jointly by 2 or more employers.
Multi-state planA plan, created by the ACA and overseen by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), that will be available in every state through that state's…
multicenter studyA clinical trial that is carried out at more than one medical institution.
multicentric breast cancer(mul-tee-SEN-trik brest KAN-ser) Breast cancer in which there is more than one tumor, all of which have formed separately from one another.
multidisciplinaryIn medicine, a term used to describe a treatment planning approach or team that includes a number of doctors and other health care professionals who are…
multidisciplinary opinionA treatment planning approach in which a number of doctors who are experts in different specialties (disciplines) review and discuss the medical condition…
multidrug resistanceAdaptation of tumor cells to anticancer drugs in ways that make the drugs less effective.
Multidrug-resistant Organism (MDRO)Bacteria that have become unusually resistant to many of the drugs that used to be effective against them.
multifocal breast cancer(mul-tee-FOH-kul brest KAN-ser) Breast cancer in which there is more than one tumor, all of which have arisen from one original tumor.
multiple endocrine adenomatosis(MUL-tih-pul EN-doh-krin A-deh-NOH-muh-TOH-sis) A rare, inherited disorder that affects the endocrine glands and can cause tumors in the parathyroid and…
multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome(MUL-tih-pul EN-doh-krin NEE-oh-PLAY-zhuh SIN-drome) An inherited condition that may result in the development of cancers of the endocrine system.
multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 syndrome(MUL-tih-pul EN-doh-krin NEE-oh-PLAY-zhuh ... SIN-drome) A rare, inherited disorder that affects the endocrine glands and can cause tumors in the…
multiple myeloma(MUL-tih-pul MY-eh-LOH-muh) A type of cancer that begins in plasma cells (white blood cells that produce antibodies).
multiple sclerosisA disorder of the central nervous system marked by weakness, numbness, a loss of muscle coordination, and problems with vision, speech, and bladder…
Multiply DiagnosedA person having multiple morbidities (e.g., substance abuse and HIV infection) (see co-morbidity).
mung beanA type of bean grown in warm climates, usually for its seed and for bean sprouts. Mung bean may have anticancer effects.
muromonab-CD3A type of monoclonal antibody used in cancer detection or therapy. Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced substances that can locate and bind to…
muscle wasting(MUH-sul WAY-sting) A weakening, shrinking, and loss of muscle caused by disease or lack of use. Muscle wasting decreases strength and the ability to move.
musculoskeletal(MUS-kyoo-loh-SKEH-leh-tul) Having to do with muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, joints, and cartilage.
Mustargen(MUS-tur-jen) A drug used to treat some types of cancer and some precancerous skin conditions.
mustine(mus-TEEN) A drug used to treat some types of cancer and some precancerous skin conditions.
Mutagen(MYOO-tuh-jen) Anything that causes a mutation (a change in the DNA of a cell).
mutateTo change the genetic material of a cell. The changes (mutations) can be harmful, beneficial, or have no effect.
Mutation(myoo-TAY-shun) Any change in the DNA of a cell. Mutations may be caused by mistakes during cell division, or they may be caused by exposure to…
myalgia(my-AL-juh) Pain in a muscle or group of muscles.
myasthenia gravis(MY-us-THEE-nee-uh GRA-vis) A disease in which antibodies made by a person's immune system prevent certain nerve-muscle interactions.
mycophenolate mofetil(my-koh-FEN-oh-layt MOH-feh-til) A drug used to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after organ transplants.
mycosis fungoides(my-KOH-sis fun-GOY-deez) A type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that first appears on the skin and can spread to the lymph nodes or other organs such as the…
mycosis fungoides plaque(my-KOH-sis fun-GOY-deez plak) In mycosis fungoides, an area of skin that is thickened, raised, red, scaly, and itchy.
Mycostatin(MY-koh-STA-tin) A drug used to treat infections caused by fungi (a type of microorganism).
Myelin(MY-eh-lin) The fatty substance that covers and protects nerves.
Myelin sheath(my' uh lin) the tubular structure that surrounds the nerve fibers.
myeloablation(MY-eh-loh-a-BLAY-shun) A severe form of myelosuppression. Myelosuppression is a condition in which bone marrow activity is decreased, resulting in fewer…
myeloblastic(MY-eh-loh-BLAS-tik) Refers to myeloblasts (a type of immature cell that forms in the bone marrow).
myelodysplasia(MY-eh-loh-dis-PLAY-zhuh) Abnormal bone marrow cells that may lead to myelogenous leukemia.
myelodysplastic syndromes(MY-eh-loh-dis-PLAS-tik SIN-dromz) A group of diseases in which the bone marrow does not make enough healthy blood cells.
myelofibrosis(MY-eh-loh-fy-BROH-sis) A disorder in which the bone marrow is replaced by fibrous tissue.
myelogenous(MY-eh-LAH-jeh-nus) Having to do with, produced by, or resembling the bone marrow.
myelogram(MY-eh-loh-gram) An x-ray of the spinal cord after an injection of dye into the space between the lining of the spinal cord and brain.
Myeloid(MY-eh-loyd) Having to do with or resembling the bone marrow. May also refer to certain types of hematopoietic (blood-forming) cells found in the bone…
myeloma(MY-eh-LOH-muh) Cancer that arises in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell.