N-acetyl-L-cysteineA drug usually used to reduce the thickness of mucus and ease its removal. It is also used to reverse the toxicity of high doses of acetaminophen.
N-acetylcysteineA drug usually used to reduce the thickness of mucus and ease its removal. It is also used to reverse the toxicity of high doses of acetaminophen.
N-acetyldinalineA substance that is being studied as an anticancer drug in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Also called CI-994.
N-benzoyl-staurosporine(...BEN-zoyl-STAW-ruh-SPOR-een) A substance that is being studied in the treatment of leukemia.
NaClChemical abbreviation for sodium chloride (table salt).
naloxoneA substance that is being studied as a treatment for constipation caused by narcotic medications.
naltrexone(nal-TREK-sone) A drug that blocks the action of opiates (drugs used to treat pain).
naltrexone hydrochloride(nal-TREK-sone HY-droh-KLOR-ide) A drug that blocks the action of opiates (drugs used to treat pain).
Name-brand DrugA drug sold under a name-brand, and covered by original patents (for example, the name brand for hydrocodone is "Vicodin®").
Namenda(nuh-MEN-duh) A drug used to treat dementia caused by Alzheimer disease. It is also being studied in the treatment of side effects from whole-brain…
nanogramA measure of weight. One nanogram weighs a billion times less than one gram, and almost a trillion-times less than a pound.
nanoparticle paclitaxel(NAH-no-PAR-tih-kil PAK-lih-TAK-sil) A drug used to treat breast cancer that has spread or that has come back within 6 months after chemotherapy.
nanotechnology(NA-noh-tek-NAH-luh-jee) The field of research that deals with the engineering and creation of things from materials that are less than 100 nanometers…
Naprosyn(NA-proh-sin) A drug used to treat mild pain and the symptoms of arthritis and several other conditions.
naproxen(nuh-PROK-sen) A drug used to treat mild pain and the symptoms of arthritis and several other conditions.
NarcolepsyA disorder characterized by uncontrollable episodes of deep sleep.
narcotic(nar-KAH-tik) An agent that causes insensibility or stupor. It usually refers to an opioid given to relieve pain.
Naropin(nah-ROH-pin) A drug used to control pain and to cause a temporary loss of feeling in one part of the body, during and after surgery.
nasogastric(nay-zoh-GAS-trik) Describes the passage from the nose to the stomach. For example, a nasogastric tube is inserted through the nose, down the throat and…
Nasonex(NAY-zoh-nex) 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.
nasopharyngeal cancer(NAY-zoh-fuh-RIN-jee-ul KAN-ser) Cancer that forms in tissues of the nasopharynx (upper part of the throat behind the nose).
nasopharynx(NAY-zoh-fayr-inx) The upper part of the throat behind the nose. An opening on each side of the nasopharynx leads into the ear.
nasoscope(NAY-zoh-skope) A thin tube-like instrument used to examine the inside of the nose.
nasoscopy(nay-ZOS-koh-pee) Examination of the inside of the nose using a nasoscope (or rhinoscope).
National Cancer InstituteThe National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, is the Federal…
National Institutes of HealthA federal agency in the U.S. that conducts biomedical research in its own laboratories; supports the research of non-Federal scientists in universities…
natural history studyA study that follows a group of people over time who have, or are at risk of developing, a specific medical condition or disease.
Natural killer cellA type of white blood cell that contains granules with enzymes that can kill tumor cells or microbial cells.
naturopathy(nay-chuh-RAH-puh-thee) A system of disease prevention and treatment that avoids drugs and surgery.
nauseaA feeling of sickness or discomfort in the stomach that may come with an urge to vomit. Nausea is a side effect of some types of cancer therapy.
navigatorAn individual or organization that's trained and able to help consumers, small businesses, and their employees as they look for health coverage options…
NavigatorsNavigators deliver in-person outreach, education, and enrollment in both qualified health plans and public insurance options.
NB1011A substance that is being studied for its ability to make cancer cells respond to drugs to which they have become resistant.
NBI-3001A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is made by combining interleukin-4 with a bacterial toxin.
NCCAMA federal agency that uses science to explore complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices, trains CAM researchers, and provides authoritative…
NCINCI, part of the National Institutes of Health of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, is the Federal Government's principal agency…
NCI clinical trials cooperative group(â¦koh-OP-uh-ruh-tiv GROOP) A group of researchers, cancer centers, and community doctors who are involved in studies of new cancer treatment…
NCX 4016A substance being studied in the prevention of colorectal cancer. It is a form of aspirin that gives off nitric oxide gas and is less irritating to the…
NDGAA drug put on the skin to treat growths caused by sun exposure. A form of NDGA that is taken by mouth is being studied in the treatment of prostate cancer.
NDVNewcastle disease virus. A bird virus that is being studied in the treatment of cancer.
nebulizerA device used to turn liquid into a fine spray.
neck dissection(dye-SEK-shun) Surgery to remove lymph nodes and other tissues in the neck.
necrosis(ne-KRO-sis) Refers to the death of living tissues.
needle biopsy(NEE-dul BY-op-see) The removal of tissue or fluid with a needle for examination under a microscope.
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).
Needs AssessmentA process of collecting information about the needs of PLWHA (both those receiving care and those not in care), identifying current resources (Ryan White…
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.
NephropathyKidney damage when they fail to function. If diabetes damages kidney filters, they become leaky, allowing protein to spill from the blood to urine.
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…
Net Capital GainsThe amount by which your total long-term capital gain for the year is more than your short-term capital loss for the year.
Net Rental IncomeThe amount someone pays you to use your property, after you subtract the expenses you have for the property.
NetworkThe facilities, providers and suppliers your health insurer or plan has contracted with to provide health care services.
Network PlanA health plan that contracts with doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and other health care providers to provide members of the plan with services and…
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…