visilizumabA monoclonal antibody that binds to CD3 (a substance found on T-cells) and that is being studied as a treatment for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).
Vision or Vision CoverageA type of health benefit that at least partially covers vision care, like eye exams and glasses.
visual analog scale(VIH-zhoo-ul A-nuh-log skayl) A tool used to help a person rate the intensity of certain sensations and feelings, such as pain.
Visual ChangesDiabetes-induced vision problems are an alteration from a person's normal vision due to changes in the small arteries that provide blood for the retina.
visual pathway glioma(...glee-OH-muh) A rare, slow-growing tumor that usually forms in the optic nerve, optic chiasm, or optic tract.
vitalNecessary to maintain life. Breathing is a vital function.
vitaminA key nutrient that the body needs in small amounts to grow and stay strong. Examples are vitamins A, C, and E.
vitamin A(VY-tuh-minâ¦) One of several vitamins that the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy.
vitamin A acid(VY-tuh-min...A-sid) A form of vitamin A that is made by the body, and can also be made in the laboratory.
vitamin B12(VY-tuh-min ...) A vitamin that is needed to make red blood cells and DNA (the genetic material in cells) and to keep nerve cells healthy.
vitamin B6(VY-tuh-minâ¦) A key nutrient that the body needs to break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats in food for healthy blood, skin, and nerves.
vitamin C(VY-tuh-minâ¦) A key nutrient that the body needs to fight infection, heal wounds, and keep tissues healthy, including the blood vessels…
vitamin DA nutrient that helps the body use calcium and phosphorus and make strong bones and teeth. It is found in fatty fish, eggs, and dairy products.
vitamin EA substance used in cancer prevention. It belongs to the family of drugs called tocopherols.
vitamin KA substance that promotes the clotting of blood.
vitamin Q10A substance found in most tissues in the body, and in many foods. It can also be made in the laboratory.
vitrectomyAn operation to remove the blood that sometimes collects at the back of the eyes when a person has eye disease.
vitreous humor(VIH-tree-us HYOO-mer) The clear jelly-like substance that fills the inside of the eyeball. As a person ages, the vitreous humor becomes more liquid.
Vivitrol(VIH-vih-trol) A drug that blocks the action of opiates (drugs used to treat pain).
VNP20009A genetically modified Salmonella bacterium that is injected into the tumor. It is being studied for its ability to shrink solid tumors.
VNP40101MA substance that is being studied as a treatment for cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called alkylating agents.
vocal cord(VOH-kul kord) One of two small bands of muscle within the larynx that vibrates to produce the voice.
voice boxThe area of the throat containing the vocal cords and used for breathing, swallowing, and talking. Also called larynx.
volociximab(voh-loh-SIK-sih-mab) A monoclonal antibody that is being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer.
Voltaren(vol-TAYR-en) A drug that is used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and is being studied in the prevention and treatment of some types of skin…
Voltaren gel(vol-TAYR-en JEL) The gel form of a drug that is used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and is being studied in the prevention and treatment…
vomitTo eject some or all of the contents of the stomach through the mouth.
von Hippel-Lindau syndromeA rare inherited disorder in which blood vessels grow abnormally in the eyes, brain, spinal cord, adrenal glands, or other parts of the body.
voriconazoleA drug that treats infections caused by fungi.
vorinostat(vor-IN-oh-stat) A drug that is used to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma that does not get better, gets worse, or comes back during or after treatment with…
vorozoleA hormone therapy drug used to decrease the production of estrogen.
vulvaThe external female genital organs, including the clitoris, vaginal lips, and the opening to the vagina.
vulvar cancerCancer of the vulva (the external female genital organs, including the clitoris, vaginal lips, and the opening to the vagina).
VX 853A drug being studied to make cancer cells less resistant to the effects of chemotherapy.
VX-710A drug being studied to make cancer cells less resistant to the effects of chemotherapy.