WAGR syndrome(... SIN-drome) A rare, genetic disorder that is present at birth and has two or more of the following symptoms: Wilms tumor (a type of kidney cancer)…
Waiting PeriodThe time between the date of application and the policy effective date.
Waiting Period (Job-based coverage)The time that must pass before coverage can become effective for an employee or dependent who is otherwise eligible for coverage under a job-based health…
Waldenström macroglobulinemia(VOL-den-strurm MA-kroh-GLAH-byoo-lih-NEE-mee-uh) An indolent (slow-growing) type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma marked by abnormal levels of IgM antibodies in…
warfarinA drug that prevents blood from clotting. It belongs to the family of drugs called anticoagulants (blood thinners).
Warning SymptomsSigns of impending departure from the normal sensations or functions experienced by persons with diabetes.
wartA raised growth on the surface of the skin or other organ.
watchful waitingClosely monitoring a patient's condition but withholding treatment until symptoms appear or change.
water-soluble vitamin(⦠SOL-yoo-bul VY-tuh-min) A vitamin that can dissolve in water. Water-soluble vitamins are carried to the body's tissues but are not stored in…
watercressParts of the flowering plant have been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. It may have anticancer effects.
WBCRefers to a blood cell that does not contain hemoglobin. White blood cells include lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, macrophages, and mast cells.
wedge resectionA surgical procedure to remove a triangle-shaped slice of tissue. It may be used to remove a tumor and a small amount of normal tissue around it.
Well-baby and Well-child VisitsRoutine doctor visits for comprehensive preventive health services that occur when a baby is young and annual visits until a child reaches age 21.
well-differentiated lymphocytic lymphoma(LIM-foh-SIH-tik lim-FOH-muh) An indolent (slow-growing) type of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma marked by swollen lymph nodes that usually occurs in people…
Wellcovorin(well-coh-VOR-in) A drug used to reduce the toxic effects of folic acid antagonists (substances that block the action of folic acid), especially the…
Wellness ProgramsA program intended to improve and promote health and fitness that's usually offered through the work place, although insurance plans can offer them…
Wermer syndrome(WER-mer SIN-drome) A rare, inherited disorder that affects the endocrine glands and can cause tumors in the parathyroid and pituitary glands and the…
Western blotA test for detecting the specific antibodies to HIV in a person's blood. It is commonly used to verify positive EIA tests.
Western medicine(... MEH-dih-sin) A system in which medical doctors and other healthcare professionals (such as nurses, pharmacists, and therapists) treat symptoms and…
WGA studyA study that compares the complete DNA of people with a disease or condition to the DNA of people without the disease or condition.
whey protein powder(WAY PROH-teen â¦) A powdered form of proteins taken from whey, which is the liquid left over when cheese is made from cow's milk.
Whipple procedureA type of surgery used to treat pancreatic cancer. The head of the pancreas, the duodenum, a portion of the stomach, and other nearby tissues are removed.
white blood cellRefers to a blood cell that does not contain hemoglobin. White blood cells include lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, macrophages, and mast cells.
Whitmore-Jewett staging system(WIT-mor-JOO-et STAY-jing SIS-tem) A staging system for prostate cancer that uses ABCD. "A" and "B" refer to cancer that is confined to the prostate.
WHOA part of the United Nations that deals with major health issues around the world.
whole cell vaccineVaccine made from whole tumor cells that have been changed in the laboratory.
whole genome association study(... JEE-nome uh-SOH-see-AY-shun ...) A study that compares the complete DNA of people with a disease or condition to the DNA of people without the…
whooping cough(WOOP-ing kof) A serious bacterial infection of the lungs and breathing tubes that spreads easily.
wide local excision(â¦ek-SIH-zhun) Surgery to cut out the cancer and some healthy tissue around it.
wild cloverTrifolium pratense. A plant with flowers that has been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems.
WillA will is a legal document you use to transfer assets you have accumulated during your lifetime to the people and institutions you want to have them after…
Wilms tumorA disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the kidney, and may spread to the lungs, liver, or nearby lymph nodes.
windpipeThe airway that leads from the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi (large airways that lead to the lungs). Also called trachea.
wisdom tooth(WIZ-dum tooth) The last tooth to come in at the back of each side of the upper and lower jaws.
Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome(WIS-kot AL-drich SIN-drome) An inherited immune disorder that occurs in young boys.
WithdrawalA withdrawal is money you take out of your banking, brokerage firm, or other accounts.
Wobe-Mugos EA mixture made from an extract of the calf thymus gland and enzymes (proteins that speed up chemical reactions in the body) from the papaya plant, the…
womb (woom)The small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis. This is the organ in which a baby grows. Also called uterus.
Worker's CompensationAn insurance plan that employers are required to have to cover employees who get sick or injured on the job.
World Health OrganizationA part of the United Nations that deals with major health issues around the world.
wound (woond)A break in the skin or other body tissues caused by injury or surgical incision (cut).
WX-671A substance being studied in the treatment of several types of cancer. It blocks the action of certain enzymes, and it may help keep cancer cells from…