Demerol(DEH-meh-ROL) A morphine-like drug used to relieve medium to severe pain. It is a type of opioid analgesic and may be habit-forming.
dendritic cellA special type of antigen-presenting cell (APC) that activates T lymphocytes.
dendritic cell vaccineA vaccine made of antigens and dendritic antigen-presenting cells (APCs).
DenialAn insurance company decision to withhold a claim payment or preauthorization. A denial may be made because the medical service is not covered, not…
denileukin diftitox(DEN-ih-LOO-kin DIF-tih-tox) A substance used to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma when other treatments have not worked.
denomination(deh-NAH-mih-NAY-shun) In religion, describes a group whose members are organized under a common name and set of rules and have common beliefs and…
denosumab(den-oh-SOO-mab) A type of monoclonal antibody being studied in the treatment of multiple myeloma (a cancer that forms in bones) and in the prevention and…
Dental CoverageBenefits that help pay for the cost of visits to a dentist for basic or preventive services, like teeth cleaning, X-rays, and fillings.
dental implantA metal, root-shaped device that is placed surgically in the jawbone. It acts as an anchor for attaching false teeth (crowns or bridges).
dentistA health professional who specializes in caring for the teeth, gums, and other tissues in the mouth.
Denys-Drash syndromeA rare disorder that causes kidney failure before age 3, abnormal development of the sexual organs, and, in most cases, Wilms tumor (a type of kidney…
deoxycytidineA drug that protects healthy tissues from the toxic effects of anticancer drugs.
deoxyribonucleic acid(dee-OK-see-RY-boh-noo-KLEE-ik A-sid) The molecules inside cells that carry genetic information and pass it from one generation to the next.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)(HHS)The federal agency that oversees CMS, which administers programs for protecting the health of all Americans, including Medicare, the Marketplace…
DependentA qualifying child or qualifying relative, other than the taxpayer or spouse, who entitles the taxpayer to claim a dependency exemption.
Dependent CoverageInsurance coverage for family members of the policyholder, such as spouses, children, or partners.
Depo-Cyt(DEE-poh-SITE) A form of the anticancer drug cytarabine that is contained inside very tiny, fat-like particles.
DepressionA depression is a severe and prolonged downturn in the economy. Prices fall, reducing purchasing power.
depsipeptideA substance that is made naturally by some bacteria, fungi, and other organisms, and can also be made in the laboratory.
DerivativeDerivatives are financial products, such as futures contracts, options, and mortgage-backed securities.
dermatitis(DER-muh-TY-tis) Inflammation of the skin.
dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans(DER-ma-toe-FI-bro-sar-KO-ma pro-TOO-ber-anz) A type of tumor that begins as a hard nodule and grows slowly.
dermatologist(der-muh-TAH-loh-jist) A doctor who has special training to diagnose and treat skin problems.
dermis(DER-mis) The lower or inner layer of the two main layers of tissue that make up the skin.
dermoid cyst(DER-moyd sist) A type of benign (noncancerous) germ cell tumor (type of tumor that begins in the cells that give rise to sperm or eggs) that often…
DESA synthetic form of the hormone estrogen that was prescribed to pregnant women between about 1940 and 1971 because it was thought to prevent miscarriages.
deslorelinA substance being studied in the treatment of cancer as a way to block sex hormones made by the ovaries or testicles.
desmoid tumorA tumor of the tissue that surrounds muscles, usually in the abdomen. A desmoid tumor rarely metastasizes (spreads to other parts of the body).
desmoplasticCausing or forming adhesions or fibrous connective tissue within a tumor.
desmoplastic melanomaA rare form of malignant melanoma marked by nonpigmented lesions on sun-exposed areas of the body, most commonly on the head and neck.
desmoplastic small round cell tumor(dez-mo-PLAS-tik...) A rare, aggressive cancer that usually affects young males and usually is located in the abdomen.
DetoxificationA process in which the body rids itself of a drug (or its metabolites). During this period, withdrawal symptoms can emerge that may require medical…
detoxify(dee-TOX-ih-fy) To make something less poisonous or harmful. It may refer to the process of removing toxins, poisons, or other harmful substances from the…
developmental stage(dee-VEH-lup-MEN-tul stayj) The physical, mental, and emotional stages a child goes through as he or she grows and matures.
DEXAAn imaging test that measures bone density (the amount of bone mineral contained in a certain volume of bone) by passing x-rays with two different energy…
DEXA scanAn imaging test that measures bone density (the amount of bone mineral contained in a certain volume of bone) by passing x-rays with two different energy…
dexamethasoneA synthetic steroid (similar to steroid hormones produced naturally in the adrenal gland).
dexmethylphenidateA substance being studied in the treatment of fatigue and nervous system side effects caused by chemotherapy.
dexrazoxane(DEKS-ruh-ZOK-sane) The active ingredient in a drug used to treat severe side effects caused by certain anticancer drugs.
dexrazoxane hydrochloride(DEKS-ruh-ZOK-sane HY-droh-KLOR-ide) A drug used to treat severe side effects caused by certain anticancer drugs.
dextroamphetamine-amphetamineA combination of drugs used as a treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (a sleep disorder).
dextromethorphan acetic acid(DEK-stroh-meh-THOR-fan uh-SEE-tik A-sid) An anticancer drug that is a type of angiogenesis inhibitor.
DFMOA substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. Also called difluoromethylornithine.
DHA-paclitaxel(...PA-klih-TAK-sil) A combination of DHA (a natural fatty acid) and paclitaxel (an anticancer drug) being studied in the treatment of cancer.
DHEAA substance being studied in the prevention of cancer. It is a type of steroid. Also called dehydroepiandrosterone.
DHPLNA childhood condition in which abnormal tissue grows on the outer part of one or both kidneys.
DHTA hormone made from testosterone in the prostate gland, testes, and some other tissues. It is needed for the formation of male sex characteristics.
di-dgA-RFB4An anticancer drug that is a combination of a monoclonal antibody (RFB4) and an immunotoxin (dgA).
DiabetesAny of several diseases in which the kidneys make a large amount of urine. Diabetes usually refers to diabetes mellitus in which there is also a high…
Diabetes ComplicationsAre either short term (acute) or long term (chronic) impairments which affect the microvascular or macrovascular blood vessels of persons with diabetes…
Diabetes Control and Complications Trial(DCCT) A ten year study ending June 1993, was sponsored by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases comparing the effects of…
Diabetes EducationApproved American Diabetes Association patient and family education for self-management and treatment of diabetes by: (1) Eating a recommended diet and…
Diabetes InsipidusChronic excretion of very large amounts of urine causing dehydration and extreme thirst; ordinarily resulting from pituitary dysfunction, damage or injury.
diabetes mellitus(dye-a-BEE-teez MEL-ih-tus) A group of disorders in which there is a defect in the transfer of glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into cells, leading to…
diabetes pillsPills or capsules that are taken by mouth to help lower the blood glucose level. These pills may work for people whose bodies are still making insulin.
DiabeticRelating to or suffering from diabetes. The medical condition term "diabetic" should not be used to describe a person who has a diabetes disease.
Diabetic ComaDevelops when insulin and blood glucose are so out of balance that ketones accumulate in the blood.
diabetic eye diseaseA disease of the small blood vessels of the retina of the eye in people with diabetes.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis(DKA, also see Diabetic Coma) The basis for DKA is either absolute deficiency of insulin or acute resistance to insulin developing when absolute insulin…
diabetic nerve damageDamage to the nerves of a person with diabetes. Nerve damage may affect the feet and hands, as well as major organs.
Diabetic Neuropathy(Peripheral and Autonomic Neuropathies) Damage to the nervous system which affects the peripheral nervous system causing impairment of motor nerves…
Diabetic RetinitisInflammation of the retina of the eye caused or complicated by diabetes.
Diabetic Retinopathy(Background and Proliferative Retinopathy) A progressive disorder of the retina damaging the receptor cells and small blood vessels in the eye that can…
Diabetologist(Diabetology) A specialist in the field of medicine concerned with diabetes.
diagnoseDoctors look at many things to find out if you have breast cancer. For example, they look at different physical signs, ask questions about your symptoms…
DiagnosisThe process of identifying a disease from its signs and symptoms using patient history, examination, and laboratory and other test results.
diagnostic mammogramX-ray of the breasts used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other sign or symptom of breast cancer has been found.
diathermy(DY-uh-THER-mee) A procedure in which tissue is heated to destroy abnormal cells.
diazepam(dy-A-zeh-pam) A drug used to treat mild to moderate anxiety and tension and to relax muscles. It is a type of benzodiazepine. Also called Valium.
diaziquoneAn anticancer drug that is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and kill cancer cells in the central nervous system. Also called AZQ.
diclofenac(dy-KLOH-fen-ak) The active ingredient in a drug that is used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and is being studied in the prevention and…
diclofenac sodium(dy-KLOH-fen-ak SOH-dee-um) A drug that is used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and is being studied in the prevention and treatment of some…
diclofenac sodium gel(dy-KLOH-fen-ak SOH-dee-um JEL) The gel form of a drug that is used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and is being studied in the prevention…
didanosineA drug used in the treatment of infections caused by viruses.
DIEP flapA type of breast reconstruction in which blood vessels called deep inferior epigastric perforators (DIEP), and the skin and fat connected to them are…
dietary counseling(DY-uh-TAYR-ee KOWN-suh-ling) A process by which a health professional with special training in nutrition helps people make healthy food choices and form…
dietary protocol(DY-uh-TAYR-ee PROH-tuh-KOL) A detailed diet plan that states what, how, and when a person will eat and drink.
Dietary Reference Intakes(DY-uh-TAYR-ee REH-feh-rens ...) A set of guidelines developed by U.S. and Canadian scientists to give information about the role of nutrients in human…
dietary supplement(DY-uh-TAYR-ee SUH-pleh-ment) A product that is added to the diet. A dietary supplement is taken by mouth, and usually contains one or more dietary…
diethylstilbestrol(dye-EH-thul-stil-BES-trol) A synthetic form of the hormone estrogen that was prescribed to pregnant women between about 1940 and 1971 because it was…
dietitian(dy-eh-TIH-shun) A health professional with special training in nutrition who can help with dietary choices. Also called nutritionist.
DifferentiationIn cancer, refers to how mature (developed) the cancer cells are in a tumor. Differentiated tumor cells resemble normal cells and tend to grow and spread…
Differientiated(dif fer ren' che ay ted) tumor cells look very similar to normal cells. Pathologists look to see if tumor cells are well differentiated or poorly…
diffuse hyperplastic perilobar nephroblastomatosis(dih-FYOOS HY-per-PLAS-tik payr-ee-LOH-ber NEH-froh-blas-TOH-muh-TOH-sis) A childhood condition in which abnormal tissue grows on the outer part of one or…
diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(lim-FOH-muh) A type of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (cancer of the immune system) that is usually aggressive (fast-growing).
difluoromethylornithineA substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. Also called DFMO.