total nodal irradiationRadiation therapy to the mantle field, the spleen, the lymph nodes in the upper abdomen, and the lymph nodes in the pelvic area.
total pancreatectomy(...PAN-kree-uh-TEK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove the entire pancreas. Part of the stomach, part of the small intestine, the common bile duct, gallbladder…
total parenteral nutritionA form of nutrition that is delivered into a vein. Total parenteral nutrition does not use the digestive system.
total skin electron beam radiation therapy(...ee-LEK-tron beem RAY-dee-AY-shun THAYR-uh-pee) A type of radiation therapy using electrons that is directed at the entire surface of the body.
total-body irradiationRadiation therapy to the entire body. It is usually followed by bone marrow or peripheral stem cell transplantation.
Totect(TOH-tekt) A drug used to treat the toxic effects of an anticancer drug that leaks from a vein into surrounding tissue and causes tissue damage.
TotipotentHaving to do with cells that are able to develop into any type of cell found in the body.
tourniquet(TOOR-nih-ket) A device, such as a strip of cloth or a band of rubber, that is wrapped tightly around a leg or an arm to prevent the flow of blood to the…
toxemiaDisease caused by the spread of bacteria and their toxins in the bloodstream. Also called blood poisoning and septicemia.
toxic(TOK-sik) Having to do with poison or something harmful to the body. Toxic substances usually cause unwanted side effects.
toxicity(tok-SIH-sih-tee) The extent to which something is poisonous or harmful.
toxicology(TOK-sih-KAH-loh-jee) The study of poisons, including the source, effect, and treatment of poisoning. It is a branch of pharmacology (the study of drugs).
toxin(TOK-sin) A poison produced by certain animals, plants, or bacteria.
TP-38 immunotoxin(... IH-myoo-noh-TOK-sin) A substance being studied in the treatment of brain tumors.
TPAA substance being studied in the treatment of hematologic cancers. It is a type of phorbol ester. Also called 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate.
TPNA form of nutrition that is delivered into a vein. TPN does not use the digestive system.
TPOA substance made by the body that helps make blood cells, especially platelets.
trabectedin(truh-BEK-teh-din) A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. It may damage the DNA in cancer cells.
trabecular cancer(truh-BEH-kyoo-ler KAN-ser) A rare type of cancer that forms on or just beneath the skin, usually in parts of the body that have been exposed to the sun.
trace element(trays EH-leh-ment) An element found in very small amounts in a given substance. Organisms need certain trace elements to survive.
tracerA substance (such as a radioisotope) used in imaging procedures.
trach tube (trake...)A 2-inch- to 3-inch-long curved metal or plastic tube placed in a surgically created opening (tracheostomy) in the windpipe to keep it open.
trachea(TRAY-kee-uh) The airway that leads from the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi (large airways that lead to the lungs). Also called windpipe.
trachelectomy(TRAY-kee-LEK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove the cervix (the end of the uterus that forms a canal between the uterus and the vagina).
tracheoesophageal puncture(TRAY-kee-oh-ee-SAH-fuh-JEE-ul PUNK-cher) A small opening made by a surgeon between the esophagus and the trachea.
tracheostomy(TRAY-kee-OS-toh-mee) Surgery to create an opening (stoma) into the windpipe. The opening itself may also be called a tracheostomy.
tracheostomy button(TRAY-kee-OS-toh-mee...) A 0.5-inch- to 1.5-inch-long plastic tube placed in a surgically created opening (tracheostomy) in the windpipe to keep it open.
tracheostomy tube(TRAY-kee-OS-toh-mee...) A 2-inch- to 3-inch-long curved metal or plastic tube placed in a surgically created opening (tracheostomy) in the windpipe to…
traditional acupuncture(truh-DIH-shuh-nul AK-yoo-PUNK-cher) An ancient form of acupuncture based on the principle that there are five universal elements (wood, fire, earth…
traditional Chinese medicine(truh-DIH-shuh-nul chy-NEEZ MEH-dih-sin) A medical system that has been used for thousands of years to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease.
TranquilizersDrugs prescribed to promote sleep or reduce anxiety; the NSDUH classification includes benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and other types of CNS depressants.
trans fat (tranz fat)A type of fat that has certain chemical properties and is usually found in processed foods such as baked goods, snack foods, fried foods, shortening…
transabdominal ultrasoundA procedure used to examine the organs in the abdomen. The ultrasound device is pressed firmly against the skin of the abdomen.
Transcendental MeditationA mental technique used to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve quality of life.
TranscriptionIn biology, the process by which a cell makes an RNA copy of a sequence of DNA that is a gene.
transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation(tranz-kyoo-TAY-nee-us ee-LEK-trik NERV STIM-yoo-LAY-shun) A technique in which mild electric currents are applied to some areas of the skin by a small…
transdermal(tranz-DER-mul) Absorbed through the unbroken skin.
transfer factor(TRANS-fer FAK-ter) A substance made by some white blood cells. Transfer factor from one person's white blood cells may be able to cause a specific immune…
transferrin-CRM107(tranz-FAYR-in...) A substance being studied in the treatment of brain tumors. Transferrin-CRM107 is made by linking a diphtheria toxin to transferrin, a…
transformation(TRANZ-for-MAY-shun) In medicine, the change that a normal cell undergoes as it becomes malignant.
transfusion(trans-FYOO-zhun) The infusion of components of blood or whole blood into the bloodstream.
transitional care(tran-ZIH-shuh-nul â¦) Support given to patients when they move from one phase of disease or treatment to another, such as from hospital care to…
transitional cellA cell that varies in shape depending on whether the tissue is being stretched. Transitional cells may be stretched without breaking apart.
transitional cell cancer(tran-ZIH-shuh-nul sel KAN-ser) Cancer that forms in transitional cells in the lining of the bladder, ureter, or renal pelvis (the part of the kidney that…
Transitional Grant Area (TGA)Geographic areas highly-impacted by HIV/AIDS that are eligible to receive Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part A funds To be an eligible TGA, an area must…
translational research(trans-LAY-shuh-nul reh-SERCH) A term used to describe the process by which the results of research done in the laboratory are used to develop new ways to…
Translocation(TRANZ-loh-KAY-shun) A genetic change in which a piece of one chromosome breaks off and attaches to another chromosome.
Transmission CategoryA grouping of disease exposure and infection routes; in relation to HIV disease, exposure groupings include, for example, men who have sex with men…
transperineal biopsy(TRANZ-payr-uh-NEE-ul BY-op-see) A procedure in which a sample of tissue is removed from the prostate for examination under a microscope.
transplant surgeon(TRANZ-PLANT SER-jun) A doctor who specializes in transplantation surgery. The surgeon replaces a patient's organ with an organ from another person.
Transplantation(tranz-plan-TAY-shun) The replacement of tissue with tissue from the person's own body or from another person.
transrectal biopsy(TRANZ-REK-tul BY-op-see) A procedure in which a sample of tissue is removed from the prostate using a thin needle that is inserted through the rectum and…
transrectal ultrasound(TRANZ-REK-tul UL-truh-SOWND) A procedure in which a probe that sends out high-energy sound waves is inserted into the rectum.
transsphenoidal surgery(TRANS-sfee-NOY-dul SER-jeh-ree) A type of surgery in which instruments are inserted into part of the brain by going through the nose and the sphenoid…
transurethral biopsy(TRANZ-yoo-REE-thrul BY-op-see) A procedure in which a sample of tissue is removed from the prostate for examination under a microscope.
transurethral needle ablation(TRANZ-yoo-REE-thrul NEE-dul a-BLAY-shun) A procedure that is used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).
transurethral radiofrequency ablation(TRANZ-yoo-REE-thrul RAY-dee-oh-FREE-kwen-see a-BLAY-shun) A procedure that is used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).
transurethral resection(TRANZ-yoo-REE-thrul ree-SEK-shun) Surgery performed with a special instrument inserted through the urethra. Also called TUR.
transurethral resection of the prostate(TRANZ-yoo-REE-thrul ree-SEK-shun ... PROS-tayt) A surgical procedure to remove tissue from the prostate using an instrument inserted through the urethra.
transvaginal sonography(tranz-VA-jih-nul soh-NAH-gruh-fee) A procedure used to examine the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and bladder.
transvaginal ultrasound(tranz-VA-jih-nul UL-truh-SOWND) A procedure used to examine the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and bladder.
trastuzumab(tras-TOO-zuh-mab) A monoclonal antibody that binds to HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2), and can kill HER2-positive cancer cells.
Trauma(TRAW-muh) Injury to the body, or an event that causes long-lasting mental or emotional damage.
Traumeel SA substance that contains minerals and extracts of 14 plants, including belladonna, arnica, St. John's wort, and Echinacea.
Treanda(tree-AN-duh) A drug that is used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and is being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.
treatment fieldIn radiation therapy, the place on the body where the radiation beam is aimed.
Trelstar(TREL-star) A drug that is used to treat advanced prostate cancer, and is being studied in the treatment of breast cancer.
Trends Over TimeThe change in rate over time expressed as an annual percent change.
treosulfanA substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called alkylating agents.
trephine(TREE-fine) A surgical tool used to cut out circular pieces of bone or other tissue.
tretinoinA form of vitamin A that is made by the body, and can also be made in the laboratory.
triacetyluridine(try-ASS-uh-til-YOOR-ih-deen) A substance that is being studied for its ability to protect against the gastrointestinal side effects caused by…
triamcinolone(try-am-SIN-oh-lone) A substance that is being studied for the prevention of nonmelanoma skin cancer.
TriapineA substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is a type of ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor.
tributyrinA triglyceride drug that may inhibit cell growth and induce cell differentiation.
trichothiodystrophy(TRIK-oh-thy-oh-DIS-truh-fee) A hereditary condition characterized by sparse and brittle hair, short stature, and mental retardation.
TriCor(TRY-kor) A drug used to treat high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
tricyclic antidepressant(try-SY-klik AN-tee-dee-PREH-sunt) A type of drug used to treat depression.
Trifolium pratense(try-FOH-lee-um pray-TEN-see) A plant whose flowers have been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems.
trigeminal nerveThe main sensory nerve of the head and face, and the motor nerve of the muscles used in chewing. Also called fifth cranial nerve.
trigger(TRIH-ger) In medicine, a specific event that starts a process or that causes a particular outcome.
trigger point acupuncture(TRIH-ger poynt AK-yoo-PUNK-cher) Use of acupuncture to treat pain by inserting needles into trigger points on the body.
triiodothyronine(try-I-oh-doh-THY-ruh-neen) A thyroid hormone. Also called T-3.
Trilisate(TRIH-lih-sayt) A substance used to treat arthritis and relieve pain, inflammation, and fever.
trimetrexate glucuronateA drug that belongs to the family of drugs called antimetabolites. It is used in the treatment of pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and is being studied in…
Triostat(TRY-oh-stat) A drug that is used to treat certain thyroid (a gland located near the voice box) conditions.
triptorelin(trip-toh-REL-in) A drug that is used to treat advanced prostate cancer, and is being studied in the treatment of breast cancer.
Trisenox(TRIH-seh-nox) A drug used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) that has not gotten better or that has come back after treatment with other…
Trophoblast(TROH-foh-BLAST) A thin layer of cells that helps a developing embryo attach to the wall of the uterus, protects the embryo, and forms a part of the…
TrophozoiteA developmental form during the blood stage of malaria parasites. After merozoites have invaded the red blood cell, they develop into trophozoites…
tropisetron(troh-PIH-seh-tron) A substance used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatment. It is not available in the United States.
troxacitabineA drug being studied for use as an anticancer agent.
true lavender(...LA-vun-der) A plant with aromatic leaves and flowers that is a member of the mint family.
TRUSA procedure in which a probe that sends out high-energy sound waves is inserted into the rectum.
TrustA fiduciary relationship in which a person, called a trustee, holds title to property for the benefit of another person, called a beneficiary.
TSEB radiation therapy(... RAY-dee-AY-shun THAYR-uh-pee) A type of radiation therapy using electrons that is directed at the entire surface of the body.
TSHA hormone produced by the pituitary gland. TSH stimulates the release of thyroid hormone from thyroglobulin.