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.
digestion(dy-JES-chun) The process of breaking down food into substances the body can use for energy, tissue growth, and repair.
digestive system(dy-JES-tiv SIS-tem) The organs that take in food and turn it into products that the body can use to stay healthy.
digestive tract(dy-JES-tiv) The organs through which food and liquids pass when they are swallowed, digested, and eliminated.
digital mammography(DIH-jih-tul ma-MAH-gruh-fee) A technique that uses a computer, rather than x-ray film, to record x-ray images of the breast.
digital photography(DIH-jih-tul fuh-TAH-gruh-fee) A type of photography in which images can be viewed on a computer screen.
digital rectal examination(DIH-jih-tul REK-tul eg-zam-ih-NAY-shun) An examination in which a doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for abnormalities.
digitalis(DIH-jih-TA-lis) A substance used to make drugs that are used to treat several heart conditions, including congestive heart failure.
digoxin(dih-JOK-sin) A drug used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure. It is also being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer.
dihematoporphyrin ether(dy-HEE-muh-toh-POR-fih-rin EE-ther) Used in photodynamic therapy, a drug that is absorbed by tumor cells; when exposed to light, it becomes active and…
dihydrotestosterone(dy-HY-droh-tes-TOS-teh-RONE) A hormone made from testosterone in the prostate gland, testes, and some other tissues.
diindolylmethane(dy-IN-doh-lil-MEH-thayn) A substance being studied in the treatment of prostate cancer and in the prevention of cervical cancer.
dilatation and curettage(DIH-luh-TA-shun and KYUR-eh-TAHJ) A procedure to remove tissue from the cervical canal or the inner lining of the uterus.
dilate(DYE-late) To widen or enlarge an opening or hollow structure beyond its usual size, such as the pupil of the eye or a blood vessel.
dilation and curettage(DY-LAY-shun and KYUR-eh-TAHJ) A procedure to remove tissue from the cervical canal or the inner lining of the uterus.
dilator(DYE-lay-tor) A device used to stretch or enlarge an opening.
dilute(dy-LOOT) To make something thinner, weaker, less concentrated, or less pure by adding something to it.
DIMA substance being studied in the treatment of prostate cancer and in the prevention of cervical cancer.
Dimericine(dy-MAYR-ih-seen) A lotion being studied in the treatment of skin cancer and a skin condition called xeroderma pigmentosum.
dimesnaA drug that belongs to the family of drugs called chemoprotective agents.
dimethyl sulfoxideA colorless liquid that readily dissolves many chemicals and penetrates animal and plant tissues.
dimethylxanthenone acetic acid(DY-MEH-thil-ZAN-theh-none uh-SEE-tik A-sid) An anticancer drug that is a type of angiogenesis inhibitor.
diphenhydramine(dy-fen-HY-druh-meen) A drug used to treat allergies and relieve cough and itching caused by insect bites, sunburn, and poison oak or ivy.
diphosphonate(dy-FOS-foh-nayt) A drug or substance used to treat hypercalcemia (abnormally high blood calcium) and bone pain caused by some types of cancer.
diphtheriaAn acute, contagious disease that causes fever and problems for the heart and nervous system.
Diploidy(dih ploy' dee) is a normal amount of DNA in cells.
dipyridamoleA drug that prevents blood cell clumping and enhances the effectiveness of fluorouracil and other chemotherapeutic agents.
direct ophthalmoscopy(⦠OP-thal-MOS-koh-pee) An exam of the inside of the back of the eye using an ophthalmoscope (a flashlight-sized instrument with a light source…
Direct transmissionThis type of transmission is, at base, immediate. The transfer of the infectious agent is, as the name implies, directly into the body.
Discharge(DIS-charj) In medicine, a fluid that comes out of the body. Discharge can be normal or a sign of disease.
Discontinued Drug ProductProducts listed in Drugs@FDA as "discontinued" are approved products that have never been marketed, have been discontinued from marketing, are for…
DiseaseA disordered or incorrectly functioning organ, part, structure, or system of the body resulting from the effect of genetic or developmental errors…
disease-free survival(dih-ZEEZ... ser-VY-vul) The length of time after treatment for a specific disease during which a patient survives with no sign of the disease.
disease-specific survival rate(dih-ZEEZ-speh-SIH-fik ser-VY-vul ...) The percentage of people in a study or treatment group who have not died from a specific disease in a defined…
disorder(dis-OR-der) In medicine, a disturbance of normal functioning of the mind or body. Disorders may be caused by genetic factors, disease, or trauma.
disorientation(dis-OR-ee-en-TAY-shun) A mental state marked by confusion about time, place, or who one is.
disseminate(dih-SEM-ih-NATE) Scatter or distribute over a large area or range.
distalIn medicine, refers to a part of the body that is farther away from the center of the body than another part.
distal pancreatectomy(DIS-tul PAN-kree-uh-TEK-toh-mee) Removal of the body and tail of the pancreas.
distant cancerRefers to cancer that has spread from the original (primary) tumor to distant organs or distant lymph nodes. Also known as distant metastasis.
distant metastasis(...meh-TAS-tuh-sis) Refers to cancer that has spread from the original (primary) tumor to distant organs or distant lymph nodes.
distractionIn medicine, a pain relief method that takes the patient's attention away from the pain.
distress(dih-STRESS) Extreme mental or physical pain or suffering.
disulfiramA drug that slows the metabolism of retinoids, allowing them to act over a longer period of time.
diureticA drug that increases the production of urine.
diverticulosisA condition marked by small sacs or pouches (diverticula) in the walls of an organ such as the stomach or colon.
Division of Community Based Programs (DCBP)(DCBP)The division within HRSA's HIV/AIDS Bureau that is responsible for administering Part C, Part D, and the HIV/AIDS Dental Programs (the Dental…
Division of Science and Policy (DSP)(DSP)The office within HRSA's HIV/AIDS Bureau that administers the Part F (SPNS) Program, HIV/AIDS evaluation studies, policy, and data reporting.
Division of Service Systems (DSS)(DSS)The division within HRSA's HIV/AIDS Bureau that administers Part A and Part B of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program.
DJ-927A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is a type of taxane derivative.
DNAThe molecules inside cells that carry genetic information and pass it from one generation to the next. Also called deoxyribonucleic acid.
DNA cytometry(si tom" eh tree') is a test sometimes used to help predict the aggressiveness of a tumor.
DNA gene-expression microarray(⦠JEEN-ek-SPREH-shun MY-kroh-uh-RAY) A process that allows thousands of pieces of DNA that are fixed to a glass slide to be analyzed at one…
DNA methylase(⦠MEH-thih-LAYZ) An enzyme (a protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body) that attaches a methyl group to DNA.
DNA methyltransferase(... MEH-thul-TRANZ-fer-ayz) An enzyme (a protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body) that attaches a methyl group to DNA.
DNA or deoxyribonucleic acidsubstances in the body that make up the genes and carry gentic (inherited) information.
DNA replication(⦠reh-plih-KAY-shun) The process by which a copy of the DNA in a cell is made before the cell divides.
DNR orderA type of advance directive in which a person states that healthcare providers should not perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (restarting the heart) if…
do not resuscitate order(â¦ree-SUH-sih-TAYTâ¦) A type of advance directive in which a person states that healthcare providers should not perform…
docetaxel(doh-seh-TAK-sel) A drug used together with other drugs to treat certain types of breast cancer, stomach cancer, prostate cancer, and certain types of…
dockA plant that has been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. It may have anticancer effects. The scientific name is Rumex acetosella .
dolasetron(doh-LAH-seh-tron) The active ingredient in a drug used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatment.
dolasetron mesylate(doh-LAH-seh-tron MEH-zih-layt) A drug used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatment.
dolastatin 10(DOH-luh-STA-tin â¦) A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer.
donepezil(doh-NEP-eh-zil) A drug that is used to treat Alzheimer disease and is being studied in the treatment of side effects caused by radiation therapy to the…
dong quai(dahng-kwye) An herb native to China. A substance taken from the roots has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat menstrual and menopausal…
donor lymphocyte infusion(DOH-ner LIM-foh-site in-FYOO-zhun) A type of therapy in which lymphocytes from the blood of a donor are given to a patient who has already received a…
DopamineA brain chemical, classified as a neurotransmitter, found in regions that regulate movement, emotion, motivation, and pleasure.
dornase alfa inhalation solution(DOR-nayz AL-fuh in-huh-LAY-shun suh-LOO-shun) A drug given in an aerosol mist to decrease the thickness of mucus in the lungs of patients with cystic…
Dosage FormA dosage form is the physical form in which a drug is produced and dispensed, such as a tablet, a capsule, or an injectable.
doseThe amount of medicine taken, or radiation given, at one time.
dose-dense chemotherapy(DOSE-dents KEE-moh-THAYR-uh-pee) A chemotherapy treatment plan in which drugs are given with less time between treatments than in a standard chemotherapy…
dose-dependentRefers to the effects of treatment with a drug. If the effects change when the dose of the drug is changed, the effects are said to be dose-dependent.
dose-limitingDescribes side effects of a drug or other treatment that are serious enough to prevent an increase in dose or level of that treatment.
dose-rateThe strength of a treatment given over a period of time.
dosimetrist(do-SIM-uh-trist) A person who determines the proper radiation dose for treatment.
dosimetry(doh-SIH-muh-tree) Measurement of radiation exposure from x-rays, gamma rays, or other types of radiation used in the treatment or detection of diseases…
double-blindedA clinical trial in which neither the medical staff nor the person knows which of several possible therapies the person is receiving.
Double-contrast barium enemaA procedure in which x-rays of the colon and rectum are taken after a liquid containing barium is put into the rectum.
doubling time(DUH-bling...) In biology, the amount of time it takes for one cell to divide or for a group of cells (such as a tumor) to double in size.
douche (DOOSH)A procedure in which water or a medicated solution is used to clean the vagina and cervix.
Down syndrome(...SIN-drome) A disorder caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21 and characterized by mental retardation and distinguishing physical features.
Dox-SLA form of the anticancer drug doxorubicin that is contained in very tiny, fat-like particles.
doxazosin(dox-AY-zoh-sin) A drug used to treat high blood pressure and urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate.
doxazosin mesylate(dox-AY-zoh-sin MEH-zih-layt) A drug used to treat high blood pressure and urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate.
doxercalciferolA substance being studied in the prevention of recurrent prostate cancer. It is a type of vitamin D analog.