acupuncture needle(AK-yoo-PUNK-cher NEE-dul) A stainless steel needle that is slightly thicker than a human hair.
acupuncture point(AK-yoo-PUNK-cher poynt) A specific spot on the body where an acupuncture needle may be inserted to control pain and other symptoms. Also called acupoint.
acupuncture point injection(AK-yoo-PUNK-cher poynt in-JEK-shun) A procedure in which drugs, vitamins, herbal extracts, or other fluids are injected into the body at an acupuncture…
acupuncturist(AK-yoo-PUNK-cheh-rist) A person trained in acupuncture (therapy that uses thin needles inserted through the skin at specific points on the body to…
acustimulationMild electrical stimulation of acupuncture points to control symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
Acute(uh-KYOOT) Symptoms or signs that begin and worsen quickly; not chronic.
Acute CareProviding emergency services and general medical and surgical treatment.
Acute Care FacilityOne step below a hospital, an acute care facility gives advanced medical and nursing services to bring you back to health.
Acute ComplicationsTransient complications that are temporary and reversible due to blood glucose fluctuations having a short term impact on driving capability, such as…
acute leukemia(uh-KYOOT loo-KEE-mee-uh) A rapidly progressing cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of white…
acute lymphoblastic leukemia(uh-KYOOT LIM-foh-BLAS-tik loo-KEE-mee-uh) An aggressive (fast-growing) type of leukemia (blood cancer) in which too many lymphoblasts (immature white…
acute lymphocytic leukemia(uh-KYOOT LIM-foh-SIH-tik loo-KEE-mee-uh) An aggressive (fast-growing) type of leukemia (blood cancer) in which too many lymphoblasts (immature white…
acute myeloblastic leukemia(uh-KYOOT MY-eh-loh-BLAS-tik loo-KEE-mee-uh) A quickly progressing disease in which too many immature white blood cells (not lymphocytes) are found in the…
acute myelogenous leukemia(uh-KYOOT MY-eh-LAH-jeh-nus loo-KEE-mee-uh) A quickly progressing disease in which too many immature white blood cells (not lymphocytes) are found in the…
acute myeloid leukemia(uh-KYOOT MY-eh-loyd loo-KEE-mee-uh) A quickly progressing disease in which too many immature white blood cells (not lymphocytes) are found in the blood…
acute nonlymphocytic leukemia(uh-KYOOT non-lim-foh-SIH-tik loo-KEE-mee-uh) A quickly progressing disease in which too many immature white blood cells (not lymphocytes) are found in…
acute pain(uh-KYOOT payn) Pain that comes on quickly, can be severe, but lasts a relatively short time.
acute promyelocytic leukemia(uh-KYOOT PRO-MY-eh-loh-SIH-tik loo-KEE-mee-uh) An aggressive (fast-growing) type of acute myeloid leukemia in which there are too many immature…
acyclovirA substance used to prevent or treat cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex infections that may occur when the body is immunosuppressed.
AD 32A drug used to treat bladder cancer that does not respond to BCG (Bacillus Calmette Guerin). It is an anthracycline and is a type of antitumor antibiotic.
AdderallA combination of drugs used as a treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (a sleep disorder).
AddictionUncontrollable craving, seeking, and use of a substance such as a drug or alcohol.
adenocarcinoma(A-den-oh-KAR-sih-NOH-muh) Cancer that begins in cells that line certain internal organs and that have gland-like (secretory) properties.
adenoid cystic carcinoma(A-deh-noyd SIS-tik KAR-sih-NOH-muh) A rare type of cancer that usually begins in the salivary glands.
adenoma(A-deh-NOH-muh) A noncancerous tumor that starts in gland-like cells of the epithelial tissue (thin layer of tissue that covers organs, glands, and other…
adenopathy(A-deh-NAH-puh-thee) Large or swollen lymph glands.
adenosine triphosphate(uh-DEH-nuh-seen try-FOS-fayt) A substance present in all living cells that provides energy for many metabolic processes and is involved in making RNA.
Adenosis(ad" eh no' sis) any disease of the glands.
adenosquamous carcinoma(A-den-oh-SKWAY-mus KAR-sih-NOH-muh) A type of cancer that contains two types of cells: squamous cells (thin, flat cells that line certain organs) and…
adenovirus(A-den-oh-VY-rus) A group of viruses that cause respiratory tract and eye infections.
ADI-PEG 20A substance being studied in the treatment of melanoma, liver cancer, and other types of cancer.
adjunct agent(A-junkt AY-jent) In cancer therapy, a drug or substance used in addition to the primary therapy.
adjunct therapy(A-junkt THAYR-uh-pee) Another treatment used together with the primary treatment. Its purpose is to assist the primary treatment.
adjunctive therapy(A-junk-tiv THAYR-uh-pee) Another treatment used together with the primary treatment. Its purpose is to assist the primary treatment.
adjustment disorder(uh-JUST-ment dis-OR-der) A condition in which a person responds to a stressful event (such as an illness, job loss, or divorce) with extreme emotions and…
Adjuvant(ad'-joo vunt) therapy is cancer treatment given after the primary tumor has been removed by some other method.
adjuvant therapy(A-joo-vant THAYR-uh-pee) Treatment given after the primary treatment to increase the chances of a cure.
ADLActivities of daily living. The tasks of everyday life. Basic ADLs include eating, dressing, getting into or out of a bed or chair, taking a bath or…
administration(ad-MIH-nih-STRAY-shun) In medicine, the act of giving a treatment, such as a drug, to a patient.
Administrative or Fiscal AgentEntity that functions to assist the grantee, consortium, or other planning body in carrying out administrative activities (e.g.
adnexal mass(ad-NEK-sulâ¦) A lump in tissue near the uterus, usually in the ovary or fallopian tube.
Adrenal androgrens((uh-dree'-nul an'-dro-junz) steroids synthesized by the adrenal cortex that promote masculinization.
adrenal cancer(uh-DREE-nul KAN-ser) Cancer that forms in the tissues of the adrenal glands (two glands located just above the kidneys).
adrenal cortex(uh-DREE-nul KOR-tex) The outer part of the adrenal gland (a small organ on top of each kidney).
adrenal gland(uh-DREE-nul...) A small gland that makes steroid hormones, adrenaline, and noradrenaline.
adrenal medulla(uh-DREE-nul meh-DOO-luh) The inner part of the adrenal gland (a small organ on top of each kidney).
adrenalectomy(uh-DREE-nul-EK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove one or both adrenal glands (a small organ on top of each kidney).
adrenalineA hormone and neurotransmitter. Also called epinephrine.
adrenocortical(uh-DREE-noh-KOR-tih-kol) Having to do with or made by the outer layer of the adrenal gland, which produces steroid hormones.
adrenocortical cancer(uh-DREE-noh-KOR-tih-kol KAN-ser) A rare cancer that forms in the outer layer of tissue of the adrenal gland (a small organ on top of each kidney that…
adrenocortical carcinoma(uh-DREE-noh-KOR-tih-kol KAR-sih-NOH-muh) A rare cancer that forms in the outer layer of tissue of the adrenal gland (a small organ on top of each kidney…
adrenocorticotropic hormone(uh-DREE-noh-KOR-tih-koh-TROH-pik HOR-mone) A hormone made in the pituitary gland.
Adriamycin PFS(AY-dree-uh-MY-sin â¦) A drug that is used to treat many types of cancer and is being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.
Adriamycin RDF(AY-dree-uh-MY-sin â¦) A drug that is used to treat many types of cancer and is being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.
adult T-cell leukemia/lymphomaAn aggressive (fast-growing) type of T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma caused by the human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1).
advance directiveA legal document that states the treatment or care a person wishes to receive or not receive if he or she becomes unable to make medical decisions (for…
advanced cancer(ad-VANST KAN-ser) Cancer that has spread to other places in the body and usually cannot be cured or controlled with treatment.
advanced malignant mesothelioma(...muh-LIG-nunt meh-zuh-thee-lee-OH-muh) Malignant mesothelioma that is stage II, III, or IV.
adverse event(AD-vers eh-VENT) An unexpected medical problem that happens during treatment with a drug or other therapy.
Advil(AD-vil) A drug used to treat fever, swelling, pain, and redness by preventing the body from making a substance that causes inflammation.
AE-941A substance made from shark cartilage that is being studied for its ability to prevent the growth of new blood vessels to solid tumors.
AEE788A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the families of drugs called protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors and…
AEG35156A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. AEG35156 may block a protein called XIAP so that chemotherapy is able to kill more…
AerobicIn biochemistry, reactions that need oxygen to happen or happen when oxygen is present.
aerobic metabolismA chemical process in which oxygen is used to make energy from carbohydrates (sugars).
aerobic respirationA chemical process in which oxygen is used to make energy from carbohydrates (sugars).
aerodigestive tractThe combined organs and tissues of the respiratory tract and the upper part of the digestive tract (including the lips, mouth, tongue, nose, throat, vocal…
aerosolizeIn medicine, to turn a liquid drug into a fine mist that can be inhaled.
aflatoxin(A-fluh-TOK-sin) A harmful substance made by certain types of mold ( Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus ) that is often found on poorly stored…
aflibercept(a-FLIH-ber-sept) A substance being studied in the treatment of several types of cancer.
AFPA protein normally produced by a fetus. AFP levels are usually undetectable in the blood of healthy adult men or women (who are not pregnant).
AFP464A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. AFP464 kills cancer cells or stops them from dividing. It is a type of aminoflavone.
AG-013736A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the families of drugs called angiogenesis inhibitors and protein tyrosine…
AG2037A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called glycinamide ribonucleotide formyl transferase…
AG3340A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor and belongs to the family of drugs called…
AG337A substance that is being studied in the treatment of liver cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called thymidylate synthase inhibitors.
Age-Adjusted RateA statistical method allowing comparisons of populations that takes into account age-distribution differences between populations.
Age-Conditional RiskA term related to lifetime risk. The probability of developing cancer starting at a specific age and during a specified number of years.
Age-Specific RateThe rate of incidence or mortality of a specific age group, calculated per 100,000 people.
agent studyIn cancer prevention, a clinical trial that studies whether taking certain medicines, vitamins, minerals, or food supplements can prevent cancer.
agglutininA substance that makes particles (such as bacteria or cells) stick together to form a clump or a mass.
aggravating factor(A-gruh-VAY-ting FAK-ter) Something that makes a condition worse. For example, tobacco smoke is an aggravating factor for asthma.
aggressive lymphomaA type of lymphoma that grows and spreads quickly, and has severe symptoms. It is seen frequently in patients who are HIV-positive (AIDS-related lymphoma).
agitation(A-jih-TAY-shun) A condition in which a person is unable to relax and be still.
agnogenic myeloid metaplasia(ag-noh-JEN-ik MY-eh-loyd meh-tuh-PLAY-zhuh) A progressive, chronic disease in which the bone marrow is replaced by fibrous tissue and blood is made in…
agonistA drug that triggers an action from a cell or another drug.
agranulocyte(ay-GRAN-yoo-loh-SITE) A type of white blood cell. Monocytes and lymphocytes are agranulocytes.
AHAOne of a group of substances that are found in several types of fruit and in milk.
AIDSA disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). People with AIDS are at an increased risk for developing certain cancers and for infections…
AIDS Service Organization (ASO)(ASO)An organization that provides primary medical care and/or support services to populations infected with and affected by HIV disease.
AIDS-related cancer(â¦reh-LAYT-id KAN-ser) Certain cancer types that are more likely to occur in people who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus…
Airborne transmissionIn this type of transmission, infective agents are spread as aerosols, and usually enter a person through the respiratory tract.
AJCC staging system(... STAY-jing SIS-tem) A system developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer for describing the extent of cancer in a patient's body.
alanine aminopeptidaseAn enzyme that is used as a biomarker to detect damage to the kidneys, and that may be used to help diagnose certain kidney disorders.
alanine transferaseAn enzyme found in the liver and other tissues. A high level of alanine transferase released into the blood may be a sign of liver damage, cancer, or…