periampullary cancer(PAYR-ee-AM-puh-LAYR-ee KAN-ser) A cancer that forms near the ampulla of Vater (an enlargement of the ducts from the liver and pancreas where they join…
pericardial effusionAn abnormal collection of fluid inside the sac that covers the heart.
perifosineA substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called alkylphospholipids.
perillyl alcoholA substance that is being studied in the prevention of cancer. It belongs to the family of plant drugs called monoterpenes.
perimenopausal(PAYR-ih-MEH-nuh-PAW-zul) The time of a woman's life when menstrual periods become irregular. Refers to the time just before menopause.
perineal colostomy(PAYR-uh-NEE-ul koh-LOS-toh-mee) An opening made surgically to allow the colon to exit the body through the perineum (the area of the body between the…
perineal prostatectomy(PAYR-uh-NEE-ul PROS-tuh-TEK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove the prostate through an incision made between the scrotum and the anus.
perineumThe area of the body between the anus and the vulva in females, and between the anus and the scrotum in males.
perineural(pear-ih-NOOR-al) Around a nerve or group of nerves.
periodontitisA gum disease in which the gums shrink away from the teeth. Without treatment, it can lead to tooth loss.
perioperative(PER-ee-AH-pruh-tiv) Around the time of surgery. This usually lasts from the time the patient goes into the hospital or doctor's office for surgery until…
Peripheral Artery DiseaseThe artery passage is blocked from the heart with a build up of fat and fibrous tissue, called plaque.
peripheral blood(peh-RIH-feh-rul blud) Blood circulating throughout the body.
peripheral blood lymphocyte therapy(peh-RIH-feh-rul blud LIM-foh-site THAYR-uh-pee) A treatment for Epstein-Barr virus infection or overgrowth of white blood cells (lymphocytes) after an…
peripheral blood smear(peh-RIH-feh-rul blud smeer) A procedure in which a sample of blood is viewed under a microscope to count different circulating blood cells (red blood…
peripheral neuropathy(peh-RIH-feh-rul noo-ROP-uh-thee) A nerve problem that causes pain, numbness, tingling, swelling, or muscle weakness in different parts of the body.
peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor(peh-RIH-feh-rul PRI-mih-tiv NOOR-oh-EK-toh-DER-mul TOO-mer) A type of cancer that forms in bone or soft tissue. Also called Ewing sarcoma and pPNET.
peripheral stem cell(peh-RIH-feh-rul stem sel) An immature cell found circulating in the bloodstream. New blood cells develop from peripheral stem cells.
peripheral stem cell support(peh-RIH-feh-rul stem sel â¦) A method of replacing blood-forming cells destroyed by cancer treatment.
peripheral stem cell transplantation(peh-RIH-feh-rul stem sel tranz-plan-TAY-shun) A method of replacing blood-forming cells destroyed by cancer treatment.
peripheral T-cell lymphoma(peh-RIH-feh-rul ... lim-FOH-muh) One of a group of aggressive (fast-growing) non-Hodgkin lymphomas that begins in mature T lymphocytes (T cells that have…
peripheral venous catheter(peh-RIH-feh-rul VEE-nus KA-theh-ter) A small, flexible tube used to deliver fluids into the body.
peristalsis(pair-ih-STAL-sis) The rippling motion of muscles in the intestine or other tubular organs characterized by the alternate contraction and relaxation of…
peritoneal(PAYR-ih-toh-NEE-ul) Having to do with the parietal peritoneum (the tissue that lines the abdominal wall and pelvic cavity) and visceral peritoneum (the…
peritoneal cancer(PAYR-ih-toh-NEE-ul KAN-ser) Cancer of the tissue that lines the abdominal wall and covers organs in the abdomen.
peritoneal cavity(PAYR-ih-toh-NEE-ul KA-vuh-tee) The space within the abdomen that contains the intestines, the stomach, and the liver. It is bound by thin membranes.
peritoneal fluid(PAYR-ih-toh-NEE-ul FLOO-id) A liquid that is made in the abdominal cavity to lubricate the surface of the tissue that lines the abdominal wall and pelvic…
peritoneal infusion(PAYR-ih-toh-NEE-ul in-FYOO-zhun) A method of delivering fluids and drugs directly into the abdominal cavity through a thin tube.
peritoneal perfusion(PAYR-ih-toh-NEE-ul per-FYOO-zhun) A method of delivering fluids and drugs directly to tumors in the peritoneal cavity.
peritoneum(PAYR-ih-toh-NEE-um) The tissue that lines the abdominal wall and covers most of the organs in the abdomen.
peritonitisInflammation of the peritoneum (tissue that lines the abdominal wall and covers most of the organs in the abdomen).
pernicious anemia(per-NIH-shush uh-NEE-mee-uh) A type of anemia (low red blood cell count) caused by the body's inability to absorb vitamin B12.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)(PPE)Clothing or devices worn to help isolate or shield a person from direct exposure to a hazardous material or situation.
personalized medicine(PER-suh-nuh-LIZED MEH-dih-sin) A form of medicine that uses information about a person's genes, proteins, and environment to prevent, diagnose, and treat…
pertussis(per-TUH-sus) A serious bacterial infection of the lungs and breathing tubes that spreads easily.
pertuzumab(per-TOO-zoo-mab) A monoclonal antibody that is being studied in the treatment of cancer.
Pesticide(PES-tih-side) Any substance that is used to kill insects and other pests.
PET scanA procedure in which a small amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) is injected into a vein, and a scanner is used to make detailed, computerized pictures…
pet-facilitated therapy(â¦fuh-SIH-lih-tay-ted THAYR-uh-pee) A type of therapy that uses dogs or other pets to improve the physical and mental health of patients with…
petechiae(peh-TEH-kee-a) Pinpoint, unraised, round red spots under the skin caused by bleeding.
petrolatum(PEH-troh-LAY-tum) A thick, greasy, substance with no odor or taste made from petroleum.
petroleum jelly(peh-TROH-lee-um â¦) A thick, greasy, substance with no odor or taste made from petroleum.
Peutz-Jeghers syndromeA genetic disorder in which polyps form in the intestine and dark spots appear on the mouth and fingers.
PF-00299804A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
PF-3512676A substance that is being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called biological response modifiers.
PGOne of several hormone-like substances made by the body. Different PGs control blood pressure, contraction of smooth muscles, and other processes within…
PGE1A drug that is used to treat impotence (inability to have an erection) and is being studied in the treatment of sexual problems in men who have had…
PHA-739358A substance being studied in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia. PHA-739358 may stop tumor growth by blocking certain enzymes needed for cancer…
PhagocyteAn immune system cell that can surround and kill microorganisms and remove dead cells. Phagocytes include macrophages.
phagocytosis(FA-goh-sy-TOH-sis) The process by which a phagocyte (a type of white blood cell) surrounds and destroys foreign substances (such as bacteria) and removes…
phantom limb painThe sensation of pain or other unpleasant feelings in the place of a missing (phantom) limb.
Pharmaceutical EquivalentsFDA considers drug products to be pharmaceutical equivalents if they meet these three criteria: they contain the same active ingredient(s) they are of the…
pharmacokinetics(FAR-muh-koh-kih-NEH-tix) The activity of drugs in the body over a period of time, including the processes by which drugs are absorbed, distributed in the…
pharmacology(FAR-muh-KAH-loh-jee) The study of the origin, chemistry, and uses of drugs and their effects on the body.
pharmacopoeiaA book describing chemicals, drugs, and other substances and how they are used as medicines. It is prepared by a recognized authority.
pharyngeal cancer(fuh-RIN-jee-ul KAN-ser) Cancer that forms in tissues of the pharynx (the hollow tube inside the neck that starts behind the nose and ends at the top of…
pharynx(FAIR-inks) The hollow tube inside the neck that starts behind the nose and ends at the top of the trachea (windpipe) and esophagus (the tube that goes to…
phase I detoxificationA process in which the liver uses one of two major enzyme pathways to change a toxic substance, such as an anticancer drug, into a less toxic substance…
phase I trialThe first step in testing a new treatment in humans. These studies test the best way to give a new treatment (for example, by mouth, intravenous infusion…
phase I/II trialA trial to study the safety, dosage levels, and response to a new treatment.
phase II detoxificationA process in which the liver uses one of two major enzyme pathways to change a toxic substance, such as an anticancer drug, into a less toxic substance…
phase II trialA study to test whether a new treatment has an anticancer effect (for example, whether it shrinks a tumor or improves blood test results) and whether it…
phase II/III trialA trial to study response to a new treatment and the effectiveness of the treatment compared with the standard treatment regimen.
phase III trialA study to compare the results of people taking a new treatment with the results of people taking the standard treatment (for example, which group has…
phase IV trialAfter a treatment has been approved and is being marketed, it is studied in a phase IV trial to evaluate side effects that were not apparent in the phase…
phenethyl isothiocyanateA substance being studied in the prevention of cancer. It is a naturally occurring compound found in some cruciferous vegetables. Also called PEITC.
phenobarbitalA drug that is used to treat seizures and as a sedative. It is being studied in the treatment of diarrhea and for its ability to increase the antitumor…
phenol(FEE-nol) A very poisonous chemical substance made from tar and also found in some plants and essential oils (scented liquid taken from plants).
phenothiazine(FEE-noh-THY-uh-zeen) A type of drug that is used to treat severe mental and emotional disorders, severe nausea and vomiting, and certain other conditions.
phenoxodiolA substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called signal transduction inhibitors.
phenylacetateA substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer.
phenylbutyrateA substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called differentiating agents.
phenylketonuria(FEH-nil-KEE-tone-yoor-ee-uh) An inherited disorder that causes a build-up of phenylalanine (an amino acid) in the blood.
pheochromocytoma(FEE-oh-KROH-moh-sy-TOH-muh) Tumor that forms in the center of the adrenal gland (gland located above the kidney) that causes it to make too much…
pheresis(fer-E-sis) A procedure in which blood is collected, part of the blood such as platelets or white blood cells is taken out, and the rest of the blood is…
Philadelphia chromosome(FIH-luh-DEL-fee-uh KROH-muh-some) An abnormality of chromosome 22 in which part of chromosome 9 is transferred to it.
philosophical(FIH-luh-SAH-fih-kul) Having to do with the deeper questions of life and with a person's basic beliefs, ideas, and attitudes.
phlebitis(fleh-BY-tis) Inflammation (redness, swelling, pain, and heat) of a vein, usually in the legs. Phlebitis may be caused by infection, injury, or irritation.
phlebotomy(fleh-BAH-toh-mee) The puncture of a vein with a needle for the purpose of drawing blood. Also called venipuncture.
phlegm(flem): Thick mucus from the airways of the body.
phlegm (flem)A more than normal amount of thick mucus made by the cells lining the upper airways and lungs.
phobia(FOH-bee-uh) An extreme, irrational, fear of something that may cause a person to panic.
phosphate(FOS-fayt) A substance that contains phosphorus, a nonmetal chemical element. Phosphate may be used to treat a high level of calcium in the blood.
phospholipidA lipid (fat) that contains phosphorus. Phospholipids are a major part of cell membranes.
phospholipid complexA chemical or drug that is attached to a lipid (fat) that contains phosphorus.
phosphoric(FOS-for-ric) Having to do with or containing the element phosphorus.
phosphorus(FOS-for-us) A nonmetallic element that is found in the blood, muscles, nerves, bones, and teeth and is a component of adenosine triphosphate (ATP; the…
phosphorus-32A radioactive form of phosphorus used in the treatment of cancer. It is also used to help locate areas of DNA damage.
photoactivityThe effect produced when certain substances are exposed to light. In cancer treatment, some drugs become active when exposed to light and are then able to…
photocoagulation(FOH-toh-koh-A-gyuh-LAY-shun) The use of an intense beam of light, such as a laser, to seal off blood vessels or destroy tissue.
photodynamic therapy(FOH-toh-dy-NA-mik THAYR-uh-pee) Treatment with drugs that become active when exposed to light. These activated drugs may kill cancer cells.
Photofrin(FOH-toh-frin) A drug used to treat some types of cancer. When absorbed by cancer cells and exposed to light, Photofrin becomes active and kills the…
photon-beam radiation(FOH-ton beem RAY-dee-AY-shun) A type of radiation therapy that reaches deep tumors with high-energy x-rays made by a machine called a linear accelerator.
photopheresis(FOH-toh-fuh-REE-siss) A procedure in which blood is removed from the body and treated with ultraviolet light and drugs that become active when exposed to…
photophobia(FOH-toh-FOH-bee-uh) A condition in which the eyes are more sensitive than normal to light.
photosensitizer(FOH-toh-SEN-sih-ty-zer) A drug used in photodynamic therapy. When absorbed by cancer cells and exposed to light, the drug becomes active and kills the…
photosensitizing agent(FOH-toh-SEN-sih-ty-zing...) A drug used in photodynamic therapy. When absorbed by cancer cells and exposed to light, the drug becomes active and kills…