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| This glossary contains: 19186 medical terms |
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Adenoid cystic carcinoma
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Adenoid cystic carcinoma"A type of cancer that most often develops in the salivary glands of the head and neck. It may arise in other sites such as the skin, lacrimal gland, trachea, breast, cervix and prostate. Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) has a characteristic appearance under the microscope. Abnormal ""nests"" or cords of certain cells (epithelial cells) can be seen to surround or infiltrate ducts and glandular structures. These structures are typically filled with a mucous-like material or contain abnormal fibrous membranes (hyaline membranes). ACC is an unusual tumor. It is slow-growing but relentless. It tends to be locally invasive and infiltrate the ""sheaths"" or coatings surrounding nerve fibers (perineural spaces). ACC often recurs years later at the site where the tumor first arose or it may metastasize. Unlike most carcinomas, it seldom metastasizes to nearby lymph nodes but rather to distant sites. The lung is the most common site of metastasis, with the liver second. Bone metastases indicate a poor prognosis . Treatment usually involves surgery to resect (remove) the tumor. Postoperative radiotherapy may help prevent local recurrence. Chemotherapy may slow the tumor but no chemotherapy has yet been found that is effective in destroying it."
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Cancer
Any malignant growth or tumor caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division; it may spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or the blood stream.
Skin
Skin is an organ of the integumentary system; which is composed of a layer of tissues that protect underlying muscles and organs. Skin is used for insulation, vitamin D production, sensation, and excretion (through sweat).
Gland
An organ that releases a chemical. Endocrine glands are ductless and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. Exocrine glands secrete externally, either through a tube or duct.
Trachea
The trachea is a tube which extends from the larynx to the esophagus. It is connected to the trachea at about the area where the larynx is located. It functions as a tube for air to pass through from the external environment to the lungs. It is composed of C-shaped cartilage rings which are embedded in the smooth muscle. The cartilage prevents the trachea from collapsing and closing off the airway.
Breast
The breast refers to the front of the chest or, more specifically, to the mammary gland. The mammary gland is a milk producing gland. It is composed largely of fat. Within the mammary gland is a complex network of branching ducts. These ducts exit from sac-like structures called lobules, which can produce milk in females. The ducts exit the breast at the nipple.
Cervix
The neck or neck-like part of an organ; specifically the neck of the lower part of the uterus, or womb, where the vagina and uterus unite.
Prostate
A male sex gland that produces a thick fluid which forms part of semen.
Carcinoma
Cancer that begins in the tissues that line or cover an organ.
Microscope
A microscope (Greek: micron = small and scopos = aim) is an instrument for viewing objects that are too small to be seen by the naked or unaided eye. The science of investigating small objects using such an instrument is called microscopy, and the term microscopic means minute or very small, not easily visible with the unaided eye. In other words, requiring a microscope to examine.
Abnormal
Not normal. Deviating from the usual structure, position, condition, or behavior. In referring to a growth, abnormal may mean that it is cancerous or premalignant (likely to become cancer).
Membranes
Also know as the bag of waters, this thin sac contains the amniotic fluid and the fetus. The membranes will either rupture spontaneously during labor or be ruptured to speed up labor.
Tumor
Overgrowth of tissue.
Invasive
Medical tests that involve gaining entry into the body via a needle, tube, or hand.
Nerve
Tissue that conveys sensation, temperature, position information to the brain.
Metastasize
To spread to another part of the body, usually through the blood vessels, lymph channels, or spinal fluid.
Lymph
Consists primarily of a clear, yellowish fluid and white blood cells. Found in the lymphatic system.
Metastasis
Refers to a cancer which has spread to other parts of the body.
Liver
The largest organ in the body. The liver carries out many important functions, such as making bile, changing food into energy, and cleaning alcohol and poisons from the blood.
Bone
Bone refers either to a hardened connective tissue or to one of the individual structures, or organs, into which it is formed, found in many animals. Bones support body structures, protect internal organs, and (in conjunction with muscles) facilitate movement; are also involved with cell formation, calcium metabolism, and mineral storage. The bones of an animal are, collectively, known as the skeleton.
Metastases
The spread of tumor cells from one part of the body to another unrelated part of the body by the way of the bloodstream or lymphatics.
Prognosis
The anticipated outcome of treatment.
Surgery
Treating diseases or other medical conditions by operating on a patient to remove or repair parts of the body.
Postoperative
After surgery.
Radiotherapy
Specific treatment of diseases such as cancer using high energy X-rays.
Local
In the area of the tumor; confined to one specific area.
Recurrence
The return of symptoms or the tumor itself, as opposed to a remission.
Chemotherapy
The use of chemicals (medicines) to treat cancer.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Aden-
See: Adeno-.
Adena Regional Medical Center
The Adena Regional Medical Center is a hospital in Chillicothe, Ohio, United States.
Adenine
A purine base found in RNA and DNA; in double-stranded DNA adenine pairs with the pyrimidine thymine.
Adenine (A)
"One member of the A-T (adenine-thymine) base pair in DNA. The other base pair in DNA is G-C (guanine-cytosine). Each base pair forms a ""rung of the DNA ladder."" A DNA nucleotide is made of a molecule of sugar, a molecule of phosphoric acid, and a molecule called a base. The bases are the ""letters"" that spell out the genetic code. In DNA, the code letters are A, T, G, and C, which stand for the chemicals adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine, respectively. In DNA base pairing, adenine always pairs with thymine, and guanine always pairs with cytosine. Adenine is also one of the bases in RNA. There it always pairs with uracil (U). The base pairs in RNA are therefore A-U and G-C."
Adenitis
Inflammation of a gland.
Adeno-
"Prefix referring to a gland, as in adenoma and adenopathy. From the Greek aden meaning originally ""an acorn"" and later ""a gland"" in the form of an acorn. Before a vowel, adeno- becomes aden-, as in adenitis (inflammation of a gland)."
Adenocarcinoma
A cancer that develops in the lining or inner surface of an organ.
Adenocard
Adenocard is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): adenosine .
Adenoidectomy
The surgical removal of the adenoids.
Adenoiditis
Infection of the adenoids.
Adenoids
Glandular tissue in the back of the throat that may swell, especially during childhood, obstruct breathing and speaking, and lead to ear infections.
Adenoids and Tonsils
"These celebrated structures in the back of the throat are composed of tissue similar to the lymph nodes or ""glands."" "
Adenoma
A benign epithelial tumor in which the cells form glandular structures or are derived from glandular epithelium.
Adenoma colon family history
See: Colon cancer family history.
Adenomatous polyposis coli
See: APC (meaning 3).
Adenomatous polyposis coli, autosomal recessive
See: MYH.
Adenomyoma
A nodule that forms around tissue of the inner uterus (endometrial tissue) as a result of adenomyosis. See adenomyosis.
Adenomyomata
Plural form of adenomyoma.
Adenomyosis
Pronounced a-den-o- mi-o-sis, this is a common benign condition of the uterus in which the endometrium (the mucous membrane lining the inside of the uterus) grows into the myometrium (the uterine musculature located just outside the endometrium). The endometrium and myometrium under normal circumstances are adjacent to one another, discrete neighbors. In adenomyosis, the endometrium boorishly implants itself in the myometrium. The myometrium may respond to this intrusion with muscular overgrowth. If an island of endometrial tissue is contained and circumscribed within the myometrium, it forms a nodule called an adenomyoma (plural: adenomyomata). Adenomyosis is made up of adeno (gland) + myo (muscle) + osis (a condition of) = a condition of glandular tissue (referring to the endometrium) in the muscle (the myometrium). Adenomyosis goes by several other names including endometriosis interna, endometriosis uterina, adenomyosis uteri and adenomyometritis.
Adenomyosis uteri
Also known more succinctly as adenomyosis (pronounced ad-den-o-mi-o- sis), this is a common benign condition of the uterus in which the endometrium (the mucous membrane lining the inside of the uterus) grows into the myometrium (the uterine musculature located just outside the endometrium) The endometrium and myometrium under normal circumstances live adjacent to one another as discrete neighbors. In adenomyosis, the endometrium invades the myometrium. The myometrium may respond to this intrusion with muscular overgrowth. If an island of endometrial tissue is contained and circumscribed within the myometrium, it forms a nodule called an adenomyoma (plural: adenomyomata). Adenomyosis is made up of adeno (gland) + myo (muscle) +osis (a condition of) = a condition of glandular tissue (referring to the endometrium) in the muscle (the myometrium). Adenomyosis goes by several other names including endometriosis interna or uterina, and adenomyometritis.
Adenopathy
"Large or ""swollen"" lymph nodes. Synonymous with lymphadenopathy."
Adenoscan
Adenoscan is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): adenosine .
Adenosine
A nucleoside containing adenine as its base. Adenosine acts to dilate the coronary arteries and is employed in the adenosine thallium scan of the heart.
Adenosine deaminase (ADA)
An enzyme that plays a key role in salvaging purine molecules.
Adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency
A genetic (inherited) condition that results in a immune deficiency disorder called severe combined immunodeficiency disease. Adenosine deaminase is an enzyme that plays a key role in salvaging purine molecules. ADA deficiency is of special interest in the history of genetics. The first successful instance of gene therapy in humans was carried out in 1990 by Drs. W. French Anderson, R. Michael Blaese and Kenneth W. Culver who infused genetically engineered blood cells to repair ADA deficiency.
Adenosine thallium scan
A method of examining the heart to obtain information about the blood supply to the heart muscle. Special cameras take a series of pictures of the heart. Radioactive thallium is injected into the bloodstream and serves as a tracer. The tracer attaches to certain cells and makes them visible to the special camera. The tracer attaches to the muscle cells of the heart so the imaging camera can take pictures of the heart muscles. If an area of the heart does not receive an adequate flow of blood, the cells in the underserved area do not receive as much tracer and it appears as a darker area on the picture taken by the camera.
Adenosine triphosphate
The primary fuel used by cells to generate the biochemical reactions essential for life.
Adenovirus
One of the viruses that cause the common cold.
Adensoine
Adensoine is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): adenosine .
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Adductor spasmodic dysphonia
A disorder in which sudden muscle spasms cause the vocal folds (or vocal cords) to slam together. See: spasmodic dysphonia.
ADE
Adverse drug event. See: Adverse reaction.
Aden-
See: Adeno-.
Adenine (A)
"One member of the A-T (adenine-thymine) base pair in DNA. The other base pair in DNA is G-C (guanine-cytosine). Each base pair forms a ""rung of the DNA ladder."" A DNA nucleotide is made of a molecule of sugar, a molecule of phosphoric acid, and a molecule called a base. The bases are the ""letters"" that spell out the genetic code. In DNA, the code letters are A, T, G, and C, which stand for the chemicals adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine, respectively. In DNA base pairing, adenine always pairs with thymine, and guanine always pairs with cytosine. Adenine is also one of the bases in RNA. There it always pairs with uracil (U). The base pairs in RNA are therefore A-U and G-C."
Adeno-
"Prefix referring to a gland, as in adenoma and adenopathy. From the Greek aden meaning originally ""an acorn"" and later ""a gland"" in the form of an acorn. Before a vowel, adeno- becomes aden-, as in adenitis (inflammation of a gland)."
Adenoid cystic carcinoma
Adenoidectomy
The surgical removal of the adenoids.
Adenoiditis
Infection of the adenoids.
Adenoids and Tonsils
"These celebrated structures in the back of the throat are composed of tissue similar to the lymph nodes or ""glands."" "
Adenoma colon family history
See: Colon cancer family history.
Adenomatous polyposis coli
See: APC (meaning 3).
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Cancer
Any malignant growth or tumor caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division; it may spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or the blood stream.
Skin
Skin is an organ of the integumentary system; which is composed of a layer of tissues that protect underlying muscles and organs. Skin is used for insulation, vitamin D production, sensation, and excretion (through sweat).
Gland
An organ that releases a chemical. Endocrine glands are ductless and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. Exocrine glands secrete externally, either through a tube or duct.
Trachea
The trachea is a tube which extends from the larynx to the esophagus. It is connected to the trachea at about the area where the larynx is located. It functions as a tube for air to pass through from the external environment to the lungs. It is composed of C-shaped cartilage rings which are embedded in the smooth muscle. The cartilage prevents the trachea from collapsing and closing off the airway.
Breast
The breast refers to the front of the chest or, more specifically, to the mammary gland. The mammary gland is a milk producing gland. It is composed largely of fat. Within the mammary gland is a complex network of branching ducts. These ducts exit from sac-like structures called lobules, which can produce milk in females. The ducts exit the breast at the nipple.
Cervix
The neck or neck-like part of an organ; specifically the neck of the lower part of the uterus, or womb, where the vagina and uterus unite.
Prostate
A male sex gland that produces a thick fluid which forms part of semen.
Carcinoma
Cancer that begins in the tissues that line or cover an organ.
Microscope
A microscope (Greek: micron = small and scopos = aim) is an instrument for viewing objects that are too small to be seen by the naked or unaided eye. The science of investigating small objects using such an instrument is called microscopy, and the term microscopic means minute or very small, not easily visible with the unaided eye. In other words, requiring a microscope to examine.
Abnormal
Not normal. Deviating from the usual structure, position, condition, or behavior. In referring to a growth, abnormal may mean that it is cancerous or premalignant (likely to become cancer).
Membranes
Also know as the bag of waters, this thin sac contains the amniotic fluid and the fetus. The membranes will either rupture spontaneously during labor or be ruptured to speed up labor.
Tumor
Overgrowth of tissue.
Invasive
Medical tests that involve gaining entry into the body via a needle, tube, or hand.
Nerve
Tissue that conveys sensation, temperature, position information to the brain.
Metastasize
To spread to another part of the body, usually through the blood vessels, lymph channels, or spinal fluid.
Lymph
Consists primarily of a clear, yellowish fluid and white blood cells. Found in the lymphatic system.
Metastasis
Refers to a cancer which has spread to other parts of the body.
Liver
The largest organ in the body. The liver carries out many important functions, such as making bile, changing food into energy, and cleaning alcohol and poisons from the blood.
Bone
Bone refers either to a hardened connective tissue or to one of the individual structures, or organs, into which it is formed, found in many animals. Bones support body structures, protect internal organs, and (in conjunction with muscles) facilitate movement; are also involved with cell formation, calcium metabolism, and mineral storage. The bones of an animal are, collectively, known as the skeleton.
Metastases
The spread of tumor cells from one part of the body to another unrelated part of the body by the way of the bloodstream or lymphatics.
Prognosis
The anticipated outcome of treatment.
Surgery
Treating diseases or other medical conditions by operating on a patient to remove or repair parts of the body.
Postoperative
After surgery.
Radiotherapy
Specific treatment of diseases such as cancer using high energy X-rays.
Local
In the area of the tumor; confined to one specific area.
Recurrence
The return of symptoms or the tumor itself, as opposed to a remission.
Chemotherapy
The use of chemicals (medicines) to treat cancer.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Aden-
See: Adeno-.
Adena Regional Medical Center
The Adena Regional Medical Center is a hospital in Chillicothe, Ohio, United States.
Adenine
A purine base found in RNA and DNA; in double-stranded DNA adenine pairs with the pyrimidine thymine.
Adenine (A)
"One member of the A-T (adenine-thymine) base pair in DNA. The other base pair in DNA is G-C (guanine-cytosine). Each base pair forms a ""rung of the DNA ladder."" A DNA nucleotide is made of a molecule of sugar, a molecule of phosphoric acid, and a molecule called a base. The bases are the ""letters"" that spell out the genetic code. In DNA, the code letters are A, T, G, and C, which stand for the chemicals adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine, respectively. In DNA base pairing, adenine always pairs with thymine, and guanine always pairs with cytosine. Adenine is also one of the bases in RNA. There it always pairs with uracil (U). The base pairs in RNA are therefore A-U and G-C."
Adenitis
Inflammation of a gland.
Adeno-
"Prefix referring to a gland, as in adenoma and adenopathy. From the Greek aden meaning originally ""an acorn"" and later ""a gland"" in the form of an acorn. Before a vowel, adeno- becomes aden-, as in adenitis (inflammation of a gland)."
Adenocarcinoma
A cancer that develops in the lining or inner surface of an organ.
Adenocard
Adenocard is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): adenosine .
Adenoidectomy
The surgical removal of the adenoids.
Adenoiditis
Infection of the adenoids.
Adenoids
Glandular tissue in the back of the throat that may swell, especially during childhood, obstruct breathing and speaking, and lead to ear infections.
Adenoids and Tonsils
"These celebrated structures in the back of the throat are composed of tissue similar to the lymph nodes or ""glands."" "
Adenoma
A benign epithelial tumor in which the cells form glandular structures or are derived from glandular epithelium.
Adenoma colon family history
See: Colon cancer family history.
Adenomatous polyposis coli
See: APC (meaning 3).
Adenomatous polyposis coli, autosomal recessive
See: MYH.
Adenomyoma
A nodule that forms around tissue of the inner uterus (endometrial tissue) as a result of adenomyosis. See adenomyosis.
Adenomyomata
Plural form of adenomyoma.
Adenomyosis
Pronounced a-den-o- mi-o-sis, this is a common benign condition of the uterus in which the endometrium (the mucous membrane lining the inside of the uterus) grows into the myometrium (the uterine musculature located just outside the endometrium). The endometrium and myometrium under normal circumstances are adjacent to one another, discrete neighbors. In adenomyosis, the endometrium boorishly implants itself in the myometrium. The myometrium may respond to this intrusion with muscular overgrowth. If an island of endometrial tissue is contained and circumscribed within the myometrium, it forms a nodule called an adenomyoma (plural: adenomyomata). Adenomyosis is made up of adeno (gland) + myo (muscle) + osis (a condition of) = a condition of glandular tissue (referring to the endometrium) in the muscle (the myometrium). Adenomyosis goes by several other names including endometriosis interna, endometriosis uterina, adenomyosis uteri and adenomyometritis.
Adenomyosis uteri
Also known more succinctly as adenomyosis (pronounced ad-den-o-mi-o- sis), this is a common benign condition of the uterus in which the endometrium (the mucous membrane lining the inside of the uterus) grows into the myometrium (the uterine musculature located just outside the endometrium) The endometrium and myometrium under normal circumstances live adjacent to one another as discrete neighbors. In adenomyosis, the endometrium invades the myometrium. The myometrium may respond to this intrusion with muscular overgrowth. If an island of endometrial tissue is contained and circumscribed within the myometrium, it forms a nodule called an adenomyoma (plural: adenomyomata). Adenomyosis is made up of adeno (gland) + myo (muscle) +osis (a condition of) = a condition of glandular tissue (referring to the endometrium) in the muscle (the myometrium). Adenomyosis goes by several other names including endometriosis interna or uterina, and adenomyometritis.
Adenopathy
"Large or ""swollen"" lymph nodes. Synonymous with lymphadenopathy."
Adenoscan
Adenoscan is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): adenosine .
Adenosine
A nucleoside containing adenine as its base. Adenosine acts to dilate the coronary arteries and is employed in the adenosine thallium scan of the heart.
Adenosine deaminase (ADA)
An enzyme that plays a key role in salvaging purine molecules.
Adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency
A genetic (inherited) condition that results in a immune deficiency disorder called severe combined immunodeficiency disease. Adenosine deaminase is an enzyme that plays a key role in salvaging purine molecules. ADA deficiency is of special interest in the history of genetics. The first successful instance of gene therapy in humans was carried out in 1990 by Drs. W. French Anderson, R. Michael Blaese and Kenneth W. Culver who infused genetically engineered blood cells to repair ADA deficiency.
Adenosine thallium scan
A method of examining the heart to obtain information about the blood supply to the heart muscle. Special cameras take a series of pictures of the heart. Radioactive thallium is injected into the bloodstream and serves as a tracer. The tracer attaches to certain cells and makes them visible to the special camera. The tracer attaches to the muscle cells of the heart so the imaging camera can take pictures of the heart muscles. If an area of the heart does not receive an adequate flow of blood, the cells in the underserved area do not receive as much tracer and it appears as a darker area on the picture taken by the camera.
Adenosine triphosphate
The primary fuel used by cells to generate the biochemical reactions essential for life.
Adenovirus
One of the viruses that cause the common cold.
Adensoine
Adensoine is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): adenosine .
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Adductor spasmodic dysphonia
A disorder in which sudden muscle spasms cause the vocal folds (or vocal cords) to slam together. See: spasmodic dysphonia.
ADE
Adverse drug event. See: Adverse reaction.
Aden-
See: Adeno-.
Adenine (A)
"One member of the A-T (adenine-thymine) base pair in DNA. The other base pair in DNA is G-C (guanine-cytosine). Each base pair forms a ""rung of the DNA ladder."" A DNA nucleotide is made of a molecule of sugar, a molecule of phosphoric acid, and a molecule called a base. The bases are the ""letters"" that spell out the genetic code. In DNA, the code letters are A, T, G, and C, which stand for the chemicals adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine, respectively. In DNA base pairing, adenine always pairs with thymine, and guanine always pairs with cytosine. Adenine is also one of the bases in RNA. There it always pairs with uracil (U). The base pairs in RNA are therefore A-U and G-C."
Adeno-
"Prefix referring to a gland, as in adenoma and adenopathy. From the Greek aden meaning originally ""an acorn"" and later ""a gland"" in the form of an acorn. Before a vowel, adeno- becomes aden-, as in adenitis (inflammation of a gland)."
Adenoid cystic carcinoma
Adenoidectomy
The surgical removal of the adenoids.
Adenoiditis
Infection of the adenoids.
Adenoids and Tonsils
"These celebrated structures in the back of the throat are composed of tissue similar to the lymph nodes or ""glands."" "
Adenoma colon family history
See: Colon cancer family history.
Adenomatous polyposis coli
See: APC (meaning 3).
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This dictionary contains 19186 terms.
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