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| This glossary contains: 19186 medical terms |
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Anal cancer
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Anal cancerColorectal cancer includes cancerous growths in the colon, rectum and appendix.It is the third most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of death among cancers in the Western world. Many colorectal cancers are thought to arise from polyps in the colon. These mushroom-like growths are usually benign, but some may develop into cancer over time. Diagnosis is by colonoscopy. Therapy is usually through surgery, with many cases also requiring chemotherapy.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Colorectal
Related to the colon and/or rectum.
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.
Colon
Another name for the large intestine. The section of the large intestine extending from the cecum to the rectum. An adult colon is approximately five to six feet in length and is responsible for absorbing water and forming, storing and expelling waste.
Rectum
An 8-inch chamber connected to the large intestine that receives solid waste (feces) from the descending colon to be expelled from the body. The rectum connects the colon to the anus. It is the rectum's job to receive stool from the colon, to let the person know that there is stool to be evacuated, and to hold the stool until evacuation happens.
Death
1. The end of life. The cessation of life. (These common definitions of death ultimately depend upon the definition of life, upon which there is no consensus.) 2. The permanent cessation of all vital bodily functions. (This definition depends upon the definition of "vital bodily functions.") See: Vital bodily functions. 3. The common law standard for determining death is the cessation of all vital functions, traditionally demonstrated by "an absence of spontaneous respiratory and cardiac functions." 4. The uniform determination of death.
Polyps
An abnormal growth of a mucous membrane, often in the nasal passages, bladder, rectum, or uterus. Polyps, though often benign, have been associated with cancers and can be surgically removed.
Benign
Non-malignant; not life-threatening.
Diagnosis
The determination of the presence of a specific disease or infection, usually accomplished by evaluating clinical symptoms and laboratory tests.
Colonoscopy
A procedure that allows the physician to view the entire length of the large intestine, and can often help identify abnormal growths, inflamed tissue, ulcers, and bleeding. It involves inserting a colonoscope, a long, flexible, lighted tube, in through the rectum up into the colon. The colonoscope allows the physician to see the lining of the colon, remove tissue for further examination, and possibly treat some problems that are discovered.
Surgery
Treating diseases or other medical conditions by operating on a patient to remove or repair parts of the body.
Chemotherapy
The use of chemicals (medicines) to treat cancer.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Anal atresia
Congenital absence of an opening at the bottom end of the intestinal tract. Also called imperforate anus. Occurs in about 1 in 5,000 births. It is corrected by surgery.
Anal fissure
A small tear in the anus that may cause itching, pain, or bleeding.
Anal fistula
A channel that develops between the anus and the skin. Most fistulas are the result of an abscess (infection) that spreads to the skin.
Anal incontinence
"Inability to hold feces in the rectum. This is due to failure of voluntary control over the anal sphincters. This failure results in the untimely passage of feces and gas.There are many causes of anal incontinence, including congenital disorders of the spinal cord or anus; subsequent injuries to the rectum and anus; obstetric injuries during delivery; injury of the spinal cord; diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage); advanced Alzheimer disease or other forms of dementia; fecal impaction; and tumors. Also called rectal or fecal incontinence."
Anal papilla
A skin tag that projects up from the junction between the skin and the inside lining of the anus. Anal papillae tend to occur with anal fissures and may be detected on a digital examination of the anus or with a scope. Removal is only necessary if the anal papillae are causing symptoms.
Anal papillae
The plural of anal papilla. See: Anal papilla.
Anal stage
The period of pregenital psychosexual development, usually from 1 to 3 years, in which the child has particular interest and concern with the process of defecation and the sensations connected with the anus. The pleasurable part of the experience is termed anal eroticism.
Analbuminemia
1. Properly, an absence of albumin from the blood. 2. More loosely, a low level of albumin in the blood. Synonymous in this usage with hypoalbuminemia.
Analgesia
A state of pain relief; an agent lessening pain.
Analgesic
drug that relieves pain. With an effective analgesic, there is an inability to feel pain while still conscious. From the Greek an-, without + algesis, sense of pain.
Analgesic drug
A drug designed to control pain. Analgesic comes from the Greek an-, without + algesis, sense of pain = without a sense of pain.
Analingus
In sexology, stimulation of the anus with tongue and lips, not a paraphilia, but may be part of normophilic sexuoerotic activity as well as part of the sadomasochistic repertory.
Analism
A sexuoerotic interest in stimulation of the anus; not necessarily a paraphilia. With sexuoerotic potential in both sexes, the anus may be stimulated orally in analingus, digitally or with dildoes, through enemas in klismaphilia, and is used to receive the penis in anal intercourse, and the fist in brachioproctic eroticism or "fisting".
Analog
In biochemistry, a substance that is similar, but not identical, to another.
Analogous
In anatomy, similar in appearance or function but otherwise different. Two structures may be analogous if they serve the same purpose but differ evolutionary in origin as, for example, human and insect legs. As compared to homologous.
Analysis
A psychology term for processes used to gain understanding of complex emotional or behavioral issues.
Analysis, linkage
"Study aimed at establishing linkage between genes. Today linkage analysis serves as a way of gene-hunting and genetic testing. Linkage is the tendency for genes and other genetic markers to be inherited together because of their location near one another on the same chromosome. A gene is a functional physical unit of heredity that can be passed from parent to child. All genes in humans are pieces of DNA. Most genes contain information for making a specific protein. The term ""genetic marker"" is broader than a gene. A genetic marker is simply a segment of DNA with an identifiable physical location on a chromosome whose inheritance can be followed. A genetic marker can have a function and thus be a gene. Or a marker can be a section of DNA with no known function.Because DNA segments that lie near each other on a chromosome tend to be inherited together, markers are often used as tools for tracking the inheritance pattern of a gene that has not yet been identified but whose approximate location is known. The statistical estimate of whether two loci are likely to lie near each other on a chromosome and are therefore likely to be inherited together is called a LOD score. A LOD score of 3 or more is generally taken to indicate that the two loci are linked and are close to one another."
Analytic sensitivity
The lowest level of a substance that can be detected by an analytic method.
Analytic specificity
How well an assay detects only a specific substance and does not detect closely related substances.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Amniocentesis
Prenatal diagnostic procedure in which a small amount of amniotic fluid is withdrawn through a needle inserted through a pregnant woman's abdominal wall into the uterus, then examined in a laboratory either to detect genetic abnormalities in a fetus or for other purposes such as father identification.
Acne
Is a common inflammatory disease of the facial skin seen most frequently between the ages of 10 and 25 years and characterized by blackheads, whiteheads and blemishes composed of papules and pustules. Acne is an inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands, the glands that produce sebum. Acne usually affects the face, back, and chest. In severe cases it can develop into cysts and nodules that can result in scarring. While its cause is unknown, it is most often associated with hormonal activity within teenagers. In severe cases a person should consult with a dermatologist for a specific acne treatment.
Anxiety
A psychological and/or biological response to stress. Feelings of anxiety involve discomforting apprehension or concern, which may include symptoms such as cognitive difficulties, hypersensitivity, dizziness, muscular weakness, breathing difficulties, irregular heart beat, sweating, and sensations of fear. Typically, anxiety is a natural and healthy response to life experiences. However, exaggerated or chronic anxiety often indicates an anxiety disorder. Anxiety can be produced by external stress (exogenous anxiety) or internal stress (endogenous anxiety).
Adrenocortical carcinoma
Adrenocortical carcinoma is a carcinoma of the cortex (outer layer) of the adrenal gland. While most tumors of the adrenal cortex are benign (adenomas) and only occasionally cause Cushing's syndrome, the malignant form makes up about 3% of all cortical tumors and requires surgery and sometimes chemotherapy. Excess cortisol production may require suppression with ketoconazole or metyrapone. Production of aldosterone or androgens by carcinomas is extremely rare.
AIDS
A medical condition where the immune system cannot function properly and protect the body from disease. As a result, the body cannot defend itself against infections (like pneumonia). Aids is caused by the Human Immunodifiency Virus (HIV). This virus is spread through direct contact with the blood and body fluids of an infected individual. High-risk activities include unprotected sexual intercourse and intravenous drug use (sharing needles). There is no cure for AIDS; however, research efforts are on going to develop a vaccine.
Anal cancer
Angina
A recurring pain or discomfort in the chest that happens when some part of the heart does not receive enough blood. It is a common symptom of coronary heart disease, which occurs when vessels that carry blood to the heart become narrowed and blocked due to atherosclerosis. Angina feels like a pressing or squeezing pain, usually in the chest under the breast bone, but sometimes in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaws, or back. Angina is usually is brought on by exertion, and relieved within a few minutes by resting or by taking prescribed angina medicine. Commonly called chest pain, heart pain or angina pectoris.
Astrocytoma
A nervous system tumor that grows from astrocytes (astrocytomas are a type of glial cell, glial cells are the supporting cells of the nervous system). They can occur in children and young adults and sometimes in older people. Astrocytomas can sometimes become large before causing symptoms. A diagnosis is made either after surgical resection or with a guided (stereotactic) biopsy. Treatment can consist of surgical excision, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Some patients with minimal symptoms may be observed with serial imaging studies.
Abscesses
A collection of pus collected in a cavity formed by the tissue on the basis of an infectious process (usually caused by bacteria or parasites) or other foreign materials (bullet wounds etc). It is a defensive reaction of the tissue to prevent the spread of infectious materials to the other parts of the body.
Arthritis
Inflammation of a joint, usually accompanied by pain, swelling, and stiffness, and resulting from infection, trauma, degenerative changes, metabolic disturbances, or other causes. Arthritis occurs in various forms, such as the arthritis associated with infections, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Many forms of vasculitis can also be associated with arthritis.
Atherosclerosis
Also known as arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis results from the accumulation of cholesterol-laden plaque in artery walls. Plaque accumulation causes a narrowing and a loss of elasticity of the arteries, sometimes referred to as hardening of the arteries.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Colorectal
Related to the colon and/or rectum.
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.
Colon
Another name for the large intestine. The section of the large intestine extending from the cecum to the rectum. An adult colon is approximately five to six feet in length and is responsible for absorbing water and forming, storing and expelling waste.
Rectum
An 8-inch chamber connected to the large intestine that receives solid waste (feces) from the descending colon to be expelled from the body. The rectum connects the colon to the anus. It is the rectum's job to receive stool from the colon, to let the person know that there is stool to be evacuated, and to hold the stool until evacuation happens.
Death
1. The end of life. The cessation of life. (These common definitions of death ultimately depend upon the definition of life, upon which there is no consensus.) 2. The permanent cessation of all vital bodily functions. (This definition depends upon the definition of "vital bodily functions.") See: Vital bodily functions. 3. The common law standard for determining death is the cessation of all vital functions, traditionally demonstrated by "an absence of spontaneous respiratory and cardiac functions." 4. The uniform determination of death.
Polyps
An abnormal growth of a mucous membrane, often in the nasal passages, bladder, rectum, or uterus. Polyps, though often benign, have been associated with cancers and can be surgically removed.
Benign
Non-malignant; not life-threatening.
Diagnosis
The determination of the presence of a specific disease or infection, usually accomplished by evaluating clinical symptoms and laboratory tests.
Colonoscopy
A procedure that allows the physician to view the entire length of the large intestine, and can often help identify abnormal growths, inflamed tissue, ulcers, and bleeding. It involves inserting a colonoscope, a long, flexible, lighted tube, in through the rectum up into the colon. The colonoscope allows the physician to see the lining of the colon, remove tissue for further examination, and possibly treat some problems that are discovered.
Surgery
Treating diseases or other medical conditions by operating on a patient to remove or repair parts of the body.
Chemotherapy
The use of chemicals (medicines) to treat cancer.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Anal atresia
Congenital absence of an opening at the bottom end of the intestinal tract. Also called imperforate anus. Occurs in about 1 in 5,000 births. It is corrected by surgery.
Anal fissure
A small tear in the anus that may cause itching, pain, or bleeding.
Anal fistula
A channel that develops between the anus and the skin. Most fistulas are the result of an abscess (infection) that spreads to the skin.
Anal incontinence
"Inability to hold feces in the rectum. This is due to failure of voluntary control over the anal sphincters. This failure results in the untimely passage of feces and gas.There are many causes of anal incontinence, including congenital disorders of the spinal cord or anus; subsequent injuries to the rectum and anus; obstetric injuries during delivery; injury of the spinal cord; diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage); advanced Alzheimer disease or other forms of dementia; fecal impaction; and tumors. Also called rectal or fecal incontinence."
Anal papilla
A skin tag that projects up from the junction between the skin and the inside lining of the anus. Anal papillae tend to occur with anal fissures and may be detected on a digital examination of the anus or with a scope. Removal is only necessary if the anal papillae are causing symptoms.
Anal papillae
The plural of anal papilla. See: Anal papilla.
Anal stage
The period of pregenital psychosexual development, usually from 1 to 3 years, in which the child has particular interest and concern with the process of defecation and the sensations connected with the anus. The pleasurable part of the experience is termed anal eroticism.
Analbuminemia
1. Properly, an absence of albumin from the blood. 2. More loosely, a low level of albumin in the blood. Synonymous in this usage with hypoalbuminemia.
Analgesia
A state of pain relief; an agent lessening pain.
Analgesic
drug that relieves pain. With an effective analgesic, there is an inability to feel pain while still conscious. From the Greek an-, without + algesis, sense of pain.
Analgesic drug
A drug designed to control pain. Analgesic comes from the Greek an-, without + algesis, sense of pain = without a sense of pain.
Analingus
In sexology, stimulation of the anus with tongue and lips, not a paraphilia, but may be part of normophilic sexuoerotic activity as well as part of the sadomasochistic repertory.
Analism
A sexuoerotic interest in stimulation of the anus; not necessarily a paraphilia. With sexuoerotic potential in both sexes, the anus may be stimulated orally in analingus, digitally or with dildoes, through enemas in klismaphilia, and is used to receive the penis in anal intercourse, and the fist in brachioproctic eroticism or "fisting".
Analog
In biochemistry, a substance that is similar, but not identical, to another.
Analogous
In anatomy, similar in appearance or function but otherwise different. Two structures may be analogous if they serve the same purpose but differ evolutionary in origin as, for example, human and insect legs. As compared to homologous.
Analysis
A psychology term for processes used to gain understanding of complex emotional or behavioral issues.
Analysis, linkage
"Study aimed at establishing linkage between genes. Today linkage analysis serves as a way of gene-hunting and genetic testing. Linkage is the tendency for genes and other genetic markers to be inherited together because of their location near one another on the same chromosome. A gene is a functional physical unit of heredity that can be passed from parent to child. All genes in humans are pieces of DNA. Most genes contain information for making a specific protein. The term ""genetic marker"" is broader than a gene. A genetic marker is simply a segment of DNA with an identifiable physical location on a chromosome whose inheritance can be followed. A genetic marker can have a function and thus be a gene. Or a marker can be a section of DNA with no known function.Because DNA segments that lie near each other on a chromosome tend to be inherited together, markers are often used as tools for tracking the inheritance pattern of a gene that has not yet been identified but whose approximate location is known. The statistical estimate of whether two loci are likely to lie near each other on a chromosome and are therefore likely to be inherited together is called a LOD score. A LOD score of 3 or more is generally taken to indicate that the two loci are linked and are close to one another."
Analytic sensitivity
The lowest level of a substance that can be detected by an analytic method.
Analytic specificity
How well an assay detects only a specific substance and does not detect closely related substances.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Amniocentesis
Prenatal diagnostic procedure in which a small amount of amniotic fluid is withdrawn through a needle inserted through a pregnant woman's abdominal wall into the uterus, then examined in a laboratory either to detect genetic abnormalities in a fetus or for other purposes such as father identification.
Acne
Is a common inflammatory disease of the facial skin seen most frequently between the ages of 10 and 25 years and characterized by blackheads, whiteheads and blemishes composed of papules and pustules. Acne is an inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands, the glands that produce sebum. Acne usually affects the face, back, and chest. In severe cases it can develop into cysts and nodules that can result in scarring. While its cause is unknown, it is most often associated with hormonal activity within teenagers. In severe cases a person should consult with a dermatologist for a specific acne treatment.
Anxiety
A psychological and/or biological response to stress. Feelings of anxiety involve discomforting apprehension or concern, which may include symptoms such as cognitive difficulties, hypersensitivity, dizziness, muscular weakness, breathing difficulties, irregular heart beat, sweating, and sensations of fear. Typically, anxiety is a natural and healthy response to life experiences. However, exaggerated or chronic anxiety often indicates an anxiety disorder. Anxiety can be produced by external stress (exogenous anxiety) or internal stress (endogenous anxiety).
Adrenocortical carcinoma
Adrenocortical carcinoma is a carcinoma of the cortex (outer layer) of the adrenal gland. While most tumors of the adrenal cortex are benign (adenomas) and only occasionally cause Cushing's syndrome, the malignant form makes up about 3% of all cortical tumors and requires surgery and sometimes chemotherapy. Excess cortisol production may require suppression with ketoconazole or metyrapone. Production of aldosterone or androgens by carcinomas is extremely rare.
AIDS
A medical condition where the immune system cannot function properly and protect the body from disease. As a result, the body cannot defend itself against infections (like pneumonia). Aids is caused by the Human Immunodifiency Virus (HIV). This virus is spread through direct contact with the blood and body fluids of an infected individual. High-risk activities include unprotected sexual intercourse and intravenous drug use (sharing needles). There is no cure for AIDS; however, research efforts are on going to develop a vaccine.
Anal cancer
Angina
A recurring pain or discomfort in the chest that happens when some part of the heart does not receive enough blood. It is a common symptom of coronary heart disease, which occurs when vessels that carry blood to the heart become narrowed and blocked due to atherosclerosis. Angina feels like a pressing or squeezing pain, usually in the chest under the breast bone, but sometimes in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaws, or back. Angina is usually is brought on by exertion, and relieved within a few minutes by resting or by taking prescribed angina medicine. Commonly called chest pain, heart pain or angina pectoris.
Astrocytoma
A nervous system tumor that grows from astrocytes (astrocytomas are a type of glial cell, glial cells are the supporting cells of the nervous system). They can occur in children and young adults and sometimes in older people. Astrocytomas can sometimes become large before causing symptoms. A diagnosis is made either after surgical resection or with a guided (stereotactic) biopsy. Treatment can consist of surgical excision, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Some patients with minimal symptoms may be observed with serial imaging studies.
Abscesses
A collection of pus collected in a cavity formed by the tissue on the basis of an infectious process (usually caused by bacteria or parasites) or other foreign materials (bullet wounds etc). It is a defensive reaction of the tissue to prevent the spread of infectious materials to the other parts of the body.
Arthritis
Inflammation of a joint, usually accompanied by pain, swelling, and stiffness, and resulting from infection, trauma, degenerative changes, metabolic disturbances, or other causes. Arthritis occurs in various forms, such as the arthritis associated with infections, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Many forms of vasculitis can also be associated with arthritis.
Atherosclerosis
Also known as arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis results from the accumulation of cholesterol-laden plaque in artery walls. Plaque accumulation causes a narrowing and a loss of elasticity of the arteries, sometimes referred to as hardening of the arteries.
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This dictionary contains 19186 terms.
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