vein
A blood vessel carrying blood which is relatively lacking in oxygen from the tissues towards your heart and lungs. Veins are used to draw blood samples and administer IV fluids because blood in veins is not under pressure.
urinalysis
The process by which your urine is examined for various factors.
varicella
Chicken pox, an infection caused by virus. Children with cancer may have a special problem with this infection if they have not had it before.
urinary tract
The organs that have to do with the production and elimination of urine, e.g. kidneys, bladder, ureters, urethra.
uric acid
A chemical which sometimes accumulates in your body when kidney function is impaired. When many malignant cells are rapidly destroyed, uric acid is produced in large quantities.
unilateral
One side of your body.
ultrasound
An imaging method in which high-frequency sound waves are used to outline a part of your body. The procedure can be done to any part of the body – the presence, progression or regression of a tumor or infection can be monitored this way.
ulcer
A wearing away of normal tissues resulting from corrosive chemicals (e.g. acids), infection, impaired circulation or cancerous involvement; can cause bleeding.
toxins
Poisonous substances; may be produced by germs.
tumor
An abnormal lump or mass of tissue. Tumors can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
