Take me to: A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O-P-Q-R-S T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z

N

narcotic

A drug that relieves pain and makes you sleepy.

nausea

The feeling that you may vomit.

neoplasm (nee-o-plas-um)

An abnormal growth (tumor) that starts from a single altered cell; a neoplasm may be benign or malignant. Cancer is a malignant neoplasm.

nephrologist (nef-rol-o-jist)

A doctor who specializes in diseases of the kidneys.

neurology

The branch of medical science which deals with the nervous system.

neurosurgeon (nur-o-sur-jun)

A doctor specializing in operations to treat nervous system disorders.

neutropenia

Less than the normal number of neutrophils (leukocytes) or "polys" in the circulating blood.

neutrophils (new-trow-fils)

White blood cells that fight bacterial infection.

non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Cancer of the lymphatic system. What distinguishes non-Hodgkin's lymphoma from Hodgkin's lymphoma is the absence of a type of cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell. This cell is present only in Hodgkin's lymphoma. The treatment methods for Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are very different.

nuclear medicine scan

A method for localizing diseases of internal organs such as the brain, liver, or bone by injecting small amounts of a radioactive substance (isotope) into the bloodstream. The isotope collects in certain organs and a special camera is used to produce an image of the organ and detect areas of disease.

nurse practitioner

A registered nurse with a master's or doctoral degree. Licensed nurse practitioners diagnose and manage illness and disease, usually working closely with your doctor. In many states, they may prescribe medications.

O

oncologist (on-call-o-jist)

A doctor with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. A pediatric oncologist is a doctor who specializes in children's cancers.

oncology (on-call-o-jee)

The branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

ophthalmologist (of-thuh-mal-o-jist)

A medical doctor who specializes in diseases of the eye.

optical

Pertaining to the sense of sight or to the eyes.

orthopedic surgeon (or-tho-pe-dik)

A surgeon who specializes in diseases and injuries of the bones.

organ

Several tissues grouped together to perform one or more functions in the body.

organism

Any living thing.

osteomyelitis

Infection of bone.

osteoporosis

Brittle bones due to the loss of calcium; may be a side effect of prednisone.

otic

Relating to the ear.

otitis

Ear infection.

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P

packed cell transfusion

A transfusion of red blood cells without the serum.

packed marrow

Bone marrow filled with tumor cells or blasts.

palate

The roof of the mouth.

palliative treatment (pal-e-uh-tive)

Treatment that relieves symptoms, such as pain, but is not expected to cure the disease. The main purpose is to improve your quality of life.

palpable

Able to be touched or felt, such as a palpable tumor.

pancreas

A large gland lying crosswise in the upper posterior portion of your abdomen. It secretes enzymes (chemicals) into your intestines for the digestion of food and it manufactures insulin which it secretes into your blood stream.

pancreatitis

Inflammation of your pancreas.

pancytopenia

The decrease of all blood cells (red, white, and platelets).

parotids

Salivary glands located at the side of your face in front of each ear.

pathology

The branch of medicine involved in making diagnoses from the examination of tissues.

peripheral

Near the surface; distant. Peripheral nerves are those in your arms and legs; peripheral veins are those generally used for IV's.

petechiae

Tiny localized hemorrhages from the small blood vessels just beneath the surface of the skin. They are often the result of platelet deficiency and always clear up completely when your platelet count rises.

pH

A symbol denoting acidity or alkalinity. A solution of pH 7 is neutral; below 7 is acidic and above 7 is alkaline. The urine is usually slightly acidic with a pH of 5.3

phantom limb pain

A pain or sensation that you imagine in a limb which has been amputated.

pharmacology

The study of drugs, their absorption, distribution and excretion throughout the body,

pharyngitis

Inflammation of the throat; sore throat

pharynx

Throat

pheresis/apheresis

A special method of collecting blood when only one component of the blood is needed.

phlebitis

An inflammation of a vein; signs include pain, swelling, and tenderness in an area. If a superficial vein is involved, the phlebitis can be felt as a cord-like thickening along the vein.

plasma

The liquid portion of the blood in which blood cells are suspended. It contains many proteins and minerals necessary for normal body functioning.

platelet

A part of the blood that plugs up holes in blood vessels after an injury. Chemotherapy can cause a drop in the platelet count, a condition called thrombocytopenia that carries a risk of excessive bleeding. z

pleural effusion

The presence of fluid in the space between the two layers of the lung lining.

pneumonia

Infection of the lung.

polys - (neutrophils or granulocytes)

The group of white cells that is important to your ability to resist bacterial infection. A "poly" count of less than 1,000 indicates less than normal protection and considerable risk of infection.

post-op

After surgery.

potassium

An element found normally in your blood; important in heart and muscle function.

pre-op

Before surgery.

prognosis (prog-no-sis)

A prediction of the course of disease; the outlook for a cure. A prognosis is based on the average result in many cases, and consequently, may not accurately predict your outcome, since the clinical course can vary greatly from patient to patient.

prophylactic

Treatment designed to prevent a disease or a complication that has not yet become evident.

prosthesis (pros-thee-sis)

An artificial form to replace a part of your body.

protocol (pro-teh-call)

A formal outline or plan, such as a description of what treatments you will receive and exactly when each should be given.

pulmonary

Concerns or affects your lungs.

pulmonary function test

Special tests that are designed to evaluate the function of your lungs.

pulmonary fibrosis

Thickened tissue in your lungs causing cough, difficulty breathing, and X-ray changes.

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