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

T

temperature spike

When your temperature suddenly becomes elevated or goes up.

testicular mass

A swelling of your testis or testicle, the male reproductive gland.

thrombocytopenia (throm-bo-sigh-toe-PEEN-e-uh)

A decrease in the number of platelets in your blood; can be a side effect of chemotherapy.

thrombophlebitis

An inflammation of a vein.

tinnitus

Ringing in your ears.

tissue

A collection of cells similar in structure and function.

toxicity

A word used to describe the undesirable side effects caused by a drug.

toxins

Poisonous substances; may be produced by germs.

trachea

The windpipe.

transfusion reaction

An allergic response to blood products. You may experience hives, chills or headaches.

tumor

An abnormal lump or mass of tissue. Tumors can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

U

ulcer

A wearing away of normal tissues resulting from corrosive chemicals (e.g. acids), infection, impaired circulation or cancerous involvement; can cause bleeding.

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.

unilateral

One side of your body.

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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.

urinalysis

The process by which your urine is examined for various factors.

urinary tract

The organs that have to do with the production and elimination of urine, e.g. kidneys, bladder, ureters, urethra.

V

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.

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.

vertigo

Dizziness, especially the feeling that your surroundings are swirling.

viruses

measles, mumps, chicken pox, and the common cold.

vomit

To eject the contents of your stomach through your mouth.

W

white blood cells

Cells in your blood that are most important in fighting infection. Examples; neutrophils or "polys", and lymphocytes ("lymphs")

X

X-rays

One form of radiation that can be used at low levels to produce an image of the body on film or at high levels to destroy cancer cells.

Y

Currently there are no "Y" terms in our dictionary

Z

zoster immune globulin (ZIG) or zoster immune plasma (ZIP)

making the infection less serious. Zoster immune globulin is given as an intramuscular injection while plasma is given intravenously.

zoster - varicella zoster

See shingles.

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