Medical Glossary

U

medicalglossary — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:06:13 +0000

uterine sarcoma (YOO-teh-rin sar-KOH-muh) A rare type of uterine cancer that forms in muscle or other tissues of the uterus (small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman’s pelvis in which a baby grows). It usually occurs after menopause. The two main types are leiomyosarcoma (cancer that begins in
uterus (YOO-ter-us) The small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman’s pelvis. This is the organ in which a baby grows. Also called the womb.
UV radiation Ultraviolet radiation. Invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun. UV radiation also comes from sun lamps and tanning beds. UV radiation can damage the skin and cause melanoma and other types of skin cancer. UV radiation that reach
UVA radiation A type of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV rays are invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun. UVA radiation also comes from sun lamps and tanning beds. Scientists think that UVA radiation may cause skin damage that can lead to skin
UVB radiation A type of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV rays are invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun. UVB radiation causes sunburn, and scientists have long thought that it can cause melanoma and other types of skin cancer. Skin specialist
uvula The soft flap of tissue that hangs down at the back of the mouth (at the edge of the soft palate). Also called palatine uvula.
Ulcer an open sore that occurs on the skin or on a mucous membrane because of the destruction of surface tissue
Ulcerative colitis a chronic condition in which ulcers occur on the mucous membrane lining of the colon (the end of the large intestine) and the rectum
Ultrasound scanning an imaging procedure used to examine internal organs in which high-frequency sound waves are passed into the body, reflected back, and used to build an image; also sometimes called sonography
Ultraviolet light a form of invisible light in sunlight that is responsible for the tanning and burning of skin and can cause cataracts and skin cancer

U

medicalglossary — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:56:20 +0000

Umbilical cord the tubal structure (consisting of two arteries and one vein) that connects the foetus to the placenta, supplying the foetus with oxygen and nutrients and removing some waste products
Umbilical hernia a condition present at birth in which a part of the baby’s intestines bulge through a weak area of the abdominal wall, creating a swelling around the navel
Unconsciousness a temporary or prolonged loss of awareness of self and of surroundings
Undescended testicle a testicle that has not moved down from the abdomen, where it develops, into the scrotum
Unsaturated fat a fat or oil found mainly in vegetables; thought to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease
Uraemia abnormally high levels of waste products such as urea in the blood
Urea a waste product of the metabolism of proteins that is formed by the liver and secreted by the kidneys
Ureters two tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder
Urethra the tube by which urine is released from the bladder
Urethritis inflammation of the urethra
Urethrocele a bulging of the urethra into the vagina
Urethrocystitis inflammation of the urethra and the bladder
Urinalysis a group of physical and chemical tests done on a sample of urine to check for various disorders, including those of the kidneys and urinary tract
Urinary diversion an operation to allow urine passage when the bladder or urethra has become blocked or been removed
Urinary incontinence the involuntary release of urine because of the inability to control bladder muscles; may occur as a natural part of the ageing process or be caused by an injury or disorder
Urinary tract the structures in the body that are responsible for the production and release of urine, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra

W

medicalglossary — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:42:05 +0000

Waardenburg syndrome Hereditary deafness that is characterized by hearing impairment, a white shock of hair, and/or distinctive blue color to one or both eyes, as well as wide-set inner corners of the eyes;
watermelon stomach parallel red sores in the stomach that look like the stripes on a watermelon.+
wedge resection of the lung a small, localized section of the lung is removed – often for a lung biopsy.
white blood cells (also called WBCs or leukocytes) blood cells involved in the destruction of viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
white matter nerve tissue that is paler in color than gray matter because it contains nerve fibers with large amounts of insulating material (myelin). The white matter does not contain nerve cells. In the brain, the white matter lies within the gray layer of the cereb

whole blood blood containing all its components, such as red and white blood cells, platelets and more.
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome An extra electrical pathway that connects the atria and ventricles and causes rapid heartbeat.
WASTING SYNDROME A condition among HIV-infected individuals characterized by involuntary weight loss of more than 10% of baseline body weight. Other symptoms may include chronic diarrhea or chronic weakness and fever for more than 30 days; a CDC AIDS-defining condition.
WESTERN BLOT A laboratory test of blood for specific antibodies; more accurate than the ELISA test, the Western blot is used as a confirmatory test if an HIV ELISA test is positive.
WICPAG The CPCRA Women, Injection Drug User, Children, and Persons of Color working group, whose mandate is to make sure that CPCRA research remains sensitive to the concerns of these groups, has relevance, and properly reflects community interests
WILD-TYPE VIRUS The customary type of a virus before genetic manipulation or mutation; virus isolated from an individual, as opposed to from a lab culture
WITHDRAWAL 1. A technical term used to refer to the process of removing a specific individual from a lifetable analysis because of termination of follow-up, or because of the occurrence of an event that precludes further follow-up. 2. Dropout. 3. Also used to denote
WRAP The Washington Regional AIDS Program, a CPCRA unit.
WSU/DMC The Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center, a CPCRA unit
Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia An indolent (slow-growing) type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma marked by abnormal levels of IgM antibodies in the blood and an enlarged liver, spleen, or lymph nodes. Also called lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma.
warfarin A drug that prevents blood from clotting. It belongs to the family of drugs called anticoagulants (blood thinners).
wart A raised growth on the surface of the skin or other organ.
watchful waiting Closely monitoring a patient’s condition but withholding treatment until symptoms appear or change. Also called observation.
watercress Nasturtium officinale. Parts of the flowering plant have been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. It may have anticancer effects. Also called Indian cress.

WBC White blood cell. Refers to a blood cell that does not contain hemoglobin. White blood cells include lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, macrophages, and mast cells. These cells are made by bone marrow and help the body fight infection and other diseas

wedge resection A surgical procedure to remove a triangle-shaped slice of tissue. It may be used to remove a tumor and a small amount of normal tissue around it.
well-differentiated lymphocytic lymphoma (LIM-foh-SI-tik lim-FOH-muh) An indolent (slow-growing) type of B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma marked by swollen lymph nodes that usually occurs in people older than 50 years. It is very similar to a form of leukemia called chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Also called small lymphoc
Wermer’s syndrome A rare, inherited disorder that affects the endocrine glands and can cause tumors in the parathyroid and pituitary glands and the pancreas. These tumors (usually benign) cause the glands to secrete high levels of hormones, which can lead to other medical
Whipple procedure A type of surgery used to treat pancreatic cancer. The head of the pancreas, the duodenum, a portion of the stomach, and other nearby tissues are removed.
white blood cell WBC. Refers to a blood cell that does not contain hemoglobin. White blood cells include lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, macrophages, and mast cells. These cells are made by bone marrow and help the body fight infection and other diseases.
Whitmore-Jewett staging system A staging system for prostate cancer that uses ABCD. “A” and “B” refer to cancer that is confined to the prostate. “C” refers to cancer that has grown out of the prostate but has not spread to lymph nodes or other places in the body. “D” refers to cancer
whole cell vaccine Vaccine made from whole tumor cells that have been changed in the laboratory.
wild clover Trifolium pratense. A plant whose flowers have been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. It is being studied in the relief of menopausal symptoms and may have anticancer effects. Also called red clover and purple clover.
Wilms’ tumor A kidney cancer that usually occurs in children younger than 5 years old.
windpipe The airway that leads from the larynx to the lungs. Also called the trachea.

Wobe-Mugos E A mixture made from an extract of the calf thymus gland and enzymes (proteins that speed up chemical reactions in the body) from the papaya plant, the pancreas of cows, and the pancreas of pigs. It has been used in Europe as a treatment for a variety of c
womb The small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman’s pelvis. This is the organ in which a baby grows. Also called the uterus.
wound (woond) A break in the skin or other body tissues caused by injury or surgical incision (cut).
Walleye a condition in which one eye turns outward
Wart a contagious, harmless growth caused by a virus that occurs on the skin or a mucous membrane
Weber’s test a test in which a vibrating tuning fork is held against the forehead to help determine the cause of hearing loss
Wegener’s granulomatosis a disorder in which nodules associated with inflammation of blood vessels develop in the lungs, kidneys, and nasal passageways
Weight-bearing exercise exercise that puts stress on bones, such as walking, which helps build up bone density and prevent the bones from becoming brittle
Wernicke’s encephalopathy a brain disorder characterised by abnormal eye movements, difficulties with muscle co-ordination, and confusion; usually the result of chronic alcoholism
Wheeze a high-pitched sound produced during breathing because of narrowing of the airways; common sign of asthma
Whiplash injury injury to the ligaments, joints, and soft tissues of the neck region of the spine because of a sudden, violent jerking motion of the head
Whipple’s disease a rare disorder that has widespread effects on the body, including impaired absorption of nutrients, weight loss, joint pain, and anaemia
Whipworm a small, parasitic worm that can live in the intestines of a human and may cause diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and anaemia
White blood cell a group of colourless blood cells that are part of the immune system, helping prevent and fight infection
White blood cell count the number of white blood cells present in a blood sample; useful in diagnosing and evaluating various diseases and infections
Whitehead a painless, small, white bump; usually occurs in groups on the nose, cheeks, or around the eyes

Whitlow an abscess on the end of a finger or a toe that is caused by the herpes simplex virus or a bacterial infection
Whooping cough see Pertussis
Wilm’s tumour a type of kidney cancer that usually affects children under the age of 5

Wilson’s disease a rare genetic disorder in which copper builds up in the liver and is released into other parts of the body, eventually causing damage to the liver and brain

Withdrawal bleeding bleeding from the vagina that occurs when hormone levels drop, such as menstruation or the bleeding that occurs at the end of each cycle of the combined oral contraceptive pill

V

medicalglossary — Sat, 16 May 2009 03:48:47 +0000

vomit To eject some or all of the contents of the stomach through the mouth.

von Hippel-Lindau syndrome A rare inherited disorder in which blood vessels grow abnormally in the eyes, brain, spinal cord, adrenal glands, or other parts of the body. People with von Hippel-Lindau syndrome have a higher risk of developing some types of cancer.
voriconazole A drug that treats infections caused by fungi.
vorozole A hormone therapy drug used to decrease the production of estrogen.
vulva The external female genital organs, including the clitoris, vaginal lips, and the opening to the vagina.
vulvar cancer Cancer of the vulva (the external female genital organs, including the clitoris, vaginal lips, and the opening to the vagina).
VX 853 A drug being studied to make cancer cells less resistant to the effects of chemotherapy.
VX-710 A drug being studied to make cancer cells less resistant to the effects of chemotherapy.
V/Q lung scans images produced by radionuclide scanning of the lungs; used to help diagnose a pulmonary embolism
Vaccination a form of immunisation in which killed or weakened micro-organisms are placed into the body, where antibodies against them are developed; if the same types of micro-organisms enter the body again, they will be destroyed by the antibodies
Vaccine a preparation of weakened micro-organisms given to create resistance to a certain disease

Vacuum aspiration removal of the contents of the uterus using a suction device
Vacuum extraction a technique used to facilitate childbirth using a suction device to help move the baby through the birth canal
Vagina the muscular passage connecting the uterus with the outside genitals; a component of the female reproductive system

Vaginismus an involuntary muscle spasm at the opening of the vagina when sexual intercourse is attempted; can be quite painful and may make sexual intercourse nearly impossible
Vaginitis inflammation of the vagina, which can be the result of infection, ageing, a hormone deficiency, or a foreign object (such as a tampon)
Valve a structure that allows fluid flow in only one direction
Valvotomy surgical correction of a narrowed heart valve
Valvular heart disease a heart valve defect
Valvuloplasty reconstruction or repair of a narrowed heart valve
Varicella the medical term for chickenpox
Varices enlarged or twisted blood or lymph vessels
Varicocele the appearance of varicose veins around the testicles; commonly occurs and is harmless, but may cause discomfort
Varicose veins enlarged, twisted veins just below the surface of the skin, caused by defective valves in the veins
Variola another term for smallpox
Vas deferens a thin tube that stores and transports sperm
Vascular pertaining to blood vessels
Vasculitis inflammation of blood vessels

X

medicalglossary — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 03:35:01 +0000

Medical Glossary Terms

x-ray a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.

X-linked recessive X-linked recessive inheritance refers to genetic conditions associated with mutations in genes on the X chromosome. A male carrying such a mutation will be affected, because he carries only one X chromosome. A female carrying a mutation in one gene, with x-ray A type of high-energy radiation. In low doses, x-rays are used to diagnose diseases by making pictures of the inside of the body. In high doses, x-rays are used to treat cancer.

x-ray therapy The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy) or from materials called radioisotopes. Radioisotopes produce radiation and can be pl

xenograft The cells of one species transplanted to another species.

xeroderma pigmentosum (ZEER-oh-DER-ma pig-men-TOH-sum) A genetic condition marked by an extreme sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, including sunlight. People with xeroderma pigmentosum are not able to repair skin damage from the sun and other sources of ultraviolet radiation, and have a very high risk of s

xerogram A picture of the body recorded on paper rather than on film. Also called a xeroradiograph.

xeroradiograph A picture of the body recorded on paper rather than on film. Also called a xerogram.

xeroradiography (ZEE-ro-ray-dee-AH-gra-fee) A type of x-ray in which a picture of the body is recorded on paper rather than on film.

xerostomia Dry mouth. It occurs when the body is not able to make enough saliva.

XK469 A substance that is being studied as a treatment for cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called topoisomerase II beta inhibitors.

XR9576 A substance that is being studied for its ability to overcome tumor-cell resistance to anticancer drugs. It belongs to the family of drugs called anthranilic acid derivatives. Also called tariquidar.

XRP9881 A substance that is being studied in the treatment of breast cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called taxane derivatives.

X chromosome one of the two sex chromosomes; determines female sex characteristics

Xanthelasma fatty deposits around the eyes that are common in elderly people and are associated with high levels of cholesterol in the blood

Xanthine a bronchodilator drug that is used to treat asthma

Xanthomatosis a condition in which fatty deposits occur in various parts of the body, possibly leading to atherosclerosis

Xeroderma pigmentosum a genetic disorder in which the skin is extremely sensitive to sunlight, causing it to age prematurely and leaving the individual particularly susceptible to skin cancer

Xerophthalmia excessive dryness of the cornea and conjunctiva due to a lack of vitamin A
X-linked disorder a genetic disorder in which the abnormal gene is located on the X chromosome; those affected are almost always men

XYY syndrome a disorder in which a man has an extra Y chromosome, causing him to be unusually tall and to have behavioural disorders

Y

medicalglossary — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:26:04 +0000

yeast infection (also called Candida)	one type of vaginitis caused by the Candida fungus characterized by itching, burning, or redness of the vaginal area.
yellow fever	a viral disease that is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
Yin and Yang	Chinese words for complementary and opposite forces that make up the life force (Qi).
yoga	Indian word for “union.” Yoga is a posturing and breathing technique to induce relaxation.
YM598	A substance that is being studied as a treatment for advanced prostate cancer and for pain caused by prostate cancer that has spread to the bone. It belongs to the family of drugs called endothelin ETA receptor antagonists.
yttrium (IH-tree-um)	A rare elemental metal. A radioactive form of yttrium is used in radiation therapy and some types of immunotherapy.
yttrium Y 90 DOTA-biotin	A compound that contains the radioisotope yttrium Y 90 linked to the chemical biotin. Biotin is a molecule that binds strongly to the chemical streptavidin. Yttrium Y 90 DOTA-biotin will find tumor cells in the body that have been targeted by an antibody
yttrium Y 90 ibritumomab tiuxetan	An anticancer drug that is a combination of a monoclonal antibody and a radioisotope (yttrium-90). Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced substances that can locate and bind to cancer cells. Also called IDEC-Y2B8 monoclonal antibody.
yttrium Y 90 SMT 487	A substance that is being studied as a treatment for cancer. Also called yttrium Y 90-DOTA-tyr3-octreotide.
yttrium Y 90-DOTA-tyr3-octreotide	A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. Also called yttrium Y 90 SMT 487.
Y chromosome	one of the two sex chromosomes; determines male sex characteristics
Yeast infection	a term usually referring to a candidiasis infection
Yellow fever	a life-threatening viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes that causes jaundice, fever, headache, and vomiting

Z

medicalglossary — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:22:42 +0000

zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT)	method of treating infertility by removing eggs from a woman’s ovaries, fertilizing them in the laboratory with sperm from her partner or a donor, and inserting one or more of the fertilized eggs into one of her fallopian tubes.
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome	Group of symptoms that occur when a tumor called a gastrinoma forms in the pancreas. The tumor releases large amounts of the hormone gastrin, which causes too much acid in the duodenum, resulting in ulcers, bleeding, and perforation.
Zenker diverticulum	Pouches in the esophagus from increased pressure in and around the esophagus.
ZERIT	Brand name for Stavudine.
ZIDOVUDINE	See “AZT”
ZITHROMAX	Brand name for Azithromycin
ZOVIRAX	Brand name for Acyclovir.
ZD0473	A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called platinum analogs.
ZD1839	A drug that is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer and is being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Also called gefitinib.
ZD4054	A substance that is being studied in the treatment of prostate cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called endothelin-receptor antagonists.
ZD6474	A substance that is being studied as a treatment for cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called vascular endothelial growth factor-2 (VEGF-2) receptor antagonists.
ziconotide	A drug used in the treatment of chronic pain. Also called SNX 111.
zidovudine	A drug that inhibits the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS. Also called AZT. It belongs to the family of drugs called systemic antivirals.
zileuton	A substance that is used to prevent asthma symptoms and that is being studied in the prevention of lung cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called leukotriene blockers.
zinc oxide	A compound that may enhance immune function, especially when administered by inhalation.
zinc sulfate	A substance required for cell growth and tissue repair. It is being studied as a way to prevent or decrease mucositis caused by radiation therapy.
zoledronate	A drug that belongs to the family of drugs called bisphosphonates. It is used to prevent bone fractures and reduce bone pain in people who have cancer that has spread to the bone.
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome	A disorder in which tumors of the pancreatic islet cells produce large amounts of gastrin (a hormone), leading to excess acid in the stomach and, possibly, a peptic ulcer (ulcer of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine).
Zoloft®	A drug that is used to treat depression. It belongs to the family of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Also called sertraline.
zolpidem (zole-PIH-dem)	A drug used to treat insomnia (inability to sleep), and anxiety. It belongs to a family of drugs known as imidazopyridines (sedative hypnotics). Also called Ambien®.
zosuquidar trihydrochloride	A substance that is being studied for its ability to reverse resistance to chemotherapy. Also called LY335979.
ZIFT	see Zygote intrafallopian transfer
Zinc chloride	a white powder used as an antiseptic and antiperspirant
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome	a rare disorder in which tumours form in the pancreas and secrete the hormone gastrin, which causes increased production of gastric acid and recurrent peptic ulcers
Zoonosis	a parasite-caused or infectious disease in animals that can be transferred to humans
Zygote	the cell that results when an egg is fertilised by a sperm
Zygote intrafallopian transfer	a method used to treat infertility in which an egg fertilised outside the body is placed into a woman’s fallopian tube

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medicalglossary — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:12:25 +0000

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