Cancer of the Mouth and Throat Glossary of TermsThe following are health and medical definitions of terms that appear in the Cancer of the Mouth and Throat article.
Adjacent: Lying nearby. Related terms include superjacent, subjacent, and circumjacent. Fr... See the entire definition of AdjacentAnesthesia: Loss of feeling or awareness, as when an anesthetic is administered before sur... See the entire definition of AnesthesiaAntibody: An immunoglobulin, a specialized immune protein, produced because of the introdu... See the entire definition of AntibodyAspiration: Removal of a sample of fluid and cells through a needle. Aspiration also re... See the entire definition of AspirationBenign: Not malignant. A benign tumor is one that does not invade surrounding tissue or sp... See the entire definition of BenignBetel nut: The nut of the Areca palm tree and an ingredient of betel nut quid, an addictiv... See the entire definition of Betel nutBiopsy: The removal of a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope to check for ... See the entire definition of BiopsyBladder: A hollow organ in the lower abdomen that stores urine. The kidneys filter waste f... See the entire definition of BladderBrachytherapy: Radiation treatment given by placing radioactive material directly in or ne... See the entire definition of BrachytherapyBreathing: The process of respiration, during which air is inhaled into the lungs through ... See the entire definition of BreathingBronchi: The plural of bronchus. Buccal mucosa: The inner lining of the cheeks and lips. Cancer: An abnormal growth of cells which tend to proliferate in an uncontrolled way and, ... See the entire definition of CancerCancer causes: In most individual cases of cancer, the exact cause of cancer is unknown. T... See the entire definition of Cancer causesCancer symptoms: Abnormal sensations or conditions that persons can notice that are a resu... See the entire definition of Cancer symptomsCarcinoma: Cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover body organs. Ex... See the entire definition of CarcinomaCell: The basic structural and functional unit of any living thing. Each cell is a small c... See the entire definition of CellCervix: The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb). The uterus, a hollow, ... See the entire definition of CervixChemotherapy: 1. In the original sense, a chemical that binds to and specifically k... See the entire definition of ChemotherapyChewing tobacco: Tobacco that is chewed, not smoked. A form of smokeless tobacco. Chin: Medically, the mentum. The lower portion of the face below the lower lip including t... See the entire definition of ChinChronic: In medicine, lasting a long time. A chronic condition is one that lasts 3 months ... See the entire definition of ChronicCT scan: Computerized tomography scan. Pictures of structures within the body created by a... See the entire definition of CT scanDiagnosis: 1 The nature of a disease; the identification of an illness. 2 A ... See the entire definition of DiagnosisDiarrhea: A common condition that involves unusually frequent and liquid bowel movements. ... See the entire definition of DiarrheaDry mouth: The condition of not having enough saliva to keep the mouth wet. This is due to... See the entire definition of Dry mouthDysplasia: Abnormality in form or development. For example, retinal dysplasia is abnormal ... See the entire definition of DysplasiaEar: The hearing organ. There are three sections of the ear, according to the anatomy tex... See the entire definition of EarEpidermal: Pertaining to the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. Epidermal growth factor: EGF. Epidermal growth factor receptor: EGFR. Erythroplakia: An abnormal reddened patch with a velvety surface that is found in the mout... See the entire definition of ErythroplakiaEsophagus: The tube that connects the pharynx (throat) with the stomach. The esophagus lie... See the entire definition of EsophagusExternal radiation therapy: Radiation therapy in which the source of radiation is a machin... See the entire definition of External radiation therapyFatigue: A condition characterized by a lessened capacity for work and reduced efficiency ... See the entire definition of FatigueGland: A group of cells that secrete a substance for use in the body. For example, the thy... See the entire definition of GlandHair loss: Hair loss is the thinning of hair on the scalp. The medical term for hair loss ... See the entire definition of Hair lossHard palate: The first section of the bony part of the roof of the mouth, located in front... See the entire definition of Hard palateHead and neck cancer: The common carcinomas of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx as wel... See the entire definition of Head and neck cancerHeartburn: An uncomfortable feeling of burning and warmth occurring in waves rising up be... See the entire definition of HeartburnHoarseness: Hoarseness is a term referring to abnormal voice changes. Hoarseness may be ma... See the entire definition of HoarsenessHormone: A chemical substance produced in the body that controls and regulates the activit... See the entire definition of HormoneHPV: Human papillomavirus. Human papillomavirus: HPV. A family of over 100 viruses including those which cause warts ... See the entire definition of Human papillomavirusIncidence: The frequency with which something, such as a disease or trait, appears in a pa... See the entire definition of IncidenceInfection: The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, an... See the entire definition of InfectionInternal radiation therapy: Radiation therapy in which a small container of radioactive ma... See the entire definition of Internal radiation therapyJaw: The movable junction of the bones below the mouth (the mandible) and the bone just ab... See the entire definition of JawLaryngoscopy: Examination of the larynx (voice box), either with a mirror (indirect laryng... See the entire definition of LaryngoscopyLarynx: A tube-shaped organ in the neck that contains the vocal cords. The larynx is about... See the entire definition of LarynxLesion: An area of abnormal tissue change. Lesions vary in severity from harmless to serio... See the entire definition of LesionLeukoplakia: A white spot or patch on the mucous membranes in the mouth (for instance, ins... See the entire definition of LeukoplakiaLips: Aside from the lips of the mouth, there are two pairs of lips at the entrance to the... See the entire definition of LipsLungs: The lungs are a pair of breathing organs located with the chest which remove carbon... See the entire definition of LungsLymph: The almost colorless fluid that travels through the lymphatic system, carrying cell... See the entire definition of LymphLymph node: One of many small, bean-shaped organs located throughout the lymphatic system.... See the entire definition of Lymph nodeLymphoma: A tumor of the lymphoid tissue. The major types of lymphoma are Hodgkin's diseas... See the entire definition of LymphomaMalignancy: A tumor that is malignant (cancerous), that can invade and destroy nearby tiss... See the entire definition of MalignancyMalignant: 1. Tending to be severe and become progressively worse, as in malignant ... See the entire definition of MalignantMetastasis: 1. The process by which cancer spreads from the place at which it firs... See the entire definition of MetastasisMetastasize: The spread from one part of the body to another. When cancer cells metastasiz... See the entire definition of MetastasizeMicroscope: An optical instrument that augments the power of the eye to see small objects.... See the entire definition of MicroscopeMolecule: The smallest unit of a substance that can exist alone and retain the character o... See the entire definition of MoleculeMouth: 1. The upper opening of the digestive tract, beginning with the lips and con... See the entire definition of MouthMRI: Magnetic resonance imaging. Mucosa: Having to do with a mucous membrane. For example, the oral mucosa. Muscle: Muscle is the tissue of the body which primarily functions as a source of power. T... See the entire definition of MuscleNausea: Stomach queasiness, the urge to vomit. Nausea can be brought on by many causes, in... See the entire definition of NauseaNeck: The part of the body joining the head to the shoulders. Also, any narrow or constric... See the entire definition of NeckNerve: A bundle of fibers that uses electrical and chemical signals to transmit sensory an... See the entire definition of NerveNode: Literally a knot, a node is a collection of tissue. For example a lymph node, is a ... See the entire definition of NodeNose: The external midline projection from the face. The purpose of the nose is to warm, c... See the entire definition of NoseNuclear medicine: The branch of medicine concerned with the use of radioisotopes in the di... See the entire definition of Nuclear medicineNutrition: 1) The science or practice of taking in and utilizing foods. 2) A nourishing ... See the entire definition of NutritionOncologist: A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. After a ... See the entire definition of OncologistOncology: The field of medicine that is devoted to cancer. Clinical oncology consists of t... See the entire definition of OncologyOperating room: A facility that is equipped for performing surgery. Abbreviated OR. Operation: In medicine, a surgical procedure. Many operations are named after persons. The... See the entire definition of OperationOral cancer: Cancer within the mouth. Oral cancer is associated with smoking cigarettes an... See the entire definition of Oral cancerOral surgeon: A dentist who has special training in surgery to correct problems of the mou... See the entire definition of Oral surgeonOropharynx: The part of the throat that is at the back of the mouth, in contrast to the na... See the entire definition of OropharynxOtolaryngologist: A physician specialized in diagnosing and treating diseases of the head ... See the entire definition of OtolaryngologistPain: An unpleasant sensation that can range from mild, localized discomfort to agony. Pa... See the entire definition of PainPalate: The roof of the mouth. The front portion is bony (hard palate), and the back porti... See the entire definition of PalatePathologist: A physician who identifies diseases and conditions by studying abnormal cells... See the entire definition of PathologistPenis: The external male sex organ. The penis contains two chambers, the corpora cavernosa... See the entire definition of PenisPET scan: The popular name (and abbreviation) of Positron Emission To... See the entire definition of PET scanPharynx: The hollow tube that is about 5 inches long and starts behind the nose and ends a... See the entire definition of PharynxPhysical therapist: A person who is trained and certified by a state or accrediting body t... See the entire definition of Physical therapistPlastic surgeon: A surgeon who specializes in reducing scarring or disfigurement that may ... See the entire definition of Plastic surgeonPrecancerous: Pertaining to something that is not yet overtly cancerous, but appears to be... See the entire definition of PrecancerousPremalignant: Pertaining to tissue that is not yet malignant but is poised to become malig... See the entire definition of PremalignantPrimary care: A patient's main source for regular medical care, ideally providing continui... See the entire definition of Primary carePrognosis: The forecast of the probable outcome or course of a disease; the patient's chan... See the entire definition of PrognosisProsthetics: The art and science of developing artificial replacements for body parts. Dep... See the entire definition of ProstheticsProsthodontist: A dentist with special training in making replacements for missing teeth o... See the entire definition of ProsthodontistRadiation: 1. Rays of energy. Gamma rays and X-rays are two of the types of energy ... See the entire definition of RadiationRadiation oncologist: A physician whose specialty is the use of radiation therapy as a tre... See the entire definition of Radiation oncologistRadiation therapy: The use of high-energy rays to damage cancer cells, stopping them from ... See the entire definition of Radiation therapyRadioactive: Emitting energy waves due to decaying atomic nuclei. Radioactive substances a... See the entire definition of RadioactiveReceptor: 1. In cell biology, a structure on the surface of a cell (or inside a cel... See the entire definition of ReceptorRecurrent: Appearing or occurring again. For example, a recurrent fever is a fever that ha... See the entire definition of RecurrentResidual: Something left behind. With residual disease, the disease has not been eradicate... See the entire definition of ResidualRisk factor: Something that increases a person's chances of developing a disease. For exam... See the entire definition of Risk factorRule out: Term used in medicine, meaning to eliminate or exclude something from considera... See the entire definition of Rule outScan: As a noun, the data or image obtained from the examination of organs or regions of... See the entire definition of ScanSmokeless tobacco: Tobacco that is not smoked but used in another form such as chewing tob... See the entire definition of Smokeless tobaccoSnuff: Tobacco in the form of a powder that is inhaled into the nose, not smoked. Soft palate: The muscular part of the roof of the mouth. The soft palate is directly behin... See the entire definition of Soft palateSore: 1. (adjective) A popular term for painful, such as a sore throat. 2. (... See the entire definition of SoreSore throat: Pain in the throat. Sore throat may be caused by many different causes, inclu... See the entire definition of Sore throatSpeech therapist: An older term for a speech- language pathologist. Squamous cell carcinoma: Cancer that begins in squamous cells -- thin, flat cells that loo... See the entire definition of Squamous cell carcinomaSquamous cells: Flat cells that look like fish scales. The word "squamous" came from the L... See the entire definition of Squamous cellsStage: As regards cancer, the extent of a cancer, especially whether the disease has spre... See the entire definition of StageStaging: stagingDoing exams and tests to learn the extent of a cancer, especially whether ... See the entire definition of StagingStomach: The digestive organ that is located in the upper abdomen, under the ribs. The upp... See the entire definition of StomachSunburn: Sunburn is an inflammation of the skin that develops in response to exposure to u... See the entire definition of SunburnSunscreen: A substance that blocks the effect of the sun's harmful rays. Using lotions tha... See the entire definition of SunscreenSupportive care: Treatment given to prevent, control, or relieve complications and side ef... See the entire definition of Supportive careSurgeon: A physician who treats disease, injury, or deformity via operative or manual meth... See the entire definition of SurgeonSurgery: The branch of medicine that employs operations in the treatment of disease or inj... See the entire definition of SurgeryTherapy: The treatment of disease. Therapy is synonymous with treatment. Throat: The throat is the anterior (front) portion of the neck beginning at the back of th... See the entire definition of ThroatThyroid: 1. The thyroid gland. Also, pertaining to the thyroid gland. 2. A p... See the entire definition of ThyroidThyroid gland: A gland that makes and stores hormones that help regulate the heart rate, b... See the entire definition of Thyroid glandThyroid hormone: A chemical substance made by the thyroid gland for export into the bloods... See the entire definition of Thyroid hormoneTired: A feeling of a lessened capacity for work and reduced efficiency of accomplishment,... See the entire definition of TiredTobacco: A South American herb (Nicotiana tabacum) whose leaves contain 2 to 8 percent nic... See the entire definition of TobaccoTongue: A strong muscle that is anchored to the floor of the mouth. The tongue is covered ... See the entire definition of TongueTonsils: Small masses of lymphoid tissue at the back and on both sides of the throat. Tumor: An abnormal mass of tissue. Tumors are a classic sign of inflammation, and can be ... See the entire definition of TumorUlcer: A lesion that is eroding away the skin or mucous membrane. Ulcers can have various ... See the entire definition of UlcerUltraviolet radiation: Invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the su... See the entire definition of Ultraviolet radiationVagina: The muscular canal that extends from the cervix to the outside of the body. It is ... See the entire definition of VaginaVein: A blood vessel that carries blood that is low in oxygen content from the body back t... See the entire definition of VeinVitamin A: Vitamin A is retinol. Carotene compounds (found, for example, in egg yolk, butt... See the entire definition of Vitamin AVoice box: The voice box, or larynx, is the portion of the respiratory (breathing) tract ... See the entire definition of Voice boxVulva: The female external genital organs, including the labia, clitoris, and entrance to ... See the entire definition of VulvaWeight loss: Weight loss is a decrease in body weight resulting from either voluntary (die... See the entire definition of Weight lossX-ray: High-energy radiation with waves shorter than those of visible light. X-ray is used... See the entire definition of X-ray |
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