Leukemia Glossary of TermsThe following are health and medical definitions of terms that appear in the Leukemia article.
Abdomen: The belly, that part of the body that contains all of the structures between the... See the entire definition of AbdomenAbdominal: Relating to the abdomen, the belly, that part of the body that contains all of ... See the entire definition of AbdominalAbdominal pain: Pain in the belly. Abdominal pain can be acute or chronic. It may reflect ... See the entire definition of Abdominal painAbnormal: Outside the expected norm, or uncharacteristic of a particular patient. Acupuncture: The practice of inserting needles into the body to reduce pain or induce anes... See the entire definition of AcupunctureAcute: Of abrupt onset, in reference to a disease. Acute often also connotes an illness th... See the entire definition of AcuteAcute leukemia: Cancer of the blood cells that characteristically comes on suddenly and, i... See the entire definition of Acute leukemiaAcute lymphocytic leukemia: See: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Acute myelogenous leukemia: Abbreviated AML. Also called acute myeloid leukemia or acute n... See the entire definition of Acute myelogenous leukemiaAcute nonlymphocytic leukemia: Abbreviated ANLL. More commonly called acute myeloid leukem... See the entire definition of Acute nonlymphocytic leukemiaAddiction: An uncontrollable craving, seeking, and use of a substance such as alcohol or a... See the entire definition of AddictionAllogeneic: Taken from different individuals of the same species. Two or more individuals ... See the entire definition of AllogeneicAnemia: The condition of having a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells or quantity ... See the entire definition of AnemiaAnesthesia: Loss of feeling or awareness, as when an anesthetic is administered before sur... See the entire definition of AnesthesiaANLL: Acute nonlymphocytic leukemia. Anti-infective: An agent that is capable of acting against infection, either by inhibiting... See the entire definition of Anti-infectiveAntibody: An immunoglobulin, a specialized immune protein, produced because of the introdu... See the entire definition of AntibodyAnus: The opening of the rectum to the outside of the body. Arms: An appendage in anatomy and in clinical trials. See: Arm. Aspirate: To suck in. A patient may aspirate for example by accidentally drawing material ... See the entire definition of AspirateAtypical: Unusual, or not fitting a single diagnostic Autologous: In blood transfusion and transplantation, a situation in which the donor and r... See the entire definition of AutologousBenzene: A sweet smelling, highly toxic hydrocarbon. Long-term exposure to benzene is know... See the entire definition of BenzeneBiological therapy: Treatment to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune (defense)... See the entire definition of Biological therapyBiopsy: The removal of a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope to check for ... See the entire definition of BiopsyBlast: An immature blood cell. Blast phase: Refers to advanced chronic myelogenous leukemia. In this phase, the number of... See the entire definition of Blast phaseBlasts: Immature blood cells. Leukemic blasts do not grow and age normally; they prolifera... See the entire definition of BlastsBlurred vision: Lack of sharpness of vision with, as a result, the inability to see fine d... See the entire definition of Blurred visionBone marrow: The soft blood-forming tissue that fills the cavities of bones and contains f... See the entire definition of Bone marrowBone marrow biopsy: The removal of a sample of bone marrow and a small amount of bone thro... See the entire definition of Bone marrow biopsyBrain: The portion of the central nervous system that is located within the skull. It func... See the entire definition of BrainCancer: An abnormal growth of cells which tend to proliferate in an uncontrolled way and, ... See the entire definition of CancerCarbon dioxide: A gas which is the byproduct of cellular metabolism and which collects in ... See the entire definition of Carbon dioxideCatheter: A thin, flexible tube. Cell: The basic structural and functional unit of any living thing. Each cell is a small c... See the entire definition of CellCerebrospinal fluid: A watery fluid that is continuously produced and absorbed and that fl... See the entire definition of Cerebrospinal fluidChemotherapy: 1. In the original sense, a chemical that binds to and specifically k... See the entire definition of ChemotherapyChest: The area of the body located between the neck and the abdomen. The chest contains t... See the entire definition of ChestChest X-ray: A type of X-ray commonly used to detect abnormalities in the lungs. A chest X... See the entire definition of Chest X-rayChromosome: A carrier of genetic information that is visible under an ordinary light micro... See the entire definition of ChromosomeChromosomes: The microscopically visible carriers of the genetic material. They are compos... See the entire definition of ChromosomesChronic: In medicine, lasting a long time. A chronic condition is one that lasts 3 months ... See the entire definition of ChronicChronic leukemia: Cancer of the blood cells (leukemia) that progresses slowly. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia: The most common form of leukemia in adults, in which lymphoc... See the entire definition of Chronic lymphocytic leukemiaChronic myelocytic leukemia: See: Chronic myelogenous leukemia. Chronic myelogenous leukemia: A chronic malignant disease in which too many white blood ... See the entire definition of Chronic myelogenous leukemiaChronic phase: Refers to the early stages of chronic myelogenous leukemia. The number of ... See the entire definition of Chronic phaseCirculation: In medicine, the movement of fluid through the body in a regular or circuitou... See the entire definition of CirculationCoenzyme: A substance that enhances the action of an enzyme. (An enzyme is a protein that ... See the entire definition of CoenzymeCoenzyme Q10: A compound needed for the proper functioning of an enzyme, a protein that sp... See the entire definition of Coenzyme Q10Cure: 1. To heal, to make well, to restore to good health. 2. A time withou... See the entire definition of CureCuts: Severed skin. Washing a cut or scrape with soap and water and keeping it clean and d... See the entire definition of CutsDiagnosis: 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 DiarrheaDifferentiation: 1 The process by which cells become progressively more specialize... See the entire definition of DifferentiationDigestive system: The system of organs responsible for getting food into and out of the bo... See the entire definition of Digestive systemDisease-free survival: The length of time after treatment during which no disease is found... See the entire definition of Disease-free survivalDonor: The giver of a tissue or an organ, such as a blood donor or kidney donor. Down syndrome: A common birth defect that is usually due to an extra chromosome 21 (trisom... See the entire definition of Down syndromeEsophagus: The tube that connects the pharynx (throat) with the stomach. The esophagus lie... See the entire definition of EsophagusEssential: In medicine, of unknown cause, as in essential hypertension (high blood pressur... See the entire definition of EssentialExcision: 1. Surgical removal, as in the excision of a tumor. 2. The remov... See the entire definition of ExcisionFamily history: The family structure and relationships within the family, including inform... See the entire definition of Family historyFatigue: A condition characterized by a lessened capacity for work and reduced efficiency ... See the entire definition of FatigueFormaldehyde: A pungent gas, with the chemical formula HCHO, used as an antiseptic, disinf... See the entire definition of FormaldehydeGenetic: Having to do with genes and genetic Groin: The area where the thigh meets the hip. Hair loss: Hair loss is the thinning of hair on the scalp. The medical term for hair loss ... See the entire definition of Hair lossHairy cell leukemia: A rare type of chronic leukemia in which the abnormal white blood cel... See the entire definition of Hairy cell leukemiaHeadache: A pain in the head with the pain being above the eyes or the ears, behind the he... See the entire definition of HeadacheHematologist: A physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the blood... See the entire definition of HematologistHematopoiesis: The production of all types of blood cells including formation, development... See the entire definition of HematopoiesisHematopoietic: Pertaining to hematopoiesis, the production of all types of blood cells. Al... See the entire definition of HematopoieticHemoglobin: The oxygen-carrying pigment and predominant protein in the red blood cells. He... See the entire definition of HemoglobinImmune: Protected against infection, usually by the presence of antibodies. Immune system: A complex system that is responsible for distinguishing a person from every... See the entire definition of Immune systemInduction therapy: The first in a series of therapeutic measures taken to treat a disease,... See the entire definition of Induction therapyInfection: The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, an... See the entire definition of InfectionInterferon: A naturally occurring substance that interferes with the ability of viruses t... See the entire definition of InterferonInterleukins: Substances used in biological therapy. Interleukins stimulate the growth and... See the entire definition of InterleukinsIntrathecal chemotherapy: Treatment with drugs that are injected into the fluid surroundin... See the entire definition of Intrathecal chemotherapyIrradiation: The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, and other... See the entire definition of IrradiationKidney: One of a pair of organs located in the right and left side of the abdomen. The kid... See the entire definition of KidneyLethal: Deadly. Leukemia: Cancer of the blood cells. Strictly speaking, leukemia should refer only to canc... See the entire definition of LeukemiaLeukocytes: White Blood Cells that help the body fight infections and other diseases. Also... See the entire definition of LeukocytesLiver: The largest solid organ in the body, situated in the upper part of the abdomen on t... See the entire definition of LiverLumbar: Referring to the five lumbar vertebrae, the disks below them, and the correspondin... See the entire definition of LumbarLumbar puncture: A procedure in which cerebrospinal fluid is removed from the spinal canal... See the entire definition of Lumbar punctureLungs: 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 nodeLymphocytic: Referring to lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. For example, lymphocyti... See the entire definition of LymphocyticLymphoid: Referring to lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, or to tissue in which lymp... See the entire definition of LymphoidLymphoma: A tumor of the lymphoid tissue. The major types of lymphoma are Hodgkin's diseas... See the entire definition of LymphomaMarrow: The bone marrow. Microscope: An optical instrument that augments the power of the eye to see small objects.... See the entire definition of MicroscopeMonoclonal: Derived from a single cell and cells identical to that cell. Monoclonal antibody: An antibody produced by a single clone of cells. A monoclonal antibod... See the entire definition of Monoclonal antibodyMouth: 1. The upper opening of the digestive tract, beginning with the lips and con... See the entire definition of MouthMuscle: Muscle is the tissue of the body which primarily functions as a source of power. T... See the entire definition of MuscleMyelogenous: Referring to the nonlymphocytic groups of white blood cells, including the gr... See the entire definition of MyelogenousMyeloid: Referring to myelocytes, a type of white blood cell. Also known as myelogenous. Nausea: 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 NeckNight sweats: Severe hot flashes that occur at night and result in a drenching sweat. Nigh... See the entire definition of Night sweatsNode: Literally a knot, a node is a collection of tissue. For example a lymph node, is a ... See the entire definition of NodeNurse: 1) A person trained, licensed, or skilled in nursing. 2) To feed an infant at the ... See the entire definition of NurseOmmaya reservoir: A device that is implanted under the scalp to deliver anticancer drugs t... See the entire definition of Ommaya reservoirOncologist: A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. After a ... See the entire definition of OncologistOnset: In medicine, the first appearance of the signs or symptoms of an illness as, for ex... See the entire definition of OnsetOrgan: A relatively independent part of the body that carries out one or more special func... See the entire definition of OrganOxygen: The odorless gas that is present in the air and necessary to maintain life. Oxygen... See the entire definition of OxygenPain: An unpleasant sensation that can range from mild, localized discomfort to agony. Pa... See the entire definition of PainPediatric: Pertaining to children. Plasma: The liquid part of the blood and lymphatic fluid, which makes up about half of the... See the entire definition of PlasmaPlatelet: An irregular, disc-shaped element in the blood that assists in blood clotting.... See the entire definition of PlateletPrecursor: Forerunner. That which precedes or is derived from an available source. Primary 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 PrognosisProtein: One of the three nutrients used as energy sources (calories) by the body. Protein... See the entire definition of ProteinProteins: Large molecules composed of one or more chains of amino acids in a specific orde... See the entire definition of ProteinsRadiation: 1. Rays of energy. Gamma rays and X-rays are two of the types of energy ... See the entire definition of RadiationRadiation therapy: The use of high-energy rays to damage cancer cells, stopping them from ... See the entire definition of Radiation therapyRadiotherapy: The treatment of disease with ionizing radiation. Also called radiation ther... See the entire definition of RadiotherapyRed blood cell: The blood cell that carries oxygen. Red cells contain hemoglobin and it is... See the entire definition of Red blood cellRed blood cells: The blood cells that carry oxygen. Red cells contain hemoglobin and it is... See the entire definition of Red blood cellsRelapse: The return of signs and symptoms of a disease after a remission. Remission: Disappearance of the signs and symptoms of cancer or other disease. A remission... See the entire definition of RemissionReservoir: 1. A place where something such as water is kept in reserve. Residual: 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 factorShortness of breath: Difficulty in breathing. Medically referred to as dyspnea. Shortness ... See the entire definition of Shortness of breathShoulder: A structure made up of two main bones: the scapula (shoulder blade) and the hume... See the entire definition of ShoulderSibling: A brother or sister. Spinal cord: The major column of nerve tissue that is connected to the brain and lies with... See the entire definition of Spinal cordSpinal tap: Also known as a lumbar puncture or "LP", a spinal tap is a procedure whereby ... See the entire definition of Spinal TapSpine: 1) The column of bone known as the vertebral column, which surrounds and protects ... See the entire definition of SpineSpleen: An organ that is located in the upper-left part of the abdomen, not far from the s... See the entire definition of SpleenStage: 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 StagingStem cell: One of the human body's master cells, with the ability to grow into any one of ... See the entire definition of Stem cellStem cell transplantation: The use of stem cells as a treatment for cancer or other illnes... See the entire definition of Stem cell transplantationStem cells: One of the human body's master cells, with the ability to grow into any one of... See the entire definition of Stem cellsStomach: The digestive organ that is located in the upper abdomen, under the ribs. The upp... See the entire definition of StomachSupportive care: Treatment given to prevent, control, or relieve complications and side ef... See the entire definition of Supportive careSurgery: The branch of medicine that employs operations in the treatment of disease or inj... See the entire definition of SurgerySyndrome: A combination of symptoms and signs that together represent a disease process. Systemic: Affecting the entire body. A systemic disease such as diabetes can affect the wh... See the entire definition of SystemicT-cell leukemia: A disease in which certain cells of the lymphoid system called T lymphocy... See the entire definition of T-cell leukemiaTesticles: The testicles (also called testes or gonads) are the male sex glands. They are ... See the entire definition of TesticlesTherapeutic: Relating to therapeutics, the branch of medicine that is concerned specifical... See the entire definition of TherapeuticTherapy: The treatment of disease. Therapy is synonymous with treatment. Thrombocytopenia: : A low platelet count. Platelets are irregular, disc-shaped element in ... See the entire definition of ThrombocytopeniaTired: A feeling of a lessened capacity for work and reduced efficiency of accomplishment,... See the entire definition of TiredTopoisomerase: A class of enzymes that alter the supercoiling of double-stranded DNA. (In ... See the entire definition of TopoisomeraseTransplant: The grafting of a tissue from one place to another, just as in botany a bu... See the entire definition of TransplantVein: A blood vessel that carries blood that is low in oxygen content from the body back t... See the entire definition of VeinVentricle: A chamber of an organ. For example, the four connected cavities in the central ... See the entire definition of VentricleVirus: A microorganism that is smaller than a bacterium that cannot grow or reproduce apar... See the entire definition of VirusWeight loss: Weight loss is a decrease in body weight resulting from either voluntary (die... See the entire definition of Weight lossWhite blood cell: One of the cells the body makes to help fight infections. There are seve... See the entire definition of White blood cellWhite blood cell count (leukocyte count): The number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the b... See the entire definition of White blood cell countX-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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