NexiumResearch - Glossary - Definitions
Some words have many meanings. A term will refer the reader to another definition only when the second definition gives additional information about a topic that is directly related to the first term.
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
All Definitions A - Z
C
Cancer
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and can spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body.
Candidiasis
Pronounced - KAN-di-DY-uh-sis
A mild infection caused by the Candida (pronounced - KAN-di-duh) fungus, which lives naturally in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Infection occurs when a change in the body, such as surgery, causes the fungus to overgrow suddenly.
Carcinoma
Cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover body organs.
Cartilage
Pronounced - KAR-tih-lij
A tough, flexible tissue that lines joints and gives structure to the nose, ears, larynx, and other parts of the body.
CAT (or CT) Scan
Computed tomography scan. A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body taken from different angles; the pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. Also called computerized tomography and computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan.
Cecum
Pronounced - SEEK-um
The beginning of the large intestine. The cecum is connected to the lower part of the small intestine, called the ileum.
Celiac Disease
Pronounced - SEL-ee-ak duh-zeez
Celiac disease is a digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. People who have celiac disease cannot tolerate a protein called gluten, found in wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten is found mainly in foods but may also be found in products we use every day, such as stamp and envelope adhesive, medicines, and vitamins. More about Celiac Disease
Cerebrospinal Fluid
The colorless liquid, consisting partially of substances filtered from blood and partially by secretions released by brain cells, that circulates around and through the cavities of the brain and spinal cord. Physicians use a variety of tests - electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, capillary isotachophoresis, and radioimmunoassay - to study cerebrospinal fluid for abnormalities often associated with MS.
Chemotherapy
Pronounced - kee-mo-THER-a-pee
Treatment with anticancer drugs.
Chronic
Pronounced - KRAW-nik
Chronic means that the signs and symptoms of an illness or disorder tend to last longer than six weeks and often for many years. According to the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics, a chronic condition is one lasting 3 months or more.
Cirrhosis
Pronounced - suh-ROH-sis
A chronic (lasting a long time) liver condition caused by scar tissue and cell damage. Cirrhosis makes it hard for the liver to remove poisons (toxins) like alcohol and drugs from the blood. These toxins build up in the blood and may affect brain function. More about Cirrhosis.
Clinical Trials
A type of research study that tests how well new medical treatments or other interventions work in people. Such studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease. The study may be carried out in a clinic or other medical facility. Also called a clinical study.
Colectomy
Pronounced - koh-LEK-toh-mee
An operation to remove all or part of the colon. The colon is also called the large intestine.
Colitis
Pronounced - koh-LY-tis
Irritation of the colon.
Colon
Pronounced - KOH-lun
The longest part of the large intestine, which is a tube like organ connected to the small intestine at one end and the anus at the other.
Colonoscope
A flexible, lighted instrument with a built-in tiny camera used to view the inside of the entire colon and rectum.
Colonoscopy
Pronounced - KOH-lon-OSS-kuh-pee
A diagnostic procedure in which a flexible tube with a light source in inserted into the colon (large intestine or large bowel) through the anus to view all sections of the colon for abnormalities.
Colorectal
Related to the colon, rectum, or both.
Colostomy
Pronounced - koh-LAW-stuh-mee
A colostomy is a surgery where the doctor leaves part of the healthy large intestine and connects that to a hole in the abdomen. This hole is called a stoma.
Congenital
A condition that is congenital is one that is present at birth.
Constipation
Pronounced - KON-stih-PAY-shuhn
A condition in which stool becomes hard, dry, and difficult to pass and bowel movements happen infrequently. Other symptoms may include painful bowel movements and feeling bloated, uncomfortable, and sluggish. What is Constipation?
Cricoid Cartilage
Pronounced - kri-koid KAR-tih-lij
The small thick cartilage that forms the lower and posterior parts of the laryngeal wall. The cricoid cartilage is about one inch down the neck from a persons adam's apple (thyroid cartilage). The indentation between the two is the cricothyroid membrane.
Cricopharyngeal
Of or relating to the cricoid cartilage and the pharynx.
Crohn's Disease
Pronounced - krohnz duh-zeez
A chronic (lasting a long time) form of inflammatory bowel disease. Crohn's disease causes severe irritation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It usually affects the lower small intestine (called the ileum) or the colon, but it can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract. Also called regional enteritis and ileitis. More about Crohn's Disease
Cytokine
Pronounced - SY-toh-kine
A powerful chemical substance secreted by T cells. Cytokines can also be produced in the laboratory by recombinant DNA technology and given to people to affect immune responses. Cytokines are an important factor in the production of inflammation and show promise as treatments for MS.
Back To Top
|