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Empirical
Based on experience and observation rather than on systematic logic
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Etiology
The study of causes, as in the causes of a disease
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Hem-onc
Short for Hematology-oncology
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Irradiation
The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors
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Latent
Hidden, dormant, inactive
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1. Tending to be severe and become progressively worse, as in malignant hypertension. 2. In regard to a tumor, having the properties of a malignancy that can invade and destroy nearby tissue and that may spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body
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1. The process by which cancer spreads from the place at which it first arose as a primary tumor to distant locations in the body.2. The cancer resulting from the spread of the primary tumor. For example, someone with melanoma may have a metastasis in their brain. And a person with colon cancer may, fortunately, show no metastases.
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Palliation
To palliate a disease is to treat it partially and insofar as possible, but not cure it completely
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Pathology
The medical branch that deals with the study of the nature, causes and effects of various diseases.
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Radioisotope
Injecting a radioactive substance into the body in order to make pictures with a nuclear scanner
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Radionuclide Scan
A small amount of a radioactive material injected into a vein in order to make an imaging scan. A machine checks the radioactivity levels in organs, which help in detecting tumors
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Sarcoma
One of a group of tumors usually arising from connective tissue. Most sarcomas are malignant.
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
condition characterized by diminished inspiratory and expiratory capacity of the lungs
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Colostomy
An artificial exit from the colon created to divert waste through a hole in the colon and through the wall of the abdomen. A colostomy is commonly performed by severing the colon and then attaching the end leading to the stomach to the skin, through the wall of the abdomen. At the exterior opening (stoma), a bag can be attached for waste removal.
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Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
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condition in which the heart is an inadequate pump, causing fluid to build up in the lungs (pulmonary edema) and venous system (distended neck veins)
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GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
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Infusion
slow and/or prolonged intravenous delivery of a drug or fluids
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Intubation
the insertion of a tube into a hollow organ such as the trachea (in order to get air to the lungs).
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