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• e: (prefix) : missing : absent
• ECOG performance score: ECOG/WHO/Zubrod score: The ECOG score is also called the WHO or Zubrod score, runs from 0 to 5, with 0 denoting perfect health and 5 death: 0 - Asymptomatic (Fully active, able to carry on all predisease activities without restriction) 1 - Symptomatic but completely ambulatory (Restricted in physically strenuous activity but ambulatory and able to carry out work of a light or sedentary nature. For example, light housework, office work) 2 - Symptomatic, <50% in bed during the day (Ambulatory and capable of all self care but unable to carry out any work activities. Up and about more than 50% of waking hours) 3 - Symptomatic, >50% in bed, but not bedbound (Capable of only limited self-care, confined to bed or chair 50% or more of waking hours) 4 - Bedbound (Completely disabled. Cannot carry on any self-care. Totally confined to bed or chair) 5 - Death
• ectasia: A dilatation of a hollow organ or of a canal.
• ectoderm: The outermost layer of cells of the three primary germ layers of the embryo. From it are developed the epidermis and the epidermal tissues such as the nails, hair, enamel of the teeth, glands of the skin, the nervous system, etc.
• ectodermal: Pertaining to the ectoderm or to tissues derived from the ectoderm
• ectopia: An organ or other structure which is positioned abnormally within the body.
• edema: Swelling of body tissue caused by a buildup of fluid. This can occur in many places in the body.
• EDWARDS SYNDROME: A congenital disorder caused by a baby having an extra copy of chromosome 18 (three instead of the normal two). Characteristics of the disorder include a large number of different malformed organs and malformed physical features of the face and skeletal structure.
• EEG: Abbreviation for electroencephalogram -- a graphic chart on which is traced the electrical potential produced by the brain cells, as detected by electrodes placed on the scalp. Variations in brain waves correlate with neurologic conditions, psychologic states, and level of consciousness.
• effects of calcificatiom of tumour on the brain: See: calcification.
• EGFR: Epidermal growth factor receptor: The protein found on the surface of some cells and to which epidermal growth factor binds, causing the cells to divide. It is found at abnormally high levels on the surface of many types of cancer cells, so these cells may divide excessively in the presence of epidermal growth factor.
• electron microscopy: (noun) : an electron-optical instrument in which a beam of electrons is used to produce an enlarged image of a minute object on a fluorescent screen or photographic plate -- electron microscopist (noun) -- electron microscopy (noun)
• embolism: The sudden blocking of an artery by a clot or foreign material which has been brought to its site of lodgment by the blood current.
• embryonic: Of or pertaining to an embryo.
• emcephalomalacia: See encephalomalacia.
• EMG: See Electromyogram
• empty sella: Empty sella syndrome (abbreviated ESS) is a disorder that involves the sella turcica, a bony structure at the base of the brain that surrounds and protects the pituitary gland. ESS is a condition that is often discovered during tests for pituitary disorders, when radiological imaging of the pituitary gland reveals a sella turcica that appears to be empty.
• enantiomorphous: Similar, but not superposable, i. e, related to each other as a right-handed to a left-handed glove.
• encapsulated: (adjective) : surrounded by a gelatinous or membranous envelope
• encapsulated thlamus cancer: See: thalamus.
• encephalitis: Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain. Encephalitis occurs, for example, in 1 in 1,000 cases of measles. It may start (up to 3 weeks) after onset of the measles rash and present with high fever, convulsions, and coma. It usually runs a blessedly short course with full recovery within a week. Or it may eventuate in central nervous system impairment or death. Encephalitis can cause brain damage, which may result in or exacerbate the symptoms of a developmental disorder or mental illness. The form called encephalitis lethargica ("sleeping sickness") results in a set of Parkinson's disease-like symptoms called postencephalitic parkinsonianism. In some cases encephalitis causes death. Treatment of encephalitis must begin as early as possible to avoid potentially serious and life-long effects. Depending on the cause of the inflammation, this may include antibiotics, anti-viral medications, and anti-inflammatory drugs. If brain damage results from encephalitis, therapy (such as physical therapy or cognitive restoration therapy) may help patients regain lost functions.
• encephalomalacia: Encephalomalacia is a nonspecific term describing dead or infarcted brain tissue. It is also called "softening". It can be due to many different causes, including strokes, physical injuries, radiation injury, etc. It is also sometimes used to refer to loss of tissue associated with brain surgery.
• encéphalomalacoa: See: encephalomalacia.
• encephalomalcia: See Encephalomalacia.
• encephalopathy: A disease of the brain; especially : one involving alterations of brain structure
• enchephalomalacia: This appears to be a misspelling of encephalomalacia. Please see that entry.
• Endocrine: The endocrine system is an integrated system of small organs that involve the release of hormones.
• endocrine system: (noun) : the glands and parts of glands that produce endocrine secretions, help to integrate and control bodily metabolic activity, and include esp. the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroids, adrenals, islets of Langerhans, ovaries, and testes
• endocrinology: The scientific study of the function and pathology of the endocrine glands (for example the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, etc.)
• endometrioma: (noun) 1 : a tumor containing endometrial tissue 2 : ENDOMETRIOSIS -- used chiefly of isolated foci of endometrium outside the uterus
• endometriosis: (noun) : the presence and growth of functioning endometrial tissue in places other than the uterus that often results in severe pain and infertility -- see ADENOMYOSIS
• endorphins: Endorphins work as "natural pain relievers" that are produced by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus.
• Endostatin: A natural protein which prevents tumor growth by blocking tumors’ ability to grow new blood vessels. Developed by Dr. Judah Folkman, other labs have had difficulty replicating his results. However, recently the results have been replicated and human clinical trials are expected to begin in the fall of 1999.
• endothelial: Of, relating to, or produced from endothelium.
• endothelium: an epithelium of mesoblastic origin composed of a single layer of thin flattened cells that lines internal body cavities (as the serous cavities or the interior of the heart)
• enhancement: (noun) : a nucleotide sequence that increases the rate of genetic transcription by increasing the activity of the nearest promoter on the same DNA molecule
• enhancer: (noun) : a nucleotide sequence that increases the rate of genetic transcription by increasing the activity of the nearest promoter on the same DNA molecule
• enhancing: a nucleotide sequence that increases the rate of genetic transcription by increasing the activity of the nearest promoter on the same DNA molecule
• enhancing nodule: See enhancing. See nodule.
• enlarged ventricle: (noun) : an abnormal increase in the amount of cerebrospinal fluid within the cranial cavity that is accompanied by expansion of the cerebral ventricles and enlargement of the skull
• enzyme: any of numerous complex proteins that are produced by living cells and catalyze specific biochemical reactions at body temperatures
• eosinophila granuloma: Eosinophil. Polymorphonuclear leucocyte (granulocyte) of the myeloid series, of which the granules stain red with eosin. Phagocytic, particularly associated with helminth infections and with hypersensitivity. Granuloma. Chronic inflammatory lesion characterised by large numbers of cells of various types (macrophages, lymphocytes, fibroblasts, giant cells), some degrading and some repairing the tissues.
• ependamoma: See: ependymoma
• ependyma: An epithelial membrane lining the ventricles of the brain and the canal of the spinal cord. See ependymal surface.
• ependymal: See: ependymoma
• ependymal surface: Ependymal. Cells that line cavities in the central nervous system considered to be a type of glial cell.
• ependymoma: A grayish, granular sometimes necrotic or hemorrhagic tumor which often arises from the ventricles as an exophytic growth
• ependymomas: Ependymoma: A type of brain tumor derived from the cells that line the cavities within the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord. Because cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) normally flows through the cerebral ventricles and the central canal of the spinal cord, blockage due to an ependymoma can cause build-up of fluid, pressure on the brain, and hydrocephalus with the associated symptoms of headaches, nausea and vomiting. Next to leukemia and lymphoma, brain tumors are the most common type of cancer in children. Ependymomas account for about 10% of childhood brain tumors. About 60% of intracranial ependymomas in children are diagnosed by age 5. Treatment depends upon the tumor's location and metastatic spread. (Ependymomas may metastasize within the central nervous system.) In general, the treatment of an ependymoma is surgical resection. When complete resection is not possible, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy may be done
• ependynoma: Ependymoma. This primary brain tumour accounts for 8 to 10% of paediatric brain tumours. These tumours occur in the ventricles of the brain and often cause obstruction of the cerebrospinal fluid.
• ependynoma tumour: See: ependynoma
• ependyoma: an epithelial membrane lining the ventricles of the brain and the canal of the spinal cord
• epidemiological: (noun) 1 : a branch of medical science that deals with the incidence, distribution, and control of disease in a population 2 : the sum of the factors controlling the presence or absence of a disease or pathogen -- ep*i*de*mi*o*log*i*cal also ep*i*de*mi*o*log*ic (adjective)
• epidermis: The outermost layer of the skin.
• epidermisis brain tumour: See: epidermoid brain tumor, epidermis, epidermoid, epidermoid cyst.
• epidermoid: (adjective) : resembling epidermis or epidermal cells : made up of elements like those of epidermis <' cancer of the lung>
• epidermoid brain tumor: A benign tumor formed by inclusion of epidermal elements.
• epidermoid Cyst: (noun) : a cystic tumor containing epidermal or similar tissue -- called also epidermoid; --see cholesteatoma
• epidermoid tumor: See squamous cell carcinoma.
• epidermoide: See: Epidermoid
• epilepsy: An electrical disturbance in the brain caused by an inherited biochemical defect (Idiopathic Epilepsy) or a previously healed brain injury (Acquired Epilepsy) which manifests as a seizure disorder.
• epileptic seizures: See: Seizure
• Epinephrine: MedTerms.com Medical Dictionary Epinephrine: A substance produced by the medulla (inside) of the adrenal gland. The name epinephrine was coined in 1898 by the American pharmacologist and physiologic chemist (biochemist) John Jacob Abel who isolated it from the adrenal gland which is located above (epi-) the kidney ("nephros" in Greek). (Abel also crystallized insulin). Technically speaking, epinephrine is a sympathomimetic catecholamine. It causes quickening of the heart beat, strengthens the force of the heart’s contraction, opens up the airways (bronchioles) in the lungs and has numerous other effects. The secretion of epinephrine by the adrenal is part of the fight-or-flight reaction. Adrenaline is a synonym of epinephrine and is the official name in the British Pharmacopoeia
• epiphyseal: also ep*i*phys*i*al (adjective) : of or relating to an epiphysis
• epithelial: of or relating to epithelium
• epitheliod: Resembling epithelium.
• epithelium: (noun) : a membranous cellular tissue that covers a free surface or lines a tube or cavity of an animal body and serves esp. to enclose and protect the other parts of the body, to produce secretions and excretions, and to function in assimilation
• EPS: Electrophysiological Studies, a special study that involves the placement of electrodes inside the heart to map the electrical characteristics of the heart.
• epstein barr: (noun) : a herpesvirus that causes infectious mononucleosis and is associated with Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma -- called also EB virus Epstein, Michael Anthony (b. 1921) and Barr, Y. M. (fl. 1964), British virologists.
• ergot: A disease of cereal plants (rye, wheat, etc.) caused by the fungus Claviceps purpurea, this fungus produces toxic alkaloids that, if ingested, cause symptoms such as hallucinations, severe gastrointestinal upset, a burning sensation in the limbs and extremities (St. Anthony's Fire) and a form of gangrene.
• Essiac Report: A book with the full title, THE ESSIAC REPORT: Canada's Remarkable Unknown Cancer Remedy by Richard Thomas (The Alternative Treatment Information Network, 1993). The book claims to have the complete facts surrounding essiac, a Canadian herbal cancer remedy which has for more than 50 years treated thousands of people suffering from various forms of terminal cancer. Keep in mind that this book was written by a Flor-Essence ( a brand of Essiac Tea) staff member, it has history, testimonials, documentation.
• esthesioneuroblastoma: Olfactory (pertaining to the sense of smell) neuroblastoma.
• ethmoid: Of, relating to, adjoining, or being one or more bones of the walls and septum of the nasal cavity.
• etiology: Etiology: The study of the causes. For example, of a disorder. The word "etiology" is mainly used in medicine, where it is the science that deals with the causes or origin of disease, the factors which produce or predispose toward a certain disease or disorder. Today in medicine one hears (or reads) that "the etiology is unknown." Translation -- we don't know the cause
• Etoposide: See VP-16.
• exophytic: (adjective) : tending to grow outward beyond the surface epithelium from which it originates
• external beam radiation: See radiation surgery.
• extrapyramidal: (adjective) : situated outside of and esp. involving descending nerve tracts other than the pyramidal tracts <' brain lesions>
• eye: (noun) 1 : a nearly spherical hollow organ that is lined with a sensitive retina, is lodged in a bony orbit in the skull, is the vertebrate organ of sight, and is normally paired 2 : all the visible structures within and surrounding the orbit and including eyelids, eyelashes, and eyebrows 3 : the faculty of seeing with eyes
• eye pain: (noun) : a headache that is characterized by severe unilateral pain in the eye or temple, affects primarily men, and tends to recur in a series of attacks
• false brain tumor: Pseudotumor cerebri, also called benign intracranial hypertension. See pseudotumor cerebri.
• false tumor: See pseudotumor cerebri.
• falx: A curved fold or process of the dura mater or the peritoneum; esp., one of the partitionlike folds of the dura mater which extend into the great fissures of the brain.
• falx cerebri: (noun) : the larger of the two folds of dura mater separating the hemispheres of the brain that lies between the cerebral hemispheres and contains the sagittal sinuses
• falx meningioma: Tumors arising from the falx are located in the midline and often extend to both sides of the brain. These tumors are difficult to remove totally and often recur after surgery.
• fatty tumor: (noun) : a tumor of fatty tissue
• faulty enamel: (noun) : faulty development of tooth enamel that is genetically determined
• FDA: (abbreviation) Food and Drug Administration
• fenestration: 1. A natural or surgically created opening in a surface; 2. The presence of such openings; or 3. the operation of cutting an opening in the bony labyrinth between the inner ear and tympanum to replace natural fenestrae that are not functional.
• fibrillary: Of or relating to fibrils or fibers.
• fibrillary astrocytoma: A type of low-grade glioma that is usually found in the mid-brain has less well-defined margins and, because of the location, less likely to be completely removed.
• fibrillation: Fibrillation: In matters of the heart (cardiology), fibrillation is incoordinate twitching of the heart muscle fibers. The difference between fibrillation and flutter is that fibrillation is not well organized while flutter is. For example, atrial flutter is regular, organized but over-rapid contraction of the atrium of the heart. By contrast in atrial fibrillation, the atrium quivers incordinately and ineffectually
• fibro: fibr- or fibro- (combining form) 1 : fiber : fibrous tissue 2 : fibrous and
• fibro manitosis: See: fibromatosis, fibroma.
• fibroblast: (noun) : a connective-tissue cell of mesenchymal origin that secretes proteins and esp. molecular collagen from which the extracellular fibrillar matrix of connective tissue forms
• fibroblasts: (noun) : a connective-tissue cell of mesenchymal origin that secretes proteins and esp. molecular collagen from which the extracellular fibrillar matrix of connective tissue forms -- fi*bro*blas*tic (adjective)
• fibroid: Fibroid: A benign tumor of the uterus and the single most common indication for hysterectomy. Fibroids can be present and be inapparent. However, they are clinically apparent in up to 25% of women and cause significant morbidity, including prolonged or heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure or pain, and, in rare cases, reproductive dysfunction
• fibroma: A benign tumor consisting mainly of fibrous tissue.
• fibromatosis: A condition marked by the presence of or a tendency to develop multiple fibromas.
• fibromitosis: Fibroma. A benign (non-cancerous) tumour which consists of fibrous tissues or connective tissue.
• fibromyalgia: Any of a group of nonarticular (affecting or involving soft tissues, as muscles and connective tissues, rather than joints) rheumatic disorders characterized by pain, tenderness, and stiffness of muscles and associated connective tissue structures -- called also fibromyositis.
• fibromyositis: : any of a group of nonarticular rheumatic disorders characterized by pain, tenderness, and stiffness of muscles and associated connective tissue structures -- called also fibromyositis
• fibromytosis: Fibromatosis. A condition marked by the presence of or a tendency to develop multiple fibromas.
• fibrosarcoma: A malignant tumor composed of cells and fibers derived from fibroblasts. Several varieties occur.
• fibrous dysplasia: Fibrous dysplasia, monostotic: Excessive growth of hard fibrous tissue that replaces normal bone tissue in a single bone. Symptoms may include pain and fracture of the bone. Most cases are diagnosed in adolescence and young adulthood and remain unchanged throughout life. The prognosis (outlook) is usually very good
• fibrous meningioma: A benign form of meningioma.
• fibrous tissue: Tissue consisting mainly of fibers or fiber-containing materials, such as fibrous connective tissue.
• fifth cranial nerve: See: 5th cranial nerve
• fissure: (noun) 1 : a natural cleft between body parts or in the substance of an organ: as a : any of several clefts separating the lobes of the liver b : any of various clefts between bones or parts of bones in the skull c : any of the deep clefts of the brain; esp : one of those located at points of elevation in the walls of the ventricles -- compare SULCUS d : ANTERIOR MEDIAN FISSURE; also : POSTERIOR MEDIAN SEPTUM 2 : a break or slit in tissue usu. at the junction of skin and mucous membrane <' of the lip> 3 : a linear developmental imperfection in the enamel of a tooth
• fistula: An abnormal passage leading from an abscess or hollow organ to the body surface or from one hollow organ to another and permitting passage of fluids or secretions.
• flatulence: Flatulence: Excess gas in the intestinal tract. But what is excess flatulence is difficult to define without a yardstick to measure the "normal" frequency of gas passages. Symptom-free individuals have recorded approximately 14 passages of gas per 24 hours
• focal dural calcifications: See calcification.
• focal gliosis: Focal Gliosis is a localized proliferation of astrocytes in damaged areas of the central nervous system (CNS). This proliferation usually leads to the formation of a glial scar. Astrocytes are relatively large glial cells and have various functions, including accumulating in areas where neurons have been damaged. It is the most important histopathological sign of CNS injury.
• focal seizure: a seizure limited to one specific area
• focal seizures: A brief, temporary change in movement, sensation, or autonomic (involuntary) function caused by abnormal electrical activity in a discrete area of the brain, without changes in alertness or awareness. This distinguishes it from a partial complex seizure in which consciousness is impaired.
• foci: The plural of focus. This term is sometimes used to refer to the starting point(s) of a disease process.
• fontal labotomy: Surgical severance of nerve fibers connecting the frontal lobes to the thalamus for the relief of some mental disorders -- called also leukotomy.
• foramen magnum: Great foramen. The large opening in the anterior and inferior part of the occipital bone, interconnecting the vertebral canal and the cranial cavity.
• foramen ovale: At the base of the skull the foramen ovale (Latin: oval window) is one of the larger of the several holes (the foramina) that transmit nerves through the skull.
• foramina of monro: the opening connecting the sac of the omentum with the general cavity of the peritoneum.
• fossa: An anatomical groove pit, groove or depression.
• Fourth Nerve: Trochlear nerve. Either of the fourth pair of cranial nerves that arise from the dorsal (near, on or toward the back) aspect of the brain stem just below the inferior colliculus and supply the superior oblique muscle of the eye with motor fibers.
• fourth ventricle: The fourth ventricle is one of the four connected fluid-filled cavities within the human brain. These cavities, known collectively as the ventricular system, consist of the left and right lateral ventricles, the third ventricle, and the fourth ventricle. The fourth ventricle extends from the cerebral aqueduct (aqueduct of Sylvius) to the obex, and is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
• fractionated: This refers to breaking down a treatment into multiple smaller treatments. For example, instead of 1 big dose of whole brain radiation, it is broken down into smaller doses, once a day, 5 times a week for a few weeks. This lets the normal brain get a chance to repair itself, but the tumor can't repair itself - the net effect is more damage to the tumor with less to the normal brain.
• frontal horns: One of the two frontal bones of the cranium.
• frontal lobe: The frontal lobe specializes in conscious, voluntary behavior. The frontal lobe of the brain has three general divisions, the prefrontal cortex, the premotor cortex and the motor cortex. The prefrontal cortex of the frontal lobe holds the mostly recently evolved section of the human brain. here we find the ability to plan for the future, to solve complex problems, and to express and control emotional behavior. The premotor cortex coordinates complex, skilled movement. It also sequences movement routines. The motor cortex instructs voluntary movement.
• frontal lobe brain tumors: See frontal lobe and frontal lobe mass.
• frontal lobe mass: A lump or body made up of cohering particles in the anterior portion of the cerebral hemisphere.
• frontal lobotomy: See lobotomy.
• frontoparietal junction: The area of the brain where the frontal (situated near the forehead) and parietal lobes (the middle division of each cerebral hemisphere) of the brain meet.
• fungus: (noun) 1 : any of a major group (Fungi) of saprophytic and parasitic spore-producing organisms that lack chlorophyll, are usu. classified as plants, and include molds, rusts, mildews, smuts, mushrooms, and yeasts
• Furosemide: A diuretic used in the treatment of edema associated congestive heart failure or hepatic or renal disease and in the treatment of hypertension.
• G: Function: abbreviation guanine
• gadolinum: Gadolinium. A supposed rare metallic element, with a characteristic spectrum, found associated with yttrium and other rare metals. Its individuality and properties have not yet been determined.
• gait: The manner or style of walking.
• galactorrhea: (noun) : a spontaneous flow of milk from the nipple
• gamma knife: Gamma knife. A special multi-source irradiation machine which focus a high intesity of irradiation on a small area: it is used as local therapy in especially brain tumours.
• gamma knife surgery: This is also known as radiosurgery. With regular radiation therapy a standard external beam is used. Tumors and much , or all, of the surrounding brain are treated to the same dose of radiation. Gamma Knife radiosurgery treats only the abnormal tissues. This treatment occurs in a single session without significant radiation to the adjacent brain. Click here for more information.
• gamma ray knife: See Gamma Knife.
• ganciclovir: (noun) (noun) : an antiviral drug related to acyclovir and used esp. in the treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis in immunocompromised patients -- called also DHPG : an antiviral drug related to acyclovir and used esp. in the treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis in immunocompromised patients -- called also DHPG
• gangion brain tumor: See gangliona brain tumor.
• ganglia: Ganglia, basal: A region located at the base of the brain composed of 4 clusters of neurons, or nerve cells. This area of the brain is responsible for body movement and coordination. The groups of neurons most prominently and consistently affected in Huntington disease -- the pallidum and striatum -- are located in the basal ganglia. (The pallidum is composed of structures called the globus pallidus and the ventral pallidum while the striatum consists of the caudate nucleus, putamen, and ventral striatum.) The term "basal ganglia" refers to the location of these collections of neurons (ganglia) deep within the brain, seemingly at its very base.
• ganglioglioma: A ganglioneuroma in the central nervous system.
• ganglion: A mass of nerve tissue (gray matter), or a group of nerve cell bodies.
• ganglion brain tumors: Rare, benign tumors arising from ganglia-type cells, which are groups of nerve cells. Tumors arising from ganglia most frequently occur in children and young adults. These tumors are small, slow growing, and have distinct margins. Metastasis and malignancy are very rare.
• ganglion cell: A type of interneuron that conveys information from the retinal bipolar, horizontal and amacrine cells to the brain.
• ganglioneuroblastoma: A benign neoplasm composed of nerve fibers and mature ganglion cells, regarded by many as a fully differentiated neuroblastoma. A neuroblastoma is a sarcoma consisting of malignant neuroblasts, usually arising in the autonomic nervous system. It affects mostly infants and children up to 10 years of age.
• ganglioneuroma: A tumor (neuroma) containing ganglion cells, often located in the hands, wrists or tops of the feet.
• Gangolian tumor: See ganglion brain tumor.
• gastric sarcoma: A rather rare gastric cancer originating in the muscular layers of the stomach walls. The most common type of gastric sarcoma is the Leiomyosarcoma. It represents about 3% of gastric cancers. They usually ulcerate and bleeding is common. They are less likely than other types of gastric cancers to invade surrounding tissues or go to lymph nodes. They do, however, metastasize to the lungs and the liver. They are treated surgically and chemotherapy is used for metastatic lesions.
• gbm: Glioblastoma multiforme.
• gbm4: Abbreviation for Glioblastoma Multiforme. 4 refers to the grade of the tumor.
• GCS: Glasgow Coma Scale or GCS, sometimes also known as the Glasgow Coma Score, is a neurological scale which aims to give a reliable, objective way of recording the conscious state of a person, for initial as well as continuing assessment. A patient is assessed against the criteria of the scale, and the resulting points give a patient score between 3 (indicating deep unconsciousness) and either 14 (original scale) or 15 (the more widely used modified or revised scale).
• gemistocytes: A pathological astrocyte in which the cell body swells considerably.
• gene therapy: Treatment of a disease caused by malfunction of a gene, by stably transfecting the cells of the organism with the normal gene.
• genetics: (noun) 1 a : a branch of biology that deals with the heredity and variation of organisms b : a treatise or textbook on genetics 2 : the genetic makeup and phenomena of an organism, type, group, or condition -- ge*net*i*cist (noun)
• geoblastoma: See glioblastoma.
• germ cell: Germ cell: The eggs and sperm are the germ cells: the reproductive cells. Each mature germ cell is haploid in that it has a single set of 23 chromosomes containing half the usual amount of DNA and half the usual number of genes. Except for the eggs and sperm, each cell in the human body -- there are 100 trillion cells in each of us -- contains the entire human genome, all the genetic information necessary to build a human being, and this information is encoded within the cell nucleus in 6 billion base pairs, subunits of DNA, packaged in 23 pairs of chromosomes, one chromosome in each pair coming from each parent. The germs cells -- the eggs and sperm -- are thus notable exceptions to the usual rules governing chromosomes, genes, and DNA.
• germ cell meningitis: Germ cell. Cell specialised to produce haploid gametes. The germ cell line is often formed very early in embryonic development.
• germ cell tumor: Germ cell tumor: A tumor that arise from a germ cell. These tumors may arise within the gonads -- the ovary and testis. Most testicular tumors are, in fact, germ cell tumors. Germ cell tumors also occur in sites outside the gonads, reflecting the fact that germ cells travel to diverse areas of the body, such as the chest, abdomen, and brain
• germinoma: A type of germ cell tumor consisting of large round cells with vesicular nuclei usually found in the ovary, undescended testis, anterior mediastinum or pineal gland.
• GFAP: See Glial fibrillary acidic protein.
• GH secreting adenoma: A tumor of the pituitary gland that makes growth hormone, which can cause acromegaly or gigantism when too much is made.
• Giant Cisterna Magna: See cisterna magna.
• giantism: (noun) : GIGANTISM
• gigantism: development to abnormally large size from excessive growth of the long bones accompanied by muscular weakness and sexual impotence and usually caused by hyperpituitarism before normal ossification is complete -- called also macrosomia -- compare ACROMEGALY
• giglio Blastoma: See glioblastoma.
• giloma: See glioma.
• gio blasoma multiforma primary brian tumor: See: glioblastoma multiforme.
• gio blastoma: See: glioblastoma multiforme.
• gio blastome: See: glioblastoma multiforme.
• gio blastrona: See glioblastoma multiforme.
• gioblastoma: See: glioblastoma multiforme.
• glandular epithelium: the epithelium that forms the secreting surface of a gland
• glasgow coma scale: Glasgow Coma Scale is a neurological scale which aims to give a reliable, objective way of recording the conscious state of a person. A patient is assessed against the criteria of the scale, and the resulting points give a patient score between 3 (indicating deep unconsciousness) to 15. GCS was initially used to assess level of consciousness after head injury, and the scale is now used by first aid, EMS and doctors as being applicable to all acute medical and trauma patients. In hospital it is also used in chronic patient monitoring, in for instance, intensive care.
• glaucoma: Glaucoma: A common eye condition in which the fluid pressure inside the eyes rises because of slowed fluid drainage from the eye. If untreated, it may damage the optic nerve and other parts of the eye, causing the loss of vision or even blindness. The elderly, African-Americans, and people with family histories of the disease are at greatest risk. There are no symptoms in the early stage of glaucoma. Glaucoma is often called "the sneak thief of sight." Often, by the time the patient notices vision loss, glaucoma can only be halted, not reversed. There are several different types of glaucoma, including open-angle glaucoma and acute angle-closure glaucoma, Open-angle glaucoma is the common adult-onset type of glaucoma. Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a less common form of glaucoma but one that can rapidly impair vision. The treatment of glaucoma may include medication, surgery, or laser surgery. Eyedrops or pills alone can usually control glaucoma, although they cannot cure it. Some drugs are designed to reduce pressure by slowing the flow of fluid into the eye, while others help to improve fluid drainage. Surgery to help fluid escape from the eye was once extensively used, but except for laser surgery, it is now reserved for the most difficult cases. In laser surgery for glaucoma, a laser beam of light is focused on the part of the anterior chamber where the fluid leaves the eye. This results in a series of small changes, making it easier for fluid to exit. Over time, the effect of laser surgery may wear off
• GLEO BLASNOMA MALSORMA: See glioblastoma multiforme.
• gleo blastoma: See glioblastoma and glioblastoma multiforme.
• gleomastormie Blastoma: See: glioblastoma multiforme.
• glia: supporting tissue that is intermingled with the essential elements of nervous tissue especially in the brain, spinal cord, and ganglia, is of ectodermal origin, and is composed of a network of fine fibrils and of flattened stellate cells with numerous radiating fibrillar processes -- see MICROGLIA
• Gliadel: A new drug delivery system - these are biodegradable wafers that contain a drug - (BCNU now - other drugs are in the pipeline), which is implanted into the cavity left after a brain tumor is removed. The wafers slowly release the drug directly where it is needed. The advantages are a higher dose to the tumor, and less systemic side effects. Click here for details.
• gliadel wafers: A new method of delivering chemotherapy directly to the tumor bed. See http://www.virtualtrials.com/gliadel for details and a video clip that explains it.
• glial: Pertaining to the neuroglia - the supporting structure of nervous tissue.
• glial fibrillary acidic protein: Also referred to as GFAP. Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein. This protein, found in microfilaments of glial cells, helps distinguish glial from non-glial tumors. A laboratory stain is used to test for its presence.
• glio: (noun) : a malignant tumor of the central nervous system and usu. of a cerebral hemisphere -- called also spongioblastoma
• glio astrocytoma: See: glioblastoma multiforme.
• Glio Blastoma: A general term that refers to malignant astrocytoma, a type of brain tumor
• glioastrocytoma: Astrocytomas are tumors that arise from brain cells called astrocytes. Gliomas originate from glial cells, most often astrocytes. Sometimes the terms “astrocytoma” and “glioma” are used interchangeably.
• glioblastoma: A general term for malignant forms of astrocytoma. Glioblastoma multiforme is the most malignant type of astrocytoma, usually classified as Grade IV.
• glioblastoma multiforma: Glioblastoma multiforme. A malignant brain tumour that accounts for 75% of glial tumours (arising from glial cells in the brain). Treatment is difficult and consists of a combination of radiation therapy and surgery.
• glioblastoma multiforme: This is the most malignant form of astrocytoma, usually classified as Grade IV, one the most common primary tumors of the brain. It is a rapidly growing tumor.
• glioblastoma tumor: (noun) : a malignant tumor of the central nervous system and usu. of a cerebral hemisphere -- called also spongioblastoma
• glioblastomas: plural -mas or -ma*ta (noun) : a malignant tumor of the central nervous system and usu. of a cerebral hemisphere -- called also spongioblastoma
• glioma: Any of the largest group of primary tumors of the brain, composed of malignant glial cells. There are several different types. They can affect children too.
• gliomas: See glioma.
• gliomatosis: Diffuse formation of gliomas.
• gliomatosis cerebri: A rare variant of glioblastoma multiforme in which one hemisphere or the entire brain is infiltrated diffusely with anaplastic astrocytes.
• gliosarcoma: Glioblastoma with sarcomatous component, which contains both neuro-ectodermal and mesenchymal elements. The histogenesis of gliosarcoma has been extensively debated, and endothelial or adventitial fibroblast origin has been suggested, as has a histiocytic origin following the demonstration of antiprotease activity.
• gliosis: An excess of astrocytes in damaged areas of the central nervous system. There are several different types.
• globus: Globus: A word straight from the Latin, meaning (not unexpectedly) a globe or sphere. The word "globus" is used in a number of different contexts in medicine
• globus jugular tumor: See: glomus jugulare; glomus tumor.
• globus pallidus: The globus pallidus is a pale-appearing spherical area in the brain.
• glomus: (noun) : a small arteriovenous anastomosis together with its supporting structures: as a : a vascular tuft that suggests a renal glomerulus and that develops from the embryonic aorta in relation to the pronephros b : CAROTID BODY c : a tuft of the choroid plexus protruding into each lateral ventricle of the brain
• glomus jugulare: A type of tumor that can affect the ear, upper neck, base of the skull, and the surrounding blood vessels and nerves. It grows in the bones of the skull, where nerves are located. More specifically, it occurs in part of the jugular vein (a large vein in the neck) or along a certain nerve on the side of the skull (temporal bone). Both of these areas contain glomus bodies, which are nerve fibers that normally respond to change in body temperature or blood pressure. A person with a glomus jugulare tumor may have hearing loss, dizziness, or a feeling of a loud pulsing in the ear.
• glomus jugularus: See glomus jugulare.
• glomus tumor: (noun) : a painful benign tumor that develops by hypertrophy of a glomus -- called also glomangioma
• GLOMUS TYMPANICUM: Paraganglioma of middle ear.
• glycolipid: (noun) : a lipid (as a ganglioside or a cerebroside) that contains a carbohydrate radical
• glyo blastoma: See Glioblastoma.
• Gm: (abbreviation) gram
• golgi appartus: A cytoplasmic organelle that consists of a stack of smooth membranous saccules and associated vesicles and that is active in the modification and transport of proteins.
• golgi stain: A method of preparing nerve tissue for study using potassium dichromate and silver nitrate that is effective because a few of the neurons are stained completely and stand out from the rest which are not stained at all.
• gonads: (noun) : a gamete-producing reproductive gland (as an ovary or testis)
• grade: high-grade (adjective) : being near the upper extreme of a specified range -- compare LOW-GRADE
• grade 1,2,3 and 4.: This is a classification system of aggressiveness of tumor malignancy. Grade 1 has the most differentiation and the best prognosis following up through grade 4 which has the least differentiation and the poorest prognosis.
• grade 3: See grade 1, 2, 3 and 4.
• grade 4: See grade 1, 2, 3 and 4.
• grade IV: In 1993 the WHO ratified a new comprehensive classification of neoplasms affecting the central nervous system. The WHO classification also provides a parallel grading system for each type of tumor. Grade IV tumors are the most malignant, hence, the most serious.
• grand mal: A seizure characterized by loss of consciousness with general tonic/clonic (musculature contractions and relaxation in rapid succession also with tension) movements.
• granulated tumor: See granulation.
• granulation: (noun) 1 : the act or process of granulating : the condition of being granulated 2 a : one of the small elevations of a granulated surface: (1) : a minute mass of tissue projecting from the surface of an organ (as on the eyelids in trachoma) (2) : one of the minute red granules made up of loops of newly formed capillaries that form on a raw surface (as of a wound) and that with fibroblasts are the active agents in the process of healing -- see GRANULATION TISSUE b : the act or process of forming such elevations or granules
• granulations: See: granulation
• granuloma: A mass or nodule of chronically inflamed tissue with granulations that is usually associated with an infective process.
• grape: : a cluster of raw red nodules of granulation tissue in the hollow of the fetlock of horses that is characteristic of advanced or chronic grease heel 2 plural but usually singular in construction : tuberculous disease of the pleura in cattle -- called also grape
• gravis: tending to be more virulent than average -- used especially of strains of diphtheria bacilli; see ICTERUS GRAVIS, ICTERUS GRAVIS NEONATORUM, MYASTHENIA GRAVIS; compare INTERMEDIUS, MITIS
• gray matter: Neural tissue of the brain and spinal cord that contains nerve-cell bodies as well as nerve fibers and has a brownish gray color.
• GROOVE: a long narrow depression occurring naturally on the surface of an organism or an anatomical part
• gustatory: Relating to, affecting, associated with, or being the sense of taste.
• gyrus: a convoluted ridge between anatomical grooves ; especially : CONVOLUTION
• h: [Latin hora] (abbreviation) hour -- used in writing prescriptions; -- see QH
• haemangioblastoma: Haemangioblastoma is a rare benign tumour of the central nervous system accounting for 1-2% of all intracranial tumours. There is a preferential location in the posterior fossa (90%); the tumours usually present in the third decade, giving rise slowly and progressively to pressure signs or haemorrhage. In Von Hippel Lindau (VHL) disease the tumours are usually multiple.
• haemangioma: A usually benign tumor made up of blood vessels that typically occurs as a purplish or reddish slightly elevated area of skin.
• haemangiopericytoma: : a vascular tumor composed of spindle cells that are held to be derived from pericytes -- called also perithelioma
• haematoma: a mass of usually clotted blood that forms in a tissue, organ, or body space as a result of a broken blood vessel
• haemophilia: a sex-linked hereditary blood defect that occurs almost exclusively in males and is characterized by delayed clotting of the blood and consequent difficulty in controlling hemorrhage even after minor injuries -- compare
• hamaratoma: A mass resembling a tumor that represents anomalous development of tissue natural to a part or organ rather than a true tumor.
• hamartoma: (noun) : a mass resembling a tumor that represents anomalous development of tissue natural to a part or organ rather than a true tumor
• harmatoma: Hamartoma. Tumour like but nonneoplastic overgrowth of tissue that is disordered in structure. Examples are haemangiomas (that include the vascular naevus or birthmark) and the pigmented naevus mole).
• harmtoma in the brain: See: hamartoma.
• headache: This is a general term for any pain in the head. It is one of the signs of a brain tumor, but the vast majority of people have headaches at one time or another and do not have brain tumors. On the other hand, if you have a brain tumor, and develop a new headache - you must tell the doctor right away.
• hearing: (noun) : one of the senses that is concerned with the perception of sound, is mediated through the organ of Corti, is normally sensitive in humans to sound vibrations between 16 and 27,000 cycles per second but most receptive to those between 2000 and 5000 cycles per second, is conducted centrally by the cochlear branch of the auditory nerve, and is coordinated esp. in the medial geniculate body
• helical: (adjective) : of, relating to, or having the form of a helix; broadly : SPIRAL 1a
• hemangio: Pertaining to blood vessels or blood.
• hemangio blastoma: See: hemangioblastoma
• hemangioblastoma: Hemangioblastoma of the central nervous system is a benign tumor[1] (WHO grade I) that is typically cystic and can occur throughout the central nervous system. Locations include the cerebellum and spinal cord.These tumors, whether benign (usual) or malignant (rarer), may cause clinically significant problems, for example angiomas in the brain or spinal cord may press on nerve or brain tissue.
• hemangioma: An abnormally dense collection of dilated small blood vessels (capillaries) that may occur in the skin or internal organs.
• hemangioma blastoma: See: Haemangioblastoma
• hemangiomablastoma: See: hemangioblastoma
• hemangiomapericytoma: See: hemangiopericytoma
• hemangionoma: Haemangioma, a haemangioblastoma or type of tumour composed of blood vessel or angioblast cells, which occurs in the brain.
• hemangiopericytoma: A tumor composed of spindle cells with a rich vascular network, which apparently arises from pericytes. It may be benign or malignant and usually occurs in the lower extremities or retroperitoneum.
• hematoma: (noun) : a mass of usu. clotted blood that forms in a tissue, organ, or body space as a result of a broken blood vessel
• hemianopsia : Hemianopsia. Blindness for half the field of vision in one or both eyes.
• hemiopsia: Hemiopsia. A defect of vision in which a person sees but half of an object looked at.
• hemiparesis: (noun) : muscular weakness or partial paralysis restricted to one side of the body
• HEMOSIDERIN: A yellowish brown granular pigment formed by breakdown of hemoglobin, found in phagocytes and in tissues especially in disturbances of iron metabolism (as in hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, or some anemias).
• heparin: A naturally occurring mucopolysaccharide that acts in the body as an antithrombin factor to prevent intravascular clotting. Heparin is used therapeutically as an anticoagulant.
• heredity: Heredity and Brain Tumors: Very few brain tumors appear to be hereditary, yet most brain tumors are associated with changes in an individual's genes. Genes are inherited from our parents, and, over time, changes in our genes may occur. These changes are called genetic alterations, and they may result in cancer. Certain genetic alterations may place individuals at increased risk of developing cancer. This is why some cancers appear to run in families.
• hernia: Hernia: A general term referring to a protrusion of a tissue through the wall of the cavity in which it is normally contained.
• herniation: Bulging of tissue through an opening in a membrane, muscle or bone.
• heterotopia: Heterotopia refers to normal tissue present at an abnormal site or the displacement of an organ or part of an organ from its normal position. For example, gray matter heterotopia, the displacement of gray matter into the cerebral white matter or ventricles.
• heterotropia: See Strabismus.
• high grade glioma: See grade 1, 2, 3 and 4. A grade 3 or 4 glioma is usually considered a high grade glioma.
• high grade infiltrative glial tumor: See infiltrative and grades 1, 2, 3, and 4.
• hilar: (adjective) : of, relating to, affecting, or located near a hilum
• hippocampus: A curved elevation of gray matter extending the entire length of the floor of the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle. Starting on the its ventricular aspect, the hippocampus is usually considered to comprise seven sublayers.
• histiocyte: (noun) : MACROPHAGE
• Histiocytoma: plural -mas also -ma*ta (noun) : a tumor that consists predominantly of macrophages
• histiocytoma: (noun) : a tumor that consists predominantly of macrophages
• histiocytosis: plural -to*ses (noun) : abnormal multiplication of macrophages; broadly : a condition characterized by such multiplication
• histological grades: Tumor Grade, See: WHO Classification
• hodgkin: (noun) : a neoplastic disease that is characterized by progressive enlargement of lymph nodes, spleen, and liver and by progressive anemia
• Hodgkin's disease: A form of malignant lymphoma charaterized by painless, progressive enlargement of the lymph nodes, spleen and general lymphoid tissue. Other sysmptoms may include anorexia, lassitude, weight loss, fever, itching, night sweats and anemia.
• holistic: (adjective) 1 : of or relating to holism 2 : relating to or concerned with wholes or with complete systems rather than with the analysis of, treatment of, or dissection into parts <' medicine attempts to treat both the mind and the body>
• homogeneous: of uniform structure or composition throughout - ho·mo·ge·neous·ly adverb - ho·mo·ge·neous·ness noun
• Horner's syndrome: A nerve condition involving narrowed pupils, drooping eyelids (ptosis), and unusual facial dryness resulting from an injury to the spinal cord, with damage or paralysis of the cervical sympathetic nerve trunk. In the case of a neck injury, the person should be carried flat with as little movement as possible.
• horners tumor: This term could not be found. See Horner's syndrome.
• huntington's: (noun) : a hereditary chorea usu. developing in adult life and progressing to dementia
• hydracephalus: Hydrocephalus. An abnormal increase in the amount of cerebrospinal fluid within the cranial cavity that is accompanied by expansion of the cerebral ventricles, enlargement of the skull and especially the forehead, and atrophy of the brain.
• hydrocephalus: An accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the skull.
• hydrocephaly: Hydrocephalus. An abnormal increase in the amount of cerebrospinal fluid within the cranial cavity that is accompanied by expansion of the cerebral ventricles, enlargement of the skull and especially the forehead, and atrophy of the brain.
• hydrocortisone: A drug used to relieve the symptoms of certain hormone shortages and to suppress an immune response.
• hydroxyurea: An antineoplastic.
• hydrpcephalus: See hydrocephalus.
• hygroma: (noun) : a cystic tumor of lymphatic origin
• hygromas: a cystic tumor of lymphatic origin
• hyper-fractionated: This is a variation of fractionated (usually referring to radiation), but multiple doses are given each day, instead of just one a day, for a few days a week, for a few weeks.
• hypercortisolism: (noun) : hyperadrenocorticism produced by excess hydrocortisone in the body
• hyperfractionated radiation therapy: See: hyper-fractionated
• hyperintense flair singal: FLAIR is a pulse sequence used in magnetic resonance imaging. It is used in brain imaging to suppress cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) effects on the image, so as to bring out the hyperintense (brighter than brain tissue) lesions.
• hyperostosis: Excessive growth or thickening of bone tissue.
• hyperplasia: An abnormal or unusual increase in the elements composing a part (as cells composing a tissue).
• hypertension: Hypertension: High blood pressure, defined as a repeatedly elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg -- a systolic pressure above 140 with a diastolic pressure above 90
• hypertention: See: hypertension.
• hypertrophy: Inflected Form(s): plural -phies : excessive development of an organ or part ; specifically : increase in bulk (as by thickening of muscle fibers) without multiplication of parts
• hypervascular: Having to do with an excessive formation of blood vessels, or of an excessive blood supply.
• Hypnagogic: Refers to sensory experiences that may be felt during hypnogogia, the transition to and from sleep.
• hypnic: A hypnic or hypnagogic jerk is an involuntary myoclonic twitch which occurs during hypnagogia (the transitional state between wakefulness and sleep), just as the subject is beginning to fall asleep. Physically, hypnic jerks resemble the "jump" made when a person is startled. Often accompanied by a falling sensation, it is commonly caused by irregular sleep schedules. The neurological reason that hypnic jerks occur is not fully understood, although there are two predominant theories. Some researchers suggest that as a subject's heartbeat and breathing slow down, the body thinks these events are a sign of death, and respond with a myoclonic jerk to stimulate it. Another theory states that as a subject falls asleep, their muscles begin to relax and cease working, causing the brain to believe that the body must be falling through air. It is thought that this causes people to thrash their limbs in an attempt to catch something or turn oneself upright. Hypnic jerks are usually felt once or twice per night. More regular, and usually less intense, hypnic jerks often occur during normal sleep. In extreme cases, however, this is classified as a disorder called periodic limb movement. The person with the disorder usually sleeps through these events. When a subject is deprived of sleep and is trying to fight sleep, hypnic jerks can sometimes occur more frequently. This normally happens to subjects who have deprived themselves of sleep for longer than 24 hours, or to those who have recently awakened after insufficient sleep.
• hypo: : extreme depression of mind or spirits often centered on imaginary physical ailments ; specifically :
• hypodense: Being less dense than some other objects; applied particularly to objects or areas that are less dense than others on radiographs.
• hypodensity: Being less dense than some other objects, applied particularly to objects or areas that are less dense than others on radiographs.
• hypogonadism: (noun) 1 : functional incompetence of the gonads esp. in the male 2 : a condition (as Klinefelter's syndrome) involving gonadal incompetence
• hypophyse: Correct spelling is hypophysis. The pituitary gland.
• hypophysis: The pituitary gland located at the base of the brain.
• hypoplasia: A condition of arrested development in which an organ or part remains below the normal size or in an immature or undeveloped state.
• hypothalamic brain tumor: Hypothalamic hamartoma: A benign tumor of the hypothalamus, the area of the brain that controls body temperature, hunger, and thirst. (In technical terms, the hypothalamus lies beneath a structure known as the thalamus and forms the floor of the third ventricle of the brain.) A small hypothalamic hamartoma can cause the person to feel as though they have to laugh. The tumor also causes the patient to have mild epileptic seizures. The seizures can usually be controlled with medication; the laugh cannot. Larger hypothalamic hamartomas often cause more serious symptoms, including changes in mental ability and behavioral problems. Patients with possible hypothalamic hamartomas should have MRI scans, which should be thoroughly scrutinized, since the growths are small and sometimes difficult to detect
• hypothalamic hamartoma: Tumour like but nonneoplastic overgrowth of tissue in the area of the hypothalamus. Most often seen in children. Sometimes the cause of precocious puberty.
• hypothalamus: The part of the brain that forms the floor of the third ventricle and regulates many bodily functions such as temperature, sleep, and food intake.
• hypoxia: A deficiency of oxygen reaching the tissues of the body
• hypoxic: See: Hypoxia
• iac: (adjective) : of, relating to, or characterized by paraphilia
• iclc: Polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid stabilized with polylysine and carboxymethylcellulose (poly-ICLC) .
• idiopathic: Self-oriented, of unknown causation.
• IL-2: interleukin-2 (noun) : an interleukin produced by antigen-stimulated helper T cells in the presence of interleukin-1 that induces proliferation of immune cells (as T cells and B cells) and is used experimentally esp. in treating certain cancers -- abbr. IL-2
• IL-4: Interleukin-4, added to the bacterial toxin called Pseudomonas exotoin (PE) to create a drug that is deadly to malignant glioblastoma cells.
• imagery: mental images ; especially : the products of imagination
• imitrex: used for a preparation of the succinate of sumatriptan
• immunology: A science that deals with the immune system and the cell-mediated and humoral (humoral = relating to or being the part of immunity or the immune response that involves antibodies secreted by B cells and circulating in bodily fluids) aspects of immunity and immune responses.
• immunotherapy: Treatment of disease by stimulating the bodys own immune system. This is a type of therapy currently being researched as a treatment for cancer.
• impaction: Impaction is a pathological condition in humans where an impassable mass of stone-like fecal matter collects in the rectum. It frequently occurs as a result of dehydration, inactivity, and medications, such as narcotics or psychotropic agents, which slow the peristalsis, and increase the time that the colonic mucosa will extract moisture from the fecal bolus. Treatment involves attempts at moving the impaction by enema and, failing that, breaking up the impaction transrectally by using a (gloved) finger, and pressing the mass against the coccyx to fracture it into smaller pieces. After this, a follow-up enema is usually required in addition to proper ongoing hydration, bulk in the diet, exercise and a review of all medications to discontinue those responsible in order to prevent recurrence. Dental impactions are often known to occur when there is not enough room in the jaw for new molar teeth to erupt properly. This can lead to a variety of dental problems, including cysts. There are several types of dental impaction.
• IMRT Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy: In IMRT, the beam intensity is varied across the treatment field. Rather than being treated with a single, large, uniform beam, the patient is treated instead with many very small beams; each can have a different intensity. By cross firing the tumor with these beams, the physician delivers a relatively uniform radiation dose to the tumor, but protects sensitive, surrounding tissue from high-dose radiation.
• incisura: : a notch, cleft, or fissure of a body part or organ 2 : a downward notch in the curve recording aortic blood pressure that occurs between systole and diastole and is caused by backflow of blood for a short time before the aortic valve closes
• indolent: An indolent tumor would refer to one that is inactive, not developing, or sluggish in growth. Low grade tumors are sometimes described as being indolent.
• infarcation: In medicine, an infarction is the process of tissue death (necrosis) caused by blockage of the tissue's blood supply. The supplying artery may be blocked by an obstruction (e.g. an embolus, thrombus, or atherosclerotic plaque); may be mechanically compressed (e.g. tumor, volvulus, or hernia); ruptured by trauma (e.g. atherosclerosis or vasculitides); or vasoconstricted (e.g. cocaine vasoconstriction leading to myocardial infarction).
• infarct: An area of tissue death due to a local lack of oxygen.
• infiltration: (noun) : something that passes or is caused to pass into or through something by permeating or filtering; esp : a substance that passes into the bodily tissues and forms an abnormal accumulation -- infiltrate (verb) -- in*fil*tra*tion (noun)
• infiltrative: (noun) : something that passes or is caused to pass into or through something by permeating or filtering; esp : a substance that passes into the bodily tissues and forms an abnormal accumulation -- infiltrate (verb) -- in*fil*tra*tion (noun) -- in*fil*tra*tive (adjective)
• infrarenal: (adjective) : situated or occurring below the kidneys
• infundibular scar tissue: Scar tissue involving the infundibulum: any of various conical or dilated organs or parts.
• infundibulum: The hollow conical process of gray matter that constitutes the stalk which the pituitary gland is connected with the brain -- called also neural stalk.
• infusion: (noun) 1 : the introducing of a solution (as of salt) esp. into a vein; also : the solution so used 2 a : the steeping or soaking usu. in water of a substance (as a plant drug) in order to extract its soluble constituents or principles --compare DECOCTION 1 b : the liquid extract obtained by this process -- in*fuse (verb)
• insula: The insular cortex (often called insula, insulary cortex or insular lobe) is a cerebral cortex structure deep within the lateral fissure between the temporal lobe and the frontal lobe.The insula plays a role in diverse functions usually linked to emotion or the regulation of the body's homeostasis. These functions include perception, motor control, self-awareness, cognitive functioning, and interpersonal experience. Related to these it is involved in psychopathology.
• insula tumor: See: Insula
• insular: See: Insula
• insular glioma: See Insular. See Glioma
• inter stational-131i-chtnt-1: See http://www.virtualtrials.com/tcln.cfm
• inter ventricle resection: See interventricular.
• interferon: Interferons are a type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to disease). Interferons interfere with the division of cancer cells and thus slow the growth of the tumor. There are several types including alfa, beta, and gamma.
• interleukin: (IL) A substance used in biological therapy to help the immune system fight infection and cancer. IL-2 is a type of biological response (something that can improve the body's natural response to disease) that stimulates the growth of certain disease-fighting blood cells in the immune system. IL-4 is one that enhances the immune system's ability to fight tumor cells. IL-12 is one that enhances the ability of the immune system to kill tumor cells and that may interfere with blood flow to the tumor.
• Interleukins: Interleukins: Substances used in biological therapy. Interleukins stimulate the growth and activities of certain kinds of white blood cells.
• interluken: any of various compounds of low molecular weight that are produced by lymphocytes, macrophages, and monocytes and that function especially in regulation of the immune system and especially cell-mediated immunity
• intermediate brain tumor: A classification of brain tumor dependent on how fast it grows. Sometimes this term is used to refer to grade 3 astrocytomas or lymphomas.
• internal capsule: 1 a : a membrane or saclike structure enclosing a part or organ b : either of two layers or laminae of white matter in the cerebrum: (1) : a layer that consists largely of fibers passing to and from the cerebral cortex and that lies internal to the lentiform nucleus -- called also internal capsule (2) : one that lies between the lentiform nucleus and the claustrum -- called also external capsule
• interpositum: See velum interpositum.
• interstitial: Of or pertaining to the space between tissues, as interstitial fluid.
• interstitial implant hyperthermia: This term could not be found.
• interventricular: An opening between the lateral and third ventricles in a system of four communicating cavities within the brain that are continuous with the central canal of the spinal cord. The four ventricles consist of the two lateral ventricles, the third ventricle and the fourth ventricle: Lateral ventricles: The lateral ventricles are in the cerebral hemispheres. Each lateral ventricle consists of a triangular central body and four horns. The lateral ventricles communicate with the third ventricle through the interventricular foramen (opening). The third ventricle is a median (midline) cavity in the brain that is bounded by the thalamus and hypothalamus on either side. Anteriorly (in front) the third ventricle communicates with the lateral ventricles and posteriorly (in back) the third ventricle communicates with what is called the aqueduct of the midbrain (or the aqueduct of Sylvius). The fourth ventricle is the most inferior (lowest) of the four ventricles of the brain. It extends from the aqueduct of the midbrain to the central canal of the upper end of the spinal cord with which it communicates by the two foramina (openings) of Luschka and the foramen (opening) of Magendie. The ventricles are filled with cerebrospinal fluid, which is formed by structures called choroid plexuses located in the walls and roofs of the ventricles
• intra-axial: Occurring within the brain tissue
• intra-cranial: situated or occurring within the cranium ; also : affecting or involving intracranial structures
• intracavitary radiation: A type of radiation in which the radiation source is placed right in the affected tissue, usually in small tubes or containers. These implants may be temporary or permanent.
• intracranial: (adjective) : situated or occurring within the cranium <' pressure>; also : affecting or involving intracranial structures
• intracranial calcifications: See: calcification.
• intracranial leptomenigeal: See: leptomeningeal
• intracranial lesion: A lesion of the brain. A brain tumor.
• intracranial shunt: A shunt within the cranium.
• intraparenchymal: : situated or occurring within the parenchyma of an organ
• intrathecal: Introduced into or occurring in the space under the arachnoid membrane of the brain or spinal cord.
• intratumoral catheter : A flexible, tubular, surgical instrument that is inserted directly into a tumor cavity. This can be done to add or remove fluids from the tumor cavity.
• intraventricular: Situated within, occurring within, or administered into a ventricle
• intrinsic: (adjective) 1 : originating or due to causes or factors within a body, organ, or part <' asthma> 2 : originating and included wholly within an organ or part <' muscles> --compare EXTRINSIC 2
• intrinstic: Situated entirely within or pertaining exclusively to a part.
• invasive: Tending to spread; especially tending to invade healthy tissue, as in the phrase *invasive cancer cells.*
• Irinotecan: An anticancer drug that belongs to a family of drugs called topoisomerase inhibitors, which interfere with the action of topoisomerase enzymes. Blocking these enzymes may kill cancer cells. It is also known as CPT-11. The most significant adverse effects of irinotecan are severe diarrhea and extreme suppression of the immune system.
• ischemia: A restriction in blood supply, generally due to factors in the blood vessels, with resultant damage or dysfunction of tissue. It may also be spelled ischaemia or ischæmia.
• Ischemia: Ischemia is a restriction in blood supply, generally due to factors in the blood vessels, with resultant damage or dysfunction of tissue. It may also be spelled ischaemia or ischæmia.
• ischemic: Displaying localized tissue anemia due to obstruction of the inflow of arterial blood (as by the narrowing of arteries by spasm or disease)
• ischemic penumbra: an area peripheral to one of ischemia where metabolism is active but blood flow is diminished.
• isschemic necrosis: Ischemic necrosis. The death of living tissue resulting from localized tissue anemia due to obstruction of the inflow of arterial blood (as by the narrowing of arteries by spasm or disease).

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