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Glossary

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  • T–cell ALL

    (T-sel ...)

    T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. An aggressive (fast-growing) type of leukemia (blood cancer) in which too many T-cell lymphoblasts (immature white blood cells) are found in the bone marrow and blood. Also called precursor T-lymphoblastic leukemia and T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia.

  • Ulcer

    (UL-ser)

    A break on the skin, in the lining of an organ, or on the surface of a tissue. An ulcer forms when the surface cells become inflamed, die, and are shed. Ulcers may be linked to cancer and other diseases.

  • Ulcerative Colitis

    (UL-seh-RUH-tiv koh-LY-tis)

    Chronic inflammation of the colon that produces ulcers in its lining. This condition is marked by abdominal pain, cramps, and loose discharges of pus, blood, and mucus from the bowel.

  • Ultrasound

    (UL-truh-sownd)

    A procedure that uses high-energy sound waves to look at tissues and organs inside the body. The sound waves make echoes that form pictures of the tissues and organs on a computer screen (sonogram). Ultrasound may be used to help diagnose diseases, such as cancer. It may also be used during pregnancy to check the fetus (unborn baby) and during medical procedures, such as biopsies. Also called ultrasonography.

  • Ultraviolet

    (UL-truh-VY-oh-let)

    Invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun. Ultraviolet radiation that reaches the Earth's surface is made up of two types of rays, called UVA and UVB. Ultraviolet radiation also comes from sun lamps and tanning beds. It can cause skin damage, premature aging, melanoma, and other types of skin cancer. It can also cause problems with the eyes and the immune system. Skin specialists recommend that people use sunscreens that protect the skin from both kinds of ultraviolet radiation. In medicine, ultraviolet radiation also comes from special lamps or a laser and is used to treat certain skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, and skin tumors of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Also called UV radiation.

  • Ultraviolet radiation

    (UL-truh-VY-oh-let RAY-dee-AY-shun)

    Invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun.

  • Unilateral

    (YOO-nih-LA-teh-rul)

    Having to do with one side of the body.

  • Ureter

    (YER-eh-ter)

    The tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.

  • Urethra

    (yoo-REE-thruh)

    The tube through which urine leaves the body. It empties urine from the bladder.

  • Uric acid

    (YOO-rik A-sid)

    A waste product left over from normal chemical processes in the body and found in the urine and blood. Abnormal buildup of uric acid in the body may cause a condition called gout. Increased levels of uric acid in the blood and urine can be a side effect of chemotherapy or radiation therapy.