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Glossary

Showing 321-330 out of 1154 Terms

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  • Deoxyribonucleic acid

    (dee-ok-see-ri-bo-new-CLAY-ic)

    The molecules inside cells that carry genetic information and pass it from one generation to the next. Also called DNA.

  • Depression

    (dee-PREH-shun)

    A mental condition marked by ongoing feelings of sadness, despair, loss of energy, and difficulty dealing with normal daily life. Other symptoms of depression include feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, loss of pleasure in activities, changes in eating or sleeping habits, and thoughts of death or suicide. Depression can affect anyone, and can be successfully treated. Depression affects 15-25% of cancer patients.

  • Dermal

    Pertaining to your skin.

  • Dermatitis

    (DER-muh-TY-tis)

    Inflammation of the skin.

  • Dermatologist

    (der-muh-TAH-loh-jist)

    A doctor who has special training to diagnose and treat skin problems.

  • Deviant

    (DEE-vee-unt)

    Different from what is normal or standard, especially in terms of behavior.

  • Diabetes

    (dy-uh-BEE-teez)

    Any of several diseases in which the kidneys make a large amount of urine. Diabetes usually refers to diabetes mellitus in which there is also a high level of glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood because the body does not make enough insulin or use it the way it should.

  • Diabetes insipidus

    (dy-uh-BEE-teez in-SIH-pih-dus)

    A condition in which a person is very thirsty and makes large amounts of urine. The most common types of diabetes insipidus are central diabetes insipidus (a pituitary disorder) and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (kidney failure). Diabetes insipidus is not related to diabetes mellitus, which is more common.

  • Diagnosis

    (DY-ug-NOH-sis)

    The process of identifying a disease, condition, or injury from its signs and symptoms. A health history, physical exam, and tests, such as blood tests, imaging tests, and biopsies, may be used to help make a diagnosis.

  • Diagnostic procedure

    (DY-ug-NAH-stik proh-SEE-jer)

    A type of test used to help diagnose a disease or condition. Mammograms and colonoscopies are examples of diagnostic procedures. Also called diagnostic test.