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Glossary

Showing 381-390 out of 1154 Terms

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  • Dyskeratosis congenita

    (dis-KAYR-uh-TOH-sis kun-JEH-nih-tuh)

    A rare, inherited disorder that can affect many parts of the body, especially the nails, skin, and mouth.

  • Dysphagia

    dis-FAY-jee-uh

    Difficulty swallowing.

  • Dysplastic nevi

    dis-PLAS-tik NEE-vus

    A specific type of nevus (mole) that looks different from a common mole. Dysplastic nevi are mostly flat and often larger than common moles and have borders that are irregular. A dysplastic nevus can contain different colors, which can range from pink to dark brown. Parts of the mole may be raised above the skin surface. A dysplastic nevus may develop into melanoma (a type of skin cancer), and the more dysplastic nevi a person has, the higher the risk of melanoma. A dysplastic nevus is sometimes called an atypical mole.

  • Dyspnea

    (DISP-nee-uh)

    Difficult, painful breathing or shortness of breath.

  • Dystonic reaction

    Tightening of your facial and neck muscle, a possible side effect of some antiemetic drugs.

  • ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)

    (eh-RITH-roh-site SEH-dih-men-TAY-shun ...)

    The distance red blood cells travel in one hour in a sample of blood as they settle to the bottom of a test tube. The sedimentation rate is increased in inflammation, infection, cancer, rheumatic diseases, and diseases of the blood and bone marrow. Also called ESR and sedimentation rate.

  • Early-stage cancer

    (ER-lee-stayj KAN-ser)

    A term used to describe cancer that is early in its growth, and may not have spread to other parts of the body. What is called early stage may differ between cancer types.

  • Echo-cardiogram

    A method of obtaining a graphic picture of the internal structure, and position and motion of your heart through the use of sound waves directed through your chest.

  • Edema

    (eh-DEE-muh)

    Swelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues.

  • Electrocardiogram

    (ee-LEK-troh-KAR-dee-oh-gram)

    A line graph that shows changes in the electrical activity of the heart over time. It is made by an instrument called an electrocardiograph. The graph can show that there are abnormal conditions, such as blocked arteries, changes in electrolytes (particles with electrical charges), and changes in the way electrical currents pass through the heart tissue. Also called ECG and EKG.