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Glossary

Showing 551-560 out of 1154 Terms

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  • Hepatocellular carcinoma

    A type of adenocarcinoma and the most common type of liver tumor.

  • Herbal supplement

    (ER-bul SUH-pleh-ment)

    A product made from a plant that is thought to be useful in treating disease or staying healthy. Herbal supplements are taken by mouth.

  • Hereditary

    In medicine, describes the passing of genetic information from parent to child through the genes in sperm and egg cells. Also called inherited.

  • High blood pressure

    (hy blud PREH-sher)

    A blood pressure of 140/90 or higher. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. It can harm the arteries and cause an increase in the risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and blindness. Also called hypertension.

  • High-dose chemotherapy

    (hy-dose kee-moh-THAYR-uh-pee)

    An intensive drug treatment to kill cancer cells, but that also destroys the bone marrow and can cause other severe side effects. High-dose chemotherapy is usually followed by bone marrow or stem cell transplantation to rebuild the bone marrow.

  • High-dose radiation

    (hy-dose RAY-dee-AY-shun)

    An amount of radiation that is greater than that given in typical radiation therapy. High-dose radiation is precisely directed at the tumor to avoid damaging healthy tissue, and may kill more cancer cells in fewer treatments. Also called HDR.

  • High-grade

    (hy grayd)

    A term used to describe cells and tissue that look abnormal under a microscope. High-grade cancer cells tend to grow and spread more quickly than low-grade cancer cells. Cancer grade may be used to help plan treatment and determine prognosis. High-grade cancers usually have a worse prognosis than low-grade cancers and may need treatment right away or treatment that is more aggressive (intensive).

  • High-risk cancer

    (hy-risk KAN-ser)

    Cancer that is likely to recur (come back), or spread.

  • Histology

    (his-TAH-loh-jee)

    The study of tissues and cells under a microscope.

  • Hives

    (hyvz)

    Itchy, raised red areas on the skin. Hives are caused by a reaction to certain foods, drugs, infections, or emotional stress. Also called urticaria.