Medical terms A–Z

A type of fat that has certain chemical properties and is usually found in processed foods such as baked goods, snack foods, fried foods, shortening, margarine, and certain vegetable oils.

A procedure used to examine the organs in the abdomen.

A mental technique used to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve quality of life.

A gene's DNA sequence is copied into a corresponding RNA molecule through this essential first step of expressing genetic information.

Transdermal describes a medication delivery method in which a drug passes through unbroken skin into the bloodstream, often using a patch.

A substance being studied in the treatment of brain tumors.

A rare, genetic disorder that is present at birth and has two or more of the following symptoms: Wilms tumor (a type of kidney cancer); little or no iris (the colored part of the eye); defects in…

Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia is a slow growing lymphoma marked by excess antibody production that can thicken the blood and impair circulation.

Warfarin thins the blood by interfering with the liver's production of clotting factors that depend on vitamin K.

In surgery, keeping a tissue, organ, or body part at body temperature after its blood suppy has been reduced or cut off.

In surgery, the time a tissue, organ, or body part remains at body temperature after its blood supply has been reduced or cut off but before it is cooled or reconnected to a blood supply.

A raised growth on the surface of the skin or other organ.

A vitamin that can dissolve in water.

Parts of the flowering plant have been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems.

WBC refers to white blood cells, the immune system components that circulate in blood and lymph to help defend against infection.

Surgery to remove a triangle-shaped slice of tissue.

A drug used to lessen the toxic effects of substances that block the action of folic acid, especially the anticancer drug methotrexate.

A rare, inherited disorder that affects the endocrine glands and can cause tumors in the parathyroid and pituitary glands and the pancreas.

An inherited disorder marked by rapid aging that begins in early adolescence.

A system in which medical doctors and other healthcare professionals (such as nurses, pharmacists, and therapists) treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery.