Medical terms A–Z

A rare disorder in which the bone marrow makes almost no red blood cells.

A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer.

A condition in which the pituitary gland makes too much growth hormone after normal growth of the skeleton is finished.

A substance used to make plastics, rubber, and textiles.

A hormone made in the pituitary gland.

A drug put on the skin to treat growths caused by sun exposure.

A thick, scaly patch of skin that may become cancer.

In cancer prevention clinical trials, a study that focuses on finding out whether actions people take can prevent cancer.

In biology, to stimulate a cell in a resting state to become active.

The tasks of everyday life.

A drug that is used to treat type 2 diabetes and is being studied in the prevention of head and neck cancer.

A specific spot on the body where an acupuncture needle may be inserted to control pain and other symptoms.

The application of pressure or localized massage to specific sites on the body to control symptoms such as pain or nausea.

The technique of inserting thin needles through the skin at specific points on the body to control pain and other symptoms.

A stainless steel needle that is slightly thicker than a human hair.

A specific spot on the body where an acupuncture needle may be inserted to control pain and other symptoms.

A procedure in which drugs, vitamins, herbal extracts, or other fluids are injected into the body at an acupuncture point using a syringe and needle.

A procedure in which mild electric currents are applied to certain acupuncture points (spots on the body where an acupuncture needle may be inserted to control pain and other symptoms) on the skin.

A person trained in acupuncture (therapy that uses thin needles inserted through the skin at specific points on the body to control pain and other symptoms).

Mild electrical stimulation of acupuncture points to control symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.