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Glossary - U

U

Showing 1-15 out of 15 Terms

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  • Ulcer

    (UL-ser)

    A break on the skin, in the lining of an organ, or on the surface of a tissue. An ulcer forms when the surface cells become inflamed, die, and are shed. Ulcers may be linked to cancer and other diseases.

  • Ulcerative Colitis

    (UL-seh-RUH-tiv koh-LY-tis)

    Chronic inflammation of the colon that produces ulcers in its lining. This condition is marked by abdominal pain, cramps, and loose discharges of pus, blood, and mucus from the bowel.

  • Ultrasound

    (UL-truh-sownd)

    A procedure that uses high-energy sound waves to look at tissues and organs inside the body. The sound waves make echoes that form pictures of the tissues and organs on a computer screen (sonogram). Ultrasound may be used to help diagnose diseases, such as cancer. It may also be used during pregnancy to check the fetus (unborn baby) and during medical procedures, such as biopsies. Also called ultrasonography.

  • Ultraviolet

    (UL-truh-VY-oh-let)

    Invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun. Ultraviolet radiation that reaches the Earth's surface is made up of two types of rays, called UVA and UVB. Ultraviolet radiation also comes from sun lamps and tanning beds. It can cause skin damage, premature aging, melanoma, and other types of skin cancer. It can also cause problems with the eyes and the immune system. Skin specialists recommend that people use sunscreens that protect the skin from both kinds of ultraviolet radiation. In medicine, ultraviolet radiation also comes from special lamps or a laser and is used to treat certain skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, and skin tumors of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Also called UV radiation.

  • Ultraviolet radiation

    (UL-truh-VY-oh-let RAY-dee-AY-shun)

    Invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun.

  • Unilateral

    (YOO-nih-LA-teh-rul)

    Having to do with one side of the body.

  • Ureter

    (YER-eh-ter)

    The tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.

  • Urethra

    (yoo-REE-thruh)

    The tube through which urine leaves the body. It empties urine from the bladder.

  • Uric acid

    (YOO-rik A-sid)

    A waste product left over from normal chemical processes in the body and found in the urine and blood. Abnormal buildup of uric acid in the body may cause a condition called gout. Increased levels of uric acid in the blood and urine can be a side effect of chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

  • Urinalysis

    (YOOR-ih-NA-lih-sis)

    A test that determines the content of the urine.

  • Urinary tract

    (YOOR-ih-NAYR-ee trakt)

    The organs that make urine and remove it from the body. The urinary tract is divided into two parts. The upper urinary tract includes the kidneys and ureters. The lower urinary tract includes the bladder and urethra.

  • Urinary tract infection

    (YOOR-ih-NAYR-ee trakt in-FEK-shun)

    A condition in which bacteria invade and grow in the urinary tract (the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra). Most urinary tract infections occur in the bladder or urethra. Signs and symptoms may include pain or burning during urination, cloudy or bad-smelling urine, blood in the urine, feeling a need to urinate often or right away, pain in the back or lower abdomen, fever, chills, and fatigue.

  • Urine culture

    (YOOR-in KUL-cher)

    A laboratory test to check for bacteria, yeast, or other microorganisms in the urine. Urine cultures can help identify the type of microorganism that is causing an infection. This helps determine the best treatment. They may be used to help diagnose urinary tract infections, such as bladder infections. They may also be done after treatment for a urinary tract infection to make sure the microorganism that caused the infection is gone.

  • Urologist

    (yoo-RAH-loh-jist)

    A doctor who has special training in diagnosing and treating diseases of the urinary organs in females and the urinary and reproductive organs in males.

  • Uterus

    (YOO-teh-rus)

    The hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis. The uterus is where a fetus (unborn baby) develops and grows. Also called womb.