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Glossary

Showing 361-370 out of 1184 Terms

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  • Distal

    (DIS-tul)

    Refers to a part of the body that is farther away from the center of the body than another part. For example, the fingers are distal to the shoulder. The opposite is proximal.

  • Distant cancer

    (DIS-tunt KAN-ser)

    Refers to cancer that has spread from the original (primary) tumor to distant organs or distant lymph nodes. Also known as distant metastasis.

  • Diuretics

    (DY-yoo-REH-tiks)

    A type of drug that causes the kidneys to make more urine. Diuretics help the body get rid of extra fluid and salt. They are used to treat high blood pressure, edema (extra fluid in the tissues), and other conditions. There are many different types of diuretics. They are sometimes called water pills.

  • Dose

    (dose)

    The amount of medicine taken, or radiation given, at one time.

  • Dose-dense chemotherapy

    (dose-dents KEE-moh-THAYR-uh-pee)

    A chemotherapy treatment plan in which drugs are given with less time between treatments than in a standard chemotherapy treatment plan.

  • Dose-dependent

    (dose-deh-PEN-dent)

    Refers to the effects of treatment with a drug. If the effects change when the dose of the drug is changed, the effects are said to be dose-dependent.

  • Dose-limiting

    (dose-LIH-mih-ting)

    Describes side effects of a drug or other treatment that are serious enough to prevent an increase in dose or level of that treatment.

  • Dose-rate

    (dose-rayt)

    The strength of a treatment given over a period of time.

  • Dosimetrist

    (doh-SIH-meh-trist)

    A person who determines the proper radiation dose for treatment.

  • Dosimetry

    (doh-SIH-meh-tree)

    Measurement of radiation exposure from x-rays, gamma rays, or other types of radiation used in the treatment or detection of diseases, including cancer.