Menu Close

Glossary

Showing 401-410 out of 1156 Terms

We're sorry, it looks like there has been an error. Please try again soon.

  • Endocrine cancer

    Cancer that occurs in endocrine tissue, the tissue in the body that secretes hormones.

  • Endocrine system

    (EN-doh-krin SIS-tem)

    A system of glands and cells that make hormones that are released directly into the blood and travel to tissues and organs all over the body. The endocrine system controls growth, sexual development, sleep, hunger, and the way the body uses food.

  • Endocrinologist

    (EN-doh-krih-NAH-loh-jist)

    A doctor who has special training in diagnosing and treating disorders of the endocrine system (the glands and organs that make hormones). These disorders include diabetes, infertility, and thyroid, adrenal, and pituitary gland problems.

  • Endocrinology

    (EN-doh-krih-NAH-loh-jee)

    A branch of medicine that specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the endocrine system, which includes the glands and organs that make hormones.

  • Endoscopy

    (en-DOS-koh-pee)

    A procedure that uses an endoscope to examine the inside of the body. An endoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing. It may also have a tool to remove tissue to be checked under a microscope for signs of disease.

  • Endpoint

    (END-poynt)

    In clinical trials, an event or outcome that can be measured objectively to determine whether the intervention being studied is beneficial. The endpoints of a clinical trial are usually included in the study objectives. Some examples of endpoints are survival, improvements in quality of life, relief of symptoms, and disappearance of the tumor.

  • Enema

    (EH-neh-muh)

    The injection of a liquid through the anus into the large bowel.

  • Energy therapy

    A form of complementary and alternative medicine based on the belief that a vital energy flows through the human body. The goal of energy therapy is to balance the energy flow in the patient. It is used to reduce stress and anxiety and promote well-being. Energy therapy is being studied in patients receiving cancer therapy, to find out if it can improve quality of life, boost the immune system, or reduce side effects. Also called energy healing.

  • Enteral nutrition

    (EN-teh-rul noo-TRIH-shun)

    A form of nutrition that is delivered into the digestive system as a liquid. Drinking nutrition beverages or formulas and tubefeeding are forms of enteral nutrition. People who are unable to meet their needs with food and beverages alone, and who do not have vomiting or uncontrollable diarrhea may be given tubefeedings. Tubefeeding can be used to add to what a person is able to eat or can be the only source of nutrition. A small feeding tube may be placed through the nose into the stomach or the small intestine, or it may be surgically placed into the stomach or the intestinal tract through an opening made on the outside of the abdomen, depending on how long it will be used.

  • Enzyme

    (en-zime)

    A protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body.