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Glossary

Showing 571-580 out of 1184 Terms

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  • Hormone responsive

    (HOR-mone reh-SPONT-siv)

    In oncology, describes cancer that responds to hormone treatment.

  • Hormone therapy

    (HOR-mone THAYR-uh-pee)

    Treatment that adds, blocks, or removes hormones. For certain conditions (such as diabetes or menopause), hormones are given to adjust low hormone levels. To slow or stop the growth of certain cancers (such as prostate and breast cancer), synthetic hormones or other drugs may be given to block the body’s natural hormones. Sometimes surgery is needed to remove the gland that makes a certain hormone. Also called endocrine therapy, hormonal therapy, and hormone treatment.

  • Hormone-refractory

    (HOR-mone-reh-FRAK-tor-ee)

    In medicine, describes a disease or condition that does not respond to treatment with hormones. Also called hormone-resistant.

  • Horner syndrome

    (...SIN-drome)

    A condition in which one side of the face is flushed, does not produce sweat, and has a constricted pupil and drooping eyelid. It can be caused by an injury to, or paralysis of, nerves in the neck, or by a tumor.

  • Hospice

    HOS-pis

    A program that gives special care to people who are near the end of life and have stopped treatment to cure or control their disease. Hospice offers physical, emotional, social, and spiritual support for patients and their families. The main goal of hospice care is to control pain and other symptoms of illness so patients can be as comfortable and alert as possible. It is usually given at home, but may also be given in a hospice center, hospital, or nursing home.

  • Host cell

    (... sel)

    A cell that is infected by a virus or another type of microorganism.

  • Human leukocyte antigen

    HYOO-mun LOO-koh-site AN-tih-jen

    Antigens that appear on white blood cells as well as cells of almost all other tissues. By typing for HL-A antigens, donors and recipients of white blood cells, platelets, and organs can be "matched" insuring good performance and survival of transfused and transplanted cells.

  • Human leukocyte antigens

    HYOO-mun LOO-koh-site AN-tih-jen

    Antigens that appear on white blood cells as well as cells of almost all other tissues. By typing for HL-A antigens, donors and recipients of white blood cells, platelets, and organs can be "matched" insuring good performance and survival of transfused and transplanted cells.

  • Hydration

    (hy-DRAY-shun)

    The process of combining with water. In medicine, the process of giving fluids needed by the body.

  • Hydrocephalus

    HY-droh-SEH-fuh-lus

    The abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain.