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Glossary

Showing 751-760 out of 1196 Terms

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  • Mean survival

    (meen ser-VY-vul)

    The average length of time from either the date of diagnosis or the start of treatment for a disease, such as cancer, that patients diagnosed with the disease are still alive. In a clinical trial, measuring mean survival is one way to see how well a new treatment works.

  • Measurable disease

    (MEH-zur-uh-bul dih-ZEEZ)

    A tumor that can be accurately measured in size. This information can be used to judge response to treatment.

  • Median survival

    (MEE-dee-un ser-VY-vul)

    The length of time from either the date of diagnosis or the start of treatment for a disease, such as cancer, that half of the patients in a group of patients diagnosed with the disease are still alive. In a clinical trial, measuring the median survival is one way to see how well a new treatment works. Also called median overall survival.

  • Mediastinoscope

    (MEE-dee-uh-STY-noh-skope)

    A thin, tube-like instrument used to examine the tissues and lymph nodes in the area between the lungs. These tissues include the heart and its large blood vessels, trachea, esophagus, and bronchi. The mediastinoscope has a light and a lens for viewing and may also have a tool to remove tissue. It is inserted into the chest through a cut above the breastbone.

  • Mediastinoscopy

    (MEE-dee-uh-sty-NOS-koh-pee)

    A procedure in which a mediastinoscope is used to examine the organs in the area between the lungs and nearby lymph nodes. A mediastinoscope 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. The mediastinoscope is inserted into the chest through an incision above the breastbone. This procedure is usually done to get a tissue sample from the lymph nodes on the right side of the chest.

  • Mediastinum

    (MEE-dee-uh-STY-num)

    The area between the lungs. The organs in this area include the heart and its large blood vessels, the trachea, the esophagus, the thymus, and lymph nodes but not the lungs.

  • Medicaid

    (MEH-dih-kayd)

    A public health insurance program for some people or families with limited incomes and resources, including children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with disabilities.

  • Medical history

    MEH-dih-kul HIH-stuh-ree

    A record of information about a person’s health. A personal medical history may include information about allergies, illnesses, surgeries, immunizations, and results of physical exams and tests. It may also include information about medicines taken and health habits, such as diet and exercise. A family medical history includes health information about a person's close family members (parents, grandparents, children, brothers, and sisters). This includes their current and past illnesses. A family medical history may show a pattern of certain diseases in a family.

  • Medical oncologist

    (MEH-dih-kul on-KAH-loh-jist)

    A doctor who has special training in diagnosing and treating cancer using chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy, and targeted therapy. A medical oncologist often is the main health care provider for someone who has cancer. A medical oncologist also gives supportive care and may coordinate treatment given by other specialists.

  • Medication

    (MEH-dih-KAY-shun)

    A legal drug that is used to prevent, treat, or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition.