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Glossary

Showing 751-760 out of 1184 Terms

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  • 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.

  • Medicine

    (MEH-dih-sin)

    A substance used in treating disease.

  • Medulloblastoma

    (MED-yoo-loh-blas-TOH-muh)

    A malignant brain tumor that begins in the lower part of the brain and that can spread to the spine or to other parts of the body. Medulloblastomas are a type of primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET).

  • Melanocytes

    (meh-LAN-oh-sites)

    A cell in the skin and eyes that produces and contains the pigment called melanin.

  • Melanoma

    MEH-luh-NOH-muh

    A cancerous (malignant) tumor that begins in the cells that produce the skin coloring (melanocytes). Melanoma is almost always curable in its early stages. However, it is likely to spread, and once it has spread to other parts of the body the chances for a cure are much less.

  • Melatonin

    (MEH-luh-TOH-nin)

    A hormone made by the pineal gland (tiny organ near the center of the brain). Melatonin helps control the body’s sleep cycle, and is an antioxidant. It is also made in the laboratory and sold as a supplement.