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Glossary

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  • NSAIDs

    Drugs that work in a different way than a steroid to reduce pain, redness, swelling, and fever in the body. Some NSAIDs may also help keep blood clots from forming. The side effects of NSAIDs include bleeding and stomach, kidney, and heart problems. Examples of NSAIDs are aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, celecoxib, diclofenac, and ketorolac. NSAIDs may also help prevent some types of cancer. Also called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

  • Narcotic

    (nar-KAH-tik)

    A substance used to treat moderate to severe pain. Narcotics are like opiates such as morphine and codeine, but are not made from opium. They bind to opioid receptors in the central nervous system. Narcotics are now called opioids.

  • Nasogastric tube

    (NAY-zoh-GAS-trik toob)

    A tube that is inserted through the nose, down the throat and esophagus, and into the stomach. It can be used to give drugs, liquids, and liquid food, or used to remove substances from the stomach. Giving food through a nasogastric tube is a type of enteral nutrition. Also called gastric feeding tube and NG tube.

  • Nasopharynx

    (NAY-zoh-FAYR-inx)

    The upper part of the throat behind the nose. An opening on each side of the nasopharynx leads into the ear.

  • National Cancer Institute

    (NA-shuh-nul KAN-ser IN-stih-TOOT)

    The National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, is the Federal Government's principal agency for cancer research. The National Cancer Institute conducts, coordinates, and funds cancer research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs with respect to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer.

  • Natural killer cell

    (NA-chuh-rul KIH-ler sel)

    A type of immune cell that has granules (small particles) with enzymes that can kill tumor cells or cells infected with a virus. A natural killer cell is a type of white blood cell. Also called NK cell and NK-LGL.

  • Nausea

    (NAW-zee-uh)

    A feeling of sickness or discomfort in the stomach that may come with an urge to vomit. Nausea is a side effect of some types of cancer therapy.

  • Nebulizer

    (NEH-byoo-LY-zer)

    A device used to turn liquid into a fine spray.

  • Necrosis

    (neh-KROH-sis)

    Refers to the death of living tissues.

  • Needle biopsy

    (NEE-dul BY-op-see)

    The removal of tissue or fluid with a needle for examination under a microscope. When a wide needle is used, the procedure is called a core biopsy. When a thin needle is used, the procedure is called a fine-needle aspiration biopsy.