Menu Close

Glossary

Showing 941-950 out of 1184 Terms

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

  • Pons

    ponz

    Part of the central nervous system, located at the base of the brain, between the medulla oblongata and the midbrain. It is part of the brainstem.

  • Port

    port

    A device used to draw blood and give treatments, including intravenous fluids, drugs, or blood transfusions. The port is placed under the skin, usually in the chest. It is attached to a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) that is guided (threaded) into a large vein above the right side of the heart called the superior vena cava. A port may stay in place for many weeks or months. A needle is inserted through the skin into the port to draw blood or give fluids. Also called port-a-cath.

  • Post-op

    After surgery.

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder

    (post-traw-MA-tik stres dis-OR-der)

    An anxiety disorder that develops in reaction to physical injury or severe mental or emotional distress, such as military combat, violent assault, natural disaster, or other life-threatening events.

  • Potassium

    (puh-TA-see-um)

    A metallic element that is important in body functions such as regulation of blood pressure and of water content in cells, transmission of nerve impulses, digestion, muscle contraction, and heartbeat.

  • Pre-op

    Before surgery.

  • Prednisone

    (PRED-nih-sone)

    A drug used to lessen inflammation and lower the body’s immune response. It is used with other drugs to treat leukemia and lymphoma and other types of cancer. It is also used alone or with other drugs to prevent or treat many other conditions. These include conditions related to cancer, such as anemia (a low level of red blood cells), allergic reactions, and loss of appetite. Prednisone is a type of therapeutic glucocorticoid.

  • Primary tumor

    (PRY-mayr-ee TOO-mer)

    A term used to describe the original, or first, tumor in the body. Cancer cells from a primary tumor may spread to other parts of the body and form new, or secondary, tumors.

  • Progesterone

    (proh-JES-teh-rone)

    A type of hormone made by the body that plays a role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Progesterone can also be made in the laboratory. It may be used as a type of birth control and to treat menstrual disorders, infertility, symptoms of menopause, and other conditions.

  • Prognosis

    (prog-NO-sis)

    The likely outcome or course of a disease; the chance of recovery or recurrence.