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Dysphagia
dis-FAY-jee-uh
Difficulty swallowing.
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Dysplastic nevi
dis-PLAS-tik NEE-vus
A specific type of nevus (mole) that looks different from a common mole. Dysplastic nevi are mostly flat and often larger than common moles and have borders that are irregular. A dysplastic nevus can contain different colors, which can range from pink to dark brown. Parts of the mole may be raised above the skin surface. A dysplastic nevus may develop into melanoma (a type of skin cancer), and the more dysplastic nevi a person has, the higher the risk of melanoma. A dysplastic nevus is sometimes called an atypical mole.
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Dyspnea
(DISP-nee-uh)
Difficult, painful breathing or shortness of breath.
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Dystonic reaction
Tightening of your facial and neck muscle, a possible side effect of some antiemetic drugs.
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Early-stage cancer
(ER-lee-stayj KAN-ser)
A term used to describe cancer that is early in its growth, and may not have spread to other parts of the body. What is called early stage may differ between cancer types.
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Echo cardiogram
A method of obtaining a graphic picture of the internal structure, and position and motion of your heart through the use of sound waves directed through your chest.
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Edema
(eh-DEE-muh)
Swelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues.
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Electrocardiogram
(ee-LEK-troh-KAR-dee-oh-gram)
A line graph that shows changes in the electrical activity of the heart over time. It is made by an instrument called an electrocardiograph. The graph can show that there are abnormal conditions, such as blocked arteries, changes in electrolytes (particles with electrical charges), and changes in the way electrical currents pass through the heart tissue. Also called ECG and EKG.
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Electrodes
(ee-LEK-trodes)
In medicine, a device such as a small metal plate or needle that carries electricity from an instrument to a patient for treatment or surgery. Electrodes can also carry electrical signals from muscles, brain, heart, skin, or other body parts to recording devices to help diagnose certain conditions.
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Electrolytes
A general term for the many minerals necessary to provide the proper environment for the cells of your body. Common electrolytes include calcium, sodium, potassium and chloride.
