-
High-dose chemotherapy
(hy-dose kee-moh-THAYR-uh-pee)
An intensive drug treatment to kill cancer cells, but that also destroys the bone marrow and can cause other severe side effects. High-dose chemotherapy is usually followed by bone marrow or stem cell transplantation to rebuild the bone marrow.
-
High-dose radiation
(hy-dose RAY-dee-AY-shun)
An amount of radiation that is greater than that given in typical radiation therapy. High-dose radiation is precisely directed at the tumor to avoid damaging healthy tissue, and may kill more cancer cells in fewer treatments. Also called HDR.
-
High-grade
(hy grayd)
A term used to describe cells and tissue that look abnormal under a microscope. High-grade cancer cells tend to grow and spread more quickly than low-grade cancer cells. Cancer grade may be used to help plan treatment and determine prognosis. High-grade cancers usually have a worse prognosis than low-grade cancers and may need treatment right away or treatment that is more aggressive (intensive).
-
High-risk cancer
(hy-risk KAN-ser)
Cancer that is likely to recur (come back), or spread.
-
Histology
(his-TAH-loh-jee)
The study of tissues and cells under a microscope.
-
HIV
The cause of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Also called human immunodeficiency virus.
-
Hives
(hyvz)
Itchy, raised red areas on the skin. Hives are caused by a reaction to certain foods, drugs, infections, or emotional stress. Also called urticaria.
-
Hodgkin lymphoma
HOJ-kin lim-FOH-muh
A cancer of the immune system that is marked by the presence of a type of cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell. The two major types of Hodgkin lymphoma are classical Hodgkin lymphoma and nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma. Symptoms include the painless enlargement of lymph nodes, spleen, or other immune tissue. Other symptoms include fever, weight loss, fatigue, or night sweats. Also called Hodgkin disease.
-
Hormone
HOR-mone
One of many substances made by glands in the body. Hormones circulate in the bloodstream and control the actions of certain cells or organs. Some hormones can also be made in the laboratory.
-
Hormone-refractory
(HOR-mone-reh-FRAK-tor-ee)
In medicine, describes a disease or condition that does not respond to treatment with hormones. Also called hormone-resistant.
