Glossary of Medical Terms

Toxicity that affects the heart.

Having to do with the heart and blood vessels.

A type of disease that affects the heart or blood vessels. The risk of certain cardiovascular diseases may be increased by smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and obesity. The most common cardiovascular disease is coronary artery disease (narrow or blocked coronary arteries), which can lead to chest pain, heart attacks, or stroke. Other cardiovascular diseases include congestive heart failure, heart rhythm problems, congenital heart disease (heart disease at birth), and endocarditis (inflamed inner layer of the heart). Also called heart disease.

A drug used to treat high blood pressure and urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate. It relaxes muscle tissue in blood vessels and in the prostate. Cardura is a type of alpha blocker. Also called doxazosin mesylate.

A person who gives care to people who need help taking care of themselves. Examples include children, the elderly, or patients who have chronic illnesses or are disabled. Caregivers may be health professionals, family members, friends, social workers, or members of the clergy. They may give care at home or in a hospital or other health care setting.

A drug used alone or with other drugs to treat adults with multiple myeloma that has gotten worse or came back after treatment with one or more anticancer therapies. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Carfilzomib blocks the action of enzymes called proteasomes, which may help keep cancer cells from growing and may kill them. It is a type of proteasome inhibitor. Also called Kyprolis.

A ridge at the base of the trachea (windpipe) that separates the openings of the right and left main bronchi (the large air passages that lead from the trachea to the lungs). Also called tracheal carina.

A drug used to treat certain types of brain tumors. It is also used with prednisone to treat multiple myeloma and with other drugs to treat Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma that have not gotten better with other treatment or have come back. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Carmustine damages the cell's DNA and may kill cancer cells. It is a type of alkylating agent and a type of nitrosourea. Also called BCNU and BiCNU.

A drug used with surgery and radiation therapy to treat malignant glioma that is high grade and has not already been treated. It is also used with surgery to treat glioblastoma multiforme that has recurred (come back). Carmustine implant is a form of carmustine contained in a wafer. The wafer has a coating that dissolves slowly and releases carmustine directly into the area where the brain tumor was removed. This form may have fewer side effects and work better than other forms of carmustine. Carmustine implant is a type of alkylating agent. Also called Gliadel Wafer and polifeprosan 20 carmustine implant.

A rare, inherited disorder marked by dark spots on the skin and tumors in the heart, endocrine glands, skin, and nerves. There are two types of Carney complex, which are caused by mutations (changes) in different genes. Also called Carney syndrome.