Glossary of Medical Terms

An operation to remove all or part of the colon. When only part of the colon is removed, it is called a partial colectomy. In an open colectomy, one long incision is made in the wall of the abdomen and doctors can see the colon directly. In a laparoscopic-assisted colectomy, several small incisions are made and a thin, lighted tube attached to a video camera is inserted through one opening to guide the surgery. Surgical instruments are inserted through the other openings to perform the surgery.

Inflammation of the colon.

A fibrous protein found in cartilage and other connective tissue.

A term previously used to describe chronic diseases of the connective tissue (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and systemic sclerosis), but now is thought to be more appropriate for diseases associated with defects in collagen, which is a component of the connective tissue.

A type of enzyme that breaks down the protein collagen.

One of a pair of bones at the base of the front of the neck. The collarbones connect the breastbone to the shoulder blades. Also called clavicle.

The last part of a long, twisting tube that collects urine from the nephrons (cellular structures in the kidney that filter blood and form urine) and moves it into the renal pelvis and ureters. Also called renal collecting tubule.

An understanding of the disease experiences of many patients and the ability to describe this collective experience separately from a person’s own disease experience. In cancer research, a collective patient perspective may help scientific researchers develop clinical trials that help meet the needs of more patients.

A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. Colloidal gold-bound tumor necrosis factor is made in the laboratory by binding a cancer-killing protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) to the surface of very tiny particles of gold. These TNF-gold particles may kill cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. Also called Aurimmune and TNF-bound colloidal gold.

A special form of oatmeal that helps soothe, soften, and increase moisture in the skin. It may be used in a cream or lotion or as a powder that is added to a soaking bath to help treat rashes and burns, and dry, rough, scaly, or itchy skin. Colloidal oatmeal may also be used to help protect the skin against irritation or inflammation caused by certain skin conditions or skin damage.