Glossary of Medical Terms

To make something less poisonous or harmful. It may refer to the process of removing toxins, poisons, or other harmful substances from the body.

The physical, mental, and emotional stages a child goes through as he or she grows and matures.

Different from what is normal or standard, especially in terms of behavior.

An object that has a specific use. In medicine, wheelchairs, pumps, and artificial limbs are examples of devices.

An imaging test that measures bone density (the amount of bone mineral contained in a certain volume of bone) by passing x-rays with two different energy levels through the bone. It is used to diagnose osteoporosis (decrease in bone mass and density). Also called BMD scan, bone mineral density scan, DEXA scan, dual energy x-ray absorptiometric scan, dual x-ray absorptiometry, and DXA.

An imaging test that measures bone density (the amount of bone mineral contained in a certain volume of bone) by passing x-rays with two different energy levels through the bone. It is used to diagnose osteoporosis (decrease in bone mass and density). Also called BMD scan, bone mineral density scan, DEXA, dual energy x-ray absorptiometric scan, dual x-ray absorptiometry, and DXA.

A drug used to reduce inflammation and lower the body’s immune response. It is used with other drugs to treat leukemia, lymphoma, mycosis fungoides, and other types of cancer. Dexamethasone is also used to prevent or treat many other diseases and conditions. These include conditions related to cancer and its treatment, such as anemia, allergic reactions, swelling in the brain, and high levels of calcium in the blood. Dexamethasone is a type of corticosteroid.

A substance being studied in the treatment of fatigue and nervous system side effects caused by chemotherapy. It is a type of central nervous system stimulant.

A drug used to treat severe side effects caused by certain anticancer drugs. It is used under the brand name Totect to treat the toxic effects of an anticancer drug that leaks from a vein into surrounding tissue and causes tissue damage. It is also used under the brand name Zinecard to reduce heart damage in women given doxorubicin for breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Dexrazoxane hydrochloride is also being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. It is a type of cardioprotective agent, a type of chemoprotective agent, and a type of topoisomerase inhibitor. Dexrazoxane is the active ingredient of dexrazoxane hydrochloride.

A combination of drugs used as a treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (a sleep disorder). It is a type of stimulant. Also called Adderall.