Glossary of Medical Terms

A research study that evaluates methods of detecting disease.

The process of filtering the blood when the kidneys are not able to cleanse it.

The length of a straight line that extends from one edge of a tumor or other object, through its center and to the opposite edge. It is usually used to measure the size of round or spherical shapes.

A very rare disorder in which the bone marrow doesn’t make enough red blood cells. It is usually seen in the first year of life. Patients may have deformed thumbs and other physical problems. They also have an increased risk of leukemia and sarcoma, especially osteosarcoma (bone cancer). Patients with Diamond-Blackfan anemia may have a mutation (change) in one of the genes that make proteins found in the cell’s ribosomes. Also called Blackfan–Diamond anemia, congenital hypoplastic anemia, congenital pure red cell aplasia, DBA, erythrogenesis imperfecta, and inherited erythroblastopenia.

A substance made from morphine. Diamorphine hydrochloride is very addictive, and it is illegal to use or sell it in the United States. It may be used outside the United States to treat severe pain. Diamorphine hydrochloride binds to opioid receptors in the central nervous system. It is a type of analgesic agent and a type of opiate. Also called diacetylmorphine hydrochloride and heroin.

The thin muscle below the lungs and heart that separates the chest from the abdomen.

Frequent and watery bowel movements.

A procedure in which tissue is heated to destroy abnormal cells. The heat may come from electric currents, microwaves, radio waves, or ultrasound. Diathermy is a type of hyperthermia therapy. Also called electrodiathermy.

A drug used to treat mild to moderate anxiety and tension and to relax muscles. It is a type of benzodiazepine. Also called Valium.

An anticancer drug that is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and kill cancer cells in the central nervous system. Also called AZQ.