Glossary of Medical Terms

A substance that helps soothe, soften, and increase moisture levels, especially in the skin. Emollients may be used in a lotion, cream, ointment, or gel to prevent or treat dry, rough, scaly, itchy skin and other skin problems, such as rashes or burns. They may also be used to help protect the skin against irritation. Emollients may also be given by mouth to prevent or treat constipation by moistening and softening the stool.

A disorder affecting the alveoli (tiny air sacs) of the lungs. The transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs takes place in the walls of the alveoli. In emphysema, the alveoli become abnormally inflated, damaging their walls and making it harder to breathe. People who smoke or have chronic bronchitis have an increased risk of emphysema. Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

A drug used with dexamethasone and either lenalidomide or pomalidomide to treat adults with multiple myeloma. It is used in patients whose cancer was already treated with other anticancer therapies. Empliciti binds to a protein called CS1, which is found on myeloma cells and some types of immune cells. Empliciti may block CS1 and help the immune system kill cancer cells. It is a type of monoclonal antibody. Also called elotuzumab and HuLuc63.

Radiation that has both electric and magnetic fields and travels in waves. It comes from natural and man-made sources. EMR can vary in strength from low energy to high energy. It includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, x-rays, and gamma rays. Also called electromagnetic radiation.

An antihypertensive agent that can also be used to slow or prevent the progression of heart disease in people with childhood cancer treated with drugs that may be harmful to the heart.

A drug used to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that has recurred (come back) or has not gotten better after treatment with other anticancer therapy. It is used in patients whose cancer has a mutated (changed) form of a gene called isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 (IDH2). It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Enasidenib mesylate blocks the protein made by the mutated IDH2 gene. Blocking this protein may help keep cancer cells from growing. Enasidenib mesylate is a type of enzyme inhibitor and a type of targeted therapy. Also called Idhifa.

Confined to a specific, localized area and surrounded by a thin layer of tissue.

A rare condition in which the tissues in the brain become inflamed. Encephalitis is usually caused by a viral infection, but it may also be caused by bacterial or parasitic infections, cancer, or certain drugs or toxins. Signs and symptoms include fever, headache, joint or muscle aches, poor appetite, fatigue, weakness, confusion, changes in behavior, seizures, and problems with vision, speech, or movement. Infants and young children may have nausea, vomiting, body stiffness, feeding problems, and irritability. Most patients have mild symptoms, but sometimes symptoms may be severe or life threatening.

A disorder of the brain that can be caused by disease, injury, drugs, or chemicals.

A benign (not cancer) growth of cartilage in bones or in other areas where cartilage is not normally found.