Glossary of Medical Terms

The flap that covers the trachea during swallowing so that food does not enter the lungs.

A group of disorders marked by problems in the normal functioning of the brain. These problems can produce seizures, unusual body movements, a loss of consciousness or changes in consciousness, as well as mental problems or problems with the senses.

A change in the chemical structure of DNA that does not change the DNA coding sequence. Epimutations occur in the body when chemical groups called methyl groups are added to or removed from DNA or when changes are made to proteins called histones that bind to the DNA in chromosomes. These changes may occur with age and exposure to environmental factors, such as diet, exercise, drugs, and chemicals. They can affect a person’s risk of disease and may be passed from parent to child. Also called epigenetic alteration and epigenetic variant.

A hormone and neurotransmitter. Also called adrenaline.

A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. Epipodophyllotoxin is extracted from the mandrake root Podophyllum peltatum. It is a type of topoisomerase inhibitor.

A drug used with other drugs to treat breast cancer that was removed by surgery. It is used in patients whose cancer has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Epirubicin hydrochloride blocks a certain enzyme needed for cell division and DNA repair, and it may kill cancer cells. It is a type of anthracycline antibiotic and a type of topoisomerase inhibitor. Epirubicin is the active ingredient of epirubicin hydrochloride. Also called Ellence.

A condition in which the thin layer of tissue that covers the sclera (the white part of the eye) becomes inflamed. The cause is usually not known, but it may occur with certain inflammatory conditions, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Signs and symptoms include redness, swelling, tenderness, mild pain in the eye, and sensitivity to light. Episcleritis usually does not affect vision and often goes away without treatment. Also called bulbar conjunctivitis.

A medical condition in which patients have periods of trouble breathing that are followed by periods with no trouble breathing. Episodic breathlessness is seen in patients with lung cancer or other lung diseases, and in some heart conditions.

Refers to the cells that line the internal and external surfaces of the body.

Cancer that begins in the cells that line an organ.