Glossary of Medical Terms

An electronic (digital) collection of medical information about a person that is stored on a computer. An EHR includes information about a patient’s health history, such as diagnoses, medicines, tests, allergies, immunizations, and treatment plans. EHRs can be seen by all healthcare providers who are taking care of a patient and can be used by them to help make recommendations about the patient’s care. Also called electronic health record and electronic medical record.

The release of semen through the penis during orgasm.

A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. It blocks the action of certain proteins that are part of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family of proteins. These proteins may be found in increased amounts on the surface of some types of cancer cells. Blocking the action of these proteins may stop cancer cells from growing and may kill cancer cells. EKB-569 is a type of EGFR inhibitor. Also called pelitinib.

A line graph that shows changes in the electrical activity of the heart over time. It is made by an instrument called an electrocardiograph. The graph can show that there are abnormal conditions, such as blocked arteries, changes in electrolytes (particles with electrical charges), and changes in the way electrical currents pass through the heart tissue. Also called ECG and electrocardiogram.

A procedure used to do a mammogram (x-ray of the breasts) in women with breast implants. The implant is pushed back against the chest wall and the breast tissue is pulled forward and around it so the tissue can be seen in the mammogram. Also called Eklund views and implant displacement views.

A procedure used to do a mammogram (x-ray of the breasts) in women with breast implants. The implant is pushed back against the chest wall and the breast tissue is pulled forward and around it so the tissue can be seen in the mammogram. Also called Eklund displacement views and implant displacement views.

A drug used to treat advanced acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It is a form of the anticancer drug cytarabine that may work in patients with leukemia that is resistant to cytarabine. Elacyt blocks cell division and may kill cancer cells. It is a type of antimetabolite. Also called CP-4055 and elacytarabine.

A drug used to treat advanced acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It is a form of the anticancer drug cytarabine that may work in patients with leukemia that is resistant to cytarabine. Elacytarabine blocks cell division and may kill cancer cells. It is a type of antimetabolite. Also called CP-4055 and Elacyt.

A procedure in which pulses of weak electrical current are sent through acupuncture needles into acupuncture points in the skin. This procedure is being studied in the prevention of nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy.

A line graph that shows changes in the electrical activity of the heart over time. It is made by an instrument called an electrocardiograph. The graph can show that there are abnormal conditions, such as blocked arteries, changes in electrolytes (particles with electrical charges), and changes in the way electrical currents pass through the heart tissue. Also called ECG and EKG.