Glossary of Medical Terms

A rare tumor that makes the hormone adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), which causes the adrenal glands to make too much cortisol. Adrenocorticotropic-secreting tumors can lead to Cushing syndrome. Signs and symptoms of adrenocorticotropic-secreting tumors and Cushing syndrome include a round face, thin arms and legs, severe fatigue and muscle weakness, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, purple or pink stretch marks on the skin, and weight gain, especially in the abdomen. Adrenocorticotropic-secreting tumors usually form in the pituitary gland or in the islet cells of the pancreas, but they may also form in other organs, including the lung, thyroid, and thymus. Adrenocorticotropic-secreting tumors may be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). Also called ACTHoma.

A drug containing a form of radioactive iodine called I 123 that is used to find certain types of tumors, including pheochromocytomas and neuroblastomas. Radiation from I 123 may help show where cancer cells are in the body. AdreView is a type of radioconjugate. Also called 123I-MIBG, iobenguane I 123, and iodine I 123-metaiodobenzylguanidine.

A brand name for doxorubicin hydrochloride, which is used to treat many types of cancer. Adriamycin PFS brand has been taken off the market and is no longer available.

A brand name for doxorubicin hydrochloride, which is used to treat many types of cancer. Adriamycin RDF brand has been taken off the market and is no longer available.

A rare, inherited disorder marked by rapid aging that begins in early adolescence or young adulthood and an increased risk of cancer. Signs and symptoms include shorter-than-average height, thinning and graying hair, skin changes, thin arms and legs, voice changes, and unusual facial features. This disorder can also lead to health problems, such as cataracts, skin ulcers, severe hardening of the arteries, diabetes, osteoporosis, and fertility problems. People with adult progeria have an increased risk of cancer, especially thyroid cancer, skin cancer, and sarcoma (a type of bone or soft tissue cancer). Adult progeria is caused by a mutation (change) in the WRN gene, which makes a protein involved in DNA repair. Also called Werner syndrome and WS.

A condition in adults in which bones become soft and deformed because they don’t have enough calcium and phosphorus. It is usually caused by not having enough vitamin D in the diet, not getting enough sunlight, or a problem with the way the body uses vitamin D. Symptoms include bone pain and muscle weakness. When the condition occurs in children, it is called rickets. Also called osteomalacia.

An aggressive (fast-growing) type of T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma caused by the human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1). It is marked by bone and skin lesions, high calcium levels, and enlarged lymph nodes, spleen, and liver. Also called ATLL.

A type of cancer that forms in fibrous (connective) tissue. It can occur anywhere in the body. Adult-type fibrosarcoma may spread to nearby tissue or to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or bones. It may also recur (come back) after treatment. Adult-type fibrosarcoma usually occurs in young and middle-aged adults, but it can also occur in children. It is a type of soft tissue sarcoma.

A substance added to a product but not listed as an ingredient, or a substance that ends up in a product by accident when the product is made. Adulterants may be in foods, drugs, and other products. An adulterant may cause a product to be harmful, cheaper to make, or not work as it should.

A legal document that states a person’s wishes about receiving medical care if that person is no longer able to make medical decisions because of a serious illness or injury. An advance directive may also give a person (such as a spouse, relative, or friend) the authority to make medical decisions for another person when that person can no longer make decisions. There are different types of advance directives, including a living will, durable power of attorney (DPA) for healthcare, and do not resuscitate (DNR) orders. In the United States, the laws for advance directives may be different for each state, and each state may allow only certain types of advance directives.