Glossary of Medical Terms

A procedure in which the blood supply to a tumor or an abnormal area of tissue is blocked. During arterial embolization, a small incision (cut) is made in the inner thigh and a catheter (thin, flexible tube) is inserted and guided into an artery near the tumor or abnormal tissue. Once the catheter is in place, small particles made of tiny gelatin sponges or beads are injected. This blocks the artery and stops the flow of blood to the tumor or abnormal area of tissue. Arterial embolization is used to treat some types of liver cancer, kidney cancer, and neuroendocrine tumors. It may also be used to treat uterine fibroids, aneurysms, and other conditions. Also called TAE and transarterial embolization.

An x-ray of arteries. The person receives an injection of a dye that outlines the vessels on the x-ray.

A procedure to x-ray arteries. The arteries can be seen because of an injection of a dye that outlines the vessels on the x-ray.

A blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to tissues and organs in the body.

Joint pain.

A disease that causes inflammation and pain in the joints.

The ability of a computer to perform functions that are usually thought of as intelligent human behavior, such as learning, reasoning, problem solving, and decision making. Artificial intelligence uses computer programs that analyze very large amounts of information to learn how to help make decisions or predictions. In medicine, the use of artificial intelligence may help improve cancer screening and diagnosis and plan treatment. It may also be used in research and in drug discovery and development. Also called AI.

An electronic device that is implanted in the body to monitor heart rate and rhythm. It gives the heart electrical stimulation when it does not beat normally. It runs on batteries and has long, thin wires that connect it to the heart. Also called cardiac pacemaker and pacemaker.

A drug used alone or with other drugs to treat certain types of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Arzerra binds to a protein called CD20, which is found on B cells (a type of white blood cell) and some types of leukemia and lymphoma cells. Arzerra may block CD20 and help the immune system kill cancer cells. It is a type of monoclonal antibody. Also called HuMax-CD20 and ofatumumab.

A substance being studied in the treatment of osteoporosis and breast cancer. Arzoxifene hydrochloride is made in the laboratory and binds to estrogen receptors in the body. It is a type of selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). Also called LY353381 hydrochloride.