Glossary of Medical Terms

A rare, inherited disorder in which multiple polyps (abnormal growths) form on the inner walls of the colon and rectum. People with attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis usually develop fewer than 100 polyps. Benign (not cancer) tumors may also occur in the stomach, small intestine, bone, skin, and soft tissue. People with attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis have a very high risk of developing colorectal cancer and may also be at risk of developing cancers of the stomach, small intestine, liver, and breast. Attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis is caused by mutations (changes) in the APC gene that are inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. It is a type of hereditary cancer syndrome. Also called AFAP.

A rare condition in which blood clots form in small blood vessels throughout the body. These clots can block the flow of blood and oxygen to the body’s organs, which leads to a lower-than-normal number of platelets in the blood. Signs and symptoms of aTTP include purple bruises or tiny red or purple spots on the skin, bleeding problems, anemia, fever, chest pain, nervous system problems, and kidney problems. aTTP occurs when the body starts producing antibodies that block an enzyme called ADAMTS13, which is involved in blood clotting. It may be brought on by certain diseases or conditions (such as pregnancy, cancer, lupus, HIV, or other infections), certain medicines (such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy), or certain procedures (such as surgery or a stem cell transplant). aTTP usually occurs in adults. Also called acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

State of being not typical or normal. In medicine, atypia is an abnormality in cells in tissue.

A benign (not cancer) condition in which there are more cells than normal in the lining of breast ducts and the cells look abnormal under a microscope. Having atypical ductal breast hyperplasia increases the risk of breast cancer. Also called ADH and atypical ductal hyperplasia.

A benign (not cancer) condition in which there are more cells than normal in the lining of breast ducts and the cells look abnormal under a microscope. Having atypical ductal hyperplasia increases the risk of breast cancer. Also called ADH and atypical ductal breast hyperplasia.

A finding of abnormal cells in a Pap test. The glandular cells come from the inner part of the cervix or the lining of the uterus. This finding may be a sign of cancer or other serious condition, and more testing may be needed. Also called AGC.

A term that has been used to describe abnormal cells that come from glands in the walls of the cervix (the lower, narrow end of the uterus). These abnormal cells are found in a small number of Pap smears (a procedure used to detect cervical cancer) and may be a sign of more serious lesions or cancer. The term used now is atypical glandular cells. Also called AGUS and atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance.

A term that has been used to describe abnormal cells that come from glands in the walls of the cervix (the lower, narrow end of the uterus). These abnormal cells are found in a small number of Pap smears (a procedure used to detect cervical cancer) and may be a sign of more serious lesions or cancer. The term used now is atypical glandular cells. Also called AGUS and atypical glandular cells of uncertain significance.

A benign (not cancer) condition in which cells look abnormal under a microscope and are increased in number.

A benign (not cancer) condition in which there are more cells than normal in the breast lobules and the cells look abnormal under a microscope. Having atypical lobular breast hyperplasia increases the risk of breast cancer. Also called ALH and atypical lobular hyperplasia.