Glossary

Acute means of rapid onset and short course (as apposed to chronic)

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss

Anaesthetic refers to a drug indented to cause temporary loss of sensation, either by sending a person to sleep (general anaethetic) or numbing a specific area (local anaesthetic)

Benign, where referring to a tumour, means not cancerous (malignant), although still may be capable of causing harm. In general terms, of a mild nature that does not pose a threat to health or life.

Biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of body tissue is taken to make a diagnosis

Bone marrow is the tissue found in the centre of the large bones of the body. It produces new blood cells.

Cancer refers to an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells. It normally starts in one part of the body before spreading to other parts, usually through the lymphatic system or blood stream. These cells can then invade and destroy healthy tissues and organs.

A Cannula is a small tube inserted into a vein, used to take blood or administer intravenous medication

Carcinogenic means cancer causing

Cardio is something to do with the heart

Catheter - see cannula - a catheter is also used to drain fluid

Central line is a cannula that is surgically placed in a major blood vessel so that blood can be taken and intravenous drugs inserted into the blood stream whilst minimising the need for needles.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) The fluid produced within the brain which surrounds the brain and spinal cord

Chemoradiation is a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses either intravenous or oral medication to kill cancerous cells

Chronic is the opposite of acute; long-lasting or ongoing

Congenital Heart Defect is a birth defect involving the heart.

Congenital Muscular Myopathy is a type of degenerative muscular disorder caused by genetic abnormalities

Congenital Myopathy is any muscular disorder that is present at birth

Congenital Any condition existing at birth

A CT scan (computerised tomography) uses x-rays and computers to create a detailed image of the inside of one's body for diagnosis or to ensure alignment before a procedure, such as a biopsy or radiotherapy.

Cystic Fibrosis is the most common congenital disease. Caused by an inherited faulty gene, CF causes the internal organs - in particular the lungs and digestive system - to become blocked with thick mucas.

Echo-Cardio Gram (aka. ECHO) is a scan in which a picture is created of one's heart and how well it is beating

Familial Dysautonomia is a rare genetic disease that affects the autonomic and sensory nervous systems of children from birth. It affects the major bodily systems, causing severe respiratory and cardiac problems, amongst others. Symptoms of FD include reduced sensitivity to pain and temperature.

A Genetic condition is caused by abnormal genes (often inherited) 

Haematology is the study of blood (including blood-related diseases)

Hydrocephalus (lit. "water on the brain"), is a condition in which there is a build up of "cerebrospinal" fluid on one's brain. Hydrocephalus can be congenital or acquired after a serious head injury.

Immune system is the system in one's body that fights infection, disease and foreign substances, made up of biological structures

Immuno-compromised is the term used to describe one whose immune system is not working properly, as demonstrated by low neutrophils or a simlar low blood count

Immunology is the study of the body's system for fighting infection

Intravenous (IV) means into a vein - most commonly the term for medication that is injected (often through a cannula or central line)

Malignant means cancerous. A malignant tumour is one that grows uncontrollably and can spread to other parts of the body (opposite of benign)

An MRI scan (Magnetic resonance imaging) is a type of scan that is often used to diagnose health conditions that affect organs, tissue and bone. These scans use strong magnetic fields to produce a detailed image of the inside of the body.

Muscular Dystrophy is a genetic condition, which over time causes progressive muscular weakness and wastage.

Neutropenic means having low levels of neutrophils. This is identified through a blood count

Neutrophils are the white blood cells used to fight infection

Oncology is the study of cancer, including diagnosis and treatments

Osteo refers to anything to do with bones and bone-structure

Paediatric is the term for children's medicine

Palliative is the relief of symptoms (e.g. pain, nausea) as apposed to curing a disease

A Pediatritian is a children's doctor

A PICC line is a cannula designed to stay in one's body for a long period of time, usually to allow for repeat blood tests and regular medication. It stays in a vein that leads to the heart.

Platelets are cells that help the blood to clot

Prognosis is a one's expected outcome of a disease (e.g. reaction to treatment, life expectancy)

Radiotherapy is a common cancer treatment, in which powerful x-rays are aimed at affected areas to kill malignant cells

Relapse is the return of a disease after being initially cleared of it

Remission is where there is no longer evidence of the disease in tests

Retinoblastoma is a tumour of the retina (in the eye)

Sarcoma is a tumour of connective tissue, such as bone or muscle