Glossary

Glossary - A

Abdomen - This is the section of the body that sits between the chest and the pelvis. A large number of the body's organs are located there, such as the stomach, small intestine, colon, kidneys, bladder and several others.

Abdominal - An adjective used to relate something to the abdomen, for instance, the abdominal wall or abdominal pain.

Abdominal Cavity - The opening in the abdomen surrounded by the pelvic floor, the diaphragm and the body walls. It is lined by the peritoneum and several organs, such as the stomach, small intestine, colon, kidneys, bladder and liver are nested there.

Abnormal - Something that is outside the normal range, not found to be as expected and/or different from the average.

Acupuncture - Originating in China, acupuncture uses small needles to puncture the skin at specific points to relieve pain or cure disease.

Acute Pain - Pain that is sudden and severe and, typically, short lived.

Adenocarcinoma - A malignant tumor found in the epithelium, the secreting surface of a gland.

Adjuvant Therapy - Therapy that is used in conjunction with another treatment, meant to improve the benefits of both treatments. For instance, chemotherapy used after surgery which is meant to help make sure surgery was successful.

Airborne Asbestos - Asbestos is a fibrous material used to insulate and fireproof different items. When fibers come loose from the main mass, they may float in the air, allowing them to be inhaled or swallowed.

AJCC Staging System - A system developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) intended to standardize the classification of cancer, as well as recording and reporting data regarding cancer. This system is also intended to assist medical professionals in choosing treatments for specific kinds of cancer.

Alimta - A chemotherapy treatment intended to treat malignant cancer that has affected the lining on the inside of the chest cavity, also known as pleural mesothelioma.

Alopecia - Generic term for the loss of hair but often referred to as loss of hair as a side affect of chemotherapy.

Alternative Medicine - Any treatment for illness and disease that is not traditionally included in the curriculum of American and British medical schools. The list of what might be considered alternative medicines includes chiropractic medicine, homeopathic treatments, and faith healing.

Alveolar Epithelial Cells - Cells in the covering or lining of some organs and glands, called the epithelium that resemble alveoli.

Alveolar Sacs - Small compartments made up of alveoli in the lungs where the exchange of gases occurs in respiration.

Alveoli - The plural form of alveolus. Alveoli are small cavities or pits found predominantly in the lungs, but also used to refer to tooth sockets and other cavity type structures.

Amosite - A mineral used in the manufacture of asbestos that is made up of long, thin fibers.

Amphibole - Used to designate a group of complex minerals that contain similar crystalline structures that may contain simple minerals such as sodium, aluminum, calcium and others, either alone or in combination with each other.

Anemia - A condition that exists when an individual is blood deficient, either a partial loss of the total volume of blood, or a loss of red blood cells or hemoglobin.

Anesthetic - A substance capable of causing anesthesia, which is the controlled deadening of feeling in a part of the body or controlled unconsciousness.

Angiogenesis - This is the process of growing new blood vessels. It occurs naturally in the human body and researchers are studying to see if they can recreate the process.

Angiogenesis Inhibitor - A name used to classify any substance that slows or stops the process of angiogenesis.

Angiostatin - A protein that occurs naturally in the human body that prevents blood vessel growth. Now being studied to determine what, if an, value it might have in fighting cancer.

Antiangiogenesis - The process of preventing blood vessel growth.

Anxiety - An uneasiness of the mind, usually over an impending event that may be stressful or painful.

Arrhythmia - Any abnormal rhythm in the heart. The heart can either beat faster, slower or the two parts may beat out of sync with each other.

Asbestiform - This term is used to describe any material that contains fibers of a certain tensile strength.

Asbestos - A group of minerals that are made up of long fibers. Heavily used for various insulation and fireproofing materials until it was discovered that damage could be done to the human body when these fibers became airborne.

Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) - Any materials found to contain asbestos.

Asbestos Fibers - The long fibers or strands of minerals found in asbestos containing materials. These fibers can become airborne when asbestos is disturbed.

Asbestos Pleural Disease - A disease, caused by the inhalation or swallowing of airborne asbestos fibers, which may affect breathing and the respiratory system. This disease is non-malignant, but is progressive and may result in death or the development of cancer.

Asbestosis - Asbestosis is a chronic inflammation of the tissues in the lungs that is a result of prolonged exposure to asbestos. Sufferers may experience shortness of breath and an increased risk of contracting lung disease.

Ascites - An irregular build up of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, most often caused by cirrhosis and cancer.

Aspiration - Drawing a substance in, up, out or through by using some form of suction. Most commonly used to refer to breathing, especially drawing in air.

Atelectasis - The collapse of all or part of a lung.

Autopsy - The investigation into the cause of death by cutting open the body of the deceased.

Show Your Support

Get Your Own Asbestos      Awareness Wristband
Attention Veterans
Related News