Glossary - C
Cachexia - Fatigue, weakness, significant loss of appetite and weight and muscle atrophy that results from a disease, illness or, possibly, drug addiction.
Calcification - Soft tissues begin to harden as a result of the accumulation and build up of mineral calcium.
Cancer - A classification of illness that includes abnormal cell growth and development. Cancer can affect all ages and is caused by both natural and artificial factors.
Cancer Center - A medical center dedicated to the study, treatment and curing of cancer.
Carcinogen - Any substance that has been proven to cause cells to mutate and become cancerous and/or proven to cause cancer to spread through the body.
Carcinogenic - An item or substance that has the ability to initiate and spread cancer.
Carcinoma - A general name for cancer of the epithelial cells that is malignant and has the potential to metastasize and spread throughout the body.
Cardiologist - A doctor specializing in disorders of and treatments for the heart and blood vessels.
CAT Scan - A computed axial tomography scan uses numerous x-rays taken around a central axis to develop three dimensional pictures of the interior of the human body. Sometimes referred to as a computed tomography (CT) scan.
Catheter - A hard or soft tube that is inserted into the body to allow fluids to be drained, medications to be inserted or to allow access for surgical implements.
Cavities - Often used to refer to openings or soft spots in the enamel of the teeth due to tooth decay. It can also refer to any cave or sac like openings occurring naturally or otherwise.
Cell - The smallest building block in all living organisms that is considered alive.
Chemotherapy - The use of chemicals that can kill cells to treat illness. Generally used regarding cancer cells specifically, but can also refer to killing micro-organisms.
Chest - The portion of the body below the neck and above the pelvis. This area contains and protects the heart and lungs.
Chest X-Ray - A radiograph (x-ray) taken of the chest area that allows medical professionals to see inside the chest cavity and diagnose problems.
Cholesterol - Used by the body to build, repair and maintain cell membrane walls. There are two main kinds of cholesterol in the human body, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL).
Chronic - A disease of medical condition (such as pain) that is persistent and lasting. Typically, it is condition that gradually builds in intensity.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - A group of diseases that affect the airways, particularly the lungs of the body. They may cause permanent damage and are not always completely reversible.
Chronic Pain - Pain that persists longer than the time it takes for natural healing to occur, or pain that lasts longer than six months.
Chrysotile - One of many forms of asbestos used for insulation and fireproofing and a know carcinogen.
Cisplatin - A chemotherapy drug based on platinum that is used to treat a number of different kinds of cancer.
Clinical - Based on actual observation and treatment of a patient as opposed to theory and experiment.
Clinical Trials - Tests on the benefits of treatments and medications performed on human candidates and typically compared to placebos.
Combination Chemotherapy - The use of two or more versions of chemical therapy in the treatment of cancer and other micro-biological agents.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) - A blanket term that covers the use of complimentary treatments (such as diet and exercise) and alternative medicines (such as chiropractic and homeopathic) along with traditional medical treatments and medications.
Complete Response - A term that refers to the disappearance of all signs of cancer in the body, also called complete remission. The disappearance of all signs of cancer does not necessarily mean that the cancer is cured.
Contaminant - A substance or agent that can be harmful. Pollution is a kind of contaminant.
Crocidolite - Also known as blue asbestos, it is a form of riebeckite (which is a form of asbestos) that is used as insulation and is fireproof. It is also a known carcinogen.
Cryosurgery - Using extreme cold to freeze, kill and remove diseased tissue. Most often used on skin conditions.
CT Scan - A computed tomography scan takes a large number of x-rays centered around a central axis of the body to develop three dimensional pictures of the interior. Sometimes referred to as a computed axial tomography (CAT) scan.
Curative Treatment - Treatment intended to cure the symptoms of a disease, as well as the disease itself.
Cut - To divide, slice, separate or make an incision using a knife or other sharp implement.
Cytology - The study of cells, the processes that cells perform and possible ailments that affect cells.
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