Use the A-Z list to browse more than 6,000 health-related topics in our library. Clicking on a term opens the definition and, in most cases, links to more information.
"CT Scan" is more commonly referred to as "CAT Scan" in the medical community. CAT Scan
Also Known As: "Chest Computed Tomography, Computed Axial Tomography, Open CT, Sinus Computed Tomography, Computed Tomography, Closed CT, Spiral CAT Scan"
Computed axial tomography (CAT Scan or CT Scan) allows for multiple x-rays to be taken from different angles around the patient. More Information on CAT Scan: Imaging Tests
"CTC" is more commonly referred to as "Computed Tomographic Colonography" in the medical community. Computed Tomographic Colonography
Also Known As: "Colon CAT Scan, CTC Scan"
A CAT scan of the colon, a test that allows for multiple x-rays to be taken from different angles around the patient to create images of the colon. It may be performed alone or with the use of a special dye (contrast medium). More Information on Computed Tomographic Colonography: Cancer Imaging Tests
"CTC Scan" is more commonly referred to as "Computed Tomographic Colonography" in the medical community. Computed Tomographic Colonography
Also Known As: "Colon CAT Scan, CTC"
A CAT scan of the colon, a test that allows for multiple x-rays to be taken from different angles around the patient to create images of the colon. It may be performed alone or with the use of a special dye (contrast medium). More Information on Computed Tomographic Colonography: Cancer Imaging Tests
Also Known As: "Sezary Syndrome, Mycosis Fungoides"
A type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (cancer of certain white blood cells, called lymphocytes). It most commonly affects the skin and can be misdiagnosed as dermatitis in its early stages. The chest or trunk often has patchy, itchy spots. More Information on CTCL: Lymphoma (Hodgkin's & Non)
"cTNI" is more commonly referred to as "Troponins" in the medical community. Troponins
Also Known As: "Serum Troponins, cTNT"
Proteins in the body that work as enzymes. Two types of troponin are found in cardiac muscle - Troponin I (cTNI) and Troponin T (cTNT). They help cause heart muscles to contract. Blood levels rise sharply and quickly when the heart muscle is injured.
"cTNT" is more commonly referred to as "Troponins" in the medical community. Troponins
Also Known As: "Serum Troponins, cTNI"
Proteins in the body that work as enzymes. Two types of troponin are found in cardiac muscle - Troponin I (cTNI) and Troponin T (cTNT). They help cause heart muscles to contract. Blood levels rise sharply and quickly when the heart muscle is injured.
"CTS" is more commonly referred to as "Cracked Tooth Syndrome" in the medical community. Cracked Tooth Syndrome
Pain caused by fractures in teeth that are too small to be seen on x-rays. It is most likely to occur in molars, which absorb most of the forces of chewing. People who grind or clench their teeth are most susceptible. More Information on Cracked Tooth Syndrome: Tooth Decay & Damage
"Cuetlayochitl" is more commonly referred to as "Poinsettias" in the medical community. Poinsettias
Also Known As: "Flame Leaf Flower, Lobster Flower"
Perennial flowering shrubs that are native to Mexico. It is a traditional holiday decorative plant in the United States. More Information on Poinsettias: Latex Allergy
Insertion of a needle into the pelvic cavity through the vaginal wall to obtain a sample of fluid from a pouch (located in the abdominal cavity behind the uterus). It is rarely performed since this area can usually be seen on a ultrasound. More Information on Culdocentesis: ObGyn Lab Tests
Examination of the rectouterine pouch using a lighted tube containing a camera (a culdoscope or endoscope). The pouch is located in the abdominal cavity behind the uterus. More Information on Culdoscopy: ObGyn Imaging Tests
A type of mosquito that bites from dusk to dawn and is a carrier of St. Louis encephalitis and West Nile virus. This mosquito becomes infected by feeding on birds that carry such viruses. More Information on Culex Mosquito: Brain Related Infections
"Cumulative Trauma Disorders" is more commonly referred to as "Repetitive Motion Disorders" in the medical community. Repetitive Motion Disorders
Also Known As: "Overuse Syndrome"
A musculoskeletal condition resulting from repeated motions performed during work, leisure or other activities. Examples include tendinitis, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow. More Information on Repetitive Motion Disorders: Pain Basics
"CUPS" is more commonly referred to as "Carcinoma of Unknown Primary Site" in the medical community. Carcinoma of Unknown Primary Site
A tumor that has spread but has no obvious primary site (where the tumor originated). Lung and pancreatic cancers are the two most common types of CUPS. More Information on Carcinoma of Unknown Primary Site: Cancer Basics
A phytochemical found in tumeric, a yellow spice commonly used in curries and Asian cooking. It may serve as an anticarcinogen (preventing cancer). It may also be sold as a dietary supplement. More Information on Curcumin: Herbs & Supplements
A rare endocrine disorder involving too much of the hormone cortisol circulating in the body. It causes upper body obesity, increased neck fat, a rounded face and thin arms and legs. It also leads to weak bones and a tendency to bruise easily. More Information on Cushing's Syndrome: Diabetes & Endocrine Basics
"Cut Oats" is more commonly referred to as "Rolled Oats" in the medical community. Rolled Oats
Also Known As: "Crushed Oats"
One way that oats may be processed (can also be crushed or cut). Oatmeal is typically rolled whole oats. More Information on Rolled Oats: Functional Foods
"Cutaneous Anthrax" is more commonly referred to as "Anthrax" in the medical community. Anthrax
Also Known As: "Bacillus Anthracis Infection, Gastrointestinal Anthrax, Inhalation Anthrax"
A rare but serious bacterial infection that is housed in spores. The three main types affect the skin (cutaneous), lungs (inhalation) or gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal). Although anthrax may affect livestock workers, it is now a potential bioterror threat. More Information on Anthrax: Bioterror Related Diseases
"Cutaneous Diphtheria" is more commonly referred to as "Skin Diphtheria" in the medical community. Skin Diphtheria
Form of diphtheria (acute, infectious disease caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae) that infects the skin, triggering lesions. More Information on Skin Diphtheria: Skin Related Infections
A parasitic skin infection caused by hookworm larvae that usually infest animals. However, people can be infected by walking barefoot on sandy beaches or contacting moist soft soil contaminated with animal feces. More Information on Cutaneous Larva Migrans: Parasitic Disease
"Cutaneous Leishmaniasis" is more commonly referred to as "Leishmaniasis" in the medical community. Leishmaniasis
Also Known As: "Leishmania Infection, Visceral Leishmaniasis, Kala Azar"
A parasitic disease spread by the bite of infected sand flies. There are several different forms, including cutaneous (causes skin sores) and visceral (affects some internal organs). More Information on Leishmaniasis: Parasitic Disease
Also Known As: "Sezary Syndrome, CTCL, Mycosis Fungoides"
A type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (cancer of certain white blood cells, called lymphocytes). It most commonly affects the skin and can be misdiagnosed as dermatitis in its early stages. The chest or trunk often has patchy, itchy spots. More Information on Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma: Lymphoma (Hodgkin's & Non)
Also Known As: "Punctures, Scratches, Scrapes, Abrasions, Lacerations"
The most common skin wounds include cuts (a break or opening in the skin), lacerations (a jagged and irregular tear), scratches (minor scrapes from sharp objects), abrasions (rubbing away of the skin) and punctures (piercing by pointed object). More Information on Cuts & Other Common Wounds: First Aid & Safety
Children get many cuts and scrapes. The most common skin wounds include cuts, lacerations, scratches, abrasions and punctures. More Information on Cuts & Other Common Wounds in Children: Pediatric First Aid & Safety
A practice of self-injury by cutting the skin with sharp objects, such as knives or glass, to seek relief from emotional stress. Common in many mental health disorders, particularly borderline personality disorder. More Information on Cutting: Emotional Signs & Symptoms
"CVA" is more commonly referred to as "Stroke & the Brain" in the medical community. Stroke & the Brain
Also Known As: "Embolic Stroke, Ischemic Stroke, Cerebrovascular Accident, Brain Attack, Thrombotic Stroke, Hemorrhagic Stroke"
A potentially fatal event in which oxygen-rich blood flow to the brain is restricted. There are two main types: ischemic (caused by obstructing blood clot) and hemorrhagic (caused by bleeding in the brain). Ischemic is most common. More Information on Stroke & the Brain: Stroke
"CVS" is more commonly referred to as "Chorionic Villus Sampling" in the medical community. Chorionic Villus Sampling
Also Known As: "Chorionic Villi Sampling"
Use of a catheter inserted in the cervix and outer fetal membrane to obtain a sample of the tissue that becomes the placenta. It may be used to test the fetus for congenital defects, blood disorders or other potential problems. More Information on Chorionic Villus Sampling: Pregnancy Basics
A national, non-profit organization seeking to advocate research, increase awareness and provide education about cyclic vomiting syndrome and nausea and vomiting in general.
"CVT" is more commonly referred to as "Technician" in the medical community. Technician
Also Known As: "RT, Technologist, Radiologic Technologist, Electrocardiographical Technician"
An individual who performs tests (e.g., blood tests), operates equipment (e.g., an EKG or x-ray machine) and/or has specialized knowledge or skills in a particular area (e.g., the cardiovascular system). More Information on Technician: Healthcare Basics
"CWD" is more commonly referred to as "Chronic Wasting Disease" in the medical community. Chronic Wasting Disease
Also Known As: "Fatal Wasting Disease"
A neurological disease found in wild deer and elk in several U.S. states. It belongs to a family of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, attacks the brains of infected animals and is fatal. It does not appear to be tranmitted to humans. More Information on Chronic Wasting Disease: Encephalopathy
A bluish tint to the skin, lips, fingernails and other parts of the body. Unless it is due to exposure to cold air, it may be a sign of reduced blood flow to the lungs or a reduced cardiac output. More Information on Cyanosis: Heart Signs & Symptoms
A bluish tint to the skin, lips, fingernails and other parts of the body. Unless it is due to exposure to cold air, it may be a sign of reduced blood flow to the lungs or a reduced cardiac output. More Information on Cyanotic: Heart Signs & Symptoms
"Cyanotic Baby" is more commonly referred to as "Blue Baby" in the medical community. Blue Baby
Also Known As: "Blue Baby Syndrome, Cyanotic Newborn, Cyanotic Infant"
An infant born with a type of congenital heart disease that causes the skin to have a bluish tint (cyanosis). Cyanosis is a sign of reduced blood flow to the lungs. More Information on Blue Baby: Heart Signs & Symptoms
A bluish tint to the skin, lips, fingernails and other parts of the body. Unless it is due to exposure to cold air, it may be a sign of reduced blood flow to the lungs or a reduced cardiac output. More Information on Cyanotic Heart Defects: Heart Signs & Symptoms
"Cyanotic Infant" is more commonly referred to as "Blue Baby" in the medical community. Blue Baby
Also Known As: "Blue Baby Syndrome, Cyanotic Baby, Cyanotic Newborn"
An infant born with a type of congenital heart disease that causes the skin to have a bluish tint (cyanosis). Cyanosis is a sign of reduced blood flow to the lungs. More Information on Blue Baby: Heart Signs & Symptoms
"Cyanotic Newborn" is more commonly referred to as "Blue Baby" in the medical community. Blue Baby
Also Known As: "Blue Baby Syndrome, Cyanotic Infant, Cyanotic Baby"
An infant born with a type of congenital heart disease that causes the skin to have a bluish tint (cyanosis). Cyanosis is a sign of reduced blood flow to the lungs. More Information on Blue Baby: Heart Signs & Symptoms
Also Known As: "Sodium Cyclamate, Calcium Cyclamate"
A type of artificial sweetener that was banned by the FDA in 1969 because it was found to cause bladder cancer in rats when consumed in large amounts. More Information on Cyclamate: Carbs & Sugars
A condition characterized by the appearance of 10 or more migraines per month. The headaches differ from cluster headaches because they have typical migraine symptoms and are longer lasting. More Information on Cyclic Migraine Syndrome: Headache & Migraine
Severe, repeated attacks of vomiting, nausea and physical exhaustion that begin and end suddenly with no apparent cause. These may continue for a few hours or up to 10 days. Primarily affects children. More Information on Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome: Pediatric Digestive
A national, non-profit organization seeking to advocate research, increase awareness and provide education about cyclic vomiting syndrome and nausea and vomiting in general.
"Cyclophosphamide" is more commonly referred to as "Chlorambucil" in the medical community. Chlorambucil
Also Known As: "Carmustine, Busulfan, Melphalan, Lomustine, Mechlorethamine, Ifosfamide, Uracil Mustard"
A type of alkylating agent, which are a family of anticancer drugs that combines with a cancer cell's DNA to interferes with cell division. More Information on Chlorambucil: Cancer Drug & Medication
A parasite that infects the small intestine of humans. It may contaminate fresh fruits and vegetables during cultivation, harvest, packaging or transportation and is transmitted through food or water contaminated by infected feces. More Information on Cyclospora: Parasitic Disease
A parasite that infects the small intestine of humans. It may contaminate fresh fruits and vegetables during cultivation, harvest, packaging or transportation and is transmitted through food or water contaminated by infected feces. More Information on Cyclospora Cayetanensis: Parasitic Disease
Infection with the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite that occurs when a person ingests food or water contaminated by feces. It causes gastroenteritis, most commonly in the form of watery diarrhea. More Information on Cyclospora Infection: Gastroenteritis & Food Illness
Infection with the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite that occurs when a person ingests food or water contaminated by feces. It causes gastroenteritis, most commonly in the form of watery diarrhea. More Information on Cyclosporiasis: Gastroenteritis & Food Illness
Also Known As: "Tacrolimus, Efalizumab, Pimecrolimus, Alefacept, Antithymocyte Globulin, Anakinra"
Any one of a type of immunosuppressant, medications that suppress the immune system. They may be used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis as well as to prevent rejection following organ transplants. More Information on Cyclosporine: Arthritis
A mild bipolar mood disorder characterized by short, alternating periods of normal or slightly elevated mood and depression. More Information on Cyclothymia: Depression & Bipolar
A mild bipolar mood disorder characterized by short, alternating periods of normal or slightly elevated mood and depression. More Information on Cyclothymic Disorder: Depression & Bipolar
A mass that may be either benign or malignant (cancerous). Usually filled with fluid, they may also contain air or other matter. They can occur anywhere, including under the skin or within body tissue (e.g., breasts) or organs (e.g., ovaries). More Information on Cyst: Cancer Basics
Also Known As: "Complete Cystectomy, Segmental Cystectomy, Partial Cystectomy, Bladder Cystectomy"
Surgical removal of part (partial or segmental cystectomy) or all (complete cystectomy) of the bladder. More Information on Cystectomy: Kidney, Liver & Urinary Cancer
A type of localized infection that most commonly occurs during the teenage years when the oil ducts in the skin become clogged resulting in lesions that are cysts or deep-seated scars. More Information on Cystic Acne: Acne & Blemish
A recessive genetic disease that causes a thick mucus layer in the lungs and the pancreas. Causes breathing problems and pancreatic insufficiency and frequently leads to infections. More Information on Cystic Fibrosis: Birth & Genetic Disorders
Also Known As: "Herniated Bladder, Dropped Bladder, Prolapsed Bladder"
A condition in which the bladder droops into the vagina because the wall between the two weakens. It can result from strain (e.g., during childbirth), hormone imbalance (e.g., due to menopause) or other problems. More Information on Cystocele: Urinary & Bladder
A large, bulky and quickly-growing breast tumor that may be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). More Information on Cystosarcoma Phyllodes: Breast Cancer
Also Known As: "Rigid Cystoscopy, Bladder Cystoscopy, Flexible Cystoscopy"
Examination of the bladder (muscular reservoir that holds urine) and urethra. Performed using a thin, lighted instrument called a cystoscope inserted into the urethra. Tissue samples may be removed during examination and analyzed microscopically. More Information on Cystoscopy: Urinary & Bladder
"Cytarabine" is more commonly referred to as "Antimetabolites" in the medical community. Antimetabolites
Also Known As: "Capecitabine, Azacitidine, Thioguanine, Fludarabine, Fluorouracil, Mercaptopurine"
Medications that block the body's chemical process, such as those that create chemical, proteins and substances needed for cells to grow and multiply. They may be used to slow the growth of tumors. More Information on Antimetabolites: Cancer Drug & Medication
A type of radiosensitizer, drugs that increase the effect of radiation on cancer cells by resembling oxygen, which cancer cells without oxygen (hypoxic) need. More Information on Cytochlor: Cancer Drug & Medication
The study of normal and abnormal chromosomes and the related diseases caused by abnormalities. It is used to identify chromosome abnormalities associated with certain cancers. More Information on Cytogenetics: Cancer Basics
A hormone-like protein produced by white blood cells that acts as a messenger between cells. Cytokines can stimulate or inhibit the growth and activity of various immune cells. More Information on Cytokines: Cancer Basics
Also Known As: "Giant Cell Inclusion Disease, CIBD"
Illness caused by infection from the cytomegalovirus (CMV). While most patients do not experience symptoms, others may have serious or life-threatening complications. There is no cure.
Any of a group of herpes viruses that enlarge epithelial cells. Infection is commonplace but usually not serious. However, infection is dangerous in pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. More Information on Cytomegalovirus: Infectious Disease Basics
Potent drugs that reduce disease activity in skin or internal organs. These drugs can prolong life, preserve function, reduce symptoms and put the disease into remission. However, they have potentially serious side effects. More Information on Cytotoxic Agents: Skin Drugs & Medications
Also Known As: "Cytotoxic Medications, Cytotoxic Agents"
Potent drugs that reduce disease activity in skin or internal organs. These drugs can prolong life, preserve function, reduce symptoms and put the disease into remission. However, they have potentially serious side effects. More Information on Cytotoxic Drugs: Skin Drugs & Medications
Potent drugs that reduce disease activity in skin or internal organs. These drugs can prolong life, preserve function, reduce symptoms and put the disease into remission. However, they have potentially serious side effects. More Information on Cytotoxic Medications: Skin Drugs & Medications
Also Known As: "Sensitivity testing, Bryan's Test, Metabolic Allergy Blood Test, Metabolic Intolerance Test"
A discredited method to test for food sensitivity. It involved examining blood cells under a microscope to determine if they changed shape in reaction to a particular food. This test has been proven to be ineffective. More Information on Cytotoxic Testing: Food Allergy & Intolerance
