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• jugular tumor: See glomus jugulare.
• K: [New Latin kalium] (symbol) potassium
• kamofsky scale: See karnofsky.
• Karnofsky: See Karnofsky Scale
• Karnofsky scale: A measure of a patient's ability to function and carry on normal activities; scores range from 0 (nonfunctional) to 100 (one with completely normal functioning).
• Karnofsky score: How one measures on the Karnofsky scale. Please see Karnofsky Scale.
• KARYOTYPE: The chromosomal characteristics of a cell; also : the chromosomes themselves or a representation of them.
• karyotype abnomalities: The chromosomal characteristics of a cell; also : the chromosomes themselves or a representation of them.
• labotomy: Lobotomy. surgical severance of nerve fibers connecting the frontal lobes to the thalamus for the relief of some mental disorders -- called also leukotomy.
• Lamictal: An anticonvulsant medication.
• Laparoscopic: 1 : visual examination of the inside of the abdomen by means of a laparoscope -- called also peritoneoscopy. 2 : an operation involving laparoscopy.
• laser: A device which transforms light of various frequencies into an extremely intense, small and nearly nondivergent beam of monochromatic radiation in the visible region with all the waves in phase. It is capable of mobilizing immense heat and power when focused at close range. It is used as a tool in surgical procedures, in diagnosis and in physiologic studies. There are many different types.
• lateral ventrical tumor: See lateral ventricle and tumor.
• lateral ventricle: A cavity within a cerebral hemisphere that communicates with the lateral ventricle in the other cerebral hemisphere and with the third ventricle by the way of the interventricular foramen.
• lathargy: Tiredness
• lecithin: (noun) : any of several waxy hygroscopic phospholipids that are widely distributed in animals and plants, form colloidal solutions in water, and have emulsifying, wetting, and antioxidant properties; also : a mixture of or a substance rich in lecithins --called also phosphatidylcholine
• left basil: See: basal ganglia.
• left caudate nucleus: See: caudate nucleus
• left frontal cavernoma: See cavernoma
• left frontal lobe: See: Frontal Lobe
• left parietal bone: The parietal bones are bones in the human skull and form, by their union, the sides and roof of the cranium.
• left parietal tumor: See parietal lobe.
• left teperlope: See temporal lobe.
• left ventricle: Left ventricle: The ventricles are the two lower chambers of the heart. The left ventricle is the chamber that receives blood from the left atrium and pumps it out under high pressure to the body via the aorta
• lentiform nueclus: the one of the four basal ganglia in each cerebral hemisphere that comprises the larger and external nucleus of the corpus striatum including the outer reddish putamen and two inner pale yellow globular masses constituting the globus pallidus -- called also lenticular nucleus
• leptomeningeal: (noun plural) : the pia mater and the arachnoid considered together as investing the brain and spinal cord --called also pia-arachnoid
• leptomeningeal cyst: See arachnoid cyst.
• leptomeninges: The pia mater and the arachnoid considered together as investing the brain and spinal cord -- called also leptomeninx, pia-arachnoid.
• lesion: A lesion is any abnormal tissue found on or in an organism, usually damaged by disease or trauma. Lesions are caused by any process that damages tissues. A cancerous tumor is an example of a lesion, however the surrounding tissue damaged by a tumor is also a lesion.
• Lesions: : an abnormal change in structure of an organ or part due to injury or disease ; especially : one that is circumscribed and well defined
• less-toxics: (noun) 1 : a product of metabolism: a : a metabolic waste usu. more or less toxic to the organism producing it : EXCRETION b : a product of one metabolic process that is essential to another such process in the same organism c : a metabolic waste of one organism that is markedly toxic to another : ANTIBIOTIC 2 : a substance essential to the metabolism of a particular organism or to a particular metabolic process
• leukin: heat-stable extract of polymorphonuclear leukocytes that is active against some bacteria (especially Bacillus anthracis)
• Leukocytes: White blood cells
• leukoencephalopathy: Any of various diseases (as leukoencephalitis or leukodystrophy) affecting the brain's white matter.
• leukomalacia: A disease of premature or newborn infants hypoxic and ischemic (characterized by low oxygen) in nature and leading to infarction (an area of tissue death due to a local lack of oxygen) of brain white matter and cerebral ventricle enlargement.
• leukopenia: A condition in which the number of leukocytes (white blood cells) circulating in the blood is abnormally low.
• Lhermitte: See Lhermitte Sign.
• Lhermitte's sign: The development of sudden, transient, electric-like shocks spreading down the body when the patient flexes the head forward; seen mainly in multiple sclerosis but also in compression and other disorders of the cervical cord.
• limbic : of, relating to, or being the limbic system of the brain a group of subcortical structures (as the hypothalamus, the hippocampus, and the amygdala) of the brain that are concerned especially with emotion and motivation
• limbic system: A group of subcortical structures (as the hypothalamus, the hippocampus, and the amygdala) of the brain that are concerned especially with emotion and motivation.
• lipoma: A lipoma is a benign tumor composed of fatty tissue. Lipomas are commonly found in adults from 40 to 60 years of age, but can also be found in children. Some sources say that malignant transformation can occur, while others claim that this has never been convincingly documented.
• lipoma brain tumor: Lipomas are benign fatty growths that can be found virtually anywhere in the body. They generally do not change much in size over time. If they are not causing a problem they will usually be left alone. A lipoma specifically in the brain may or may not be a problem. If in the corpus callosum, depending on size and location, it could conceivably cause hydrocephalus. Furthermore, if large, it could cause a deficit simply via mass effect. An MRI would be instrumental for evaluating this type of condition. Lipomas do not necessarily need to be treated. Only when they cause problems referable to their size and location do lipomas require intervention.
• Lipoma cerabellon: See: lipoma brain tumor.
• Lipoma of the Brain: See: lipoma brain tumor
• lipoma tumor: plural -mas or -ma*ta (noun) : a tumor of fatty tissue
• lissencephaly: the condition of having a smooth cerebrum without convolutions - lis·sen·ce·phal·ic /-s&-'fal-ik/ adjective
• lobe: (noun) : a curved or rounded projection or division: as a : a more or less rounded projection of a body organ or part <' of the ear> b : a division of a body organ marked off by a fissure on the surface (as of the brain, lungs, or liver)
• lobotomy: Also, frontal lobotomy.
• lomustine: Also known as CCNU, it is an alkylating neoplastic chemotherapeutic drug.
• longitudinal fissure: A prominent groove that divides the brain into the left and right hemispheres.
• Lovenox: Anticoagulant (a drug that reduces the tendency of blood to coagulate) thereby reducing the risk of thrombosis.
• low grade glioma: Gliomas that tend to grow and spread slowly
• lumbar puncture: A procedure performed to assess if your disease has spread to the cerebro spinal fluid (CSF) which bathes the brain and the spinal cord. Lumbar Puncture is performed with you lying on your side, curled up in a foetal position. Local anaesthetic is injected into the skin over the area where the spinal needle is inserted. After the procedure you must lie flat for a few hours to prevent headache which may occur due to the change in the fluid level in the CSF.
• lung cancer: (adjective) : resembling epidermis or epidermal cells : made up of elements like those of epidermis <' cancer of the lung>
• lupus: A systemic disease that results from an autoimmune mechanism. Individuals with lupus will produce antibodies to their own body tissues. The resultant inflammation can cause kidney damage, arthritis, pericarditis and vasculitis.
• lymph node: Any of the rounded masses of lymphoid tissue that are surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue, are distributed along the lymphatic vessels, and contain numerous lymphocytes which filter the flow of lymph passing through the node -- called also lymph gland
• lymphadenopathy: abnormal enlargement of the lymph nodes
• lymphangioma: (noun) : a tumor formed of dilated lymphatic vessels
• lymphatic tumor: A tumor involving or relating to the lymphoid tissue, or lymphocytes.
• lymphocytes: Any of the colorless weakly motile cells that originate from stem cells and differentiate in lymphoid tissue (as of the thymus or bone marrow), that are the typical cellular elements of lymph, that include the cellular mediators of immunity, and that constitute 20 to 30 percent of the white blood cells of normal human blood.
• lymphoma: A broad term encompassing a variety of cancers of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system helps filter out bacteria and is important in fighting disease.
• lymphomas: plural -mas or -ma*ta (noun) : a usu. malignant tumor of lymphoid tissue
• lypoma: See lipoma.
• lytic defect: A defect in the process of lysis, which is the process of disintegration or dissolution (as of cells).
• m: [Latin misce] (abbreviation) mix -- used in writing prescriptions
• macro: 1 : large, thick, or excessively developed 2 a : of or involving large quantities : intended for use with large quantities b : GROSS 1b
• macroadenoma: Pituitary adenomas may be micro or macro. Microadenomas appear as small nodules in the normal sized pituitary, whereas, macroadenomas enlarge the pituitary.
• macrobiotic: (adjective) : of, relating to, or being an extremely restricted diet (as one containing chiefly whole grains)
• macrocytosis: (noun) : the occurrence of macrocytes in the blood
• macrophage: A phagocytic tissue cell of the mononuclear phagocyte system that may be fixed or freely motile, is derived from a monocyte, and functions in the protection of the body against infection and noxious substances.
• macroprolactinoma: A prolactinoma more than 10 mm in diameter and and usually associated with serum prolactin levels exceeding 100 ng per milliliter.
• magma: : a crude mixture of mineral or organic matter in the state of a thin paste 2 : a suspension of a large amount of precipitated material (as in milk of magnesia or milk of bismuth) in a small volume of a watery vehicle
• magnetic: (noun) : the portion of space near a magnetic body or a current-carrying body in which the magnetic forces due to the body or current can be detected
• mal formation: Malformation. Irregular, anomalous, abnormal, or faulty formation or structure as in .
• malignancy: A cancerous tumor that can invade and destroy nearby tissue and may spread to other parts of the body.
• malignant: A cancerous tumor that can invade and destroy nearby tissue and may spread to other parts of the body.
• Malignant melanoma: A malignant tumour which arises from the pigment producing cells (melanosomes) of the deeper layers of the skin (or the eye).
• malignant oligodendroglioma: See anaplastic oligodendroglioma.
• malignant tumour: See malignant.
• mandibulofacial dysostosis: (noun) : a dysostosis of the face and lower jaw inherited as an autosomal dominant trait and characterized by bilateral malformations, deformities of the outer and middle ear, and a usu. smaller lower jaw --called also Treacher Collins syndrome
• manic depressive: (adjective) : characterized by mania, by psychotic depression, or by alternating mania and depression
• mannitol: A concentrated sugar that sucks fluid out of the blood vessels that form the blood brain-barrier to open a door allowing cancer-fighting drugs to enter the brain system.
• MAOI: Abbreviation for monoamine oxidase inhibitor.
• margaritoma : See cholesteatoma.
• Marimastat: A drug that doesn't kill cancer cells by poisoning them with toxic chemicals or radiation, as other treatments do. Marimastat attacks the ability for cancer cells to secrete a corrosive enzyme called metalloproteinase. This enzyme literally digests the healthy tissue surrounding a tumor and allows the cancer to spread. Once metalloproteinase production halts, the body's defenses take over, walling off the tumor with a thick coating of fibrous tissue. The cancer then dormant and can be removed surgically or left, harmless, where it is.
• mass effect: Damage to the brain due the bulk of a tumour, the blockage of fluid or excess accumulation of fluid within the skull.
• mastoid: Of or relating to mastoid process, the process of the temporal bone behind the ear that is well developed and of somewhat conical form in adults but inconspicuous in children.
• mastoid area: Known as the mastoid process. The process of the temporal bone behind the ear that is well developed and of somewhat conical form in adults but inconspicuous in children.
• maternal brain cavernoma: See: cavernous hemangioma.
• maxilla: The jaw.
• maxillectomy: Surgical removal of the maxilla.
• meckel: (noun) : the proximal part of the omphalomesenteric duct when persistent as a blind fibrous tube connected with the lower ileum J. F. Meckel the Younger --see MECKEL-GRUBER SYNDROME
• meckel 's cave: A space in the dura mater containing the trigeminal ganglion. The trigeminal ganglion is a sensory ganglion of the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve (the fifth cranial nerve) is responsible for sensation in the face. Sensory information from the face and body is processed by parallel pathways in the central nervous system. The fifth nerve is primarily a sensory nerve, but it also has certain motor functions (biting, chewing, and swallowing).
• Meckel's cave: A little pocket which lies just inside the skull and which encloses the trigemal ganglion. The trigeminal ganglion is the main junction of the trigemal nerve as it passes out through the skull into the face.
• medial: adjective: a) lying or extending in the middle, especially, of a body part; b) lying or extending toward the median axis of the body c) of or relating to the media of a blood vessel
• medial rectus palsy: Palsy that involves one of four muscles of the eyeball that arise from the border of the optic foramen and run forward to insert into the sclera of the eyeball. The one that is the broadest and inserts into the medial aspect of the sclera -- also called medial rectus, rectus medialis.
• medical illness: A condition marked by pronounced deviation from the normal healthy state, sickness.
• medula blastomia: See medulloblastoma.
• medulablastoma: See medulloblastoma
• medulla: A general term for the most interior portion of an organ or structure. There are several different types.
• medulla blasoma: See medulloblastoma.
• medulla blastema: Inflected Form(s): plural me·dul·lo·blas·to·mas also me·dul·lo·blas·to·ma·ta /-'tO-m&t-&/ : a malignant tumor of the central nervous system arising in the cerebellum especially in children - me·dul·lo·blas·to·ma·tous /-'tO-m&t-&s/ adjective
• medulla blastoma: Medulloblastoma. This primary brain tumour is the most common brain tumour in children and occurs more frequently in boys than girls. These tumours can spread along the spinal cord. Symptoms include ataxia, headache, vomiting and lethargy. Treatment often involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Approximately 30 to 50% of children are disease-free in 10 years.
• medulla blastoma tumor in infants: See medulloblastoma.
• medulla glioblastoma: See: Medulloblastoma
• medulla oblongata: The most vital part of the entire brain, continuing as the bulbous portion of the spinal cord just above the foramen magnum and separated from the pons by a horizontal groove. It is one of three parts of the brainstem . The medulla contains the cardiac (heart),vasomotor and the respiratory centers of the brain.
• medulla oblongota: See: medulla oblongata
• medullablastoma: See medulloblastoma.
• medullary: 1 a : of or relating to the medulla of any body part or organ b : containing, consisting of, or resembling bone marrow c : of or relating to the medulla oblongata or the spinal cord d : of, relating to, or formed of the dorsally located embryonic ectoderm destined to sink below the surface and become neural tissue 2 : resembling bone marrow in consistency -- used of cancers
• medulloblastoma: A malignant, highly radiosensitive cerebellar tumor composed of undifferentiated neuroglial cells.
• meduloblastoma: See medulloblastoma.
• mega cisterna magna: See cisterna magna.
• melanoma: A tumor arising from the melanocytic system of the skin and other organs. When used alone the term refers to malignant melanoma.
• melatonin: (noun) : a vertebrate hormone that is derived from serotonin, is secreted by the pineal gland especially in response to darkness, and has been linked to the regulation of circadian rhythms
• meligioma: See meningioma.
• mengioma: See meningioma.
• mengiomia: See meningioma.
• menigiom: See meningioma.
• menigioma: See: meningioma
• Menigioma: See meningioma.
• menigitis: See: meningitis.
• meningeal: (adjective) : of, relating to, or affecting the meninges
• meningeal branches: Also referred to as meningeal arteries.
• meningeoma: See: Meningioma
• meningeoma calcified: See: calcification.
• meninges: The surrounding membranes of the brain and spinal cord. There are three layers: the dura mater (outer layer), arachnoid membrane (middle layer) and the pia mater (inner layer).
• meningial: Of or pertaining to the meninges.
• meningial cancer: Cancer of the meninges (the three membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord; the dura mater, pia mater, and arachnoid.
• meningioma: A benign, slow-growing tumor of the meninges. Meningiomas are the most common benign tumors of the brain (95% of benign tumors). However they can also be malignant.
• meningioma, calcification: See Meningioma and Calcification.
• meningiomas: See Meningioma.
• meningiomatosis: A diffuse meningeal infiltration resulting in unevaluable meningeal thickening.
• meningitis: Inflammation of the meninges, usually by either a bacterium (bacterial) or a virus (viral). There are several different types.
• meningocele: A condition where the meninges (any of the three membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord) protrudes through a defect in the skull or spinal column to form a cyst filled with cerebrospinal fluid.
• meningotheliomatous: A meningioma characterized by plump cells with poorly defined boundaries, sometimes in whorls or lobules.
• mesencephalic: Of or relating to the midbrain, which is the middle division of the three primary divisions of the brain.
• mesencephalon: The middle segment of the brain; the midbrain. Sometimes abbreviated to mesen.
• met: Met (abbreviation) methionine
• Metaplasia: The change in the type of adult cells in a tissue to a form which is not formal for that tissue.
• metastases: See: Metastasis
• metastasis: Metastasis, sometimes abbreviated mets, is the spread of a disease from one organ or part to another non-adjacent organ or part. Cancer cells can break away, leak, or spill from a primary tumor, enter lymphatic and blood vessels, circulate through the bloodstream, and be deposited within normal tissue elsewhere in the body.
• metastatic: Of or pertaining to metastasis.
• metastatic brain tumor: A brain tumor caused by cancer elsewhere in the body spreading to the brain.
• metastatic disease: See metastatic brain tumor
• methotrexate: (noun) : a toxic anticancer drug that is an analog of folic acid and an antimetabolite --called also amethopterin
• Methylphenidate: Methylphenidate is a potent central nervous system stimulant derived from amphetamine thought to exert its effect by enhancing dopaminergic transmission in the brain. In North America it is most commonly known as the brand name Ritalin.
• mets: Abbreviation describing cancer that started from cancer cells from another part of the body.
• microadenoma: A pituitary adenoma less than 10 mm in diameter, so that it is too small to be easily visualized by usual radiographic techniques. Most endocrine-active adenomas of this size are detected because of their hormone activities.
• microaneurism: (noun) : a saccular enlargement of the venous end of a retinal capillary associated esp. with diabetic retinopathy
• microangiopathy: A disease of very fine blood vessels .
• Microglia: Microglia are a type of glial cells that act as the first and main form of immune defense in the central nervous system (CNS). Microglia constitute 20% of the total glial cell population within the brain. Microglia (and astrocytes) are distributed in large non-overlapping regions throughout the brain and spinal cord. Microglia are constantly excavating the CNS for damaged neurons, plaques, and infectious agents. The brain and spinal cord are considered “immune privileged” organs in that they are separated from the rest of the body by a series of endothelial cells known as the blood-brain barrier, which prevents most infections from reaching the vulnerable nervous tissue. In the case where infectious agents are directly introduced to the brain or cross the blood-brain barrier, microglial cells must react quickly to increase inflammation and destroy the infectious agents before they damage the sensitive neural tissue. Due to the unavailability of antibodies from the rest of the body (few antibodies cross the blood brain barrier due to their large size), microglia must be able to recognize foreign bodies, swallow them, and act as antigen-presenting cells activating T-cells. Since this process must be done quickly to prevent potentially fatal damage, microglia are extremely sensitive to even small pathological changes in the CNS
• mid-line shift: See: midline shift
• midbrain: (noun) : the middle of the three primary divisions of the developing vertebrate brain or the corresponding part of the adult brain that includes a ventral part containing the cerebral peduncles and a dorsal tectum containing the corpora quadrigemina and that surrounds the aqueduct of Sylvius connecting the third and fourth ventricles --called also mesencephalon
• midbrain tumor: The midbrain is a portion of the brain stem. Tumors arising in the midbrain usually affect only the nerves supplying the eye muscles. They also block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, causing headaches and vomiting.
• midline: : a median line ; especially : the median line or median plane of the body or some part of the body
• midline shift: A displacement of the midline of the brain to one side of the head due to swelling in one side of the brain.
• migraine: See Migarines
• migraines: (noun) 1 : a condition that is marked by recurrent usu. unilateral severe headache often accompanied by nausea and vomiting and followed by sleep, that tends to occur in more than one member of a family, and that is of uncertain origin though attacks appear to be precipitated by dilatation of intracranial blood vessels 2 : an episode or attack of migraine --called also sick headache
• mitosis: A process that takes place in the nucleus of a dividing cell and results in the formation of two new nuclei, each having the same number of chromosomes as the parent nucleus. Cell division.
• mitotic: (noun) : the number of cells per thousand cells actively dividing at a particular time
• mitotic etiology: The study of the cause and origin of cell division
• mixed anaplastic oligo astrocytomas: See anaplastic, see oligoastrocytoma
• mixed glioma: A glioma in which the components are of more than one cell type.
• mixed oligoastrocytoma: An oligoastrocytoma in which the components are of more than one cell type.
• monoclonal: Produced by, being, or composed of cells derived from a single cell ; especially : relating to or being an antibody derived from a single cell in large quantities for use against a specific antigen (as a cancer cell).
• morphia: a bitter crystalline addictive narcotic base C17H19NO3 that is the principal alkaloid of opium and is used in the form of a soluble salt (as a hydrochloride or a sulfate) as an analgesic and sedative Mor·pheus \'mor-fE-&s, -"f(y)üs\, Greek mythological character. Morpheus was one of the sons of Hypnos, the god of sleep. As a dream-god Morpheus made human shapes appear to dreamers. His two brothers were responsible for sending forms of animals and inanimate things.
• morphologic: Of, relating to, or concerned with form or structure.
• motor neuron: Motor neuron: A neuron that sends electrical output signals to muscle neurons. Also called a motoneuron
• MRA: MRA:The magnetic resonance angiogram, or MRA, is a noninvasive test that has demonstrated usefulness in defining the anatomy of blood vessels of certain size in the head and neck. MRA serves as a complement to traditional MRI scanning in evaluation of the brain and neck. Conventional angiograms, whereby contrast material is injected through a catheter into the blood vessels of the head and neck, are the gold standard (most accurate) for determining the anatomy of these vessels. The advantages of MRA is that it is faster and easier (it does not involve the catheters, contrast material, and risks of angiograms). Another advantage is that MRA also gives an image of the tissue of the brain. MRA is a general term that refers to various imaging techniques that are used to visualize the blood vessels by using magnetic resonance (MR) signal changes that are affected by changes in the flow of blood caused by changes in the shape of the blood vessels. MRA can be used to detect small ballooning of the blood vessels (aneurysms) as small as 4 millimeters in diameter. Smaller aneurysms can require an angiogram for detection. The sensitivity of MRA in detecting aneurysms can be affected by bleeding within the brain and the location of the aneurysms within the brain. MRA can also detect abnormal design (malformations), and atherosclerosis of blood vessels within the brain. Atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries of the neck can be visualized with MRA. MRA does not have significant application for the detection or definition of cancer of the brain
• MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging. A scanning device that uses a magnetic field, radio waves and a computer. Signals emitted by normal and diseased tissue during the scan are assembled into an image.
• msh: melanocyte-stimulating hormone
• mucocele: A swelling like a sac that is due to distension of a hollow organ or cavity with mucus.
• multicentric tumors: Tumors having multiple centers of origin.
• multifocal: 1 : having more than one focal length 2 : arising from or occurring in more than one focus or location
• multifocal leukoencephalopathy: --see progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
• multiform: Having or occurring in many forms.
• multiple myeloma: A cancer of the body's blood forming and immune systems. It is a rare cancer characterized by the accumulation of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow and excess monoclonal immunoglobulin (Ig) in the serum and/or urine. It appears that myeloma is a heterogeneous disease that consists of different molecular subtypes, which may require distinct treatment strategies.
• multiple sclerosis: a demyelinating disease marked by patches of hardened tissue in the brain or the spinal cord and associated especially with partial or complete paralysis and jerking muscle tremor
• munro's foramen: Cerebrospinal fluid is produced in the ventricles of the brain. The ventricular system is divided into four cavities called ventricles which are connected by a series of holes (called foramen) and tubes. Two ventricles enclosed in the cerebral hemispheres are called the lateral ventricles (first and second). They each communicate with the third ventricle through a separate opening called the Foramen of Munro. The third ventricle is in the centre of the brain and its walls are made up of the thalamus and hypothalamus.
• mustard gas: (noun) : an irritant oily liquid that is a war gas, causes blistering, attacks the eyes and lungs, and is a systemic poison
• myasthenia: muscular debility
• mydriasis: Mydriasis is an excessive dilation of the pupil due to disease, trauma or the use of drugs.
• myelin: A soft white somewhat fatty material that forms a thick myelin sheath about the protoplasmic core of a myelinated nerve fiber.
• myelin sheath: A thick, lipid-rich insulating layer formed by Schwann cells.
• myelination: See: myelin
• myeloma: (noun) : a primary tumor of the bone marrow formed of any one of the bone marrow cells (as myelocytes or plasma cells) and usu. involving several different bones at the same time --see MULTIPLE MYELOMA
• myelopathy: any disease or disorder of the spinal cord or bone marrow
• myelosuppression: Suppression of bone marrow activity resulting in reduction in the number of platelets, red cells, and white cells.
• myogenic response: Originating in muscle, as in: myo·gen·ic pain
• myositis: Myositis: Inflammation of muscle tissue. There are many causes of myositis, including injury, medications, and diseases
• myxoid: Resembling mucus.
• myxoid cells in brain: This term could not be found. Please check your spelling.
• myxoma: A tumor made up of a gelatinous tissue resembling that found in the umbilical cord.
• myxomid cells in brain: This term could not be found. Please check your spelling.
• myxopapillary ependyoma: This well-differentiated type of ependymoma are often curable. Ependymal tumors are considered to arise from ependymal cells that line the ventricles and from ependymal rests. They vary in grade of malignancy.
• nadir: The lowest point
• nausea: A stomach distress with distaste for food and an urge to vomit
• necrosis: Localized tissue death that occurs in groups of cells in response to disease or injury.
• necrotic: (adjective) : affected with, characterized by, or producing necrosis
• neo plasm: a new growth of tissue serving no physiological function : TUMOR -- compare CANCER 1
• neo-adjuvant: Treatment given before the primary treatment to improve the effectiveness of the treatment. Neoadjuvant therapy can be chemotherapy, radiation or hormone therapy.
• neo-adjuvent: See: neo-adjuvant
• neoblastic: Of or pertaining to a new tissue or development within a new tissue.
• neoplasia: Neoplasia (new growth in Greek) is the abnormal proliferation of cells. The growth of this clone of cells exceeds, and is uncoordinated with, that of the normal tissues around it. It usually causes a lump or tumor which is then referred to as a neoplasm, or an abnormal mass of tissue.
• neoplasias: (noun) 1 : the process of tumor formation 2 : a tumorous condition of the body
• neoplasm: Any new or abnormal growth, specifically a new growth of tissue in which the growth is uncontrolled. Can be malignant or benign. Also called tumor.
• neoplasms: Neoplasms. New abnormal growth of tissue. Malignant neoplasms show a greater degree of anaplasia and have the properties of invasion and metastasis, compared to benign neoplasms.
• neoplastic: (adjective) : of, relating to, or constituting a neoplasm or neoplasia
• neoplastic lesion: See: neoplasia, neoplasm
• nerve endings: the structure in which the distal end of the axon of a nerve fiber terminates -- called also nerve end [nerve ending illustration]
• nervous breakdown: : an attack of mental or emotional disorder especially when of sufficient severity to require hospitalization
• Neuradiab: Neuradiab is a monoclonal antibody, conjugated to radioactive iodine, used to treat glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Neuradiab(TM) delivers tumor-killing radiation specifically to residual brain tumor cells after surgery, with minimal impact on normal brain tissue. Click on the link for more info. http://virtualtrials.com/news3.cfm?item=4305
• neural cytoma: See: neurocytoma
• neurilemmoma: (noun) : a tumor of the myelinated sheaths of nerve fibers that consist of Schwann cells in a matrix --called also neurinoma, schwannoma
• neurinoma: a tumor of the myelinated sheaths of nerve fibers that consist of Schwann cells in a matrix -- called also neurinoma, schwannoma
• neuro: (adjective) : NEUROLOGICAL
• neuroblastoma: A highly malignant tumor composed of primitive ectodermal cells derived from the neural plate during embryonic life. The tumor may originate in any part of the sympathetic nervous system but is most common in the adrenal medulla.
• neurocytoma: A benign brain tumour consisting of undifferentiated cells of nervous origin, i.e., cells resembling medullary neural epithelium.
• neuroectodermal: Pertaining to or relating to the neuroectoderm (the portion of the ectoderm of the early embryo which gives rise to the central and peripheral nervous systems, including some glial cells.
• neuroectodermal tumor: A tumor of the central or peripheral nervous systems.
• neuroendocrine: (adjective) 1 : of, relating to, or being a hormonal substance that influences the activity of nerves 2 : of, relating to, or functioning in neurosecretion
• neuroepithelial cyst: See neuroepithelial tumor.
• neuroepithelial tumor: Primitive neuroectodermal or neuroepithelial tumors are names used to describe neoplasias composed of undifferentiated cells resembling germinal cells of the embryonic neural tube. These tumors are small round cell malignancies of the neural crest origin arising outside the central and sympathetic nervous system. They are described as peripheral and central neuroectodermal tumors related to the original malignant cell. A great number of tumors are described under this classification in spite of the fact that there is no an universal acceptance that these small-cell neoplasms, regardless of their primary site, are derived from immature neuroectoderm tissue.
• neurofibroma: (noun) : a fibroma composed of nervous and connective tissue and produced by proliferation of Schwann cells
• neurofibromatosis: Neurofibromatoses (NF) are genetic disorders of the nervous system. At this time, two distinct forms are known: NF1 and NF2. In both forms of NF, severity of symptoms can vary greatly. Effects can be severely disabling, mildly disfiguring or can even go undetected. A common early sign of NF1 is six or more tan spots on the skin. They are called cafe-au-lait (French for coffee with milk) spots. Benign tumors (lumps), under the skin or deeper, may appear at any age but especially during adolescence. NF2 is characterized by tumors that grow on what is referred to as the 8th cranial nerve. Persons with NF2 also may develop other tumors of the brain or spinal cord, and sometimes develop cataracts at an early age.
• neuroglia: is intermingled with the essential elements of nervous tissue especially in the brain, spinal cord, and ganglia, is of ectodermal origin, and is composed of a network of fine fibrils and of flattened stellate cells with numerous radiating fibrillar processes -- see MICROGLIA - neu·ro·gli·al /-&l / adjective
• neuroglioma blastoma multiforme grade 4: See: glioblastoma multiforme.
• neurologist: A neurologist is a special type of physician who diagnoses and treats disorders of the nervous system. This includes diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. A neurologist is trained to perform a detailed examination of all the important neurological structures in the body. This includes the nerves of the head and neck, the muscular strength and movement, sensation, balance testing, ambulation and reflex testing. In some patients, very detailed questions regarding memory, speech and language and other cognitive abilities will be part of the examination. A neurologist may send a patient for a surgical evaluation, but does not perform surgery.
• neurology: The scientific study of the nervous system.
• neuroma: A benign tumor from nervous tissue.
• neurontin: A medication that is an anticonvulsant.
• neuropathy: an abnormal and usually degenerative state of the nervous system or nerves ; also : a systemic condition (as muscular atrophy) that stems from a neuropathy
• neuropil: a fibrous network of delicate unmyelinated nerve fibers interrupted by numerous synapses and found in concentrations of nervous tissue especially in parts of the brain where it is highly developed
• neurosarcoid: Neurosarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease of unknown etiology. Involvement of the central nervous system is referred to as neurosarcoidosis.
• neurosurgeon: A surgeon who operates on the brain and/or spinal chord.
• neurotoxicity: (adjective) : toxic to the nerves or nervous tissue
• neutron: (noun) : an uncharged atomic particle that is nearly equal in mass to the proton
• neutropenia: Leucopenia (reduction in the number of leucocytes in the blood) in which the decrease in white blood cells is chiefly in neutrophils.
• neutrophils: Granular leukocytes having a nucleus with three to five lobes connected by slender threads of chromatin, and cytoplasm containing fine inconspicuous granules and stainable by neutral dyes.
• nitrosoureas: A group of anticancer drugs that can cross the blood-brain barrier. carmustine (bcnu) and lomustine (ccnu) are nitrosoureas
• nocebo: a harmless substance that when taken by a patient is associated with harmful effects due to negative expectations or the psychological condition of the patient
• nodes: More than one discrete mass of one kind of tissue enclosed in tissue of a different kind.
• nodule: a small mass of rounded or irregular shape: as a : a small abnormal knobby bodily protuberance (as a tumorous growth or a calcification near an arthritic joint) b : the nodulus of the cerebellum
• nodules: (noun) : a small mass of rounded or irregular shape: as a : a small abnormal knobby bodily protuberance (as a tumorous growth or a calcification near an arthritic joint) b : the nodulus of the cerebellum
• nodulus: A prominence on the inferior surface of the cerebellum forming the anterior end of the vermis.
• non cancerous: See benign.
• non hodgkins lymphoma: A group of lymphomas which differ in important ways from Hodgkin's disease and are classified according to the microscopic appearance of the cancer cells. The disease is classified as either low grade (slowly growing), intermediate grade or high grade (rapidly growing) and may be treated in a variety of ways depending on the exact diagnosis. Previously called lymphosarcoma.
• non small cell carcinoma: See non small cell lung cancer
• non small cell lung cancer: Lung cancers can be divided into two types: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. The cancer cells of each type grow and spread in different ways, and they are treated differently. Non-small cell lung cancer is usually associated with prior smoking, passive smoking, or radon exposure. The main kinds of non-small cell lung cancer are named for the type of cells found in the cancer: squamous cell carcinoma (also called epidermoid carcinoma), adenocarcinoma, large cell carcinoma, adenosquamous carcinoma, and undifferentiated carcinoma.
• non-hodgkins lymphoma: of the numerous malignant lymphomas (as Burkitt's lymphoma) that are not classified as Hodgkin's disease and that usually have malignant cells derived from B cells or T cells
• non-pyrogenic: Does not cause inflammation or spiked fever.
• non-small cell cancer: any carcinoma (as an adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma) of the lungs that is not a small-cell lung cancer -- called also non-small cell cancer, non-small cell carcinoma, non-small cell lung carcinoma -- see LARGE-CELL CARCINOMA
• non-specific changes in brain: Changes which cannot be linked to a specific agent or condition.
• nystagmus: Involuntary rhythmic movements of the eyes. The oscillations may be horizontal, vertical, rotary, mixed or jerking.

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