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Glossary

Showing 561-570 out of 1175 Terms

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  • High-grade

    (hy grayd)

    A term used to describe cells and tissue that look abnormal under a microscope. High-grade cancer cells tend to grow and spread more quickly than low-grade cancer cells. Cancer grade may be used to help plan treatment and determine prognosis. High-grade cancers usually have a worse prognosis than low-grade cancers and may need treatment right away or treatment that is more aggressive (intensive).

  • High-risk cancer

    (hy-risk KAN-ser)

    Cancer that is likely to recur (come back), or spread.

  • Histology

    (his-TAH-loh-jee)

    The study of tissues and cells under a microscope.

  • Hives

    (hyvz)

    Itchy, raised red areas on the skin. Hives are caused by a reaction to certain foods, drugs, infections, or emotional stress. Also called urticaria.

  • Hodgkin lymphoma

    HOJ-kin lim-FOH-muh

    A cancer of the immune system that is marked by the presence of a type of cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell. The two major types of Hodgkin lymphoma are classical Hodgkin lymphoma and nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma. Symptoms include the painless enlargement of lymph nodes, spleen, or other immune tissue. Other symptoms include fever, weight loss, fatigue, or night sweats. Also called Hodgkin disease.

  • Hormone

    HOR-mone

    One of many substances made by glands in the body. Hormones circulate in the bloodstream and control the actions of certain cells or organs. Some hormones can also be made in the laboratory.

  • Hormone replacement therapy

    (HOR-mone reh-PLAYS-ment THAYR-uh-pee)

    Treatment with hormones to replace natural hormones when the body does not make enough. For example, hormone replacement therapy may be given when the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone or when the pituitary gland does not make enough growth hormone. Or, it may be given to women after menopause to replace the hormones estrogen and progesterone that are no longer made by the body. Also called HRT.

  • Hormone responsive

    (HOR-mone reh-SPONT-siv)

    In oncology, describes cancer that responds to hormone treatment.

  • Hormone therapy

    (HOR-mone THAYR-uh-pee)

    Treatment that adds, blocks, or removes hormones. For certain conditions (such as diabetes or menopause), hormones are given to adjust low hormone levels. To slow or stop the growth of certain cancers (such as prostate and breast cancer), synthetic hormones or other drugs may be given to block the body’s natural hormones. Sometimes surgery is needed to remove the gland that makes a certain hormone. Also called endocrine therapy, hormonal therapy, and hormone treatment.

  • Hormone-refractory

    (HOR-mone-reh-FRAK-tor-ee)

    In medicine, describes a disease or condition that does not respond to treatment with hormones. Also called hormone-resistant.