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Glossary

Showing 631-640 out of 1175 Terms

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  • Induction therapy

    (in-DUK-shun THAYR-uh-pee)

    The first treatment given for a disease. It is often part of a standard set of treatments, such as surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation. When used by itself, induction therapy is the one accepted as the best treatment. If it doesn’t cure the disease or it causes severe side effects, other treatment may be added or used instead. Also called first-line therapy, primary therapy, and primary treatment.

  • Indwelling catheter

    A central line surgically placed (usually in the chest) and inserted into a large vein in your neck for to administer medications, IV fluids, and blood products. May also be used to draw blood for testing.

  • Infection

    (in-FEK-shun)

    The invasion and growth of germs in the body. The germs may be bacteria, viruses, yeast, fungi, or other microorganisms. Infections can begin anywhere in the body and may spread all through it. An infection can cause fever and other health problems, depending on where it occurs in the body. When the body’s immune system is strong, it can often fight the germs and cure an infection. Some cancer treatments can weaken the immune system, which may lead to infection.

  • Infectious disease

    A disease caused by germs; one that can be passed from one to another. Cancer is not an infectious disease.

  • Infertility

    (IN-fer-TIH-lih-tee)

    The inability to produce children.

  • Inflammation

    (IN-fluh-MAY-shun)

    Redness, swelling, pain, and/or a feeling of heat in an area of the body. This is a protective reaction to injury, disease, or irritation of the tissues.

  • Inflammatory

    (in-FLA-muh-TOR-ee)

    Having to do with inflammation (redness, swelling, pain, and a feeling of heat that helps protect tissues affected by injury or disease).

  • Informed consent

    (in-FORMD kun-SENT)

    A process in which patients are given important information, including possible risks and benefits, about a medical procedure or treatment, a clinical trial, or genetic testing. This is to help them decide if they want to be treated, tested, or take part in the trial. Patients are also given any new information that might affect their decision to continue. Also called consent process.

  • Infusions

    (in-FYOO-zhun)

    A method of putting fluids, including drugs, into the bloodstream. Also called intravenous infusion.

  • Ingestion

    (in-JES-chun)

    Taking into the body by mouth.