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Lymphatic and Immune
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| lymph/o | lymph: The fluid that removes cellular waste products, pathogens, and dead blood cells from the tissues. |
| lymphangi/o | lymphatic vessels and ducts: The capillaries, vessels, and ducts that return lymph from the tissues to the venous bloodstream. |
| lymphaden/o | Lymph Nodes: Bean-shaped structures of the lymphatic system where pathogens and other harmful substances are filtered from the lymph by specialized cells of the immune system. |
| tonsill/o , adenoid/o | Tonsils and Adenoids: Lymphoid structures of the lymphatic system that protect the entry to the respiratory system. |
| splen/o | Spleen: A sac-like mass of lymphoid tissue with protective roles in both the immune and lymphatic systems. |
| myel/o | Bone Marrow: Produces lymphocytes, which are specialized leukocytes (white blood cells). Myel/o also means spinal cord |
| lymphocyt/o | Lymphocytes: Specialized leukocytes that play important roles in immune reactions. |
| thym/o | Thymus :A gland located in the upper chest with specialized roles in both the lymphatic and immune systems. |
| Anti- | against |
| carcin/o | cancerous |
| immun/o | Lymph, lymphatic tissue. |
| lymphaden/o | Lymph node or gland. |
| lymphangi/o | Lymphatic vessel. |
| neo-, ne/o | new, strange |
| -oma | Tumor or neoplasm. |
| onc/o | Tumor |
| phag/o | Eat or swallow. |
| -plasm | Formative material of cells. |
| sarc/o | Flesh or connective tissue. |
| splen/o | Spleen |
| -tic | Pertaining to. |
| tox/o | Poison, poisonous. |
| acquired immunodeficiency syndrome | The most advanced and fatal stage of an HIV infection. |
| allergen | A substance that produces an allergic reaction in an individual. |
| anaphylaxis | A severe response to an allergen in which the symptoms develop quickly, and without help, the patient can die within a few minutes. |
| antibiotics | A medication that is capable of inhibiting the growth of or killing pathogenic bacterial microorganisms. |
| antibody | A disease-fighting protein created by the immune system in response to the presence of a specific antigen. |
| antifungal | An agent that destroys or inhibits the growth of fungi. |
| antigen | Any substance that the body regards as foreign. |
| antigen–antibody reaction | The binding of antigens to antibodies. |
| autoimmune disorder | Any of a large group of diseases characterized by a condition in which the immune system produces antibodies to work against its own tissues, mistaking healthy cells, tissues, or organs for antigens. |
| bacilli | Rod-shaped spore-forming bacteria. |
| bacteria | A group of one-celled microscopic organisms, some of which are pathogenic. |
| benign | Not life-threatening. |
| candidiasis | An infection caused by yeast, a type of fungus. |
| carcinoma | A malignant tumor that occurs in epithelial tissue. |
| carcinoma in situ | A malignant tumor in its original position that has not yet disturbed or invaded the surrounding tissues. |
| complement system | A group of proteins that normally circulate in the blood in an inactive form. When needed, these cells complement the ability of antibodies to ward off pathogens by combining with them to dissolve and remove pathogenic bacteria and other foreign cells. |
| cytokines | A group of proteins such as interferons and interleukins released primarily by the T cells that act as intracellular signals to begin the immune response. |
| cytomegalovirus | A group of large herpes-type viruses found in most body fluids and most often causing an infection without signs or symptoms. Can cause a serious illness when the individual has a weakened immune system or when passed from mother to unborn child. |
| cytotoxic drug | Medication that kills or damages cells. |
| ductal carcinoma in situ | Breast cancer at its earliest stage, before the cancer has broken through the wall of the milk duct. |
| hemolytic | Describes the function of destroying worn-out erythrocytes (red blood cells) and releasing their hemoglobin for reuse. |
| herpes zoster | An acute viral infection characterized by painful skin eruptions that follow the underlying route of the inflamed nerve. |
| Hodgkin’s lymphoma | A malignancy of the lymphatic system that is distinguished from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma by the presence of large, cancerous lymphocytes. |
| human immunodeficiency virus | A bloodborne infection in which the virus damages or kills the T cells of the immune system. |
| immunoglobulins | Bind with specific antigens in the antigen-antibody response. |
| immunosuppressant | A substance that prevents or reduces the body's normal immune response. |
| immunotherapy | A treatment of disease by either stimulating or repressing the immune response. |
| infectious mononucleosis | An infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) that is characterized by fever, a sore throat, and enlarged lymph nodes. |
| infiltrating ductal carcinoma | Breast cancer that starts in the milk duct, breaks through the wall of that duct, and invades the surrounding fatty breast tissue; also known as invasive ductal carcinoma. |
| interferons | Produced in response to the presence of antigens, particularly viruses or tumor cells. They activate the immune system, fight viruses, and signal other cells to increase their defenses. |
| lymphadenopathy | Any disease process affecting a lymph node or nodes. |
| lymphangioma | A benign tumor formed by an abnormal collection of lymphatic vessels due to a congenital malformation of the lymphatic system. |
| lymphedema | Swelling due to an abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid within the tissues. |
| lymphocytes | One of three types of cells that are formed in bone marrow as stem cells that act as specialized antibodies. |
| lymphoma | A general term applied to malignancies affecting lymphoid tissues. |
| lymphoscintigraphy | A diagnostic test to detect damage or malformations of the lymphatic vessels. |
| macrophage | A type of leukocyte that surrounds and kills invading cells. |
| malaria | A disease caused by a parasite that lives in certain mosquitoes and is transferred to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. |
| malignant | Becoming progressively worse and life-threatening. |
| mammography | A radiographic examination of the breasts to detect the presence of tumors or precancerous cells. |
| metastasis | The process by which cancer is spread to a new site; may refer to the tumor itself. |
| metastasize | To spread from one place to another. |
| myoma | A benign tumor made up of muscle tissue. |
| myosarcoma | A malignant tumor derived from muscle tissue. |
| non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma | The term used to describe all lymphomas other than Hodgkin's lymphoma. |
| opportunistic infection | Caused by a pathogen that normally does not cause illness in healthy humans, but is able to cause an infection in a weakened host. |
| osteosarcoma | A hard-tissue sarcoma usually involving the upper shaft of long bones, the pelvis, or the knees. |
| parasite | A plant or an animal that lives on or within another living organism at the expense of that organism. |
| rabies | An acute viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite or saliva of an infected animal. |
| rickettsia | Small bacteria that live in lice, fleas, ticks, and mites that transmit infection to humans. |
| rubella | A viral infection characterized by a low-grade fever, swollen glands, inflamed eyes, and a fine, pink rash; also known as German measles or 3-day measles. |
| sarcoma | A malignant tumor that arises from connective tissue; plural, sarcomas or sarcomata. |
| spirochetes | Long, slender spiral-shaped bacteria that have flexible walls and are capable of movement. |
| splenomegaly | Abnormal enlargement of the spleen. |
| staphylococci | Group of about 30 species of bacteria that form irregular groups or clusters resembling grapes. |
| streptococci | Bacteria that form a chain. |
| splenomegaly | Abnormal enlargement of the spleen. |
| staphylococci | Group of about 30 species of bacteria that form irregular groups or clusters resembling grapes. |
| streptococci | Bacteria that form a chain. |
| systemic reaction | A severe reaction to an allergen; also described as anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock. |
| teletherapy | Radiation therapy administered at a distance from the body that is precisely targeted with the use of three-dimensional computer imaging. |
| toxoplasmosis | A parasite that is most commonly transmitted from pets to humans by contact with contaminated animal feces. |
| varicella | A highly contagious disease caused by a herpes virus characterized by a fever and rash; also known as chickenpox. |
| Lacteals | absorb fats that can't be transported by the bloodstream. The dietary fats are transformed in the cells of the lacteals. The lymphatic vessels return them to the venous circulation so they can be used throughout the body as nutrients. |
| Interstitial fluid | also known as intercellular or tissue fluid, is plasma from arterial blood that flows out of the arterioles and into the capillaries, and then flows into the spaces between the cells of the tissues. |
| Lymph | made up of the remaining 10% of the returning interstitial fluid. Lymph is a clear, watery fluid containing electrolytes and proteins. |
| lymphatic circulatory system | doesn't pump like an organ, depends on muscles to move fluid. Flows in one direction. Blood is filtered by the kidneys and waste products are excreted by the urinary system. |
| Lymphatic capillaries | microscopic, one ended tubes near the surface of the body with capillary walls one cell thick. These cells separate briefly to allow the lymph to enter the capillary. Then the action of the cells as they close forces the lymph to flow upward and forward |
| lymphatic vessels | located deeper within the tissues. Like veins, lymphatic vessels have valves to prevent the backward flow of lymph. |
| right lymphatic duct | collects lymph from the right side of the head and neck, the upper right quadrant of the body, and the right arm. The right lymphatic duct empties into the right subclavian vein. The subclavian vein is the proximal part of the main vein of the arm. |
| thoracic duct | largest lymphatic vessel in the body, collects lymph from the left side of the head and neck, the upper left quadrant of the trunk, the left arm, the lower portion of the trunk, and both legs. The thoracic duct empties into the left subclavian vein |
| lymph node | contains specialized lymphocytes that are capable of destroying pathogens. Unfiltered lymph flows into the nodes, and here the lymphocytes destroy harmful substances such as bacteria, viruses, and malignant cells. |
| Cervical lymph nodes | located along the sides of the neck |
| Axillary lymph nodes | located under the arms in the area known as the armpits |
| Inguinal lymph nodes | located in the inguinal (groin) area of the lower abdomen |
| Natural killer cells | play an important role in the killing of cancer cells and cells infected by viruses. |
| B cells | specialized lymphocytes that produce antibodies. Each lymphocyte makes a specific antibody that is capable of destroying a specific antigen. |
| Plasma cells | develop from B cells and secrete a large volume of antibodies coded to destroy specific antigens. |
| T cells | get the T in their name from their origin in the thymus. These lymphocytes play a central role in cell-mediated immunity. |
| Cytokines | a group of proteins such as interferons and interleukins released primarily by the T cells. These cells act as intracellular signals to begin the immune response. |
| Interferons | (IFNs) are produced in response to the presence of antigens, particularly viruses or tumor cells. Interferons activate the immune system, fight viruses by slowing or stopping their multiplication, and signal other cells to increase their defenses. |
| Interleukins | play multiple roles in the immune system, including directing B and T cells to divide and proliferate. |
| tonsils | three masses of lymphoid tissue that form a protective ring around the back of the nose and upper throat. Play an important role in the immune system by preventing pathogens from entering the respiratory system when breathing through the nose and mouth. |
| adenoids | also known as the nasopharyngeal tonsils, are located in the nasopharynx, which is the upper part of the pharynx |
| palatine tonsils | are located on the left and right sides of the throat in the area that is visible at the back of the mouth. Palatine describes the hard and soft palates that form the roof of the mouth |
| lingual tonsils | are located at the base of the tongue; however, they are not readily visible. Lingual means pertaining to the tongue |
| thymus | a mass of lymphoid tissue located above the heart, reaches its greatest size at puberty and becomes smaller with age. |
| vermiform appendix | commonly referred to as the appendix, hangs from the lower portion of the cecum, which is the first section of the large intestine |
| spleen | sac-like mass of lymphoid tissue located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, just inferior to (below) the diaphragm and posterior to (behind) the stomach |
| hemolytic | ) function of destroying worn-out erythrocytes (red blood cells) and releasing their hemoglobin for reuse |
| allergist | specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of altered immunologic reactivity, such as allergic reactions. |
| immunologist | specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the immune system |
| lymphologist | a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the lymphatic system |
| oncologist | a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating malignant disorders such as tumors and cancer |
| Lymphadenitis | commonly known as swollen glands, is an inflammation of the lymph nodes |
| Lymphadenopathy | any disease process affecting a lymph node or nodes |
| lymphangioma | a benign tumor formed by an abnormal collection of lymphatic vessels due to a congenital malformation of the lymphatic system |
| ruptured spleen | a medical emergency that occurs when the covering of the spleen is torn, usually as the result of a blow to the abdomen. Splenorrhagia may result. |
| Splenorrhagia | is bleeding from the spleen |
| Splenomegaly | is an abnormal enlargement of the spleen. This condition can be due to bleeding caused by an injury, an infectious disease such as mononucleosis, or abnormal functioning of the immune system |
| Lymphoscintigraphy | a diagnostic test that is performed to detect damage or malformations of the lymphatic vessels. A radioactive substance is injected into lymph ducts, and a scanner or probe is used to follow the movement of the substance on a computer screen. |
| Bioimpedance spectroscopy | a noninvasive method of diagnosing lymphedema. It measures the resistance to an electrical current passed through the affected limb, with abnormally low results showing a buildup of lymph |
| pathogens | disease-producing microorganisms |
| allergens | substances that produce allergic reactions |
| toxins | poisonous or harmful substances |
| malignant cells | potentially life-threatening cancer cells |
| Intact skin | wraps the body in a physical barrier to prevent invading organisms from entering the body. |
| respiratory system | barriers that trap breathed-in foreign matter with nose hairs, moist mucous membranes, and tonsils. If foreign matter gets past barriers, coughing and sneezing expel it |
| digestive system | uses the acids and enzymes produced by the stomach to destroy invaders that are swallowed or consumed with food. |
| lymphatic system | work together in specific ways to attack and destroy pathogens that have succeeded in entering the body. |
| antigen–antibody reaction | also known as the immune reaction, involves binding antigens to antibodies. This reaction labels a potentially dangerous antigen so it can be recognized and destroyed by other cells of the immune system |
| Tolerance | refers to an acquired unresponsiveness to a specific antigen. The term is also used to describe a decline in the effective response to a drug, usually due to repeated use. |
| antibody | a disease-fighting protein created by the immune system in response to the presence of a specific antigen |
| Phagocytes | pecialized leukocytes that act as part of the antigen–antibody reaction by destroying substances such as cell debris, dust, pollen, and pathogens by the process of phagocytosis |
| Monocytes | leukocytes that provide immunological defenses against many infectious organisms. Macrophages derive from monocytes after they leave the bloodstream and enter into the tissue. Monocytes replenish macrophages and dendritic cells. |
| macrophage | a type of leukocyte that surrounds and kills invading cells. Macrophages also remove dead cells and stimulate the action of other immune cells. |
| Dendritic cells | specialized leukocytes that patrol the body searching for antigens that produce infections. When such a cell is found, the dendritic cell grabs it, swallows it, and alerts B and T cells to act against this specific antigen. |
| complement system | a group of proteins that normally circulate in the blood in an inactive form. When needed, these cells complement the ability of antibodies to ward off pathogens by combining with them to dissolve and remove pathogenic bacteria and other foreign cells. |
| Immunity | also known as passive immunity, is resistance to a disease present without the administration of an antigen or exposure to a disease. Natural immunity is present at birth, and can be augmented when breast milk passes from a nursing mother to her baby. |
| Acquired immunity | obtained by having had a contagious disease. Being vaccinated against a contagious disease provides protection against that disease, such as measles or polio, without having been exposed to the risk of actually having the disease. |
| vaccine | a preparation containing an antigen, consisting of whole or partial disease-causing organisms, which have been killed or weakened. |
| localized allergic response | also known as a cellular response, includes redness, itching, and burning where the skin has come into contact with an allergen. |
| systemic reaction | which is also described as play audio anaphylaxis or as anaphylactic shock, is a severe response to an allergen. the symptoms of this response develop quickly. Without prompt medical aid, the patient can die within a few minutes. |
| Antihistamines | medications administered to relieve or prevent the symptoms of hay fever, which is a common allergy to wind-borne pollens, and other types of allergies. Antihistamines work by preventing the effects of histamine |
| autoimmune disorder | also known as an autoimmune disease, is any of a large group of diseases characterized by a condition in which the immune system produces antibodies against its own tissues, mistaking healthy cells, tissues, or organs for antigens. |
| immunodeficiency disorder | occurs when the immune response is compromised. Compromised means weakened or not functioning properly. |
| Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) | an inherited condition in which abnormalities in the immune system cause an increased susceptibility to infection and failure to thrive as a result of infections. Although the condition is rare, it is now normally part of infants’ newborn screening. |
| human immunodeficiency virus | commonly known as HIV, is a bloodborne infection in which the virus damages or kills the T cells of the immune system, causing it to progressively fail, thus leaving the body at risk of developing many life-threatening opportunistic infections |
| opportunistic infection | caused by a pathogen that does not normally produce an illness in healthy humans. However, when the host is debilitated, these pathogens are able to cause an infection. Debilitated means weakened by another condition. |
| Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome | Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome |
| Kaposi’s sarcoma | an example of an opportunistic infection that is frequently associated with HIV. This cancer causes patches of abnormal tissue to grow under the skin; in the lining of the mouth, nose, and throat; or in other organs. |
| ELISA | the acronym for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, is a blood test used to screen for the presence of HIV antibodies, as well as Lyme disease and other infectious conditions. |
| western blot test | a blood test that produces more accurate results than the ELISA test. The western blot test is performed to confirm the diagnosis when the results of the ELISA test are positive for HIV. |
| Immunotherapy | also called biological therapy, is a disease treatment that involves either stimulating or repressing the immune response |
| Synthetic immunoglobulins | also known as immune serum, are used as a post-exposure preventive measure against certain viruses, including rabies and some types of hepatitis |
| Synthetic interferon | used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, hepatitis C, and some cancers. |
| Monoclonal antibodies | any of a class of antibodies produced in the laboratory by identical offspring of a clone of specific cells. |
| Immunosuppression | treatment to repress or interfere with the ability of the immune system to respond to stimulation by antigens. |
| immunosuppressant | a substance that prevents or reduces the body’s normal immune response. This medication is administered to prevent the rejection of donor tissue and to depress autoimmune disorders. |
| corticosteroid drug | a hormone-like preparation administered primarily as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant. The natural production of corticosteroids by the endocrine system |
| cytotoxic drug | a medication that kills or damages cells |
| Anthrax | a contagious disease that can be transmitted through livestock infected with Bacillus anthracis. Spores grown in laboratories have been used in biological warfare. |
| Lyme disease | transmitted to humans by the bite of a tick that has had contact with a deer infected with the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. Symptoms of include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash known as erythema migrans. |
| Staphylococcus aureus | also known as staph aureus, is a form of staphylococcus that often infects wounds and causes serious problems such as toxic shock syndrome or food poisoning. |
| Antibiotic-resistant bacteria | occur when antibiotics fail to kill all of the bacteria they target. When this occurs, the surviving bacteria become resistant to this particular drug. |
| Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus | commonly known as MRSA, is one of several types of bacteria that are now resistant to most antibiotics. |
| fungus | a simple parasitic organism (plural, fungi). Some of these fungi are harmless to humans; others are pathogenic |
| Yeast | also known as a yeast infection. Occur on the skin or mucous membranes in warm, moist areas |
| Viruses | very small infectious agents that live only by invading other cells. After invading the cell, the virus reproduces and then breaks the wall of the infected cell to release the newly formed viruses. They spread to other cells and repeat the process. |
| Ebola | a rare and generally fatal disease transmitted by contact with any bodily fluids infected with the Ebola virus. Ebola can only be transmitted when symptoms are present |
| Influenza | commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious viral respiratory infection that usually occurs in seasonal epidemics. Flu symptoms include fever, sore throat, muscle aches, cough, runny nose, and fatigue. |
| Measles | an acute, highly contagious infection that is transmitted by respiratory droplets of the rubeola virus. |
| Mumps | an acute viral infection that is characterized by the swelling of the parotid glands, which are the salivary glands located just in front of the ears. In adults, mumps can also cause painful swelling of the ovaries or testicles. |
| Rubella | also known as German measles or three-day measles, is a viral infection characterized by a low-grade fever, swollen glands, inflamed eyes, and a fine, pink rash. |
| Rabies | an acute viral infection that is transmitted to humans through the bite or saliva of an infected animal. An infected animal is said to be rabid. |
| West Nile virus | spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. A mild form of this condition has flu-like symptoms |
| bactericide | is a substance that causes the death of bacteria |
| antiviral drug | such as acyclovir, is used to treat viral infections or to provide temporary immunity |
| Oncology | the study of the prevention, causes, and treatment of tumors and cancer |
| tumor | also known as a neoplasm, is an abnormal growth of body tissue. Within this mass, the multiplication of cells is uncontrolled, abnormal, rapid, and progressive. |
| Angiogenesis | the process through which a tumor supports its growth by creating its own blood supply |
| Antiangiogenesis | a form of treatment that disrupts the blood supply to the tumor |
| Cancer | a class of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled division of cells and the ability of these cells to invade other tissues, either by invasion through direct growth into adjacent tissue or by spreading into distant sites by metastasizing. |
| adenocarcinoma | any one of a large group of carcinomas derived from glandular tissue |
| Hard-tissue sarcomas | bone or cartilage |
| Soft-tissue sarcomas | cancers of the muscle, fat, fibrous tissue, blood and lymphatic vessels, or other supporting tissue, including the synovial tissues that line the cavities of joints. |
| Liquid-tissue sarcomas | arise from blood and lymph. |
| Staging | the process of classifying tumors by how far the disease has progressed, the potential for its responding to therapy, and the patient’s prognosis. |
| Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) | a rare but aggressive form of breast cancer in which the cancer cells block the lymphatic vessels in the skin of the breast. |
| Breast self-examination | a self-care procedure for the early detection of breast cancer. The focus of self-examination is checking for a new lump or for changes in an existing lump, the shape of the nipple, or the skin covering the breast. |
| Palpation of the breast | a test performed by a trained health care provider to check the texture, size, and consistency of the breast. |
| Molecular breast imaging | a nuclear medicine technique (see Chapter 15) using gamma radiation to detect potential tumors in particularly dense breast tissue. |
| Ultrasound | is often used as an initial follow-up test when an abnormality is found by mammography. Ultrasound is discussed in |
| breast MRI | uses magnets and radio waves, and the insertion of a contrast medium via IV, to get more detailed information for those already diagnosed with cancer or to look for signs of cancer in patients at high risk. |
| needle breast biopsy | a technique in which an x-ray or MRI guided needle is used to remove small samples of tissue from the breast for diagnosis and the planning of treatment |
| surgical biopsy | the removal of a small piece of tissue for examination to confirm a diagnosis. After a diagnosis has been established, treatment is then planned based on the stage of the cancer. |
| Lymph node dissection | a surgical procedure in which all of the lymph nodes in a major group are removed to determine or slow the spread of cancer in this area. |
| lumpectomy | the surgical removal of only the cancerous tissue with the surrounding margin of normal tissue |
| mastectomy | the surgical removal of the entire breast and nipple |
| radical mastectomy | the surgical removal of an entire breast and many of the surrounding tissues. |
| modified radical mastectomy | the surgical removal of the entire breast and all of the axillary lymph nodes under the adjacent arm |
| Chemotherapy | the use of chemical agents and drugs in combinations selected to destroy malignant cells and tissues. |
| Chemoprevention | the use of natural or synthetic substances such as drugs or vitamins to reduce the risk of developing cancer or to reduce the chance that cancer will recur. |
| antineoplastic | a medication that blocks the development, growth, or proliferation of malignant cells |
| Brachytherapy | the use of radioactive materials in contact with or implanted into the tissues to be treated |
| Teletherapy | radiation therapy administered at a distance from the body |
| Tomotherapy | the combination of tomography with radiation therapy to precisely target the tumor being treated |
| Targeted therapy | a developing form of anticancer drug therapy that uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells without harming normal cells. A monoclonal antibody is a type of targeted therapy. |
| Adjuvant therapy | sometimes used after the primary cancer treatments have been completed to decrease the chance that a cancer will recur. |
| Clinical trials | testing new and promising cancer treatments that have not yet received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval on patients who agree to be part of the research. |
| antibody | A, Ab |
| antigen | AG, Ag |
| cancer | CA, Ca |
| carcinoma in situ | CIS |
| ductal carcinoma in situ | DCIS |
| herpes zoster | HZ |
| Hodgkin’s lymphoma | HL |
| Immunoglobulin | IG |
| lymphedema | LE |
| measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination | MMR |
| metastasis | MET |
| metasize | met |
| non-hodgkin's lymphoma | NHL |
| varicella | VSZ |