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Dermatologist
(der-ma-TOL-o-jist): A doctor who specializes in the
diagnosis and treatment of skin problems.
Dermis (DER-mis): The lower or inner layer of
the two main layers of cells that make up the skin.
Diabetes (dye-a-BEE-teez): A disease in which
the body does not use sugar properly. (Many foods are
converted into sugar, a source of energy for cells.)
As a result, the level of sugar in the blood is too
high. This disease occurs when the body does not produce
enough insulin or does not use it properly.
Diagnosis: The process of indentifying a disease
by the signs and symptoms.
Dialysis (dy-AL-i-sis): The process of cleansing
the blood by passing it through a special machine. Dialysis
is necessary when the kidneys are not able to filter
the blood.
Diaphanography (DY-a-fan-OG-ra-fee): An exam
that involves shining a bright light through the breast
to reveal features of the tissues inside. This technique
is under study; its value in detecting breast cancer
has not been proven. Also called transillumination.
Diaphragm (DY-a-fram): The thin muscle below
the lungs and heart that separates the chest from the
abdomen.
Diathermy (DIE-a-ther-mee): The use of heat to
destroy abnormal cells. Also cauterization or electrodiathermy.
Diethylstilbestrol (die-ETH-ul-stil-BES-trol):
A drug that was once widely prescribed to prevent miscarriage.
Also called DES.
Differentiation: In cancer, refers to how mature
(developed) the cancer cells are in a tumor. Differentiated
tumor cells resemble normal cells and grow at a slower
rate than undifferentiated tumor cells, which lack the
structure and function of normal cells and grow uncontrollably.
Digestive system: The organs that take
in food and turn it into products that the body can
use to stay healthy. Waste products the body cannot
use leave the body through bowel movements. The digestive
system includes the salivary glands, mouth, esophagus,
stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, intestines, and
rectum.
Digestive tract (dye-JES-tiv): The organs through
which food passes when we eat. These are the mouth,
esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and
rectum.
Digital rectal exam: An exam to detect cancer.
The doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into
the rectum and feels for abnormal areas. Also called
DRE.
Dilation and Curettage (di-LAY-shun and KYOO-re-tahzh):
A minor operation in which the cervix is expanded enough
(dilation) to permit the cervical canal and uterine
lining to be scraped with a spoon-shaped instrument
called a curette (curettage). This procedure also is
called D and C.
Dilator (DIE-lay-tor): A device used to stretch
or enlarge an opening.
DNA: The protein that carries genetic information;
every cell contains a strand of DNA (deoxyribonucleic
acid).
Douching (DOO-shing): Using water or a medicated
solution to clean the vagina and cervix.
Dry orgasm: Sexual climax without the release
of semen.
Duct (dukt): A tube through which body fluids
pass.
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DUK-tal kar-sin-O-ma
in SY-too): Abnormal cells that involve only the lining
of a duct. The cells have not spread outside the duct
to other tissues in the breast. Also called DCIS or
intraductal carcinoma.
Dumping syndrome: A group of symptoms that occur
when food or liquid enters the small intestine too rapidly.
These symptoms include cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and
dizziness.
Duodenum (doo-o-DEE-num): The first part of the
small intestine.
Dysplasia (dis-PLAY-zha): Abnormal cells that
are not cancer.
Dysplastic nevi: (dis-PLAS-tik NEE-vye): Atypical
moles; moles whose appearance is different from that
of common moles. Dysplastic nevi are generally larger
than ordinary moles and have irregular and indistinct
borders. Their color often is not uniform, and ranges
from pink or even white to dark brown or black; they
usually are flat, but parts may be raised above the
skin surface. |
