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M
proteins: Antibodies or parts of antibodies found
in unusually large amounts in the blood or urine of
multiple myeloma patients.
Magnetic resonance imaging (mag-NET-ik REZ-o-nan
IM-a-jing): A procedure in which a magnet linked to
a computer is used to create detailed pictures of areas
inside the body. Also called MRI.
Maintenance therapy: Chemotherapy that is given
to leukemia patients in remission to prevent a relapse.
Malignant (ma-LIG-nant): Cancerous; can invade
nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.
Mammogram (MAM-o-gram): An x-ray of the breast.
Mammography (mam-OG-ra-fee): The use of x-rays
to create a picture of the breast.
Mastecomy (mas-TEK-to-mee): Surgery to remove
the breast (or as much of the breast as possible).
Mediastinoscopy (MEE-dee-a-stin-AHS-ko-pee):
A procedure in which the doctor inserts a tube into
the chest to view the organs in the mediastinum. The
tube is inserted through an incision above the breastbone.
Mediastinotomy (MEE-dee-a-stin-AH-toe-mee): A
procedure in which the doctor inserts a tube into the
chest to view the organs in the mediastinum. The tube
is inserted through an incision next to the breastbone.
Mediastinum (mee-dee-a-STY-num): The area between
the lungs. The organs in this area include the heart
and its large veins and arteries, the trachea, the esophagus,
the bronchi, and lymph nodes.
Medical oncologist (on-KOL-o-jist): A doctor
who specializes in treating cancer. Some oncologists
specialize in a particular type of cancer treatment.
For example, a radiation oncologist specializes in treating
cancer with radiation.
Medulloblastoma (MED-yoo-lo-blas-TOE-ma): A type
of brain tumor that recent research suggests develops
from primitive (developing) nerve cells that normally
do not remain in the body after birth. Medulloblastomas
are sometimes called primitive neuroectodermal tumors.
Melanin (MEL-a-nin): A skin pigment (substance
that gives the skin its color). Dark-skinned people
have more melanin than light-skinned people.
Melanocytes (mel-AN-o-sites): Cells in the skin
that produce and contain the pigment called melanin.
Melanoma: Cancer of the cells that produce pigment
in the skin. Melanoma usually begins in a mole.
Membrane: A very thin layer of tissue that covers
a surface.
Meninges (meh-NIN-jeez): The three membranes
that cover the brain and spinal cord.
Meningioma (meh-nin-jee-O-ma): A type of brain
tumor that develops in the meninges. Because these tumors
grow very slowly, the brain may be able to adjust to
their presence; meningiomas often grow quite large before
they cause symptoms.
Menopause (MEN-o-pawz): The time of a woman's
life when menstrual periods permanently stop. Also called
"change of life."
Menstrual cycle (MEN-stroo-al): The hormone changes
that lead up to a woman's having a period. For most
women, one cycle takes 28 days.
Metastasize (meh-TAS-ta-size): To spread from
one part of the body to another. When cancer cells metastasize
and form secondary tumors, the cells in the metastatic
tumor are like those in the original (primary) tumor.
Microcalcifications (MY-krow-kal-si-fi-KA-shunz):
Tiny deposits of calcium in the breast that cannot be
felt but can be detected on a mammogram. A cluster of
these very small specks of calcium may indicate that
cancer is present.
Mole: An area on the skin (usually dark in color)
that contains a cluster of melanocytes.
Monoclonal antibodies (MON-o-KLO-nul AN-ti-BOD-eez):
Substances that can locate and bind to cancer cells
wherever they are in the body. They can be used alone,
or they can be used to deliver drugs, toxins, or radioactive
material directly to tumor cells.
Monocyte: A type of white blood cell.
Morphology: The science of the form and structure
of organisms (plants, animals, and other forms of life).
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): A procedure
in which a magnet linked to a computer is used to create
detailed pictures of areas inside the body.
Mucus: A thick fluid produced by the lining of
some organs of the body.
Multiple myeloma (mye-eh-LO-ma): Cancer that
affects plasma cells. The disease causes the growth
of tumors in many bones, which can lead to bone pain
and fractures. In addition, the disease often causes
kidney problems and lowered resistance to infection.
Mutations: Changes in the way cells function
or develop, caused by an inherited genetic defect or
an environmental exposure. Such changes may lead to
cancer.
Mycosis fungoides (my-KO-sis fun-GOY-deez): A
type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that first appears on
the skin. Also called cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
Myelin (MYE-eh-lin): The fatty substance that
covers and protects nerves.
Myelodysplastic syndrome (MYE-eh-lo-dis-PLAS-tik
SIN-drome): See Preleukemia.
Myelogenous (mye-eh-LAH-jen-us): Referring to
myelocytes, a type of white blood cell. Also called
myeloid.
Myelogram (MYE-eh-lo-gram): An x-ray of the spinal
cord and the bones of the spine.
Myeloid (MYE-eh-loyd): Referring to myelocytes,
a type of white blood cell. Also called myelogenous.
Myometrium (my-o-MEE-tree-um): The muscular outer
layer of the uterus. |
