Glossary
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CAT (Scan)
Computed Axial Tomography (or Computerized Axial Tomography = A medical imaging technology that allows medical professionals to see a 3-D cross section of body parts
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Catheter
A tube used in the vessels, canals, passageways, or body cavities to typically permit injection or withdrawel of fluids, or to keep a passage open.
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Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and cancer cells. Most commonly, the term is used to refer to cancer-killing drugs.
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Cholesterol
A steroid alcohol present in animal cells and body fluids.
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Chronic
A slowly progressing disorder that persists over a long time, or keeps recurring. Opposite of acute.
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Often abbreviated as COPD. A group of lung diseases with swelling of the airways and destruction of lung tissue resulting in decreased airflow. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the most common forms of COPD.
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Colitis
Inflammation of the colon.
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Colonoscopy
An examination of the colon using a slender instrument used especially for viewing internal parts of the body. The colon is the part of the digestive tract that extends to the rectum.
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Complementary Medicine
A group of non-conventional therapies that are used together with traditional medical treatment. For example: Tai Chi, massage therapy, aromatherapy or acupuncture.
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Congenital
1 : existing at or dating from birth 2 : acquired during development in the uterus and not through heredity
