Glossary of terms used on this site
There are 324 entries in this glossary.C
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Cancer |
A disease that occurs when abnormal cells in a part of the body divide and grow uncontrolled. |
| Catheter |
A hollow tube that allows for fluid drainage from or injection into an area. |
| Caverject |
A form of injection therapy produced by Pharmacia. It contains prostaglandin E1. |
| Cavernosography |
A test used in conjunction with the dynamic infusion cavernosometry that involves a dye being injected into the penis. The penis is then X-rayed and doctors are able to visualize a venous leak. |
| Cavernosometry |
A somewhat inva-sive technique used to determine whether a venous leak is present. |
| Cell |
The basic structural and functional unit in people and all living things. Each cell is a small container of chemicals and water wrapped in a membrane. |
| Central nervous system |
That por-tion of the nervous system consisting of the brain and the spinal cord. |
| cGMP |
A neurotransmitter that causes relaxation of the arteries and smooth muscles in the penis to per-mit increased blood flow into the penis. |
| Chemotherapy |
In cancer treatment, chemotherapy refers to the use of drugs whose main effect is either to kill or slow the growth of rapidly multiplying cells. Chemotherapy usually includes a combination of drugs. |
| Cholesterol |
A fat-like substance important to certain body functions but which, in excessive amounts, contributes to unhealthy fatty deposits in the arteries that may interfere with blood flow. |
| Chronic |
This important term in medicine comes from the Greek chronos, time and means lasting a long time. |
| Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease |
COPD. Any disorder that persistently obstructs bronchial airflow. COPD mainly involves two related diseases -- chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Both cause chronic obstruction of air flowing through the airways and in and out of the lungs. The obstruction is generally permanent and progresses (becomes worse) over time. |
| Cialis |
A medication used to treat erectile dysfunction that works by increasing the flow of blood into the penis. |
| Circulation |
The movement of fluid in a regular or circuitous course. Although the noun ""circulation"" does not necessarily refer to the circulation of the blood, for all practical purposes today it does. Heart failure is an example of a problem with the circulation. |
| Cirrhosis |
An abnormal liver condition characterized by irreversible scarring of the liver. Alcohol and viral hepatitis B and C are among the many causes of cirrhosis. Cirrhosis can cause yellowing of the skin ( jaundice ), itching , and fatigue. Diagnosis of cirrhosis can be suggested by physical examination and blood tests, and can be confirmed by liver biopsy in some patients. Complications of cirrhosis include mental confusion, coma , fluid accumulation ( ascites ), internal bleeding , and kidney failure. Treatment of cirrhosis is designed to limit any further damage to the liver as well as complications. Liver transplantation is becoming an important option for patients with advanced cirrhosis. |