Glossary

A

Arrhythmia - Irregular or missed heartbeat.

 

B

Biopsy - Removal of a small piece of tissue for microscopic study.

 

C

Cataract - Cloudiness of the eye lens.

 

D

Dysuria - Difficulty or pain urinating.

 

E

Engorgement - Congested; filled with fluid.

 

F

Fasting Blood Sugar - Blood test to evaluate the amount of sugar in the blood following a time period of fasting.

 

G

Glucose-Tolerance Test - Blood test done to evaluate the body's response to sugar.

 

H

Heartburn - Discomfort or pain that occurs in the chest. Often occurs after eating.

 

I

Insulin - Peptide hormone made by the pancreas. It promotes the use of glucose.

 

J

Jaundice - Yellow staining of the skin, sclera (eyes) and deeper tissues of the body. Caused by excessive amounts of bilirubin. Treated with phototherapy.

 

K

Kidney Stones - Small mass or lesion found in the kidney or urinary tract. Can block the flow of urine.
 

L

Laparoscopy - Minor surgical procedure performed for tubal ligation, diagnosis of pelvic pain or diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy.

 

M

Melanoma - Pigmented mole or tumor. It may or may not be cancerous.