| tumor | 1. <oncology> An abnormal mass of tissue that results from excessive cell division that is uncontrolled and progressive, also called a neoplasm. Tumours perform no useful body function. They may be either benign (not cancerous) or malignant. 2. Swelling, one of the cardinal signs of inflammations, morbid enlargement. Origin: L. Tumere = to swell (12 May 1997) |
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| tumor marker | <investigation, oncology> A substance in the body that usually indicates the presence of cancer. These markers are usually specific to certain types of cancer and are usually found in the blood or other tissue samples. Examples are alphafetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). They may be indicators of tumour stage and grade as well as useful for monitoring responses to treatment and predicting recurrence. Many chemical groups are represented including hormones, antigens, amino and nucleic acids, enzymes, polyamines, and specific cell membrane proteins and lipids. (18 Jul 2002) |
| tumor necrosis factor | <cytokine> Originally described as a tumour inhibiting factor in the blood of animals exposed to bacterial lipopolysaccharide or Bacille Calmette-Guerin. Preferentially kills tumour cells in vivo and in vitro, causes necrosis of certain transplanted tumours in mice and inhibits experimental metastases. Human Tumour Necrosis factor alpha is a protein of 157 amino acids and has a wide range of pro inflammatory actions. Usually considered a cytokine. Synonym: cachectin. Acronym: TNF (13 Nov 1997) |
| aborted ectopic pregnancy | The rupture of an oviduct, the seat of ectopic pregnancy, or extrusion of the product of conception through the fimbriated end of the oviduct; aborted ectopic pregnancy, the pregnancy having originated in the fallopian tubes. Synonym: aborted ectopic pregnancy. (05 Mar 2000) |
| acth syndrome, ectopic | Symptom complex due to acth production by non-pituitary neoplasms. (12 Dec 1998) |
| persistent ectopic pregnancy | An ectopic pregnancy which has persistent viable tissue, secreting hCG after conservative surgery. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pregnancy, ectopic | A pregnancy that is not in the usual place and is located outside the inner lining of the uterus. A fertilised egg settles and grows in any location other than the inner lining of the uterus. The vast majority of ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tube (95%), however, they can occur in other locations, such as the ovary, cervix, and abdominal cavity. An ectopic pregnancy occurs in about 1 in 60 pregnancies. A major concern with an ectopic pregnancy is internal bleeding. If there is any doubt, seek medical attention promptly. (12 Dec 1998) |
| pregnancy, ectopic, symptoms of | Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy can often be vague and include vaginal bleeding, abdominal or pelvic pain (usually stronger on one side),shoulder pain, weakness, or dizziness. Weakness, dizziness, and a sense of passing out upon standing can represent serious internal bleeding, requiring immediate medical attention. (12 Dec 1998) |
| hormones, ectopic | Hormones released from neoplasms or cells outside the usual sources of hormones. Such hormones may be useful as tumour markers. (12 Dec 1998) |
| tachycardia, ectopic atrial | A tachycardia originating in the atrial myocardium and characterised by rates between 135 and 175 beats per minute. (12 Dec 1998) |
| tachycardia, ectopic junctional | A tachycardia arising in the conduction tissues surrounding the atrioventricular node. It usually occurs during myocardial infarction, after heart surgery, or in digitalis intoxication. The rate may range from 140 to 250 beats per minute. (12 Dec 1998) |
| ectopic | Pertaining to or characterised by ectopia. (18 Nov 1997) |
| ectopic ACTH syndrome | <syndrome> The association of Cushing's syndrome with a non-pituitary neoplasm, usually a lung carcinoma that produces ACTH. (05 Mar 2000) |
| ectopic beat | A cardiac beat originating elsewhere than at the sinoatrial node. (05 Mar 2000) |
| ectopic decidua | Decidual cells which may be found in the cervix, appendix, or areas other than the endometrium. (05 Mar 2000) |