| 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) |
| calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumour | A benign epithelial odontogenic neoplasm derived from the stratum intermedium of the enamel organ; a painless, slowly growing, mixed radiolucent-radiopaque lesion characterised histologically by cords of polyhedral epithelial cells, deposits of amyloid, and spherical calcifications. Synonym: Pindborg tumour. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Malassez' epithelial rests | Epithelial remains of Hertwig's root sheath in the periodontal ligament. (05 Mar 2000) |
| retinal pigmented epithelial cell | See: pigmented retinal epithelium, retina. (18 Nov 1997) |
| Golgi epithelial cell | A glial cell found in the cerebellar cortex. See: Bergmann's fibres. (05 Mar 2000) |
| microcystic epithelial dystrophy | Bilateral, symmetrical intraepithelial cysts in the central area of the cornea of healthy women, without hereditary predisposition. (05 Mar 2000) |
| polymorphic epithelial mucin | <protein> See episialin. (18 Nov 1997) |
| neoplasms, glandular and epithelial | Neoplasms composed of glandular tissue, an aggregation of epithelial cells that elaborate secretions, and of any type of epithelium itself. The concept does not refer to neoplasms located in the various glands or in epithelial tissue. (12 Dec 1998) |
| odontogenic epithelial cell | Epithelial layer that will give rise to teeth. (18 Nov 1997) |
| oral epithelial nevus | An autosomal dominant condition of the oral cavity characterised by soft, white or opalescent, thickened and corrugated folds of mucous membrane; other mucosal sites are occasionally involved simultaneously. Synonym: familial white folded dysplasia, oral epithelial nevus. (05 Mar 2000) |
| epithelial | Pertaining to or composed of epithelium. (16 Dec 1997) |
| epithelial attachment | A collar of epthelial cells attached to the tooth surface and subepithelial connective tissue found at the base of the gingival crevice. Synonym: epithelial attachment. (05 Mar 2000) |
| epithelial body | <anatomy, endocrinology> Four small endocrine glands lying close or embedded in the posterior surface of the thyroid gland. They secrete the hormone parathormone. (27 Sep 1997) |