| sclerosing therapy | A procedure which involves the injection of a sclerosing agent (causes scarring) into varicose veins in the extremities. Sclerotherapy may also be performed in the oesophagus, using UGI endoscopy, in the treatment of oesophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. (27 Sep 1997) |
|---|---|
| X-ray therapy | Radiation therapy using X-rays; sometimes used ironically to refer to excessive use of diagnostic radiation. (05 Mar 2000) |
| psychedelic therapy | Psychiatric therapy utilizing psychedelic drugs. (05 Mar 2000) |
| psychoanalytic therapy | A form of psychiatric treatment, based on freudian principles, which seeks to eliminate or diminish the undesirable effects of unconscious conflicts by making the patient aware of their existence, origin, and inappropriate expression in current emotions and behaviour. (12 Dec 1998) |
| home infusion therapy | Use of any infusion therapy on an ambulatory, outpatient, or other non-institutionalised basis. (12 Dec 1998) |
| home oxygen therapy | A form of oxygen that is typically delivered via nasal cannula. Commonly provided to those with severe heart or lung disease. See: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. (27 Sep 1997) |
| pulse therapy | A short, intensive course of pharmacotherapy, usually given at intervals such as weekly or monthly; often used in chemotherapy of malignancy. (05 Mar 2000) |
| hormonal therapy | Treatment of cancer by alteration of the hormonal balance. Some cancer will only grow in the presence of certain hormones. (09 Oct 1997) |
| hormone replacement therapy | In females, treatment with sex hormones for a number for reasons, including menopause, partial or full hysterectomy, or amenorrhoea.In women, treatment with sex hormones is indicated for a number of reasons, including menopause, partial or full hysterectomy, or amenorrhoea. After menopause, conjugated oestrogens, estradiol, or estrone sulfate are given to reduce pain during intercourse, limit blood vessel effects, and prevent loss of bone mass. After radical hysterectomy, conjugated oestrogens are given for similar reasons. After menopause or partial hysterectomy, progestin is administered at the same time to offset an increased risk of endometrial cancer. In some amenorrhoeas, oestrogen is given to restore menses; if the therapy is unsuccessful, this may indicate the presence of pathology, for instance, pituitary tumour. Benefits for postmenopausal women include a lowered risk of heart attack (oestrogen lowers LDL and raises HDL levels), and prevention of osteoporosis, since the rate of bone loss is directly linked to a drop in oestrogen levels (see perimenopause). Medical opinion about the hazard posed by such therapy remains divided. Some studies have indicated increased incidence of breast cancer; however, a comprehensive 1992 review of the literature contradicted this finding. (05 Mar 2000) |
| hormone therapy | Treatment which results in the raising or lowering of hormone levels. Changes in levels can effect some breast cancers, those that need hormones for growth. (16 Dec 1997) |
| puva therapy | Photochemotherapy using a psoralen compound as the photosensitizing agent and ultraviolet light type a (uva). (12 Dec 1998) |
| human gene therapy | <molecular biology, technique> Insertion of normal DNA directly into cells to correct a genetic defect. (09 Oct 1997) |
| serum therapy | Treatment of an infectious disease by injection of an antitoxin or serum containing specific antibody. Synonym: serum therapy. (05 Mar 2000) |
| shock therapy | See: electroshock therapy. (05 Mar 2000) |
| short-wave therapy | The use of focused short radio waves to produce local hyperthermia in an injured person or diseased body area. (12 Dec 1998) |