Dictionary

hammer toe A condition in which the toe is flexed (curly), but with no abnormal rotation of the toe. Hammer toe may require surgical correction.

hamartoma A benign (noncancerous) tumorlike growth consisting of a disorganized mixture of cells and tissues normally found in the area of the body where the growth occurs.

Halstead mastectomy See mastectomy, radical.

hallux varus A condition in which the joint of the big toe is bent inward (away from the midline of the foot; varus).

hallux valgus A condition in which the big toe (hallux) is bent outward (toward the midline of the foot; valgus) so that it overlaps the second toe. Hallux valgus may be accompanied by a bunion (localized painful swelling) and is frequently associated with inflammation. It can be related to inflammation of the nearby bursa (bursitis)…

hallux The big toe.

hallucinogen A drug or other chemical substance that causes hallucinations (profound distortions in a person’s perceptions of reality). Under the influence of hallucinogens, people see images, hear sounds, and feel sensations that seem real but do not exist. Some hallucinogens also produce rapid, intense emotional swings. An example of a hallucinogen is lysergic acid diethylamide…

halitosis An unpleasant odor from the mouth, commonly referred to as bad breath. Halitosis can be caused by the consumption of certain foods, poor oral hygiene, alcohol or tobacco use, dry mouth, or by certain chronic medical conditions.

hairy cell leukemia See leukemia, hairy cell.

hairball A wad of swallowed hair. Hairballs sometimes cause blockage of the digestive system, especially at the exit of the stomach. Also called trichobezoar.

hair follicle See follicle.

hair, lanugal See lanugo.