Dictionary

tumor marker, NSE See neuron-specific enolase test.

tumor marker, CEA See carcinoembryonic antigen.

tumor marker A substance that can be detected in higher-than-normal amounts in the blood, urine, or body tissues of some patients with certain types of cancer. A tumor marker may be made by a tumor itself, or it may be made by the body as a response to the tumor. Tumor marker tests are not…

tumor debulking Surgically removing as much of a tumor as possible.

tumor, sweat gland See syringoma.

tumor An abnormal mass of tissue. Tumors can be benign or malignant (cancerous). There are dozens of different types of tumors. Their names usually reflect the kind of tissue they arise in and may also tell something about their shape or how they grow. For example, a medulloblastoma is a tumor that arises from embryonic…

tummy tuck A type of body contouring surgery that flattens the abdomen by removing extra fat and skin, and tightening muscles in the abdominal wall. See also panniculectomy.

tumescent Swelling or slightly swollen. For example, tumescent liposuction involves pumping a solution beneath the skin, swelling it to facilitate suctioning out fat.

tularemia A bacterial disease that is caused by infection with the bacterium Francisella tularensis, which lives in wild and domestic animals, most often rabbits, and can be transmitted to humans via contact with animal tissues, fleas, deerflies, or ticks. Hunters and other people who spend much time outdoors may be exposed by direct contact with…

tubule A small tube.

tubes See fallopian tube.

tuberous sclerosis A genetic disorder that is characterized by abnormalities of the skin, brain, kidney, and heart. Skin abnormalities are present in all cases of tuberous sclerosis. They include tiny benign tumors (angiofibromas) on the face and depigmented areas anywhere on the body. The brain abnormalities of tuberous sclerosis are mainly benign cortical tumors (tubers)…