Dictionary

chest X-ray A type of X-ray commonly used to detect abnormalities in the lungs. A chest X-ray can also detect some abnormalities in the heart, aorta, and the bones of the thoracic area.

chest pain Pain in the chest that can be a result of many things, including angina, heart attack (coronary occlusion), and other important diseases. Chest pain is a warning to seek medical attention, so one should try not to ignore chest pain and “work through it.”

chest film See chest X-ray.

chest The area of the body located between the neck and the abdomen. The chest contains the lungs, the heart, and part of the aorta. The walls of the chest are supported by the dorsal vertebrae, the ribs, and the sternum. Also known as thorax.

cherubism A genetic disorder of childhood that leads to prominence of the lower face and an appearance reminiscent of the cherubs portrayed in Renaissance art. Cherubism is inherited as an autosomal dominant condition. The gene responsible for cherubism is called SH3BP2 (for SH3-domain binding protein 2). Exactly how a mutation in SH3BP2 leads to cherubism…

chemotherapy, adjuvant See adjuvant chemotherapy.

chemotherapy Of or pertaining to treatment with drugs to kill cancer cells. Most anticancer drugs are injected into a vein, but some are given by mouth. Chemotherapy is usually systemic treatment, meaning that the drugs flow through the bloodstream to nearly every part of the body. Chemotherapy is generally given in cycles: A treatment period…

chemoprevention The use of natural or laboratory-made substances to prevent cancer.

chemokine receptor A molecule that receives a chemokine and associated proteins (chemokine docks). Several chemokine receptors are essential co-receptors for the HIV virus.

chemokine One of a large group of proteins that act as chemical messengers and were first found attracting white blood cells to areas of inflammation. Chemokines are involved in several forms of acute and chronic inflammation, infectious diseases, and cancer.

chemical reaction A process in which one substance is transformed into another.

chemical menopause See menopause, chemical.